What is MedStart?

MedStart is a unique Bachelor of Science/medical degree program. It is collaboration between Wayne State University’s School of Medicine and Northern Michigan University.

This highly competitive program trains medical innovators and creative thinkers. MedStart nurtures future leaders in medicine by treating MedStart freshmen as part of the medical community. The program emphasizes mentoring and research opportunities for each student and provides NMU MedStart students immediate contact with Wayne State School of Medicine faculty and upperclassmen.

Two positions will be awarded each year at NMU. The two freshmen selected will be guaranteed admission to Wayne State’s School of Medicine (but are not obligated to enroll there) as long as continuation criteria are fulfilled. MedStart students also enjoy all of the benefits of NMU’s renowned premed program.

MedStart students must be admitted to Northern Michigan University. Students eligible to apply for MedStart will receive one of our freshman scholarships, and can compete for additional funds, including a four-year full-ride scholarship in our Presidential Scholars Competition held in the fall for high school seniors.  See our scholarship website for details and deadlines.

MedStart minimum requirements at NMU

• Complete and submit Application for WSU MedStart at NMU form
• High School GPA of 3.50 (recalculated in academic core courses, including weighting for AP/IB/honors classes)
• ACT composite score of 28 or higher or SAT combined score of 1240 or higher
• Explanation of experience (e.g. describe the amount of time devoted to the activity) in:
  • Health care
  • Community service
  • Team activities (e.g. athletics, debate)
  • Leadership
  • High school extracurricular activities and/or employment
• Submission of a one-page typed essay describing why you are pursuing MedStart and why you should be accepted
• Two letters of recommendation
  • One from a high school teacher/counselor/administrator who is familiar with your extracurricular activities, team and/or leadership skills
  • One from a non-family member who can address your health care experience, community service, and/or employment

Continuing in MedStart

• Maintain a minimum cumulative NMU GPA of 3.30
• Complete
  • One year of general biology with lab
  • One year of general chemistry with lab
  • One year of organic chemistry with lab
  • One year of physics with lab
• Participate in the MedStart Seminar
• Actively participate in NMU premedical activities, including Pre-professional Club and hospital seminars
• Demonstrate continuing activity in volunteer work related to health care
• Submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) following junior year
• Apply to Wayne State University School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and its designation of special programs

For more details about WSU MedStart at NMU, contact Dr. David Lucas, premedical adviser, at physics@nmu.edu or 906-227-2191 or Gerri Daniels, director of admissions, at admiss@nmu.edu or 906-227-2650 or 1-800-682-9797.

Students who meet the minimum requirements and complete the MedStart application process will be invited to the NMU campus for an interview. Finalists will interview at Wayne State University with representatives from the School of Medicine. The interview at WSU will include a tour of the facilities at the School of Medicine. Application Deadline: High school seniors should submit all items by February 1.

Please note that all correspondence related to your MedStart application will be directed to the e-mail address you list on your MedStart application.