Post+Bacc
Programs

"Post-bac" (meaning “after the bachelor’s degree) programs provide extra coursework that may help candidates increase their chances of being accepted by a medical (or other health professional) school. Post-bac programs generally appeal to students who have been out of school for a while, students who took a limited number of science courses as undergraduates, and students who need extra coursework to improve their science GPAs.

UW-Madison does not have a post-bacc program.  Students who need to complete prerequisite coursework can do so as a "special student."  To learn more about this classification, click here.

Post-baccalaureate programs are not for everyone, and in fact, most students that have completed sufficient pre-health coursework do not attend post-baccalaureate programs. You should talk to a pre-health advisor before committing to one of these paths.

Things to consider when applying for Post-Baccalaureate Programs:

• Timing of program: How long is the program; how will it fit into your long-range plan?
• Academic environment: Is it an academic environment that will or should minimize your stress? Are there classes with undergrads and what are the implications of this? What is the reputation of the school? How do students from the school do when applying to medical school?
• Diversity of the post-bac population.
• Support systems available.
• Level of competition.
• Does the program have collaborative relationships with medical schools?