My career aspirations were earnestly impacted by a trip to the Tiger-Leap Gorge, a remote mountain area in northwestern China in the summer of 2013. During my stay, I befriended a 12 year old boy who had to walk six hours daily on narrow mountain roads to attend school. There was no school bus, and dorms were reserved for students who lived eight hours away. Living conditions there were harsh, healthcare scarce. Doctors had limited access to modern medicine. I made a...

I have held a volunteering position at the NAME REDACTED Hospital System for the past two years. My responsibilities included interacting with dementia and post operative patients. The patients had limited mobility, and depended on the staff of nurses and volunteers to attend to their needs. I want to continue being a part of the healthcare community. I have always enjoyed helping people, no matter the question or concern. I find it to be my duty as a young man...

I have always had a profound interest in biomedical research. It is an interdisciplinary science incorporating the modern technologies of engineering, mathematics and computer science with that of biological sciences. Biomedical research has always been at the forefront of technological breakthrough in medicine. I want to be part of this vibrant field of science. My motivation to attend USC is inspired by its academic excellence and reputation as one of the world's premier research institutions in biomedical sciences. USC is...

I have always wanted to be a doctor. When I was a child, my father enjoyed telling me stories about his youth. He attended the First Shanghai Medical School, but forfeited his degree to immigrate to the United States in search of a brighter future. When he arrived in Los Angeles, he was overcome by the freedom and opportunity that awaited him around every corner. My father worked in manual labor for years to pay for his college education. In...

I am pretty stiff in all of my essays. They are objective and to the point. Some people are better at the whole 'creative' and casual type essay in which they use the first person and personal anecdotes to carry their ideas. I avoided that format as I tend to ramble when I try. Instead, I used a very controlled voice to describe myself, my aspirations, and my accomplishments. You should know which type of essay you want to write....

I applied to two safety schools (Drexel/Pitt, I also applied to a competitive BS/MD program at Drexel). You should consider two safeties, because it is an unfortunate possibility that you will not get into your top schools. Having choice even when your first choices are void is good. That being said, you should not go crazy and apply to 20 schools. Know the schools you want to go to before you apply. You should have an idea about which schools you can realistically...

Unlike some, I didn't apply to college with a 4.0 GPA or a 2400 on my SAT. Relatively speaking, I was an above average student in high school and performed near the top of my class. I participated in a bunch of extracurricular activities and held leadership roles in a few, and became pretty friendly with the staff at school....

Legacies seem like they're a big deal. While you might not get the same treatment as a multi-millionaire's (who has donated generously) child, a legacy helps a bit in the admissions process. You should research your...

I hope you were tight with at least two teachers/coaches in high school. If you were a jerk to the staff, then there's not much you can do here for letters. Your counselor will write a rather bland letter discussing your performance in school using numbers the...

I interviewed for U Penn and the Drexel BS/MD program. The Penn interview took place in a Starbucks with a friendly alumni. This is the standard format for Penn, other schools may have different circumstances in which you wait with other prospects and are interviewed one by one rather than an informal meeting. For casual interviews in local coffee shops, the dress code is business casual. Do not show up in jeans and a polo, or a full on...

I did not use a personal admissions counselor, but I would recommend talking with your high school guidance counselor or...

If you are waitlisted or deferred, you should reflect on how much you really want to go to that school. I was not waitlisted anywhere, but I understand that the chances of your acceptance...

In high school, you should get out and volunteer somewhere that pertains to your interest. Hospitals and museums where you work with scientists score great brownie points if you want to study science. I don't know much about other fields, but you...

My advice here is limited. I think it's important to understand finances. You should know your family's finances and if you are able to afford attending a particular school. If your parents are unwilling to contribute any money, then you...

I plan on becoming a flight surgeon with the United States Navy Medical Corps. This is a specific...

I declined other schools for several reasons. My safety schools (Pitt, Drexel) were safeties in the event I didn't get into any...

Ironically, the choice came down between my top school USC and Pitt, my safety. I guess I picked USC because...