Minority Association of Premedical Students

The Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) is an academic support group that motivates, encourages, and prepares premedical students (undergraduates, post-baccalaureate or graduate students) for applying to medical school. Students from minority groups or underserved areas are provided mentors, shadowing opportunities, community service involvement, premedical resource materials, and additional academic guidance to enhance them as they become competitive medical school applicants. The ultimate goal of MAPS is to increase the number of competitive medical school applicants and to diversify medical school enrollment and the health professional workforce.

The Minority Association of Premedical Students is the associate chapter of the Student National Medical Association. University of Louisville SNMA members provide mentoring and support for MAPS members.

Summer Medical and Dental Education Program

This Pre-Professional Academic and Career Education (PACE) Program offers daily opportunities for rural, minority, and disadvantaged undergraduates to experience the manner in which math and science are integrated into medical and dental school studies and careers. This six-week summer residential program offers premedical and predental students, who have completed one or two years of college, the opportunity to be a part of an academic learning community at the center of a diverse biomedical research and health care complex. This program offers participants three hours of academic credit, along with free housing, meals, stipend, and partial travel reimbursement. Interested participants may also elect to register for our summer MCAT/DAT Preparation Program.

MCAT/DAT Training Conference for Undergraduates

Students, after completion of two years of college, may participate in a summer residential program to assist them in preparation for the MCAT or DAT. Students participate in small group, interactive sessions focusing on MCAT or DAT preparation. Weekly supervised practice test sessions are conducted. In addition, a library of preparation materials is available from the Office for Minority & Rural Affairs. Special instructions in essay writing, application preparation, and interview techniques are also provided. Tours, demonstrations, and lectures are arranged at the medical and dental schools. Participants are also assisted with volunteer and research opportunities.

Medical School Admission Counseling 

All Kentucky minority students taking the MCAT and/or applying to the School of Medicine are contacted individually, advised and counseled by staff, and provided supplemental information regarding admission and financial aid. Participants in the high school and college program activities are periodically surveyed to determine their current career interests.

Applicant Development 

The entire staff of the Office for Minority & Rural Affairs is involved in applicant development. Students encountered at various points along the pathway are advised and assisted with choice of courses, preparation of personal statement, development of mentoring relationships, appropriate volunteer and shadowing activities, and preparation for the standardized test.