The Medical Scholars Program is a 7-8 year BS/MD program. Admission to the MSP program assures students of a place in the freshman class of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine after completing their third year of undergraduate study, provided they meet the program requirements. MSP students must complete all course requirements for entering medical school and all distribution requirements for graduation. A minimum of 90 semester hours must be accumulated and in no case can the program be shortened to less than three calendar years. It can, however, be extended to four years if the student is in good standing and can present a comprehensive plan for academic and personal enrichment during the additional year. Students usually qualify for the BS degree before starting medical school or at the end of the first year of their medical studies.

Eligibility

• Only University of Miami students may apply. Students who meet the following criteria and who have at least a 3.7 GPA at the end of their freshman year are identified by the University and are formally invited to apply to the program. To be eligible to apply, students must:
• Be US citizens or permanent residents of the United States (with an alien registration receipt card in their possession at the time of application
• Be in their fourth consecutive semester of full-time academic work (excluding summer sessions) at the University of Miami
• Must have entered the University with a minimum SAT 1 score of 1350 (ACT 32)

Application Process

Applications and all supporting documents must be received in the Office of Admissions at the School of Medicine by March 15. An evaluation interview conducted on the medical campus by a member of the Honors Program Committee is an integral part of the application process. However, it should be clearly understood that completing an application form and submitting supporting documents does not, in any way, assure that the applicant will be interviewed. Only those students who, in the opinion of the Committee appear to be the most competitive will be interviewed. The number of applicants invited for interviews will be limited. Interviews are held just before the end of the spring term.

Selection Factors

Selection is based equally on academic merit and on an assessment of a variety of personal factors such as maturity, interpersonal skill level, demonstrated interest in patient care, extent and meaningfulness of patient care experiences, the source and depth of motivation to study medicine, and a history of involvement in campus or community activities, research, or hospital volunteering. Decisions are communicated to applicants in early June, after grades for the spring semester have been posted.

Promotion to the Miller School of Medicine

To be promoted to the Miller School of Medicine, MSP students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7, a science GPA of at least 3.7, and an MCAT composite score of at least 26. MSP students must satisfy all distribution requirements for their bachelors degree before starting medical school. In addition to these requirements, students must participate in one or more of the following each semester of their third year of study: patient contact and hospital volunteer experiences, research, campus or community service organizations, or study abroad. These experiences must be done over the entire semester and can not be satisfied in less time. Proof that the experience has been undertaken, along with the inclusive dates of participation will be required. Given the purpose of the MSP program, students are greatly encouraged to gain as many patient centered experiences and hospital volunteer experiences as possible. All students must complete a verified AMCAS application, a supplemental application from the Miller School of Medicine, and provide letters of recommendation.

Further information about the MSP program may be obtained from the Office of Admissions at 305-243-3234.