For Matt, a current first year medical student here at #UUSOM, taking more than a year off before entering medical school was a decision based on his desire to work and gain knowledge within the medical industry. As an analyst for a healthcare consulting firm, he was granted access to the changing scene of health care policy and the transition into value based care and quality metrics. It was during this time that he began preparing to apply to medical school by writing his personal statement, compiling dates of volunteer work, and taking the additional steps necessary to build a strong application. I talk to Matt about how to start early in preparing for your medical school application, what he feels is the best thing about his first year of medical school, and finally, the different types of interest groups students can get involved in.