This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with medical school applicants and students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top medical schools and the med school application process. And now, introducing Katie Lamont…
Accepted: We’d like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad?
Katie: I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and went to college at Loyola University Chicago. I couldn’t decide between my two passions – medicine and music – so I studied both biology and music, graduating with a double degree. I play the clarinet and enjoy composing music as well as attending concerts from every genre.
Accepted: What’s your favorite non-school book?
Katie: My favorite book is easily anything by Mindy Kaling or Gillian Flynn; gotta love the suspense!
Accepted: If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Katie: Colorful, genuine, witty.
Accepted: Where are you currently going to med school? What year?
Katie: I just finished my second year at American University of the Caribbean and will be taking step 1 in one week (!)
Accepted: How did you know your school was the right “fit” for you?
Katie: I have always loved to travel; I grew up traveling around the world and continued to do so in college – spending time living in Italy. I always knew I didn’t want a “traditional” story so I pursued schools that would push me out of my comfort zone. I picked AUC because of the network of support the school encourages among its students. I enjoyed working with my peers and the sense of community that grew within the students, staff, and family members.
Accepted: Who are some of the people or what are some of the experiences that inspired you to follow your chosen career path?
Katie: I used to tell my pediatrician, Dr. Errol Baptist, that I wanted to be a pediatrician because of him and that still holds very true. He is the kind of doctor who takes the time to listen to his patients and gets to know them and their full story to better help each one. While I don’t know if pediatrics is where I would like to end up (much to my 7 years old self’s frustration), I was truly inspired by his passion and genuine kindness and hope to embody those qualities in my future practice.
Accepted: How did you prepare for the MCAT? Did you take it multiple times?
Katie: I used Kaplan – both a class and a private tutor – to prepare for the MCAT. I took it twice after persuasion from others. In retrospect I wish I hadn’t, my original score was very good and my second score was only a point different.
Accepted: Did you experience any challenges in your application journey? How did you overcome them?
Katie: Applying to medical school is a great way to humble yourself. I did experience challenge – mostly because I did not have a direction or specific place I wanted to go the first time around. After I figured out where my passions lay and where I wanted to be for the next four years it all fell very neatly into place and I could not be happier with my pick; I really think AUC is the perfect fit for me.
Accepted: Lastly, do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to share with those who are currently going through the application process?
Katie: My advice for people going through the application process is to remember why you want to be a doctor and hold that close to your heart. Remind yourself that you’re smart, capable, and are going to be a wonderful doctor – everything will eventually work out, even if it feels like you’re up against insurmountable odds. Stay focused, think about what drives you and work hard to get where you want to be.
You can follow Katie’s journey by following her blog Trust Me, I’m a Medical Student. Thank you Katie for sharing your story with us – we wish you much success!
For one-on-one guidance on your med school applications, check out our catalog of med school admissions services.
Do you want to be featured in Accepted’s blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com.
Related Resources:
• Focus on Fit [Episode 162]
• A Cure for MCAT Anxiety and Lots More MCAT Advice
• Connections Count. And You Can Create Them.