Student Profiles

Christopher Mercado

Head of the Class
UNLV's diversity and values, along with the many opportunities to explore my academic interests, were all strong selling points as I began to decide where I wanted to attend college. I approached high school graduation with an academic record that placed me among the best in my class, a score of 1400 on my SAT exam, a record of community service, and a part-time job as a cashier at Wal-Mart. I considered attending such outstanding universities as West Point, UCLA, USC, and Duke. I eventually came to the decision that UNLV was the best choice for me.

School of Opportunities
UNLV offered not only a strong pre-medical program, but also a pre-health committee to guide me in exploring research opportunities, expanding my education, and pursuing a path to medical school. The people at UNLV come from diverse backgrounds and the university offers multiple majors to accommodate a true melting pot of interests. UNLV also offers scholarships to many qualified students, and these factors all contributed to my decision to attend school here.

What Lies Ahead
I am now three years into my biology degree and I am excited by the road that lies ahead. Medical school is only a few years away and UNLV has given me the education and skills to succeed in life — and I have had some fun along the way.

The College of Sciences offers research opportunities, including laboratory experience working side-by-side with professors.