M2 Sajjad Askaryar, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Boise State Alum
Sajjad “AJ” Askayar is a second-year medical student at the University of Utah School of Medicine and a Boise State alum who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Human Biology Emphasis and graduated in December of 2017. Sajjad is a Boise, Idaho native but originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. During his time at Boise State, he participated in the TRIO Rising Scholars program and benefited from this program as a student and later a tutor for other students in this program. He participated in intramural sports and as an orientation leader while earning the highest honors on the Dean’s List and Magna Cum Laude at graduation.
AJ describes himself as:
Outgoing, Playful, Curious
What were your three most meaningful extracurriculars?
Tutoring, Intramural Sports, Orientation Leader
Do you think Boise State prepared you for medical school?
Yes, I was given the tools and resources necessary to excel and get into medical school, although it did take a lot of extra work on my own.
What resources did you use at Boise State to prepare you for medical school?
Their essay workshop helped with my personal statement, mock interviews, and connections I made with faculty for letters of recommendation.
What do you wish you would have known before becoming a medical student?
The demographic and personality types of individuals in medical school.
What would you tell yourself now knowing what you know now about applying to your professional school?
Everybody can look good on paper, who you are as a person (interviews) really discerns you from your peers.
What do you think was the most important experience you had at Boise State?
Being an orientation leader
What are you most grateful for:
Having the opportunity to have come here to America from Kabul, Afghanistan, and being able to pursue a career in medicine.
Would you like to talk with AJ more about his experiences? If so, please contact Erin Colburn at erincolburn@boisestate.edu.