Pre-Med Scholars Program
The Pre-Med Scholars Program (PSP) invites select students interested in medicine to participate in an enriched undergraduate experience that equips you to become strong candidates for the medical, physician assistant, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school of your choice. Through a combination of intensive advising and mentoring, seminars and workshops, and structured clinical and service-learning experiences, PSP provides you with all of the opportunities needed to become a strong applicant.
The program offers:
- Eligibility for early acceptance to joint programs at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Scholarships, including the Riverside Medical Group Scholars ($2,500 or $5,000/year)
- Focused, individualized advising and mentoring
- Seminars and guest speakers
- Opportunities for clinical internships, research and service-learning
Admission to the program is open to:
- Any entering freshman who is interested in a career in medicine (pre-med or pre-physician assistant), dentistry or veterinary medicine with an SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing & Math) of 1310 or higher, an ACT of 28 or higher, or a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- We consider students applying as test-optional with added emphasis on high school curriculum rigor, as well as all other credentials and application materials (including interview).
- CNU students with 30-60 credit hours (you must have completed CHEM 121/121L and 122/122L), an overall and science GPA of at least 3.5, and an interest in applying to medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant or veterinary school. You must complete CHEM 321/321L by the end of your third semester.
There is no separate application process for pre-med scholars. Admission to the program occurs after you have enrolled at Christopher Newport. As long as you meet the 4.0 GPA or higher requirement, you will be automatically reviewed for pre-med scholars if you indicated your interest in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine when filling out the academic interest forms for class registration.
Students must maintain an minimum overall and science GPA of 3.40 to stay in the program.
Opportunities
CNU-Eastern Virginia Medical School BS-MD Joint Program
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Christopher Newport have entered into an agreement whereby CNU applicants who meet certain criteria and are recommended by the director and the Council for Health Professions Preparation have the opportunity to apply for non-binding early acceptance into EVMS’ medical program. These students are guaranteed admission after they graduate from Christopher Newport, as long as they meet all academic requirements and score at minimum of 503 on the MCAT.
CNU-EVMS Master of Physician Assistant Joint Program
EVMS and Christopher Newport have also entered into an agreement whereby CNU applicants who meet certain criteria and are recommended by the director and the Council for Health Professions Preparation, have the opportunity to apply for binding early acceptance into EVMS' Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.
These students are guaranteed admission after they graduate from Christopher Newport, as long as they meet all academic and patient care experience requirements of the program.
CNU-Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine BS-MD Joint Program
Christopher Newport and the VCU School of Medicine have entered into an agreement whereby two CNU students are identified for the preferred applicant track. Students who meet the criteria of the agreement apply for this opportunity their second semester sophomore year. Accepted students are guaranteed admission after they graduate from CNU, as long as they meet all academic requirements and score a minimum of 508 on the MCAT.
Riverside Medical Group Scholars are mentored by Riverside Health physicians, have access to clinical experiences and selective medical education activities, and are offered a paid internship with Riverside Health between sophomore and junior year.
Eligibility Requirements
Two $2,500 scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen interested in pursuing a medical degree. To qualify, admitted students must have:
- A high school GPA of at least 4.0
As an upperclassman RMG Scholar, you’ll receive a $5,000 scholarship, provided you maintain a 3.7 GPA during your freshman year.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants who select pre-med as their intended field of study on the Common Application will be invited to submit an additional essay about their interest in studying medicine.