The Saint Louis University Medical Scholars Program offers an exclusive opportunity for exceptional SLU students to gain experience and connections with the SLU School of Medicine.
The program provides medical school preparation privileges but does not guarantee acceptance to the School of Medicine; however, participation in this program and its challenging nature greatly increase students' likelihood of matriculation to medical school. Regardless of admission status, all scholars are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Medical Scholars must follow the program requirements as set by the Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies, and meet the SLU School of Medicine technical standards.
Apply to the Medical Scholars Program
Watch a recorded webinar on the Medical Scholars Program
The Application Process
The Medical Scholars Program application can be found in your Billiken Gateway portal. Applying via the Common App? Log into the Billiken Gateway portal after your Common App has been submitted to fill out the application.
Access the Billiken Gateway Portal
Requirements
Eligible applicants must have an outstanding academic record with only As and Bs in math and science courses. The following materials must be submitted as part of the Medical Scholars Program application:
| Required Applicant Materials |
|---|
| Medical Scholars Program online application |
| Two short essay questions |
| Resume listing service and leadership experiences, as well as extracurricular activities |
| Two letters of recommendation (these can be the same as those used for general admission, but other letters are also accepted) |
If admitted to the Medical Scholars Program, applicants must confirm their acceptance by completing the Medical Scholars Program Rules Acknowledgment Form. This form must be signed, dated and returned to the Office of Admission via email.
| Deadline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dec. 1 of senior year of high school | Application must be submitted |
| March of senior year of high school | Admission decisions mailed to applicants |
| May 1 of senior year of high school | Acceptance of invitation required |
New Medical Scholars Opportunity
During your freshman year, you can now apply to the Medical Scholars Program to become a scholar in your sophomore year. You will share the same benefits as first-year Medical Scholars and be able to interview with SLU’s medical school during your junior year.
More information to come on requirements and the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concentrate on science and math courses. Take additional courses in science rather
than math if given the choice, unless you plan to major in mathematics or biomedical
engineering. In that case, you should take as many math courses as possible.
Consider taking Advanced Placement and/or Advanced Credit courses whenever possible.
Advanced coursework in science and math is excellent preparation for pre-professional
health studies in college. Medical schools generally do not accept AP/AC credit for
biology, chemistry or physics. Students are encouraged to take these courses at a
four-year college or university.
The answer to this question is: whatever major you like best! Select a major which allows you to explore the content that you enjoy, and to strengthen and refine your critical and analytical thinking skills. Although many pre-medical students do select majors in STEM subject areas, this is not necessary for acceptance to medical school. If you are unsure of what major to choose, the Saint Louis University Student Success Center can help.
Regardless of their major, it is important that all pre-medical student incorporate the following coursework into their undergraduate curriculum:
- General biology courses with labs
- General chemistry courses with labs
- Organic chemistry courses with labs
- Physics courses with labs
- Upper division biology courses
- Calculus and/or statistics course(s)
- Biochemistry
- Psychology and/or sociology course(s)
- English composition course(s)
Medical schools pay particular attention to your overall GPA, math/science GPA, and MCAT score. You must also demonstrate a clear motivation to pursue a career in health care and are encouraged to shadow and/or volunteer in clinical settings. Leadership experience, community service and appropriate extracurricular activities benefit your application. Communication skills (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are also important and should be evident in your application and supporting letters.
Yes. All Medical Scholars who plan to matriculate to medical school are required to take the MCAT and achieve a score of at least 508 between April of junior year and September of senior year.
Yes; however, Medical Scholars who are conditionally accepted to SLU School of Medicine and apply to outside medical schools will forfeit their guaranteed seat. If such a student then wishes to be reconsidered for admission, he or she must follow the regular application process for Saint Louis University School of Medicine.