General Information

Our goal is to provide participants with a low-cost program. Participants will be responsible, however, for fall and spring semester tuition at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Participants will be collectively enrolled in SFSU for the fall and spring semesters, which will enable them to attend classes and qualify for federal financial aid and student health services at San Francisco State. To facilitate financial aid, participants will be responsible for completing and submitting relevant federal financial aid applications (which can be found on the FAFSA website; see link on the right).

Housing will be provided for participants for the first seven weeks of the program at the University of San Francisco. After that time, students will be responsible for finding and providing their own housing. A modest stipend will be offered during the summer to each participant to assist with meal and incidental expenses.

The Summer Component
Begins June 16, 2008

The summer component will include 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 2008.

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 will include 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 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