I took the MCAT 3 times. It felt like my dreams were crushed each time I opened my score online, but perseverance is key to push through the rough patches. Also, I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Your advice about difficult things that people might experience on their medical journey is so good. Thank you for sharing your stories!
Thank you for the motivation. I was told from a professor that I will never make it into medical school because I messed up a bit in undergrad. Now I am retaking all of my undergrad classes that I messed up on to get a better GPA. I will keep working until I succeed. Don't give up hope when things do not go your way. I will make it and I am sure everyone else on here will as well.
Your "setbacks" are struggles that everyone goes through. I was expecting like a poor board or mcat score lol. I'm still some-what shocked that you struggled haha. You always seemed so happy and positive in your blog and videos, which made it seem like your life was perfect
For me, the hardest part is interviewing for medical school and awaiting the result. But you're right. Even if not this cycle. It's for the better and I'll try again next cycle. Always love your videos and passion. Thank you.
I love your videos!! They help me a lot and they are super encouraging, my mom doesn't think I can make it through med school but what does she know? Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much for this video !! I'm so glad to know that I'm not alone with that problems like you had in your second year. I'm a 4th year medical student in Moscow, Russia. It's interesting that we all have the same problems, setbacks etc I feel like you support all med students in your videos . It's great! You're inspiring person! Kisses
Hi Andrea! You are my biggest inspiration for going into med school. I have wanted to be an anesthesiologist for a few years now. I am only in 7th grade but your videos inspire me to be the best I can be, and work harder than I think I can. Keep making videos please!
Been watching your videos for awhile now and I love them! I actually just got into a post-baccalaureate nursing program that I will be starting after graduation. So excited to be taking this step to become a nurse! Thanks for all the encouragement and positive vibes you send. :)
Currently studying for anatomy and had to search this topic to continue studying. It's spring break and I have 3 test in 2 anatomy classes when I get back and I am determined to get an A on all of them!
Dear Andrea, I absolutely adore your videos they are such an inspiration to me. I'm currently a high school student that is highly interested in the medical field and attending medical school. I have a few motives; I'd be the first in my family to go to grad school/med school, I'd be the first doctor in my family, and everyone in my family is in the health field (mostly nurses). So i think I have some genetics and some back up support from them. Although, I myself have a major setback that i could use some advice on. My first two years were not all that great, I was a varsity athlete beginning high school, and sophomore year. I wasn't really caring about my grades and I ended some of my classes (even biology) with some C's, a few B's, and some A's. My cumulative is so crappy now, and I'm currently a straight A junior. I feel like, and know I won't get into a prestigious renowned undergrad school, but I'd really like to go to a known grad school. Do you have any ideas how i can deal with the regret? :( Idk what to do, I feel like if i want to go into a great med school and great residency program, my credentials are going to be a major part. I also feel like what if I can't keep up with grades and i start getting C's in undegrad school. I'm just so overwhelmed! what are your thoughts (ALSO, my SAT scores were terrible and I feel the lack of need to study for them because im so focused on med) D:
Thank you so much! i am studying for step right now and i felt like i am in this dark place and was questioning was it even the right decision to get into medicine.This video was showed me light! Thanks again :)
Hi Andrea! :D I`m writting to you from Latvia. I want to say a huuuuge THANK YOU for all of your inspireing videos and your amazing blog! Believe me, your positive attitude to life and unstoppable energy is sooo contagious! I`m at the first year of nursing school now, but I reaaally want to change it and learn medicine, and hopefully become as great doctor as you one day! Just be yourself and continue to do what you do, cause you are helping people, who live even behind an ocean. Love you
You are so amazing! Thank you so much for such amazing advice and words of wisdom. I am waiting on notice on whether or not I got accepted into a medical program that would change my life for the better, and you help me with the coping of the idea of not getting this scholarship. I'm ready for this journey and I'm so glad you show guidance to youngsters such as myself. Thank you.
You're so great Andrea! Thank you for sharing this! I'm going to be applying for medical school this summer (IU is my top choice!) and I really needed the encouragement. Thank you!
I just finished my first semester with a 1.91 gpa and im on academic probation and i am not excited for the courses im taking next semester at all but this video helped keep me motivated! Thank You So Much Andrea
This is really interesting to watch because of some of the subtle parallels! I really really wanted to go to Butler (loved small school environment and visiting and all that jazz) but banking on Lilly Endowment/other scholarships didn't work out so well so I had to default to IU, as begrudgingly as you described. I hope in 3...or 8 years I feel the same satisfaction with my experiences! :) Thanks for the video!
Hi Andrea! I've been watching your videos for a while now. You've been a huge encouragement and have given me so much insight into medical school. I actually have an interview with Indiana coming up!
Andrea Tooley Had my interview with Indiana some weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. Fingers crossed for good news soon! Also, I'm interested in doing research while in medical school. Could you make a video talking about how to go about obtaining research opportunities/ time management while conducting research/ importance for getting residency? Thank you again for these informative videos!
Thank you so much, Andrea! (for making this great video). I'm currently experiencing really dark time. I am not sure about my major anymore, and the courses I am taking this semester are pretty tough.(I am first year engineering in Purdue,and I wanna do premed now, p.s. yep I am in IN :) And I got some TAs and a new AD that are not really helpful. I literally felt what u said "my life's over". However, after watching this video, I feel I got courage to face these challenges and to think them as what is gonna make me strong. Keep blogging and making these videos! What you're doing really help!
Hey Andrea, could you do a quick video/ blog posting on the breakdown of the USMLE? Like the scoring, and what scores you need for all the specialties please?? Love your videos! Also out of curiosity, what out of state schools did you apply to??
hey andrea, i was wondering if you can do a video on confidence and also how you came to accept yourself as a person who works very hard to achieve good grades rather than being naturally smart and not being one of those people that don't have to study that much... personally, i am like you and i have to try and study a lot to earn good grades so it is very motivating how far you have come :)
Loved this video, Andrea! Your advice is always so comforting :) As a high-school student I sometimes get super stressed over the ACT and SAT. Do you have any advice for taking these tests? Also, what did you make on yours?
Hey Andrea! I love your videos. I'm currently a Senior premed undergrad at my university and I just want to let you know how useful and how much of an inspiration your videos are! Thank you for posting these! I also wanted to ask, are you very religious, or no?
Hello! I am considering going into medicine and would love to become a doctor. I've always been really intrigued by medical things, I'm just unsure if I should pursue being a pre-med and eventually a med student (I'm currently a junior in high school). I've always been in advanced classes and gotten 4.0's, but I am anxious that I may not have what it takes...any tips? Were you doubtful in your abilities going into college and med school?
hi andrea! thank you so much for all the advice. you are seriously an inspiration! :) I have a question. what are your thoughts on pre-med students first going for a master's degree after graduation then proceeding to medical school?
How old are you, were you straight out of high school or a mature student... You look young so wonder how you can have mortgage at a young age Great advice
i just discovered you love your vids :) i just wanted to get an opinion from someone who obviously has been accepted into med school if i can even make it. i go to community college been there for four years since i fund my schooling out of my own pocket (with some help from my parents) and there were a few times i couldn't afford a full semester. any way i hte xhemistry with a passion and its its the literal Achilles Heel to my academic especially OChem and i had to retake a few classes. As i sit now i have a 3.2 gpa and plan to transfer to a university to be a pre med major. Im just wondering if i even have what it takes not going to lie you make med school seem scary as all hell lol but im sure much like yourself becoming a doctor has been my life's dream and goal im tenacious and dont want to give up on my dream and im prepared to try and try again to make it but then again i want to be sure that im not wasting my time if med schools admins will laugh the minute my resume and transcripts hit their desks. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated
Hey, Andrea i'm a sophmore in high school and to me one of the many setbacks i face is that nobody in my family is familiar with health care. Most people who become physicians results from their parents being familiar. I really don't want that to deter my chances. My question basically is, how many people do you know that went through the same situation.Where they successful?
I am in that situation, you are not alone! my parents didn't even go to college I am a first generation college graduate and the first woman in my family to ever be educated at the college level. Don't let it deter you, we have unique perspectives as people who come in with no prior knowledge :)
I was wondering is it possible for a single mom like me to become a doctor and still be a good mom I have a one year old and am just starting the college process is it still possible to be a good mom and reach my goal?
heyy!! im in my first year of pre-med right now and it's all going well....I have a question for you..did you do any undergrade research or shadowing before med- school?? and how can i get plugged in to shadow a doctor??
I did do research in undergrad. I studied changes in reproductive hormones in frogs. I didn't shadow as much in college, but I did in high school. I just googled some doctors names and numbers and randomly called people and asked to shadow until someone said yes. Sounds funny, but that's the best way I know how to go about shadowing unless you know someone!
Ophthalmologists are surgeons! Also, ophthalmologists go to medical school while optometrists go to optometry school. They don't learn as much about systemic illnesses and they focus more on the refraction of the eye and recognizing abnormalities- then they can refer patients to ophthalmologists.
Andrea Tooley it's wasting time to retake the test to apply for medical school? It's always my dream field that I want to study and be specialize in...so . Do you think it's worth spending years and times devoted myself into a such challenging work.? I will be very appreciate if you answer my confusion.
I took the MCAT 3 times. It felt like my dreams were crushed each time I opened my score online, but perseverance is key to push through the rough patches. Also, I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Your advice about difficult things that people might experience on their medical journey is so good. Thank you for sharing your stories!
Thank you for the motivation. I was told from a professor that I will never make it into medical school because I messed up a bit in undergrad. Now I am retaking all of my undergrad classes that I messed up on to get a better GPA. I will keep working until I succeed. Don't give up hope when things do not go your way. I will make it and I am sure everyone else on here will as well.
update??
I'm literally in the middle of my O-chem homework, thank you so much, I desperately needed this video right now haha
good luck!
Thank you! Good luck with organic!
Your "setbacks" are struggles that everyone goes through. I was expecting like a poor board or mcat score lol. I'm still some-what shocked that you struggled haha. You always seemed so happy and positive in your blog and videos, which made it seem like your life was perfect
Promise you my life isn't perfect! Everybody deals with different things and struggles in different ways. :-)
For me, the hardest part is interviewing for medical school and awaiting the result. But you're right. Even if not this cycle. It's for the better and I'll try again next cycle. Always love your videos and passion. Thank you.
Thank you so much! This video has really helped me get through some very hard stuff. If you see this know you have made a difference in my life.
I'm starting pre-med this fall in Louisiana, and I pretty much just watched all of your videos... all I can say is THANK YOU!!!
you are so calming and are encouraging
I love your videos!! They help me a lot and they are super encouraging, my mom doesn't think I can make it through med school but what does she know? Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much for this video !!
I'm so glad to know that I'm not alone with that problems like you had in your second year.
I'm a 4th year medical student in Moscow, Russia.
It's interesting that we all have the same problems, setbacks etc
I feel like you support all med students in your videos .
It's great! You're inspiring person!
Kisses
Hi Andrea! You are my biggest inspiration for going into med school. I have wanted to be an anesthesiologist for a few years now. I am only in 7th grade but your videos inspire me to be the best I can be, and work harder than I think I can. Keep making videos please!
update??
Did u do it???
Been watching your videos for awhile now and I love them! I actually just got into a post-baccalaureate nursing program that I will be starting after graduation. So excited to be taking this step to become a nurse! Thanks for all the encouragement and positive vibes you send. :)
I LOVE YOU!!! You are so INSPIRING and such a GREAT role model!!!!!!
Currently studying for anatomy and had to search this topic to continue studying. It's spring break and I have 3 test in 2 anatomy classes when I get back and I am determined to get an A on all of them!
Dear Andrea, I absolutely adore your videos they are such an inspiration to me. I'm currently a high school student that is highly interested in the medical field and attending medical school. I have a few motives; I'd be the first in my family to go to grad school/med school, I'd be the first doctor in my family, and everyone in my family is in the health field (mostly nurses). So i think I have some genetics and some back up support from them. Although, I myself have a major setback that i could use some advice on. My first two years were not all that great, I was a varsity athlete beginning high school, and sophomore year. I wasn't really caring about my grades and I ended some of my classes (even biology) with some C's, a few B's, and some A's. My cumulative is so crappy now, and I'm currently a straight A junior. I feel like, and know I won't get into a prestigious renowned undergrad school, but I'd really like to go to a known grad school. Do you have any ideas how i can deal with the regret? :( Idk what to do, I feel like if i want to go into a great med school and great residency program, my credentials are going to be a major part. I also feel like what if I can't keep up with grades and i start getting C's in undegrad school. I'm just so overwhelmed! what are your thoughts (ALSO, my SAT scores were terrible and I feel the lack of need to study for them because im so focused on med) D:
Thank you so much! i am studying for step right now and i felt like i am in this dark place and was questioning was it even the right decision to get into medicine.This video was showed me light! Thanks again :)
I love your videos and how you always use examples from your own life! :) your advice is great and really encouraging! Please keep making videos! :)
Hi Andrea! :D I`m writting to you from Latvia. I want to say a huuuuge THANK YOU for all of your inspireing videos and your amazing blog! Believe me, your positive attitude to life and unstoppable energy is sooo contagious! I`m at the first year of nursing school now, but I reaaally want to change it and learn medicine, and hopefully become as great doctor as you one day! Just be yourself and continue to do what you do, cause you are helping people, who live even behind an ocean. Love you
You are so amazing! Thank you so much for such amazing advice and words of wisdom. I am waiting on notice on whether or not I got accepted into a medical program that would change my life for the better, and you help me with the coping of the idea of not getting this scholarship. I'm ready for this journey and I'm so glad you show guidance to youngsters such as myself. Thank you.
Total inspiration
I'm in that second year winter, Step 1 looming overhead slump right now. Just have to make it to June! Thanks for your videos!!
I like how positive you are. Keep it up!
You're so great Andrea! Thank you for sharing this! I'm going to be applying for medical school this summer (IU is my top choice!) and I really needed the encouragement. Thank you!
I just finished my first semester with a 1.91 gpa and im on academic probation and i am not excited for the courses im taking next semester at all but this video helped keep me motivated! Thank You So Much Andrea
You look so blooming and
beautiful Andrea! Cheers!
I really needed this. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
This is really interesting to watch because of some of the subtle parallels! I really really wanted to go to Butler (loved small school environment and visiting and all that jazz) but banking on Lilly Endowment/other scholarships didn't work out so well so I had to default to IU, as begrudgingly as you described. I hope in 3...or 8 years I feel the same satisfaction with my experiences! :) Thanks for the video!
Thanks for this video Andrea! I'm a high school senior getting her results in the next few months.. I needed to hear your words :'-)))
Notre Dame is my dream school!!! I'm currently only a sophomore in highschool, but this makes me realize that if I don't get accepted, it'll be okay
Hi Andrea! I've been watching your videos for a while now. You've been a huge encouragement and have given me so much insight into medical school. I actually have an interview with Indiana coming up!
That's so exciting Hollie!!!! Good luck! Let me know how you like it!
Andrea Tooley Had my interview with Indiana some weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. Fingers crossed for good news soon! Also, I'm interested in doing research while in medical school. Could you make a video talking about how to go about obtaining research opportunities/ time management while conducting research/ importance for getting residency? Thank you again for these informative videos!
Awesome that you've grown up in Florida! I was wondering if you could make a video on financial obstacles on the path to medicine?
Thank you so much, Andrea! (for making this great video). I'm currently experiencing really dark time. I am not sure about my major anymore, and the courses I am taking this semester are pretty tough.(I am first year engineering in Purdue,and I wanna do premed now, p.s. yep I am in IN :) And I got some TAs and a new AD that are not really helpful. I literally felt what u said "my life's over". However, after watching this video, I feel I got courage to face these challenges and to think them as what is gonna make me strong. Keep blogging and making these videos! What you're doing really help!
I'm so sorry you are going through this- it will get better okay? You can do it!!
really inspired me a lot..... thanks a hot.... hoping one day I will be there ..
Thank you for making this video!!!!
Hey Andrea, could you do a quick video/ blog posting on the breakdown of the USMLE? Like the scoring, and what scores you need for all the specialties please?? Love your videos! Also out of curiosity, what out of state schools did you apply to??
Yes I can definitely do a video about that! I applied to Vanderbilt, NYU, and University of Florida I think- it was so long ago I don't even remember!
:)...appreciate Ur talk n smile...thanks for sharing...:) ball n treadmill in back
Can you do a video with maybe a friend who is non traditional and talk about the differences you both experienced applying/medschool/residency?
thank you very much for sharing
hey andrea, i was wondering if you can do a video on confidence and also how you came to accept yourself as a person who works very hard to achieve good grades rather than being naturally smart and not being one of those people that don't have to study that much...
personally, i am like you and i have to try and study a lot to earn good grades so it is very motivating how far you have come :)
I really love your videos. 😄
Loved this video, Andrea! Your advice is always so comforting :) As a high-school student I sometimes get super stressed over the ACT and SAT. Do you have any advice for taking these tests? Also, what did you make on yours?
Are you considered a PA after you get your Master's Degree or only after you've had training in clinical? Great video too!!!
What did you get on the act?Also great video!
Is there any way through which i can reach you beside this channel?i need to ask few questions!
omg were you a part of the 21st century scholarship?! Thats what I have too! I'm a sophomore in high school in Indiana.
Hey Andrea! I love your videos. I'm currently a Senior premed undergrad at my university and I just want to let you know how useful and how much of an inspiration your videos are! Thank you for posting these! I also wanted to ask, are you very religious, or no?
Do you live in Florida? I wanted to go to Notre Dame for a long time too but then I noticed that maybe I should stay in Florida close to my mom.
Hello!
I am considering going into medicine and would love to become a doctor. I've always been really intrigued by medical things, I'm just unsure if I should pursue being a pre-med and eventually a med student (I'm currently a junior in high school). I've always been in advanced classes and gotten 4.0's, but I am anxious that I may not have what it takes...any tips? Were you doubtful in your abilities going into college and med school?
hi andrea! thank you so much for all the advice. you are seriously an inspiration! :)
I have a question. what are your thoughts on pre-med students first going for a master's degree after graduation then proceeding to medical school?
I don't think it's necessary, but it certainly won't hurt!
How old are you, were you straight out of high school or a mature student... You look young so wonder how you can have mortgage at a young age
Great advice
i just discovered you love your vids :) i just wanted to get an opinion from someone who obviously has been accepted into med school if i can even make it. i go to community college been there for four years since i fund my schooling out of my own pocket (with some help from my parents) and there were a few times i couldn't afford a full semester. any way i hte xhemistry with a passion and its its the literal Achilles Heel to my academic especially OChem and i had to retake a few classes. As i sit now i have a 3.2 gpa and plan to transfer to a university to be a pre med major. Im just wondering if i even have what it takes not going to lie you make med school seem scary as all hell lol but im sure much like yourself becoming a doctor has been my life's dream and goal im tenacious and dont want to give up on my dream and im prepared to try and try again to make it but then again i want to be sure that im not wasting my time if med schools admins will laugh the minute my resume and transcripts hit their desks. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated
What medical school did u go to?
Hey, Andrea i'm a sophmore in high school and to me one of the many setbacks i face is that nobody in my family is familiar with health care. Most people who become physicians results from their parents being familiar. I really don't want that to deter my chances. My question basically is, how many people do you know that went through the same situation.Where they successful?
I am in that situation, you are not alone! my parents didn't even go to college I am a first generation college graduate and the first woman in my family to ever be educated at the college level. Don't let it deter you, we have unique perspectives as people who come in with no prior knowledge :)
I was wondering is it possible for a single mom like me to become a doctor and still be a good mom I have a one year old and am just starting the college process is it still possible to be a good mom and reach my goal?
Love ya girl
heyy!! im in my first year of pre-med right now and it's all going well....I have a question for you..did you do any undergrade research or shadowing before med- school?? and how can i get plugged in to shadow a doctor??
I did do research in undergrad. I studied changes in reproductive hormones in frogs. I didn't shadow as much in college, but I did in high school. I just googled some doctors names and numbers and randomly called people and asked to shadow until someone said yes. Sounds funny, but that's the best way I know how to go about shadowing unless you know someone!
thank you! :)
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
Ophthalmologists are surgeons! Also, ophthalmologists go to medical school while optometrists go to optometry school. They don't learn as much about systemic illnesses and they focus more on the refraction of the eye and recognizing abnormalities- then they can refer patients to ophthalmologists.
What's your opinion about PAs?
I think PAs are great! My husband is a PA :-)
Andrea Tooley Hi! What is the difference between a PA and a nurse practitioner?
I ask your age but not in a rude way asking an age can be quite rude
Im 25 and trying hard to et into med school in uk
Victoria Taylor I am 26 :-) I went straight from high school to college to medical school.
Andrea Tooley it's wasting time to retake the test to apply for medical school? It's always my dream field that I want to study and be specialize in...so . Do you think it's worth spending years and times devoted myself into a such challenging work.? I will be very appreciate if you answer my confusion.
Stathams Billy " Is it wasting time......" Wrong typing
i got into notre dame! i dropped it lol UF is way better for premed!
you're pretty :")
EmailsYea!