Student Perspectives: Pre-med at USC
Title: Student Perspectives: Pre-med at USC
My name is Lara Omololu, and I am a junior majoring in Biological Sciences (B.S.) with a pre-med emphasis. When I arrived at USC, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine, but I did not yet fully understand how multifaceted that path would be. My time at USC has shown me that being pre-med is not just about completing prerequisites; it is about developing as a critical thinker, a community member and a future healthcare professional. The combination of rigorous academics, robust advising, hands-on experiences and campus involvement has shaped me into a more well-rounded student and person.
Academically, I have found USC’s pre-med pathway to be challenging. It truly prepares students for the realities of medical training. The typical prerequisites, such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, etcetera, showed me what it means to study more effectively, engage with complex material, and develop resilience when faced with difficult exams or setbacks. What stands out about this school, however, is that academic rigor is paired with structured support rather than isolation. I have had access to office hours, academic workshops, supplemental instruction sessions and collaborative study environments that make a demanding curriculum feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
One defining aspect of my time at USC has been the flexibility and support surrounding my academic interests. I began my studies fully committed to a traditional pre-med degree (Biology). but, as I progressed, I realized that I wanted a stronger foundation in public health, health behavior and healthcare systems. With the guidance of my academic advisors, I was able to switch my major to Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (B.S.) while continuing seamlessly on the pre-med track. This transition was remarkably smooth due to USC’s structured curriculum and advising system. My pre-med prerequisites remained fully integrated into my academic plan, and my new major complemented rather than conflicted with my medical goals. Courses in Health Promotion have broadened my understanding of preventative care, health disparities and community wellness—perspectives that I now see as essential to my future in medicine.
In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, much of my personal growth at USC has come from my extracurricular involvement. As a tour guide, I have had the opportunity to represent the university to prospective students and families, which has strengthened my communication skills, confidence and ability to engage with people from all walks of life. Last semester, I also contributed to an NIH-funded research project examining student motivation, where I spent much of my time working with large datasets and writing and refining code to support the lab’s analyses. Similarly, my involvement in my sorority—Delta Gamma— has allowed me to build meaningful relationships, collaborate within a large organization and take part in service and philanthropic initiatives. Together, these experiences have helped me develop emotional intelligence, adaptability and a strong sense of community—qualities that I see as essential both in medicine and in life beyond the classroom.
In many ways, my USC experience has been defined not by a single achievement, but by the way different pieces of my life continually inform one another. What I learn in the classroom shapes how I show up in the lab, on campus tours and in conversations with patients and peers. What I experience in those spaces, in turn, brings new perspectives back into my academics. For prospective students considering USC, I would say that this university does more than prepare you for your future career. It gives you the space to test your interests, refine your priorities, and grow into a more thoughtful, capable, and grounded version of yourself along the way. It’s an experience I will forever cherish.
