You’ve probably heard about the option of doing a post-bacc (short for “post-baccalaureate”) after you graduate undergrad during your gap years and wondered if it’s worth your time and effort. I know I was super curious about it before I did one. So, I thought I’d share my personal experience to help you decide if it’s the best choice for you.
I’m answering your top five questions about my post-bacc experience, including why it really was so worth it to help me earn 10 acceptances despite a 3.3 GPA. I’ll cover all the details, such as where I went, why I chose that specific program, the different track options available, and more.
This post is all about post-bacc pre-med.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Post Bacc Pre Med Guide
Why Did You Do a Post-Bacc?
When I was an undergrad, especially before I decided on premed, I honestly didn’t have the best grades. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I came in undecided, with zero thoughts about medical school. It wasn’t until halfway through my sophomore year that I had a reality check. I sat down and thought, “What am I doing?”
That’s when I switched my major to pre-med and knew I had to set some new priorities (and it wasn’t my work as a waitress for some extra cash). So I cut back my hours, put in more study time and my grades started improving putting my GPA on an upward trend.
But of course, I stumbled a bit along the way, especially before my momentous decision for a pre-med track. Ultimately I ended up with five Cs and graduated with a 3.1 GPA. When I didn’t get pulled off the one and only waitlist I earned for medical school, I knew (among so many other things) I needed to boost my GPA, so I decided to enroll in a post-bacc program.
After graduating, I moved to San Diego with a friend, and it was around December when I stumbled upon the post-bacc opportunity I ended up doing. However, I rushed into it, wanting to start as soon as possible, and I didn’t fully consider the financial side of things. So, I took on a pricey post-bacc program in the Bay Area, which quickly drained my wallet.
Unfortunately, while post-bacc programs are generally around one to two years long, I only managed to complete two quarters of the program due to my financial situation. Still, it was enough to boost my GPA to a 3.3, showing that I was serious about my upward trend and committed to improving my academic standing.
Where Did You Go For Your Post-Bacc?
I enrolled at CSU East Bay, located in Hayward, California. East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) offers you a choice of two tracks: the Academic Enhancer and the Career Changer. Some other programs might only offer one track, while others have multiple options. However, generally, most schools and post-bacc programs will offer these exact two tracks.
The Academic Enhancer is for people like me who have already completed their core pre-med classes but need to boost a low GPA.
The Career Changer track is for those who didn’t take the necessary prerequisites before graduation. Since I already had my prereqs, I opted for the Academic Enhancer track to raise my GPA.
What Post-Bacc Classes Did You Take?
During my post-bacc, I took seven upper-level science classes. I chose these courses strategically to prove my academic ability. Medical school admissions committees really want to see that you can handle a full schedule and show an upward trend. So, I took some pretty intense classes like Issues in Biological Science, Microbial Physiology, and Principles of Virology.
I remember getting an A- in Human Physiology and Anatomy, which was a huge win because I was dog-sitting at the time and ended up being over an hour late to my lab final. Also, I thought I was totally bombing Epidemiology, too, but it turned out I got a B. I honestly almost didn’t apply to medical school because I felt so defeated. But looking back, I actually did okay in the end. It was a wild ride, and I’m really glad I pushed through it!
What Extracurriculars Did You Do?
Getting involved in extracurriculars while completing my post-bacc definitely improved my application. My post-bacc program sent out regular emails and bulletins about volunteering opportunities, which made it super easy to boost my resume.
One of the coolest things I did was volunteer with a radiologist who had mobility challenges. I helped him with fine motor skills, like prepping his meals or assisting him with tasks throughout the day. It was a rewarding experience.
And it also gave me a great connection for my future applications. I remember one of his previous helpers was applying to medical school, too, and he mentioned he would write them a letter of recommendation. Knowing I could get volunteer hours and nab a letter of recommendation was such a bonus!
On top of that, I joined a “Spanish in Healthcare” club. (However, I totally forgot to list it on my application!). And I also started working as an EMT in Seattle after my post-bacc, which was such a fantastic experience. Plus, I picked up some dog-sitting gigs to help with my finances since living in the Bay can be pricey.
What Other Helpful Things Did You Do to Boost Your Application?
During my post-bacc experience, I had opportunities to attend helpful workshops and classes. I took a personal statement workshop that met once a week. Each session focused on a different section of our personal statements. We’d break down everything from the intro paragraph to the conclusion, which was super helpful.
I also participated in an MCAT prep class while I was at CSU. It was a weekly class where we tackled practice questions and covered different subjects. I got my MCAT study materials through that program, which really helped when I finally started studying.
And finally, one more thing to consider when comparing post-bacc programs is whether they can help you secure a committee letter. This letter can be a big deal, especially if it comes from professors who know you well. It’s especially super helpful if you’ve been out of school for a while and your old professors don’t remember you!
Was Doing a Post-Bacc Actually Worth It?
My answer is a huge, resounding yes! (1000% yes!) Even though I already had a decent upward trend in my undergrad grades, I knew there were areas I could improve. My approach was, “What can I do to make my application even stronger the second time around?” For me, that meant showing clear progress in every category that matters.
In my case, my GPA went up from a 3.1 to a 3.3. Now, I realize that’s not some dramatic change, but that’s not the goal here. Going from a 3.1 to a 3.9 isn’t realistic because of all the credits you’ve already taken. What medical schools actually want to see is a solid upward trend in recent coursework. Basically, they want to know if you can crush it academically and handle the intensity of medical school.
So, don’t worry too much about how high you can push your GPA as a whole. Instead, focus on a strong, consistent improvement from your post-bacc classes. Whether it’s one year or a couple of quarters, the goal is to show that upward trend. In the end, that’s what matters most!
Final Thoughts on Doing a Post-Bacc
So, is a post-bacc worth it for med school? Absolutely! With a post-bacc, you can really hit multiple birds with one stone. Whether you’re looking to boost your GPA, prep for the MCAT, or get hands-on experience, a post-bacc program can be an amazing step toward making your application stand out.
Here’s a quick recap of what a post-bacc can offer:
- Strengthen your application – Improve your transcript to show an upward trend.
- Deepen your knowledge – Learn more about specific topics you’ll likely study in medical school. Your courses can give you a solid foundation for your future medical school classes.
- Provide helpful classes – Such as the personal statement workshop I took.
- Prepare you for the MCAT – Many programs offer MCAT prep support, which can be a huge plus.
- Networking – Get to know mentors, faculty, and classmates who can support, guide you, and possibly write letters of recommendation.
- Committee Letter – This letter highlighting your strengths and achievements can really help your application stand out!
- Gain hands-on experience – Some programs offer direct experience in medicine-related fields. Or, they at least round up and share volunteer opportunities to help strengthen your resume.
- Direct linkage to medical schools – Although my program didn’t offer this incentive, certain programs have arrangements with medical schools to streamline your acceptance process.
So, if you’re serious about medical school but feel like you could improve your application, a post-bacc might be just what you need.
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