Program Overview

Program Overview

The Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) was developed in 1982 to increase diversity in the physician workforce. The program provides an early, gradual transition into the medical school curriculum through emphasis on study skills and early exposure to graduate-level coursework.

Program Structure

• Students accepted into the program will remain at their undergraduate colleges through the junior year, but spend summers taking classes at Boston University.
  • They are encouraged to complete the majority of required science courses prior to entering the senior year at Boston University.
• During the senior year at Boston University, students will retain their degree candidacy at their undergraduate institutions.
• Students will take required modular graduate biomedical courses while participating in individualized programs of study in the senior year that will satisfy their undergraduate academic requirements while providing a gradual transition into the medical school curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• US citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply during the sophomore year of college, with the support and recommendation of their premedical advisors.
• Admission to the program is based on the academic record, letters of recommendation, scope and quality of college and community activities, and such factors as personality, character, and maturity of the applicant.
• Requirements include the completion of Biology (1 year) with laboratory and General Chemistry (1 year) with laboratory by the program matriculation date.
• In addition to the normal distribution of courses in the humanities and social sciences, applicants are strongly urged to complete the equivalent of one full year of Organic Chemistry and Physics (with laboratory) prior to beginning the senior undergraduate year at Boston University.
• Students are required to spend the senior year in residence in Boston University housing.
• Students must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) while in the program, and are required to file an AMCAS application during their senior year.

Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of the program requirements, students can expect to be promoted to the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
• The August following graduation from their undergraduate institutions, students who have performed at the prescribed level will matriculate into the Chobanian & Avedisian SOM.
• All students matriculating through EMSSP benefit from prior exposure to first-year medical school coursework.
• Upon completion of the Chobanian & Avedisian SOM requirements, the degree of Doctor of Medicine will be granted by Boston University.