03 April 2026

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Admissions director honored for her commitment to students and community

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Sarah Troy-Petrakos has spent more than a decade helping shape the future of dentistry at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). As director of admissions, she works closely with prospective students, faculty, and colleagues across the School to build each incoming class and support students from their first inquiry through matriculation.

This year, Troy-Petrakos was honored with the Daniel D. Federman Award for Exceptional Institutional Service to HSDM and Harvard Medical School, in recognition of her meaningful contributions to the community.

HSDM spoke with her about her approach to admissions, the responsibility of shaping a class, and what it means to welcome students to campus each year.

What is your role at HSDM? 

As director of admissions, I oversee the DMD and Advanced Standing programs—serving as chair of the Admissions Committee—as well as our Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs. I am fortunate to work alongside a truly dedicated and talented team; our best ideas invariably emerge when we put our heads together. 

My role involves close collaboration with the associate dean of Dental Education, our program directors, the Registrar, and the directors of Student Affairs and Financial Aid. Most importantly, I have the privilege of supporting prospective students as they navigate the application process and continuing that relationship as they transition into life as students here at HSDM.

What do you enjoy most about working at HSDM? 

The Office of Dental Education has operated as a cohesive unit for many years under the leadership of our associate dean, Dr. Sang Park, who has been an invaluable mentor to me. I deeply value my colleagues both professionally and personally—they raise the bar high every day, which inspires me to do the same. 

Beyond my team, I have the privilege of engaging with the smart, kind, and well-rounded candidates who become our students. It is truly the people who make 188 Longwood feel like a home away from home. 

What does receiving the Daniel D. Federman award mean to you? 

I am deeply honored to receive an award named for Dr. Daniel Federman, whose 50-year legacy of service is a gold standard at Harvard. To me, this recognition validates the stewardship he championed. 

In the context of my work at HSDM, it signifies that my efforts to support our staff, students, and faculty are making a tangible difference. It reinforces my belief that institutional service is about more than just completing tasks—it’s about building a sustainable, supportive community. Being linked to this legacy is a humbling and motivating.

How have you helped shape the admissions process, and how do you approach selecting each incoming class? 

While academic success is vital, I believe being a "good human"—someone who truly cares for others—is equally important. Dentistry is ultimately a service profession. I see a seat at HSDM as a "golden ticket," but that ticket comes with the responsibility to lead with empathy and a strong moral compass.

As chair of the Admissions Committee, I spearheaded a transition to a new interview model and rubric that emphasizes important interpersonal skills and aligns with HSDM’s patient-centered mission. I also implemented faculty training aimed at reducing unconscious bias to ensure fairer, data-informed decisions.

A decade ago, few DMD students stayed on for their Advanced Graduate Education. This has gradually changed over the years, and today, at least a quarter of our incoming AGE students are HSDM DMD alumni. I believe the well-rounded type of student we recruit plays an important role in this change, as does the culture of inclusion and belonging fostered by Dr. Park and sustained by the Office of Dental Education. 

I’m frequently asked by candidates what they can do to strengthen their application. My response is typically: "Be your most authentic self—not the person you think an admissions committee wants to see.” We are not looking for someone who is simply checking off boxes, nor are we looking for 'cookie-cutter' students. Tell us about your passions; help us get to know you better. We read thousands of applications from strong candidates, but what truly stands out is a student’s passion, sense of purpose, and a genuine heart for service. We are looking for future colleagues who will enrich our community, care deeply for their patients, and lead with integrity.

What’s the most rewarding part of welcoming a new class to HSDM? 

The most rewarding moment typically happens sometime in the fall, once the first-year students have settled in and started to gel as a group. It’s wonderful when I hear a staff or faculty member speaking about a student or class in glowing terms. 

Our classes tend to become tight-knit families, and hearing students express how much they care about and support one another brings me great joy.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I tend to think of myself as a "regular Joe," but I am deeply connected to nature. I find so much joy in digging in the soil, cultivating flowers, and growing vegetables—even if my part-sun backyard makes it a challenge! 

I love cooking with fresh herbs and tomatoes from my garden or local farms. Last summer, I grew a lot of Dahlias; there was something so special about picking a massive bouquet for my kitchen or gifting them to friends and family. I love to bring the outdoors in.

Source: https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/