General Information

Our goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive and structured program. Participants will receive financial support in the following way:

• Housing will be provided for participants for the first seven weeks of the summer portion of the program at the University of San Francisco.
  
• Participants will receive a modest stipend during the summer portion of the program in order to assist with meal and incidental expenses.

Participants will be responsible for the following:

• Enrolling and paying tuition for fall and spring at San Francisco State University (SFSU).* This will enable students to attend classes and qualify for federal financial aid and student health services at SFSU.
  
• Completing and submitting relevant federal financial aid applications (FAFSA).
  
• Finding and providing their own housing for fall and spring semesters.
  

*Participants enroll at SFSU after being accepted into our program. Students will receive special enrollment status as part of our program.

The Summer Component
Begins June 17, 2010

The summer component includes intensive MCAT instruction to reinforce the knowledge and skills needed to achieve a high score. Structured practice tests and review sessions will supplement the core instruction component. Participants are expected to take the MCAT examination in August or September 2009.

A learning skills specialist will test and evaluate program participants. Workshops will be offered to enhance skills in test taking techniques, critical thinking, and time management.

Participants will receive individual attention in preparing their medical school applications and personal statements. The program coordinators will help participants assemble their applications to ensure that all relevant information regarding background and experience is included. In addition, assistance in selecting appropriate schools for application will be provided.

The Fall Component
The fall component includes a continuation of medical school application preparation and interviewing techniques. Mock interviews will be conducted and video-taped for participant evaluation and feedback.

Participants will have an opportunity to establish a more competitive academic record by taking upper-division science courses at San Francisco State University. Each participant is expected to take at least 9 units during the fall semester.  Participants will be advised as to the appropriate courses needed to enhance their academic profiles.  Participants' progress in science courses will be monitored and they will be expected to achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Seminars on health care issues in underserved communities and a colloquium will be held during the fall component.

The Spring Component
Each participant is expected to take at least 9 units during the spring semester. Participants will be advised as to the appropriate courses needed to enhance their academic profiles. Participants' progress in science courses will be monitored and they will be expected to achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.   

Seminars on health care issues and colloquia will continue during the spring component. A special commencement celebration will be held upon completion of the program.

See also:
Program Curriculum
Eligibility and Admissions
Contacts