Soon after you enter college, you’ll likely meet with your premed adviser. Your premed adviser should act as your advocate, but to get the most out of the relationship, you will need to do your part. Meet with your adviser often and come prepared with questions. To get the most out of this experience, I suggest you prepare some before your first meeting. Here are a few I might ask:

1. How many premed students are entering this year, and how that compare with other years?

2. How many premed students applied to medical school from the junior class and senior class last year?

3. Can you share with me how many students were accepted into medical school?

4. Would you share with me the typical schedule of a premed student graduating in four years?

5. Which additional courses do you recommend in light of the new MCAT?

6. How much flexibility does a student have to rearrange the course schedules?

These are the questions I would expect from a well-informed premed student to ask during a first meeting. Based on the responses you receive, I recommend you follow up with additional queries.

For example, if I learned that 500 premed students started studies in their freshman year, but only 100 actually applied to medical school in their third or fourth year, I would ask the premed adviser what they thought might be common reasons for this. If the responses were vague, such as citing study habits, I might pose additional questions, perhaps asking how many students change majors after their first year.

Asking if a freshman can sign up for one science course with one lab the first year is critical. You might mention that you understand it’s common for freshmen to struggle when carrying two challenging lab science courses.

The bottom line is this: Do not let yourself be weeded out if you really want to go to medical school. If you know that students frequently are given C’s in a tough science course, inform the adviser that you are considering taking it during the summer.

You may choose to double up later in your undergraduate curriculum, but I highly suggest you not do that your first year. I can’t tell you how many applicants have said to me that they wished the knew this before they signed up for freshman year classes.

Learn to [shine on medical school applications without a premed major.]

Over the next year or two, I would keep in close contact with the premed adviser and be sure to inquire about the committee letter of recommendation. Some schools will still have you gather all of the letters of recommendation, but most of the larger ones will prepare a committee letter. Your adviser will expect you to provide names of professors and lists of activities and research experiences.

Talk with your adviser about what the committee expects in terms of assessment. You will want to be ranked at the top of the chart in each of the various categories. If you have no idea what the expectations are or which categories the committee assesses, you will be at a distinct disadvantage.

Some colleges have special connections to particular medical schools that may offer an advantage for you. If there is a medical school associated with your undergraduate college, you may have an edge if you’re selected for an interview.

Get [tips on addressing premed academic struggles.]

Find out where prior graduates are attending medical school and ask your adviser to share contact information. This way, you can connect with these students for tips and guidance. Upperclass students who are currently applying to medical school may also have excellent suggestions.

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6 Questions to Ask Your Premed Adviser originally appeared on usnews.com