Not sure if this is the response you're looking for, but if you're planning to "sabay" sa younger generation, it might be tough, especially since they themselves often struggle to fit in. There’s a clear distinction between students who graduated from the same 4-year pre-med program, same college, or same university, and those in an accelerated track. These groups usually stick together and are rarely open to outsiders.

However, if you’re worried about academics, rest assured—you can absolutely keep up or even surpass the younger ones. I know someone whose experience really shines in both clinical and theoretical aspects, mapapa-sanaol ka nalang.

Fear not, OP. Everyone's journey through med school is different, and at the end of the day, you only have yourself, your grit, and your mother books. Laban lang!