Preparing for the MCAT and Acceptance into Medical School

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Post bacc pre-med class group shot outside

MCAT Preparation

The current MCAT exam requires students to understand a broad range of hard sciences topics, most of which will be covered during the course of the Post-Bacc Pre-Med program. Therefore, doing well in your classes at UVA will only improve your ability to perform well on the MCAT exam. Additionally, it is recommended that students consider taking courses in statistics, psychology, and/or sociology prior to enrollment at UVA as some medical schools may require or strongly recommend these classes.

Students in the PBPM program will receive comprehensive MCAT study materials produced by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) which include full-length practice exams, quiz banks, and other content materials. The PBPM program also schedules practice MCAT exams/labs and utilizes alumni feedback to further guide students on how to be fully prepared to take the MCAT exam at the end of the program.

Medical School Acceptances

Since its inception in 2006, the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program has had a 94+ percent acceptance rate to US medical schools which is twice the average national acceptance rate.

Sample of Medical Schools Where PBPM Students Have Been Accepted
  • Baylor University
  • Boston University
  • Brown University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Cornell University
  • Dartmouth University
  • Drexel University
  • Duke University
  • Eastern Virginia Medical School
  • Emory University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Indiana University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • New York University
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
  • Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
  • St. Louis University
  • Temple University
  • Tufts University
  • Tulane University
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  • University of California- San Diego
  • University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Florida
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California- Keck
  • University of Texas at Austin- Dell Medical School
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Washington
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Wake Forest University
  • Washington University
  • West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Questions

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to us by phone (434-982-5394) or email (postbac@virginia.edu). We're happy to speak with you.

Medical School Linkage

Immediate Matriculation

Students entering the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program with excellent undergraduate grades, a strong service background, and clinical experience, may be interested in applying to medical school through a linkage program. This option allows well-qualified Post Bacc Pre-Med students to matriculate into medical school immediately following the program.

Participating Medical Schools

We have a linkage arrangement with the following medical school: 

Because there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue admission through a linkage agreement, the Post Bacc Pre-Med advising team will work closely with students who are considering this option.

The Glide Year

Adding to Your Experience

The glide year is the period following the program’s completion and prior to entering medical school. During this time, students submit applications to medical schools and engage in activities that will further enhance their medical preparation. The Post Bacc Pre-Med faculty and staff help students develop a plan of action for the glide year and support students throughout this period.

Sample Glide Year Activities
  • Eye Clinic Technician at Boston Medical Center 
  • ESL Teacher in Boston, MA
  • Cardiac Psychiatry Clinical Research Coordinator at Mass General
  • Medical Scribe, Various Locations
  • Clinical Research Coordinator, Pediatric Research of Charlottesville
  • Care Team Assistant at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Dermatology Research Assistant at Northwestern University
  • Neurosurgery Clinical Research Coordinator at Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Thoracic Oncology Research Assistant at Medical University of South Carolina
  • Surgery Program Manager at University of Colorado 
  • Clinical Research Assistant, UVA Center for Behavioral Medicine
  • Community HealthCorps (Americorps), Brooklyn, NY
  • Editorial Assistant, Diabetes and Diabetes Care
  • Integration Coordinator, International Rescue Committee 
  • Medical/Office Assistant, Planned Parenthood
  • Nursing Staff, INOVA Hospital, Fairfax, VA
  • Patient Care Assistant, UVA Medical Intensive Care Unit
  • Phlebotomist at Winchester Hospital, VA
  • Research Assistant at UVA Center for Global Health
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PBPM class outside under a cherry tree
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

Student Testimonials

Hear what former students have to say about their experience in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program at UVA.

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