The Howard Pre Admission Academic Reinforcement Program (PARP) is a program that is funded by an HCOP grant. This program allows approximately 25 students (20 med and 5 dental) to spend six weeks taking abbreviated medical school coursework. Subject matter is in the areas of Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry and Microbiology/Immunology. The instructors are rising second year medical students who have done extremely well in their first year coursework. In addition to the courses, students are given counseling and study skills instruction. Books along with room and board are provided at no cost to the student. Upon successful completion of this program, students are offered a seat in the incoming class (medical and dental). The program moves very fast and is very demanding. Testing and coursework are fairly rigorous but not the eqivalent of a semester of medical school since there are only three courses. The program has three faculty coordinators and two retention specialists who work with the students on sharpening academic skills. Most students who complete PARP do well during first year and head into second year (medical and dental) with a strong foundation to do well. If you have been selected to take part in PARP, you should jump on this program as quickly as possible and you will start first year with huge advantage.
