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. Although all qualified students will be considered for the program, preference may be given to students from medically underserved areas (rural or urban) who may have an interest in becoming a primary care physician and working in such areas.

MedStart students are assigned to a physician to observe with from their freshman year on. They are also invited to attend Friday noon-hour seminars at Marquette General Hospital, and will have the option to spend an expenses-paid, five-day visit to the Wayne State University School of Medicine after completion of their junior year.

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 applicants 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 eligibility and application process

• 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
• Complete and submit Application for WSU MedStart at NMU form
• Provide a written explanation of your experience (e.g. describe the amount of time devoted to the activity) in:
  • High school extracurricular activities and/or employment
  • Leadership
  • Team activities (e.g. athletics, debate)
  • Community service
  • Health care
• Submit a one-page typed essay describing why you are pursuing MedStart and why you should be accepted
• Submit two letters of recommendation, including:
  • 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

• 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. Students should attain a minimum score of 24 with at least an 8 in the Biological Science section.
• 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 by the deadline will be considered for an interview at NMU. Following the NMU interview, finalists will be selected to interview at Wayne State University with representatives from the School of Medicine who will then make the final selection of two students to attend NMU as MedStart students. 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 to the NMU Admissions Office 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.