Successful Transfer Student Profiles

2023 Matriculants

Name: Rubia Shahbaz
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: English with a concentration in Creative Writing
Overall GPA: My GPA was weighted differently because I was part of an early college program in high school.
Previous Institution:
Medgar Evers Early College
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2023

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: As a child, after losing my baby brother due to medical malpractice in Pakistan, I became interested in the field of medicine. What drew me to medicine as an adult was the lack of healthcare resources available along with the lack of medical knowledge within my community. I came face-to-face with this when I lost my mother to cancer. Many individuals, including my own family members, were not aware of their rights as patients in a doctor-patient relationship and this caused many health issues later on. Specifically, they never questioned their doctors about medications they were prescribed and never questioned any changes in the care they were receiving. A lot of their health concerns, when brought up, were attributed to “aging” and blamed on “stressful jobs.” I realized that if their doctors had advocated for them, a lot of their health complications could have easily been avoided, and they could have lived long and healthy lives. Being on the other side of medicine as a patient and as an end-of-life caregiver to a loved one, gave me a new and valuable perspective, which I hope to apply in my career as a future physician.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I was a part of the Hunter MAPS club since freshman year, and I held several e-board positions such as secretary, treasurer, and vice president. I also volunteered and interned at Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell, and Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and shadowed several doctors in the specialties I was interested in. I also volunteered at my local library over a span of several summers to help elementary school kids read and engage them in activities.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I did not actively keep track of the hours I put into studying. Everyone studies differently and I am someone who needs to study and incorporate breaks into each session. It is also imperative to take a rest day between studying to avoid burning out. I am also someone who doesn’t leave studying to the last minute and I like staying on top of the material to assess any weaknesses prior to exam week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I was offered a complete Kaplan course through the Early Medical Education (EME) program at SUNY Downstate free of charge. I do not recommend paying for a prep course out of your own pocket because it essentially just teaches test-taking strategies. I also purchased a Blueprint self-study course which I did not find very useful; all that material was already available on Khan Academy for free! Khan Academy is a very useful resource because it follows all the AAMC content outlines; if it’s on AAMC, it’s on Khan Academy! Although it is not a prep course, I strongly advise investing in a UWorld subscription for practice questions.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I did take a year gap to get ready for the EME application process and also to prepare for the MCAT.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I think one of the strengths in my application was being actively engaged in the fields I wanted to see a change in. I participated in cancer research after my mother passed away from this disease, and I volunteered in the cancer wards to learn more about end-of-life care and resources for patients/families. I also had many hours of volunteering and shadowing experiences. Although I did have several roundabouts in my track to medical school, at the end of the day these experiences kept me grounded in my path to become a physician and this was something that was reflected in my application.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No. I only applied to the EME program at SUNY Downstate.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office played an active role in my undergraduate career as a pre-med student. Kemile Jackson is the one person who believed in me and encouraged me to apply to medical school when I felt like giving up and without her I may not have even applied to medical school so I am super thankful for her support and guidance. After my GPA dropped because I was still enrolled in classes at Hunter College while taking care of my mom, several academic advisors told me to pursue a different field. But Ms. Jackson advised me that if medicine is your end goal, it doesn’t matter if your journey from Point A to Point B isn’t a straight line, what matters is continuing to work towards getting to your end goal. As a first-generation immigrant, this support and advice was extremely pivotal in my transition to medical school. The Pre-Health Office is also the reason I was involved in so many volunteering opportunities. No other undergraduate institution has a listserv like the one we are provided; every resource and opportunity is already filtered out for you! All you have to do is be proactive and apply!

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: I have a lot to say on this topic, too much to fit on this page.

• Seek out the help of the Pre-Health office!! They are your #1 resource on your road to medical school. Listen to what they have to say and heed their advice. They’re here to help you. Don’t be that person that walks in one semester before graduating.
• Build active relationships with your professors early on because these are the people who will be writing your letters of recommendation.
• Please don’t just sign up for volunteer and research opportunities to check it off of your pre-med list. This will not help you. You must take an active part in opportunities and fields that actually interest you.
• Just Keep Swimming: like I said, if medicine is your end goal, there are many opportunities and roads that can get you there. It might take you longer but that’s okay. Not everyone’s journey is a straight line from point A to B. I know mine wasn't. And that’s okay! Focus on yourself and forget what everyone else is doing. It’s not a race.
• I never had an active student mentor but I became one for several students, so if you ever need help feel free to ask Ms. Kemile Jackson for my contact details. I’d be more than happy to help.

 

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Name: Gian Pierre Izquierdo
Major: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.564
Previous Institution:
LaGuardia Community College
Graduation Year: 2021
Matriculation Year: 2023

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: SUNY Downstate School of Medicine

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: Growing up with a Latino background and a deep interest in science, medicine naturally became a captivating path for me. The rich cultural heritage of my Latino origin instilled a sense of compassion and empathy, driving me to pursue a career where I could make a positive impact on people's lives. My fascination with science fueled my desire to understand the intricate workings of the human body and find innovative ways to alleviate suffering and improve healthcare outcomes. Medicine's unique blend of scientific exploration and the opportunity to serve diverse communities resonated deeply with my passion for making a meaningful difference in the world.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Throughout my undergraduate journey, I actively engaged in diverse extracurricular activities that enriched my academic experience. Notably, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct research for a program founded by the National Institute of Health for about 2 years. Additionally, during summers, I dedicated myself to furthering my knowledge through research at City College. Beyond the academic journey, I also ventured into the practical side of medicine, working as a medical assistant in a prestigious Dermatology clinic located in the vibrant heart of Manhattan. These experiences have instilled in me a passion for both research and patient care, shaping my aspirations to contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: About 20 hours

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I had the opportunity to use the Kaplan MCAT prep course.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: During the transition from college to medical school, I made the decision to take a gap year to adequately prepare myself for the rigorous journey of the MCAT. This time off also allowed me to work full-time to support myself and reduce the burden of educational expenses.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: In my opinion my strengths in my medical school application lie in my extensive research experience and outstanding overall science GPA.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only applied to SUNY Downstate Medical School through their Early Medical Education program.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office played a very important role in guiding me toward my goal of pursuing medicine. Through their invaluable advising, weekly support meetings and abundant resources, they prepared me for the MCAT. Moreover, the office facilitated various extracurricular activities that enriched my application, making it more competitive and well-rounded. The continuous support and guidance from the Pre-Health advisors undoubtedly reinforced my confidence and readiness to embark on a successful journey towards a career in medicine.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: As a medical school applicant, I highly recommend trusting your pre-health advisor and investing time in conducting research to become a more competitive candidate. Pre-health advisors possess valuable insights and experience in guiding aspiring medical students towards successful applications. Their knowledge of the medical school application process, prerequisite requirements, and selection criteria can significantly impact your chances of acceptance.

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2022 Matriculants

Name: Martin Viola
Major: Forensic Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.92
Previous Institution:
John Jay College
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2022

Q: Which school are you attending?
A: Harvard Medical School.

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: I originally did a master's degree in psychology and thought I would become a psychologist. I loved working in the area of mental health, but I also felt like there were so many parts of healthcare that I wanted to explore outside of psychology. In 2018, I began volunteering in the ER at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, absolutely loved my experience, and decided to pursue a career in medicine.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I volunteered in an emergency department and a community clinic, and did research at Weill Cornell for four years, where I had some amazing mentors.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: My study time per day varied between 1-3 hours. I tried to make the most out of my time by doing active studying (i.e. questions, flashcards, explaining concepts out loud to make sure I understood them) rather than passive studying (i.e. re-reading notes).

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: No, but I did use UWorld which was very helpful

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: From my graduation to college to matriculation to medical school, I've had a total of six gap years! This process took a while, but that allowed me to invest a lot of time in projects I was passionate about.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: Showing a strong interest/commitment to research was viewed as a strength by my interviewers.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, with a focus on big cities

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Making sure I stayed on track with the requirements, interview preparation, and helping me to navigate the interview season

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Take care of your physical and mental health first; this process is a marathon, not a sprint, so making sure you are okay is the most important thing.

Name: Ifunanya Ojei
Major: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.70
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2022

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine through the Early Medical Education program(EME).

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: I am very passionate and enthusiastic about serving my community through a career in medicine because not only do I have the opportunity to help improve the lifestyles of underserved communities and to provided greater access to care, as a physician and a public health professional, I hope to participate actively in improving the quality of health care and also health equity among underserved communities such as mine.

I also am privileged to have the opportunity to remove the stigma of the supposed “impossibility” of people of color to become physicians. Going to school in the Bronx, I met students and even teachers who decided not to become a physician simply because they didn't believe they would be able to make it that far for different reasons. Some were financial and others were that they didn't believe they were “smart enough” or they didn't think it was for them. I also noticed that these mindsets had been reinforced and encouraged among people of color through their advisors in school or their family members.

As a physician, I hope to contribute to renewing the positive mindsets of children and young adults who just don't see themselves as physicians even though they are passionate about the field.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I volunteered at a nursing home in Brooklyn, tutored organic chemistry at Hunter College, volunteered with New York Cares, and performed research in Dr. Rockwell's lab at Hunter. I also co-hosted MCAT study groups through the Pre-Health Advising Office at Hunter. I am also a Youth leader of the Anglican Church of the Pentecost.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: On average, per course, I would study about 3-4 hrs including assignments, labs and office hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: The EME program provided a test prep course (Kaplan and Testing Solutions for CARS).

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I took 1 gap year to study for my MCAT.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I believe my application showed determination because I had some setbacks, which helped me to discover certain aspects about myself, such as how I best learn. My resilience and ability to overcome my setbacks put me in a better position to study efficiently for the later classes I took and also for the MCAT.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office helped me immensely in my pursuit of medicine by guiding me throughout my pre-medical journey. They also provided me with volunteering and shadowing opportunities that helped to improve my application portfolio. Most importantly, the office served as a valuable support system during my MCAT study and application journey.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: One piece of advice that I have for others is that it never hurts to ask for help. It takes humility to learn, which begins by admitting what you don't know and asking for help. The proof of passion is pursuit, and so I would also advise others to be consistent and persistent. Define your goal clearly and pursue it.

Name: Yanilka Rodriguez
Major: Human Biology
Overall GPA: 3.66
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2022

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine.

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A:

• The interest I developed for the biological sciences during college.
• The passion I developed for the humanitarian aspect of medicine; interacting with patients and their families throughout my time as a volunteer
• The aspiration to learn how to better the health of those who are sick via science and medicine I developed through my experiences within my family and can relate to the hardship that overwhelms patients and their families.
• The desire to educate and help my community also drew me to a career in medicine.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I was a volunteer at Mount Sinai in the emergency department and in several inpatient units for 2 years. I was a research volunteer at Mount Sinai's cardiology department where I assisted the team for about a year while attending Hunter College as a full time student. I also shadowed an internal medicine physician where I learned more about the daily responsibilities of a physician in an outpatient setting.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I remember studying every day when taking the pre-med courses at Hunter. Approximately 2-3 hours a day, so about 10-14 hours a week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes for the CARS section. Since I am part of the EME program at SUNY Downstate the program provided us with a Kaplan book set and many Kaplan practice exams. We had our own boot camp month where Downstate students helped us with understanding content in preparation for the MCAT. I personally mostly used Blueprint for practice exams because I felt their exams were more similar to the AAMC material than Kaplan's. They also provided us with a CARS test prep course (Testing Solutions).

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, I took two gap years, not by choice; nonetheless, I am glad that I had time off before medical school. Besides the fact that it was very difficult to find a study routine and schedule that would yield improvement in my practice exam scores and content retention, my mother was undergoing several procedures due to a health condition at the time I was preparing for my exam. I pushed back my exam because I felt unprepared both emotionally and academically. This pushed me back another year because instead of taking the exam in January 2021 to start classes in August 2021, I took my exam in August 2021, which means I officially start classes in August 2022. I do not regret pushing back my MCAT exam date, as it is best to go into the test feeling as prepared as possible. I also think that these gap years have allowed me to spend more time with family, work on myself, enjoy some of my hobbies, work to save money and also have a mental break from studying, as it can be easy to burnout when studying for the MCAT.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I think some of my strengths include the extracurricular activities I participated in while being a student and working as a paraprofessional. I believe these distinct settings: the hospital, outpatient clinic, research lab, public schools, have allowed me to develop a more well-rounded background and have enhanced my adaptability and communication skills.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only applied to SUNY Downstate as per the agreement we sign where we are accepted into their EME program.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The advisors in the pre-health office have helped me greatly in preparation for interviews, advice regarding classes to take and in what order, informing me of volunteering, job and program opportunities. I was able to join the CARE program at Mount Sinai as a volunteer because Ms. Jackson informed me about this program. In addition, Ms. Jackson informed me of the EME program at SUNY Downstate and encouraged me to apply even when I doubted my potential. The advisors at the pre-health advising office have been indispensable throughout my pre-med journey.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A:

• Take your time and don't rush through your undergraduate years and the pre-med process; it is not a competition.
• Take your pre-med classes seriously because if there are inconsistencies in your grades, chances are you will have to explain this in your applications and interviews.
• Seek help from others (including the pre-health advisors), and take part in group study sessions.
• Shadow different health professionals to see which path is best for you or to confirm that the MD path is what you want (MD, nursing, PA, etc.)
• Do not take the MCAT until you've seen consistent improvement in your practice exams. Prioritize practice questions once you've reviewed content for the first 1-2 months (depending on how much time you have to dedicate to MCAT prep).

2021 Matriculants

Name: Giussepe Yanez
Major: Biological Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.80
Previous Institution:
Cornell University
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2021

Q: Which school are you attending?
A: Duke University School of Medicine.

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: I was drawn to medicine by the versatility of paths that I saw physicians pursue throughout their careers. The field allows me to bring together my various passions in research, global health, and work within local communities. Medicine allows us to directly impact underserved populations and combat the barriers that create health disparities. I was particularly drawn to the need for more underrepresented students in medicine so that we may provide care for our communities.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I took part in Research, the Heart-to-Heart Outreach Program through Weill Cornell Medicine, Pharmacy Volunteer, Hospital Patient Navigator, Sports Leagues for Kids, Mentorship Programs, Peer Health Exchange, and Physician Shadowing.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Around 25-30 hours a week

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, Kaplan. I used it more for the content review and combined it with other resources including the AAMC materials, Berkley Review, Next Step, and UWorld.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I took several gap years and used this time to improve my academic credentials and explore research opportunities. I worked full-time conducting basic science research and also prepared for my MCAT.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My research experience was my greatest strength because I had the opportunity to work on various longitudinal projects for several years. Through my research experiences, I accumulated a deeper understanding of what bench work entails and the types of challenges that come with it. Additionally, I was able to directly see the crucial role that research plays throughout the field of medicine.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I applied broadly across the country and was open to schools in a wide range of regions.

