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Pursuit of Practice: Real Talk for Surviving Premed, MCAT Prep, Medical School, and Beyond
Pursuit of Practice: Real Talk for Surviving Premed, MCAT Prep, Medical School, and Beyond
Pursuit of Practice is a podcast for premed students and medical school applicants, offering real talk about the long and often overwhelming path to becoming a physician. Hosted by Blueprint MCAT instructor and Columbia medical student Pooja Sonikar, along with fellow Blueprint instructors, tutors, and guests, it covers MCAT prep, medical school applications, and life in medical school. Each episode shares honest conversations, relatable stories, and actionable advice from people who have been through the process. It addresses questions future doctors commonly ask, such as whether medicine is worth it, how to study for the MCAT, what makes an application stand out, and how to handle burnout.
Episodes
Dual Degrees: An MD-PhD Story
The trade-offs that come with a longer training path, the skills that come from working in both research and clinical environments, and how dual-degree training can influence residency applications and long-term career options. If you’ve ever wondered whether a dual degree might fit into your future in medicine, this episode is meant to give you a clearer sense of what that path actually involves.
How Does Residency Match Work: What Programs Actually Look For
Whether you're preparing your rank list (we’ve got a framework for that), worried about where you stand, or simply trying to understand what programs value in residency applicants, this episode provides perspective grounded in real experience. You’ll hear what actually matters during selection, how programs evaluate candidates, and how to approach the Match process to set you up for the future you
Making Mistakes in Medical School: Lessons From a Resident
Mistakes are inevitable in medicine, but how students interpret and respond to them can shape their entire training experience. In this episode, Pooja is joined by Natasha, a PGY-3 Med-Peds resident and international medical graduate, to talk honestly about missteps, self-doubt, and the quiet lessons that come from reflection. Together, they unpack how mistakes show up during pre-med years, medica
I Almost Gave Up - Then I Hit A 520 MCAT Score
Stuck on an MCAT score plateau (500…507…510…) and wondering if that’s your ceiling? It isn’t. Blueprint MCAT instructor Ante Cuvalo (diagnostic 500 → 520 MCAT final score) breaks down why plateaus are usually a midpoint - not the end - and how to break through by fixing patterns, not just “studying harder.” We cover the “mile wide, inch deep” approach, combining content + practice (not separate ph
How to Get Into Medical School (Part 3): Medical School Interview Prep, from MMI to Common Medical School Interview Questions
Medical school interviews can feel intimidating—especially when it seems like everything you’ve worked for is suddenly on the line. But interviews aren’t just about perfect answers; they’re your chance to show admissions committees who you are beyond your application.In this episode, we break down medical school interview prep from start to finish with admissions expert Holly Proffitt. You’ll lear
Burnout in Medical School: Less Hustle, Better Time Management
If medical school feels less like a calling and more like a never-ending to-do list, you’re not alone. Medical school burnout is real—and recognizing the signs early can make all the difference.In this episode, we sit down with interventional radiology resident Camden McDowell to unpack the most common signs of burnout in medical school and the time management skills that actually help you stay af
Reapplying to Medical School: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Attempt
Reapplying to medical school isn’t easy, but it also isn’t the end of your dream. In this episode, Blueprint MCAT instructor Matthew opens up about his journey applying to medical school, facing rejection, and ultimately reapplying to medical school with a stronger, more intentional application.Matthew shares what it was actually like to be waitlisted to medical school his first cycle, why he took
Gap Year Strategies: A Med Student’s Guide to Making the Most of Your Time Off
The decision to take a gap year involves weighing personal growth against practical concerns like student loans and lost income. In addition to resume building, Casey Kuka discovered that gap years provide opportunities to develop resilience, explore interests outside medicine, and enter medical training with renewed energy and perspective. Whether you're considering a gap year before medical scho
How to Get Into Medical School (Part 2): Secondaries, Background Questions, Mission-Fit, and Waiting
Applying to medical school? You’ve made it past the first big hurdle and now it’s time for the next steps. In Part 2 of our Medical School Admissions series, Blueprint Med Admissions Consultant Holly Proffitt dives into everything that happens after you hit submit: writing thoughtful secondary essays, preparing for medical school interview questions, and figuring out which schools are the right fi
MCAT Prep Lies The Internet Told Me
Overworked, overcaffeinated, and overwhelmed by the MCAT? We get it. In this episode, Blueprint MCAT instructor Bilal joins us to bust the biggest MCAT prep myths and share what actually helps you improve your MCAT score. Learn how to fight MCAT burnout, find balance, and finally study smarter, not harder.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mc
How to Survive Applying to Medical Residency: From ERAS Application to Match Day
If you’re applying to medical residency, this episode is your new survival guide. Dr. Kenedy Dawson, an anesthesiology resident, walks us through how she navigated the ERAS application, prepared for residency interview questions, and handled Match Day with confidence. Kenedy keeps it real about what surprised her most during the process, what she wishes she’d done differently, and why your path to
How to Get Into Medical School (Part 1): Medical School Personal Statements, Primary Application, and LOR Tips You Need to Hear
Applying to medical school? Start here. In Part 1 of our Medical School Admissions series, Blueprint Med Admissions Consultant Holly Proffitt breaks down how to actually stand out in your primary application, craft a personal statement that sounds like you, and get letters of recommendation that do more than check a box. From what to say (and what to skip) to how to actually stand out in a sea of
Your Journey To Becoming a Doctor Starts Here
Welcome to Pursuit of Practice, the ultimate medical school podcast for anyone on the path to becoming a doctor, whether you’re premed, in medical school, or figuring out your next step.Becoming a doctor is exciting, but let’s be honest, it’s also confusing, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we created the premed podcast Pursuit of Practice to give you real stories from people who’
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