University of Cincinnati

Connections, the Dual Admissions Program at the University of Cincinnati


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 bachelors degree at UC before beginning the M.D. program at UCCOM.  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 Collge of Medicine, Connections students will earn a 3.4+ overall GPA; a 3.45+ math/science GPA; and a 27+ score on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Additionally, they will graduate from the University Honors Program.

This information applies to Connections, the College of Medicine's Dual Admission Program partnering with the University of Cincinnati only.  The information is not applicable to the College of Medicine's other partnerships or programs.

Connections FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply?

How do I apply to Connections?

What major should I select when applying to UC?

What happens after I submit my Connections application?

If accepted to Connections, what can I expect?

Who is eligible to apply?
Those eligible to apply to Connections are high school seniors who have:

  1. earned either a minimum 29 ACT score OR 1300 SAT score (critical reading + mathematics)
  2. submitted all required application materials to the UC Office of Undergraduate Admissions by December 15, 2008 

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.
  3. Specify your interest in medicine on the undergraduate application (question 3).
  4. All required application materials must be received by December 15, 2008.
  5. If the above criteria are met, the link to the supplemental online Dual Admissions Application will be mailed to you.
  6. Submit all required Dual Admissions Application requirements per the online instructions by January 7, 2009.

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?
UC faculty and staff review every eligible applicant.  By February 6, 24 students will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held in March. Up to 12 applicants will be invited to participate in the program by April 1. Last year we received 197 applications.

If accepted to Connections, what can I expect?
Both the Pre-Professional Advising Center and the College of Medicine will provide you with support during your undergraduate years through advising and programming.  Additionally, the University Honors Program offers medical and other 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 Collge of Medicine, Connections students will earn a 3.4+ overall GPA; a 3.45+ math/science GPA; and a 27+ score on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).  Additionally, they will graduate from the University Honors Program.

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Register for the Dual Admissions Open House at the UC College of Medicine, Saturday, 9/20/2008. 

For 2008, 197 students applied to the Connections program; 24 applicants were invited to interview.  Twelve interviewees were invited to participate in the program.

 

Resources for current Connections students:
Clinical Observation
Summer Internship
UCCOM's DAP Website
Facebook Group