Jonathan Vargas

I first heard about the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) while I was a senior in high school, due to my participation in the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program. ACES has helped me plan my educational pathway. While in high school, ACES coaches prepared me for college. Once at Montgomery College (MC), they guided me on the courses I would need in order to obtain my associate's degree, as well as the courses I would need in order to transfer into my desired program of study to earn my bachelor’s degree.

I attended Watkins Mill High School, which is one of the few schools that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. I participated in this program, which introduced me to IB Biology. I really enjoyed biology and it became one of my favorite classes. I have always had an interest in perusing a career in the medical field, but I was unsure what I wanted to major in. But when I took IB Biology, I knew that was the major I wanted to pursue. During my senior year of high school, I attended an ACES event at USG. There I learned that the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) offered a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I was very excited about this, because this meant I could stay home, and save money, and that my commute would be nice and short saving me gas money.

I’ve have gotten involved in several organizations at USG. I became part of the Student Ambassador program. As a student ambassador, I am learning leadership skills and improving my public speaking skills. As well as helping current students and prospective students, learn all about the benefits USG has to offer! 

Upon graduation, I would like to obtain a research opportunity, but also prepare to take the MCAT. I intend to continue my education and attend medical school. My goal is to specialize in cardiology, as I plan to become a cardiologist. During this time, I hope to gain more skills, and knowledge that will help in my field of study, but also make me stand out from the crowd, as I apply to medical school.