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A:The Pre-Health Advising Office supported my goals from the very first meeting I had with a peer advisor. From early on, the advisors helped me develop a long-term plan that would work for my specific situation. From workshops to individual meetings, the advising office connected me to volunteer and professional development opportunities throughout NYC. The Pre-Health advisors helped me through each step of the application process and provided plenty of opportunities for individual mock interviews, writing revisions, and decision-making counseling.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Pursue your own interests and passions without comparing yourself to your peers. Do not feel like you have to do the typical Pre-Health extracurricular activities, and make sure to follow your unique path to medicine. There are many applicable skills you can develop through activities that aren’t directly related to medicine. The years before medical school are a great time to explore things outside of medicine so you can continue to develop them throughout your career. You will find that many of these interests and experiences will help you better connect with your patients and colleagues in the future.

Name: Michelle Amankwah
Major: Biological Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.54
Previous Institution:
Medgar Evers Early College
Graduation Year: 2019
Matriculation Year: 2021

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: My grandparents' limited access to healthcare and my desire to understand the diseases they suffered from became the impetus of my devotion to pursuing medicine. Growing up, I missed the chance to form a relationship with my grandparents since they died before I was born. My passion for the sciences coupled with my dedication to serving the underserved led me to pursue medicine. With an interest in global health, becoming a physician advocate will allow me to aid in the elimination of health disparities in disadvantaged populations, starting with my own. I am inspired to empower my community through a career in medicine by providing equal and quality healthcare access for all.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Afterschool Science Instructor and Substitute Teacher at Friends Seminary, Tutoring, Wound Care Intern, PHMI Mentor, Student Volunteer at AHRCNYC with Hunter College, EDCEMP Volunteer at Montefiore Medical Center, and Research Associate at The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Depending on the course and extracurriculars that I was involved in, the times varied. I studied weekly with my peers after science courses to review and spent some time studying individually. The amount of time spent studying increased before exams.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, but it was only helpful for reviewing content. I also found Kaplan books, UWorld, Khan Academy—especially for Psych/Soc, and resources offered by AAMC to be very helpful.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, I took time to study for my MCAT, strengthen my application, and also to work on my finances.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I believe that my strengths were my grades, which displayed an upward trend indicating resilience and determination, my personal story and motives for pursuing a career in medicine, and my extracurriculars.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes.

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Being a first-generation college student, there were many things that I was not aware of, especially being the first in my family to pursue medicine. Transitioning from high school into college was a very stressful ordeal. The Pre-Health Advising Office offered significant support that helped me in this journey. Kemile Jackson helped me map out a realistic course plan each semester as a pre-health student and provided me with recommendations of resources and tools that I needed to succeed (i.e. online resources, additional textbooks, tutors). The Pre-Health Advising Office also kept me informed about different programs that I could engage in for extracurriculars and provided workshops that were extremely helpful and insightful for the journey as a pre-health student. When the time came to begin applying in what was a different and difficult year for everyone, Kemile helped me carve out my school choices and together, we found schools whose missions aligned with my passions and goals as a future physician. When it came to my personal statement, primary and secondary applications, the Pre-Health advisors read through them and provided me with constructive feedback to further strengthen my essays. Lastly, when it came time for interviews, I had mock interviews with Nina Ledis, where she provided me with guidance that helped me feel confident and prepared for my interviews.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Please, please, believe in yourself and don't give up. There may be some challenges along the way but don't let that push you away from your dream or goals. “Success is not how high you jump, but it is how high you bounce when you hit rock bottom.” Remember the reason why you started on this journey and let that be your motivation. Stay informed and seek help when needed from the Pre-Health Office; they will inform you of anything and everything you need to know. They will help you craft a plan that is geared towards your passions and goals. Find mentors and a strong support system that will be there for you through the process. Remember that everyone's journey is different and unique, stay true to your dream and go after it. Trust and enjoy the process and journey. Remember to take care of yourself, your future self will thank you! Wishing you the best of luck!

