Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP) FAQs

SSCCPP is an intensive six-week in-residence academic and personal enrichment program targeting San Francisco Bay Area community college students who have experienced academic or economic barriers in pursuing their postsecondary education. The program guides participants through a six-week summer experience on Stanford University’s medical school campus. Although a range of health professions will be presented, emphasis is placed upon students interested in pursuing careers as physicians. Participants will receive instruction in science strategies, research methodology, and topics in health care including health disparities, civic activism, community engagement, and leadership. Formal and informal mentorship is delivered with assistance from current medical students, guest lecturers, and other members of the community regarding careers in medicine and public health. SSCCPP participants receive individual and group advising and guidance on a variety of topics from preparing for the medical school admissions process to career choices and study strategies.

SSCCPP offers students an intense and rewarding social and educational experience. Past lectures have included relevant topics such as Health Disparities, Research Methodology, Health Risk Factors, Ethics in Medicine, and Careers in the Health Professions. The atmosphere is challenging without emphasis on testing or competition, though each participant is evaluated and receives performance feedback. SSCCPP follows a collaborative approach to learning and encourages peer education and leadership. Participants attend lectures delivered by medical professionals, School of Medicine staff, and medical students.

The Center of Excellence in Diversity in Medical Education (COE) offers a full scholarship to cover all program expenses including books, classroom fees, and room and board.

There is one clinical activity each week and students view health care through a variety of lenses from public policy to healthcare administration and clinical treatment.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply to SSCCPP. Preference is given to San Francisco Bay and surrounding area community college students in order to facilitate lasting ties to Stanford School of Medicine and other affiliate institutions through long-term mentoring, and personal, academic, and career development. Participants who successfully complete the program become SSCCPP scholars and receive ongoing advising. They are invited to return to Stanford for additional support, resources, career and academic advice. SSCCPP Scholars agree to participate in annual program surveys, contribute to SSCCPP newsletters and supply updated information to report progress toward entering their intended health careers. Resources for SSCCPP alumni are accessible on the COE web site and through other workshops and activities offered throughout the academic year.

SSCCPP students forge friendships of a lifetime and build connectedness to the COE and SSCCPP staff for ongoing support including educational and professional recommendations, scholarship and employment resources, and opportunities to give back by serving as SSCCPP staff and guest presenters.

The SSCCPP Program is open to undergraduate college students interested in pursuing careers in medicine. To achieve its goal of developing future physicians who will serve the diverse populations in the San Francisco Bay Area, the selection committee actively seeks applicants from community colleges in the following California counties: 

• Alameda
• Monterey
• San Francisco
• San Mateo
• Santa Clara
• Santa Cruz

This program is restricted to community college students. Dual-enrolled high school students, post baccalaureate, and university students are not eligible to apply. Students must be current community college students who have not yet begun study at a university whether domestic or foreign. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate work are ineligible for SSCCPP.

High School students are encouraged to visit the Office of Science Outreach for high school programs.

Tentative dates: June 25 - August 4, 2017.

Students must be able to attend the entire duration of the program to maintain eligibility and attend the program at no cost. Students are required to live in residence on the Stanford campus the entire time, and are expected to participate in all planned activities.

The 2017 program will admit approximately 20 participants.

The program recognizes that certain circumstances often prevent some students from demonstrating their full academic potential. Additionally, applicants must:

• Demonstrate academic or economic barriers in pursuit of their postsecondary education, as described in the application, in order to meet eligibility.
• Provide identity documentation at the request of the program (AB540, DACA and undocumented students will be considered with appropriate documentation)
• Meet the criteria established for academic and/or economic eligibility
• Be a community college student at the time of application
• Not be in post-baccalaureate status having received a degree in the US or other country in any field

Visit SSCCPP 2017 after December 15, 2016, 11:59 p.m to complete the online application.

Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation on-screen. It is recommended that you print your application responses. Applications are only accepted online. You will be notified of your application status via email. Application review is underway. Students selected for the next round of the process will be invited to interview. ALL students will receive an application status email on or before March 31, 2017. The selection committee expects to receive several hundred applications. It is recommended that you await notification and call for status ONLY if you have not received an update on your application by March 31, 2017. All applicants should expect to receive final notifications by April 30th, 2017. A small number of applicants will be invited to interview. Those who receive an offer to participate must notify the program of their acceptance by May 15, 2017, and attend the pre-program orientation on June 25, 2017.

This program is designed specifically for students pursuing careers as physicians. There are several Bay Area programs for students considering careers in health fields other than medicine. San Francisco State offers a Summer Science Institute providing exposure to the health professions including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, public health, and other professions. Get more information. There are a number of programs for students considering careers in the health professions and needing experience for exposure to career options in the health professions. Learn about the Health Career Connection internship.

The Office of Science Outreach at Stanford offers a listing of programs for students considering medicine and other sciences, and the humanities.

Please visit the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) website for a list of programs throughout the United States.

Please visit the Office of Science Outreach website for additional Stanford Programs. Google "summer programs for premeds.” The AAMC also has a short list of undergraduate research programs on their website.

Applicants who are invited to interview should notify program staff. In the past, the program has been able to accommodate one-time, mandated events and activities associated with the college admission and transition processes.

It is recommended that you gather all of your materials and submit your application all at once. You may download the application instructions here to help you navigate the application process.

Email us at SSCCPPCOE@gmail.com.

Please upload your files as Word (2004 or earlier - no *.docx files), PDF, or JPG formats. We will not review files in other formats.

You are required to upload an unofficial transcript using the methods described in item number 2. Upon acceptance, official college transcripts will be required and can be sent by mail. The selection committee will not accept or review high school transcripts.

Email this 2017 SSCCPP Recommendation Form link to your recommender.

Your recommender will receive a confirmation that they have completed the recommendation form.

If you have any questions that are not listed above, please email us at SSCCPPCOE@gmail.com