Major: biology (Cell & Molecular Emphasis) Minor: public health
Destination: NYU College of Dentistry ('30) / U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Recipient
What advice do you have for prospective dental students and current APP students?
For current students: Take advantage of the resources around you and start earlier than you think. Build and maintain strong relationships with professors, mentors, and dentists you shadow because those connections will support you throughout the process. Be sure to plan out your goals with a clear timeline so you can stay on track. Focus on being consistent in your grades and experiences, and get involved in what is meaningful to you, not just what looks good on an application. Don’t be afraid to ask for help since APP has great support systems. Most importantly, remember everyone’s path to dentistry is different, so focus on what works for you. Lastly, when it comes time to apply, make sure to reach out to Kat early for guidance and be sure to apply early!
For prospective students: Take time to explore dentistry and get early exposure through shadowing or volunteering so you can make sure it is the right path for you. It is important to understand what the journey looks like and the day-to-day reality of being a dental professional. Focus on building a strong academic foundation while also getting involved in activities you genuinely enjoy so you can grow beyond just being an applicant. As you begin college, challenges are inevitable, but they are part of the process, so don’t be discouraged! It also helps to learn about the application process early so you are not overwhelmed later on. Stay open to learning and adjusting your goals, and make sure your decision to pursue dentistry comes from your own experiences.
The biology department and supportive faculty played a huge role, as I was able to build meaningful relationships with professors who guided and mentored me throughout my journey. In addition, the amazing support from Kat Wang and the overall pre-health community helped me stay on track and navigate the application process with confidence.
How did APP prepare you?
APP provided a strong academic foundation through its rigorous STEM courses, which helped me develop effective study habits and time management skills, especially as a student-athlete. The biology department and supportive faculty played a huge role, as I was able to build meaningful relationships with professors who guided and mentored me throughout my journey. In addition, the amazing support from Kat Wang and the overall pre-health community helped me stay on track and navigate the application process with confidence, which helped make it possible for me to pursue direct entry into dental school without taking a gap year. Most importantly, APP taught me how to seek out help and take advantage of the many resources available to be successful.
Why did you choose NYU College of Dentistry?
I chose NYU College of Dentistry because I was excited by the opportunity to train in a completely new environment after living in California my whole life. Being in New York City means exposure to a large and diverse patient population, which will provide valuable clinical experience and allow me to learn from a wide range of patients and backgrounds. I was also drawn to the school’s strong community outreach opportunities, research resources, and access to new technology. Beyond academics, I look forward to experiencing life in a big city and having the chance to experience all four seasons.
What are your long-term goals?
As a recipient of the competitive Air Force HPSP scholarship, one of my long-term goals is to serve our country and provide care for military members and their families. Through this unique opportunity, I hope to continue developing my leadership skills as a commissioned officer while growing as a clinician through the new experiences and responsibilities that come with military dentistry. I am also interested in potentially specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery through Air Force residency programs so I can further expand my skills and provide more advanced care to patients. In the future, I hope to own a private practice where I can continue providing compassionate care to others.