David Ricks

UVSC biology major David Ricks, from San Jose, Calif., returns home exhausted every Monday night after long nights volunteering at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. However, his exhaustion and dedication has paid off as he scored 35 out of 45 on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), a score that places him in the 93rd percentile nationwide.

A 35 is the highest any UVSC student has ever achieved on the MCAT. Ricks attributes his success to the faculty at UVSC because they prepared him for graduate school through challenging course work and tests. He is also grateful his professors always pushed him to work harder.

"A lot of teachers seem over-qualified for what they’re doing,” Ricks said. “They’ve got doctorate degrees and they’ve done research and have tons of experience.  It’s awesome to be in communication with those types of people.”
 
With such a high score, Ricks will most likely be able to attend any medical school he wants. Currently, 12 schools have expressed interest in him as a potential student. Since he is originally from California, his top choice is Stanford University. Although he’s keeping his options open, Ricks is considering specializing in surgery because, as an automotive mechanics graduate, he loves anything that requires detailed and precise hand-work.

In addition to his rigorous class schedule, Ricks found time to serve as the vice president of fundraising for the UVSC Pre-Medicine Club, tutor students at UVSC, work for a psychologist in Orem and volunteer at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. But he’s not all work and no play: in his free time he enjoys playing the guitar and piano, composing music and practicing his juggling skills. 

Ricks has already earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management and is currently working on his pre-requisites for medical school as a biology major.