Navigating Your Path to the University of Minnesota Medical School: Information Sessions and Resources

For aspiring medical professionals, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the application process and the programs offered is paramount. The University of Minnesota Medical School provides various avenues for prospective students to explore these opportunities, including information sessions, workshops, and shadowing experiences. This article will guide you through these resources, helping you navigate your path toward a medical career at the University of Minnesota.

Pre-Health Student Resource Center (PHSRC) Events

The Pre-Health Student Resource Center hosts several events throughout the year for students to help prepare them for certain aspects of the application process for health professional schools. Click on the tabs below to view details about PHSRC workshops and events.

Information Sessions: Your Gateway to Understanding

Many UMN Health Science Schools and Colleges host information sessions, which can be a great way to learn more about the program itself, the application cycle, and how to prepare as a prospective applicant. These sessions may be live or virtual on certain dates, or programs may have a recorded version online. Upcoming information sessions are listed below.

Attending information sessions is a crucial step in your application journey. These sessions offer invaluable insights into the specific programs, the application cycle, and how to best prepare as a prospective applicant.

Unable to attend an Information Session? Sign up for a Virtual Office Appointment! Connect with our staff to discuss the application process or preparing your application. These appointments are 30 minutes long. We encourage you to attend an Information Session or watch the recording prior to scheduling. Due to the length of the appointments, please come prepared with questions. These appointments cannot be used for feedback on a current application cycle. Sign up for an appointment.

Shadowing a Medical School Class: A Glimpse into the Future

Interested in shadowing a current medical school class? The Office of Admissions, in collaboration with Curriculum, will be offering a select number of seats across a select number of IN-PERSON classes for prospective students and/or applicants to shadow a current medical school class. Lecture Sit-In courses are now being held at the Twin Cities, Duluth and St. Cloud campuses. These seats will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

For those eager to experience the realities of medical school firsthand, the University of Minnesota Medical School offers a unique opportunity to shadow current students. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the curriculum, teaching styles, and the overall learning environment.

Reapplicant Workshops

The University of Minnesota Medical School Office of Admissions will host Reapplicant Workshops to provide insight and advice on reapplication for future cycles. Workshops will include in-depth discussion on competencies, requirements, and a Q&A session. We strongly advise that applicants review the Applicant Self Assessment Guide and competencies prior to attending.

Health Professional School Expo

The Pre-Health Student Resource Center 2026 Health Professional School Expo gives representatives from health professional schools and programs the chance to meet and network with the pre-health student population here at the University of Minnesota and other Twin Cities colleges and universities. The Expo showcases health professional degree programs from around the country. Their admissions representatives will be available to meet with pre-health students from the University of Minnesota and beyond. The 2026 Health Professional School Expo will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM (CST) at Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall.

Standardized Tests: MCAT and AAMC PREview

Applicants must complete the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is valid for three years prior to the application year. Applicants must complete the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam by the August 13 & 14, 2025 testing dates*. The PREview exam is valid for three years prior to the application year.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Holistic Review and Competency-Based Evaluation

The University of Minnesota MD program conducts a holistic review of applications within a competency based evaluation framework.

The University of Minnesota Medical School employs a holistic review process, evaluating applicants based on a range of competencies and experiences. This approach ensures a diverse and well-rounded student body.

Non-Discrimination Policy

As required by Title IX and its regulations, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any of its education programs or activities, including in admissions and employment. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. Tina Marisam, Title IX Coordinator and EOT Director, Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOT) 274 McNamara Alumni Center 200 Oak St.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid is offered to help students meet educational expenses and may consist of loans, scholarships, or work-study. Please note that the Office of Admissions does award a small pool of recruitment scholarships that range from non-resident tuition waiver scholarships, full-tuition scholarships, half-tuition scholarships, and donor scholarships.

Addressing Dementia: Training for Future Health Professionals

Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, few models of training for health professional students on this topic have been formally evaluated or widely disseminated. The Dementia Friends (DF) initiative is part of a global movement to improve the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. The impact of these sessions on the dementia-related knowledge and attitudes of health professional trainees has not been adequately assessed.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

The University of Minnesota Medical School recognizes the importance of preparing future healthcare professionals to address the challenges of dementia. They actively participate in initiatives like Dementia Friends (DF) to improve understanding and attitudes towards individuals living with dementia.

Dementia Friends Information Sessions: A Study

Health professional students (medicine n = 70, physical therapy n = 30, pharmacy n = 28) participated in one-hour DF information sessions, offered in-person or via videoconference. The Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), a validated 20-item questionnaire, was administered before and after each session. Pre- and post-session DAS scores were compared using a paired t-test. Students' dementia-friendly action plans were analyzed qualitatively. Of 128 students, 102 (80%) completed both the pre- and post-DAS. The mean DAS score increased significantly from 105.8 (12.3) to 120.8 (10.5) following the DF sessions (p < .001). Students' dementia-friendly action plans included improving communication, promoting quality of life, and learning more about dementia. The DF information session model significantly increased the knowledge and positive attitudes of health professional students toward those living with dementia. Relationship between pre-session DAS overall score and difference in DAS overall score.

A study examining the impact of DF information sessions on health professional students revealed a significant increase in knowledge and positive attitudes toward individuals living with dementia. This highlights the effectiveness of these initiatives in shaping future healthcare practices.

References for Further Exploration

Banerjee S, Jones C, Wright J, Grosvenor W, Hebditch M, Hughes L, Feeney Y, Farina N, Mackrell S, Nilforooshan R, Fox C, Bremner S, & Daley S (2021). A comparative study of the effect of the Time for Dementia programme on medical students. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(7), 1011â1019.
Carson J, Reed P, & Gibb Z (2020). An Evaluation of the Dementia Friends USA Program in Nevada: Changes in Knowledge and Behavioral Intent. Innovation in Aging, 4(Supplement_1), 28â29.
Cowan TL (2021). College studentsâ and community membersâ attitudes toward dementia: The impact of dementia friends sessions. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. 42(1), 140â149.
Davison E, Housden S, & Lindqvist S (2019). Using interprofessional dementia learning opportunities to prepare the future healthcare workforce: findings from a pilot study. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 33(6), 816â819.
Dementia Friends Minnesota. (2010). Dementia Friends Minnesota.

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