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Participants accepted into the Career Development Academy (CDA) are aspiring future physicians and scientists.
CDA is a 10-week hybrid program designed to provide rigorous MCAT preparation and support students throughout the medical school application process. Participants engage in simulated experiences, including mock interviews with UMMS Admissions, practice exams, and other application-focused activities.
The program is designed for rising juniors, rising seniors, and recent graduates of an accredited college or university who are preparing to apply to medical school. Through a combination of structured preparation, individualized support, and professional development, CDA equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to navigate the medical school admissions process.
The CDA curriculum is aligned with the AAMC Core Competencies.
General Program Information
General Program Information
As a CDA participant, you will have the opportunity to:
Prepare for the MCAT with a comprehensive prep course including access to online MCAT resources for up to one year, practice exams, study halls, tutoring, and test-taking strategies.
Strengthen your medical school application through AMCAS preparation workshops, personal statement and secondary essay support, application coaching, and guidance on extracurricular experiences.
Receive personalized guidance and support through 1:1 check-ins with program staff and opportunities to connect with current medical students.
Develop professional and leadership skills through workshops focused on time management, goal setting, professional identity, values-based living, and building your professional brand.
Learn directly from current medical students and physicians through medical student panels, Journey to Medicine talks, tutoring sessions, and career conversations.
Explore Michigan Medicine through immersive experiences, including medical campus tours and a Survival Flight tour.
Build clinical and professional skills through hands-on experiences such as a suture clinic and opportunities to engage with Michigan Medicine professionals.
Develop your professional presence through interactive writing workshops, professional headshots, and individualized writing support.
Build community with fellow pre-medical students through small-group activities, study sessions, pod dinners, social events, and cohort experiences.
Gain insight into the medical school journey through mock interviews, application workshops, and conversations with UMMS Admissions.
No. of Participants: 15-20 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
Eligibility
Eligibility
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (or international student at the University of Michigan with work study)
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 (1-2 yrs) 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
Must have an official MCAT scheduled for 1-6 months after program completion
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 cannot take academic classes or be engaged in other activities that would prevent them from attending all program sessions.
2027 Program Dates:
Virtual: Monday, May 17, 2027 - Friday, May 21, 2027
In-Person: Wednesday, May 26, 2027 - Wednesday, July 28, 2027
Contact: ha-summerprograms@med.umich.edu
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