The goal of this new program is to facilitate a meaningful and worthwhile transition for students from groups underrepresented in medicine or from disadvantaged backgrounds between their undergraduate studies at Monmouth University (Monmouth) and a medical education at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). RWJMS and Monmouth will collaborate to provide early exposure to the medical school, individualized mentorship, healthcare delivery, and other areas related to the healthcare profession.
Any Monmouth University student who meets the criteria listed below is eligible to apply for the program.
- The applicant must be from a group underrepresented in medicine (as defined by the medical school); and/or educationally disadvantaged (first generation college student) background and/or economically disadvantaged.
- The applicant must be able to complete their pre-requisite courses and degree within four years. Applicant must have a strong letter of recommendation from the Pre Health Advising Committee.
- The applicant must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 with a science GPA 0f 3.3 to enter Phase I. (Science GPA includes biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry and mathematics courses).
- Applications for Phase I will be considered in the spring semester of the sophomore year.
- The applicant must have a letter of support from the Monmouth Health Professions Advising office for Phase I.
- Successful progress through Monmouth university curriculum at a 3.5 with a science GPA 0f 3.3 to enter Phase I with a positive evaluation from program faculty.
- A plan for completion of all medical school prerequisites by the graduation date.
- Extracurricular activities that highlight teamwork and exposure to the social determinants of health.
- An updated letter of recommendation from the Monmouth Health Professions Advising Office and one new letter of recommendation. At least one letter of recommendation must be from a faculty member or preceptor who has taught the applicant in a Monmouth science course.
- Reviewing of applicant credentials take place after fall grades are posted in their junior year for early assurance admission to Rutgers-RWJMS. At this time, the review will consider performance in courses taken at Monmouth since the time of the Phase I application along with the letters of recommendation.
- The selected students will be invited to interview. The Interviews will be conducted on the RWJMS campus and will follow the same Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format that is used in the standard admissions process.
- Decisions are shared with the applicants are notified of a decision by no later than April 1 of the junior year. This would enable students to enter the regular admissions process to medical school if they not granted an acceptance to RWJMS.