Michelle Boontanom '04

Attending Graduate School in the Fall

Did you learn anything about yourself through the application process?
Michelle: I am an indecisive person! It’s in my nature to want to do a lot. I couldn’t decide on what graduate degree I wanted to pursue or whether I wanted to do a dual degree – I couldn’t even decide on schools. But after some research I finally decided to apply to M.P.H. programs with an emphasis on health policy and management. My list of potential schools was finally cut to six. So far I’ve been admitted to five and the last decision is on its way shortly.

As I visit each school, I learn about new programs and degrees. I feel like a little kid shopping for graduate degrees and wanting them all. Having a lot of ambition with no clear direction is a problem. I just love education and choosing between schools is difficult. But being in this position is definitely better than having a choice made for you.

Which questions were the most difficult to answer? Why?
Michelle: Sitting down and trying to formulate how to put all your ideas on paper in the word count that they give was the most difficult. Most of the questions ask about you and your career goals. I wasn’t used to writing about myself; I don’t think most people are. To get into the mindset of “I am amazing…and this is why,” is difficult. But once your get started it becomes an opportunity to learn more about yourself, to define what you want to do and then share that.

What advice do you have for alumni who are planning on applying to grad school in the fall?
Michelle: The process can get a little overwhelming. There are so many time components that can complicate the process.

Get experience in your field. During my year off, I worked at the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities and I think this demonstrated my commitment to the field.

The preparation process entails a lot:

The Test

Transcripts

Letters of Rec

Applications I found it really helpful to construct a chart of all the schools I was considering, what they needed from me and important dates and deadlines. Each school wants something different and the deadlines are scattered throughout the year. I received my first offer from Yale in January and am still waiting to hear from my last school.

It is definitely a plus to get the applications in early because many schools have rolling admissions. But once everything is in, you just have to sit back and try to relax.

Why did you choose grad school over other options?
Michelle: Education is important for me. I am a first-generation college student. I know the limitations of not having a higher education. Also, I just love to be in school and the social setting it provides. Having worked this year, it was definitely difficult adjusting to the 9-to-5 work schedule and it really made me miss the living-learning environment that the world of academia can provide. I am such a social person and I thrive on being out and active on a campus or in a community. Going back to school seems like the most exciting and rewarding option. I am extremely thrilled that I will soon be having the graduate experience.

As a first-generation college student, elaborate upon what exactly this step in life means for you?
Michelle: My family and I together are proud of my achievements. Being the first in my family to go to college was an adjustment I learned on my own, and while it was significant challenge for me, I regard it as an inspiration to further my goals. I am a woman with many aspirations and ambitions, and I know I can make things happen for not only myself, but for those around me and my community. Going into public health, I see myself making a contribution within the system – locally and globally – and it is nice to know that this contribution will help families with the most basic need: to be well.

What are your plans following grad school?
Michelle: I hope to have a career in health consulting or management or be a health policy advisor. There is a lot of flexibility but two or three years down the line you should see me in one of those positions.

I want to have a family, I want to pursue other degrees, and I want to have a career – I just have to figure out how to do it all.