Pre-Matriculation (Undergraduate) Phase

Growing future medical students

The true cornerstone of MRPSP is the two year undergraduate or pre-matriculation “nurturing” phase. Rural college premed students apply during the spring of their sophomore year of college. Applicants are interviewed by the MRPSP Board physicians followed by interviews with the School of Medicine Admissions Committee. The final selection is announced in May once spring grades are reviewed.

Current research indicates physicians with rural roots are far more likely than urbanites to practice medicine in a small town as it is a life style choice to raise their families in a church and community centered environment. MRPSP is way for Mississippi to “grow our own” primary care physicians.

Integrity clause

"As a member of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, I aspire to earn my place in the medical community of Mississippi. I accept responsibility for my conduct and expect the highest standards of myself. I understand and pledge my commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program. I recognize it is an honor and a privilege to be the recipient of the State's financial investment in me. I pledge to uphold my agreement to practice primary care in rural Mississippi."

Undergraduate requirements

• 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 (3 credits of calculus satisfies the math requirement)
• Additionally, applicants must:
  • Present academic credentials and standardized test-taking skills indicative of a successful applicant to medical school
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) = 3.0 for a minimum of 60 credits
  • ACT composite score = 21 or SAT verbal plus math score = 990
  • Biology, chemistry, physics, and math (BCPM) GPA = 3.0 for a minimum 30 credits (27 credits if math requirement satisfied by 3 credits of calculus)
• Be a legal resident of Mississippi.
• Plan to complete an internship/residency program in a primary care specialty: Family medicine, combined medicine-pediatrics (med-peds), pediatrics, general internal medicine or obstetrics-gynecology.
• Evidence that an applicant is likely to practice in a rural or medically underserved community in Mississippi based on residence in such an area, plus experiences (exposure to the medical profession, volunteer/community service and leadership) in rural or medically underserved areas.
• A strong work ethic, determination to succeed, ability to overcome setbacks and age-appropriate professional behavior (as defined by the American Board of Internal Medicine) based on faculty evaluation letters, personal recommendation letters and personal circumstances (employment during school, family responsibilities).
• Intent to participate in all academic enrichment programs offered by the MRPSP by signing the Integrity Agreement.