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From Summer Experience to Medical School
The impact of the Michigan Health Sciences Summer Institute extends well beyond the summer. Through intensive academic preparation, research experiences, mentorship, and professional development, MHSSI supports students as they take meaningful steps toward careers in medicine and the health sciences. Alumni outcomes demonstrate the lasting reach of these experiences, with more than half of tracked CDA and URA alumni going on to attend medical school, including graduates who continued their journey at the University of Michigan Medical School. [MHSSI Evaluation Data]
Peer-reviewed research supports the value of summer academic enrichment in students’ pathways to medical school. National AAMC data have associated participation in summer college academic enrichment programs with medical student broader diversity and longer-term career outcomes (Grbic et al., 2021), while program-level studies have documented gains in medical school preparedness, research skills, professional identity, and progression toward graduate and professional education (Penn Access Summer Scholars, 2021; Dreams Realized, 2021; Jamal et al., 2024).
2026 CDA MCAT Outcomes
The 2026 Career Development Academy demonstrated measurable growth in students' MCAT preparation. Among 21 students with baseline practice scores, 81% increased their highest recorded score above their baseline, with an average gain of 7 points and individual gains of up to 26 points.
Nearly one-quarter of students (24%) improved by at least 10 points, while three students achieved gains of 20 or more points. The proportion of students reaching a practice score of 500 or higher increased from 29% at baseline to 52% at their highest recorded score.
2026 URA Program Outcomes
The 2026 Undergraduate Research Academy supported 24 undergraduate students in developing the research knowledge, confidence, and professional skills necessary to pursue continued opportunities in research and the health sciences. Students reported gains across every research competency measured, including a 63.8% increase in familiarity with responsible research and scholarship, a 24.7% increase in confidence conducting research, and a 22.6% increase in confidence making oral presentations.
The program also demonstrated strong alignment with students’ goals: 91.7% reported that their research experience met their research goals, and 91.7% reported receiving adequate or strong mentorship support. Together, these outcomes demonstrate URA’s impact in providing students with meaningful research experiences while strengthening their capacity to communicate, engage in, and pursue research.
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