Frequently Asked Questions
 

Should I apply?
 

Joining MERIT Health Leadership Academy is a big decision and should involve discussions with family members, teachers, friends, and other supporters.  MERIT provides as much support as possible to our scholars as they work hard to reach their individual goals.  MERIT not only exposes scholars to various careers in health care through hands-on experiences in hospitals and laboratories, but we also provide guidance through the college admissions and financial aid process.  We support our scholars through the toughest challenges and are there to celebrate their accomplishments.

What are the responsibilities of being a Scholar?
 

During the school year, MERIT Scholars are required to attend weekly Saturday Sessions.  During both summers, MERIT Scholars participate in paid summer internships working in hospitals and research laboratories.  MERIT Scholars are mentored  (local undergraduates, graduate students, or young professionals working in health care) throughout the three year program.  We also expect MERIT Scholars to complete all homework assignments related to SAT prep, medicine, professional skill development, health inequalities, and the college admissions process.   

 

What is the application and selection process?
 

First, ask one of your teachers or guidance counselors to help you complete Phase 1 of the application process, which can be downloaded above.

Applicants who are determined to be a strong fit for our program will be invited to participate in Phase 2 of the application process, a rigorous four-week “tryout” called the Health Leadership Course. The purpose of this course is to teach applicants about the path to becoming a health professional, while allowing the MERIT staff to better understand the strengths of each applicant. Students will submit unofficial transcripts and parent tax transcript.

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The Health Leadership Course will take place over four Saturdays from January to March.  
All sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and are mandatory for admission into MERIT.

All students leave the Health Leadership Course with an official Certificate of Completion and information about internship experiences they may consider in the event they are not selected for inclusion in the MERIT Health Leadership Academy program.

What are the selection criteria?
 

Applicants to MERIT are evaluated in terms of our five core values:

 

Equity: MERIT Scholars dream of becoming doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health care providers, and are particularly interested in making Baltimore City a healthier place. 

 

Excellence: MERIT Scholars' relentless natures allow them to reach accomplishments others deem impossible. Scholars demonstrate a history of perseverance and academic achievement, particularly in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. 

 

Growth: MERIT Scholars seek opportunities to improve and humbly welcome critical feedback. Meeting expectations is not enough; we are looking for those who strive to be great. 

 

Family: MERIT Scholars form a strong bond with their MERIT family. They are willing to work together and support other MERIT Scholars during times of need. 

 

Ownership: MERIT Scholars have a deep understanding of how present actions directly lead to future consequences, not only for themselves, but more importantly for those around them.