POST BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
2011-2012
The UCSF School of Medicine offers a comprehensive, structured post baccalaureate program designed for
individuals who have been unsuccessful in gaining admission to medical school or who have completed the
required undergraduate course work, but feel they need more background before initiating the medical school
application process. We are especially interested in individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or
underserved communities.
The UCSF program is designed to help individuals increase their chances of gaining admission to medical
school by offering intensive MCAT review, assistance with medical school application preparation, science
courses at San Francisco State University, seminars on health care issues in underserved communities, and
academic skills workshops. The program begins in June 2011 and is 11 months in duration. It will be limited to
15-17 individuals in 2011-2012.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

be considered disadvantaged* or be from an underserved community
be a legal resident of California
have completed an undergraduate degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
have a minimum overall GPA of 2.93 or higher; minimum 2.75 GPA in the sciences
* A disadvantaged individual is one who, from an early age, resided in a low-income community or experienced enduring
family, societal, or other hardship that significantly compromised educational opportunities. An underserved community
is a geographic location or an identified population that is determined medically underserved based upon U.S. Census
data.

First-time applicants must:

submit their SAT scores and an official copy of their MCAT scores if they have already taken the exam
enter all of your courses on The California Postbaccalaureate Consortium Program Application
have completed at least ALL of the following science courses:
One year of Biology with laboratory
One year of Physics with laboratory
One year of Chemistry with laboratory
One year of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
submit their post baccalaureate application by early April 2010. Exact deadlines TBD.
Reapplicants must:
have been previously unsuccessful in gaining admission to medical school in the U.S.
have a minimum combined MCAT score of 18
submit a copy of their prior medical school application (AMCAS) with MCAT scores and calculated GPA
submit their post baccalaureate application by:
Priority Deadline: Early May 2011(deadline TBD) Final Deadline: Mid May 2011 (Deadline TBD)

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR APPLICATION WILL RECEIVE FIRST CONSIDERATION IF RECEIVED BY OUR
PRIORITY DEADLINE OF EARLY MAY 2011. Because of the UCSF admissions cycle, many spots for the 10-
11 post baccalaureate program may be filled by the final deadline date of mid may 2011. Therefore for full
consideration of your application, please submit your application and supporting materials by the priority
deadline date.
All students are encouraged to have completed undergraduate courses in:
Mathematics (to Calculus), Upper division Biological Science, Humanities, English Composition
The admissions committee of the UCSF School of Medicine Post Baccalaureate Program is committed to practicing fair and impartial
review of each applicant’s file in accordance with the stated criteria for post baccalaureate eligibility and admissions and in accordance
with the UC non-discrimination policy.

UC Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related),
ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University
also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and
activities.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The summer component

Begins June 20, 2011
The summer component will include intensive MCAT instruction to reinforce the knowledge
and skills needed to achieve a high score. Structured practice tests and review sessions will
supplement the core instruction component. Participants are expected to take the MCAT
examination in mid-August to early September.
A learning skills specialist will test and evaluate program participants. Workshops will be
offered to enhance skills in test taking techniques, critical thinking, time management, and emotional
well-being.
Participants will receive individual attention in preparing their medical school applications
and personal statements. The program coordinators will help the participants assemble their
applications to ensure that all relevant information regarding background and experience is included.
In addition, assistance in selecting appropriate schools for application will be provided.

The fall component

The fall component will include a continuation of medical school application preparation and
interviewing techniques. Mock interviews will be conducted and videotaped for participant
evaluation and feedback.
Participants will have an opportunity to establish a more competitive academic record by
taking science courses at San Francisco State University. Each participant is expected to take at least 9
units during the fall semester. Participants will be advised by an advisor as to the appropriate
courses needed to enhance their academic profiles. Participants’ progress in science courses will be
monitored, and they will be expected to achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Seminars on health care issues in underserved communities will be held and a colloquium will
be held during the fall component.

