PSP is the Professional Scholars Program at Augusta University. The program is an accelerated seven-year, dual-degree pathway for students interested in medicine or dentistry (BS/MD or BS/DMD). In the first three years, students pursue the BS in Cell & Molecular Biology through the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science and Mathematics. In the fourth year, students complete their BS degree while also beginning their four-year professional program in medicine or dentistry. Both pathways (medical and dental) provide students with the opportunity to matriculate into Augusta University’s professional schools (Medical College of Georgia and Dental College of Georgia).
Students must submit a freshman application via CommonApp, official high school transcript, and official test scores by the Early Action Deadline to be considered for PSP. It is recommended that students select Cell & Molecular Biology as their major on CommonApp. Students who are verified as meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be invited to complete a PSP program specific supplemental application.
The final deadline for applying to PSP is December 11, 2023. In order to be considered for PSP, students must apply for admission to Augusta University via CommonApp using their official test scores and high school transcript. Students admissible to Augusta University through test-optional review are not eligible for PSP.
The minimum required GPA for both pathways is a 3.7 recalculated.
Augusta University will recalculate the high school GPA based on the University System of Georgia’s Required High School Curriculum. Unweighted grades will be used on a 4.0 scale.
Yes, official SAT/ACT scores are required.
The minimum required scores for BS/MD applicants are a 32 composite ACT or 1450 SAT.
The minimum required scores for BS/DMD applicants are a 30 composite ACT or 1360 SAT.
Students who meet the minimum requirements for consideration are reviewed holistically.
Yes, Augusta University and PSP accept super scores.
No. The November and December standardized test score results are released too late to be considered for PSP.
Yes, PSP prefers in-state, domiciled residents of Georgia.
You must either be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent resident at the time of application.
No, students will only gain access to the program supplemental application once they have been verified as meeting the minimum requirements.
The supplemental application is released to qualifying students once it has been verified that they meet the minimum requirements
Qualifying students will be invited to complete the supplemental application in their admission portal once it has been verified that they meet the minimum program requirements.
No, only qualifying students can access the supplemental application.
No, students can only apply to one pathway.
The supplemental application includes the following sub-sections:
Yes, you need to submit one letter of recommendation to accompany your supplemental application. Applicants will gain access to the Letters of Recommendation request tool with their supplemental application in the admissions portal.
No. You will need to use the Letter of Recommendation request tool that is associated with the supplemental application in the admissions portal.
Students applying to the BS/DMD pathway will be required to participate in an interview. Student’s applying to the BS/MD pathway will not be required to interview.
The number of students invited to interview for the BS/DMD pathway is based upon the pool of complete applications each year.
The members of the admissions sub-committee for each professional school conduct all interviews – these are the same people who interview potential dental students at AU.
The number of applications varies each year, but PSP receives over 300 total completed applications from qualified students, with approximately 250 for the BS/MD pathway and 50 for the BS/DMD pathway.
The number of spots offered in each pathway varies each year depending on the caliber of applicants. The BS/MD pathway accepts up to 25 students. The BS/DMD typically accepts 10 students.
The BS/MD pathway does not utilize an alternative or waitlist. The BS/DMD pathway does utilize an alternative or waitlist with students being notified of this offer.
Decisions are announced between Mid-March and April 1.
Decisions are released to students via email. Students accepted to one of the PSP pathways will also receive a notification in their admissions portal with additional information on how to accept their offer.
A student may only apply once.
Due to the volume of applications and the confidentiality of the sub-committees that select and interview applicants, we are unable to provide feedback to students regarding applications or interviews.
No. PSP exists independently of the Honors Program. Due to the PSP program requirements, students are not able to participate in both opportunities; however, students not accepted into PSP can apply to the Honors Program.
No, you cannot apply as a transfer student: however, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is happy to discuss the opportunities available to you at Augusta University as a transfer student.
In general, yes. Your credits will be articulated into your academic transcript and the Program Manager will work with you to develop a schedule to ensure you are meeting the program academic requirements.
No, there are no special scholarships for PSP students, but all PSP students are considered for Augusta University’s merit-based scholarships. Students are also encouraged to complete the Augusta University scholarship application in Scholarship Universe by February 1 to be considered for additional opportunities.
Out-of-state applicants may qualify for a waiver that covers the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees. Students will be notified directly by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if they qualify. A completed application is required for consideration.
All students in PSP will be evaluated to a standard of professional competencies consistent with a future career in medicine or dentistry. These required professional competencies include Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Basic Sciences and Medical/Dental Knowledge, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and Professionalism. In addition to these competencies, students must meet their pathway requirements as outlined on the PSP webpage.
No. Due to the nature of the curriculum, all courses are to be taken during the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. Students enrolled in the PSP do not have the option to take courses out of sequence, repeat courses, or take courses at another institution during the summer.
Yes, students take the MCAT or DAT as a part of their requirements for matriculation into professional school.
Yes, students can talk with the Program Manager about the 4/4 option once accepted into PSP.
No. Students will complete their professional studies at their program’s respective professional school, the Medical College of Georgia or the Dental College of Georga. Both the Medical and Dental College are a part of the Augusta University campus.
Yes, we welcome students and their families to join us on campus to explore the Augusta University community through a Daily Campus Tour or See Augusta Preview Day. These opportunities provide a learning session about the admissions process, university information from Augusta University staff, and a walking tour of our Summerville and Health Sciences campuses. See Augusta Preview Days have expanded opportunities to include interactions with colleges and departments and interactive learning sessions around campus. Our Admissions Counselors and 1828 Ambassador Tour Guides are well versed in PSP and can help answer any questions that you have while visiting campus. If you are not able to visit campus in-person, we also provide virtual opportunities. You can schedule your on-campus or virtual experience here.
Virtual Information Sessions are offered at various times throughout the year. To learn when the next virtual session will be offered view our Visit Augusta University webpage here.
You can connect directly with your assigned Admissions Counselor to discuss PSP. Set up an appointment by booking a meeting with your representative here.
