About Jean

Hello, my name is Jean, and I am a senior at Duke University majoring in Biology (B.S.) and Environmental Sciences & Policy (B.S.). I didn’t enter college on the premed track, but discovered my interest in medicine after taking a medical ethics course. At first, I felt behind and uncertain about my decision, especially compared to peers who had long been committed to this path and understood the application process well. To explore my interest, I shadowed physicians, worked as a nursing assistant, and attended any panels or webinars related to medical school that I could find. Over time, these experiences helped clarify my motivations and feel confident going into the application cycle. By the end of my junior year, I felt ready to reflect on my journey and share my experiences. Although a finger injury and subsequent surgery prevented me from pursuing clinical or extracurricular activities that summer, it unexpectedly gave me the time to focus deeply on my writing. I dedicated significant effort to prewriting, revising, and refining my essays, prioritizing quality over speed. My goal was to genuinely convey my passions and the experiences that shaped them. This approach ultimately led to 15 interview invitations and an acceptance to one of my top-choice schools, Vanderbilt. During interviews, I was asked in depth about nearly every aspect of my personal statement, primary application, and secondary essays, which reinforced just how critical strong writing is in the admissions process.