Q&A with Sierra Trapolsi, Baylor MSMS Alumna

Sierra graduated from the Baylor University Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) program in December 2024 and is currently preparing to attend medical school.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSMS program at Baylor?

I pursued the Master of Science in Medical Science degree for numerous reasons. First, what drew me to this program was how it would better prepare me for the rigors of medical school, and how this program would assist with building a foundation of knowledge that could be beneficial to my future studies. Secondly, I chose to pursue the MSMS program for the professional development aspects, and how the curriculum had built in mock interviews to become more confident as an applicant, courses on how to build a professional persona via LinkedIn, how to make a resume, etc.

Please share one of the highlights of your experience in the MSMS program.

One of my favorite highlights of the program was the MSMS dinner as well as the graduation. Although the entire year was full of highlights, it was truly amazing to be able to meet the faculty and my peers in person and to share in our accomplishments thus far, as well as share in our future goals. It was also a fun experience to share with my peers some of the joys of Waco, as I attended Baylor University for my undergraduate degree, and it was many of their first times visiting the area.

What is one way that your Baylor MSMS education prepared you for your next step?

My Baylor MSMS education helped to prepare me for the next steps of my educational journey in various ways. First, this degree helped to introduce me to topics that I will need in medical school and aided in building a foundation of knowledge that I will utilize and increase, such as learning anatomy and immunology. Secondly, the MSMS program has helped prepare me for my next steps by offering professional development, how to write resumes, how to format applications, and how to effectively interview. Lastly, the MSMS program continues to help prepare for next steps by offering meetings with various schools to become better acquainted with their programs, what to look for in educational facilities, what questions to ask, etc.

What would you say to a prospective student considering the Baylor MSMS degree program?

If I were to speak with a prospective student considering the Baylor MSMS degree program, I would encourage them to pursue this opportunity and share how the program has helped me personally and has enabled many previous students to achieve their educational goals. This program deeply cares about student success and works well with student schedules, as well as works with students to receive feedback for course improvements. I would also let them know the continuing support that this program provides, well after graduation or enrollment into a program, and that MSMS truly does feel like a lifelong supportive family with faculty always offering help in numerous ways or with previous students coming back as mentors.

What did it look like to build community and engage with your fellow students in this online program?

Through this program, although in a virtual format, there was a strong sense of community and camaraderie. All students of the program were incredibly forthcoming with offering studying or educational resources, support, and were all very active in the Discord server to ensure everyone’s success in the program. In my cohort, there were students who would create very well-timed memes to try to uplift our spirits in tough times and use humor as a coping mechanism, as well as a bonding strategy with each other. The most exciting engagement for me personally was graduation, where I was finally able to meet my peers in person, to share in our experiences at the MSMS dinner, as well as waiting in line to walk the stage.

How did your experience with the Baylor faculty enhance your educational experience?

The Baylor faculty have always been the most supportive, both through my undergraduate and MSMS experiences. Long after I graduated from the program, the staff continued to follow up with wanting updates on our pursuits, offering various resources, such as wanting to provide Sketchy or hosting virtual events with several institutions for students to learn more about their programs. While enrolled in the MSMS program, all the staff made themselves available for meetings to offer assistance in the courses or to provide general guidance in our career fields.

Start your application today for Baylor University's one-year, 100% online Master of Science in Medical Science degree program.