Medical Ethics, Health, & Society at Vanderbilt

Outset is an extracurricular academic program. Like many extracurriculars, Outset can be a helpful addition to your resume and college application but will likely not be the deciding factor in your college application. Your grades, references, test scores, and personal statement matter most. Still, Outset can demonstrate to colleges and universities that you have a serious interest in medicine and have taken steps to explore that interest. Some alumni even talk about Outset in their personal statements.

Outset is a competitive summer program for 9th-12th grade students interested in medical careers. We receive thousands of applicants each year and accept fewer than 50% of students. We have strict academic standards and require applicants to submit a statement about their interest in medicine. If you pass our initial screening, then you will have a 10-minute video call with our Admissions team. After this call we request a teacher reference for some applicants.

We have an easy 3-step Admissions process. First, you apply online. Next if you pass our initial screening you will be invited to a 10-minute video meeting with our Admissions team. We will ask you about your interest in medicine and Outset. Finally, for some applicants we require a teacher reference. Once you have completed all 3 steps, we give you a decision in 3-5 business days.

Yes, Outset has a program fee that is $2,950 (or $4995 for global programs). This fee covers your university housing, meals, academic and faculty costs, as well as the costs of Outset campus staff. For students who cannot afford the full fee, you can request financial aid or scholarships in our online application.

Outset does not have an application deadline. We have rolling admissions. Our programs and campuses do fill up fast, so we recommend applying as early as you can.

Our dates for summer 2026 depend on the campus and program. For most campuses and most programs we have several week options available in June and July, but these programs may fill. We recommend applying and speaking with a member of our Admissions team to determine which programs are currently available.