The Undergraduate Plummer Scholars Plus (UPS+) Summer Program is a week-long program hosted at all three Mayo Clinic campuses (Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida). The intensive program allows students to explore the physician profession and prepare for medical school admissions.

Guided by a team of faculty and staff, UPS summer scholars will participate in clinical shadowing activities as well as workshops and sessions aimed at developing skills and strategies for the medical school admissions process./p>

The Academic Year Undergraduate Plummer Scholars Program runs from October to April. The week-long UPS+ Summer Program is held during summertime.

Program highlights:

• Physician shadowing
• MCAT strategy and prep
• Personal statement writing workshop
• Mock interviews
• Clinical simulation activities
• Near peer mentorship with Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students

Application process

Prerequisites

The UPS+ Summer Program is open to current sophomores or equivalent with a GPA of 3.7, who have participated in the current Undergraduate Plummer Scholars Academic Year Program. Applicants must have a strong interest in attending medical school, pursuing a career as a physician, and plans to take the MCAT in the next 12 months. Additionally, must be able to stand for three hours and walk two miles per day.

Application timeline

Application window	Program dates	Apply
CLOSED	Sunday, May 31 - June 6, 2026 (Minnesota)	Online application

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
• Select – Mayo Clinic Education Office of Belonging
• Select – Undergraduate Plummer Scholars (UPS)
2. Complete each section of the application and submit
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
   • The required supplemental documents are one letter of recommendation and a copy of your unofficial transcript
   • Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section 
   • Complete the Recommendation Request section

 

Frequently Asked Questions

🎓 Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine 

Program Overview 

What is the Undergraduate Plummer Scholars Plus (UPS+) Summer Program? 
UPS+ is a one-week, in-person summer intensive program for participants of the UPS academic-year program who have been selected through competitive application process. It provides immersive, hands-on experiences in medicine at Mayo Clinic campuses. 

Who is eligible? 
Applicants must: 

• Be current undergraduate sophomores (or equivalent) 

• Have participated in the UPS Academic Year program 

• Have a GPA of 3.7 or above 

• Submit Letter of Recommendation 

• Submit current Transcript 

• Plan to take the MCAT within the next 12 months 

• Demonstrate commitment to pursuing medical school 

What are the program locations and dates? 
UPS+ takes place at the three Mayo Clinic campuses: 

• Minnesota (First week of June) 

What activities are included? 
Participants take part in: 

• Physician shadowing and clinical observation 

• MCAT strategy sessions and test-prep resources 

• Personal statement and interview workshops 

• Clinical simulation and skills sessions 

• Networking with medical students and faculty 

• Near-peer mentorship and continued guidance after the program 

How long is the program? 
The UPS+ experience lasts one week, typically in June on the MN campus. 

What happens after the one-week session? 
After the in-person week, scholars may continue receiving mentorship and MCAT preparation support through program partners. 

Is there an application process? 
Yes. The UPS+ application opens on January 1 and closes in February 1. UPS AY Applicants complete an online form, hold a GPA of 3.7, submit an unofficial transcript and one letter of recommendation. 

How competitive is selection? 
UPS+ is selective. Cohort sizes are small (for example, around 5 students). Selection is based on performance in the UPS AY program, academic preparation, and commitment to medicine. 

Are travel, housing, or meals provided? 
Yes. Roundtrip airfare and lodging are covered for your stay, as well as mileage above 50 miles. 

Are there physical requirements for participation? 
Yes. Applicants must be able to stand for 3 hours and walk 2 miles per day to meet the physical demands of clinical observation activities. However, we are able to make accommodations if necessary. 

Do I receive a stipend or academic credit? 
No, a stipend is not provided. The program’s primary benefits are mentorship, clinical exposure, and MCAT preparation resources. 

What makes a strong UPS+ applicant? 
Strong applicants have: 

• Active participation in the UPS AY program 

• High academic achievement (some years suggest a GPA ≥ 3.7) 

• Clear intent to pursue medical school 

• Plans to take the MCAT in the next 12 months 

• Demonstrated leadership or service experiences 

Who can I contact for more information? 
Visit the Undergraduate Plummer Scholars Plus (UPS+) Summer Program page or contact the Office of Education Engagement and Outreach at educationengagement@mayo.edu