Rural Medical Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the program criteria?
- Candidates must be currently completing their junior year in high school
- A minimum composite score of 25 on the ACT and a minimum of 24 on the math section
- High school grades commensurate with ACT scores
- A desire to learn about a career in Family Medicine
- A resident of Mississippi
*Students must achieve qualifying scores from an ACT exam taken on or before the February 11, 2012 test. (If you plan to take the February 11 ACT, you must register by January 13 or pay a late fee if registering between January 14 and 20.)
Do you have more details on the summer's program?
An application and dates for Rural Medical Scholars 2012 is available on this web site. How can I apply?
- The Rural Medical Scholars application is available online.
- Your portion of the application can be filled out on line, then print the total form and secure the needed recommendations and signatures.
- Completed applications should be sent by your guidance counselor to the address noted on the application by March 21, 2012.
What will be expected of me?
A desire to learn and a willingness to put in the time needed to master a large body of knowledge in a small period of time. The information and concepts contained in the course work are not “difficult” for the caliber of student accepted into the program, but the volume of information is significantly more than a typical high school student is used to addressing. Remember, these are college classes and, during the summer, the same amount of information is conveyed as in a regular semester in about one-third of the time. You will need to spend more time than you are likely used to in learning and mastering the course content. That will include daily study sessions and, when you go home for the weekend, you might just want to bring those books along – either that or carve out sufficient time Sunday night when you return. Consider the fact that you have already been assessed as capable of performing beyond the level of the average college freshman and that this is the same class they would take - you can do quite well, but you must be willing to put in the time.
Academically, what are some of the benefits of the Rural Medical Scholars program?
The classmates in your two courses will only be your fellow Scholars. That means you are taking introductory freshman classes that frequently are composed of 100+ students with a group of 20. You will be living with the same students you take classes with and you will join together in study sessions with tutors to help with anything you might not understand or help you pursue something of interest in greater depth.
“Shadowing” doctors sounds awesome, please tell me more.
One afternoon a week, you will shadow a physician in either Starkville, West Point, Columbus, or Tupelo. We attempt to insure that each Scholar shadows a Family Medicine physician at least once since there is such a large need for that particular specialty throughout Mississippi, especially in rural areas. However, we do expose you to a variety of other specialties as well. You will be asked to rank order your preferences from a list of likely available specialties and we will match that as best as possible. The program will transport you to the various doctor’s offices, clinics or hospitals.
Where will I live?
The Scholars will live in a dorm on the MSU campus. Your roommate will be another Scholar likely from a different part of the state matched based upon some of your living habits and preferences. Each room will have a small refrigerator and microwave; common bathroom facilities are on your wing. A counselor, usually a former Rural Medical Scholar, will live with you. The dorm for 2012 will likely be Hull Hall. Hull is an older dorm, but located in the center of campus, close to your class locations.
What about free time?
Yes, you will be busy with classes, labs, studying but you will also have access to the Joe Frank Sanderson Recreation Center, voted the "Best Fitness Center" in the state by Mississippi Magazine, and will participate in various program-sponsored activities. So what is the most fun? Hanging out with your new friends – a group of folks with similar long-term goals and interests.
What might I like the least?
Think of it as college with a few additional rules. Yes, in many ways you will have more freedoms than you may be used to, but there will also be limits. You will have to stay on campus at all times and will not be allowed to drive your car if you bring one. There will be mandatory study times. Oh, and classes do start at 8 AM! The experience has been structured with the primary objective of helping you succeed. You may not always agree with how we have set that structure, but you will have an amazing experience!
Who do I contact for more information on the Rural Medical Scholars Program?
You may contact the program director, Dr. Bonnie Carew, at bcarew@ext.msstate.edu or 662-325-1321.
What has the future been like for former Rural Medical Scholars?
To date 256 students have “graduated” from the Scholars program, many are still in college. Approximately 72% are pursuing or practicing a health-related career. Twenty-four have gone on to medical school and seventeen are practicing physicians today!