Pre-Medical Program

• High school seniors who are highly motivated and academically capable from financially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Must meet Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Income Guidelines 
• United States citizen or permanent resident, with New Jersey residency.
• Demonstrated ability, competence, and serious interest in science and mathematics, as indicated by high school courses and science-related extra-curricular activities. Potential candidates must have taken math and science courses beyond the minimum requirement (i.e., laboratory science, with biology and chemistry a minimum). Candidates must have taken at least three years of math (i.e., algebra I and II and geometry).
• A minimum "B" average in science and mathematics.
• Average to above grade point average (GPA).
• Median class rank or higher.
• SAT scores reviewed in consideration with science and mathematics courses taken, GPA and class rank.
• 10th grade reading level, preferably above.
• Command of the English language.
• Satisfactory performance on diagnostic/placement tests.
• Personal interview with applicant and parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Recommendations from teachers of mathematics, science and English.
  • A high school graduate or college student may supply recommendations from knowledgeable community persons or employers in addition to recommendations from professors.
  • Greatest emphasis is given to recommendations that attest to capabilities, level of performance and motivation.

Other opportunities offered through the Health Careers Program include affiliations through consortiums, articulations and partnerships.

1. Submit application for general admission to Montclair State University.
2. Submit official copies of high school transcript and SAT scores.
3. Submit three letters of recommendation, including letters from mathematics, science, and English teachers (unless otherwise specified).
4. Submit essay/personal statement that includes career goals.
5. Personal interview with applicant and parent(s)/guardian(s) with Health Careers Program Committee at Montclair State University.

Application Deadline: March 1

• High school seniors who are highly motivated and academically capable from financially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Must meet Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Income Guidelines
• United States citizen or permanent resident, with New Jersey residency.
• Must have satisfied requirements for admission to Montclair State University (general requirements include: English, four years; foreign language, two years of the same language; social studies, two years; mathematics, minimum three years including algebra I and II, and geometry; biology with lab, one year; chemistry with lab, one year; and electives chosen from the above areas, three years).
• Applicants must have earned a “B” average or above GPA.
• Class rank in the top 10 percent.
• A minimum “B” average in science and mathematics.
• SAT – Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematical composite of 1100 or above, with at least 550 on both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math must be earned. The writing section will also be reviewed in the overall evaluation. The SAT is considered in conjunction with other performance indices. The score must be achieved in a single test administration. (ACT scores cannot be used in lieu of the SAT).
• A maximum of four letters of recommendation, with at least one each from teachers of Mathematics, Science, English and a Guidance Counselor.
• Candidates must demonstrate motivation, maturity, and understanding of the demands of a health professions career during the in-person interview accompanied by parents/guardians.

• A complete Montclair State University application, high school transcript, SAT scores, and letters of recommendation must be received by December 1st. Please note, applications received after December 1st will not be considered
• Selected students are invited for an interview with the Health Careers Program Committee and a final separate interview with the Admissions Committee at R-NJMS.
• Students accepted into the Eight-Year Combined BS/MD Program must participate in the Montclair State University Honors Program. After completion of all program requirements (detailed below), the student automatically advances to R-NJMS.

Once admitted to the program, students are provided summer and academic year comprehensive support services, including enrichment activities. They are monitored through a collaboration of academic advisers, faculty, and tutors.

A Joint Program and Evaluation Committee comprised of Montclair State University Health Careers Program and R-NJMS representatives reviews each student’s program and progress during the undergraduate phase until advancement to the R-NJMS. Program changes for individual students may be suggested.

Requirements

• Maintain a minimum grade of “B” in each science course required for admission to R-NJMS: general biology (eight credits), general chemistry (eight credits), organic chemistry (six credits) and physics (eight credits).
• Satisfy all curriculum requirements for graduation, including General Education Requirements (GER) courses.
• Fulfill all requirements for the HCP Honors curriculum.
• Maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better in all course work.
• Participate in summer study and/or independent research projects at R-NJMS.
• Earn competitive scores on the Medical College Admission Test.

Admission to the undergraduate portion of the combined program requires completion of 10 foundation courses during the first two years of study at Montclair State University: 

• Two semesters of College English (at least 6 credits)
• General Biology I and II with laboratory (8 credits)
• Physics I and II with laboratory (8 credits) 
• General Chemistry I and II with laboratory (8 credits)
• Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory (8 credits) 

These courses must be completed with no withdrawals or incomplete grades, and with a cumulative science GPA of 3.50 or higher. All prerequisites must be completed at Montclair State University. 

Qualified students in their fourth semester at Montclair may apply for admission to the undergraduate phase of the Program. Applications are submitted to the Montclair BS-DMD program committee director, Charlotte Cuss Bracchitta, and must include: 

• A completed application Personal statement 
• Official university transcript
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation from science faculty who can speak to the applicant’s potential to succeed in advanced coursework at RSDM

After preliminary evaluation, selected applicants will be invited for interviews with the Montclair BS-DMD program committee. Highly qualified applicants will be recommended to the RSDM Executive Committee for a second interview. The RSDM Executive Committee makes the determination whether to invite candidates for second interviews. Following the interviews, the applicants will be notified of admission decisions in writing. The RSDM Executive Committee makes the final determination on offers of admission to the undergraduate portion of the combined BS-DMD program.

Candidates recommended for admission must meet regularly with the Montclair BS-DMD Program Committee for information on specific requirements for continued good standing and the requirements for acceptance into RSDM at the completion of the undergraduate phase. 

Candidates recommended for admission must complete their general education requirements and major coursework required by Montclair State University by the end of year three. 

Minimum DAT scores must be achieved but are not necessarily sufficient to guarantee admission: 

• Academic Average, 420
• Organic Chemistry, 430
• Biology, 420
• General Chemistry, 430

After three years of study at Montclair, students who are admitted to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine will enroll in their first year dental school courses. These first year courses may be applied towards elective credits for the undergraduate degree at Montclair State University. Students should consult regularly with their academic advisor and Department Chair to ensure that all parties understand how the RSDM credits will be applied to the Montclair State University degree.

The undergraduate degree from Montclair State University will be conferred after successful completion of the first year of the Dental Program, earning 120 credits, and satisfying all Montclair State University graduation requirements. Upon successful completion of the RSDM Program, the student will earn a DMD degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.