Coach Priyanka
Hello! My name is Priyanka, and I am a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University with a degree in Neuroscience & Behavior. As a Brem Method student who achieved my MCAT goals, I am a strong proponent of the program. I work best with highly motivated students who feel stuck in their MCAT process and need extra support, guidance, and accountability. I am particularly committed to working with students experiencing burnout and helping them build the mental resilience and focus necessary to thrive throughout the MCAT process
My own experiences have shaped the way I coach. As an undergraduate, I balanced conducting my research thesis, working as an EMT, and performing in NYC, which taught me how to build effective study habits around a busy schedule. My mentoring and teaching experiences have taken me from New York to rural Sri Lanka, where I developed a particular commitment to working with students for whom English is a second or third language.
Throughout these experiences, I have learned to meet students where they are, building personalized study plans that keep students motivated when studying feels stressful or demotivating.
I believe that students improve most when they learn how to think critically about practice problems, understand their own patterns of mistakes, and develop study habits that are sustainable for them. In my 1:1 coaching sessions, I prioritize unpacking a student's line of reasoning and encouraging them to let curiosity guide their problem-solving. My students would describe my coaching style as inquisitive: I ask questions to understand what a student knows, where their reasoning breaks down, and what patterns are getting in the way of improvement.
Accountability with me means staying on top of reviewing incorrect questions and strengthening challenging content areas. I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about MCAT preparation is that more practice automatically means better preparation. The students who improve fastest are often the ones willing to slow down, critically examine their mistakes, and revisit topics that feel challenging or uncomfortable.
Teaching the MCAT is especially meaningful to me because I know what it feels like to struggle through the process myself. I genuinely enjoy helping my students gain confidence in themselves, as the Brem Method instilled in me. I hope to help my students reframe the MCAT as more than a prerequisite for medical school, but rather as a rewarding journey that teaches resilience and prepares them for their futures in medicine. Outside of MCAT coaching, I love exploring NYC, reading (always open to suggestions!), and singing!