Academic Development
Academic success in Medical School is an ongoing process for every student. Supporting this success as students transition into Medical School and throughout their experience is the goal for Academic Development.
Academic counseling is available to all students. The counseling sessions can be individual or group meetings focusing on developing study strategies. Study strategies, rooted in previous experiences and personal preferences, can be guided toward improvement through reflection, education on best practices, and collaborative efforts. Time management, organization, and self-care are also important components.
Grades are monitored over the course of the program to note individual student trends and facilitate early intervention when concerns arise. Academic counseling sessions will be recommended to students demonstrating concerns with their academic performance.
The second year culminates with a dedicated study period and the requirement of passing the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Exam – Step 1. During the second year, students will be supported as they register for the exam, navigate options of when to begin and how to focus studying throughout the year, and in the development of individualized study plans for their dedicated study period.
Tutors are available for the first, second, and third year students. The tutors are qualified second and fourth year students. Tutors are able to provide support to their peers in both the development of study skills and in content review.
Prematriculation Summer Program (PSP)
Selected incoming students will be offered the opportunity to preview the Medical School experience the summer before their classes begin. This opportunity is reserved for students who have lower GPAs or MCAT scores, students who have been out of school for an extended period of time, and students who were non-science majors. This opportunity allows the selected students to begin to develop their study skills and experiment with different strategies.
Qualified students may participate in the academic development of their peers in several ways.
Rising second-year students may apply to become a teacher for the Prematriculation Summer Program (PSP). The three-week PSP program provides select incoming students with the opportunity to preview the medical school format and content in a no-stakes environment. PSP teachers gain experience in lesson planning, delivering lectures, leading lab and small group learning experiences, preparing, and administering exams, supporting students, and collaborating with fellow teachers, faculty, and staff. The unique experience is a first-hand look into careers in academic medicine.
Students in their second year and beyond may support the academic development of other students as tutors, a Federal Work Study paid position. Tutors lead information sessions before exams, serve on panels for information about USMLE exams, and host office hours to support students in content areas and study strategies in one-on-one or group sessions. This opportunity for tutors to give back to their peers also provides the tutors with the opportunity to review material and to gain experience in academic medicine.