7 Top Tips From Pre-Med Academic Advisors and Counselors
The pre-med path is an exciting yet challenging journey requiring dedication, strategic planning, and resilience. Gaining an edge often hinges on the advice of experienced academic advisors and counselors. Their insights, gleaned from years of guiding students toward medical school acceptance, offer invaluable tips for success. Advisors empower students to confidently navigate their education process and increase the likelihood of acceptance into the school of their choice.
1. Get clinical experience early
Early clinical experience provides invaluable exposure to the medical field, offering aspiring physicians a glimpse into the realities of patient care and the healthcare environment. Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) master's program provides opportunities for meaningful clinical observations through research and coursework, as well as exposure to multiple clinical guest lectures in our classes. Throughout the program, students work closely with their assigned mentors at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, immersing themselves in all aspects of nutritional medicine, from basic science to practical applications. This early hands-on exposure to the clinical environment allows pre-med students to acquire essential communication skills and practical experience, cultivate empathy for patients, network with healthcare professionals, and refine their career aspirations.
2. Study nutrition as medicine to give yourself an edge
Understanding the vital connection between nutrition and health enhances a pre-med application.
Nutrition science gives aspiring physicians the tools to recognize the impact of diet on disease prevention and management. It’s a fundamental pillar of holistic patient care and demonstrates the student’s commitment to evidence-based medicine.
At Columbia IHN, a one-year Master's in Human Nutrition program consists of 33 credits and a research-based master's thesis. Students can choose from three different thesis tracks: basic nutrition science, clinical nutrition, or public health nutrition.
The program embraces an interdisciplinary approach, building an expertise that’s often missing from medical school curricula. Students’ coursework includes nutrition biochemistry, life cycle nutrition, epidemiology and public health, providing a solid foundation in nutritional science and clinical exposure applications. This short, but highly informative master’s programgives future doctors an opportunity to build up their resume and stand out from other pre-med applicants.
3. Develop relationships with your professors
Building meaningful relationships with professors provides pre-med students essential mentorship and support throughout their learning journey.
Per the Princeton Review, medical school applicants need a minimum of three recommendation letters. Strong professor-student relationships lead to these valuable communications necessary for further academic and professional development.
At Columbia IHN, students have frequent opportunities to develop relationships with their teachers and mentors. They are encouraged to participate in thoughtful discussions, attend office hours and seek guidance on research opportunities to foster personal connections outside the classroom.
Columbia IHN faculty are passionate and committed to building long-lasting relationships with their mentees. During the one-year program, faculty and students meet at the department’s socials, advisor lunches and other events. “We make an effort to get to know our students,” says Kim Hekimian, PhD, Director of the IHN’s Master of Science in Nutrition program. “Our interest is to help our students to reach their potential and meet their own personal and professional goals.”
4. Prioritize self-care and stress management
The demanding pre-med path can take a toll on physical and mental well-being, andNIH studies show a correlation between fitness levels and academic performance.
Regular exercise, enough sleep, and healthy eating habits build resilience and sustain energy levels. Practicing relaxation techniques and seeking support guarantees students have the mental clarity to focus on their studies.
At Columbia IHN these aspects are built into the program. The curriculum includes teaching the science of sleep, the science of exercise and the impact of both on nutrition, which students study throughout the required coursework.
Specialized services help students stay healthy and vigorous. The Columbia University Irving Medical Center offers support services through Student Health on Haven and the Office of Student Well-Being and Health Promotion. These services include medical care, counseling, and health promotion programs. The Well-Being and Health Promotion teamoffers strategy sessions, consultations, and resources on various topics like time management, self-compassion, and exercise.
5. Keep med school applications top-of-mind
The medical school application process is extensive and requires meticulous planning. From day one—the race is on.
At Columbia IHN, advisors and counselors keep the process top of mind for their students, helping them strategically choose the courses, extracurricular activities and research projects that align with their medical school aspirations.
Advisors and counselors provide knowledgeable pre-med counseling services to the students and alumni. Upon graduation, students receive a composite letter of recommendation for their medical school applications, written by the director of the program, which also incorporates comments from the faculty students chose to include.
6. Master the art of studying
Developing efficient study habits, time management skills and strategies for retaining complex information are crucial. Experimenting with different learning styles and seeking academic support helps students optimize their learning and achieve academic excellence.
Throughout Columbia IHN master’s program, faculty and academic advisors help students improve study habits and learning practices, boost organizational and time management skills, as well as overcome setbacks. Graduates who go on to medical school share that this rigorous one-year program helped them develop the competencies necessary for succeeding as future physicians. “The IHN shaped me into the medical student I am today,” says Jacob (JP) Paul, (MS ' 19). “Beyond the rigorous academics, it gave me a supportive community and encouraged me to find my voice.”
7. Seek out research opportunities
Research projects give pre-med students unique opportunities to contribute to scientific advancements and deepen their understanding of medical inquiry.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), 60% of incoming medical students completed a research apprenticeship during undergrad.
Though not required by most medical schools, engaging in research projects demonstrates intellectual curiosity and an analytical mindset.
Additionally, research experience enhances critical thinking skills and fosters collaboration with faculty and mentors. While getting published isn’t the primary objective, it sets a pre-med applicant apart.
Columbia IHN master’s program offers excellent opportunities for students to build their research skills and work on a research project. The program includes a thesis component that students work on with their assigned mentors at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The mentors guide students throughout the program, advising their thesis paper and presentation at the end of the year. Many students stay in touch with their mentors after they become alumni.
“The thesis research is of the jewels of our one-year master’s program,” says Hekimian. Many of these papers are published and/or presented at regional, national and even international conferences, boosting students’ credentials.
Conclusion
The pre-med track requires strategic guidance and well-informed academic choices. In order to be accepted to their desired medical schools, students must demonstrate solid knowledge, academic merit, research skills and clinical experience, among other strong competencies.
Columbia’s one-year IHN master’s program equips students with all the elements necessary to succeed.
At Columbia IHN, students receive personal attention from assigned mentors, build strong relationships with professors, engage in research and receive clinical experience. They also enjoy a strong support system, which carries them through the rigorous academic year as they develop effective study habits and organizational skills.
Aimed for success from day one, Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) master's program not only makes you a better future healthcare provider, but may also enhance your chances of being accepted into medical school.
Discover what it takes to start the process now.