MBBS refers to “Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery,” in other words, medical school. In Nepal medical school is a 5.5 year program that can begin after Grade 12. In order to enroll in MBBS, students need to pass a very difficult entrance exam, and ANSWER students must score high enough on the exam to earn a scholarship from the university. This is because without a scholarship, the program costs over $50,000! Each year the circumstances vary, but generally around 10,000 students take the MBBS entrance exam each year. For this academic year, students with the top 430 scores were awarded scholarships. ANSWER students, Sandip Pokhrel and David Bhandari, were among the highest scores! Sandip ranked 147 and David ranked 36! They join only 4 other ANSWER students who have achieved this goal!
“Hello! I am Sandip Pokhrel from Arghakhanchi. I am recently graduated from high school from Nepal Mega College, Kathmandu . I got ANSWER’s support since I was in class 7. My father was planning to take me to government school as soon as I complete class 6 as it was quite difficult for him to manage for my school fees. However, he decided to continue my studies in the same boarding school for one more year. And luckily, the same year I got the support from ANSWER Nepal. My sponsor is a neuropsychiatrist, so I also dreamed of being a doctor somehow being inspired from him.”
In Grades 11 and 12, Sandip began his school days at 6:15 am. He spent 3 hours each morning taking special premed classes and then continued his regular school day immediately after. After he graduated from Grade 12, he again took special preparation courses for 2 months and then began his own self-study for the MBBS, which included long days of studying and taking two mock exams every Saturday.
“It was overwhelming to know that my hard work led me to success. I want to thank ANSWER Nepal for making me able to walk towards my dreams.” Sandip Pokhrel
Sandip’s sponsor is Dr. Jordan Anderson (Portland, OR) who has supported Sandip since May 2017.
David’s hometown is Ghorahi. He has always been a dedicated and driven student. He scored an overall 3.81 GPA on his Grade 12 national board exams, earning the title of “college topper” – meaning he earned the highest grades in his school. After graduating from Grade 12, David spent the next 6 months taking preparation classes for the MBBS, completing mock exams, and focusing on his own self-study with online tutorials. He often spent 14 to 16 hours a day studying.
“The unwavering support from family, teachers, and friends acted as a guiding force, reinforcing the collective belief that I was destined to tread the noble path of healing. This achievement stands not just as a personal milestone, but as a testament to the power of dedication, strategic learning, and an unyielding commitment to a profession that transcends personal ambitions for the greater good of humanity.” David Bhandari
David’s sponsors are John & Nita Bradford (Lakewood, CO), who have supported David since August 2016.
