Science, Medicine and Related Topics Program (SMART)

The Science, Medicine and Related Topics Program (SMART) is a pre-college summer program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey, for middle and high school students. Founded in 1991, it aims to widen the pool of economically and educationally disadvantaged students interested in medicine, dentistry, biomedical research and other health careers. Students do hands-on activities in applied science, math and technology, practice problem solving and presentations, explore health careers and take part in teamwork and leadership training and field trips. The 2026 summer program was hybrid and ran July 6 to July 31, Monday through Friday. Students met online four days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and in person one day a week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The 2026 cost was a $25 nonrefundable application fee and a $350 program fee.

The summer program accepts rising 7th through 12th graders. Applicants complete an online application with open-ended questions and an essay, parent or guardian information, the email of a guidance counselor or science teacher who submits a recommendation, and, for students in grades 9 to 11, their GPA. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.