Hi! I'm Simran, a sophomore on the pre-dental track. I'm majoring in Healthcare Management and Policy at Wharton, which has been such an interesting way to combine my interest in healthcare with business and policy. I was originally in the Nursing and Wharton dual degree program, but after some consideration, I decided to switch and pursue pre-dental alongside my Wharton degree instead. I love coffee (probably a little too much), and I'm always down to recommend a new spot on campus if you're a fellow coffee person. In my free time, you can find me lifting at Pottruck, studying at various cafés near campus (Williams Cafe, Haraz, and Board and Brew are my go-tos), or walking around exploring bookstores and other knick-knack shops. I'm really passionate about helping incoming students navigate the transition to Penn, since I remember how overwhelming it felt at first. Whether you have questions about the dual degree programs, pre-dental, Wharton, or just college life in general, I'd love to chat!

Hometown

Sacramento, California

Major(s)

Healthcare Management and Policy, Pre-dental

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club (Consulting Committee), Wharton Women, Philly Christian Students, UPenn Dental Bridges, Pre-Dental Society, Penn Outdoors Club, Penn Band (Color Guard), Penn Quackers Bird Club

Describe your college experience

Moving from California to Pennsylvania was a huge transition. It's about as far across the country as you can get. But I've learned that with the right support, everyone can find their people eventually. At first, I struggled to find a group I really clicked with. What helped was leaning into the social events Penn hosts for undergrads; they're a great low-pressure way to meet new people and put yourself out there. It takes time, but by the end of my first semester, I'd found my way around campus and built a solid group of friends. My #1 piece of advice: join as many clubs that genuinely interest you as possible. Not just the pre-professional ones, but the fun ones too. That's often where the best friendships happen. (It is where I found my best friends!) As for classes, they're challenging, but manageable with the right systems. Keep one calendar for everything (classes, exams, club meetings, deadlines) and stay ahead on assignments rather than playing catch-up. It's easy to fall behind early on, but once you find a rhythm that works for you, it clicks.

Tip for future students

One thing I wish I knew before starting is that it's totally normal not to have everything figured out right away. Not your friend group, not your major, not even your daily routine. Give yourself permission to explore during your first year. Try a club you're not sure about, take a class outside your comfort zone, and don't feel like you need a four-year plan by week two. I'd also say don't be afraid to reach out first. Introduce yourself to someone in your hall, go to a professor's office hours, or ask an upperclassman for advice. Most people are more open to it than you'd think, and those small moments add up over time. Lastly, figure out a system that keeps you organized early on, whether that's a planner, a shared calendar, or something else that works for you. It's a lot easier to stick with a system than to build one from scratch once you're already behind.

Favorite class

NRSC 1000, Intro to Brain and Behavior. It was an amazing class, I learned so much about the Brain, addiction, mental health, and the biological mechanisms that make us who we are. Difficult, but highly recommend for anyone exploring a career in healthcare!

Career goals

I hope to attend dental school, and eventually open my own dental clinic (ideally by the beach!)

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to explore Philadelphia, walk around the city, hang out with friends, check out new food spots, and bookstores.

High school or secondary school

Rocklin High School

Favorite spot on campus

Williams Hall! There is a really nice study area that is quiet, but has a pretty view of campus, and right next to the study area is Williams Cafe. If you need your caffeine fix (like me) it's a great spot to get some work in before classes. Plus, it's right in the middle of all four undergraduate school area's.