Health Professions graduate schools are committed to increasing the numbers of
underrepresented students at their institutions. Most schools have an individual(s)
whose major responsibility is to advise current students and/or potential applicants
concerning minority affairs. Further information about AHANA opportunities can
be accessed on the world wide web. One particularly useful site is www.aamc.org/.
Additional web site addresses are available in the Premedical Office. Additionally,
the book: The Medical School Admissions Requirements (see chapter titled
"Information for Minority Group Applicants") - on reserve, BI 000,
in O'Neill Library - list contact people and programs that are available at
various medical schools. For those interested in a dental career, the book Opportunities
for Minority Students in U.S. Dental Schools is available through the American
Dental Education Association.
It is important to seek out individuals who work with minorities at each school, as they are the most informed concerning specific policies at that school. If you contact (write or telephone) a particular minority affairs officer, convey as much information as you can -- including your courses, cumulative averages, test scores, etc. This will allow that individual to better advise you as to your competitiveness at this time and what special programs you might want to consider. If you talk on the phone be sure to get the person's name. We also suggest that you write a thank you note after talking with a specific individual.
Many institutions have special summer programs which are especially designed for students who have completed their sophomore year in undergraduate school. It is never too early to start researching these types of opportunities. Feel free to stop by the Premedical Office (Higgins Hall, 648) for a listing of resources/opportunities.