The Office of Student Outreach aims to enhance the mission of the VCU School of Medicine by expanding our reach to students who desire to participate in enrichment activities, through which they may explore medicine.Our recruitment, programming and retention efforts are available to all students, with an intentional focus on, but not limited to, the following:
- First-generation college students
- Non-traditional students
- Students from rural backgrounds
- Students who may lack access to these opportunities
We are proud to go out into the community and collaborate with partners like other units across VCU and VCU Health, postsecondary institutions like community colleges and historically Black colleges and universities, local school districts and on-campus student interest groups to connect with aspiring future doctors. Our pathway programs and other initiatives open doors for talented prospective students, enrich our multifaceted School of Medicine community, and shape the next generation of physicians and scientists.
Programs for College Students
Academic and Clinical Skills Symposium (ACSS)
This opportunity is open to all, but it is tailored for students who may lack access to enrichment programs that prepare them for medical school. It is a one-day symposium, which features informational sessions and hands-on demonstrations of basic clinical skills.
Summer Academic Enrichment Program
A collaboration between VCU School of Medicine and the Division for Student Engagement and Impact, this six-week summer program simulates the first year of medical school instruction and is available to college juniors, seniors, graduates and post-baccalaureate students. Participants engage in intensive instruction, test-taking workshops, mock interviews, professionalism seminars and community service opportunities.
Campus Visits
In-person and virtual campus visits are scheduled during both the fall and spring semesters. Participating students will be able to engage with administrators and current students and take a tour of the School of Medicine campus. For more information, please contact Natalia O'Brien at natalia.obrien@vcuhealth.org or by using the button below.
Premedical Graduate Health Sciences Certificate Program
Do you need an academic boost before you begin applying to medical school? This one-year, graduate-level program, known as CERT, is designed for students seeking to enhance their qualifications and improve overall competitiveness for admission into medical school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for a guaranteed interview at VCU School of Medicine.
Programs for High School Students
Available to high school students in Richmond and Chesterfield County public schools, this program — a collaboration between VCU’s health sciences schools and the Division of Student Engagement and Impact — offers college preparedness skills and support for those considering careers in health care. Participants take a health sciences exploration course, engage in a mentoring program with VCU undergraduates and take field trips to VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses.
This competitive eight-year program is open to high school seniors with a minimum combined SAT score of 1330 and unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Once enrolled at VCU Honors College, in order to gain admission into VCU School of Medicine, students in the Guaranteed Admission program must maintain a 3.5 GPA in prerequisite science courses taken at VCU, complete a minimum of 120 hours of approved health care-related experience during each of the first three academic years and complete at least 50 hours of non-clinical community service each year.
Learn more about the Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine
In this pathway program, known as Project ACE, participants meet after school on Fridays for 90-minute sessions. These sessions cover varied topics related to medicine, provide mentorship opportunities, and offer information to aid participants as they prepare for the next steps of their academic journey.
All high school students are welcome to apply, and preference is given to students attending public schools in the city of Richmond and surrounding counties, who meet program criteria.
Twelfth grade students with a minimum GPA of 3.25 who have been accepted into VCU as incoming freshmen are eligible for this year-long program. Beginning with a four-week residential summer session and continuing throughout the academic year, VCU Acceleration connects students with likeminded peers through health career-focused workshops, pre-professional advising and community service opportunities.
The Medical Science Internship Program is a six-week program that connects high school students in the Greater Richmond area with a research mentor in a lab at VCU. Participants conduct research in the lab, attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, and produce a slideshow and poster presentation at the end of the internship.
Additional information, including application information, can be found at the Medical Science Internship Program webpage.
Other Resources
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association
- Black Men in Medicine
- Latino Medical Student Association
- Medicine with Pride at VCU
- Muslim Health Professionals at MCV
- National Association of Minority Medical Educators
- National Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students
- Sisters and Stethoscopes
- South Asian Medical Student Association
- Student National Medical Association
- Underdocs Mentorship Program
- VCU Promoting Access to Health Sciences (VCU P.A.T.H.S.).
Why VCU?
Choosing a medical school is about more than finding the right fit academically — it’s also about deciding where and how you want to live for the next four years. As part of the broader Virginia Commonwealth University community located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, VCU School of Medicine provides easy access to all the unique opportunities that VCU, VCU Health and Richmond have to offer.
Contact Us
For inquiries regarding Student Outreach programs and events, please contact:
Natalia O’Brien
Student Outreach Coordinator
natalia.obrien@vcuhealth.org
804-828-9630