Learn about SMDEP Ambassadors | Find out how to apply.

Who Is Eligible for SMDEP?

To be eligible for SMDEP, an applicant must:

• be currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college;
• have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with 2.75 in the sciences;
• be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa; and
• not have participated in SMDEP previously.

Other factors considered in the admissions process include whether an applicant:

• has a combined verbal and math SAT score of at least 950 or ACT score of at least 20;
• identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in medicine and dentistry (as defined independently by each program site);
• comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background;
• has demonstrated interest in issues affecting underserved populations;
• has local and/or regional residency; and
• submits a compelling personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.

Each SMDEP site makes its admissions decisions on a "first come, first serve" basis.

Students should contact their school's health professions advisor or career counselor for advice on which summer to apply to SMDEP and for other information about a career in the health professions.