Student Success Stories
Learn more about our successful students
There are more than 2,200 undergraduate pre-health students at CU Boulder, each with a unique background and experience. Hearing other students’ stories and their strategies for success can help in navigating and making the most of your college career. Highlighted below are a few of the many successful CU Boulder pre-health students.
Emma Shelby, Graduating Class of 2022
Neuroscience and Flute Performance Majors, Pre-Med
I am matriculating into CU School of Medicine in Fall of 2023. My passion for medicine, and specifically physicianship, was ultimately confirmed by my job as an ophthalmologic medical assistant and my first experience in the operating room. I chose CU School of Medicine because it's ranked as one of the top ophthalmologic schools in the country and is the forerunner on visual snow syndrome research. I also chose this school due to its new and enticing longitudinal clerkship model, its COMPASS Guide program, its proximal location near my current familial support group, and its significant access to the outdoors and mountain landscapes.
Yes, I took one gap year. As a double major, it would have been difficult for me to complete all of my degree requirements, pre-medical requisites, and personal goals by the end of my junior year. Waiting to apply one year later allowed me to optimize and complete all of these goals without compromising the quality of my application. Additionally, I used this time to take a well-earned break from my studies. I went on roadtrips, lived in France, and learned new skills such as Spanish and phlebotomy. I now feel much more relaxed and prepared to enter medical school this upcoming July 2023.
While at CU Boulder, I participated in multiple extracurriculars, such as CU Flute Studio and even initiated a music therapy club. Outside of CU Boulder, I volunteered and became the Co-Director of Kesem at University of Colorado Boulder, a national organization that supports children whose parents suffer from cancer. I taught Calculus III as a Learning Assistant, and completed multiple STEM research projects and publications. I also volunteered at DAWN Clinic in Denver, worked as an optometric technician in Boulder, and upon graduation, transitioned this job to a nearby ophthalmologic surgical center to begin work full-time.
OPHA was an incredible help to me, especially during my final year. Through my many pre-health advising appointments with OPHA, as well as accessing their online resources, I was able to remain well ahead of the suggested pre-medical application timeline and avoided last-minute stressors. I also received a significant amount of help editing and finalizing my primary application, which was a huge asset for someone like myself who lacked notable writing experience prior to that time.
Meet with your OPHA advisor so you may work out an application and prerequisite timeline that works best for you. Do not be afraid to ask them - as well as your professors, peers, and friends - for help. And, use Anki to study!
Sravya Dhanwada, Graduating Class of 2023
Biochemistry Major, Pre-Med
I will be matriculating to the University of Rochester School of Medicine in fall of 2023. Growing up in India, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather who had complex medical needs and his experience inspired me to learn more about medicine and inspired my passion of making healthcare accessible for everyone. I began work as an EMT and my early patient interactions motivated me to continue serving vulnerable populations as a physician. I chose Rochester because of their biopsychosocial model of patient care, resources to support students, funding for research, and friendly student environment!
I graduated a semester early, so I took a year and a half off before enrolling into medical school. I took the first few months after graduating to study for and take the MCAT. I spent the rest of the year working as a Case Manager to gain life and work experience.
While at CU Boulder, I was part of various cultural organizations like International Festival and CU International. I was also a member of the EMS Club and Honors Journal (Poetry Editor). I also served as a CU Boulder Journey Leader, Learning Assistant (for Biochemistry courses), and as an ASAP tutor. Outside of CU Boulder, I also worked as an EMT with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver and pursued research to improve the health and safety of unhoused folk with the Denver Basic Income Project.
OPHA helped me with the details of my application, gave me feedback on my interviewing skills, and helped me practice, allowing me to feel confident going into my interview for medical school!
Kyle Sterns, Graduating Class of 2022
Integrated Physiology and Spanish Majors, Pre-Med
I will be attending Penn State College of Medicine in Fall of 2023 after working with OPHA on my application and experiences. I am excited about their college and their global health program most and looking forward to starting.
Yes, I took a gap year to focus on building my shadowing, work experiences, and travel abroad to Costa Rica.
I volunteered at Clinica Tepeyac in Denver, a free clinic often serving underrepresented populations. My interactions with patients here drove me to continue practicing my Spanish to help others. I also worked as an Orthopedic Medical Assistant at Boulder Medical Center and often used my Spanish in working with patients. I also volunteered with a few other places, one of which was the Majestic View Nature center, where I helped translate information in their facility from English to Spanish to help improve accessiblity for the community. Outside of this, I also enjoyed competing in traithlons and cycling competitions, something I wrote about in my application to medical school.
OPHA helped me a lot with my application and leading up to applying. Primarily, and what I appreciated most, was their help with my personal statement. I think they helped me write the best possible personal statement and extra curricular essays that I could do. They also gave me interview prep, which was immensely helpful.
Lindsey Humphrey, Graduating Class of 2023
Neuroscience and Integrated Physiology Majors, Pre-Med
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine! As I progressed through the application process, they stood out and proved they stand behind what they advertise. The secondary application was like a breath of fresh air and my interview felt so natural and welcoming (I know it's hard to believe!). Overall, I know I made the right choice and already feel like I am a member of a genuine, talented community.
Actually, I took three years! My first year was focused on exploring my options within medicine, my second year was spent applying to medical school and the MCAT, and my third year was spent on re-applying, which is where I was able to work with OPHA! It's okay to take a few years and the experiences you gain during gap years are extremely valuable!
I was an undergrad TA in the IPHY department, held leadership positions in a club called Love Your Melon, became a member of Nu Rho Psi (Neuroscience honor society), completed an anatomy dissection internship through IPHY, and tutored local kids for two-ish years. Outside of that, I also worked as a medical assistant for several years and during that time I realized I loved connecting with my patients and wanted to be a physician.
OPHA actually helped me with my second application to medical schools. I didn't know of OPHA and their services my first go-around. The second time, they helped me focus on how to improve my application and be realistic and smart with the schools I chose to apply to based on my application and experiences. Notably, rewriting my personal statement was especially challenging and we POURED over my essay many times. Thank you OPHA!
As you begin applying, it is easy to feel this sense of awe and think, "wow! I'm actually going to do this!" However, applications are very difficult and trying... and, unfortunately, you may have to do it more than once (like me!) Just remember to be gracious with yourself, be genuine, be realistic, and please, please, PLEASE start early, apply early, and utilize every resource available, especially OPHA.
