Academic Enrichment: Attending a general interest conference or workshop (3 points) — Class of 2028

Attending the Junior & Senior Medical School Workshop: “What Does It Take?” provided valuable insight into the structure, expectations, and long-term commitment required to pursue medical school. The workshop offered a detailed overview of the medical school application process, including MCAT preparation, academic prerequisites, committee letters, and timeline planning. Engaging with this information in a structured setting helped demystify the process and clarified the steps necessary to become a competitive applicant.

One of the most impactful aspects of the workshop was the emphasis on intentional preparation and self-awareness. Discussions surrounding MCAT strategy, GPA benchmarks, and holistic review highlighted the importance of academic discipline while also acknowledging the realities of burnout and resilience. Learning how successful applicants balance rigor with self-care encouraged me to think more critically about how I approach long-term academic goals.

From a reflective standpoint, this experience reinforced the importance of early and strategic planning. Seeing a comprehensive timeline—from MCAT preparation to application submission—helped me contextualize my current academic and extracurricular choices within a broader trajectory toward medical school. The workshop also emphasized the value of mentorship, committee support, and thoughtful reflection when presenting one’s experiences.

Attending this workshop on my birthday made the experience especially meaningful, as it aligned a personal milestone with my professional aspirations. It served as a reminder that pursuing medicine is not only a career goal but a long-term commitment to growth, discipline, and service. Moving forward, I plan to apply the guidance from this workshop as I continue preparing academically, seeking mentorship, and building experiences that reflect both my readiness for medicine and my commitment to health equity.

                  

By: Kandace N. Bryant