how i got into medical school & what i've done to apply to residency (first-gen college grad)

In this sit-down video, I discuss EVERYTHING i did to apply to medical school, including things I've done as a medical student to apply to residency.
- Extra curricular activities, volunteering, research, shadowing, scores/grades/MCAT/GPA, etc.
- Overcoming self doubt and feelings of inadequacy

This is the book i read that changed my life:

Old Video Mentioned:

Amazon Storefront

Follow me on Instagram!
Other Ig: @rsouthardarchives

[RachelSouthard]

PLEASE READ THIS:

I'm a first-generation college graduate, I went to community college, took 6 years to get through undergrad, took the MCAT twice, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD DO ANYTHING WITH MY LIFE...Here i am now, a 4th year medical student that has gotten to be involved in so many different opportunities just because i put my mind to it!

This video discusses everything i've done to get to medical school, and then i also mention the various extra curricular activities and research projects that i have done WHILE in medical school to bulk up my application for residency.
If this isn't a video that you need to watch in terms of content, I encourage you to just watch for some inspiration, as I mention some things about obstacles and overcoming difficult things.

Hope you enjoy :) Comment your story down below. I'm eager to read.

[treecejohnson]

I'm 44 years old and have gone back to school to finish my undergrad so that I can apply to medical school. I've followed your videos for the last few years, and I have to say they were a huge motivating factor for me to take this huge leap. Thank you for the info, the realism you give, and the enthusiasm with which you attack life. Great job, I'm so proud of you and for you. Thanks for everything you do for us all!

[DiebloedeAlte]

As a med student from Germany it's crazy to see what you have to do to get into med school in the US 😳 And then you have to pay SO MUCH money.. So much respect for you and your hard work ❤️

[kazookid]

Wow…this story brought me to tears. As a first year community college student struggling with self-doubt, I always come to your videos to relieve my worries. You are such an inspiration. You are and will continue to be amazing =-]

[briana]

Honestly, this video truly helped me. I'm at the stage where I'm in community college wanting to eventually become a medical student but I'm having trouble staying motivated and focused while also not entirely believing I could do it. This is the first time I've seen a video of someone in medical school coming from a similar educational background. Thank you for posting this video seriously. This made me feel so much better about my future honestly. I love you and your videos!

[paoladaily]

I'm currently a second year caribbean med student and have been feeling depressed and unmotivated recently but this video lit up my passion and desire once again. Thank you Rachel for reminding me that hard works always wins!! You are so kind and deserve all your success.

[tesaballanco]

This is so helpful, I dropped out of high school at 16, took my GED, did not take the SAT or ACT, went to JC and now am about to complete my undergrad in Integrative Health with a minor in Biochem. I also have a midwifery degree, and now I am on the road to med school. I’ve been working as a Licensed Midwife for two years and I’m scared, but I love knowledge and I’m really looking forward to what’s next. I want more training, and I did a cost analysis and ironically the MD/DO is cheaper than the CNM MEPN, and I keep coming back to med school. Your videos have inspired me. It’s taken me 6 years to work through my undergrad, and figure this out. Thank you for these videos! And congratulations on your choice of specialty! ❤🎉

[burnt.norton]

currently a senior in high school, and i just wanted to comment that you’re the only first-gen med student i know who actually talks about imposter syndrome. i have a lot of self doubt from being a first-gen student, and it probably won’t ever go away, but your videos really do make a difference in mine and all your other viewers’ lives. ok this is getting long but i just wanted to comment lol, thank you ❤

[viancazavala]

I LOOOVVE an honest book that highlights self growth. I can’t wait to read what you’ve recommended. Two books that helped me reframe my mindset are The Defining Decade and Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience both by Meg Jay. I’m super excited for this video, thank you so much for this inspiring content Rachel ❤

[kimberlyimbacuan]

I'm currently a freshman in college and a first-gen college student. I just finished my first semester and it was harder than I thought, so I have all of this self doubt and imposter syndrome roaming around my brain every moment. All my life, I always knew I wanted to become a PA and from watching your video, you gave me the motivation to keep going and continue, to get back up when I am faced with these rough patches because I am a PA already in the future! Thankyou for being so raw and not sugarcoating stuff which helps me and others relate to all this, congrats on your journey and going to residency very soon!! You are such an inspiration to myself and others, keep up the hard work!

[viancazavala]

I needed to comment again Rachel haha. I think the most inspiring thing I took away, of course as well as how hard you’ve worked and all your success, is how loving and kind you’ve managed to stay. With so many responsibilities I feel like it’s so easy to grow resentment and fatigue for all the work that needs to be done. It is wonderful that you have maintained such a warm and safe presence within yourself and for others, thank you ❤.

[avaraedickson]

i just started my associates degree and will eventually apply for med school also wanting to pursue OBGYN! always had an average gpa, dropped out of college my first time around, had a baby in my early 20s but this video makes me feel so much better- i really needed to find something like this to boost my spirits, thank you!

[apexhacker]

I'M FUCKING HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! (SORRY FOR CURSING) BUT SEEING YOUR WHOLE PROCESS FROM YOUR MCAT VIDEO I THINK LIKE 5 YEARS AGO TO NOW! I'M SO SO SO SO SO PROUD OF YOU FROM THE PREP TO THE BROKEN ARM TO THE MENTAL BREAKDOWNS TO DOCTOR!! GREAT JOB DOC!

[nikkimaggard]

I’m currently in the whole process and I really felt like I needed this video! I’ve learned so much from you and am so happy for you💗💗

[jujubean]

As a first-gen student who is heading to community college and planning to go to medical school, I was having lots of doubts and moments of insecurities about whether or not I would make it. After watching this, however, I feel so much calmer and confident about the future so thank you so much <3

[samantha]

HI RACHEL!! I'm currently still catching up on your older videos (I'm somewhere around your family medicine rotation during your third year) but wanted to comment on this one because I relate to your story so much! I'm also a first-gen college student, will be taking 6 years to complete my undergrad (did 3 at community college and I'm finishing up my second year at UofM Ann Arbor right now) and I'm planning to go into medicine! Your videos have helped me so much throughout the past couple of years with getting and staying motivated and have actually encouraged me to seriously consider medicine as a path for me moving forward. Now I plan on going to medical school (hopefully to specialize in immunology) and I'm beyond excited! Watching your videos and tagging along with you on your journey has given me the courage and confidence in myself that I need to be able to pursue medicine, and I'm not sure I'd be where I am today if I hadn't found your channel however long ago it was at this point :) It's been an absolute joy and pleasure to have seen you come this far in your journey and it gives me so much peace, comfort, and reassurance if I'm being honest to know that someone with such a similar story to me has successfully accomplished everything I want to accomplish as well. You really have no idea how much you and your channel mean to me and I can't wait to see what your next chapter looks like <3

[keantespringle]

Wow your video are amazing. I dealt with the same thing by going to community college first and then getting a bachelor in Emergency medical services and now finish my Pre-Med go to Medical school and become Cardiovascular surgeon. You’re gonna be a great doctor and you have a great personality. Your video are so inspirational to me.

[andrewbates]

I literally can’t wait! I’ve applied to medical school this cycle and it’s been very difficult mentally. Your videos are very inspirational 🥹

[leliawatamaniuk]

Whether you realize it or not, you are the best kind of mentor. And you're adorable. Happy New Year - I know you'll have a great one!!

[Agent_Lane]

Although not a med student i'm currently pursuing allied health education to become an RT (Radiologic technologist / X-ray tech), i find your videos so authentic and informative and i love being able to live vicariously through your experience. Your growth has been awesome and a joy to watch.