Program Overview

A powerful opportunity is available for high school seniors interested in becoming a physician or dentist.

Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College offer an accelerated pathway through the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Program.

• Complete undergraduate studies in 3 years at TSU
• Transition directly into medical or dental school at Meharry
• Earn your MD or DDS in 7 years instead of 8

​Who Should Apply
This program is designed for students who:

• Are high school seniors
• Have a strong interest in medicine or dentistry
• Meet academic expectations:
• Around a 3.5 GPA
• Around a 28 ACT (or equivalent SAT)

What You Gain

• Accelerated timeline to a medical or dental career
• Structured academic and mentorship support
• Access to scholarship opportunities
• A direct pipeline into a professional program

How to Apply
Students must complete two steps:

1. Apply for admission to Tennessee State University
2. Apply separately to the Watkins Program

👉 Official application link: https://www.tnstate.edu/watkins/apply.aspx

Why This Matters
There is a growing need for more healthcare professionals.
This pathway helps students:

• Enter the medical field faster
• Reduce financial barriers
• Build long-term career stability

​Questions to Consider

1. Do you see yourself as a future doctor or dentist?
2. Are you ready for a structured and accelerated path?
3. What steps can you take now to strengthen your application?

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and relaxation for many, but for students, it often comes with the added challenge of balancing schoolwork with festive activities. While it can be tempting to put your studies on hold and fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, it's important to strike a balance to ensure you don't fall behind. In this blog post, we'll explore some effective strategies for students to navigate this delicate juggling act and make the most of both their studies and holiday festivities.

1. Create a Holiday Study Schedule: One of the key aspects of balancing school during the holidays is to establish a study schedule that accommodates your academic responsibilities while leaving room for holiday fun. Allocate specific time blocks for studying, making sure to include breaks to rest and recharge. Having a structured schedule will help you stay organized and ensure that you dedicate enough time to your coursework.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Identify your most important assignments, exams, or projects that need your immediate attention. By prioritizing your tasks, you can focus on completing the most critical ones first. This approach allows you to tackle your academic responsibilities efficiently and free up more time for holiday activities.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for your holiday period. Be realistic about what you can accomplish academically during this time. Setting overly ambitious goals may lead to stress and disappointment, so aim for a balance that allows you to maintain your academic progress without overwhelming yourself.
4. Utilize Study Techniques: Optimize your study time by using effective study techniques such as active recall, spaced repetition, and time management strategies. These techniques can help you study more efficiently, allowing you to grasp the material in less time, leaving room for holiday enjoyment.
5. Communicate with Professors and Peers: If you find yourself struggling to meet academic obligations during the holidays, don't hesitate to reach out to your professors or classmates. They may be able to offer support, provide guidance, or even suggest study groups or resources to help you stay on track.
6. Plan Holiday Activities: To fully enjoy the holiday season, plan your festive activities in advance. Knowing when you'll have time for holiday events can make it easier to concentrate on your studies during designated study periods. Consider creating a holiday calendar to keep track of important dates and events.
7. Practice Self-Care: Balancing school and holiday activities can be demanding, so make sure to prioritize self-care. Get plenty of rest, eat well, exercise, and take time for relaxation and enjoyment. A well-rested and healthy mind is more productive and better equipped to handle academic challenges.
8. Embrace Flexibility: Remember that flexibility is key during the holiday season. Unexpected events or changes in plans may occur, so be prepared to adapt your schedule accordingly. It's important to be resilient and not get discouraged if things don't go exactly as planned.

Balancing school during the holidays can be a challenging task, but with careful planning, effective time management, and a positive mindset, you can make the most of both your academic responsibilities and the festive season. By creating a study schedule, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care, you can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your academic progress. So, go ahead and celebrate the season while staying on top of your studies – you've got this!