Shankweiler Scholars Program (SHK)

Chair, Pre-Health Advisory Committee - contact Pre-Health Advisor, Cailin Pachter

The Shankweiler Scholars Program at Muhlenberg College is designed to expose highly motivated pre-medical students to thinking about medicine as a human endeavor. Outstanding first-year students who have indicated academic interests in pre-health and the liberal arts are invited to join the Shankweiler Scholars Program when they are admitted to Muhlenberg. These individuals will normally have Scholastic Aptitude Test scores of 1350 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or greater, graduated in the top tenth of their high school class, significant extra-curricular accomplishments, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a MD degree and a future career in clinical practice and/or research.

Shankweiler Scholars may select any major offered at Muhlenberg. Participation in the Shankweiler Scholars Program enhances a student’s liberal arts and pre-health experience through the completion of a self-designed curriculum in consultation with a faculty advisor that draws from a variety of disciplines and explores medicine as a human practice. Additionally, Shankweiler Scholars will participate in small, interdisciplinary, discussion-oriented seminar courses in which students are exposed to different approaches to the conceptualization and practice of medicine. Scholars will also participate in planning and organizing public lectures at Muhlenberg focused on the theme of medicine and society.

While Shankweiler Scholars need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.33 to remain in the program, successful medical school applicants usually have science/math GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who successfully complete the Scholars Program receive a special certificate at graduation as well as the designation “Shankweiler Scholar” on their diploma and transcript. To be eligible for this distinguished honor, a student must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.50 and have successfully passed the following three 0.5 seminar courses: