Post-Bac Premed Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Post-Bac Premed Program?

You can contact the Post-Bac Premed Program by email at pbpm@goucher.edu or by phone at 1-800-414-3437.

Is the Goucher post-bac premed program designed for me?

The program is for students who are changing careers and have not previously taken the science classes required for admission to medical school. Occasionally, we admit students who have completed one or two of the prerequisites; these students usually take upper-level science courses. Most of our students are pursuing a career change into medicine.

What are you looking for in applicants?

First and foremost, we look for a strong undergraduate record and a proven interest in the health care field, usually demonstrated by some experience in a medical setting or human-service organization.

Can I apply to your program if I have already taken the science courses required for medical school?

If you’ve taken only a few of the required science courses, you may still be eligible. However, we generally do not accept applicants who have completed most of the prerequisites. Please contact us to discuss your academic background.

When can I submit an application?

The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in late August and continues until the class is filled, which usually happens sometime in March. We recommend submitting your application in the fall or early winter.

What are the post-bac courses like?

Post-bacs take classes that are small and designed with their particular needs in mind. They are separate from the undergraduates and are limited to 34 students in the cohort.

Do post-bac students live on campus?

All post-bac students live off campus. The majority live in close proximity to campus, within walking or biking distance.

What is the age of the typical post-bac student?

Students typically range in age from their early 20s to late 30s. The average age of our cohort is 25 or 26 years old.

Are post-bac students able to work while enrolled in the program?

No, but most students spend a few hours per week volunteering in a health care setting.

What kind of financial aid is available?

Financial aid is available primarily in the form of loans, but the PBPM Admissions Committee does have a limited number of partial scholarships available. All applicants are considered for one of these scholarships, and no additional materials are required.

Is calculus part of the curriculum?

Because the vast majority of U.S. medical schools do not require it, we do not include calculus courses in the curriculum. If the medical school to which you wish to apply requires calculus, you may take it during the glide year.

What is the size of the post-bac student body?

Our program enrolls 34 students each year.

What kind of support & advising does your program offer?

We provide extensive individual counseling throughout the post-bac program and during the medical school application process. In addition, we offer individual and group tutoring, MCAT preparation sessions, workshops on medical school admissions, and discussions with physicians and medical school admission directors.

What GPA Do You Need for post-bac?

Although we do not have specific GPA (or SAT/ACT) cut-offs, we do look for students who have demonstrated strong academic success. 

Do med schools look at post-bac GPA?  

Absolutely, yes! They expect you to do well during your post-bac year in order to demonstrate that you can handle the rigors of a science curriculum. 

Do students find clinical volunteering & research opportunities?   

Clinical volunteering is an integral part of our program and is embedded into the curriculum. The summer you matriculate, we’ll assist you in finding volunteering that enhances your clinical experiences, supports your “why medicine” narrative, and helps to make you a compelling applicant to medical school.

Research is a great way to enhance your critical thinking and inquiry skills. Post-bac students who are interested in research will need to cold call labs and pursue PIs on their own. Often times, this means reaching out to researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine or the University of Maryland School of Medicine.