Name: Rubina Rafi
University: University of California, Irvine
Why did I choose this route?
I chose the pre-med route as I am the most interested in sciences and using the sciences in an application setting, in which they can be beneficial. The sciences are a very dynamic subject in which there is constant room for growth and discovery, and I believe that this can be paralleled in the world of medicine. I like the idea of being a lifelong learner in order to benefit the community.
Daily Schedule:
My schedule before COVID:
Wake up: 8:50 AM
Class: 10 AM-12 PM
Lunch/Break: 12-1 PM
Undergraduate Research Lab Work: 1-4 PM
Part-Time Customer Service Job: 4-7 PM
Dinner/Break: 7-8 PM
Study: 8-1 AM
Do I find any time for extra-curriculars?
Of course!
Extracurriculars: Undergraduate Student Researcher at Skin Biology Lab on Campus, pre-med clubs, and cultural clubs (both on-campus)
Managed these just by having good time management skills. I prioritize academics above the extracurriculars and try to reduce the extracurriculars when necessary to perform well academically.
What advice would you give to prospective Pre-med students?
Pre-med undergraduate life in the US is very academically rigorous and competitive. I would say that you need to definitely have a balance in your life and the only thing that you cannot do is academics solely. You need to allocate time for hobbies in order to have the capacity to do academics- or else it is very draining on you mentally.
What about the future?
Plans for the future- I am planning to go into the medical route, and I am not sure about any specialty yet. I do not want to leave the US for medical school (although I am willing to move anywhere within the US for med school) and while I have my career, I do want to live in the US for my entire life.
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