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Home /  Courses and Programs / Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program

Why Pre-Health at UC San Diego

 

The Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is designed for anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, especially anyone looking to change careers. The program serves to prepare individuals seeking admission to healthcare professional schools, including but not limited to medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, optometry, and physician's assistant school.

Our Pre-Health program is self-paced and individually tailored to meet the needs of each student, taking into account educational background, the intended healthcare profession, and any of the standardized exams required. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a bachelor's degree to complete the prerequisite coursework necessary for their intended professional program.

Prerequisite courses are taken with matriculated UC San Diego undergraduates, and are available in the classroom only. 

The average participant will spend approximately two years in the program. Maximum length of participation is three years.

Benefits

 

Top Tier Courses: Non-matriculated priority enrollment in undergraduate courses.

Custom: Course plans specific to each participants' career goals. No standard curriculum.

 

Value: Competitive pricing plus receive discounts on standardized test preparation.

Letter of Recommendation: Secure a composite letter of recommendation with 3.5+ GPA.

 

Workshops: Pathway to Healthcare Careers Workshops explore the participant’s individual goals and gives insight into all aspects of the application process.

Individualized: One-on-one advising and coaching available.

Currently, the program is at capacity. We are not accepting applications for the remainder of the academic year.

Update: All application cycles will be accepted through 11:59 PM (EST) for each deadline date (see "Timeline" tab for application cycle).
 

All applications must be submitted via PostBacCAS, a centralized application service. Please note applications in PostBacCAS are not avaiable until the application cycles opens.

In order to be considered for admission to the UC San Diego Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program, the following is required:

  1. Create a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies account and pay the $50 application fee associated with the quarter you are applying for. (Section ID is part of initial instructions). As the section payment is not a course, you will not receive an automated email confirmation.
  2. Complete the UC San Diego Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health PostBacCAS application. Please be aware PostBacCas evaluates your transcripts and will charge a non refundable $130 fee as part of the submissions process
  3. Have official transcripts from all undergraduate colleges and universities submitted directly to PostBacCASThe PostBacCAS transcript verification process takes up to 4 weeks during peak periods, so please plan accordingly. Failure to pay the initial PostBacCAS fee will result in your application review to stop until accounted for.

Note: The UC San Diego application fee is separate from the PostBacCAS fee. The application process is not complete until the UC San Diego application fee has been received.

Application Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, conferred by the start of the program.  International students with the appropriate visa may be considered for the program.
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  • One letter of recommendation addressing applicant's candidacy for the program.
  • Deficient at least three prerequisite courses for the desired healthcare professional school.
  • It is highly recommended that applicants have recent (within 5 years) quantitative coursework on transcripts such as calculus, chemistry, or physics with a letter grade of B or better.

The Admissions Committee seeks highly qualified candidates based on the following criteria:

  • Educational merit, as indicated in part by academic credentials and university/life experience.
  • Extracurricular activities, including employment history, basic science or community-based research and participation in health-related and other volunteer outreach activities.
  • Dedication to the health field and the ideals of the health professions.
  • Strong commitment to change their career path to one in the health field.

Pathway to Healthcare Careers Workshops

Program participants will have the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops designed to allow exploration of individual goals and to give insight into all aspects of the application process. *These workshops are currently in development and are subject to change.*

  • Preparing for the Healthcare Professional School 
  • The Professional School Application Process 
  • Preparing for the Healthcare Professional School Interview
  • Building Relationships, Identifying Mentors, and Obtaining Letters of Recommendation
  • Preparing and Writing your Personal Statement
  • Stress/Time Management and Study Skills

 

In proud partnership with

UC San Diego Biological Sciences
UC San Diego Physical Sciences
UC San Diego Physical Sciences Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Contact Us

Have a question?

Receive more information about this program by submitting the form or contacting:

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
Healthcare Department
Email: postbacprehealth@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-9269

We will not share your email. Read our privacy policy.

More Information

Contact Us

Department
Healthcare Department
Phone
(858) 822-0369
Email
pbprehealth@ucsd.edu