Get Reliable Post Baccalaureate Program Information

For those applicants seeking post baccalaureate guidance, I highly recommend the AAMC database. On the left panel you can filter by public or private, undergraduate or graduate, and special focus. For the latter, distinguishing whether you need a career changer or academic record enhancer program is critical.

For each individual program, you can search whether the curriculum awards a certificate of completion or a master's degree, affiliations like linkage programs, and, importantly, length of time to complete the program (from one year to 24 months).

Here's some additional information from the AAMC regarding post baccalaureate programs – what to look for, how the curriculum prepares students for medical school, etc. 

Check Out the AAMC Virtual Medical School Fair

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) will be holding a live informational fair Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30. There will be sessions with staff from medical schools, postbac programs, and the AAMC. Registering also affords you 15% off a one- or two-year subscription to the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR®) website.

You can register here. I offer individually-tailored, one-on-one assistance for pre-meds and candidates applying to postbaccalaureate programs, but there's no downside to hearing more general tips from the AAMC itself.

For Those Seeking Postbaccalaureate Program Info

Over the years, I have strongly recommended the AAMC database for those applicants seeking postbaccalaureate programs. On the left you can filter by public or private, undergraduate or graduate, and special focus. Importantly, for the latter, distinguishing whether you need a career changer or academic record enhancer program is critical.

Here's some additional information from the AAMC regarding postbaccalaureate programs – what to look for, how the curriculum prepares students for medical school, etc. 

Check Out the AAMC Virtual Medical School Fair

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) will be holding a live informational fair Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17. There will be sessions with staff from medical schools, postbac programs, and the AAMC. Registering also affords you 15% off a one- or two-year subscription to the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR®) website.

You can register here. I offer individually-tailored, one-on-one assistance for pre-meds and candidates applying to postbaccalaureate programs, but there's no downside to hearing more general tips from the AAMC itself.

Being Repetitive… Again and Again and Again

In writing their personal statements, many applicants ask me if it’s okay to include their accomplishments. After all, they say, their achievements have already been noted in the application, dean’s letter, and letters of recommendation.

Think of the medical admissions process as an onion. Your application (AMCAS, ERAS, post bacc CV, AADSAS) and letters serve as one layer of that onion, albeit a thin one. In other words, your accomplishments are conveyed simply and succinctly there. The personal statement is your opportunity to apply a thicker layer, one in which you flesh out your achievements, thus persuading the reader of your distinctiveness. Finally, the interview is your chance to add on the thickest peel. Discussing your accomplishments in detail can seal the interviewer’s positive impression of you.

So yes, you are going to be redundant throughout the application process, but each part serves a different and additive purpose. If you do not include your achievements in your personal statement, how will you be viewed as distinctive? Remember: Who you are is what you’ve done... and what traits and skills you’ve gained accordingly.

Post Baccalaureate Programs versus Supplemental Undergraduate Courses

by Michelle A. Finkel MD, InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com

Whether you matriculate into a formal post baccalaureate program or simply take supplementary courses independently, AMCAS calculates your GPA similarly: Undergraduate courses are undergraduate courses to AMCAS. So what is the advantage of a post baccalaureate program?

1. Reputation. These programs are known quantities to medical school admissions committees.
2. Ability to get quality letters of recommendation (LOR). Most post bacc professors are very familiar with writing medical school LORs.
3. Link programs. Some schools have partnerships with medical schools, so that if you maintain a certain GPA and score well on the MCAT, your application is facilitated by your participation in the post bacc program.
4. Organization and pre-med help. Not all post bacc schools have this, but many of the good ones do.

The drawbacks to these programs are a) competitive admissions and b) the cost, which can be significant.

Contact me for post baccalaureate application help. I assist with post baccalaureate personal statements and resumes/CVs.

Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Application Help

I've been offering help to post bacc applicants informally (with great success; my last client got into Penn). But now I've added a post baccalaureate page with a list of my services for clients. Take a look at my first blog entry on searching post baccaluareate programs for help deciding where to apply.

Post Baccalaureate Premedical Programs

For those considering an application to post baccalaureate premedical programs, I'd recommend the AAMC searchable database. The search options are comprehensive, including degree type and special program focus.

With regard to program focus, it's important to consider the courses you've completed before applying to a post baccalaureate program because some are intended to offer science curriculum to those who have not had it, while others act as academic-record enhancers. Along those lines, remember that not all courses in a program may be classified as BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics and math) by AMCAS so ensure you review a post bacc program's classes and their classification before applying.

Most post baccalaureate programs require an updated resume and essay. I've had experience editing written materials for post bacc applicants and am happy to help more candidates: InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .