Tufts University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
Each year, a select group of students from Brandeis University and a few additional schools in the Boston area are granted special early acceptance to Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Interested students may apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year (the application deadline is usually March 1). Candidates for this program are expected to have attained a science grade point average (in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math) and total grade point average (from all courses) of 3.5 or better.
Students must also complete by the end of their sophomore year the following courses: two semesters of Biology and General Chemistry, both with accompanying laboratory; and one semester of Organic Chemistry with accompanying laboratory (view our page on premedical courses for more information). Competitive applicants usually have some volunteer or employment experience in health care.
The primary benefit of this program is the time, money, and energy saved by knowing that you have been accepted to medical school in this process versus applying at large to medical schools. Students have the opportunity to broaden their experience as undergradautes, using the time that they would have spent preparing for the MCAT and the application process in other endeavors, such as studying abroad, or taking leadership positions that they may not otherwise have had the time to pursue.
An information session is held for all students interested in the program late in the fall semester, and applications are available at the beginning of the spring semester. More information will be announced via the Pre-Health Society Listserv (subscribe to the listserv here) in the Fall.
There are a few other Early Assurance Programs open to students nationwide who meet specific criteria. These include:
- Mt. Sinai School of Medicine Humanities and Medicine Program: Students apply to the Program in the first semester of their sophomore year. Juniors are considered on a space available basis. Ideal candidates for this highly selective program will have demonstrated an interest and ability in the sciences and math in high school, taken a minimum of science/math courses in college, and have personal attributes that show promise for becoming a compassionate and humanistic physician. Application deadline is in October.
- University of Buffalo Early Assurance Program: Sophomores with a 3.75 or better GPA are invited to apply. Successful applicants are accepted into Medical School for the class beginning 2 years later. Accepted candidates are not required to take the MCAT, are encouraged to pursue their intellectual interests in their remaining college years, and are expected to maintain a competitive GPA. Deadline is in February.
- SUNY Upstate Early Assurance Program: Students who have just completed the sophomore year are invited to apply. Accepted students are required to complete their remaining two years of college, maintain a 3.50 science and overall GPA, continue relevant volunteer experiences and do not have to take the MCAT exam. Application deadline is in July.
- University of Cincinnati ROSE Program: Sophomores who are residents of Ohio are invited to apply. The program incorporates an early assurance admission to medical school as well as internship and a mentoring components. Application deadline is in February.