Explore Medicine

Supporting learners without pressure

Help learners pursue meaningful experiences that support their interests, growth, and well-being as they explore a path to medicine. 

During university, learners often receive advice about what they “should” do to become strong medical school applicants. While usually well intentioned, this advice can encourage them to make decisions based on what they believe medical schools want, rather than on their own interests, values, and well-being. 

Understanding application pressures

Research suggests that allowing an anticipated medical school application to drive decision-making can contribute to burnout, academic dishonesty, or overcommitment to activities learners do not find meaningful or enriching^1 2. For example, learners may:

• Pursue research opportunities because they believe research is expected for admission, even when they have little interest in it.

• Avoid challenging courses they are interested in to protect their GPA.

• Choose volunteer activities for how they might appear on an application, rather than for their personal meaning.

• Feel pressure to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible, instead of focusing on a few experiences they enjoy.

Helping learners recognize and navigate these pressures can support their personal development and well-being.

Different circumstances

These pressures are not experienced equally. Some learners have greater access to tutoring, mentorship, test preparation, unpaid volunteer opportunities, or financial support.

Others balance their education with employment, caregiving, or financial responsibilities. These circumstances can leave them with less time and flexibility to pursue activities often perceived as “ideal” for medical school applicants.

Many paths to medicine

At the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine, we recognize that learners follow many different paths to medicine and bring diverse life experiences. Our holistic admissions process considers how their experiences have contributed to their personal growth, academic readiness, and preparation for a career in medicine.

Meaningful experiences take many forms. There is no single combination of activities that defines a successful applicant.

How parents and educators can help

Parents, teachers, counsellors, and other educators play an important role in supporting learners. Encourage learners to choose opportunities they find meaningful, rather than activities they believe will build a “perfect” medical school application.

A learner’s path to medicine should support their growth without requiring them to sacrifice their well-being, personal interests, or important responsibilities.