Chidilim Menakaya
Harvard Mentor | Private School Admissions Made Simple
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 Letters of Recommendation, Essays, and .
Chidilim also coaches for Dental School and Master’s Programs. View all.
Chidilim’s Private High School Qualifications
I know what it takes to stand out in competitive private school admissions because I’ve been there myself. I attended Middlesex School in Concord, MA on a 100% scholarship and graduated with highest honors—one of only 10 students to do so—before being accepted to a top undergraduate program at Tufts University. Along the way, I learned how to craft compelling applications, navigate interviews, and highlight what makes a student unique. I now use that experience to guide students through every step of the private school admissions process, helping them tell their story confidently and strategically so they can shine in front of admissions committees.
Chidilim can help with:
Letters of Recommendation
Essays
Extracurricular Activities
Personal Statement
Application Strategy
School Visits
Interview Prep
School Selection
Resume Review
Chidilim also coaches for Dental School and Master’s Programs. 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