Dr. Rachelle Mendola, Med School Admissions Consultant at Inspira Advantage

Dr. Mendola is an ophthalmology research fellow at Wills Eye Hospital who earned her DO from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM). With three years of experience as a student interviewer on UNE COM's admissions committee, Dr. Mendola brings direct insight into what admissions teams look for in applicants. She also served as a school ambassador for four years, guiding pre-medical students through the application process.

Before attending the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Mendola graduated from the University of Southern Maine, earning a BS in human biology and a BA in linguistics and American Sign Language interpreting with honors. During her undergraduate years, she worked as a STEM tutor and general chemistry teaching assistant, developing a passion for academic mentorship that would carry into her medical career. After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Mendola worked as an American Sign Language interpreter and as an ophthalmic technician, gaining clinical and interpersonal experience before beginning her medical training.

At UNE COM, Dr. Mendola was accepted into the Maine Area Health Education Center Care for the Underserved Pathway Scholar Program, a selective four-year track focused on serving underserved communities. Dr. Mendola also received the Trident Controls COM Scholarship, which supports a UNE COM student with Maine roots. Her leadership and community engagement during medical school further deepened her understanding of the qualities admissions committees value in future physicians.

Dr. Mendola has a strong background in research and was accepted to multiple research fellowships throughout her undergraduate and medical training. She co-authored a chapter in the Handbook for Designing and Conducting Clinical and Translational Research: Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery, published by Academic Press. She also co-authored a publication on commotio cordis in sports in Current Sports Medicine Reports and presented a poster at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting on research completed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

As a first-generation college and medical school graduate, Dr. Mendola understands the challenges of navigating the complex medical school application process with limited support. She believes that the best way to support a student through the application process is to listen to their background, strengths, and struggles, so that, together, they can create a plan that best supports the student's goals. Her coaching style focuses on providing tools and guidance in a comfortable environment so students gain skills they can apply to their medical school application cycle and beyond.

Get Started With a Free Consultation

Your first conversation will be with an Enrollment Specialist who will take the time to understand your background, goals, and timeline. They’ll help assess where you are in the prep process, answer initial questions, and determine which type of support and which expert would be the best fit for your personal needs.