High School to Pre-Med: The Common App Cheat Sheet for Aspiring Doctors

Dr. Lee is a double board-certified pediatrician and preventive medicine/public health specialist.

As a high school senior, she was accepted to multiple Ivy League universities but decided on Boston University's seven-year medical program to pursue her dreams of becoming a physician. She completed her pediatrics training at the University of California, Irvine/Children's Hospital Orange County, a combined residency program. Afterward, she trained in preventive medicine at the University of South Carolina/Prisma Health, another combined residency program.

Dr. Lee has successfully mentored students on the pros and cons of traditional and nontraditional pathways to medicine and has served on admissions committees for residency programs.

Additionally, she has a background in medical journalism and magazine editing and loves helping students tell their unique stories about their commitment to medicine.

As a college advisor and academic coach, Laura Baldasare works with high school- and college-aged individuals who want to stay academically competitive. Her empathetic yet candid approach helps her form effective relationships with a full range of learners. Laura’s measurable achievement in her work with clients is the numerous acceptances to selective colleges and universities they receive. Additionally, she effectively equips individuals who are challenged by ADHD, ADD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders, addressing barriers to result in higher educational accomplishments.

The college admissions process utilizes the best of her combined experiences, including studying individual behavior and interests to build a trusting connection that leads to more accurate placement, coaching students to write high impact personal statements, and managing the process to ensure timely submissions.