If you’re considering going to medical school, you might be a little nervous about the challenges involved. For example, there are long hours in lectures and labs. There’s also a high level of competition from your classmates and plenty of pressure from instructors. And that’s not all! You have to pay for tuition and other associated costs, such as textbooks, uniforms for lab visits, etc., on top of being away from family and friends. But there are ways to successfully navigate this process without feeling like you’re drowning at every turn.

Here are Cmspulse.org 10 tips to ensure your medical school experience is a positive one and that you don’t end up failing:

1. Make sure the school and program you’re applying for are right for you.

While being a doctor may sound glamorous and promising, if it’s not what you really want to do with your life, then don’t get into it just because your family expects you to or because you think it will be an easy way to make money. Medical school is hard and time-consuming, especially if you have a family or other outside responsibilities. You may want to consider other career paths.

2. Don’t take medical school too seriously.

Too much focus on your studies can be detrimental to your health and well-being. For example, if you study too much, you’ll feel miserable when it’s time to leave the classroom and head off to the hospital or clinic for a shift. On the other hand, if you don’t study enough, you might struggle with being prepared for your clinical rotations in residency training. So give yourself some leeway when it comes to studying, especially when it comes to exams.

3. Make sure you’re using the resources available to you.

There are many online resources for medical students, such as WebMD and others. There are also plenty of apps available for smartphones and tablets. If you don’t have immediate access to textbooks, use these online sources and apps instead. Otherwise, don’t waste money on textbooks if you can get the same information for free or at a fraction of the cost by using other resources.

4. Network with your classmates and professors.

Be a student ambassador in your department, find ways to help out with things you’re interested in, and just build relationships with others in your program. This will give you a jump start on what’s sure to be an intense academic experience. It’s also a great way to make contacts for post-graduation.

5. Get involved in extracurricular activities such as clubs and committees.

It’s hard to focus on schoolwork when you’re involved in multiple clubs or committees that involve interacting with people outside of the classroom and lab. But you should never let that stop you from being involved. Remember, you’re there to learn, but your education doesn’t begin and end in the classroom.

6. Pace yourself for a long haul.

Medical school lasts four years (or longer) depending on where you go to school and what degree you’re pursuing (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate). Through it all, you’ll be expected to work hard, study hard and manage the mental and social pressures of studying medicine while continuing to live your life outside of class. Stay optimistic and plan ahead to avoid any surprises that could derail your dream of being a doctor.

7. Balance your academics, sleep and social life.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself in all aspects of your life, including your relationships and your health. You’re not just a student; you’re also a person with feelings, relationships and responsibilities in everyday life. It is important that you stay balanced with all these things so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle overall.

8. Travel! It’ll broaden your horizons and make you more interested.

If you have an interest in foreign cultures, it’s in your best interest to see the world while preparing for medical school. Experience different cultures, countries and other aspects of life that you may not normally see when living in one place. Traveling will help to broaden your horizons and give you an opportunity to learn more about the world before ultimately entering it as a doctor in a foreign country.

9. Attend medical school graduation ceremonies.

Attending your medical school’s graduation ceremony is an excellent way to celebrate finishing four years of challenging yet rewarding work toward becoming a doctor. Go to the ceremony, stand up with your fellow classmates and be proud of your accomplishment.

10. Set and accomplish goals for yourself.

You’re not a robot that can just do the same thing over and over again without setting goals for yourself. It’s important to set personal goals that are achievable given your current skill level and interest level, but also realistic long-term goals you can achieve outside of school such as going out on dates or getting involved in extracurricular activities. Make sure you have your priorities straight and don’t become overwhelmed or lost in the process of pursuing a career as a doctor if it’s not what you ultimately want to do with your life.