From early on, try to establish close relationships with your peers and professors. There’s something called the “RU Screwed” curse which refers to a lot of the disorganization and general confusion that trickles down from the administration. As a result, there’s often confusion about what’s needed, dates that are required, who to go to for what and where to go to for what. Your best bet will be to make friends with people who have at least been in the program for a semester. With that being said, you’re always going to find cons anywhere it’s very important that you just find your way. Which leads me to the next point. One of the best med track advisors for the program is leaving this year and another person was brought on. One thing that people overlook is the amount of people assigned to each advisor. As a result, there are often times when you will email them and not receive a response for weeks. So depending on what professional school you’re interested in post MBS, always do your due diligence and follow up with the individual schools if you have questions that could be answered by them.
Best method of studying is to again form study groups. A lot of people during the 2019-2021 cohort uploaded our notes and study guides to the school Box system. Utilize that as much as you can. There are also links to Anki decks and MCAT/DAT material if you need.
Most important is to understand that this is a master’s program. It’s so important to make good use of your time. If you’re going to go to lecture and fall asleep, do not go! Most of the lectures are recorded. Most of the professors are extremely monotone and being able to play the lectures sped up will help you a lot. If you do choose to go to class, make sure that you go with intention. Read the slides ahead of time and be prepared to ask questions if you want. It’s important to not repeat mistakes that you may have made in undergrad. Do not think of grad school as a competition, but there are many schools who will now require a rec letter from your grad program. So go in with the intention of forming relationships.
There is a research rotation requirement. You can sign up for it during any point in your career and do not have to complete it within that semester. The grade will just say in progress. That’s extremely helpful if you find that you are struggling with a class and need to focus. Early on figure out what you want to do in terms of research. DO NOT DO WET LAB IF YOU’RE NOT INTERESTED IN WET LAB. Cannot stress that enough. Clinical research within the hospital is accepted and will help you along the way should you need a physician letter in the future.
Newark is Newark lol. The city is really what you make of it and it’s important to just be street smart and wise which is crucial wherever you go. The area that the school and dorms are located in is in a very rough section of Newark. But you’re fine if you’re not planning to go jogging at 2 AM in the morning. Just be aware. There have been incidents of people getting robbed on the surrounding streets but as I’ve said…street smarts is the key. Don’t walk around with your phone out. Don’t sit outside all alone on your laptop. It’s not super dangerous but if you make yourself a target…you’re bound to be just that. However, Rutgers, is one of the few campuses with its own police department. So if something does happen, you can call the cops and can expect almost immediate help as the police station is located fairly close on the undergraduate campus. You can text or call RUPD for police escorts or use the on campus blue light system. If you’re planning on dorming/commuting, the campus does have a key card locked tunnel that leads directly from the school to the dorms/parking deck. This helps in terms of safety as well as commuting during super cold weather.
EDIT:
- The school gives you discounted prices for Uworld prep for the MCAT. USE IT! Super helpful.
- There are also peer tutoring sessions that you can go to that are super helpful.
- Toxicology and pharmacology are amazing courses.
- Join the GroupMe