Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med Program?
Who should apply to the Program?
When will I learn if I have been accepted into the program?
Is an interview required?
How many students will be admitted into the program?
What is the program curriculum and how long does it take to complete? Can I start in the fall?
I have science courses that I would like to retake, is that possible?
Are there any program co-curricular activities, seminars, and opportunities that will help me learn more about medicine?
Will students receive advisement throughout the program?
Will successful program completion guarantee that I will be accepted into medical school?
Will I enjoy similar privileges as degree seeking students at the University?
What is the “glide year” and will I receive any assistance during this period? 
At which medical schools have previous students received acceptances?
Where have your graduates matriculated?
What is your medical school acceptance rate?

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What is the U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med Program? 
The Post-Bac Pre-Med Program is a full-time, one-year program designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled the pre-med prerequisites as an undergraduate and seek the science background necessary for application to medical school and a future career in medicine.  

Who should apply?  
College graduates with an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university are invited to apply.  The program is not remedial; it is intended for those with strong academic records who lack the required science courses for medical school admission.   

When will I learn if I have been accepted into the program?  
Each year the application is available on or about September 1.  The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing application files as they become complete.  Early submission of your application materials is strongly recommended.  Qualified applicants will be invited for interview.

Is an interview required?
Yes.  Qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.  Although in-person interviews are preferred. 

How many students will be admitted into the program? 
The 2008–2009 Post-Bac Pre-Med student cohort has 34 students.

What is the program curriculum and how long does it take to complete?  Can I start in the fall?
The curriculum consists of the pre-med science courses needed for medical school admission.  Specific courses include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and all associated labs.  The program is approximately 12 months in length starting each June with summer classes and labs.  There is no fall start date for the program.

I have science courses that I would like to retake, is that possible?
The program is not remedial; therefore, courses previously taken may not typically be repeated to enhance a grade.

Are there any program co-curricular activities, seminars, and opportunities that will help me learn more about medicine? 
Yes, in addition to rigorous coursework, the U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med program immerses you into the practices of medicine through volunteer work, shadowing, mentoring and seminars. 

Will program students receive advisement throughout the program?
Advisement is an important element of the program. Program faculty and staff continuously support you as a student . University offices and services have been aligned to advise you regarding every aspect of medical careers and admission to medical school. Although full support is readily available, it is important to realize that the ultimate responsibility and course of action lies with you. 

Will successful program completion guarantee that I will be accepted into medical school? 
Admission into medical school cannot be guaranteed, however, it is anticipated that students who have successfully completed the U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med Program will achieve success in applying to medical school.

Will I enjoy similar privileges as degree seeking students at the University?  
You will enjoy the privileges of degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

What is the “glide year” and will I receive any assistance during this period?
The glide year is the period of time following the completion of the program and prior to your entry into medical school.  During the glide year, U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med faculty and staff are available to assist you in identifying volunteer opportunities, internships and/or further coursework.   

At which medical schools have previous students received acceptances?
U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med alumni have received acceptances at a wide variety of private and public (in-state and out-of-state) medical schools including Harvard Medical School, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Tulane Medical School, Georgetown Medical School, Eastern Virginia Medical School, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Boston University, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Where have your graduates matriculated?
Alumni from the U.Va. Post-Bac Pre-Med program have matriculated at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, and University of Missouri School of Medicine. 

What is your acceptance rate?
Our acceptance rate is 97% for the first two program cohorts with 30 of 31 total applicants accepted to at least one medical school.  For the for 2009 medical school admissions cycle, 18 of our alumni collectively received 59 acceptances.