Post-Bac Program Information

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The UCLA Career Center offers personal assistance and programs on the graduate and professional school application process, including program selection, the personal statement, faculty recommendations, admissions tests, and financial assistance. Please review this section of our web site for important information you should consider and think about as you plan your coursework.

*Key Questions to Ask About Postbac Programs
*Adapted from the article by Gale Lang, MSS, in the The Advisor, Dec. 2001, Vol. 22, No. 1

What exactly are post-bac programs?
The phrase “post-bac programs” refers to programs geared for the college graduate who wants to apply to medical/dental/vet schools. They are offered by undergraduate institutions, graduate schools, and medical schools.

Are they all the same?
No, and you should explore them carefully to ensure they meet your needs.

Do they serve the same kinds of students?
No, some are designed for “career changers”, or those that have not yet completed the science prerequisites. Others are for science students that would like to enhance their current records. And still others are particularly geared for underrepresented minorities in the health professions with or without science backgrounds.

How can I distinguish between programs?
Most program literature or web sites will clearly state their target student populations. Read carefully!

How do I know which program will best suit my needs?
First, develop your profile by honestly answering these questions:

Have I taken the required courses for admission to health professions?
Can I develop into a strong science student?
Am I making an informed decision about choosing a career in health care?
Have I “tested out” my interest by volunteering or otherwise learning more about medicine and health care?
Do I have a commitment to service to others?
Do I have the stamina and commitment, the personal, inner resources as well as the financial resources, to develop a year or two in premedical preparation after I graduate?

If you answered “YES” to most of the above questions then read on.

If you have NOT taken the premed courses, read this section:

Do I want a formal or informal program?
Where is the program located? Is this a public or private institution? Small college or big university?
What is the tuition? Is financial aid available? How much and for how long?
Are there linkages to medical schools or other health professional schools?
Can I study full-time, part-time or either, depending on my needs? Are the classes held in the evening or during the day? Can I keep my job if I want/need to?
Do I take courses with undergraduates, or are there special sections for the post-bac students?
Who will teach my courses?
Will I be guaranteed a space in the classes and labs I will need to take?
Will I have access to advising from the pre-health advisor? How accessible is that person? Will I receive an evaluation letter from this program?
Is there assistance in finding a health related internship or job?
Is there help planning the “glide year” (the year of application process while still in the program)? Are there lectures, workshops on applying, and so on?
Is there academic assistance, such as tutoring? It is free?
Is there a community of students of which I will be a part?
Will there be help with MCAT preparation?

If you HAVE taken the requisite science courses, read this section:

Why do I believe I can improve my record? Is that a realistic goal for me?
If you answered “YES”, then ask yourself all of the questions in the section above, plus the following:
If I need to improve on the MCAT, how will I do that?
Should I take further undergraduate courses or move on to graduate courses?
Have I exhausted the range of undergraduate courses available to me? Do I have room to take more at UCLA under my maximum unit total?
If I want a graduate program, how do I decide between the “Special Master’s” programs and the more traditional Master of Science? Special Master’s programs are usually affiliated with medical schools. They tend to offer a more accelerated, intense pace that is most like medical school curricula.
If I do not ultimately gain admission to medical/dental/vet school, what are my alternative career goals?
Do I want to gain research experience? Do I want an academic career in science?

Food for thought for ALL prospective post-bac students
Research these options carefully and as early as possible. Speak directly with the admissions counselors, alumni, and other program representatives to get a full picture of life in the programs and the options after completing them. You can find more information about these programs at:

AAMC - Association of American Medical Colleges website

Syracuse University has a great web site that they have adapted from the AAMC listing.