Lessons from Medical School: Success Tips for All Students

On 14 May, High School Counsellors hosted a Lunch & Learn with four medical school students in their final year at the University of Leicester, currently interning at a hospital in Hanoi. Isha Aggarwal, Lia Bansal, Katie Fox, and Philippa Guck volunteered their time to create an informative, engaging, and interactive presentation attended by 25 students in Grades 9-11. 

 

 

While the session focused on studying medicine, the advice shared applies to all students aiming for academic and personal growth. Here are the top takeaways relevant to every learner:

Figure Out NOW How You Learn Best!

Everyone learns differently! Success in any field begins with a strong grasp of fundamentals. Students were encouraged to learn more about themselves now and the study techniques that work best for them. Developing these basics early helps students adapt to more advanced challenges later.

Seek Real-World Experiences

Hands-on experiences—such as internships, volunteering, or job shadowing—build confidence and provide valuable context for learning. These opportunities also help students develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills vital for any future path.

 

 

Work LITTLE and OFTEN

The medical students said that with the amount of information they are expected to know and apply, studying a little every single day is crucial. Students described spending two hours after each lecture reviewing what they learned. This helps with avoiding cramming at the last minute and lessens anxiety before exams. They also highlighted asking older students for advice on how to learn a concept as well as studying in groups. Students who regularly reflect on what’s working and adjust their strategies are more likely to thrive. Lifelong learners are those who ask questions and seek to understand, not just memorize.

Value Integrity and Community

Success is not just individual. The session emphasized the value of integrity in all actions and the importance of contributing to a supportive community. Collaboration, empathy, and ethical decision-making are qualities that open doors in any career.

Use Technology Wisely

Medical students advised to leverage digital tools and AI not just for efficiency, but to deepen understanding. From research to organization and revision, technology can help students personalize their learning. At the same time, critical thinking and discernment about information sources remain essential. Using AI ethically was emphasized.

Embrace Continuous Feedback

Medical students highlighted the importance of seeking and acting on feedback. Whether in academics or extracurriculars, they encouraged students to view feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism. This mindset fosters resilience and lifelong learning.

Balance and Self-Care

The demanding nature of medical training underscores the need for balance. Several times throughout the presentation it was highlighted to our students to set realistic goals, manage their time, and prioritize well-being. Habits like regular exercise, good sleep, and maintaining social connections are crucial for sustained success.

The medical school students also stayed afterwards to answer individual questions and commented on how UNIS students demonstrated thoughtful curiosity and engaged in insightful dialogue, with questions that reflected a high level of critical thinking, sophistication, and maturity. Well done to our UNIS students who made us very proud! 

The High School Counselling Team is grateful to Ms Aggarwal who connected us with these medical school students. We were all provided an enriching and engaging learning opportunity!