#92: Addressing Bad Grades

In this episode, Dr. Nessim breaks down the biggest premed myths that hold students back — like needing a 4.0 GPA, a 515+ MCAT, or giving up your social life to get into med school.He shares what really matters in your application, how to stand out authentically, and why balance is key to long-term success in medicine.

A lot of premed students feel pressured to apply to medical school too early — often because their parents want them to “stay on track.” The truth? Rushing the process can seriously hurt your chances of getting in.In this video, Dr. Adam Nessim breaks down why pushing to apply straight through, or taking the MCAT before you’re ready, can backfire. From weaker GPAs to lower MCAT scores to the challenges of reapplying, there’s a lot at stake if you don’t give yourself the right amount of time.

🎓 Is starting premed in sophomore year too late? Brianna, one of our premed students, asked this great question after switching from physical therapy to premed.In this video, I share why sophomore year is NOT a late start for premeds, plus tips to make the most of your journey:✅ Why switching from PT to premed can actually be an advantage✅ How to use a gap year to strengthen your med school application✅ Why you need physician shadowing and not just healthcare hours✅ How to clearly answer the key question: “Why medicine?”✅ How MCAT prep and premed timelines really workWhether you’re coming from physical therapy, nursing, or another career path, this advice will help you stay confident, stay on track, and get ready for medical school.✨ Everyone’s path to becoming a doctor is unique — what matters is building the right experiences, acing your classes, and showing why you specifically want to be a physician.

Thinking about when to take the MCAT?If you’re not planning on taking a gap year, knowing when to start studying — and when to actually take the test — can make or break your medical school application.In this video, Dr. Adam Nessim breaks down:-The ideal MCAT prep timeline-How to study a year in advance without burning out-Why spaced repetition (like Anki) is a game-changer-The best test dates for straight-through applicants and gap year students-Why applying late can hurt your chances-Whether you’re in your sophomore year, junior year, or taking time off before med school, this guide will help you plan your MCAT prep so you have the time, skills, and strategy to get your best possible score.

Worried About Taking a Gap Year for Med School? Here’s What You Need to Know. If you're a pre-med freshman or sophomore wondering how to avoid a gap year—or whether taking one might actually be the smarter move—this video breaks it all down.Dr. Adam Nessim shares a proven timeline, strategic course planning tips, and GPA advice to help you stay on track. Whether you're aiming to apply straight through or considering the benefits of a gap year, this is the guidance you wish you had sooner.🔑 In this video:- Why your freshman year schedule matters more than you think- The MCAT timing mistake most students make- How GPA and course load can make or break your app- What med schools really think of summer classes- The truth about gap years—do they actually help?

🎓 Thinking of explaining that bad semester in your med school application?Before you dive into the Impactful Experience Essay, listen to this. Dr. Adam Nessim breaks down when it's smart to talk about a low GPA or academic struggle—and when it's better to let your upward trend do the talking.Whether you had a rough start or just one semester that tanked your grades, this advice could save you from oversharing or sounding like you're making excuses.

Are you struggling to prepare for the MCAT exam and worried about not getting the score you need to get into your dream medical school? In this video, we'll reveal the fastest way to ace your MCAT exam, from creating a study schedule that actually works to mastering the most challenging sections of the test. Whether you're a pre-med student looking to boost your scores or a repeat test-taker seeking to finally conquer the MCAT, this video is for you. Get ready to learn the most effective strategies and techniques to help you achieve a top score on the MCAT exam and take the first step towards becoming a successful doctor.

What's a good MCAT score to aim for? 🎯 The truth is, it depends! While a 528 is the dream, a 510+ is a solid goal for most students. If you're hitting a 518+, you're in amazing shape. So how can you actually get a top score? The key: A smart study strategy. That's why at The Premed Consultants, we focus on a question-based approach, spaced repetition, and active recall-just like top med students preparing for boards.

Dr. Adam Nessim warns premeds: Don’t use AP credits for Gen Chem or Bio—take them in college to strengthen your med school application.

Anki is a great way to incorporate spaced repetition in your studying for premed classes and the MCAT. However, most students do not know how to properly use anki and why keeping up with reviews is so important. That's why we teach how to best use anki in our mcat program. Interested?