MISSION STATEMENT
The UC Irvine School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds to become competitive medical school applicants. This Program has been in existence over 20 years and has a record of placing more than 85% of all participants in a U.S. medical school. The primary goals of the Program are to provide an environment for students to: strengthen their learning skills; show proficiency in the sciences; prepare for the MCAT exam; be more competitive applicants and gain access to medical school; increase the number of physicians in medically underserved areas.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The UC Irvine Postbaccalaureate Program along with other UC medical schools is part of a Consortium. The Consortium utilizes a joint online application and a centralized service for supporting materials. This allows applicants to apply to more than one of the Programs using only one application.
The application and instructions are available at https://meded-postbac.ucsd.edu/. Online applications are available in January of each year. In addition to the application, the following are required:
• A minimum of two Letters of Recommendation (if you are a re-applicant you can use the same LOR's that you used for the medical school application process)
• Official college or university transcripts of all completed coursework, with verification of degree posted
• Official high school transcript (if accepted into Program)
All application materials are due by April 15th
ELGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Be a legal resident of California
• Be considered disadvantaged*
• Have completed an undergraduate degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
• Have a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.8
• Have completed at least 75% of the required prerequisites for UC Irvine School of Medicine
• Have taken a minimum of one upper division biology course
• If a re-applicant, must have a minimum composite MCAT score of 21
• Have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhance the health care needs of underserved communities
• Have not previously matriculated at a medical school
• Need to submit a completed application with all required supporting documents
*A disadvantaged individual is one, who from an early age, resided in a low income community or experienced enduring family, societal, or other hardships that significantly compromised their educational opportunities.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The main components of the Program are an intensive MCAT exam preparation phase and an academic enhancement phase during which undergraduate classes (focusing on upper-division science courses) are taken throughout the year. Depending on the academic background of the student, courses will vary. Prior to enrolling, students meet with the Academic Counselor to formulate the classes that will best meet their academic needs and complement their application to medical school.
MCAT PREPARATION
This phase of the Program begins in July and runs throughout the month of August. It starts with an intensive summer component preparing students for the MCAT exam and the upcoming academic year. This includes:
• Review sessions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Verbal Reasoning
• Pre- and post- mock MCAT exams
• Test taking strategies
• Mock interviews
• Learning skills workshops
• Composing a personal statement for the application
• Stress and time management workshops
• Confidence building
• Personal development
Students meet with Program advisors to determine readiness for application/re-application to medical school. The objective is to provide students with the tools needed to perform up to their potential on the MCAT exam and in all of their academic work.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
During the academic year students enroll in mostly upper-division science courses. It is expected that participants will maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher in these courses. This is an opportunity for students to:
• Implement new learning skills and study habits
• Enroll in upper division science coursework
• Demonstrate the academic mastery which is required in medical school
Students may also conduct research and/or enhance their clinical exposure. The Program hosts seminars, workshops, motivational gatherings, and professional discussions focusing on health care in underserved populations. Some additional highlights are:
• Mentoring opportunities
• Medical student interaction
• Attending local and state conferences
Program staff members work closely with participants throughout the medical school application process. Upon satisfactory progress within the Program, a personalized letter of recommendation will be provided to the medical schools where the participant has applied.
COSTS AND HOUSING
During the summer component, the Program provides room and board, resources for MCAT exam preparation, and pays for educational workshops.
During the academic year, students are responsible for all costs including living expenses, tuition/registration fees, and any additional educational costs. The Program may provide a stipend which varies from year to year. Since only a portion of the costs can be defrayed by student loans, participants are encouraged to apply early for financial aid.
To be considered for financial aid, participants are required to meet all priority deadlines as stated on the FAFSA form and any of the other deadlines outlined by UC Irvine's Financial Aid Office. The school code for UC Irvine is 001314. For further information on the UC Irvine School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program contact outreach@uci.edu |
