Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors
Pre-Medical Summer Scholars (PMSS)
The UAMS Division for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships’ Pre-Medical Summer Scholars (PMSS) is a nonresidential program designed to help premedical students strengthen their readiness to study medicine. With full participation in the UAMS PMSS program, participants should enhance their competitiveness for medical school admission and be better prepared to succeed once enrolled.
Program Dates: Virtual: April 18 – May 31 2026, In-Person: June 1 -July 31 2026
Important Dates for PMSS 2026:
- December 16th – Online Application Opens
- February 16th Online Application Closes
- April 18th– Program Starts
- July 31st– Program Ends
*To be considered for screening, the online application and supplemental materials (including a letter of recommendation) must be received by 11:59 p.m. on February 23rd.
Student Eligibility
We accept applicants who are working toward a 4‑year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (including out‑of‑state and post‑baccalaureate students). Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Come from an educationally or economically disadvantaged background.
- Applicants must be a U.S citizen or hold a permanent resident visa, or documentation of approved eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the State of Arkansas
- Minimum 3.25 science GPA for juniors and seniors
- Accepted applicants must have successfully completed or be in enrolled for the following courses prior to becoming a cohort in the program
- Three semesters of Biology (Including one full semester of Genetics
- Three semesters of Chemistry (to include Organic Chemistry with lab, and Biochemistry).
- Two semesters of Physics
- Two semesters of English
- One semester of Statistics
- Two Semesters of Social Sciences (Psychology and Sociology are highly recommended)
- Participants will engage in an extensive and lively classroom review of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Behavioral Sciences.
- One letter of recommendation from a science professor or a counselor/premedical advisor or employer/internship recommending participation in the PMSS program.
- Must have computer and Wi-Fi
- Participants must register for the MCAT before the program begins.
Program Information
Academic Component
Students will work at a rigorous pace with a highly focused curriculum to prepare for the MCAT. Participants will engage in an extensive, lively classroom review of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Behavioral Sciences — all key areas tested on the MCAT.
Beyond learning and reinforcing scientific content, participants will develop the ability to apply, integrate, and analyze information through analytical thinking. To further enhance the classroom experience, participants will be assigned to small study groups led by medical students and will participate in problem‑based workshops covering reading, writing, and critical thinking. These skills, strengthened over the summer, have considerable value throughout students’ academic and professional lives.
Career Guidance and Personal Development
Participants will receive individual counseling, hear from guest speakers, and take part in personal development workshops on topics such as study skills and time management, financial planning, application procedures and strategies, interviewing skills, networking, complementary medicine, and issues in modern medicine. These sessions help participants more realistically prepare to reach their goals successfully. One of the most important components is the Life Management series and the ongoing values clarification sessions called “A Winner…You,” which provide a safe environment for participants to explore their inner calling and motivation.
Clinical Preceptorships
Participants are encouraged to observe practicing physicians and medical researchers in person as they perform the typical functions of their profession in clinical settings. These face-to-face observations may take place at UAMS-affiliated hospitals and clinics, private practices, community clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
This invaluable experience allows PMSS students to interact with established practitioners addressing the continually evolving challenges of modern medicine. Students can envision themselves in various professional roles and make more realistic self-evaluations of their motivation and intentions regarding their career choice. Additionally, many mentorship relationships grow from these experiences.
Location
- Little Rock
Questions or Additional Info? Contact: Dr. Patrice N. Storey