Early Medical School Selection Program
Program Summary
The Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) was developed with a consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in 1982 in an effort to increase diversity in the physician workforce. Since that time the program has expanded to include partnerships with schools that have large Latino and Pacific Island populations.
The program provides an early, gradual transition into the medical school curriculum through emphasis on study skills and early exposure to graduate-level coursework during the summer terms after sophomore and junior years and the final undergraduate year, all of which are spent at Boston University. EMSSP is an early assurance program and students who meet all program requirements can expect to be promoted to the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine upon completion of their undergraduate education.
Undergraduate Study
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.
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.
Requirements for Admission
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.
Inquiries regarding the Early Medical School Selection Program may be directed to the Diversity & Inclusion office, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Room A206, Boston, MA 02118, or by email at busmdeia@bu.edu.
