General Chemistry Bootcamp
MASTER CHEMISTRY AND IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR THE LABS!
General Chemistry Bootcamp
MASTER CHEMISTRY AND IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR THE LABS!
OVERVIEW.
A meaningful summer for medical students!
Chicago Institute for the Development of Physicians and Researchers (CSIDPAR) (pronounced "sid-par")
The Chicago Institute for the Development of Physicians and Researchers offers a collection of research, clinical shadowing, and test prep programs designed to support the development of our mentees in clinical medicine, health equity, and research.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, depending on the specific program. For updates, please check this site regularly or contact cornelius.conway@iamabel.org.
Programs are open to rising high school juniors and seniors, college students, post-baccalaureate students, and rising M2s. Most programs run for 8–10 weeks and offer a competitive stipend. Summer programs require full-time residency in Chicago and a firm commitment to complete the program from start to finish. Students are not permitted to work or take summer classes while enrolled.
The General Chemistry Bootcamp is an intensive six-week summer program designed to help pre-med and STEM students audit a full year of General Chemistry content before taking it for a grade. General Chemistry is widely recognized as a major “weed-out” course that often challenges students pursuing careers in medicine and science.
Participants engage in:
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Daily structured study sessions and mentorship
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Problem-based learning led by top-percentile tutors
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Comprehensive video lectures with interactive questions
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Academic enrichment activities and field trips
Students receive a $2,000 stipend for their participation.
The bootcamp provides an early, supportive opportunity to preview rigorous material, build confidence, and lay a strong foundation for future coursework and MCAT preparation.
Applications open February 2026
MCAT Intensive Program
PROGRAM SUPPORTING STUDENTS FOR MED SCHOOL
The I Am Abel Foundation offers three comprehensive MCAT preparation programs designed to support students on their journey to medical school:
DEVELOPMENTAL MCAT PROGRAM:
The Developmental MCAT Program is a preparatory pipeline for students planning to take the MCAT within 1–2 years. This program is ideal for students who need to strengthen their academic foundation, address content gaps, and gain valuable experience through Problem-Based Learning and clinical shadowing.
Program Highlights:
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Stipend: Eligible students receive a $2,500 stipend, paid in two installments during their participation.
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Study Materials: All necessary study materials are provided at no cost.
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CARS Practice: Year-round Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS) practice to develop reading and reasoning skills.
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Clinical Shadowing: Direct patient contact and clinical experience with Family Christian Health Center and Advocate Health.
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Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Real-world medical scenarios to solidify knowledge of physiology and clinical practices.
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Asynchronous Learning: STEM-focused preparation with instructor support throughout theprogram.
Program Tracks:
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Track 1: Developmental MCAT Program (2026 MCAT)
For students planning to take the MCAT in Spring 26’. This track is designed for students who have completed their prerequisites and need additional preparation to address content gaps before entering the Fall 2025 Intensive Program.
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Track 2: Developmental MCAT Program (2027 MCAT)
For students planning to take the MCAT in 27’. This track is for students who need an additional year to complete their prerequisites before entering the 10-week MCAT Bootcamp series in Summer 2026.
Program Highlights:
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Stipend: Eligible students receive a $3,000 stipend, paid in two installments.
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Study Materials: All materials provided at no cost.
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CARS Practice: Year-round Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS) training.
-
Clinical Shadowing: Direct patient contact and experience with Family Christian Health Center and Advocate Health.
-
Problem-Based Learning: Real-world medical scenarios to build understanding of physiology and clinical practice.
-
Asynchronous Learning: STEM-focused preparation with instructor support.
Program Tracks:
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Track 1: For students planning to take the MCAT in the spring of the following year after completing the program, who have finished prerequisites and need additional preparation before entering the Fall Intensive Program.
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Track 2: For students planning to take the MCAT in two years, who need an additional year to complete prerequisites before starting the 8-week MCAT Bootcamp the following summer.
Prerequisites (Track 1, Fall MCAT Program, and Summer Intensive):
Applicants must have completed:
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1 year of Biology
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1 year of General Chemistry
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1 year of Organic Chemistry
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1 year of Physics
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1 semester of Biochemistry
Exceptions may apply but are rare
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a minimum science GPA of 2.85, calculated according to AMCAS standards (biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses).
Exceptions may be considered in rare circumstances.
Applications:
Applications Open February 2026
Learn more about AMCAS GPA calculation here:( https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/7761/download)
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a minimum science GPA of 2.85, calculated according to AMCAS standards (biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses).
Exceptions may be considered in rare circumstances.
Applications:
Applications Open February 2026
Learn more about AMCAS GPA calculation here:( https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/7761/download)
SUMMER INTENSIVE MCAT PROGRAM:
The Summer Intensive MCAT Program is designed for students ready for a rigorous, fast-paced review to prepare for an MCAT date in late summer or early fall. This program uses the Brem Method, led by Amanda Brem, to deliver a highly structured curriculum proven to produce significant score improvements.
Program Highlights:
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Intensive MCAT Preparation: Daily full-time schedule with structured content review and practice testing.
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Study Materials: All third-party resources, including UWorld and AAMC materials (Blueprint is not provided).
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Expert Instruction: Led by Amanda Brem, whose approach has consistently resulted in substantial score gains.
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Stipend: Eligible students receive a $3,000 stipend.
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Note: This program does not include clinical shadowing, as students are expected to sit for the MCAT immediately after completion.
Prerequisites:
Applicants must have completed:
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1 year of Biology
-
1 year of General Chemistry
-
1 year of Organic Chemistry
-
1 year of Physics
-
1 semester of Biochemistry
Exceptions may apply but are rare.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
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Have a minimum science GPA of 3.0, calculated according to AMCAS standards (biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses), and
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Score a minimum of 500 on a group diagnostic exam administered after applying.
Applications: Applications open February 2026
Learn more about AMCAS GPA calculation here ( https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/7761/download)
FALL MCAT PROGRAM:
The Fall MCAT Program is tailored for students with a competitive academic background or those who have completed the Developmental MCAT STEM Bootcamp. This program runs each fall through spring and focuses on intensive MCAT preparation through personalized support and rigorous review.
Program Highlights:
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Private 1:1 Tutoring and Group Coaching: Customized sessions to ensure thorough preparation.
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Study Materials: All third-party resources, including Blueprint, UWorld, and AAMC materials.
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Expert Instruction: Led by Amanda Brem and employing the proven Brem Method.
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No Stipend: This program does not offer a stipend.
Prerequisites:
Applicants must have completed:
-
1 year of Biology
-
1 year of General Chemistry
-
1 year of Organic Chemistry
-
1 year of Physics
-
1 semester of Biochemistry
Exceptions may apply but are rare.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
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Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, calculated according to AMCAS standards (exceptions may be considered in rare circumstances), and
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Either:
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Score a minimum of 485 on a group diagnostic exam administered after applying, or
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Successfully matriculate from the Summer Developmental MCAT Program
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Fall MCAT Applications: CLOSED
Learn more about AMCAS GPA calculation here (https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/7761/download)
Both programs offer testing accommodation referrals for students with suspected learning disabilities.