Newly Launched Soar-in-4 Medical School Pathway Program

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Schmidt College of Medicine are pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative pathway program for outstanding Schmidt College of Science Soar-in-4 Scholars.

“This new initiative allows us to prioritize the stellar students enrolled in the College’s Soar-in-4 program who are interested in becoming a medical doctor,” said Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Schmidt College of Science. “Now these high-achieving students will have access to a direct pathway to FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, along with an abundance of support services.”

Each student will work closely with Schmidt College of Science leadership, faculty, and staff to develop an individual education plan and to ensure a smooth transition to the Schmidt College of Medicine. Students admitted to this highly selective program are offered conditional admission to the Schmidt College of Medicine, provided they maintain the required program standards. Previously, such direct pathway programs to the FAU Schmidt College of Medicine program were only available to National Merit Scholars, FAU High School, or FAU Honors College students.

“I am so pleased to launch this exciting collaboration with the Schmidt College of Science’s Soar-in-4 program,” said Jennifer Caceres, M.D., Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “We have such bright and dedicated students at FAU and with the combined efforts of the College of Science and College of Medicine, I believe this new pathway program will result in great student success and, ultimately, serve to support the health care workforce for our local community.”

Students will benefit from a strong support system already established by the Schmidt College of Science’s Pre-Health Professions Office. Throughout the year, the office works to aid a pipeline of diverse and underrepresented students to medical school, and offers a wide range of workshops, training, custom advising, and mentorship opportunities.

Last fall, the office hosted its inaugural Pre-Health Professions Summit which provided FAU’s pre-health professions students with the opportunity to interact with community health care leaders, including from the Yale School of Medicine. The three-day summit featured health care professionals from surrounding universities and practitioners from the local community, including doctors, pharmacists, and dentists who provided students with useful advice and tools to succeed.

The Pre-Health Professions Office also offers pre-medical and pre-dental students the opportunity to join an intensive Application Preparation for Pre-Health Students (APPS) program. APPS is designed to help students learn how to showcase their abilities and skills throughout the application process to medical or dental school. Participants receive individual support during the nine-day program.

Schmidt College of Science Dean Valery Forbes, Ph.D., also hosted the College’s annual Future Doctors’ Reception earlier this spring, along with the Pre-Health Professions Office, to celebrate the next generation of health care professionals. The signature event recognized the achievements of the 41 members of the class of 2023, who were all admitted to health professional graduate programs.

Click here to learn more  about the Soar-in-4 Medical School Pathway Program.