2022 Matriculants
Name: Priya Singh
Major: Human Biology, Honors
Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 4.0
Graduation Year: 2022
Matriculation Year: 2022
Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Q: What drew you to this particular health field? Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in? Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week? Q: Did you use a test prep course? Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why? Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application? My letters of recommendation were also important in my application. I am fortunate to have extremely helpful and caring mentors, professors, and advisors, so having their support undoubtedly strengthened my application. Q: Did you apply nationally? Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals? Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: While growing up in a Sikh household, I was taught to share with others and help those who are in need, as this is one of the core values of Sikhism. By repaying my community, whether through serving food in my local gurdwara, volunteering in hospitals, distributing supplies to victims of Superstorm Sandy, or tutoring low-income students, I realized how much I value serving others who need support. When I combined these experiences with my interests in the sciences, I knew that medicine was the perfect field for me. I got involved in neurological-related research, clinical experiences like shadowing and hospital volunteering, and global health projects throughout high school and college. All these experiences led me to investigate current neurological and global health issues; this is when I realized that in developing countries, clusters of neurological maladies are often neglected and stigmatized. Many communities in the developing world lack trained neurologists, proper medications, mental health facilities, and community programs to tackle stigma. I hope to lead healthcare equity efforts one day to support communities and countries where many patients suffer unfairly.
A:
A: This depended on the course. For more rigorous subjects like Biology, Organic Chemistry, or Biochemistry, I spent about 10 hours a week studying for each course. For subjects I felt more comfortable with, I spent about 5 hours a week studying for those.
A: N/A.
A: No, I did not take a gap year.
A: I believe that my narrative is one of the strengths in my application. Most of my experiences followed the theme of neurology, community service, and global health, so my goals were very clear. It showed that I am serious about pursuing these interests and ultimately becoming the best physician I can be to serve the underserved.
A: N/A
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office was extremely supportive throughout my undergraduate years. Coming to Hunter as a clueless freshman was frustrating and scary, but I ultimately found clarity and reassurance when I talked to Kemile Jackson and Nina Ledis. I was able to secure meaningful internships, like SCORE, because of them. During the FlexMed application process, Nina also thoroughly reviewed my essays and held multiple mock interviews with me. Without their guidance, I wouldn't have been accepted to FlexMed. I am forever grateful to the Pre-Health Advising Office, not just for helping me secure my future, but also for simply being there for me and always believing in me.
A: Don't treat this process like you have to check off a bunch of boxes. Work on defining an authentic narrative with your experiences and background. You are unique, you are YOU and there is no other student like you, so stay true to who you are and be honest with yourself throughout this journey. Go after those internships, research, and volunteer work where you can really explore those specific interests and connect it to your passion for medicine. Throughout these experiences, also find a valuable mentor who can guide and support you. Mentorship is an invaluable resource!!
