Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)

Application Guide

The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at UNMC brings together an extraordinary group of distinguished faculty, clinicians, researchers, and medical and dental students to provide a unique six-week experience for talented students in the heart of America - Omaha, Nebraska. The academic program and skills development courses provide important tools for undergraduate students as they approach the application process for dental or medical school, and the friendships formed here are those that will last a lifetime.

UNMC encourages all students to apply and welcomes your questions as you consider SMDEP.

 SMDEP coordinator (middle) with scholars.

Admissions Requirements

 An applicant must:

  • Be currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college;
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with a 2.75 in the sciences;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa; and
  • Not have participated in SMDEP previously.

Other factors considered:

  • Has a combined verbal and math SAT score of at least 950 or ACT score of at least 20;
  • Identifies with a group that is underrepresented in medicine and dentistry;
  • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantage background;
  • Has demonstrated interest in issues affecting underserved populations;
  • Has local and/or regional residency; or
  • Submits a compelling personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.

Application for Admission

Applicants must apply though the national SMDEP website prior to the deadline.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are made on a “first come, first served” basis, therefore apply as early as possible to increase your chance of being selected.