The spring component

Each participant is expected to take at least 9 units during the spring semester. Participants
will be advised by an advisor as to the appropriate courses needed to enhance their academic
profiles. Participants’ progress in science courses will be monitored, and they will be expected to
achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Seminars on health care issues will continue during the spring component, as well as monthly
colloquia. A special commencement celebration will be held upon completion of the program.
 CURRICULUM
MCAT Preparation:
a) MCAT science and verbal reasoning preparation courses
b) Test taking strategies & skills workshops
c) MCAT review sessions
d) MCAT practice tests

Skills Workshops:
a) Learning style assessment
b) Time management & organization
c) Emotional Well Being
d) Cultural sensitivity

Medical School Application Workshops:

a) Demystifying the application process (including extracurricular activities, asking for letters of
recommendation)
b) How to prepare an application personal statement
c) Interviewing techniques (includes video-taped practice interviews)

Colloquium, Seminars:
a) A colloquium will be held throughout the program and will serve as a forum for small group
research projects and presentations.
b) Weekly seminars will be held on health care issues and medical student life.

APPLICATION, FINANCIAL AID, AND HOUSING

Participants will be required to complete a California Postbaccalaureate Consortium application
(which can be found at the website: https://meded-postbac.ucsd.edu), a UCSF Post Baccalaureate
secondary application and an admissions application for San Francisco State University (SFSU). The
latter two documents are to be completed once applicants have received an acceptance from our
program. Students will receive special enrollment status at SFSU as part of our program.

Our goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive and structured program. Participants will
receive financial support in the following way:
Housing will be provided for participants for the first seven weeks of the summer portion of
the program at the University of San Francisco.
Participants will receive a modest stipend during the summer portion of the program in order
to assist with meal and incidental expenses.
Participants will be responsible for the following:
Enrolling and paying tuition for fall and spring at UC Berkeley Extension.* This will enable
students to attend classes and qualify for federal financial aid and student health services at
UCSF.
Completing and submitting relevant federal financial aid applications (FAFSA
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). It is recommended that you submit this financial aid application at
the same time you submit your post baccalaureate application. Be sure to have the financial
aid report sent to UCSF, code #001319.
Finding and providing their own housing for fall and spring semesters.
 CORRESPONDENCE
The Office of Outreach & Academic Advancement sponsors the UCSF School of Medicine Post
Baccalaureate Program.

Director: Alma Martinez, M.D., M.P.H.

Faculty Mentor: John A. Watson, Ph.D.
Associate Director: Valerie Margol
Program Coordinator: Irma Moreno
Program Assistant: LaTasha Mitchell

The application deadlines for the 2010-11 year are:

For first-time applicants (have not yet applied to medical school): Early April 2011

For medical school reapplicants:

Priority Deadline: Early May 2011 (Exact deadline TBD)
Final Deadline: Mid May 2011 (Exact deadline TBD)
PLEASE NOTE: YOUR APPLICATION WILL RECEIVE FIRST CONSIDERATION IF
RECEIVED BY OUR PRIORITY DEADLINE of Early May 2011. Because of the UCSF
admissions cycle, many spots for the 11-12 post baccalaureate program may be filled by the
final deadline date of Mid May 2011. Therefore for full consideration of your application,
please submit your application and supporting materials by the early May 2011 priority
deadline date.
Please be sure to adhere to the correct deadline for your application type. Applications received
after the deadline will not be accepted.

Inquiries and correspondence should be directed to:

www.medschool.ucsf.edu/outreach

UCSF School of Medicine

Post Baccalaureate Program
Office of Outreach & Academic Advancement
1855 Folsom Street, Room 305, Box 0409
San Francisco, CA 94143-0409
(415) 514-2277
sullivanem@medsch.ucsf.edu

The UCSF School of Medicine Post Baccalaureate Program is generously sponsored in part by The
California Endowment and Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Programs.