Postbaccalaureate Programs
Overview
The California Postbaccalaureate Consortium programs offer comprehensive academic enhancer pre-medical postbaccalaureate programs designed to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in gaining admission to medical school. The programs seek students who are committed to practicing in underserved communities of California.
Located at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Francisco, Charles Drew University, and Tribal Health - Cal Poly Humboldt each program provides:
- An intensive Medical College Admissions test (MCAT) preparation and learning skills component
- Enrollment in upper division science courses during the academic year either at a UC campus or UC Extension
- Guidance throughout the medical school application process
Some programs also provide clinical and research opportunities. All programs are open to medical school reapplicants and/or first-time applicants.
This site is part of a joint online application service for the California Postbaccalaureate Consortium programs, which allows candidates to apply to one or more of the programs using one free application.
Program Structure
MCAT Preparation
Program timelines vary by UC. However, all of our programs include an intensive component preparing students for the MCAT. MCAT preparation includes content review and test-taking strategies.
There is group and individualized work on learning skills, time management, confidence-building and stress reduction - all intended to help students realize their full potential on the MCAT and in all of their academic work.
Academic Year
During the academic year, students enroll full-time in rigorous upper-division science courses at program institutions. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better in their courses. Students are also not permitted to work during the academic year.
The course work is an opportunity for students to implement new learning skills and study habits, broaden their knowledge base, and demonstrate that they will excel in the challenging academic environment of medical school. Participants also attend seminars on the health care of underserved populations.
Medical School Application Process
Program staff and consultants work closely with participants throughout the medical school application process. Guidance is provided on personal statements, school selection, secondary essays, etc. Additionally, each student participate in mock interview practice. Guidance on the application process continues beyond the academic year.
Questions
For specific questions about the California Postbaccalaureate Consortium, contact the coordinator at pbcentraladmin@ucdavis.edu.
