Caroline Wilky

Associate Director, Graduate School Advising

Caroline Wilky advises Penn undergraduates and undergraduate alumni applying to graduate and professional school, especially health professions schools.  She joined the Career Services team in 2015.  Prior to coming to Penn, she worked at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, where she advised honors students on undergraduate research, fellowships, and graduate and professional school admissions.  She earned a B.A. in history and philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Notre Dame.

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Talking about your STEM Research in your Statement of Purpose

Doctoral programs are designed to train future researchers, so it makes sense that one of the most important components of your PhD application is your statement of purpose. Your statement covers more than just your previous research experience (it should …

By Caroline Wilky
Caroline Wilky Associate Director, Graduate School Advising
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Taking the MCAT during the Pandemic: 2021 Edition

Last year, AAMC had to make significant changes to the MCAT testing experience in response to the pandemic. This year some things have returned to normal (the full-length test has resumed, for example), but there are still pandemic-related changes to …

By Caroline Wilky
Caroline Wilky Associate Director, Graduate School Advising
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Virtual Interview Tips for Medical School Applicants

Since medical schools have shifted to virtual interviews in response to the pandemic, applicants need to adjust their preparation to address this new format. Below is a compendium of resources to help you make the most of your virtual interviews …

By Caroline Wilky
Caroline Wilky Associate Director, Graduate School Advising
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Applying to Medical School during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Preparation for the 2021 medical school application cycle is ramping up and Penn students and alumni are busy finishing courses, taking the MCAT, writing their personal statements, and deciding on school lists. It is a stressful and busy time under …

By Caroline Wilky
Caroline Wilky Associate Director, Graduate School Advising
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Letters of Recommendation and Gap Years

Letters of recommendation are an important component of any graduate school application. For PhD and academic master’s programs, they provide evidence of your aptitude for research from an authority in the field. For law or medical school, they can contextualize …

By Caroline Wilky
Caroline Wilky Associate Director, Graduate School Advising
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