Early Identification Program
Each year the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine accepts three students from groups who are underrepresented in medicine to an Early Identification Program, which provides intensive medical school preparation during two summer sessions. Completing both summers of enrichment and maintaining all program requirements can help a participant become a competitive applicant to medical school.
Summer 1 (Rising Juniors or Seniors)
During the first summer, the selected students participate in a 10-week summer program that gives them the opportunity to engage in hands-on, hypothesis-driven independent research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia. The Summer 1 program blends an emphasis on research with an introduction to clinical skills and MCAT overview and preparation.
Summer 2 (Rising Seniors or Graduated Seniors)
During the second summer, the selected students participate in six weeks of clinical rotations throughout various departments at Carilion Clinic facilities in Roanoke, Virginia. The Summer 2 program emphasizes a range of clinical experiences, intensive MCAT preparation, and advising on the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application.
Early Identification Program participants are expected to complete their undergraduate studies in four years, and it is suggested that participants take the MCAT by the fall of their senior year. While successful participants who apply to and interview at VTCSOM will receive special consideration for admission to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, they are under no obligation to attend.
Application Requirements
To be eligible to apply to the Early Identification Program, students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Current student at Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, or the College of William & Mary.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Be sophomores or juniors in good academic and professional standing
- Demonstrate and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better
- Have completed one year of biology and/or one year of chemistry with lab
- Express a sincere interest in medicine
Application Process
To be considered, applicants should submit the following by February 1 of their sophomore or junior year:
- A completed online application
- A copy of their transcript
- Two professional references, including one from a science faculty member
The 2023 Early Identification Program application is now closed. The 2024 Early Identification Program application will open in the fall of 2023. For more information or additional questions, please e-mail Katherine Murphy at kbmurphy@vt.edu.
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