Tulane's new Accelerated undergrad/MD program

<p>I posted this in the TU and parents forum, but and it was suggested that it be posted here as well. Now, in addition to the Creative Scholars program (where a student can apply to Tulane Med school at the end of their sophomore year if they majored in a non-science and completed all med school requirements, and will know, without having to take the MCAT's if they have been accepted to TU med school after completion of their undergrad) they are now also starting a new program that allows a student to complete 2 yrs of undergrad, then take a mandatory yr off to do community service, and then go right into med school, completing their undergrad during the first 2 yrs of med school. Here is the info:</p>

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TULANE ACCELERATED PHYSICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM (TAP-TP, 6+1)
Tulane offers a 7-year program (TAP-TP, 6+1) that includes an undergraduate and medical education in addition to a mandatory year of public service with AmeriCorps. Tulane has a long history of public and community service, requiring community service in the medical school curriculum for over 20 years.As New Orleans is an underserved community (especially following Hurricane Katrina) and Louisiana a low-income state, the marriage of an educational program and public service is a natural mix for Tulane.</p>

<p>Exceptional high school students will apply to the TAP-TP.Eligible students will be expected to have high levels of academic performance as judged by transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and AP scores. Students will be interviewed by a committee of undergraduate faculty, medical school faculty and administrators. Between 10 and 20 students would be accepted each year.</p>

<p>TAP-TP Students will complete an abbreviated undergraduate curriculum designed around a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology with emphasis on the application of scientific principles for the public good. Undergraduate performance would be a requisite for continuing in the program. TAP-TP Students will have bi-monthly conference style workshops designed to both track the students and develop skills necessary for the practice of medicine. Following completion of 2 years towards the BS degree requirements, students will begin a one-year public service commitment with AmeriCorps. Students will then enter the 4-year medical school curriculum.

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<p>My understanding (but this is second hand and may not be correct) is that this is currently available only to DHS students (those who were awarded the Deans Honors Scholarship). The last 2 years of the DHS scholarship that would have covered full tuition at TU undergrad will go towards paying for the first 2 yrs of med school. Sweet deal!! And I believe there is a stipend during the year the student is doing their mandatory community service work in NOLA through Americorps. Very interesting program for the right student!!</p>