A few medical/dental schools operate early assurance programs which allow students to apply to medical school sometime in the sophomore year. Each of these programs differ from each other in terms of their requirements and emphasis. These programs are not intended to accelerate the pace of undergraduate education, but rather, to encourage students to pursue other areas of interest without the pressure and anxiety that accompanies the premedical junior and senior years.

There are three programs to which Columbia undergraduates are eligible to apply. Please see the application and program specifics on the following Web pages.

• Icahn School of Medicine Flex Med Program
• SUNY Upstate College of Medicine Early Assurance Program
• University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

Applicants to these Early Assurance Programs generally must have exceptional academic credentials and demonstrate a high level of maturity and commitment to their goals. Although these programs offer students early assurance, they are not right for everyone.