As if applying to medical school was not already grueling enough, this season’s applicants have an entirely new set of hardships to face in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing medical schools adapt in ways we never thought possible. Think about it: a virtual interview was unheard of just last year. While we have no way to tell how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect this season’s application cycle – yet alone medical education as a whole – we recognize that this unprecedented time comes with a tremendous amount of stress. That being said, we want our readers to know that you are not alone in this journey! To do so, we are sitting down with current applicant Lexi Schiazza to hear her perspective on applying this season. 

In perfect medical school application fashion, please tell us about yourself and why you want to go to medical school: 

I am a graduate of Georgetown University and current resident of Philadelphia as I am spending my gap years working for Perelman’s Department of Surgery as a research specialist. Relentless curiosity and fascination with science has always led me towards a career in research. Yet I found more fulfilment in learning from patients and forming relationship with those you can help in vulnerable times. I hope to utilize research to improve the quality of medical care I am able to provide to patients.

How have you been handling the overall application season so far? If it’s been particularly difficult for you, how have you been coping with the stresses of this cycle? How do you think the current pandemic has impacted your application, if at all?  

For me, the key to this application cycle has been flexibility. Applying to medical school while working a full-time job has been a test in balancing organization and adaptability to the constantly evolving state of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It has been challenging to accept that there are changes to this application season that no one has anticipated or prepared for. I was initially upset by volunteering and shadowing opportunities interrupted by the pandemic and felt large amounts of stress when facing delays in AMCAS and new platforms for virtual interviews. To cope with these stressors, I frequently reflect on the larger picture – that all applicants are facing these same obstacles and some members of our communities are facing much larger issues.

Did you consider waiting an additional year so that you wouldn’t have to apply during the COVID-19 pandemic? How did you decide to go ahead with your application? 

As someone who joined the pre-med track halfway through college, I had already planned to take a few gap years. I feel taking time to explore the medical field after undergrad deepened my understanding and appreciation for all aspects of providing care to others. Though the application cycle changes due to COVID have been an extra challenge to navigate, I decided to proceed with my application as I have completed all necessary benchmarks. I believe my decision would have been different if the pandemic would have canceled my scheduled MCAT or prevented me from beginning a new job following graduation. 

What are you hoping to see from medical schools and/or national medical organizations in terms of support for its applicants during the application season? In other words, what would be particularly helpful for applicants to know right now? 

I feel it would be very helpful for medical schools to coordinate with AMCAS to have a uniform system of posting application cycle updates or synching all secondary application platforms. It can be challenging to keep all school specific information and timelines easily accessible for your reference. For students in the application process, I recommend keeping an organized list of all dates you receive or submit application materials from schools and AMCAS. 

What are you most nervous and excited about either during the application season or in medical school? 

When preparing to apply to medical schools I was excited by the potential opportunity for traveling to new cities during interviews and meeting with leaders from academic medical institutions. Though interviews will likely be held through virtual platforms, I am still excited to hopefully meet with physicians and healthcare professionals throughout the application cycle. I will be nervous and also excited to take on the challenge of exploring new cities or communities as I pursue my medical education. 

Do you have any advice for fellow or future applicants? 

To my fellow applicants this cycle, we should strive to utilize friends and mentors as much as we can to stay calm and optimistic throughout this process. I find it helpful to take time for self-care and maintaining hobbies outside of the application storm. For future applicants, my biggest piece of advice would be to start the process early! Begin drafting essays and asking for revision recommendations before the applications open in the spring. This will allow you time to reflect on your experiences and shape the narrative of your journey to medical school in the most cohesive and meaningful way. 

On behalf of all current applicants, thank you, Lexi! The UpLIFT team is grateful for your thoughtful responses to our questions. Being flexible during such an important time in one’s life is extremely difficult, and we are inspired by your resilience and optimistic outlook on the situation. Best of luck to Lexi and all those applying this season!