Photo by Angela Foster
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has entered into a new early assurance agreement with Morehouse School of Medicine, creating a new pathway to medical school for UTC pre-health students that prioritizes affordability and early support.
The agreement allows eligible UTC students to apply directly to Morehouse through its Early Commitment Program, an admissions option designed to give students earlier clarity without limiting their ability to participate in the traditional medical school application cycle.
“This is the kind of program that benefits students,” said Theresa Blackman, assistant director of pre-health student services at UTC. “It gives them an opportunity to explore a medical school that fits their goals without putting all their eggs in one basket.”
Unlike traditional early decision programs, which often require students to apply through the national American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and restrict them to a single school, Morehouse’s Early Commitment Program operates on a separate timeline and application process. Students apply directly to Morehouse, reducing application costs and avoiding the high fees associated with AMCAS.
Applications for the upcoming cycle are due Monday, Feb. 16. Morehouse reviews applications in April, conducts interviews later that month and expects to notify students of decisions in early May. Students who are not selected through the early assurance pathway are still able to apply broadly during the regular medical school admissions cycle, which opens later in the spring.
“If a student isn’t admitted through this program, the national application cycle hasn’t even opened yet,” Blackman said. “They’re not stuck, and they still have options.”
To be eligible for the Early Commitment Program, students must be juniors in good academic standing at UTC and meet the following criteria:
- SAT: 1250 or higher or ACT: 26 or higher
- BCPM GPA (biology, chemistry, physics and math): 3.4 or higher
- Overall GPA: 3.5 or higher
Students are not required to take the MCAT before applying if they meet minimum SAT or ACT score thresholds, giving juniors additional time to prepare. Those admitted through the program receive access to MCAT preparation resources and are paired with a Morehouse mentor during their senior year at UTC.
“They’re thinking about how students are supported before they ever arrive,” Blackman said. “That matters.”
Dr. Pamela Woods, associate director of academic programs and affiliations at Morehouse School of Medicine, said the program is designed to help students envision themselves in medicine early and confidently.
“The Early Commitment Program at Morehouse School of Medicine helps students believe in what’s possible for their future,” Woods said. “By providing early assurance, mentorship and academic support, we’re opening doors, building confidence and nurturing the next generation of compassionate physicians. This program is about more than medicine; it’s about empowering diverse leaders to return to their communities ready to serve, heal and make a lasting difference.”
Blackman said the agreement could also lead to future collaboration, including shared MCAT preparation resources and additional academic support for UTC students.
With decisions expected in early May, UTC plans to share student perspectives later this year once the first cohort of students is selected.
“This is a thoughtful opportunity,” Blackman said. “It gives students support without closing doors.”
Learn more
UTC Pre-health Professions Advising
