Special Programs
Northwestern Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP)
show/hide all
How do I apply to that early decision program at Feinberg? Am I eligible?
The NUPSP website 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 Northwestern Undergraduate Pre-Physical Therapy Scholars Program (NUPPT-SP).
- Pre-public health students have an early acceptance option to the NU MPH program:
NU APHP (Accelerated Public Health 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
Northwestern University Clinical Apprentice Program (NU-CAP)
How do I apply to NU-CAP?
Application opens over the summer. Health Professions Advising will notify students through our listserv when NU-CAP applications open and instructions on how to submit your application. You will need to go to the Get Advising page and fill out the in-take form, if you haven't already done so, to be included on our listserv and be notified about programs like NU-CAP.
Am I eligible for NU-CAP?
Historically, juniors and seniors with limited shadowing experience have participated in NU-CAP.
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 (Northwestern Externship Program)
This a 1-2 day shadowing opportunity (in-person or virtual). Registration for this program is in the fall.
Northwestern Mentorship Program
The Northwestern Mentorship Program 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.
Affinity Leaders and Learners (ALL) Mentorship Program
The Affinity Leaders and Learners (ALL) Mentorship Program pairs undergraduate students and alumni by taking into consideration shared experience and affinity in the matching process.
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.