What is a Postbacc Program?

A postbaccalaureate premedical program (or "postbacc") is an academic program for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and would like to pursue medical school. While that’s the simple definition, there are myriad programs, so understanding the different types of postbaccs available is key. There is a program for nearly everyone and nearly every life situation.  

The Career-Changer Postbacc

The career-changer postbacc mirrors its name, with nuances varying by program. It is primarily for individuals who have worked in a field other than medicine and who typically still require all or most prerequisites for medical school. From a practicing attorney to a former Olympian to a recent liberal arts graduate with no science background, these are examples of career changers. Many of these programs, particularly the top-ranked ones, only accept students who have taken no premedical prerequisites. They value having all members of the cohort start on a level playing field, where everyone is learning new material together.  

A career-changer postbacc is a non-degree certificate program; the courses are taken at the undergraduate level. This distinction is important; the grades earned will affect one’s undergraduate GPA, which ideally should rise, as a lower GPA would be detrimental to one’s application.

The Record-Enhancer Postbacc

This type of postbacc is for individuals who need to enhance their GPA, particularly their science GPA (formally referred to as BCPM or grades in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, including statistics), and demonstrate an improvement in their academic abilities. This type of postbacc program takes two forms. 

• Undergraduate Record-Enhancer Program

Students retake some or most of the premedical prerequisite courses with the goal of earning significantly higher grades. These grades boost their undergraduate record and demonstrate improved readiness for medical school. 

• Special Master’s Program (SMP)

This type of postbacc program is for individuals whose cumulative and science GPAs typically fall below the average range (~3.7 to 3.75) of accepted medical school applicants. Students take graduate-level classes and earn a master’s degree with the goal of demonstrating improved readiness for medical school. It is imperative to understand that one’s undergraduate GPA is not affected. 

What to Keep in Mind

All postbacc programs are expensive. While it is logical for a competitive applicant to view this path as an investment in their future, it is important to thoughtfully consider all options. As you begin researching different programs, make sure you understand what each one offers and how those offerings relate to your needs. These are some areas to question:

• Do they have dedicated advisors who will help with my medical school application?

• How much individual attention will I receive throughout the program?

• Do they offer an MCAT class or tutoring? 

• Do they write a committee letter?

• Will I have the opportunity to obtain faculty letters of evaluation? 

• Do they help with finding research and clinical opportunities?

• Do they offer any medical school linkages?

• Are the classes only for postbaccs, or will I be taking classes with hundreds of premed undergraduates?

Final Remarks

Choosing a postbacc program is a significant step, and the right fit depends on your academic history, goals, and learning needs. With thoughtful research and honest self-reflection, you can find a path that strengthens your preparation and moves you closer to medical school. 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.