Medical School Secondaries + Interview Prep: Strategically Position Yourself As The Ultimate Candidate Today

During his undergraduate studies, Ephraim pursued neuroscience and African & African American studies as a John B. Ervin Scholar and University Scholar in Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude, earning honors including the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, BP-ENDURE scholarship, and recognition as a regional finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.

Born in Nigeria and raised in South Florida, Ephraim developed a special perspective from growing up in a multicultural environment. During his time at WashU, he demonstrated leadership and commitment to service through various roles, including interfaith fellow, president of the Minority Association of Premed Students, Alzheimer's researcher, and resident advisor. Additionally, he was a MARC USTAR research fellow, receiving funding for a two-year academic fellowship for minority students pursuing biomedical research.

His academic excellence and well-rounded profile led to his acceptance at all the medical schools he applied to, including top institutions such as UPenn, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Yale, WashU, NYU, USF, and Northwestern.

At Harvard Medical School, Ephraim became co-president of the Student National Medical Association, demonstrating his continued dedication to leadership and community building. He aspires to leverage translational research and education to engage and benefit his local community.

As an admissions coach, Ephraim brings a wealth of personal experience and a deep appreciation of education and mentorship. His approach is characterized by patience, encouragement, and personalized strategies. He breaks down the application process into manageable steps, helps students identify their strengths, and provides consistent support and motivation. 

One of his greatest strengths is helping candidates identify and articulate their most impactful stories, highlighting what makes them unique. Ephraim provides structured, tailored support for crafting compelling personal statements, preparing for interviews, and strategically selecting best-fit schools. Ephraim has guided students through the medical school admissions cycle for three years, using his approach to help numerous students achieve their dreams and present their best selves in the competitive admissions process.

Asmaa graduated from Indiana University with two degrees in biology and international studies, with a focus on global health. After completing her undergraduate education, she worked on various research projects investigating the pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyoma, gut-brain axis etiologies for obesity, and comparative differences of implicit bias in US and UK healthcare systems. These experiences nurtured her passion for mentoring students.

After graduating, Asmaa spent a year working as a medical associate at Roche Diagnostics and volunteering at Trinity Free Clinic in her hometown. While working on her master’s thesis, Asmaa focused on identifying admission rates, readmission rates, and risk factors for dermatology-related hospitalizations for those experiencing homelessness in the US. This research reflects her dedication to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, further showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact in the field of medicine.

During her undergraduate years, Asmaa was heavily involved in campus life, participating in various organizations such as TEDx, Advocates for Science, Wells Volunteer and Activism Effort, IU Journal of Undergraduate Research, and IU Student Government. These experiences not only enriched her perspective but also equipped her with the skills necessary to guide and support aspiring medical students.

Asmaa's passion lies in helping others find their own path to medical school while advocating for social justice and health equity. Her strengths as a mentor encompass her leadership and advocacy skills, which have been honed through her diverse experiences and interests. These qualities allow her to guide students in navigating the complex and competitive medical school application process.

Olivia grew up in Los Angeles and attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education. There, she received two degrees in public health and integrative biology, laying the foundation for her future pursuits in healthcare and research. At Berkeley, Olivia explored Public Health through her coursework and through her work in a student-run clinic, the Suitcase Clinic, as well as through advising on-campus health policy. She worked as a Wellness Coordinator for the clinic, providing mental health first aid to unhoused members of the Berkeley community. She also worked alongside UC Berkeley administrators to edit Title IX policies and host events to protect sexual health on campus.

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Olivia gained experience in the field by conducting infectious disease surveillance research for the California Emerging Infections Program in the Bay Area. Her contributions demonstrated her ability to apply her knowledge and skills to real-world public health challenges. Additionally, Olivia contributed to COVID-19 population health research for the CDC on a national scale.

At the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Olivia has continued to pursue her academic interests through research and quality improvement projects. Her work covers a wide range of topics, including housing access, hepatitis C screening, health insurance for undocumented communities, and blood pressure control. These projects demonstrate Olivia's commitment to addressing the diverse challenges faced by underserved populations and her dedication to finding innovative solutions to complex health problems.

Olivia's strengths lie in her ability to combine her public health background with her medical education to create a holistic approach to patient care and health advocacy. She recognizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and works tirelessly to promote policies and interventions that tackle these underlying issues. As a coach, Olivia enjoys working with students of any skill level, sharing her knowledge and expertise to help them develop a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between public health and medicine.

Outside of public health and schooling, Olivia has been a tutor since high school. She has tutored over 100 students on a wide variety of STEM topics and is excited to apply this experience to mentoring students going through the medical school admissions process.