Things I've Done

However vague the title may sound, I wanted to start a list of unique things that I've done. If you have anything you think I should try, comment below!


- Eating sea snails and boiled silkworm larvae Beondegi (Korean: 번데기) in Busan, South Korea 
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Alabama
- Shelling on Clearwater Beach, Florida
- Exploring Rio Secreto in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
- All You Can Eat Sushi in Toronto, Canada
- Made a pilot episode for "Cooking with Catherine"

Submitting your AMCAS Application

I did it! It only took two months! But I am so happy with my activities, meaningful essays, and specifically my personal statement. AMCAS Applications are nerve wracking and the perfectionist in you may be scared to submit before quadruple checking everything.

If you are feeling more like this guy as you fill out your application, check out these tips to remember before you hit "Submit"!

1. Read through everything, more than once!
2. Check your contact info (phone number, email address) to make sure you didn't make any typos.
3. Match the coursework you entered against your official transcripts (I would suggest you order one to AMCAS and one to yourself). Also, don't forget to print of any transcript request forms that you may need, although as far as I know, they are not mandatory to submit with your transcript.
4. When reading your work/activity descriptions, think like an adcom's (admission committee member): Do I understand what the activity is? Do I see how it is relevant to this applicant's life? Is it clear and concise? 
5. For meaningful essays, do the same thing as above: think like an adcom. Ask yourself these questions: Does this show what he/she learned? What does this activity tell me about the character of the applicant?
6. Double check your letter writer information and print off any necessary letter request forms. 
7. Check the schools and programs that you have selected. You wouldn't want to accidentally click the wrong option and apply for a MD/PhD program if that is not what you are interested in. Also check that you have assigned the correct letters for that school to receive. 
8. For your personal statement, read it and pretend that you have never met yourself. Would you enjoy this essay? Do you find any parts confusing or longwinded? Double check the spelling of words that make you skip a beat when reading. And most importantly: read aloud! This is a great way of hearing how everything sounds and it will be much different from reading it in your head. 

Good luck with your applications! I'd love to hear any other tips you may have for applying. Also, leave a comment if you have any questions about the process and I'll try to answer them. 

Da Sheet.

What to include in "da sheet" that you write for the MCAT:

- trig values (try this trick or just memorize sin theta values for 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 degrees)
- special triangles (1, 1, sqrt2) (3, 4, 5) (1, sqrt 3, 2)
- special values (sqrt 2=1.4) (sqrt 3=1.7)
- squares up to 25
- electronegativity order (from most electronegative to least: FON Cl BrISCH)
- solubility rules (see here for explanation about CASH n GIA, CBS, HAPpy)
- Strong acids (HCl, HBr, HI, HNO3, H2SO4, HClO4) and strong bases (Group I metals + OH, Group I metals + oxide, CH3-, NH2-, H-)
- kinematics big 5 (DVD, d, v^2)

Write this page to yourself repeatedly until you know it all. What else should be added to this list?

Meeting with my Professor...

Hello World, 

-- 57 Days until my MCAT -- 

I had a meeting with my science professor today who will be writing me my letter of recommendation. It was a little nerve wracking because I didn't really think she would have any questions for me. She did! Here are a couple she asked me (that I was really nervous for) and an extra few you should be prepared with when talking to your professors: 

• What made you want to go into medicine?
• What did you do to explore your interest in medicine?
• What did you learn from my class that helped you in your understanding of medicine? 
• What research have you done? 

Some of these answers can be gleaned from looking at your resume, but they are very busy people! I suggest answering these in a way that is well thought out and shows you are prepared for/and still preparing to medical school. 

I was studying Biology today and saw this really cool fact: 

Anti cancer drugs target thymine because it blocks DNA replication and inhibits rapidly dividing cancer cells. However some normal body cells replicate often like hair follicles and lining of cells in gut, explaining the side effects of chemotherapy. 
Also, check out my view! I was on the top floor of the engineering building studying in a cozy armchair. 

It started pouring 2 minutes later!

I also watched this really funny video that helped clear up a couple things about transcription and translation! I really like the way they make the science more engaging and related it to Hot Pockets!! (Caliente Pockets for you Jim Gaffigan fans.) Check it out! It made me laugh out loud a couple times!

Today's green juice: 

• 3 cups of kale and spinach (2x the regular amount) 
• 1 green pear 
• 1 mango 
• 1 large carrot

Today's goals: 

• were not a complete fail! I like my method of reading all the content first and testing intermittently for the first bit.

Today's side notes: 

• I am doing a lot of research on how to prepare properly and be smart when applying to medical schools. I want to make sure I apply and get in once and for all! 
• My best friend got into med school at her top choice! I am so excited for her, but more so because she deferred a year and will start med school with me! This means more time to finish her research for her Master's and some time off before med school starts.  

Toodles, 

Catherine