Student Success Stories

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Learn more about our successful students

There are more than 2,200 undergraduate pre-health students at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, each with a unique background and experience. Hearing other students’ stories and their strategies for success can help in navigating and making the most of your college career. Highlighted below are a few of the many successful ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ pre-health students.

Bella Macarelli

Bella Macarelli, Graduating Class of 2025

Integrative Physiology Major, Pre-Med

University of Illinois College of Medicine

I did take one gap year! I worked as a phlebotomist at Lutheran Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Working in a large hospital for the first time came with a huge learning curve, but it ultimately helped me develop a much stronger understanding of workflow and teamwork in a hospital setting. I believe taking a gap year not only helped me gain invaluable patient care experience, but also gave me the freedom to explore my hobbies, prioritize fitness and sleep, spend more time volunteering, and be more present with my family and friends. Plus, I was able to save some money! 

While at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, I swam and competed for the CU Swim and Dive team, I was President of CU AMWA (American Medical Women's Association), and I was a research assistant for the IPHY Sleep and Chronobiology lab. 

OPHA helped me identify the weaker areas of my application and create a clear, structured plan to strengthen them. Planning ahead was key; I implemented OPHA’s advice throughout all four years at CU, which allowed me to build my experiences more intentionally over time. I engaged with OPHA most in the months leading up to my application submission, and OPHA was especially helpful in the process of revising my personal statement.

Find something that genuinely interests you and build your extracurricular experiences around that passion to make work feel meaningful and engaging. It is a lot easier to build a narrative around your interest in healthcare if there is a common theme linking your activities. Also, AMCAS primary application takes a lot of time and effort! Start writing personal statement, extracurricular essays, etc., early! 

Sonia Tahseen, Graduating Class of 2025

Integrative Physiology Major, Pre-Physical Therapy

I am currently attending Regis University because of its strong emphasis on community, service, and personal growth. During my interview, the faculty were welcoming and made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also noticed how well the students interacted with and supported one another. The positive and welcoming environment made Regis feel like a place where I could grow both academically and personally.

Yes, I took a gap year because I wanted to make sure I submitted the strongest application possible. I used that extra time to carefully work on every aspect of my application, especially making sure each essay was professional, thoughtful, and reflected who I am. I wanted my experiences and passion for physical therapy to stand out when schools reviewed my application. I am very thankful I took that time because working during my gap year also gave me valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the physical therapy field.

During my time at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, I stayed very involved on campus. I was part of three different clubs, participated in many volunteer opportunities, and attended a variety of student events. Staying involved allowed me to meet new people, build connections, and make my college experience more meaningful

I had monthly meetings with my OPHA advisor to review each part of my application and make sure everything was as strong as possible. We reviewed the courses I entered, made sure all of my shadowing and volunteer hours were documented correctly, and worked on making my personal statement engaging and meaningful. My advisor also helped me brainstorm ideas for different essay prompts and clearly communicate my experiences. OPHA played an important role in helping me stay organized and submit a high quality application that I felt confident in.

sonia headshot

Photo of student whom the story is about, Kyle Sterns

Kyle Sterns, Graduating Class of 2022

Integrated Physiology and Spanish Majors, Pre-Med

I will be attending Penn State College of Medicine in Fall of 2023 after working with OPHA on my application and experiences. I am excited about their college and their global health program most and looking forward to starting. 
Yes, I took a gap year to focus on building my shadowing, work experiences, and travel abroad to Costa Rica. 
I volunteered at Clinica Tepeyac in Denver, a free clinic often serving underrepresented populations. My interactions with patients here drove me to continue practicing my Spanish to help others. I also worked as an Orthopedic Medical Assistant at Boulder Medical Center and often used my Spanish in working with patients. I also volunteered with a few other places, one of which was the Majestic View Nature center, where I helped translate information in their facility from English to Spanish to help improve accessiblity for the community. Outside of this, I also enjoyed competing in traithlons and cycling competitions, something I wrote about in my application to medical school. 
OPHA helped me a lot with my application and leading up to applying. Primarily, and what I appreciated most, was their help with my personal statement. I think they helped me write the best possible personal statement and extra curricular essays that I could do. They also gave me interview prep, which was immensely helpful.

Lindsey Humphrey, Graduating Class of 2023

Neuroscience and Integrated Physiology Majors, Pre-Med

Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine! As I progressed through the application process, they stood out and proved they stand behind what they advertise. The secondary application was like a breath of fresh air and my interview felt so natural and welcoming (I know it's hard to believe!). Overall, I know I made the right choice and already feel like I am a member of a genuine, talented community.
Actually, I took three years! My first year was focused on exploring my options within medicine, my second year was spent applying to medical school and the MCAT, and my third year was spent on re-applying, which is where I was able to work with OPHA! It's okay to take a few years and the experiences you gain during gap years are extremely valuable!
I was an undergrad TA in the IPHY department, held leadership positions in a club called Love Your Melon, became a member of Nu Rho Psi (Neuroscience honor society), completed an anatomy dissection internship through IPHY, and tutored local kids for two-ish years. Outside of that, I also worked as a medical assistant for several years and during that time I realized I loved connecting with my patients and wanted to be a physician.
OPHA actually helped me with my second application to medical schools. I didn't know of OPHA and their services my first go-around. The second time, they helped me focus on how to improve my application and be realistic and smart with the schools I chose to apply to based on my application and experiences. Notably, rewriting my personal statement was especially challenging and we POURED over my essay many times. Thank you OPHA!
As you begin applying, it is easy to feel this sense of awe and think, "wow! I'm actually going to do this!" However, applications are very difficult and trying... and, unfortunately, you may have to do it more than once (like me!) Just remember to be gracious with yourself, be genuine, be realistic, and please, please, PLEASE start early, apply early, and utilize every resource available, especially OPHA. 

Photo of student whom the story is about, Lindsey