Enriching My Medical School Experience: College Admission Essay Sample

My unique course of study at Stanford will allow me to contribute to the learning environment at Vanderbilt. In the "Human Genome and Disease" course, Nobel Laureate Paul Berg gave a guest lecture on epigenetic regulation. Afterwards, I spoke to him about techniques used to assess methylation profiles. The opportunity to discuss science with Paul Berg was a truly unforgettable intellectual experience that inspired me to declare an Area of Concentration in Epigenetics in the Human Biology Department. As I designed my own course of study, I sought to explore epigenetics from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, from evolution to developmental biology. For my term paper in Dr. Ellen Porzig's Developmental Biology course, I investigated the evolutionary importance of imprinting and its role in the prevention of parthenogenesis in mammals. My study of epigenetics stretched my understanding of evolution, cell differentiation, and gene-environment interaction. My coursework in upper division biology will provide me with an arsenal of ideas to share with classmates.

Through research, I developed a strong desire to work in an environment of shared learning and teamwork. When I conducted basic science research in Seung Kim lab at Stanford, I was expected to operate at the graduate level. The challenges I faced encouraged me not only to cultivate my scientific thinking ability but also to learn as much as I could from experienced members in the lab. I discovered that group efforts can inspire colleagues to pose questions and seek solutions. In medical school, I will seek an environment of cooperation, support, and shared learning among medical students. I have the ability to inspire colleagues and encourage them to maximize the use of their talents. I hope to have the opportunity to share my visions and inspiration with colleagues in medical school.

Medical students can also strengthen their class through varied medical interests. As a freshman at Stanford, I researched the psychosocial aspects of caregiver burden in Parkinson’s disease. When I attended symposiums on deep brain stimulation at Stanford Hospital, I was immediately inspired by the medical community's innovative efforts to treat Parkinson's disease. My volunteer experiences with the elderly through Partners in Caring and VITAS Hospice not only introduced me to the humanistic elements of geriatric care, but also motivated me to study the biology of neurological diseases. My interest in neurology continues to grow as I work in Isacoff lab at UC Berkeley. Although my interests may change in medical school, I am certain I will choose a specialty that is challenging and maximizes the use of my talents and skills.

I believe my broad educational, research, and volunteering experiences will enrich the medical school learning environment. My strong passion for learning combined and a commitment to the collaborative process will enable me to maximize my potential and advance the efforts of those around me.