Program Overview

Introduction to the Medical Education Development (MED) Program

The Medical Education Development (MED) Program is designed to increase opportunities in the health professions for individuals with limited access to resources who demonstrate educational promise and commitment to health careers. The program consists of pre-medical or pre-dental applicants with at least one year remaining before desired application to professional school.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the MED Program, students must be a rising senior in college or a postgraduate student. Academic prerequisites include passing grades in Organic Chemistry (Part 1) and other science and math courses to prove a solid background in the major biological and physical sciences that are preparatory for medical or dental school. A cumulative science GPA of 2.75 or higher is strongly recommended for realistic consideration.

Application Requirements

The MED application is comprised of two components:

• An online component, including:
  • Applicant profile
  • 4 essay questions
  • 2 letters of recommendation (letter writers will be able to upload letters)
• Required supporting documents to be mailed in:
  • Transcripts – all official transcripts from institutions where science course credit was received (including community colleges)
• Optional supporting documents:
  • Resume/CV

Application Dates and Deadlines

• Application Opens: Monday, October 13, 2025
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have completed at least three years of college coursework, including Organic Chemistry (Part 1), and possess a strong background in the major biological and physical sciences.
• A cumulative science GPA of 2.75 or higher is highly recommended.
• Criteria for selection are based on a number of factors, including educational promise, a strong commitment to a health career, and lack of past opportunities.

Program Details

• The program typically enrolls at least 60 students per summer (48 pre-medical, 12 pre-dental).
• North Carolina residents receive preference and typically constitute 80-85% of participants.
• Applicants from other states are also welcome to apply.
• Note: MCAT/DAT scores are not required for admittance to the MED Program.

Financial Information

• There is no cost to apply or attend the MED Program.
• The School of Medicine covers all instructional costs (i.e., tuition, texts, housing, etc.) for all participants.
• A stipend is awarded to qualifying applicants.

Application FAQs

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must have completed at least three years of college coursework, including Organic Chemistry (Part 1), and possess a strong background in the major biological and physical sciences that are preparatory for medical and dental school. A cumulative science GPA of 2.75 or higher is highly recommended.

Can Out-of-State Applicants Apply?

Yes, non-North Carolina residents are encouraged to apply. Each summer, approximately one-third of the participants are from other states.

Are International/Foreign Students Eligible?

Eligible: US Citizens or Permanent Resident Alien (green card). Ineligible: Any visa type that is NOT Permanent Resident Alien.

Are Current Medical/Dental Applicants Eligible?

Yes, students currently applying to medical and dental schools are able to apply.

What if I am a Re-Applicant to the MED Program?

Re-applicants are eligible to apply. Re-applicants will need to complete all aspects of the application and have transcripts and financial documents mailed to the office.

Additional Information

• The use of AI tools is strictly prohibited for all parts of the application. Use of AI will automatically disqualify applications for admission to the MED program.
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on color, national origin, religion, sex, or handicap. Moreover, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is open to all people of all races and actively seeks to promote racial integration.