The Summer Enrichment Program Structure

Academic Enrichment  

English Communication:

The English communication curriculum is designed to enhance reading speed, reading comprehension and analysis, through daily reading and writing assignments. The curriculum also covers time management and test-taking strategies for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Participants also practice listening and interviewing skills.

Physics:

The curriculum focuses on physics as applied to physiology and other biological systems. It consists of on the physical principles and their application to the understanding of living organisms. Typical topics include description of motions, Newton’s laws of motion, gravity, work and energy, heat, laws of thermodynamics, fluids, waves and sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, and electromagnetism.

Reading Test and Cognitive Abilities Assessments:

During the program, the Nelson-Denny Reading Test and Cognitive Abilities Test are administered as pre-tests to establish baseline data for each participant, and are also administered at the end of the program as post-tests to assess the participants’ progress during the program.

Preparation for Medical School Applications

AMCAS Application:

Program participants complete an American Medical College Admissions Service (AMCAS) application to familiarize themselves with the components of the medical school application. Step-by-step guidance on completing the application and the personal statement is provided.

Preparation for the Personal Statement:

During the program, participants write an autobiography and an essay describing 3 reasons for their desire to enter health professions programs. This essay can provide a foundation for the required personal statement for health professions school applications.

Practice MCAT:

During the last week of the program participants take a practice MCAT examination under test conditions to simulate the exam, as well as identify areas for focused study as they prepare for the exam in the future.

Practice Interview:

Students will participate in a practice interview conducted by UMass Chan faculty and staff. Feedback will be given to the students by the interviewer during the sessions.

Cultural and Contemporary Health Issues Seminars

In the CCHI seminars, guest lecturers discuss a range of topics relevant to the health professions, including current prominent health issues, areas of specialized medical training, and their individual careers and journeys medical and professional school. Specific sessions on medical school admissions and financing professional education programs seek to demystify the health professions school admissions process.

Health Equity Research Project:

Participants work in small groups to research a health issue that disproportionately impacts a population group in Massachusetts, and potential solutions that could increase health equity. Students present their projects to a panel of judges comprised of program instructors and guest lecturers. The three highest-ranked groups present their projects at the closing ceremony.

Post-Program Feedback:

Following completion of the program, participants receive detailed feedback from the program director on their performance during the program, as well as an individualized plan for continued preparation for application to health professions programs.

  The 2024 program schedule can be accessed here.