MedSTEP Program (Fast Track to Medical School)

This program was launched in April 2003 as a joint project between Shepherd University and West Virginia University School of Medicine. The program helps to simplify the process and ease the financial burden of applying to medical school.

This is a competitive process, and all applicants are not guaranteed acceptance. Students accepted will complete their undergraduate degree work and premedical required courses at Shepherd University. Provided that they maintain the agreed upon minimal academic and professional standards, they will be guaranteed acceptance into the WVU School of Medicine. The basic science portion of the MD degree curriculum will be completed on the Morgantown campus, and the students will return to the Eastern Division to complete the clinical portion of their degree work (typically the third and fourth years).

First STEP:

1. Acceptance to Shepherd University for a degree meeting the pre-med requirements
2. Personal statement demonstrating interest in a medical career
3. Written letters of recommendation from a science teacher, community leader, and either your principal or guidance counselor
4. Demonstrated leadership, maturity, service and scholarship
5. Minimum high school GPA 3.6 or greater overall and in all science courses
6. Standardized test scores of ACT > 24 or SAT > 1100

Second STEP:

Once all applications are received and reviewed, selected students will be asked for a personal interview with members of the WVU School of Medicine Admissions committee. Based upon all the information available at that time, including the interview scores, up to five students per year will be selected to participate in the MedSTEP program and given 'provisional' admission status to the School of Medicine.

Third STEP:

Students accepted into the MedSTEP program will be assured matriculation to WVU School of Medicine provided that they:

1. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.5 for all courses, and for all their science courses
2. Participate in the monthly seminar-enrichment activities to include study skills, reading evaluations, medical related experiences and community service.
3. Participate in pre-planned summer medically related activities.
4. Maintain standards of honesty, integrity, citizenship and service.

Final STEP:

In April of their third year of studies at Shepherd University, students will be required to take the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) and score at least an 8 in each category of Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Student will be expected to graduate from Shepherd University with a degree which includes all the pre-requisite courses for standard admission to the School of Medicine. Students will still need to complete the standard AMCAS application process for all medical schools.

Links of Interest:

Shepherd University Website
Eastern Division Website
Required Course Work for the MedSTEP program

Shepherd University
(800) 344 - 5231, ext 5227

WVU School of Medicine
(800) 543 - 5650