Episode 81: Starting Strong: Essential Strategies for Pre-Meds Heading Back to School

It’s back-to-school time with the All Access: Med School Admissions Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, sits down with Alexis Catanzarite, a seasoned pre-health advisor and Associate Director of Healthcare Careers at CWRU. Together, they dive into the real-life challenges, anxieties, and excitement that come with starting or returning to college as a pre-med or pre-health student.

Alexis shares practical advice on avoiding the classic “September creep,” managing FOMO, and striking a healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being. Christian and Alexis break down the myths around perfect GPAs, what makes an experience “meaningful” on med school applications, and the realities of taking gap years. They also tackle the importance of executive functioning, building relationships with advisors and faculty, and making the most of available campus resources—including mental health support.

Later in the episode, Alexis flips the script, asking Christian burning questions that pre-health advisors constantly get from students. The pair’s honest, encouraging dialogue is packed with actionable tips for thriving in college and building a compelling med school application—reminding listeners that self-care, authenticity, and a growth mindset are just as critical as grades and resume-builders.

Whether you’re an incoming first-year, a returning student reassessing priorities, or just curious about medical school admissions, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to start the year off informed, empowered, and energized!

Follow Alexis and read her posts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acatan/ 

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This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Advisor Insights with Alexis Catanzarite

06:42 Proactive Semester Planning Tips

11:00 Prioritize Meaningful Opportunities

20:51 Freshman Transition Challenges and Advice

25:17 Join Study Groups Early

27:59 Lasting Instructor-Student Connections

37:17 Connecting Students to Resources

38:37 Prioritizing Mental Health in College

44:04 "Importance of Prompt Email Response"

51:04 Pre-Med Advising: Retake Strategy

55:37 Discovering Fencing Through Friendship

59:48 Categorizing Medical Experience Hours

01:05:07 Soul Searching for Career Choices

01:12:58 "Subscribe, Review, Share Podcast"