
Chidilim Menakaya
Harvard Dental Student | Stand Out by Owning Your Story
Studied at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Works at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Available tomorrow at 7:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Chidilim's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $50/hr
Get help with Recommendations, Personal Statement, and .
Chidilim’s Dental School Qualifications
70+ people coached for Dental School
Hi, I'm Chi! As a current DMD student at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, I know what it takes to stand out in a competitive dental school applicant pool—I was accepted to every dental school I applied to, including all three Ivy League dental schools. My path wasn’t always straightforward; I often navigated this journey without seeing many people who looked like me in the field or having the guidance I needed. That experience drives my commitment to being the mentor I wish I had, helping students feel confident, supported, and seen. I’ve since mentored numerous pre-dental students through their applications, with multiple acceptances to top programs—including two mentees accepted to Harvard. I focus on helping you champion your unique story and strengths, build a strategic application, and show admissions committees exactly why you belong.
Chidilim can help with:
Recommendations
Personal Statement
Application Strategy
General Exploration
Interviews
AADSAS Application Edit
Experiences
School Selection
Achievements
Secondary Essays
Chidilim also coaches for Master’s Programs and Private High School. View all.
About Chidilim
Hi! I’m juggling an MPH at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a DMD at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, so I know a thing or two about tackling big goals. When I was navigating applications myself, I didn’t really have anyone showing me the ropes, so now I hope to be the guide I wish I had. I love helping students figure out their stories, prep for interviews, and make tricky application processes feel way less scary (and even a little fun). Outside of all that, I’m all about connecting with people, sharing tips that actually work, and celebrating progress, because every forward move tells part of your story.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’ve been through it all—applying to private high schools, college, dental school, and Master’s programs. I know what it’s like to face competitive processes without a clear guide, and I know how much having someone to help you navigate essays, interviews, and program choices can change the game. I want to be the mentor I wish I had, helping students clarify their story, build confidence, and approach every application strategically. Watching someone gain clarity and take confident steps toward their goals is why I love coaching.
Work Experience

Bridge to Dental School Leader
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
2024 - Present
Lead a program supporting 75+ underrepresented pre-dental students through the dental school application process. Provide guidance on personal statements, resumes, and interviews while helping students build clear, compelling narratives.

Admissions Ambassador
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
2023 - Present
Represent HSDM to prospective students by leading tours, participating in panels, and offering a glimpse into student life.

Curriculum Designer (Tufts Center for Science Education)
Tufts University
2023 - Present
Design public health curriculum on topics like structural racism and food insecurity, translating complex concepts into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.

Pre-Health Mentor (HOPE Medical Scholars)
Harvard Medical School
2023 - 2024
Mentored pre-dental students through the full application cycle, including essay editing, mock interviews, and application strategy. Led workshops to build confidence and readiness for healthcare graduate programs.

SEPA STEM Mentor
Tufts University
2022 - 2022
Mentor middle school, high school, and early college students through academic and career exploration, including college preparation, essay development, and building confidence—especially for students interested in STEM and healthcare pathways.

Summer Public Health Scholar
Columbia University Medical Center
2021 - 2021
Delivered community-based health education and developed training programs for aspiring community health workers. Presented public health research at the CDC, strengthening expertise in health equity and prevention.
Education

Harvard School of Dental Medicine
DMD
2023 - 2028

Harvard School of Public Health
MPH, Social Behavioral Sciences
2025 - 2026

Tufts University
BS, Biology
2019 - 2023