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Stress for a pre-medicine student is not normal stress. It's stress in high definition. Exponentially expanding. Sitting in a Biology 101 or Chemistry 101 class the first week of school and then again mid-semester, you will find that the numbers drop drastically. The pressure placed on pre-med students - even to survive - is immense. Besides science classes, recitation periods and labs, volunteering time at a local hospital, doing research or joining the Tri-Beta and American Chemical Society clubs on campus are strongly recommended. What do you do in your spare time? Study. Even when your "non-pre-med" friends are out partying on the weekend. 
So, how do you survive the demands placed on you, the stressful situations? Junior Biology majors Drew Creighton and Megan Wierchowski and Biochemistry majors Paul Bluhm and Sarah Folaron of Canisius College offer some helpful advice.
1. Eat and sleep. It's basic, but essential. Food is your source of fuel (which as pre-med students you should know!). Try to limit your caffeine intake. Instead, have protein - eggs for breakfast, meat or seafood for lunch and dinner. If this is not possible, protein shakes and supplement bars are available as an alternative. Also, try to eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Remember to drink a lot of water. And don't spend so much time studying that you forego a good night's rest. If you don't sleep, you will not perform well on your exams.
2. Treat your classes as learning opportunities. If you are constantly obsessing over your grades, it will ultimately lead to unnecessary stress. Go to class each day eager to learn something new. Ask questions and engage in discussion if the opportunity presents itself. If you are not interested in the sciences, if you are just going through the motions, consider studying something that enthuses you. If you are determined to become a doctor (but are not particularly fond of the classes you have to take to get there), remember your long-term goal, and try to learn something in getting there!
3. Plan, plan, plan. Surviving as a pre-med student largely depends on your ability to organize. Plan ahead for each week, what homework you will have to do, what other commitments you will have to fulfill. Set aside time to study for each of your science classes. Do what works best for you. Write down your schedule in a planner. Make a list of all the things you have to do in order from most essential to least, and cross out those things that you complete. It is also a good idea to meet with your faculty advisor and set up a schedule for your four years as an undergraduate. You don't want to realize senior year that you still have three upper level biology classes to take. By then, it's too late. Instead of focusing on the MCATs, you will be stressing to complete coursework required for medical school and graduation.
4. Don't look too far ahead. While this might seem in direct opposition to what I just said, it is important to forget about the "four year plan" (and beyond) once you have decided on one. After all, you want to stay sane! Take things one step at a time. By thinking collectively about all the assignments/papers/exams that you will have to complete in a semester, you will be very overwhelmed. Focus on what you can control: that next exam or paper that you have to complete. More importantly, once it's over, it's over. There is nothing that you can do about it now. So, don't obsess over one "bad" performance. Focus on doing better next time.
5. Study in advance. Professors at several colleges tell their students that studying for a class should be a part of your daily regiment. You cannot expect to do well on an exam if you study the night before. If you know that you have a big organic chemistry exam coming up in the next week, space out the studying that you have to do. Here again, it will save you from being completely overwhelmed. Also, if you have questions there will be time to approach you professor or TA for assistance. If review sessions are offered, it would be to your benefit to attend. Even if you think you know the material, teaching fellow classmates is the best way for you to prepare for an exam.
6. Approach competition in a constructive manner. Getting into medical school is a grueling battle. The cutthroat atmosphere among pre-med students often breeds competitiveness with classmates. However, look at this as an opportunity to push yourself to your own personal limits. (But, please don't kill yourself in the process!). Arrogance will not win you friends, but enemies. And there may be a time when you might need the advice or assistance of a classmate. If you turn others off by your perceived haughtiness, they will not want to help you.
7. Do the best you can do. Many pre-med students find themselves comparing their grades and abilities to others. Being jealous of another's proficiency in physics when you just don't seem to get it is not going to help you do any better. In fact, it will make you feel even less competent. Be confident in yourself! Everyone has his own special talents. Medical schools recognize that all students have strengths and weaknesses. Discover what your strengths are and pursue them.
8. Find a mentor. Whether it is a faculty advisor or professor you trust, a family member who has been in your footsteps, or a doctor that you are close with, have someone that you can go to with questions during the multi-step process. Many colleges have a pre-med advisor whose job it is to guide students. Not only do they help with class selection, but they also are aware of local volunteer and research opportunities, as well as the involved application process. If there are workshops offered at your college or guest speakers who come to speak about medicine, attend. The more knowledge you have about your future in the field the better.
9. Associate with people outside of your major. Befriend English majors, education majors, and business majors, even philosophy majors. They will offer you a different perspective on life outside of the sciences. There will not be the sense of competition that exists among other biology, chemistry and physics majors. (If you dorm on campus, you might want to consider rooming with non-science majors. The environment created will be less stressful). Also, if you have time in your schedule, it is a good idea to take liberal arts classes. Medical schools are looking for the well-rounded student, and they will be impressed if you have shown an interest in an area outside of the sciences.
10. Engage in extracurricular activities. Find something that you are passionate about, that helps you assuage the stresses you are facing. Physical activity is usually the best release. Whether you enjoy running, golfing, kickboxing, or yoga, find time to relax and enjoy. Listen to music. Call up a friend or family member. Reward yourself with a night out after a hard exam. Take a break and watch your favorite television show or movie. Remember, when all else fails, keep perspective.
About the author:
Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm –
the award-winning online-forum for today's stressed-out students, and
their parents and educators. Download your Stress-Out Less Kit with 4 FREE
gifts at www.campuscalm.com.
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