Zucker School of Medicine College Pipeline Program

The mission of the School of Medicine-College Pipeline (SOM-CPP) Program at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell (Zucker School of Medicine) is to expose high-achieving, diverse college students to the world of medicine and healthcare. This three-year, summer intensive, academic enrichment program is designed to provide students planning for a career in medicine a greater chance of enrollment to the Zucker School of Medicine and other medical schools*.

The SOM-CPP Program is in its seventh year of existence. To date, 47 students have enrolled in the program, and five students have been offered early admission to the Zucker School of Medicine. Please visit the application page for more information.

Program Sessions

The SOM-CPP Program focuses on helping top college students become more competitive applicants for admission to the Zucker School of Medicine, and other medical schools. The SOM-CPP Program is a comprehensive pre-medical program which offers the following learning sessions:

• Level 1 – Science enrichment courses for Rising College Sophomores. Tests will be given to monitor improvement in and understanding of the following courses: Physics, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology.
• Level 2 – MCAT test preparation program for Rising College Juniors.
• Level 3 – Research Experience for Rising College Seniors.

Participation and success in each level of the SOM-CPP Program is a component of the interview process for potential admission to the Zucker School of Medicine.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected for the SOM-CPP Program while they are enrolled as a freshman in college. Applicants must have earned a 3.2 GPA in a bachelor's degree program and have successfully passed, and demonstrated success, in a college-level chemistry class before the start of the program. Completion of a college-level physics class is preferred, but not required. Students must have a composite score of 1200 or higher on the New SAT and/or a score of 25 or higher on the ACT. The SOM-CPP is a highly competitive program.
Strong consideration for admission to the program will be given to candidates who are:

• ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class.
• willing to commit to participating in the three-year program.
• willing to maintain a good attendance record.

The Zucker School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in conjunction with the Office of Admissions, jointly known as the SOM-CPP Selection Committee, makes all decisions for admissions to the SOM-CPP Program.

Policies

• Students must be college freshmen.
• Students must be U.S. citizens.
• Students must come from an economically disadvantaged background.
• Students must demonstrate an ongoing interest in the field of medicine.

If accepted into the program, students must secure Medical Clearance from the Office of Employee Health Services at Northwell Health.

To advance to the second year of the SOM-CPP Program, students must maintain a minimum of a 3.3 GPA. Also, students must receive a recommendation from the SOM-CPP Selection Committee to advance to the second year of the program. The recommendation will be based on the student's academic performance, engagement in the SOM-CPP Program and attendance record. 

To advance to the third year of the SOM-CPP Program, students are strongly encouraged to earn a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Also, students must receive a recommendation from the SOM-CPP Selection Committee to advance to the third year of the program. The recommendation will be based on the student's academic performance, engagement in the SOM-CPP Program and attendance record.  

The Deans for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have the right to dismiss a student from the SOM-CPP Program, at any time, due to difficulties including, but not limited to, unsatisfactory academic performance, more than two absences during summer, and lack of professionalism.

Application Process

Please complete the application which requires:

•   Completing the SOM-CPP online student information form
•   A 250-word essay stating the reason why you are interested in participating in the SOM-CPP Program.
•   One letter of recommendation provided by a college professor.
•   One copy of the applicant's first-semester college transcript.
•   One copy of the applicant's SAT Composite Score Record, and/or ACT Composite Score Record.
•   If applicable, one copy of the applicant's Advance Placement Exam Score(s).
•   Verification of class ranking in graduating class from high school, if available.  
•   All of the foregoing materials (one letter of recommendation, first-semester college transcript, standardized college admissions exam(s) scores, class ranking) must be e-mailed by April 1, 2024, to Mrs. Gina Granger at [email protected].

If you have questions about the application, please email Mrs. Gina Granger ([email protected]) at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Thank you for your interest in the SOM-CPP Program at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Application Link