Pre-Health
PHAP Perspective: Having Balance as a Pre-Health Student
Written by Katelin Stocker, '24
Being a pre-health student at UVA can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Sometimes, it might feel like there just isn't enough time in the day to take care of yourself or spend time doing things you enjoy. It’s easy to fall into the cycle of constant pressure to exert yourself past your limits. While having balance takes intentionality, it is possible to achieve. From personal experience, balance increases productivity, prevents burnout, and improves mental health. During my nearly three years at UVA, I’ve learned valuable lessons about achieving a balanced lifestyle as a pre-health student that I want to share.
Academics are often our top priority at such a rigorous school as UVA. However, it shouldn't be the only priority. One step I took to have a more balanced life as a college student was starting to prioritize self-care just as much as academics. This should involve a few activities that will make you mentally and physically healthier, such as exercising, attending religious events, or cooking healthy meals. I’ve learned that having something else to put my energy toward besides academics is refreshing and gives me productive outlets to invest in.
One consideration that many pre-health students don't realize is that having hobbies is beneficial for applications to health professional schools. Programs like to see students with interests and passions besides academics, so viewing extracurriculars as advantageous to your application can help you prioritize them more. Whether it be art, music, drama, sports, or another hobby, allowing your passion for it to shine through your application and interviews for health professional schools will help you stand out as an applicant.
A great aspect of college is the opportunity to form lasting friendships and connections with mentors. Investing in these relationships along with maintaining those with family and friends outside of school helps build a strong support system that contributes to balance. Surrounding yourself with those who care about your mental and physical well-being will likely encourage you to have balance, which further enforces your own efforts. I've learned the importance of dedicating time to be with friends and family because it reminds me that I am surrounded by a support system and motivates me to work hard for those who have invested in me.
Finding balance is a skill that will be used throughout life, and college is a great time to build that skill. The journey of becoming a medical professional is far from over for us college students, so it’s important to find balance now. Don’t wait until you finish that one hard exam, until you get accepted into a health professions program, or until you finally get the career you've always wanted. There will always be another goal to work towards, so instead of putting it off for later, make the effort to find balance now. Your future self will thank you!
Here are some resources that can help you in your journey of finding balance: