In the US, applying to medical school is a three step process. Step one is a standardized application form filled out through AMCAS (primaries). Besides the logistical submission of school transcript and MCAT scores, primaries also include a splendid personal statement, detailed listings of activities, and trusting letters of recommendations.
Step two is the submission of supplemental information (secondaries). Many schools require additional essays for this part. Although most of these are not as tough to write as the personal statement, the prompts are different for every school. If one hears back from several schools, and each has a few questions, then the work really adds up.
(Actually, some of them are essentially another personal statement… ugh…)
This is the step I am now on. Over the last few days, I have had a huge rush of secondaries come in all around the same time. Because of rolling admissions, these need to be done in a timely manner.
In short, I am taking a brief intermission from blogging to finish writing all the essays. While I love to write, I can only do so much typing each day. Still, I will try to fit a blog post into my schedule next week, and I will certainly reply to all the comments. In the mean time, feel free to enjoy some of the posts from the past.
As a side note, I am also taking some time off to catch up with anime: Occult Academy, High School of the Dead, K-On!!, Majutsus Index (high priority because of the coming sequel), and Aria (also high priority because the DVD’s are rented).
![Blue Friend [Yuri Manga]](https://i0.wp.com/lh3.ggpht.com/_c3hWUvy__P4/TODtxeH57fI/AAAAAAAABRM/Jrn29X5gz0U/Blue-Friend-yuri-manga-cover-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200)
Listless Ink 
>> Aria (also high priority because the DVD’s are rented)
I can’t think of a better show to watch when you’re being swamped with essays and various other deadlines. It’s what got me through some of the busier seasons in my profession because there’s nothing like coming home, watching an episode of ARIA, and reveling in the wonderful, laid-back atmosphere~
Yea, I’m really enjoying it so far. The light atmosphere really relaxes all the tension in my head. I’m so glad I picked up at this time.
Work hard, Yi, and good luck!
Thanks. ^ ^
Both of those are really important.
While I love to write, I can only do so much typing each day.
Good luck, hope it’s not too stressful.
I am also taking some time off to catch up with anime
Yessss ^^
Cheers
Thanks for the good luck. I’m managing… sort of. Timely breaks really help, as do encouraging words.
Cheers.
My brother wrote an essay about how quick thinking saved him from getting robbed on a train. It was his ticket to med school. I suggest you rip him off.
That must have been quite the experience, and props to your bro. I would rip your brother off, but I don’t think I can do his wits justice. Thanks anyways.
It’s hardly something to apologize for. Good luck.
Also, nice pic.
Thanks! I think I might have mentioned this before. I love using Touhou pictures for personal posts because there are so many beautiful artworks available for almost any situation. It’s really convenient. And I kind of like how it somewhat ties things together in the back of my mind.
I didn’t want to come off too apologetic. I used to fill my hiatus posts with a bunch of apologies, and they were kind of pathetic. In fact, I personally don’t like to do hiatus posts too much… But that’s a different story.
Then don’t do hiatus posts. Just burst back into the blog, acting all seme. I don’t think anyone would mind.
That’s true. Actually, I did some readings about this a long time ago. (I was really meticulous about blogging back then… and I guess still today.) One of the most important rules I’ve come across from successful bloggers is consistency in updates. It keeps you relevant not just with the readers but also with feeds and search engines. So most recommend having some back up drafts for busier days… But I never bothered to have them.
This is the second best I can do.
At the same time though, I get the feeling that hiatus posts are a little distasteful… But I really didn’t want to go 10 days without any news. It’s a hard balance.
I suppose I spoke out of turn. Sorry if you thought I was trivializing your work.
Do what you want, you’ll probably have my support regardless.
Haha don’t worry about it. ^ ^
I’m in the same boat…well, not really. I’ve got college applications to do too, though it’s not necessarily rolling admission (and definitely not the exact same process). Let’s suffer through applications together, though, shall we? 😉
Anyhow, good luck on the med school applications; they seem to be quite time-consuming, so it’s good that you’ve sorted your priorities.
Good luck with yours too. I remember college applications being a lot of work too, and I hear they get even harder nowadays. Let’s both do our best! ^ ^
It’s good that you like to write essays, since that can be the hardest thing about the whole application process: the whole “why” of the thing. I’m struggling with that in my case as I’m trying to figure out what programs to apply to after medical school, or even if I’ll be able to even get to any programs at that rate. Either way, good luck with your writing. \o
I do like to write, but not necessarily essays, and usually not about my credentials. It’s kind of hard to try to word everything out, and the “why” questions are especially difficult.
Good luck with your future plans and enjoy medical school. ^ ^
Good luck with your applications, I hope you get into your top pick. I’m planning on going to grad school in the states next year so I’ll be in a similar situation soon.
I think regardless of what profession you’re going into, it’s always going to be a tough process. Thanks for the good wishes. I hope I get into my top picks too. ^ ^
Good luck getting into medical school.
You’ll no doubt enjoy watching “Aria”, I find it’s one of the best series there is and it will certainly be a breath of fresh air during such a busy period. ^^
I’m really liking it so far. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day of frustration and long thinking.
Actually, part of the reason I picked this up is because of your mentions of the series and Amano Kozue in several posts. I really like her art style.
good luck with the essay Yi!
Thank you so much. I really need it right now. ^ ^
All the Best…
=)
… ^ ^
Best of Luck!
I remember when I was in my application process, I got so stressed that my parents took me to the shrine and it helped a lot. Is this an advice? X_X
That’s a great advice. It’s always nice to get in touch with your spiritual side during times of stress. I’m going to do that for sure, but probably not to a shrine though. Not too many of those around here.
Ganbatte! but dont overdue it =)
all the best ^^
Yes catch up with K-ON!
K-On!!’s already caught up! Like Aria, it’s something mindlessly fluffy; perfect for calming my mind after a hard day.
do your best Yi! hope you dont mix up any anime references in your medical essays 😛
I hope I don’t actually do that. That would not only be embarrassing, but also kind of detrimental… I think. Well, I guess you never know. There might be some anime fans in the admissions office who’d appreciate that.
Good luck~ =D
Thank you. ^ ^
Good luck at finishing those essays, Yi! Getting the job done is the most important and I wish you all the best ❤
Also, High School of the Dead is a good watch with lots of fanservice as well but its done in good taste…somewhat XD;
I needed to prioritize a bit, and getting those things done first is the most important indeed.
I’m enjoying HSoD a lot too. The fan service doesn’t bother me at all. It’s done nicely.
Don’t like essays at all. Too many words that just make up sentences for some over paid stuff shirt to review. I am sure however that you will knock them dead!
I need to catch up on some Anime as well!
I hope I do well on them. Writing these essays aren’t exactly my strong suit though. All I can do is try my best, and hope that’s good. Thanks for the good wishes.
All the best to you Yi! Will wait for your posts. ^^
They’ll come some time… eventually… hopefully.
All the best, Yi. May your dreams come true.
Haha thanks! That would be really nice.
Mmmmmmm…Alice. <33 And I spy a Marisa keychain. DO WANT. *w*
Best of luck with the essays tho. Those beasties are hard to tackle. D:
I didn’t spot the Marisa keychain before. I want it now too!
Btw. I think Alice is probably my favorite Touhou character. Much ❤
..and mine, Marisa. So much <33 and Master Sparks. xDD
Work hard and good luck! Like some others here I’m currently writing my college applications. It’s very annoying to know the admissions only spend about three minutes on your essay.
And a blog is great practice for writing personal essays. May the practice pay off now. It’s always wonderful when something you love doing on the side helps your more serious ventures.
Good luck on your college apps too! I remember those were really tough when I had to do them, and I hear the competition has since gotten even tougher.
Well, let’s both work hard and try to impress admissions, if only for those three minutes.
Having written a blog does actually help a bit. Even though essays and blog posts are two very different things, this has at least gotten me used to just pumping out stuff. It’s nice.
Good luck with anything you wish to do!
^ ^
Thank you for the encouragement! ^ ^
Good luck! After getting straight A’s as a pre-med my roomie was overwhelmed by the med school application process and didn’t proceed from there! So it seems like a really difficult time and I wish you luck! If the Aria anime is as good as the manga you’ll love it!
I’m a bit overwhelmed right now. It is a long process, but hopefully I’ll ultimately end up where I want to be. Anyways, as expected, Aria anime is really good. ^ ^
All the best Yi ^^
Thanks!!
Good luck with ya applications~
Also, remember: DON’T EVER TAKE A TRAIN WHILE TRYING TA GO TA MEDICAL SCHOOL AND THERE’S A DEEP DARK TUNNEL IN FRONT OF YA WHILE YA HAVE SOME SORT OF ORGAN DONATION FORM IN YAR POCKET
OH AND IF THAT HAPPENS DON’T USE UP TA LAST OF YAR ENERGY TA TRY TA SAVE PEOPLE IF A GIANT BULLDOZER THING IS COMING TA NEXT MINUTE.
:V Dunno why I thought of that
Haha, I’ll be careful about that.
Ah so sorry for being here late >_<.
Good luck with your essay writing Yi 🙂
I pray you get the college of your choice 🙂
Thanks! I hope I get into my top picks too. ^ ^
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Good luck, I can imagine all the essays you have to write. >_<
Thanks. Still trudging along…
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