Admissions Process
The SMLP Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, taking all aspects of the application into consideration – including academic achievemnt, commitment to becoming a physician, and letters of recommendation.
About the Application Process
Each year, the application will open at the beginning of November. Applications will be due on February 2nd. Decisions will be released by mid-March.
- Completed online application by February 2nd. (The recommended browser for completing the application is Google Chrome.)
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Uploaded copy of your unofficial academic transcript.
- Completed personal statements regarding your experience in healthcare, an obstacle you have overcome and meaningful volunteering or work experience.
To be eligible for admission into the program, an applicant must:
- Be an undergraduate college student.
- Be a U.S. citizen, hold a permanent resident visa.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (strongly recommended)
- Demonstrate a serious interest in a medical career.
- Create an account in the central UVA Application Management system.
- From the menu, select the application for the Summer Medical Leadership Program for the upcoming summer.
- Follow the remaining prompts.
Two recommendation letters are required. These letters should come from individuals who know you well and can comment on your academic achievements and abilities, as well as your level of interest in the medical field. Letters may come from individuals within your current institution (e.g. advisors, professors, academic deans, coaches) or outside of your institution. Family and friends may not write letters of recommendation.
The recommenders will receive an email prompt from UVA asking for the letter to be submitted electronically.
Upload your most recent unofficial transcript. If coursework has been completed at several institutions and your main transcript does not reflect the grades from all courses at all schools, you must submit transcripts from each institution.
Essay #1: Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
Essay #2: Provide us with an example of one of the best leaders you have met or interacted with. What are some of the qualities that make them such an effective leader? How does this compare or contrast to your leadership style?
Essay #3: Share a volunteer, shadowing, or research experience that challenged your assumptions about medicine or healthcare.
Contact UVA Central Admissions for application, recommendation, and transcript questions and issues:
smlpadmission@virginia.edu
Summer Medical Leadership Program
P.O. Box 800446
Charlottesville, VA 22908