Perhaps you are dreaming of earning those coveted initials—M.D. Maybe you’re even aiming for a prestigious BS/MD program like Brown PLME or the University of Rochester’s REMS program. At InGenius Prep, we understand that competition for these programs is fierce. A high GPA and standardized test scores are just the beginning. To truly stand out in the holistic U.S. college admissions process, you need to demonstrate passion and commitment to the medical field both in and outside of the classroom.
What better way to show this than by immersing yourself in a high-impact summer program? Below, we highlight 10 of the best pre-med summer programs that will not only give you hands-on experience but also strengthen your college application for majors relevant for the pre-med track (e.g., biology) as well as BS/MD programs. These pre-med summer programs are open to both U.S. and international students. Here are our top picks:
1. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) offers rising high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-med students a chance to dive into the world of medicine. The two-week program includes hands-on learning, offering both on-campus and virtual options. Students will participate in activities such as dissections, suturing, and trauma simulations at Stanford’s top-tier facilities. For those attending virtually, interactive case studies and real-time learning via Zoom provide a flexible alternative. Applications for summer 2025 open November 1, and with this program’s competitiveness, applying early is crucial.
2. Harvard MEDscience Program
The Harvard MEDscience Program provides high school students with immersive experiences in medicine and healthcare. Participants can choose from five unique tracks:
- MEDscience@HMS: A one-week program where students handle real-life medical scenarios using high-tech simulation labs.
- MEDscienceLAB: An advanced option where students shift into an ER environment to hone clinical skills like suturing and intubation.
- MEDscienceLAB Forensics: Perfect for those interested in the intersection of medicine and criminal investigation.
- MEDscience Moonshot: A deep dive into AI, biomedical engineering, and robotics.
- MEDscience@HMS Dental: For those interested in exploring the field of dentistry.
These programs allow students to gain valuable medical skills that will bolster their applications.
3. UPenn Biomedical Research Academy
At the University of Pennsylvania’s Biomedical Research Academy, students explore foundational concepts in cellular, molecular, and genetic biology. Over three weeks, participants dive into cutting-edge topics such as genome sequencing, CRISPR, and bioethics. Lectures from Penn faculty, hands-on lab work, and journal clubs prepare students to discuss their research experiences, making them stronger candidates for BS/MD programs.
4. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Considered the gold standard for STEM summer programs, MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) gathers the best high school students from around the world. RSI offers a combination of advanced coursework and original research opportunities. Whether your research focuses on biology, chemistry, or engineering, this highly selective six-week program is ideal for students aiming for top-tier BS/MD programs.
5. Veritas AI’s “AI + Medicine” Deep Dive Program
The AI + Medicine Deep Dive is a 10-week online program designed for students passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Participants gain a thorough introduction to AI concepts such as neural networks, image segmentation, and clinical evaluation. The program ends with a group project addressing real-world healthcare challenges.
6. Johns Hopkins Pre-College Program on “Foundations of Medicine and Health”
This rigorous two-week pre-med summer program offers a blend of classroom learning and hands-on lab work. Whether you attend on-campus or online, you will dive deep into human physiology, anatomy, and public health challenges. Students also gain a glimpse of life on Johns Hopkins’ Homewood campus, making this an ideal opportunity for those exploring careers in medicine.
7. Georgetown Summer Medical Academy
The Georgetown Medical Immersion Academy is a three-week experience that allows students to explore three specialized tracks: Anatomy & Physiology, Neuroscience, and Emergency Medicine. Students gain exposure to cadaver dissections, medical simulations, and real-world medical disciplines. The program is perfect for students looking to kickstart their medical careers.
8. University of Rochester Pre-College Program
For students eager to explore the medical field, the University of Rochester’s pre-college programs offer full-day and half-day courses:
- Explorations in Pathology: A hands-on exploration of the role of pathologists in diagnosing disease.
- Mini Medical School: An introduction to the first-year medical school experience, including anatomy and clinical skills.
- What’s Up, Doc?: A half-day program that explains the pre-med path, from coursework to internships.
- Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Movement: Focuses on the musculoskeletal system through labs and interactive sessions.
- Biomedical Technology: A look at the intersection of engineering and medicine.
9. Boston Leadership Institute’s Biomedical and Surgical Research Program
This three-week pre-med summer program immerses students in surgical research. Participants gain experience with mock surgeries, medical simulations, and field trips to top medical centers like Mass General Hospital. With mentorship from experienced professionals like Dr. Jeff Robin, students build practical skills and strengthen their applications for medical school.
10. Wake Forest University’s Medicine Institute
Held on the Winston-Salem campus, this week-long program provides hands-on medical experience. Students visit Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, learn to conduct ultrasounds, and explore specialties like cardiology and neurology. This intensive program prepares students for the academic challenges of medical school.
Beyond the Pre-Med Summer Program — Making Your Experience Count
While attending one of these pre-med summer programs would bolster your candidacy as an aspiring pre-med and BS/MD applicant, doing so is just one piece of the puzzle for creating a stand-out application persona. US admissions officers also want to see how you apply what you’ve learned in these summer programs in your subsequent research and community-focused signature projects.
With this in mind, it is important to develop a signature research project based on your experience, and/or aim to publish your research findings in a scientific journal and present them at a conference. Also stay in touch with the faculty from the summer program you participate in, as that instructor may be a potential recommendation letter writer for future summer programs (and, perhaps, college applications). Most importantly, thoughtfully reflect on your experiences as you prepare to complete your personal statement, supplemental essays, and interviews. How did the program shape your goals? What did you learn about the medical field, and how did it change your perspective?
By strategically choosing a summer program and actively engaging with the knowledge and skills you gain, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your pre-med and BS/MD dreams.
Need additional guidance navigating the competitive world of pre-med and BS/MD admissions? You can contact us today for a free consultation to learn how our expert counselors can guide you in your college admissions journeys.
