Pathway Programs

What is it?

The Science and Technology Entry Program is our commitment to nurturing talent and diversity in the healthcare professions. Funded by New York State, STEP provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with immersive experiences alongside physicians, researchers, and educators. Through hands-on learning, participants develop crucial skills and gain insights into the dynamic world of medicine. Join the program as we ignite passion, inspire futures, and shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
• Applicants must be New York State Residents living in Wayne or Monroe County.
• Applicants must be entering grades 7 through 12.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 average or better.
• Applicants must express interest in science and /or the health professions.
• Applicants must be members of an Underrepresented Group:
  • African American/Black
  • Hispanic/Latinx
  • American Indian
  • Alaskan Native
  • OR Applicants must be economically disadvantaged (Economic Criteria)

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The URMC currently leads two STEP Program variations, Academic STEP and Summer STEP.

• Applications for Academic STEP open in July.
• Applications for Summer STEP open in April.

What is it?

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is a transformative ten-week experience designed to empower college students for careers in medicine and biomedical sciences. Selected from a national pool, participants engage in focused research, clinical rotations, problem-based learning sessions, and more under the guidance of faculty mentors. Join for a summer of discovery, growth, and innovation as we shape the future of healthcare together.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
• Applicants must be enrolled in college.
• In order to qualify, students should not be graduating college during the summer of participation.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The online application for this program is available in December of each year. 

What is it?

Explore the Visiting Clerkship Program, an invaluable opportunity for final-year medical students with a passion for enhancing the health of diverse patient populations through patient care, research, or teaching. Designed to offer hands-on training at URMC, the program facilitates connections with faculty, residents, and fourth-year medical students from August to November. Eligible applicants must be US citizens and full-time medical students who have completed their third-year core clerkships. Seize this chance to broaden your clinical experience and network with medical professionals at URMC.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Applicants must be registered students in good standing at their home school while participating in the externship.
• Applicants must be full-time, final-year medical students attending an LCME-accredited U.S. medical school. 
• Students must have completed 3rd year core clerkships.
• Applicants must demonstrate vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations via patient care, research, and/or teaching.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion. For more information, download the brochure.

For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

Application deadline: June 1, 2024.

Apply at https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=FN4EM3ETKCELYF9C.

What is it?

The Summer Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students passionate about pursuing a career in Biological or Biomedical Sciences at the University of Rochester. Selected from a competitive national pool, participants engage in a 10-week, hands-on research project supervised by faculty mentors, with guidance from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, all under the oversight of the Office of Graduate Education. If you're an undergraduate student with a passion for research, join for an enriching experience!

Who is this program for?

• Applicants who are currently matriculated college sophomores or juniors attending a U.S. institution of higher education.
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, undocumented student with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), or current F1 visa holder at a U.S. college or university.
• Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0.
• Applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise for success at the U of R as evidenced by academic and research background and aspirations.
• Applicants who demonstrate strength of character as evidenced by faculty recommendation letters and personal statements.
• Applicants who are able to commit to a 10-week summer residential research program without interruption.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Graduate Education. For more information, visit the Summer Scholars Program website.

How and where do I apply?

The annual application deadline is February 28.

For more information about the application process, visit the Summer Scholars Program Application Process page.

What is it?

The Mini Medical School Pre-College Program offers a distinctive three-week summer intensive course designed for academically gifted junior and senior high school students aspiring to become physicians. This immersive experience exposes students to various facets of medicine, including clinical practice, neuroscience, psychiatry, and public health. Dive into anatomy labs, explore the complexities of the brain, and delve into pressing public health issues. For more details, visit Rochester’s Pre-College Programs and embark on a journey towards a future in medicine.

Who is this program for?

• Courses in this program are designed for high school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students, including those who are taking a “gap year” between high school and college.
• Participants should be 13 and up, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than 1 year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).
• These courses are not intended for college students or adults. 
• We are unable to accept students under 13 years of age.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information on Pre-College Programs visit Programs - Undergraduate Admissions.

How and where do I apply?

Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information. Email mdadmish@urmc.rochester.edu.

What is it?

Experience the life of a physician firsthand in our immersive, two-week program designed to answer fundamental questions: What does it mean to be a doctor? What does it take to become one? Interact with physicians, medical students, and industry experts as you delve into the intricacies of the human body. Engage in hands-on medical procedures, explore cutting-edge medical equipment, and simulate patient encounters. Dive deep into specialty-themed days, examining pathological specimens and anatomical models while discussing the diverse roles of physicians. Collaborate with like-minded peers in team-centered and problem-based activities. Gain invaluable insights into the academic rigor required for medical school preparation and uncover whether medicine is your true calling.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
• Applicants must be 9-12 graders.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information on Pre-College Programs visit the Pre-College Programs page.

How and where do I apply?

Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information. Email mdadmish@urmc.rochester.edu.

What is it?

The Rochester Early Medical Scholars Program (REMS) offers a unique pathway for exceptionally talented and motivated students, providing dual acceptance to the University of Rochester College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering and conditional acceptance to the School of Medicine and Dentistry. With a focus on flexibility in degree programs and fostering mentoring relationships with medical school staff, REMS students benefit from early exposure to the medical school curriculum through lectures and seminars. This eight-year program culminates in both a baccalaureate degree and an M.D. degree, both conferred by the University of Rochester. For more information about the REMS Program, please email admit@admissions.rochester.edu.

Who is this program for?

• Those who are still in high school but are passionate about a career in medicine.
• Take classes such as honors, AP, IB, college-level classes, etc.
• Take an exceptionally rigorous high school math and science curriculum, including calculus, biology, and chemistry.
• Do well academically (strong REMS applicants typically have a 3.95 GPA).
• Have medical experience (e.g., shadowing physicians, volunteering at a hospital, working for an ambulance corps/EMT program, participating in premedical summer programs, conducting research).
• Are also involved in non-medical activities (e.g., leadership, service in your community, music, athletics, etc.).

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information on Pre-College Programs visit the Pre-College Programs page.

How and where do I apply?

For more information visit the Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) page.

• Early decision: You must apply by November 1 in order to be considered.
• Regular decision:  You must apply by November 15 in order to be considered.

What is it?

The Rochester Young Scientists Club (RYSC) is dedicated to inspiring and engaging motivated middle school students with the scientific community at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). RYSC’s focus is to engage fifth and sixth grade students in science experiences that promote science as a profession.  The RYSC sessions are held on Saturdays at the UR Medical Center. Medical students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine mentor scholars actively participating in hands-on science activities. The RYSC program culminates in spring with a longitudinal project where students present to the community their findings of a study from a scientific question they have researched.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
• Applicants must be 5th and 6th graders.
• Applicants must be able to commit to meeting at least once a month.
• The program starts in October and ends in April.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email ursmdpipeline@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

For questions please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.