Frequently Asked Questions

When was MERP started, and how many people have completed the program?

Since its inception, more than 4,000 students have successfully completed the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) and advanced to American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) or Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM).

What courses are taught in the MERP program?

MERP is designed to provide aspiring medical students with a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences. The course of study includes four basic science courses: Clinical Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology/Immunology, Medical Physiology/Biophysics and Academic Success. These courses provide similar content and depth to those taught in the medical school curriculum at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine.

What qualifications are held by MERP's instructors?

All MERP instructors hold either a Ph.D., M.D. (or equivalent), or both in their field and have significant experience teaching medical, undergraduate or graduate-level students. MERP instructors have extensive research experience and have published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts in national and international journals.

In addition, MERP has teaching fellows that hold an M.D. or a Ph.D. and have typically graduated from AUC or RUSM.

What is the typical class size of a MERP session?

MERP session sizes vary from semester to semester; however, past sessions have ranged from 77-180 participants.

What is the typical class schedule while attending MERP?

Lectures are typically five days per week from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Eastern Time (ET). There are usually two lectures per day, consisting of two hours each, with a 10-minute break every hour. There is usually a one-hour break for lunch from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., ET, followed by mandatory or optional academic success sessions, open lab hours, Q & As, small groups, subject reviews and other academic activities. There is a total of 10 individual quizzes and three examinations during the 15-week program. On occasion, lectures may be held in the afternoon or evening.

What is the attendance policy?

Attending every lecture is mandatory. In addition to mandatory lectures, MERP will hold mandatory and optional activities to enhance student academic performance and study skills. Punctuality is also required for every MERP mandatory or optional activity. Students are responsible to be on time no matter what time zone they reside in.

How often should I check my MERP email?

Students are required to check their MERP email regularly. Students should check their MERP email multiple times per day, since the faculty and members of the MERP staff will communicate with you via email on a regular basis regarding important information and updates.

What happens if a student does not pass MERP?

The Medical Education Readiness Program offers a tuition back guarantee. If at any point you decide medical school is not for you, or you do not pass the program, your tuition will be fully refunded. Students who have taken out a private loan will have their tuition refunded back to the loan provider within 60 days upon the conclusion of the semester. Students are responsible for paying any interest on loans, even if their tuition is refunded. See the tuition and scholarships page for additional information regarding the pricing structure.

I am still trying to decide about MERP. Can I talk to a current MERP student or a MERP graduate?

Absolutely! Reach out to your AUC or RUSM admissions coordinator and they will connect you with a MERP graduate or contact Frank Demaria, Manager of Student Services, at frank.demaria@medready.org.

What is the dress and conduct code while attending MERP virtually?

The Medical Education Readiness Program is proud of its tradition of having properly attired students. While there is no official dress code for virtual MERP, students are expected to be respectful of the virtual classroom environment and always dress and be groomed in a respectful and appropriate manner. An important aspect of virtual classroom etiquette is that faculty may require students to turn on their cameras during lectures and group discussions. Accordingly, to avoid distractions, clothing should be modest, neat, clean and should always cover undergarments during all MERP lectures, examinations, appointments and any other mandatory or optional event associated with MERP. Hats, shirts with offensive logos or messages, ripped or torn clothing, pajamas or immodest clothing are considered inappropriate for MERP mandatory and optional activities.

In addition to the formal Honor Code, located in the student handbook, MERP students are encouraged to adhere to the following online code of conduct:

Follow all MERP acceptable use policies for technology resources. Be respectful of your classmates and faculty. Please allow faculty to finish their lectures without disrupting the virtual classroom - such disruption may include using the chat feature for side conversations or comments that are not related to the academic content. Additionally, please be aware that your laptop’s microphone is always active, so  your classmates and faculty may hear noises in your environment. Please keep distractions to a minimum by maintaining your device’s microphone on mute.

Will I be required to purchase any textbooks?

We will provide you with lecture notes for each subject, however there is a list of recommended and required textbooks. Here is the link: http://www.medschoolprep.com/student-resources/book-list

Will I need a personal laptop device for my classes?

Yes, all students are required to have a personal laptop device to complete MERP . Please review the information in the following link to verify that your personal laptop device meets the minimum system requirements for MERP. Here is the link: https://www.medschoolprep.com/student-resources/it-resources