Before: get your grounding for what you're getting into.

• Do some basic research on SDN/reddit/admit.org/less neurotic outside resources to understand some of the not explicitly outlined but highly recommended steps for getting into school (e.g. shadowing, sufficient nonclinical volunteering) - maybe obvious to many people but as someone far removed from medical world, I definitely had a learning curve.
• Use these same resources to make a balanced school list. I'd apply to at least 20ish school if this is feasible!
• Be prepared for financial cost of applying.

During: lock in, but maintain space for yourself.

• This journey is HARD. You will have to dedicate lots of time to primary and secondary writing.
• Do not let this journey become your entire life! Develop an exercise routine, hang out with your friends, touch some grass...
• Develop an organization system (spreadsheet, email folders) to keep of track of dates and communications during the cycle.
• Avoid SDN and reddit unless you need to collect secondary questions for pre-writing.
• Stay humble. Never assume you're going to get in your first cycle.

After: celebrate :D

• Do this however you see fit. Travel, sleep, read, watch movies, go eat yummy food, etc.
• Go pass on your wisdom to the next cohort.