Thinking about grad school but not sure where to start? Nazlee Harunani ’25 has been there. Now at Wake Forest University School of Medicine studying neuroscience, she knows what it takes to make the leap from Lawrence to grad school, and she’s sharing what worked for her. Nazlee has always been focused on her goals, and her story shows that with planning, preparation, and a little persistence, grad school is doable, even when you’re moving far from home for the first time.
No gap year
Nazlee didn’t take a gap year because she didn’t want to be out of school for a whole year. She did feel a bit burned out sometimes, but because she had been doing research over the summers, it kept her on track and ready for the next step.
Choosing the right program
For Nazlee, the most important things were:
Location – she wanted somewhere warmer than the Midwest.
Program & faculty – she wanted a strong research program with supportive faculty.
Preparation – the research she did at Lawrence helped her feel ready for grad school.
Moving away came with challenges, like adjusting in a new city, being far from family, but overall she really enjoys her program.
Applying to grad school
The hardest part was the personal statement.
She started preparing in October of her junior year.
Her advice: start early! Doing work over the summer helps, and submitting applications early is a big plus.
Other tips from Nazlee
Know what you want to study before you start applying. Email admissions if you need help, they might give waivers or advice. Use your undergrad research experience, it really helps you feel prepared. Grad school can feel scary, but if you plan ahead, start early, and know what you want, it’s totally doable. Nazlee’s experience shows that staying focused, organized, and proactive makes the process a lot more manageable, and even exciting!