To ensure that diversity remains a priority and key component of the college’s mission, the Summer Scholars Program is now part of the OU-COM Admissions Office.

For more than twenty five years, Summer Scholars participants have been preparing for the challenges and rewards of medical school. Twenty-five applicants are selected each year to participate in this rigorous six-week program designed to give you an intensive and realistic introduction to the first-year curriculum at OU-COM.  

In addition to traditional medical school curricula taught by medical college faculty, graduate students and upper-class medical students, the program focuses on case-based problem solving and small-group/team work. You’ll also benefit from special lectures, clinical experiences, and study and time management skill sessions in addition to workshops on cultural competency and research methods. 

Although you won’t receive academic credit for this program, you will be evaluated by medical school faculty based on your class participation, test performance, general attitude and an assessment of your potential for success in the medical curriculum. 

Application deadline for the program is March 1, 2009. 

Program Description

During your six-weeks at OU-COM, you will: 

• be introduced to osteopathic principles and practices and learn the basics of biomedical sciences
• become familiar with problem-based learning using case studies, small group discussions, lectures, labs, independent study, use of computers and pre-clinical observations
• demonstrate your readiness to enter medical school on both an academic and personal level
• practice good interviewing skills
• build cultural competency by working as part of a team with other pre-medical students from diverse backgrounds
• learn basic research methods

You will also take part in individual and group sessions where you’ll learn practical tips on admission and financial aid procedures vital to prospective medical students. And special assistance is available to you if you’re ready to begin the application process.

How to apply
Apply on-line, download the application, or call 800.345.1560 to have an application packet mailed to you. You may also request an application via email. 

Selection and eligibility                                         

• disadvantaged status (economic or educational).  Students will be considered educationally disadvantaged if neither parent has completed an associates degree or higher.
• or underrepresented minority.  Underrepresented minority is defined as racial or ethnic populations who are underrepresented in the designated health profession discipline relative to the number of individuals who are members of the population involved.  This definition would include Black or African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and any Asian other than Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian or Thai.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• a minimum of one year each of college-level chemistry, biology, and physics

Other things we consider are:

• science GPA
• grade trends
• essay question responses
• interest in osteopathic medicine
• MCAT scores
• recommendations from two (2) natural science faculty members from your undergraduate school who are familiar with your academic work.
• preference is given to rising seniors, recent college graduates and non-traditional premed students

Financial support for each student includes:

• room and board and a modest stipend
• program materials
• travel expenses to and from the program

For more information contact: