What is the Med-Start Summer Program?
Med-Start is a summer academic enrichment program for any 11th grade Arizona high school student interested in a health career. Two sites are available, one at The University of Arizona in Tucson and the other at Arizona State University in Phoenix. Students participate in the program during the summer between their junior and senior years. Med-Start was created in 1969 to help improve healthcare in rural, reservation, and economically disadvantaged areas through the recruitment and training of students from these regions.

Med-Start helps young people prepare for their future in the health professions by exploring career opportunities and providing college level coursework in English and science. Due to a demanding schedule, we require that students not hold summer jobs or participate in other programs during Med-Start. top

What are the dates of Med-Start?

Both the Tucson Med-Start and Phoenix Med-Start programs begin in the second weekend of June and run continuously into July for five weeks. The deadline for applications is February 1. top

Do I qualify to attend Med-Start?

Med-Start welcomes applications from all high school juniors (11th grade) who have a strong interest in a health care profession and are considering college in their future. Because they are underrepresented in the health care professions, students who are of Hispanic, American Indian, or African American backgrounds, who live in rural or reservation areas, are first-generation college, and/or economically or educationally disadvantaged are especially encouraged to apply.
All students must be:

• Arizona residents
• Permanent residents or U.S. citizens

All students must have a social security card upon acceptance. (This is for financial aid processing) top

Can I apply to either the Tucson or Phoenix program sites?

Yes, any Arizona high school junior may apply to either the Tucson site or the Phoenix site. If you are offered a place in the program, we will try to offer you the site you requested. If you are flexible, you can apply to both sites. Apply now!

How do I apply?

We are now offering the ability to apply online. Any student may create a profile with an email address and password that will allow him/her to return to their application and make any changes until he/she is ready to submit the application to our office, no later than February 2, 2009. Apply now! top

Additional items including official high school transcripts, a signed parent/guardian’s consent, and two online recommendations will need to be received by the deadline.

The application must be completed online. If you have difficulty completing the online application, please contact us. The parent/guardian’s consent form needs to be downloaded from our webpage, completed and signed, and mailed to our office. Apply now!

Incomplete On-LIne applications received after 5:00 p.m. on February 2, 2009 will not be considered. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.

Completed Supplemental Documents must be recieved by 5:00 p.m. February 15, 2009. They include the following:

• Official High School Transcripts
• 2 Recommendation Forms
• Parent Consent Form

You will need to contact your high school to request that an official transcript be sent to Med-Start by the deadline. Your high school counselor will also have information about Med-Start. If you have any questions, please contact our office. top

How do I apply online?

Each applicant may create an account with an email address and password. Please keep track of this information for future reference. Fill in the appropriate information required for the application. Students may save their application information and return at any time to make changes before submitting it to our office. Once the application is submitted to our office, all information will be final. Apply now!

If you have any questions about the online application, please contact us. top

Can I download the application packet?

Once you create an account, you will be asked to complete your information on-line. If you would like to print out the pages for review while you are still working on the application you can do so; you will need to go back to the computer to enter your information on-line. This will ensure that your information is accurate and that we receive your application on time. After you complete and submit the on-line application you will be able to print out a hard copy of the information you entered. top

Do I need Letters of Recommendation?

As part of the online application process, two online recommendation letters are required. Appropriate recommenders include teachers, advisors, counselors, and job supervisors (not family members or friends) who know you well and would be able to describe your suitability as a participant in the Med–Start Summer Program.

When you complete the online application you will need to provide full contact information for the two individuals you are asking to be your recommenders. Be sure you talk with the recommenders first; ask if they are willing to complete an online form and be sure to get their email address, business mailing address and phone numbers. You will need to provide complete information on the two recommenders before you can submit your Med-Start application.

Once you enter the information, the recommender will receive an email from azhealth@email.arizona.edu asking him/her to complete and submit an online recommendation form for you. The recommendation forms need to be completed and submitted by the recommender no later than the Med-Start application deadline, February 15. top

What if my Recommeders did not recieve an email?

Please ask them to look for an email sent by 'AZHEALTH@email.arizona.edu'.

What if they cannot find the email from AZHEALTH?

Please check your online application and make sure that your recommender's email address is correct. top

What type of schedule will I have during Med-Start?

The Med-Start Summer Program consists of a heavy schedule of classes, forums, lectures, presentations, activities, and tutoring throughout the week. We require that students do not work or attend another program during the Med-Start Summer Program. top

Will I need money?

Yes. The Med-Start Summer Program works to cover most meals for the duration of the program; however, some students may need to make additional purchases for themselves. top

Where will I stay?

All Tucson Med-Start students will be required to reside in one of The University of Arizona residence halls located on the UA main campus during the program. Phoenix Med-Start students will reside at an Arizona State University campus. top

How much homework will I have?

Students will have writing, science, and college prep assignments that will require time outside of class to complete. The amount of homework will vary from week to week. top