Alumni Spotlight

Emily Kostyuk

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1. Give a short description of your application process / tips for upcoming applicants.
I took 1.5 gap years after finishing my BS in Biology. During that time, I worked part-time as a Medical Assistant in a Family Medicine Clinic, took the MCAT, and applied to medical schools. For future applicants, I recommend saving up money for the process, and making sure you put your best foot forward with your application. Unfortunately, the MCAT and application process is quite expensive (although there are assistant programs available) and as a first-generation college student and the first in my family to apply to medical school, the large expenses was something I was not expecting. So I highly recommend saving up for the application process, and making sure your application is top notch so you do not need to spend additional resources re-applying. I also recommend staying on top of deadlines and applying early. Spreadsheets and planners really help with this.

2. How did your time at UP help you with your career choice, application, etc.? (involvement, academics, research, advising, etc.)
My experience at UP was amazing! I really loved the small class size, which lets you connect better with professors, and get more personalized recommendation letters. Also, the research opportunities are great at UP, and the professors are supportive. The career advising program and health professions office were crucial in my application, since they helped me with my personal statement writing, interview skills and prep, and MCAT resources (free flashcards, textbooks, etc). UP is also a service-oriented school, so the volunteer opportunities are endless here. I really appreciate all the ways UP professors support their students and want them to succeed. 

3. What are your favorite memories of UP / any highlights?
I really loved my experience at UP. I would say my favorite memories are all the wonderful, kind and supportive professors and classmates. I really enjoyed the smaller class sizes and more personalized learning experience UP offers. The professors at UP genuinely care about their students learning and emotional well-being, which was so helpful as a pre-med student. Now that I am in a larger medical school (my class size is 150), I have come to appreciate even more the close-knit community UP had to offer. 

4. What general advice would you give aspiring pre-health types?
I would say explore all your interests and really find out your "why" in medicine. There are times in medical school where it is really challenging to stay motivated (really long days, material is piling up, exams are overwhelming, life factors), so having that "why" really helps you stay grounded on why you're putting in all the hard work and grueling hours of studying. Also, enjoy your free time now and find things that fill up your cup. Once medical school starts, there is a lot less time to explore your interests and passions, and life does not slow down afterwards (residency, attending life, family life, etc). Explore your interests now so you have healthy coping mechanisms and hobbies in the future when time and resources are more limited. 
Finally, I recommend practicing gratitude for the present. Looking back, I really wish I savored my pre-med years more and was more grateful for the time I had with friends, professors and loved ones. It's easy to think life is better once you're in medical school. And then once you're in medical school, it's easy to think life is better once you're a resident, etc etc. However, every season of our life has something beautiful and unique about it, and we should savor it more!