HealthPREP at Emory

HealthPREP is an eight-week residential program facilitated by Emory School of Medicine and the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies at Emory University. The overall purpose of the HealthPREP is to facilitate the entry of qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds, into health-related graduate and professional schools. HealthPREP is open to undergraduate and graduate scholars interested in pursuing a career within the health professions with a well-defined, integrated approach to learning, focusing on the core science curriculum needed to apply to health graduate and professional schools for medicine, physician assistant, anesthesiology assistant, genetics counseling, and physical therapy will benefit from this initiative. Our approach is to provide students will an opportunity to develop skills that will increase their competitiveness for admissions by providing them resources to improve their performance on admission tests, professional development activities, research experiences, and exposure to primary care.

The application will open in January 2021.

Program Dates

June - July 2021

Eligibility

• Applicants with expressed interest in the health professions
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
• Minimum science and cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
• At least one of the following backgrounds
  • Economically disadvantaged (Pell Grant eligible)
  • First-generation student
• One of the following classifications
  • Matriculating students, with at least two years of undergraduate science OR pre-health coursework (including organic chemistry)
  • Recent science or pre-health graduate
  • Matriculating unclassified graduate in science pre-health profession education

Program Overview

Throughout the summer, scholars will engage in coursework, labs, learning skills, and career and personal development during the eight weeks of the program while participating in practical experiences and seminars. The intent of this initiative is not just to give students the academic skills needed, but also to increase their resilience and fortitude by giving them personal and professional skills needed to succeed in graduate and professional schools. A combination of the student’s intellect, drive, and persistence coupled with targeted and comprehensive support will result in increased retention and graduation rates for scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds into the health professions. 

In addition to the activities outlined above, HealthPREP will provide scholars the opportunity to interact with health care providers and attend weekly seminars. Topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to health disparities, wellness/ mental health, and financial planning. Workshops will include activities to improve personal statements, time management, and interview skills. SPCC Atlanta AHEC will collaborate with program administrators to provide health education and college/health career readiness activities. The Urban Health Initiative will provide health disparities education and facilitate clinical shadowing experiences for students.   

Application Requirements

• Complete an online application and include:
  • Personal statement describing what makes you a qualified candidate for HealthPREP at Emory. Highlight the professional and academic experiences that make you a strong applicant seeking to enter graduate or professional school.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of financial aid award, if eligibility is based on economic disadvantage
• Upon completion of the application, send the items below.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least two from college professors)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be an undergraduate graduating after Dec 2020 or can you be a recent graduate and apply?

YES, a recent graduate can be considered if s/he demonstrates a strong interest in applying to a MD or graduate program.

Can students be from historically underrepresented groups in higher education and the healthcare field or only 1stgen and SES?

Though the funding organization, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), requires applicants to fit this designation, all groups will be considered.

Is housing given, if so is it free and where?

Yes, we provide housing at no cost to the student. Housing is provided at our Clairmont Intern Housing site.

When are students notified if they are selected?

Final decisions will be made in April

Can a student participate if they have their own funding?

No

Are students paid to be part of this program?

Students will receive a stipend of $1000 to subsidize living/travel expenses.

Can students take classes at Emory if they are in this program?

No 

Can they take classes somewhere else?

No, the schedule is extremely full and they will need to dedicate hours to their MCAT/GRE studies.

Is travel to and from the program provided?

No 

Also when you are at the program, is travel included?

Travel to and from the Emory (Clifton) campus is provided from the housing site, and Emory Shuttle transportation is provided to available locations.

Can a student start the program early or leave late?

No, students must be available during program dates, June - July 2021. 

Is there a meal plan?

No, unless it is a lunch or dinner as a part of one of our program activities. There is a stipend to help supplement living expenses.

Contact

LaToya Rolle, Ed.D.
Assistant Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs
Learner Diversity Programs and Academic Health
healthprep@emory.edu