Surveys Show Meritus Medical School’s Free MCAT Boot Camp was Big Help to Aspiring Doctors

New survey data from the inaugural MCAT Boot Camp hosted this summer by the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine demonstrates the program's success in helping aspiring physicians prepare for one of the most important exams on their journey to medical school.

The free, virtual boot camp, held July 13-17, attracted 205 students from 142 undergraduate institutions across the country, providing high-quality Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation and admissions guidance at no cost to participants. Newly compiled feedback from attendees shows overwhelming satisfaction with the program and highlights the growing need for accessible pathways into medical education.

"The response to our first MCAT Boot Camp exceeded expectations," said Dr. Shawn White, PhD, the boot camp’s co-director. "These results reinforce that talented students are looking for meaningful support as they prepare for careers in medicine. By removing financial barriers and connecting students with experienced educators, we are helping build the next generation of physicians."

White and fellow boot camp co-director Dr. Sam Kadavakollu, PhD, MSc, developed the program to expand access to MCAT preparation and help aspiring physicians navigate the medical school admissions process.

The five-day program was designed to address the challenge of affordability for MCAT preparation resources. Commercial preparation courses can cost hundreds of dollars, creating barriers for many students pursuing careers in healthcare. The Meritus boot camp offered an alternative, bringing together medical educators and subject matter experts to provide intensive instruction in key exam topics.

Participants attended 27 educational sessions covering topics such as biology, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, genetics, behavioral sciences and critical analysis skills, among others. Students also received guidance on medical school admissions, application strategies and interview preparation, while engaging directly with current medical students during question-and-answer sessions.

Program participants submitted more than 1,100 session evaluations, resulting in 1,107 ratings identifying sessions as beneficial and only 15 ratings indicating content was irrelevant. In addition, 46 of 47 survey respondents said they would recommend the program to other students preparing for the MCAT.

The boot camp attracted students actively preparing for upcoming MCAT administrations. Of the 205 registrants, 64 planned to take the exam during the summer.

For Meritus leaders, the results underscore the school's broader mission to expand educational opportunities and strengthen the future physician workforce. As a community-focused medical school, the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine aims to support students at every stage of their journey into medicine while helping address physician shortages in Maryland and beyond.