This 19-year-old got into all 7 of her med school choices. Her motto is to ‘do it afraid’

Ore Maxwell, 19, interviewed for seven med schools after fast tracking her bachelor' s degree. She was accepted to every single program. (Submitted by Ore Maxwell)

Zipping through high school, undergrad and then med school is not for everyone.

That’s why Ore Maxwell, at just 19 years old, credits her family for their diligent support as she did just that.

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Now that she’s been accepted into all seven medical schools she interviewed for, she wants to remind everyone to “do it afraid.”

“That’s something that my mom often told me,” she said.

Maxwell graduated with her Bachelor of Health Sciences from Queen’s University (with distinction, of course) three weeks ago.

She’s now immersed in medical school at the University of Calgary.

That wasn’t her only option available, though. In fact, she was also accepted to medical programs at the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Western University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.

She managed to fast track her bachelor’s degree too, completing it in three years instead of the traditional four.

“I really enjoyed the three-year program … I think when you have that continuity of things to me, I find that to be helpful for my style of learning,” she said.

If you’re keeping up with the math, Maxwell graduated high school at 16 and started university a few months later, right after she turned 17.

‘Paying it forward’

Between graduation and medical school, though, Maxwell still found time to make it to the Calgary Stampede with friends.

“I’m really big on paying it forward … over time, when you live in a way that you have people that help you so much, it makes you want to give back,” she said.

Maxwell noted that the strong foundation of love and empathy she received from her parents and siblings were what paved a “smooth” road, even in the most stressful moments of the application process.

Maxwell was born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alta., and said she sees the “benefit and the beauty” of both urban and rural spaces throughout her medical studies.

Choosing U of C allowed her to stay in a city she loves while being taught a curriculum she said is “holistic and comprehensive and unique.”

“Everything kind of fell into place, I think. So I’m really happy with [my] decision,” she said.

She said she still hasn’t chosen an exact field of medicine, but is excited to explore her options.

Between founding a group that supports pediatric cancer patients during her undergrad and working or volunteering as everything from a mentor to a policy co-ordinator, Maxwell’s always been busy.

But she wants prospective students to know that her success required “dedication” and “diligence” – which she firmly believes anybody can achieve, although it is “easier said than done.”

When all else fails, she remembers the words her mother always told her.

“If you’re scared about something, do it then, because that’s when your emotions are the most heightened and when that sense of drive will be the most strong and passionate,” Maxwell said.

“It’s OK to be scared and to be uncertain.”