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In Focus - Jessica Zhu Zhang

Jessica Zhu Zhang

Year of Study: Intercalating (Year 3)

Jessica Zhu Zhang tells us about why she chose to study medicine, managing the transition to university study, and her medical school highlights so far.

What made you want to study medicine?

I took a long time to reflect on what I should pursue as a career. I was very conflicted during school years, because I always enjoyed so many different subjects. For example, science just felt right for me, but then music and arts were also so fun. People around me seemed to be so certain of what they wanted which made me even more stressed. So, I sought for experiences in different fields to understand what I felt passionate about. Finally, the moment clicked when I realised that, throughout the years, I was drawn into fields that involved working with people, figure out complex situations, and helping people in need, which you get to do as a doctor.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I think it was mainly three things:

How the medical school teaches (I rejected the "old school" type of curriculum)
Location (the place should be nice as you will be there for the next 5 years)
Try to go to an open day of the university (I didn't get to do it, but highly recommended)

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I really liked the idea of a spiral curriculum, which not many universities incorporated. I felt that BSMS focuses on interpersonal teaching, also, it has unique opportunities, such as IRP in year 4 (a proper research opportunity) and was extremely advocate for widening participation.

What are your top tips for the UCAT?

Start early and pace yourself! Do not try to match to other people's pace, because everybody learns things differently. Also, do not let UCAT define you as a person! Not everybody is gifted at fast reading. So when you're frustrated at yourself, remind yourself that this is just a component of trying get into medical schools. I didn't get the best score, maybe not even above average, but I'm here.

How did you prepare for interview? Do you have any tips?

Make sure to record yourself at least once to see how you come across to others (I know it can be cringe). Also, understand that, even though you've practiced a lot, the interview questions may be very different to what you're used to, so focus on building your reactivity and flexibility on "curve ball questions" towards the end of your revision. Oh, and grab your friends! Honestly, to this day I am grateful to have had amazing supportive friends around me at the time.

Any advice for managing the transition to university?

Learn how to cook and clean (trust me, do not underestimate how bad diet/ environment can impact everything)
Try out different ways of learning
Don't go through everything alone! it is normal to miss home, or feeling misplaced in university sometimes, and you won't be the only one so reach out to people!

What has been your favourite part of the BSMS Medicine course?

I've loved the anatomy sessions!

Are you involved in any sports or societies? If so, can you tell us a bit about them?

I'm part of different societies and I've even started a society (Southeast and East Asian Society)! Whichever interests you have, you will find a society and it is a great way to meet people from different years at medical school or even non-medics.

What is your favourite part of living in Brighton and Hove?

When the sun is out, the whole city comes alive, and people are running to the beach.

What has been your BSMS highlight?

There have been so many highlights so far, but the most recent one was the half way ball! The time flies and you forget that you've actually achieved something at medical school.

If you could go back in time to give one tip to your younger self, what would it be? (Medicine related if possible)

It is ok to be a bit lost and you will be fine!

Describe your medical school experience in three words

Memorable, Growth, Emotional