Programs

Academic Summer Program Integrating Resources for Excellence

Loyola University: Stritch School of Medicine

ASPIRE is an intensive summer program held during the month of June that will prepare you for the medical school application process and help you strengthen your application, expose you to health disparities, and introduce you to the community of Maywood, IL.

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Program Components

Primary Areas of Focus
  • Admissions (assistance with application process for health profession degree programs)
  • Academic preparation (e.g., increasing STEM knowledge
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: None, None

Program Components
  • 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)
    Job shadowing 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

Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply

Eligibility Criteria
  • Academic
  • Underrepresented racial and/or ethnic background
    Underrepresented in Medicine: African American and/or Black, Hispanic/Latin, Native American(American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islander and mainland Puerto Rican
  • Socio-economically disadvantaged
    Low-Income, working-class, lower middle-class
Required Application Documents

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: (773) 216-5426

Visit program website