PreHealth Spotlight: Julia Graf

Class year: 2018
Major: Psychology

I was on the Club Rugby Team, which taught me a lot about perseverance and discipline. Since I started medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic, that perseverance and discipline is necessary for staying afloat during online and hybrid classes.

Vitals

• Second year medical student at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM)
• Worked at Boston Children's Hospital for two gap years
• For three summers, worked at a camp for girls with Type 1 Diabetes
• Volunteered at Not Bread Alone and Rockridge Retirement Community

At UMass, I majored in Psychology and was on the Neuroscience Track. I really enjoyed the Neuroscience Track courses, which overlapped with the pre-med requirements. Throughout my time at UMass, I made sure to devote time to things other than just academics. I was on the Club Rugby Team, which taught me a lot about perseverance and discipline. Since I started medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic, that perseverance and discipline is necessary for staying afloat during online and hybrid classes.

I had two gap years after graduating from UMass. In that time, I was a research assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital, where I conducted clinical research on Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Being able to perform research in a hospital was an amazing experience, and I definitely recommend it. I gained great life experience, made connections with physicians, and made an impact on patients’ lives.

During my summers while at UMass, I worked at an overnight summer camp for girls with Type 1 Diabetes. This was the biggest influence that pushed me towards going into medicine. Initially I was a camp counselor there, but then I transitioned to being on the camp’s health care team. While on the health care team, I checked campers’ blood sugars, administered insulin, and provided first aid in the camp infirmary. Having this hands-on experience was great, but even more importantly, I saw what life is like for people with Type 1 Diabetes and gained a deeper understand of what they have to go through every day.

For the MCAT, my advice is to make a weekly schedule and try your best to stick to it. I did my studying in the summer after I graduated from UMass but before I started my full-time job. This really allowed me to devote most of my time towards studying. I used the Princeton Review books and took practice exams from a variety of sources. I recommend taking practice exams throughout your studying, instead of leaving them for the end.

The application cycle was very long. After submitting my primary applications in the summer, I pre-wrote many secondaries so that I could return them as soon as possible. It took a lot of waiting to get my first interview invite, and then additional waiting to get accepted. One of the most important things to remember is that the application cycle is a marathon, not a sprint! Don’t lose hope if it is taking longer than you would like. As for interviews, my advice is to just be yourself! Good luck and make the most out of your time at UMass!

Published September 2021