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Medical School Early Assurance Program

Launched in 2007 as a joint project between The Honors College and the WVU School of Medicine, MedBound allows highly qualified and motivated students to enhance their preparation for a medical career and simplifies the medical school admissions process.

MedBound offers a curriculum designed to produce a well-rounded, compassionate, and scientifically advanced physician scholar. The linked undergraduate and professional school experience promotes excellence not only in the sciences but also the humanities and social sciences.

The MedBound application process is competitive, and all applicants are not guaranteed acceptance. Students accepted will complete their undergraduate work and premedical requirements at WVU with a specialized curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree. Provided that they maintain the agreed upon academic and professional standards, MedBound students will be guaranteed acceptance into the WVU School of Medicine.

Advantages of MedBound

  • Guaranteed acceptance into the WVU School of Medicine by meeting program requirements
  • Opportunity to take part in original research in laboratories at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center
  • Mentoring by School of Medicine faculty as part of a special honors course
  • Honors College advantages:
    • Priority scheduling
    • Opportunity to live in the learning community of Stalnaker Hall
    • Specialized advising
  • A $5,000 per year minimum scholarship while attending the WVU School of Medicine (subject to maintaining good academic and professional standing)
  • First choice of clinical campus for third and fourth years of the School of Medicine curriculum

Application Procedure and Requirements

Prospective students must first submit a WVU undergraduate admissions application, along with their test scores and transcripts. Those who qualify for direct entry into The Honors College will be sent information about MedBound with application instructions.

MedBound application requirements:

  • Acceptance as a direct entry student into The Honors College
  • High school GPA of 3.8 or better
  • ACT score of 30 composite or an SAT score of 1340 combined math and critical reading
  • Personal statement of interest
  • Letters of evaluation from a high school science teacher, a community leader, and the applicant's high school principal or guidance counselor
  • Demonstrated leadership, maturity, service, and scholarship

Program Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree at WVU with a science major and a humanities or social science minor
  • Maintain status as a University Honors Scholar
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.65 overall and in science and mathematics courses
  • Participate each semester in a one-hour Honors course, “Introduction to the Art and Practice of Medicine,” conducted by School of Medicine faculty
  • Complete an Honors thesis
  • Participate in research at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center
  • Complete at least four semesters of a foreign language
  • Show participation in community service, including at least one service-learning experience
  • Complete the MCAT examination by the end of the third year of course work and earn a minimum of a 9 on each section of the exam

Application deadline for Fall 2008 is 4:30 PM on February 29, 2008. Selected students will be invited to campus for interviews in March and notified of their status in April. Any questions should be directed to MedBound@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-2100. Click here for the MedBound application.

Contact Information

Lisa DeFrank-Cole, EdD
Director, ASPIRE (Advanced Scholarship and Professional School Preparation
Including Resources for graduate Education) Office
(304) 293-2100
MedBound@mail.wvu.edu
Honors College Web site