MEDCORP Direct

  Click here to complete an on-line application 

For more information, please contact:

• LaFreda Sias, Program Coordinator
          Phone: (601) 984-1339
          E-mail: lysias@umc.edu
• University of Mississippi Medical Center
          Division of Multicultural Affairs
          2500 N. State St.
          Jackson, MS 39216-4505

Participant requirements

Students who participate in the MEDCORP program may be eligible for participation in MEDCORP-Direct, which provides special consideration by the UMMC medical school admissions committee. Students who are enrolled in their sophomore year in college, participated in MEDCORP I or II, and meet criteria listed below will be eligible. Upper classmen and non-traditional students who meet the criteria listed below may also be considered provided that they participate in MEDCORP for at least one year. These criteria include

• Applicants must complete the sophomore year in college and acquire college grades (Advanced Placement credit unacceptable) for the following pre-requisite course work (semester credit hours):
  • 8 credits Biology (with lab)
  • 8 credits Freshman/General Chemistry (with lab)
  • 8 credits of either Physics or Organic Chemistry (both with lab)
  • 6 credits college math (usually 3 credits each of Algebra and Trigonometry; however, 3 credits of Calculus satisfies the math requirement)
• Academic credentials and standardized test taking skills indicative of a successful applicant to medical school.
• Overall (o) Grade Point Average (GPA) at least 3.0 with a minimum of 60 credits Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math (BCPM) GPA at least 3.0 with a minimum 30 credits (27 credits if math requirement satisfied by 3 credits of Calculus) ACT composite score of at least a 20.
• Evidence that an applicant is likely to practice medicine in Mississippi based on:
  • Residence in such an area
  • Experiences (exposure to the medical profession, volunteer/community service and leadership) in such areas
• A strong work ethic, determination to succeed, ability to overcome set-backs and age-appropriate professional behavior (as defined by the American Board of Internal Medicine) based on:
  • Faculty evaluation letters
  • Personal recommendation letters from HCP faculty
  • Personal circumstances (employment during school, family responsibilities)
• Intent to further participate in MEDCORP academic enrichment programs by signing a MEDCORP-Direct Participation agreement.

Application process

Students should submit the following to the Division of Multicultural Affairs by Dec. 31:

•  Completed MEDCORP-Direct application
• College coursework
• Experiences
  • Exposure to medicine
  • Volunteer/community service
  • Leadership/responsibility
  • Employment or other time commitments outside the classroom
• Essay describing motivation to become doctor and vision of practice
• Official transcripts of all college level course work
• Three faculty evaluation letters (SOM requirement)
• One recommendation letter from a HCP faculty describing the applicant’s participation and performance in MEDCORP
• ACT or SAT score reports (include MCAT scores, if taken)

Medical school interviews

• The Medical School Admissions Office will invite recommended MEDCORP-Direct applicants to UMMC to be interviewed by members of the Medical School Admissions Committee for potential entry to medical school upon satisfactory completion of a) one additional year of active participation in MEDCORP and b) all medical school admissions requirements. Applicants will be interviewed in March.
• HCP staff will inform applicants as to whether or not they were accepted to MEDCORP-Direct in May.

Criteria for participation in MEDCORP-Direct

Admission to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine can occur by two routes; both require submission of an American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application and all other required documents by published deadlines for the Regular Decision Program.

• Participate in Medcorp III and IV summer programs as determined by the Program director.
• Participate in the Health Careers Development summer session and complete 30 hours of clinical shadowing in the Emergency Department and one specialty area of choice.