Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (2024)

Program

Prepare for Medical School in One Year

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (1)

The University of Virginia Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program offers a collaborative environment and structured experience for career-changers with a strong undergraduate record who have not completed the medical school prerequisites.

In 11months, UVA Post Bacc Pre-Med students take required science courses while being guided by dedicated advisors in the preparation of medical school application materials. Students have the opportunity to gain clinical exposure through shadowing and volunteering at the UVA Health System and other regional sites and attend a weekly seminar taught by a physician focusing on the US healthcare system, professionalism, and bioethics.

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (2)

Students who have successfully completed this rigorous program have had a 94 percent acceptance rate to medical school. Prepare for a future in medicine by joining the UVA Post Bacc Pre-Med program!

Key Takeaways

  • One year to complete
  • Full time, in-person program in Charlottesville, VA
  • 94 percent medical school acceptance rate
  • Small class sizes with individualized support
  • Expert guidance for medical school applications and interviews
  • Access to comprehensive, structured and self-paced MCAT preparation material

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (3)

I appreciated the forward advising received from day one, which demystified the application process.

Jasmin Kamruddin

What You Will Learn

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (4)

Students take classes in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics along with associated labs. All coursework is offered through the University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences by faculty with extensive experience preparing students for medical school. The program also includes a course specifically designed for Post Bacc Pre-Med students on the structure, financing, and ethics of the U.S. Health Care System taught by a medical doctor.

Standard Course Schedule

Summer Term
Chemistry 1410 Lecture
Chemistry 1411 Lab
Chemistry 1420 Lecture
Chemistry 1421 Lab

Fall Term
Biology 2100 (includes Lab)
Organic Chemistry 2410 Lecture
Organic Chemistry 2311 Lab
Physics 2010 Lecture
Physics 2030 Lab
PSHP 2040 US Health Care

Spring Term
Biochemistry 4410 Lecture
Biology 2200 (includes Lab)
Organic Chemistry 2420 Lecture
Organic Chemistry 2321 Lab
Physics 2020 Lecture
Physics 2040 Lab
PSHP 2041 US Health Care

Note:Students who are accepted to the program with one of the pre-medical requirements already completed will be given a customized academic schedule that may include an upper-level biology, social science, calculus, or statistics course.

Note:About one-third of U.S. medical schools require one or two semesters of math (several specifying calculus), and approximately two-thirds require one or two English courses. Accordingly, students should review their undergraduate mathematics and English courses in light of specific medical school admission criteria. Students who require additional courses should take them prior to or following the program.

Academic Schedule

The PBPM Program begins in early June as students take two semesters of general chemistry with labs in Summer Sessions II & III. In the fall, students move on to biology, organic chemistry, and physics with labs. Students complete their biology, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry requirements in the spring semester. In addition to these science courses, students attend the U.S. Healthcare course on a weekly basis.

Students prepare for the MCAT during the spring and are encouraged to take the MCAT in mid to late May. In early June, they submit AMCAS applications for the next year’s medical school entering class.

During the ensuingglide year, Post Bacc Pre-Med staff and faculty will continue to be available to offer guidance and support.

Extracurricular Activities

The program’s focus is the comprehensive preparation for medical school and a career in medicine. Students also take a course on the U.S. health care system, taught by the program's medical director Dr. Bob Powers. The program facilitates volunteer and shadowing opportunities for students at UVA Health Systems, Charlottesville Free Clinic, or UVA Population Health.

Throughout the year, advisors present workshops and host one-on-one advising sessions on various aspects of preparing for the medical school application process and planning for theglide year. Students may also participate in suturing clinics and visits to the Medical Simulation Center and the Gross Anatomy Lab at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Additional outings and activities are generated by their peer-elected Student Council Social Activities Chairs.

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (5)

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

Student Experience

Learn more about resources available from SCPS to help you through your education journey, and how our program sets you up for acceptance into medical school.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to us by phone (434-982-5394) or email (postbac@virginia.edu). We're happy to speak with you.

