Special Program in Medicine
UConn’s Special Program in Medicine links undergraduate preparation with four years of medical education, resulting in dual degrees from UConn: a BA/BS and a MD. Students focused on a career in medicine can choose from our more than 125 undergraduate majors while taking advantage of opportunities in the UConn School of Medicine through special seminars and health-profession events. This eight-year program aims to develop accomplished physicians, while also providing flexibility to accommodate individual choices. All students admitted to the Special Program in Medicine must be enrolled in the Honors Program upon entering UConn.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Applicants must be entering as a first-year student and demonstrate exceptional performance in academics, including advanced preparation in mathematics and laboratory sciences. In addition, extracurricular activities and commitment to the health profession are also considered. There are no state residency requirements, although Connecticut residents will receive special consideration. UConn is committed to attracting members of underrepresented populations for its programs. International students are eligible to apply.
To be considered, an applicant should have:
- An overall secondary school grade point average of 3.5 (4.0 scale)
- A completed application including all supporting materials due November 1
- A supplemental application and optional resume due by November 8
- Two letters of recommendation highlighting the applicant’s interest in medicine, to be received by November 8. These letters satisfy the optional recommendation letters towards your completed application to UConn.
- An interview with the Special Program in Medicine Committee (by invitation only)
Applicants must:
- Submit an application for admission and activate your University-issued NetID in order to access the supplemental application in the applicant portal. Information on activating your NetID will be sent via email 2-3 business days after application submission.
- Answer the program-specific questions and name recommenders on the supplemental application.
- Upload optional resume
- Refer to the statement on recommendation letters below for additional information.
Recommended length is 600-800 words per essay.
- Please briefly share the influences on your decision to pursue the field of medicine, including shadowing experiences and other medical related activities.
- Please describe your interests, activities, hobbies, etc., outside the area of health sciences.
- Please describe a role you have held in a meaningful group/peer-related activity.
Recommendation letters should address your current academic status, extracurricular achievements, personal qualities, and potential for future success in the medical field and the community. Applicants will be asked to name their recommenders as part of the supplemental application.
Recommendation letters may be sent via:
- Email directly to onestop@uconn.edu with the subject line “Special Program in Medicine Recommendation”
- Naviance, Common Application, Coalition Application, or other electronic platforms
School of Medicine Requirements
In order to matriculate into the School of Medicine, students must do the following during their undergraduate career:
- Maintain a 3.6 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale)
- Achieve MCAT total score in the 80th percentile rank with no subtest scores below the 55th percentile rank
- Complete course work in general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry to fulfill school of medicine application requirements
- Participate during matriculation > 100 hours in each of the following activities:
- Clinical Service (e.g. health care observation, EMS activity, hospital volunteering, MD shadowing, hospice services, etc.)
- Community Service
- Clinical or Benchtop Research
- Have favorable interviews during the senior undergraduate year