Resources for Students & Alumnae of Distinct Populations (Preparing to Apply to Health Profession Schools)
A crucial topic in healthcare today is how to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of medical care for ethnic, racial, social, and economic minorities. There is an urgent need to increase both the diversity and cultural competence of our health care workforce. Learn about resources for underrepresented students and alumnae across distinct populations.
Experiential Learning (Preparing to Apply to Health Profession Schools)
This resource is an overview of ways that you can gain:
We will also discuss finding summer opportunities.
“My advice to those applying to med school would be don’t limit yourself. Whether that be regionally or selectivity or what by whatever guidelines you have set for yourself. I had no idea I would be in Iowa for med school a year ago (I got in off the waitlist in May) and here I am.”
Waiting to Apply to Health Profession Schools
Trying to balance academics, clinical experiences, community service, research, other extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relationships? Not feeling ready to prepare for your standardized test for admission to health professions schools or to tackle the application process? Not absolutely sure of your career path? Learn more about taking a gap year (or more) before applying to health profession schools.
“Living in an exciting new city, being surrounded by peers with the same passion, and having myriad new opportunities be introduced to you constantly has been beyond wonderful — but most importantly, I feel truly prepared after Wellesley for everything to come in the busy but rewarding next 4 years. ”
“The first few days I felt imposter syndrome beginning to creep back in. I was worried that maybe I wasn't cut out for WashU. Wellesley was academically challenging for me and I thought if I struggled in undergrad, what would happen in medical school? But I realized that overcoming those challenges is exactly what prepared me for medical school. And having the honor of receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it.”
Academics (Preparing to Apply to Health Profession Schools)
This resource covers academic considerations as you prepare to apply for health professions schools, including:
Learn About Careers in Public Health
Public health is a wide ranging, interdisciplinary pathway with the goals of protecting and improving the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations at local and global levels.
“I will be the first doctor in my family and the first to attend graduate school with the gift of the Sarah Perry Wood Medical Fellowship.”
“Listen to your heart and use your head. Math and science ignited my imagination for as far back as I can remember.”
ROTC at Wellesley
The Reserves Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that prepares students to become commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. The ROTC curriculum is pursued at the same time as your Wellesley College courses, and is focused on leadership development and career training.
Wellesley offers students the opportunity to join the Army and Air Force ROTC programs. Both programs are hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology...
Study Abroad: Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy Careers
Students interested in careers in government, law, international affairs, and public policy are encouraged to focus on skill development and experience. This is especially important as employers, and graduate programs in this space continue to look for commitment to understanding these industries. Below please find suggested study abroad experiences that help develop specific skills and experiences to help be competitive in these industries.
Science Research
Participating in research experiences as an undergraduate is an excellent way to add depth to your science understanding and actively engage with what you are learning in the classroom. By doing so, you further develop your laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and you start to build your network with faculty members. Research experiences are valuable components to your resume, and they can make you more competitive for both graduate school and industry opportunities.
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission. Eligible are currently enrolled undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents, majoring in chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or another STEM discipline.
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (sophomores and juniors)
Supports one or two years of undergraduate study in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. Eligible are college sophomores or juniors who are US citizens, permanent residents, and nationals intending to pursue research careers in STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in late November/early December.
Resources for Underrepresented Students and Alumnae Applying to Health Profession Schools
A crucial topic in healthcare today is how to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of medical care for ethnic, racial, social, and economic minorities. There is an urgent need to increase both the diversity and cultural competence of our health care workforce.
Churchill Scholarships (seniors & graduates)
Supports one year of graduate study (including one-year research degrees) in science, mathematics, or engineering at Cambridge. Eligible: graduating seniors and recent graduates of Wellesley College who are US citizens with majors in appropriate STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in early October.
Prospective Wellesley Students Interested in Careers in the Health Professions
Thank you for considering Wellesley College for your undergraduate education. Here you will develop the skills of a liberal arts education, including critical thinking, problem solving, synthesis of information, and effective communication. These skills will serve you well throughout your lifetime, and are highly valued by health professions schools. As you explore your options, here are answers to some of the questions you may be asking: