Eligibility Requirements
Who was SHPEP for?
The information below reflects the eligibility requirements for the 2026 SHPEP application cycle and is preserved as part of the program’s historical record.
SHPEP provided eligible college students with an opportunity to explore the health professions, strengthen their academic preparation, and gain exposure to careers in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions. All students who met the Summer Health Professions Education Program eligibility requirements were encouraged to apply. Applicants must have met the following requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college.
- Applicants should have earned no more than 90 credits when submitting their application.
Please note that only two SHPEP Program Sites are accepting college juniors this year. For sites accepting college freshmen and sophomores, applicants must have completed no more than 60 credits by the time they submit their application.- Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits are not counted.
- Dual enrollment credits are counted.
- Applicants should have earned no more than 90 credits when submitting their application.
- Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
- Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Must not have previously participated in the program.
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation.