Top 3 Questions to Ask When Considering a Postbacc Premedical Program

The choice to become a physician is a choice to dedicate one’s life to service and lifelong learning. It is a path that should be approached with tremendous attention and thoughtful decision-making, requiring years of preparation even before medical school. For those who need one for a myriad of reasons, a postbacc premedical program can be the right launching point for strong medical school candidacy.

As you thoroughly research the program best suited to you, start with these 3 questions:

Question #1: Will I have a dedicated advisor?

Applying to medical school is complex, and the requirements are ever-changing. It becomes a test in itself of a premed’s resilience and ability to handle stress. Having a dedicated, knowledgeable, and trusted advisor can make this process manageable, ensuring a greater chance of success. A good advisor will provide both the big picture of the process and a breakdown of the step-by-step actions required. A good advisor has a thorough understanding of what medical schools are looking for and how they can make your candidacy sharper. They should be your guide, cheerleader, and a welcome support system. It is not uncommon to choose a postbacc program primarily for its advising; that’s how important it is.

Question #2: Will I receive MCAT preparation?

Your GPA and MCAT are your tickets to getting in the door. They alone will NOT get you into medical school, but they will certainly keep you out. Serious focus on your MCAT is a necessary step in the process. Finding a postbacc program that includes MCAT preparation should be part of your research. Some programs implement MCAT prep into the curriculum, hosting weekly classes and scheduled practice exams. Others offer a discount, do-it-yourself approach, where you work directly with an outside test prep company on your own time.

Question #3: What is the program’s success rate?

Since an acceptance to medical school is your goal, this question should be answered by any program you contact. Be wary if it’s not. Carefully investigate the numbers you are given. In some cases, the success rate may include students who end up applying and going to another health professional program or the number may not include students who did not achieve a certain GPA and are automatically excluded from their data collection. Success rates are typically independently reported by programs, so they are not verified. As you investigate the numbers, also take into account which medical schools their graduates are attending. A high acceptance rate may be misleading if some or many of their students are matriculating to international medical schools, as these can be considered less selective.

Final Remarks

Choosing the right postbacc program takes careful planning and consideration. After you identify your individual needs regarding advising and MCAT prep and the program’s reputation and success rate, you can dive deeper into other important areas to research, such as cost, retention, linkages available, and assistance with letters of evaluation. If you would like any help on your journey, we are here for you!

Fill out our consultation form for a free meeting to talk over your candidacy.