Pre-Health

What made you choose Lake Forest College?

 There was a lot of support and it felt like the right fit. Starting with the Lake Forest College recruiter I met at my high school, I had a great impression of the school. When I did the campus visit, I liked the students and the programs they offered - especially the neuroscience courses they had.  The extracurriculars and the location were all selling points to me. The faculty were outstanding, and I knew it would be a great campus for me to live and learn. 

How did a liberal arts education make a difference for you?

For majoring in a core science, I received a highly integrated education. All the faculty and staff are there to support the students. I have great lifetime memories from my humanities courses and courses that were not related to my major. It would have been different if I would have pursued a B.S. degree elsewhere. And some of my best friends were economics majors, communications majors, international studies majors. It was a highly diverse and integrative community. The liberal arts education pushed me to develop critical thinking skills and a broader view of the world we live in. I could go on...!

What experiences outside of the classroom do you think helped prepare you for medical school? 

I was able to study abroad and write a primary research article in public health all as a junior. I had access to so many resources because it was easy to make connections on campus. The faculty and staff are invested in helping the students succeed. Also, the clubs like SYNAPSE, Nu Rho Psi, the Gates Foundation Leadership Scholarship, the Richter Scholars program, the Grace Groner Foundation. It is incredible how many groups you can be involved with in four short years!

How did your time at Lake Forest help you prepare to apply to medical school?

When I attended Lake Forest College, there was a pre-health program which guided me through the application process. Each year they would hold meetings for students to learn about the application process, and each year I gained knowledge of the steps. Applying is a process. It takes months to years, and the professors at the College helped lead the way. I came into undergrad thinking I would be a nutritionist or social worker, then I wanted to be a neuroscience PhD, and finally I decided on medicine. The pre-health program professors were there for me throughout my whole process. My success in medical school acceptance would have been impossible without all their support.  

What do you think of the new Health Professions Program between Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University?

I am elated! It is a huge achievement to have this program established. If this program existed when I was a student at Lake Forest College, I am sure it would have helped inform me of many of the aspects of healthcare that are so hard to conceptualize. I think the multi-step approach, and interdisciplinary teaching are vital for health care providers entering the field, and this program eloquently addresses these important aspects of healthcare head-on. The keystone project provides an opportunity for active learning and participation, which will afford each student a unique opportunity for self-growth and exploring his/her interests. What a wonderful program. 

What skills and experiences at Lake Forest College helped you be successful?

Lake Forest College offered me the chance to build my leadership, presentation, and critical thinking skills - all of which are vital for succeeding in the workplace. My four years were integrated with different courses and activities that all led to new growth. 

What advice would you give a high school student looking to pursue pre-health and is considering Lake Forest College?

The road to your professional future is like an essay, and many revisions will need to take place.  Be sure to network so that you can refine your dreams and make an informed decision for your professional future. Lake Forest College makes one part easy- they comprise an outstanding group of professors who work tirelessly to help you reach your goal! Just meet them and you will know what I mean.