Why Journal?
Keeping a reflective journal helps you pause periodically to process the meaning and impact of your classroom learning and extracurricular or clinical activities. Rather than daily diary entries, record occasional reflections triggered by incidents, readings, encounters, or other events. Journaling is an important tool for developing as a reflective practitioner—and it can be a valuable aid when writing your professional school applications.
Journaling Process
Think of journaling as a cycle: Do/Observe → Reflect → Understand → Articulate.
What to Include in Your Entries
- The cause, description, and outcome of a key incident, reading, or encounter
- Your feelings and perceptions in the moment
- Actions taken by you and/or others
- The impact on your assumptions and worldview
- Any changes in your future behavior or next steps based on what you learned
Journal Template for Keeping Track of Lab, Volunteer, and Work Experiences
The AAMC offers a worksheet for keeping track of your various experiences. Consider using it or making a version of your own in Google Sheets or Excel. Other tools can be found online. Make sure it is comprehensive and fits your individual needs.