Introduction
The Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions Program (GPPA) Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine gives selected undergraduate students a clear pathway to medical school. Commenced in 1996, the program is designed for students who are serious about a future in medicine and who want to build a strong foundation before entering medical training. Through coursework, advising, and engagement with the university and community, GPPA helps students develop the academic skills, professional habits, and sense of purpose needed for a career in medicine.
Students are encouraged to explore their passions and permitted to major in an array of offerings. It is common to find our students majoring in non-science disciplines including the social sciences and humanities-based majors. Although it is not mandatory for graduates to attend the University of Illinois College of Medicine, over 80% of our graduates continue their training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and others attend other top-tier schools. Our GPPA Medicine alumni are found in distinguished institutions throughout the country.
Three Programs — Three Admission Decisions—One Application
Why UI COM GPPA Medical Scholars Program?
Our students say that the GPPA Medical Scholars Program supports their passions beyond their coursework. The University has community partnerships and programs to support students’ academic, research, and extra-curricular goals. The success of our graduates also influenced their decision to choose GPPA Medical Scholars Program. In addition, they cite four distinctive attributes that set us apart from other BA/BS-MD program:
Location
The University of Illinois College of Medicine GPPA Medical Scholars Program thrives in the vibrant city of Chicago. Our campus is located just two miles from downtown, granting students easy access to a variety of amenities. From diverse dining options to renowned cultural attractions like Millennium Park and world-class shopping on State Street and Michigan Avenue, the city offers a wealth of experiences. Additionally, our proximity to the medical district ensures students have direct connections to the University of Illinois Hospital and other clinics, allowing for valuable intellectual and social opportunities. With convenient transportation options, students can enjoy the best of both big city opportunities and the charm of local neighborhoods.
Structure
Our program, a part of the College of Medicine, ensures a strong foundation in sciences, medicine, and the humanities for our students. This enables future physicians to develop a comprehensive understanding of diseases and apply that knowledge from research to patient care. As a renowned medical school, the University of Illinois College of Medicine leads groundbreaking research in various areas. Our aim is to foster an open, inquisitive, and inclusive learning environment providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have the chance to engage in diverse fields such as business, management, public health, humanities, biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, and psychology. This interdisciplinary approach opens up a wide range of possibilities for our students’ academic and professional growth.
Size
The small size of our student body – 40 on average per class – will allow you to establish life-long relationships that will provide you with a network of mentoring and support. You will be known by your classmates and your GPPA faculty, and you will join a vast renowned alumni family. The large scale of the University of Illinois means you have so many more resources including a large selection of major, course, and extra-curricular offerings. Being part of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the GPPA Medical Scholars Program partakes in its many resources as well.
Community
The small size of our student body contributes to a collaborative and tight-knit student body. Our students become a GPPA Medical Scholars Program family and come in every variety, bringing diverse intellectual and social contributions. Together, they form the GPPA Medicine community, which is filled with alumni and renowned faculty, leaders who willingly share their gifts with one another.
Competencies
- To learn critical thinking skills including clarity of expression and logical precision.
- To learn to determine and prioritize what is important to think about and act upon.
- To acquire basic medical education knowledge and understanding central to the training in medical education and career in medicine.
- To embrace and lead self-wellness and discovery by exploring and becoming knowledgeable in the areas that will help oneself lead an enjoyable life (such as, but not limited to: literature, music, arts, athletics, theater, etc.).
Typical Class Profile
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45 Class size
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3.85 Average GPA
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900 + Applicants
GPPA Medicine was my first opportunity to discuss patient cases within these realms, analyzing readings where physicians had to balance the tenets of doing no harm, alleviating suffering, and preserving patient autonomy. I am excited to carry these insights with me as I prepare to begin medical school, utilizing them will help me understand the art and science of medicine.
Our Mission
The GPPA Medical Scholars Program in the College of Medicine aims to instill the values and principles of a liberal education as the foundation for life-long study of medicine and whole health. Through the exploration of both the humanities and sciences, the program promotes excellence in undergraduate scholarship.
University of Illinois College of Medicine Community
From the beginning of the program, GPPA Medical Scholars become members of the University of Illinois College of Medicine community. As future physicians, they are guided by the College’s Mission, Vision, and Values throughout their educational journey.
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