Biology Major Sets Her Sights on Medical School

Ericka McDermott ’22 says the small classes and the professors with real-world experience in their fields were the key factors in attracting her to the University of New Haven.

September 18, 2018

By Dave Cranshaw, Office of Marketing & Communications

A Philadelphia native, Ericka McDermott ’22 concedes that during her college search, she didn’t necessarily envision herself leaving home.

"I expected to go to one of the several schools in my city and so did my parents," she says. "But I kept receiving emails from the University of New Haven and it made me open up my eyes."

So, she decided to apply, and she ended up earning her first college acceptance from the University. "Anything can happen when you're applying to colleges," she says. "And that's okay because sometimes it's the best thing that will happen to you."

A biology major, she says it was the small classes and the experienced professors that attracted her to the University. "When I visited campus, I realized I would succeed in this major," she says.

Her plan is to go to medical school and to become a physician’s assistant. She is also going to add a minor in legal studies.

"I’ve quickly made good relationships with my professors, who are all so welcoming," she says.

"I've had opportunities to explore downtown New Haven and engage in campus activities. There is something going on almost every day that gives people something to look forward to, and I am glad to see that whenever I walk around campus."Ericka McDermott ’22

McDermott will also be part of the University’s track and field team. "This school is in an unfamiliar location with people I've never met before, so I am essentially looking forward to making this fresh start my own," she says. "I am ready to explore everything it has to offer."