Special Programs
Â鶹´«Ã½ Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP)
show/hide all
How do I apply to that early decision program at Feinberg? Am I eligible?
is the best source to learn about the program’s requirements and application process. On average, about 100 students apply each year, and 10-15 are accepted. Once you’re assigned a pre-health advisor, you can discuss if NUPSP may be a good fit for you. The application is due at the end of fall quarter of your junior year.
When should I ask for letters of recommendation (LOR) from professors when applying to NUPSP?
Applicants should approach a recommender a minimum of 4-8 weeks before the letter is due; however, many students begin approaching recommenders in the quarter prior to discuss letters. The first time an applicant talks to a recommender should not be to ask for an LOR, you should have cultivated this professional relationship over time.
Are there any other Special Programs for NU undergraduates?
There are two other early decision type programs for NU undergraduates:
- Pre-physical therapy students have an early acceptance option to the .
- NU student can apply between November 1st – April 1st of their junior year
- 3.5 overall and science GPA required
- Completion of 2 out of 3 required course sequences
- See NUPPT-SP Admissions Requirements for all required courses/experiences.
- Pre-public health students have an early acceptance option to the NU MPH program:
- Apply in early spring (usually April 1st) of junior year through CollegeNET, not SOPHAS
- Start the NU MPH program in summer after graduating
- Can double-count up to 3 courses from undergrad
- Need 3.5 GPA to be eligible
- Pre-reqs: 1 math course, 1 bio course
- No GRE required
- If a student is not eligible for APHP, they can always apply to the regular 1 year NU MPH program through SOPHAS
Â鶹´«Ã½ Clinical Apprentice Program (NU-CAP)
How do I apply to NU-CAP?
The application will be open on the "Application Process" page in June to apply for the following academic year. The opening of the program will be promoted in our weekly Events and Opportunities email in May through June.
Am I eligible for NU-CAP?
Historically, juniors and seniors with limited shadowing experience have participated in NU-CAP.
When does the NU-CAP program start?
The program starts the third week of the fall, winter, or spring quarter and runs for six weeks.
When will I find out if I have been selected for the program?
Accepted students will be notified early September. Students not accepted will be notified after the accepted students have confirmed their participation in the program
Can I pick the preceptors/physicians who I will shadow?
No. The preceptor/physician assignments are based on the preceptors’ week-to-week availability.
If I am studying abroad in fall, can I still apply to the program?
Yes, the application allows you to select the quarters you are available to participate in the program.
Can I pick the location of the clinical site?
No. By default the clinical sites are located in Evanston. You can indicate your willingness to travel to other sites outside of Evanston in the application. Placements at all sites are based on preceptor availability.
Can I shadow the same physician/preceptor after the program ends?
Typically, no, as your clinical clearance ends when your time on the NU-CAP program ends.
Do I need to get shots/immunizations to participate in the program?
Yes. Accepted participants need a current ‘flu shot and some students may need to update their DPT immunizations to complete their clinical clearance process.
Can I participate in the program more than once?
No. Participation is limited to one session due to the on-going high demand and limited number of seats.
Does the program cost any money?
No. For students placed outside of Evanston, a travel stipend of $250 is available from HPA to off-set transportation costs.
NU Connections Programs
What are the NU Connections Programs?
The NU Connections Programs match NU undergraduates with students in the DPT, MD and PA programs at the Feinberg School of Medicine. Matches then engage in a dialogue meant to better inform the student about their health path and what it's like to be a student in one of these programs at Feinberg School of Medicine.
How do I apply to the NU Connections Programs?
Applications open over the fall quarter for the MD Connections Program and in the winter quarter for the DPT and PA Connections Programs. HPA will advertise when registration for these programs is open in our Events & Opportunities Newsletter.
Am I eligible for the NU Connections Program?
Students registered with HPA are eligible for the NU Connections Program as long as they apply before the registration deadline.
Other Resources for Shadowing / Mentoring
NEXT (Â鶹´«Ã½ Externship Program)
This a 1-2 day shadowing opportunity (in-person or virtual). Registration for this program is in the fall.
Â鶹´«Ã½ Mentorship Program
The matches students with alumni mentors in a career field that they're interested in.
Once mutually established, the mentor-mentee pair then agree on goals and communication preferences, including whether they’ll speak by phone or meet in person and how often they’ll connect, whether it's once or multiple times throughout the year.
Your health professions advisor
Speak to your health professions advisor about strategies to seek out and pursue shadowing and mentoring opportunities. We have frequent conversations with students about shadowing and are eager to share strategies.