Foundation Scholarships

Hicks, Ed & Beth Pre-Medicine

Applicants must have earned at least 15 credits at UW-Eau Claire and be currently enrolled as premed students. Second semester freshmen, sophomores or juniors may apply. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better and must have a 3.5 average, or better, in their science (biology, chemistry and physics) and mathematics courses. Applicants from various classes must have completed the following minimums at the time they apply: Freshmen--a minimum of 15 credits including any two of the following courses: Biology 110 or 111, Chemistry 103 or 115, Mathematics 112, 113 or 114. Sophomores--a minimum of 45 credits including at least 8 credits in biology, 10 in chemistry and a combination of 9 in physics and/or mathematics. Juniors--a minimum of 75 credits including at least 12 credits in biology, 15 in chemistry, 4 in mathematics and 5 in physics. Need is not a requirement but may be considered. Students in the above categories may re-apply for scholarships even if they had previously applied, successfully or unsuccessfully.

Application forms will be available at http://www.uwec.edu/biology. Each application must be accompanied by two recommendations that address the intellectual, scholarly and personal qualities of the applicant that would reflect the individual’s potential for a career in medicine. One recommendation must be from a University professor who is not a pre-medicine advisor but is familiar with the applicant’s professional goals or his/her academic capabilities. It would be helpful if the faculty member has taught classes with premed students, but is not required. A second recommendation must come from someone in a health care profession, preferably an M.D. Each application should include an up-to-date, official copy of the applicant’s academic record. The award is renewable, but recipients must re-apply. Each application shall include an essay written by the applicant that shall not exceed two typed pages (double-spaced) that addresses the question as noted below: Freshmen: “Why Do I Want to Become a Physician?” Sophomores & Juniors who are first- time applicants or students who applied but did not receive a scholarship - address the freshman topic above. Recipient applying for a renewal: “What Do I think will be the Most Significant Medical Challenge in the Next Five Years?” Justify your choice.

Second Monday in March

A selection committee shall consist of at least three premed advisors at UW-EC. Both the Biology and Chemistry Departments must be represented on the committee. The selection criteria used by the committee will include: overall GPA and science/math GPA; the scholarly qualities of the applicant that would reflect the applicant’s potential of being accepted into medical school, graduating and becoming a successful practitioner and/or medical researcher; and the character and integrity of the applicant.

April 30

The Chair of the Selection Committee shall complete and submit a “Scholarship Award Form” for each recipient to the Financial Aid office by May 1. The Committee Chair will notify all applicants before the end of the semester whether they have been selected or not.

It is recommended that the recipient send a thank-you note to the Dr. and Mrs. Ed Hicks in care of the UW-EC Foundation, Schofield Hall Room 214, UW-Eau Claire.