Programs

Academic Summer Program Integrating Resources for Excellence

Loyola University: Stritch School of Medicine

ASPIRE is an intensive pre-medical program held during the month of June, designed to prepare you to successfully navigate the medical school application process. Our curriculum will help you strengthen your application, deepen your understanding of health disparities, build your capacity for health equity leadership, and introduce you to the community of Maywood, IL.

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Program Components

Primary Areas of Focus
  • Recruitment (i.e. increasing awareness of and/or stimulating interest in health profession careers and degree programs
  • Admissions (assistance with application process for health profession degree programs)
Desired Outcomes

Students should leave more prepared for the medical school application process. The ultimate goal is to help these students gain acceptance at one or more medical schools when they are ready to apply.

Program Location

Settings: In-person

County: Cook County / Chicago, IL

In-person location: The program is primarily taught at the Stritch School of Medicine. There may be some off-campus or zoom activities/lectures during the program though.

Timing

Duration: Month of June

Time periods: Summer

Program Components
  • Academic skills development (e.g. study skills, test-taking
  • Academic support (e.g. tutoring, progress monitoring)
  • Application guidance/support (e.g. standardized test prep)
    Application writing strategies to prepare for supplemental application. Professionalism aspects of the admissions process and beyond (appropriate follow-up, how to email faculty members, how to dress for interviews, etc.). A mock selection committee meeting to better understand the admissions process
  • Health career exploration (e.g. job shadowing, career fairs)
    Clinical exposure will be part of the program
  • Mentoring (e.g. pairing with current health profession student)
    Students will be paired with a current medical student as a mentor/to assist with the written components of their application
  • Networking (with others who have similar health career interests)
    Students will meet a variety of current medical students, faculty, and staff and will have the opportunity to connect with them during the program.
  • Professional skills development (e.g. teamwork, ethical conduct)

Program Information

Education Levels
Health Professions
Limit on Number of Participants

16

Program Sustainability

Affiliated Organizations and Networks

Stritch School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply

Apply here
Eligibility Criteria
  • Academic
Required Application Documents
  • Application Form
  • Resume
  • Essay
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation

Financial Assistance

All students in the program will receive a stipend for their participation. In addition, housing and breakfast/lunch will be provided.

Contact Information

Catherine Jardien, Assistant Director for Student Life
Email: aspire@luc.edu
Phone: (464)- 220- 9324

Visit program website

Other Information

Application opens in early December and closes Mid-March