2020 Matriculants

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Name: Branden Sosa
Major:
Biochemistry & Thomas Hunter Honors
Minor: Economics
Overall GPA: 3.83
Previous Institution:
Bard Early College
Graduation Year: 2018
Matriculation Year: 2020

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: Weill Cornell Medicine

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: There is no field like medicine. As a doctor you have the opportunity to get a unique insight into a patient’s story and, sometimes, become a part of it. As a Latino from the Bronx, I know how healthcare is not always accessible to those who need it most. The more I realized this, the more I felt compelled to make a difference.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives, LMSA+, Heads Up!, Mentoring in Action, Office Manager at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Clinical and Translational Research at HSS, Basic Science Research at the Population Council.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: 20-30 hours spread out throughout the week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, but I found it mostly helpful as content review.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, I took a gap year to continue the research I was involved in and study for the MCAT. I am definitely glad I took this gap year.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: Research and leadership experiences.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, and I would recommend applying nationally; you may be surprised how much you like a school and its city.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Kemile Jackson is an amazing resource for all Pre-Health students at Hunter College. From my first week at Hunter College to my last, she helped me select courses, decide to take a leave of absence, prioritize extracurriculars, apply to medical school, and much more.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Find mentors! Establishing mentors who are doctors, medical students, college students, etc. will help you achieve your goals. Having great mentors is invaluable at any stage of your career. I would also suggest being a mentor for others. Whether it be lowerclassmen or high school students, they could really benefit from your knowledge and experiences.

2019 Matriculants

Name: Agnes Ivaskeviciute-Jiang
Major: Chemistry (Biochemistry track),
Human Biology (Human Organizations track)
Minor: Economics
Overall GPA: 4.0
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2020
Matriculation Year: 2020

Q: Which school are you attending?
A: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine.

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: Medicine was the perfect career for me when trying to combine two of my passions—social work and science. I wasn't able to make up my mind about which path I should choose, so medicine was a career that combined both in the best way possible. I am from Lithuania, and we have to choose our careers while still in high school, with no undergraduate studies before entering medical school. I completed four out of six years of medical studies there, which put my decision to become a doctor to the test countless times.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Clinical volunteering and shadowing, research (bench research at Hunter College and clinical research at NYU Langone), math tutoring, and pre-health mentoring.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: 20 hours.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: No, I self-studied.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No, I did not take a gap year.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I applied to 12 schools total, all on the East Coast.

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The most helpful aspect for me was the advisors' availability when writing my personal statement and crafting secondary essays. English is not my first language, so it was very reassuring to have someone available to look over my written material. Also, I had a great experience when preparing for medical school interviews. The mock interviews were very useful and helped to build confidence.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Prioritize your GPA and your MCAT scores. Those are the first two things the admission offices will see. Make sure you're involved in meaningful extracurricular activities that you are passionate about, and can talk about in great detail. In a pool of applicants with great GPAs and great MCAT scores, your extracurriculars and your personal experiences are what will set you apart from others. If it's too hard to maintain a high GPA and be involved in extracurriculars, take a gap year so you can focus on one thing at a time. Lastly, do not get intimidated. It is easy to undermine your own achievements when comparing yourself to others. The truth of the matter is, no two applicants are the same. You have your own story, your own obstacles that you had to overcome, your own strengths and achievements. Make sure you recognize what sets you apart from others and emphasize it in your application. Best of luck!

Name: Hehidy Paulino
Major: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.418
Previous Institution:
Hillsborough Community College
Graduation Year: 2017
Matriculation Year: 2019

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: Weill Cornell Medical College

