Written by Maya Beesley
University of Denver
Major: Biochemistry, Minors: Critical Race & Ethnic Studies, Biological Sciences, and Human Health Sciences and Systems
Introduction
Being a pre-med student sometimes feels like standing in the middle of a storm: papers flying, deadlines crashing down, and responsibilities piling higher by the minute. I recall constantly struggling to balance the numerous requirements and expectations of college
pre-med life: excelling in my classes, volunteering, participating in Greek life, conducting research, being active in two pre-med clubs, and working a job at my university’s call center to support myself financially. Additionally, I still wanted to maintain a social life. It felt like I was sprinting through a marathon with no time to catch my breath.
The Academic Pressure Cooker
The pressure really hit me as midterms approached. Suddenly, all my commitments seemed to collide at once. I realized I had over-promised my time without leaving room for recovery or rest. I found myself at risk of forgetting tasks for each area of my life (school, work, volunteering, social), and that lack of structure was overwhelming. What made it even scarier was that I hadn’t been given good tips on balance. It felt like I was testing survival strategies on the fly. That uncertainty, wondering if I was doing it all wrong, was one of the hardest parts.
Finding My Balance
Eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep going like that. I started experimenting with different methods until I discovered one that worked for me: time blocking. Using an hourly daily planner, I assigned specific times for assignments, classes, and responsibilities, as well as for myself. Exercise, meals, and mental breaks were just as important as exams and labs in my schedule. Even if the timing of an activity or assignment I blocked for myself needed more than I had allocated, just approximating the amount of time a task would take me and blocking it off made a world of difference. To make it fun, I used apps like Forest, which helped me stay off social media and turn studying into a game. The beloved Hank Green also recently released a similar app called Focus Friend, which I would also recommend. Looking back, I see my phone and social media as some of the biggest deterrents to balancing academics and life, so learning to curb those bad habits of doomscrolling was crucial.
The Role of Support Systems
Another key to balance within school and social life was leaning on my support systems. I often went to cafés with friends, study groups, or accountability partners on the weekends. It turned studying into something social, which kept me motivated and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this. Those small routines built community and helped me feel less isolated in the struggle.
Lessons Learned
One of my biggest mistakes was relying on strategies that didn’t actually work for me, like allowing distractions to creep in and pretending they weren’t slowing me down. What I’ve learned is that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” method to balance. Everyone has different rhythms and tools that fit them best, so it’s important to test out techniques and adjust when something isn’t working. If I could go back and give advice to my freshman self, it would be this: don’t be afraid to experiment with balance. It’s better to pivot than to burn out.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, I’ve come to believe this: successful people find a way to be successful. No matter how overwhelming things may seem, no matter how perfect you think your application must look, and no matter how long or difficult your path to medicine is, if you believe you’re capable and set yourself up with the proper habits, you will achieve success. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing smarter, creating space for yourself, and remembering that you are more than just your resume. Sometimes, the break you think you need is essential. Listen to yourself, be honest with those in your sphere when you are struggling to find balance, be open to advice, and clarify your strategy to do what fulfills you.