The Lester R. Bryant Pre-Admissions Program
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Program Requirements
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required of program participants, starting with the entering class of 2014, for matriculation into the school of medicine as well as superior performance in the prerequisite science courses, and satisfactory completion of the other program requirements.
Prerequisite Science Courses
Bryant Scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 and a cumulative math/science GPA of 3.30 and earn A or B grades in the required courses specific to each participating institution.
For a list of course requirements for each participating institution contact the institution's Bryant Scholars Faculty Advisor.
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Starting with the entering class of 2014, Bryant Scholars are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Scores must be available for review at the Preprofessional Scholars Program Committee meeting in July of the calendar year prior to their expected date of matriculation into medical school.
Students must achieve the following minimum MCAT scores:
- Total score: 27 or higher
- All sub scores: 7 or higher
Students who do not receive a minimum score will be reviewed by the committee and may be dismissed from the Bryant program. Students who wish to do so may appear before the committee, or provide written documentation to support their retention in the program.
Bryant Scholars who do not continue in the program after review of their MCAT scores will be granted automatic interviews through the regular admissions process.
Student Conduct
Bryant Scholars must follow the Student Conduct Regulations as stated in their home institution's rules and regulations. Failure of a student to comply with these requirements will result in Committee deliberations to determine whether the student may continue in the MU Bryant Scholars Pre-Admission Program.
Scholars are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a professional and ethical manner. Scholars whose professional or ethical conduct is in question in any way may be reviewed by the Preprofessional Scholars Program Committee and may be dismissed from the program.
Bryant Scholars will be required to comply with all medical school matriculation requirements at the time of their matriculation.
Withdrawal/Discontinuance Policy
If a Bryant Scholar withdraws from or fails to re-enroll at their home institution prior to completion of his/her undergraduate degree, the Scholar is automatically, without further notice, discontinued from the Bryant Scholars Pre-Admissions Program.
Retreats
Required retreats take place at the School of Medicine in Columbia. Retreat programs may include educational activities, leadership seminars, health policy workshops and social events. Students are required to attend 3 of 4 retreats while in undergraduate school, including all summer retreats. Partial attendance of any retreat does not count toward this requirement. Absences must be approved by the Bryant Scholars Program Coordinator. Requests to be absent must be in writing.
Physician Shadowing
All Bryant Scholars are required to enter a mentoring relationship with a physician beginning their junior year in college. Students will have contact with their mentors at least 20 hours per program year.
Health Related Activities
Additionally, scholars are required to log 20 hours of other health related experiences per program year. These experiences may include but are not limited to: health research, shadowing nurses and/or other health related staff.
Reflection Papers
Students are required to write two reflection papers each program year that reflect on their shadowing experiences. Reflection papers will be submitted at each retreat.
Community Service
Bryant Scholars are also required to participate in 8 hours of community service per program year. The service activity is the choice of the student, but must be approved through the Bryant Scholars Program Coordinator. Contact information from the volunteer site must be provided for verification.
Rural Commitment
Upon matriculation into the School of Medicine, Bryant Scholars are required to volunteer at two Bryant Scholar undergraduate retreats and participate in the Summer Community Program, the Rural Track Clerkship Program and the Rural Track Elective Program.
The Summer Community Program
Bryant Scholars are required to complete six weeks of the Summer Community Program.
The Rural Track Clerkship Program
Bryant Scholars are required to complete three rural track clerkships.
The Rural Track Elective Program
Bryant Scholars are required to complete one rural track elective.
Students who successfully complete all medical school requirements of the Bryant Scholars program will receive a Bryant Scholarship at the beginning of their fourth year in medical school.
Students pre-admitted to the School of Medicine as Bryant Scholars make a commitment to participate in all components of the program. A request from a Bryant Scholar not to participate in the Summer Community Program, the Rural Track Clerkship Program, or the Rural Track Elective Program will only be considered if there are compelling health or personal circumstances supporting the request. The request will only be granted in very unusual circumstances. Students should make the request in writing or by email to the Associate Dean for Student Programs and Professional Development who will consult with the Rural Track Management Group. The student's situation may be referred to the Committee on Student Promotions, which is the faculty body responsible for reviewing the progress of all students, especially if there are issues of ethics or professionalism involved.
Students who do not complete medical school curricular requirements for any reason will forfeit the Bryant Scholarship, and may have an explanatory note included in their Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter sent to residency programs.
