Post baccalaureate programs, or post bacs, are programs that offer a pathway to medical school that is an alternative to the more traditional route for individuals who have already completed their Bachelor’s degree . There are several different types of post bacs which can make the term quite broad and sometimes confusing, but here is the breakdown:
1. Basic Science – These programs give non-science majors or career changers who had never taken premedical courses during their undergraduate career the opportunity to prepare for medical school over the course of one to two years.
2. Academic Record Enhancers – These programs are great if you’ve already completed the premedical requirements, but your GPA is not so great. Some programs are specifically designed for students who have been unsuccessful in previous attempts to gain admission to medical school. Overall, academic record enhancing post bacs designed to make you a more competitive applicant and provide support to ease the transition from undergrad to medical school.
3. Special Master’s and Degree Granting– These programs allow you to earn a masters degree, usually over one year, while making you a more competitive applicant. Keep in mind, however, that if you need a GPA boost this may not be the best option since the grades earned in special masters programs don’t apply to your undergraduate GPA. Still, successfully completing a degree granting program can demonstrate your intellectual ability and drive.
Perks
Medical School Linkages – Many post bac programs have links with medical schools that offer a conditional early acceptance into medical school to qualified post bac students. Links are a great option because they allow post bac students to begin medical school immediately after completing the program and in some cases the MCAT isn’t required. They may be limiting, however, depending on what medical schools you’re interested in going to.
Guaranteed Medical School Admission – A few post bac programs offer admission directly into their school of medicine after completing their program. In most cases, these programs target a specific group (i.e. underrepresented in medicine, disadvantaged, local) and usually once in the program you must maintain a specific GPA and meet their minimum MCAT score for acceptance into the school of medicine.
Support and Structure– Formal post bac programs are great to keep you on track and motivated. They foster a community of driven students with similar goals and most offer resources and provide support with MCAT preparation, medical school applications, and study skills. Depending on the program, opportunities for research and clinical experience may be available to strengthen your application.
Opportunities for Underrepresented Minorities and Disadvantaged Students – Many programs target specific groups that are currently underrepresented in medicine who may have modest academic credentials due to their disadvantaged circumstances.
Drawbacks
Cost – Post bacs can be really expensive! Of course this depends on the specific program, however, the cost should be considered if you’re weighing the benefits of a formal post bac over completing courses on your own at a community college.
Other Resources
AAMC provides a wonderful database of post bacs that can be searched by program type and other characteristics.
Community College - you can take your science course. It is ok to take pre-med courses at a community college. That doesn’t mean you won’t get in because they are not from a four year institution. In some cases, they may be easier and will help with your GPA.
FPF - good way to be immersed into the college environment. But can’t take science classes with labs (which is what you need to get started on your pre-med/bio major prereqs (chem. 1A, Physics 8A, etc). but can take math classes. Taking these will be easier than on campus especially because the environment is different (smaller classes with less competition and a more intimate relationship with peers and teachers). Use as opportunity to explore other classes and take breadth course. Classes will actually count as prereqs for your major, depending on what major you want. more information can be found on the website:http://extension.berkeley.edu/fpf/
Taking a semester off - because you didn't do anything academic wise (enrolled in a college: community, etc) then you will be given an extra semester. Do whatever you want with your time! You are already accepted! Lots of programs and clubs in the spring to help get you acquainted with the campus and people.
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