Send us an email

Application & Tuition Information

Tuition & Fees
  • Estimated cost: In-State: $37,335 and Out-of-State: $42,779
  • There is a $70 secondary, non-refundable application fee for the UVA post-bacc program which is submitted through PostBacCAS once you’re ready to apply
  • Financial aid, scholarships and payment plans are available
  • Federal Direct loans may be available to individuals demonstrating financial need. To apply students should follow the instructions athttps://sfs.virginia.edu/pre-med.
  • Additional fees may apply, including course materials.
  • Tuition rates adjusted annually.

Tuition and Financial Aid Details

Scholarships

Dishner Rural Healthcare Scholarship

The Paul F. Dishner Rural Healthcare Loan/Scholarship Program provides need-based financial support to students in the Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program. Applicants who have been accepted to the PBPM program are encouraged to apply for Dishner funds if they intend to practice medicine in the underserved rural areas of Appalachia, including Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northern Tennessee. Once a PBPM graduate has entered the practice of medicine and fulfilled the donor’s requirements to practice in the Appalachian region, the loans become scholarship and there is no repayment required.

One of seven children born in 1925 to a poor but respected and hard-working family in Duffield, Va., Dr. Dishner knew he wanted to be a doctor from the age of 9. His desire was inspired in part by his mother, Sibyl Miller Dishner, who served the Duffield community as a lay midwife at a time when the scarcity of doctors in Scott County meant she both delivered babies and tended to other health concerns of her neighbors. Throughout his career, Dr. Dishner maintained a lifelong interest in Southern Appalachia and by establishing this fund at his death, he hoped to improve the quality of health care in the region.

For more information, please contact Susan Salko at 434.982.5288 orsms2dg@virginia.edu.

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Excellent academic record

Deadlines

  • Applications accepted Aug 11 - Feb 27; classes start in June
How to Apply

All Post Bacc Pre-Med applicants are required to apply for admission through PostBacCAS, an online common application service which collects all application materials and allows applicants to check on the status of their application in real-time.

What You Need to Apply

The online PostBacCAS application provides you with all the details necessary to complete an application for admission. Application materials should not be sent to the University of Virginia. All application materials must be collected by PostBacCAS.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following materials directly to PostBacCAS:

  • Letters of Reference: Minimum of 1, preferably faculty reference highlighting the applicant's academic abilities or a work-related or volunteer reference
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities, demonstrating excellent academic performance
    • Send transcripts to:
      PostBacCAS Transcript Processing Center
      PO Box 9209
      Watertown, MA 02471
  • Self-reported SAT, ACT, or GRE scores (official copies required upon acceptance to Post Bacc program)
  • Statement describing "How have your experiences contributed to your decision to pursue a career in health care?"
  • A current resume reflecting education as well as work and volunteer experiences
  • Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, if seeking in-state tuition eligibility
  • UVA Honor Code

Begin Your Application

Application Fee

  • There is a $70 secondary application fee for the UVA post-bacc program which is submitted through PostBacCAS.
  • PBPM Application Fee Refund Policy
    The PBPM Application Fee is non-refundable.

If You Need Assistance

Should you need assistance with your PostBacCAS application, please contact the Liaison customer service and technical support team at 857.304.2047 or PostBacCASinfo@liaisoncas.com.

Privacy Policy
The Post Bacc Pre-Med Program at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies is strongly committed to maintaining the privacy and security of confidential personal information and other highly sensitive data that it collects. The Program and School are governed by the University of Virginia’s Privacy Policy.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (6)

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

Preparing for the MCAT and Acceptance into Medical School

Understand how UVA's Post-Bacc Pre-Med program will help you prepare to succeed on the MCAT and gain acceptance into Medical School.

Ready to Apply?

Meet the Faculty

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (7)

Susan Salko

Director, Post-Bacc Pre-Med Program

Read Bio

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about UVA's Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical program.

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program | UVA SCPS (2024)

FAQs

Are post-BACC pre-med programs worth it? ›

Postbac premed programs can help students strengthen their transcript or their educational knowledge, experts say. Other potential benefits include networking opportunities, MCAT preparation support and advising to help with the medical school application process.

What is a post-baccalaureate pre-med program? ›

The term "postbaccalaureate” describes programs that begin after you've completed an undergraduate degree and are designed specifically to support the transition to a professional school, such as a medical school, as well as enhance an applicant's competitiveness for admission.

