Participants accepted into the Career Development Academy (CDA) are students who aspire to become tomorrow’s scientists. This is a 10-week hybrid program designed to provide rigorous MCAT preparation through simulated experiences, including mock interviews with UMMS Admissions and exams. It is structured for rising juniors and seniors, or recent graduates, of an accredited college or university. In particular, the program focuses on preparing participants for the extensive process of applying and gaining admission into medical school.
The CDA curriculum is aligned with the AAMC Core Competencies.
As a CDA participant, you will have the opportunity to:
Enroll in a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Prep Course (you will have access to online MCAT materials for up to one year)
Prepare for the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Acquire and strengthen your professional development and leadership skills
Receive application and test-taking strategies from current medical students
Network with Michigan Medicine faculty, residents, physicians, and staff
Engage in interactive professional writing workshops with a 1:1 writing coach
No. of Participants: 20 per cohort
Location: 9 weeks in-person at the University of Michigan Medical School
Financial support: $4000 payment (in increments), housing, and meal allowance provided
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number
Be at least 18 years old before the start of the program
Be a current junior, senior, or recent graduate who is preparing to apply to medical school
Be enrolled full-time at an accredited community college or four-year institution, or be a recent college graduate
Have a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.2
Applicants must have completed the following courses:
2 semesters of Chemistry with labs (e.g., inorganic, organic, general, and/or biochemistry)
1 semester of Physics
2 semesters of Biology with labs
1 semester of Math (e.g., statistics, computer science, or calculus)
Note: Students may not take academic classes or be engaged in other activities that would prevent them from attending all program sessions.
2026 Program Dates:
Virtual: Monday, May 18, 2026 - Friday, May 22, 2026
In-Person: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Contact: ha-summerprograms@med.umich.edu