Javaria Jabeen explained, “I started preparing…[in] my freshman
year. The Freshman Center invited all pre-med freshmen to a meeting
with the speakers from SUNY-Downstate. At first it didn't sound
like a good deal but I thought I should give it a try. The
requirements are an essay, interview, good grades in science and
non-science courses, recommendation letters, volunteer and work
experience. I compiled all of it and mailed it to them during the
fall semester of sophomore year. I had the interview after three
months and…last week [was] accepted. I'm happy and so are the other
people who supported me for this program. It was tough but I'm glad
I made it.” She also noted that Dr. Jay Zimmerman wrote a
“composite recommendation letter” from several recommendation
letters written by other faculty members and in particular, credits
her brother for giving her the support she needed to get through
the process.
More information
about the Freshman Center and how it helps new students at St.
John’s.