What is the acceptance rate for post-BACC pre-med? ›

Many of the postbacc programs at large universities also offer interviews with their medical schools, but the acceptance rate into medical school for students who completed a postbacc program at the same university ranges from 55 to 85 percent.

What GPA do you need for pre-med post-BACC? ›

The grade point average needed to successfully enroll in one of the many pre-medicine post-bacc programs varies by institution. Some universities require as low as a 2.5 GPA, while others require as high as a 3.5 GPA.

How hard is it to get into post-bacc pre med? ›

A high GPA, ideally a 3.7 or above but it can be lower. (Please note that we had GPAs below this cut off and we still were accepted into pre-med post-bacc programs. It can be done!) Many volunteer experiences serving the community, ideally with underserved populations.

Should I do a post-BACC with a 3.5 GPA? ›

If you've completed the medical prerequisite classes and have a solid science GPA (3.5+), it's not necessary to do a DIY post-bacc. Focus on getting more experience and crush the MCAT if that's the case!

Does FAFSA cover post-bacc? ›

In general, most Post-Baccalaureate students are considered dependents and may receive up to $5,500 in Federal Direct Student Loans (combined subsidized and unsubsidized amounts) during the award period.

How many years is a post-baccalaureate degree? ›

They are offered by undergraduate institutions, graduate schools, and medical schools. Post-bac programs are generally one to two years in duration. Some schools require full-time enrollment and a fixed course load, while others offer students more freedom to pick the courses they want.

What is the advantage of a post baccalaureate program? ›

Is a Postbacc Program Right for Me? Seven Benefits to Consider
  • Extended access to advisors. ...
  • Medical school linkage programs. ...
  • Built-in volunteer opportunities. ...
  • Exclusive networking and programming. ...
  • Flexible structure and scheduling. ...
  • Accelerated coursework. ...
  • MCAT® preparation.

How much will a post-bacc increase my GPA? ›

How Much Can Post-Bacc Programs Raise GPA? Acing your PB classes can increase your GPA by a few tenths of a point, such as from 2.8 to 3.1. The extent to which a post-baccalaureate program can raise your GPA depends on your performance in the classes.

What is the best post-bacc program? ›

Best 10 Premed Post-baccs:
  • Goucher.
  • Bryn Mawr.
  • Scripps.
  • Hopkins.
  • George Washington.
  • Columbia.
  • Georgetown University.
  • UVA.

What GPA is required for pre med? ›

Average MCAT Scores and Average GPA for Med Schools

The average GPA for med schools overall is 3.64 for science and a 3.71 overall. Most medical schools require candidates to have a 3.0 or higher GPA to even apply, and many require 3.5 or higher.

Is a 3.4 GPA bad premed? ›

The typical cutoff for DO programs is around a 3.4 GPA, while most MD programs require at least a 3.7 GPA. Another option is to consider attending a school that has a higher acceptance rate.

Should I do post BACC or Masters for med school? ›

Clinical experience is more often available through post-baccs since these are more focused on people who want to go to med school. Whereas, some Masters students just want to do research or pursue a PhD so that research labs will be more heavily focused on in Masters (although still included in post-bacc programs).

Is a 3.7 GPA good for pre-med? ›

A GPA of 3.7 is far from low and is generally competitive for many medical schools. Remember that medical schools assess various elements of your application, including your MCAT score, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.

Does post-bacc increase undergrad GPA? ›

What Is the Point of a Post-Baccalaureate Program? A PB program can help you raise your undergraduate GPA, further your education, change gears toward a medical career, and help strengthen your medical school profile.

Is a post-BACC or Masters better for medical school? ›

Clinical experience is more often available through post-baccs since these are more focused on people who want to go to med school. Whereas, some Masters students just want to do research or pursue a PhD so that research labs will be more heavily focused on in Masters (although still included in post-bacc programs).

Who should do a post-BACC for med school? ›

If your GPA from undergrad was lower than you would have liked, a post-bacc can greatly increase your chances of acceptance when applying to med school. You can technically complete post-bacc coursework DIY-style, choosing a la carte courses, but it might be easier to join a program.

What is the acceptance rate for NIH Post Bac? ›

What are my chances of receiving a postbac position? Like many of the research training programs at the NIH, the Postbac Program is highly competitive. Over the past calendar year, about 25% of applicants were selected for the program.

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