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: The quick answer is destiny! Starting in middle school, my science teacher realized that I excelled in science so he encouraged me to explore this "gift." At the same time, I enjoyed shows like "House M.D." and the medical aspects of Grey's Anatomy. I simply loved how health science was such a relatable and applicable field to everyday life. Going forward, I ran across peers, professors, and friends who continued to mentor and cheer me on. When I began to think more broadly about the world and the direction I wanted my life to take, I decided that I want to have a positive impact on my family and my community by becoming a doctor. There is nothing more important than your health, and I would like to help patients change the way that they view their bodies and the vast impact that small changes can have on their health.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. I wrote pre-med articles for an online magazine from time to time.
2. I volunteered at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Tampa, Florida, and at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
3. I was also part of a woman's empowerment group called Phenomenal Women Latina, which provides mentorship and guidance.
4. Most of my experiences came from various jobs that I held throughout high school and college.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: It depended on the semester and the job that I held at the time but I will say 6 hours per week. I used the long commute times and gaps between classes to get most of my studying done.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes. Princeton Review. However, in my opinion the course was not worth the money except for the books. The practice exams were too difficult and not reflective of the actual MCAT. The best resource I used was the AAMC material (all of their question packs and exams) and discussing questions with peers who were also studying for the MCAT.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, I did because once I graduated from Hunter College I realized that I did not have much experience outside of the classroom. Up until that time, all I had was a few jobs under my belt, and zero clinical and research experience. Luckily, I managed to get a job at NYU-Langone, which offered all the enriching clinical and research experience to strengthen my application for the 2018-2019 application cycle.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My personal statement and letters of recommendations. Although I did not read any of my letters of recommendation, I believe that the people I chose to write on my behalf know me better than I know myself, and were able to convey my strengths.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: :No. Only schools in New York City and one school in New Jersey.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Fortunately, I took advantage of the services that this office provides. All of the Pre-Health staff were supportive and provided constructive criticism that I took seriously. Without the advice of the Pre-Health Office, I know I would not have been accepted this cycle.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: You may hear this many times just as I did but my advice is to be your true authentic self! When writing your personal statement and experiences, when answering secondary essay questions, and when interviewing---be yourself. You know how we all get that hunch when someone is not being genuine? You best believe that interviewers can see that too. During the interview process, I came to recognize that all medical schools are really looking for is real human beings who are going to succeed and contribute wonderful things to their program. So do not misrepresent yourself on paper, and do not misrepresent yourself in person! One other important thing is to trust the process. What I mean by this is that I counted myself out so many times because I knew my metrics weren't the best. However, once I received medical school interviews, I realized that the selection process is truly holistic, which I was completely skeptical about in the beginning. During interviews, I knew that this was my opportunity to shine, to be myself, and to show these schools that they made the right choice by giving me this opportunity.

Name: Betty Dalmasi
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.829
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2019
Matriculation Year: 2019

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: NYU College of Dentistry

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: From an early age, I was exposed to the world of dentistry since my mother was a dentist. I fell in love with this field of medicine.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. I shadowed a dentist and worked as a dental assistant.
2. I volunteered at Metropolitan Hospital.
3. I volunteered with the New Life Community Health Center.
4. I was a research associate at NYU College of Dentistry.
5. I was a volunteer with the Bringing the Smiles Program at NYU College of Dentistry.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: About 30 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used the Orgoman Prep Course, and the DAT Destroyer and DAT Bootcamp books.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A:The strengths in my application were the letters of recommendation that were compiled in my committee letter, and my personal statement.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only applied to schools in New York and New Jersey.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office supported me throughout my time in Hunter by advising on what steps I should take to become a stronger applicant. The advisors were always willing to answer my questions and guided me on what I had to do to make my application to dental school stronger. The Pre-Health Office also provided me with resources through their workshops that helped me be successful during my time at Hunter and will continue to be essential for me through dental school and beyond.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: My advice to prospective pre-dental students who are thinking of applying to dental school is to be proactive in regards to the application process and of the things you can do to strengthen your application. Even though it is important to submit your application as early as possible, it is better to submit a strong, well-prepared application a little later in the cycle, than a weak application at the beginning of the cycle. In addition, it is important to keep a record and stay organized with the extracurricular activities that you are involved in, because once the application cycle starts having all of your extracurriculars in order helps with the application and also during the interview period. Overall, if dentistry is your passion, you just have to be persistent and continue to work hard to achieve your goals. Good luck!

Name: Hajaru Hamza
Major: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.8
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2017
Matriculation Year: 2019

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: Growing up in a community that was regularly losing women to childbirth.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. I volunteered as a teacher at my local mosque.
2. I was a member of the Muslim Student Association.
3. I was an intern at the Staten Island University Hospital.
4. I also served as the Vice President of the Out-In-Two Club and a tutor/peer mentor.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: 15-20 hours.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: No.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes. I took 2 gap years. I was interested in doing research and gaining some experiences beyond the classroom. I volunteered as a research assistant during my first gap year. For my second gap year, I took the MCAT, applied to medical schools and traveled. Fortunately for me, I developed a passions for watercolor art during this time and was able my paintings during my medical school interviews!

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My personal statement and letters of recommendation. I spent a long time preparing my personal statement and getting it reviewed. As for the letters of recommendation, one of my interviewers said to me "your professors love you." I think that statement says it all.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: While the workshops and the deadlines might seem like a lot of work, especially for a transfer student, don't let that scare you. Applying to medical school is a huge investment both time wise and money wise. Having some guidance along the way could really determine whether or not you get into a program. I truly believe that the workshops and appointments helped ease the overall application process for me.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A:

1. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it. You are definitely going to encounter some challenges and it makes the journey less lonely when you have people to rely upon.
2. In your application, make sure every single aspect is a piece in answering the question "why medicine?"

Name: Benjamin Kurnick
Major: Biological Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.5
Previous Institution: Los Angeles Pierce College
Graduation Year: 2019
Matriculation Year: 2019

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: UCLA School of Dentistry

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: I was lucky enough to shadow many dental professionals beginning in high school and became fascinated by both the scientific knowledge required as well as the artistic portion of dentistry.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. During my senior year I served as Secretary of the Hunter College Pre-Dental Society.
2. I worked part time at various organizations that helped children and adults with special needs.
3. I spent time assisting in the Hunter College research labs, as well as shadowing various dentists throughout my undergraduate college years.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I generally tried to study 2 hours for every hour spent in lecture, however that was greatly dependent on the specific course. Some courses (i.e. Organic Chemistry) required more time than a Gen Ed. course.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used the DAT Bootcamp website for the DAT.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I went straight into dental school after graduation.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I wrote my Personal Statement in a way that would stand out, while also trying to advocate for myself as a great dental school applicant. I tried to describe all of my passions both within and outside of dentistry.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I applied mainly to schools in California and New York/New Jersey, as well as a couple in the Midwest.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: As a transfer student, the Pre-Health Advising Office helped me tremendously the first day I stepped foot into Hunter. I met with Kemile Jackson and she helped me plan my entire course schedule through graduation, allowing me to focus on getting the best grades and scores I could achieve.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: My main advice is to work hard and don't give up. It is a long road and things don't always go the way you want them to but stay the course. Don't give up and ask for help when needed. Forming a strong support system in your friends and family is vital, and they will hopefully push you to accomplish your dreams. Also, I would recommend getting as much hands on experience as possible. Whether that is in the general field of dentistry (or medicine, veterinary sciences, etc…) as well as the specialties, the more experiences you get, the more passion you will get for the field you wish to go into.

2017 Matriculants

Name: Ridwan Carim-Sanni
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.56
Previous Institution:
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Graduation Year: 2017
Matriculation Year: 2017

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: State University of New York College of Optometry

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I was an active member of the Minority Students Association and I volunteered for Peer Health Exchange.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I spent between 20-25 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I studied using the OAT Destroyer test prep and the OAT Achiever.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My strengths were my OAT scores and my research experiences as well as my unique background.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I applied to 3 schools on the East Coast and 1 on the West Coast.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Stay on top of your game, put in the maximum amount of work in all aspects of your application, and connect with mentors to help make sure that all components of your application are well defined.