2011-2012 Connections Application Requirements!

Connections is the dual admissions program sponsored by the University of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. It is sometimes referred to as a BS/MD program.

This opportunity allows highly motivated high school students to reserve a place in our medical school for the year that they graduate from UC. Students complete their bachelor's degree at UC before beginning the M.D. program at the College of Medicine. Students accepted into Connections will be guided through a pre-medical curriculum and encouraged to take advantage of clinical and research opportunities. Additionally, Connections students are admitted into the University Honors Program.

To transition to the College of Medicine, Connections students will earn a 3.4+ overall GPA; a 3.45+ math/science GPA; and a 30 + score (no less than a 9 in any section) on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Additionally, they will graduate from the University Honors Program.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

How do I apply to Connections? 

Is it difficult to get into Connections? 

What major should I select when applying to UC?

What happens after I submit my Connections application?

If I'm accepted to Connections, what can I expect? 

I have more questions. Who should I contact?
 

Who is eligible to apply?

Those eligible to apply to Connections are high school seniors who have earned either: 

• a composite ACT score of 29 or higher
  or 
• a composite SAT score of 1300 or higher (critical reading + mathematics).

Please note that there is no GPA requirement; however, academics will be considered when evaluating applications.

How do I apply to Connections?

1. Be sure you have met the test requirement of either 29+ ACT (composite) or 1300+ SAT (critical reading + mathematics).
   
   
2. Apply to the UC Office of Undergraduate Admissions, well in advance of the December 1, 2012 deadline for Connections program consideration and university scholarship consideration.
   
   
3. Specify your interest in medicine on the undergraduate application (there is a specific prompt requesting this information).
   
   
4. All required application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2012. This is a UC Office of Admissions priority deadline and the Connections program application deadline.
   
   
5. If the above criteria are met, you are eligible to complete the Dual Admissions application process.
   
   
6. Submit all required Connections Application requirements per the online instructions by December 1, 2012.
   
   
7. Applicants deemed eligible for an interview must be offered admission to a bachelor's level program at UC before January 20, 2012.

Is it difficult to get into Connections?

Yes. For 2012 admission, 181 applications were received for 12 spots.

What major should I select when applying to UC?

Pre-med is not a major, but rather a career track that compliments the academic degree program of your choice. Select a major that will be interesting and challenging to you. Advisors will assist you with incorporating pre-medical course requirements into your curriculum. Because of your interest in medicine, you will be considered "pre-med," meaning that you will take steps to achieve your eventual goal of attending medical school.
 

What happens after I submit my Connections application?

After the application deadline, UC faculty and staff review every eligible applicant. You may check your status at www.medonestop.uc.edu (log in to My Services).

Approximately 24 students will be invited to interview in early spring. 10-12 applicants will be invited to participate in the Connections program on March 1st.
 

If I'm accepted to Connections, what can I expect?

The College of Medicine will provide you with support during your undergraduate years through advising and programming.  Additionally, the Pre-Professional Advising Center and the University Honors Program offer advising resources and enrichment opportunities.  You will also be paired with a current student who can serve as a mentor to you. Your comprehensive preparation plan for medical school includes meeting five standards of commitment.

1. Commitment to academic and testing standards.
2. Commitment to intellectual development.
3. Commitment to personal and professional growth.
4. Commitment to medicine.
5. Commitment to the community.

To transition to the College of Medicine, Connections students will: 

• Earn a 3.4+ overall GPA.
• Earn a 3.45+ math/science GPA.
• Earn a 30+ score (no less than a 9 on each section) on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).
• Fulfill requirements of the University Honors Program.
   

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

For questions about the program you may contact either the Pre-Professional Advising Center at 513-556-2166 or PreProAdv@uc.edu or the College of Medicine (see below).

For questions about the Connections application, you may contact the College of Medicine at 513-558-5581 or DualAdmissionsProgram@uc.edu.

After you have submitted your Connections application, you may check on your status at www.medonestop.uc.edu (log in to My Services).