INDIANAPOLIS – Not all kids know what they want to be when they grow up, but for Anthony Ball, the decision was easy, even from an early age. Ball, a chemistry major at the IUPUI School of Science and early-admit to the IU School of Medicine, grew up hearing his father recite stories of being a nurse. Learning about the impact his dad made on a daily basis inspired a desire to do something similar.
That passion would lead him to the School of Science, where a supportive educational environment fanned the flames of a burning interest in science and medicine.
“I decided on medicine after starting at IUPUI and taking my Biology and Chemistry classes,” Ball said. “I realized that I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the in-depth processes and the ‘why?’ behind science. I knew I wanted to learn as much as possible to give the most educated treatments possible to my patients.”
His passion doesn’t end there, though. Throughout his time as a student, Ball has been active around campus, especially within the chemistry department, where he’s had experience as a recitation leader, biochemistry tutor and teacher’s assistant for general and organic chemistry labs. He also acts as a super leader for chemistry’s Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL), overseeing more than 60 recitation leaders.
Ball credits his on-campus experience, coupled with research opportunities and in-depth courses, for aiding him in getting into the IU School of Medicine as an early admit.
“As a chemistry student, I have gotten to learn a lot of useful information, but more importantly I have gotten the opportunity to grow my soft skills,” he said. “My courses helped me develop critical thinking skills. In Dr. Balakrishnan's Biochemistry course, we were not expected to just memorize pathways and facts. Instead, she took it a step further and asked complex questions where we had to apply our facts to real world examples and think about the ‘why’ behind the processes and how they relate.”
With a 5.3% acceptance rate, getting into the IU School of Medicine is tough. But entering as a member of the Early Decision Program is even more difficult, with a very small percentage of early decision students making up the School of Medicine’s annual classes.
“This, along with my rigorous courses like organic chemistry, has prepared me for the challenge that medical school offers. IUPUI and the School of Science also have a plethora of resources and experiences that help students excel and become top candidates for the IU School of Medicine.”
As for advice for students looking to take a similar path, Ball emphasized the importance of grades. He made it clear that being a 4.0 student isn’t necessary but suggests students to do as well as possible to prove you can handle not only the tough classes, but the heavy workload. Outside of the classroom, Ball encourages finding opportunities to support your experience.
“Being a premed student is not about checking off boxes,” he said. “Instead, find the activities that you are passionate about and stick with them. I found that I loved leading recitations and being a TA. I encourage any new pre-medicine students to explore the many resources IUPUI has to offer and find what you are passionate about.”