What is a Post-Bacc Program?
A post-baccalaureate program is for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree, and are interested in a health professions career. They need either to finish pre-requisite courses and/or need to improve their academic standing for a more competitive professional school application.
What Types of Post-Bacc Programs are Available?
Essentially there are two different types of programs for students hoping to attend med or dent school:
- Basic Sciences: This type of program is for students who have not completed the basic requirements for medical school. Generally this is for “career changers” who have decided to pursue medicine. The coursework can be done in a formal post-bacc program or individually at a local university.
- Advanced Sciences/GPA Boosters: This type of program is designed for students who were science majors or have completed the basic science requirements. These are for students who:
- want to stay academically engaged during a gap year while applying to medical or dental schools.
- need to raise their GPA to become a more competitive medical school applicant.
How Do I Get In?
Selection criteria vary around the country. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA and either a minimum MCAT score of 20 or DAT score of 16. Applications for the fall semester are usually due by March of that year. Check with individual programs so as not to miss deadlines.
How Do I Find a Progam?
University of North Texas Health Science Center
One year program
Minimum overall GPA: 3.0
Minimum MCAT: 20 with no subset below 6
http://hsc.unt.edu/education/gsbs/medicalsciences.cfm
Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/fostersom/admissions/faqs.aspx
Texas Tech School of Allied Health Services
Two year program
Min GPA: None – 3.4 recommended
Average GPA: 3.34
Average MCAT: 26
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/som/cbb/MS_PreMedSci.aspx
For information about out of state programs see: http://services.aamc.org/postbac/
If you are an SMU student thinking about a post-baccalaureate program, we encourage you to make an appointment with the our Director, Caleb D. Marsh. Appointments can be made by email or coming directly to Room 135 Dedman Life Sciences Building.