African-American College Sophomores in Virginia Can Gain Early Admission to Medical School

In 2006 there were 10 blacks among the 104 graduates of the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. Despite the fact that blacks make up a larger share of the total graduates than is the case at most medical schools in this country, the administration at Eastern Virginia is not satisfied with the school’s level of racial diversity. Overall, blacks make up 6 percent of the enrollments at the school.

In an effort to increase black enrollments, an early admissions program has been established with five historically black colleges and universities in the state. Under the program, sophomores at these black colleges and universities can reserve a future slot at the medical school. The space will remain theirs so long as they continue to meet the academic standards at their undergraduate institutions. Sophomores at Norfolk State University, Hampton University, St. Paul’s College, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University are eligible for the early admissions program.

Copyright © 2007. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.