NERA MedPrep is a free, summer enrichment program targeting traditionally underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged New York City and New Jersey resident college freshmen and sophomores interested in attending medical school. MedPrep is a 3 year summer commitment designed to give students an opportunity to develop key skills and competencies important to success on the MCAT and in medical school.
*         Accepted New Jersey resident students begin the MedPrep Program at New Jersey Medical School.
*         Accepted New York resident students begin the MedPrep program at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons or Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine at Hofstra University.
*         The MedPrep Program is best suited for candidates without summer obligations, as the program requires full-time participation
*         Accepted students receive stipend support
*         There is no application fee.
Program Dates for 2017
Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
*         MedPrep Level 1: June 12, 2017 - July 28, 2017
*         MedPrep Level 3:  June 15, 2017 - July 28, 2017
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
*         MedPrep Levels 2 & 3: June 12, 2017 - July 25, 2017
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
*         MedPrep Level 1: July 12, 2017 - July 21, 2017
*         MedPrep Levels 2 & 3: July 12, 2017 - July 21, 2017
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine
*         MedPrep Level 1: June 12, 2017 - July 28, 2017
*         MedPrep Level 3: June 12, 2017 - July 28, 2017
 MedPrep 1
The MedPrep Program builds on the academic, experiential, and communication skills requisite to becoming a competitive applicant to medical school.
During the first summer, the scholar will be immersed in an intensive academic program consisting of the development of verbal reasoning skills, biological and physical sciences, study strategies, and communication skills.
MedPrep 1 encompasses:
*         Biological and Physical Sciences
*         Accelerated Learning Skills Course
*         Seminars on various topics in medicine and healthcare
*         Medical School Admissions counseling session
Content includes:
*         Biological & Physical Sciences - Topics covered in subjects such as Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy
*         Accelerated Learning Skills Course - Time allocated: 1) to evaluate a student's study habits, reading ability, thought processes, learning techniques, time management skills, exam preparation, and writing techniques; 2) to train a student in how to modify and improve in areas where deficiencies are detected; and 3) to verbal reasoning enhancing the student's skill in navigating this section of the MCAT
*         Seminars cover specialties in medicine (i.e. Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, etc.) as well as medical research, the medical school application process, and public health issues.
*         Counseling Sessions -Students will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Admissions team for tips to make themselves into more competitive applicants.
 MedPrep 2
During phase 2, scholars have an opportunity to experience the clinical setting and complete an intensive MCAT prep course designed to maximize their performance. For students that complete Phase 1 at Columbia, Phase 2 will take place at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
MedPrep 2 encompasses:
*         MCAT Prep Course
*         Clinical Experience
*         Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
Content includes:
*         MCAT Prep Course: The MCAT prep course provides students with the tools necessary to master the skills being tested on the MCAT examination. The course begins with a four-hour diagnostic test. A report will be generated based on the results of this sample MCAT examination and will allow students to identify areas of strengths and, more importantly, areas of improvement. Students will also be evaluated midway and at the end of the program.  Results of the individual evaluation will be used to build upon the individual education plan in an effort to identify areas of academic and non-academic improvement. Each student will receive home study books to also allow him/her to review and practice at their convenience.
*         Clinical Component: Students will present orally and provide a written report, based on a specific clinical experience, the following: a medical condition or procedure, its history, epidemiology, current treatment or use of a procedure, and cost-benefit/risks.
 MedPrep 3
During phase 3, scholars will gain an understanding of how research impacts medical care.
MedPrep 3 encompasses:
*         Research Component
*         Getting Ready for Medical School
Content includes:
*         Research Component: Students will be provided with research opportunities on health-related issues affecting underserved communities and be able to discuss in a written report and oral presentation a detailed description with illustrated examples the following: 1) the scientific method as it applies to the original investigation; 2) methods of data gathering, recording, analysis, and interpretation; 3) use of the Internet for literature retrieval; 4) communication of the results; and 5) specific techniques used to conduct the research. Through a series of seminars, students will learn the responsible conduct of research, fundamentals of research design, including clinical trials, and considerations in the use of human subjects and animals in research, including the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students will also be exposed to various medical specialties and, ultimately, gain a broader understanding of the numerous healthcare issues plaguing underserved communities.
*         Getting Ready for Medical School: Students will have counseling sessions with Admissions staff, practice mock admissions interviews, and have continued seminars on applying to medical school and professional skills.



MedPrep Application

Scholars selected for this highly competitive program will be expected to complete MedPrep 1, 2 and 3.  Upon completion of the 3 phases, a composite letter of recommendation will be sent to your undergraduate institution.


   Application Instructions

1. Students must be United States Citizens or a Permanent Resident.  Student Visas are not accepted.
    Permanent residents are required to demonstrate proof of status by providing a copy of both sides of their Green Card.

2. A personal statement on why you wish to participate, and what you hope to gain from the summer program.

3. Two letters of recommendation, sealed and signed, from science and/or math professor. Letters should be sent to the appropriate address listed at the bottom of the application. New Jersey applicants should mail their letters of recommendation to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. New York Applicants should mail their letters of recommendation to Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons or Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine at Hofstra University.

4. A current official transcript which includes Fall 2016 grades should be mailed to the appropriate address as described above. The online application provides the applicant with the ability to upload an unofficial transcript upon submission. An official transcript must also be mailed.

5. All programs run a full day.  If you are taking credit courses, working or have demands that would require you to miss class, we suggest that you not submit an application.

6. There is no application fee.

7. Admission is determined on a rolling basis.

8. Applications MUST be received by  March 1, 2017.
Applications will be available through the link below on November 1, 2016.

9. Click the link below to complete the online application. This link will take you directly to the application.

Click here for the NERA MedPrep application<https://secure.cumc.columbia.edu/nera/node/add/student-application>