A program designed for college graduates aiming to apply to medical school by fulfilling prerequisites, improving GPA, and preparing for medical school.

• Academic Enhancers
  Graduates looking to improve their GPA before applying to medical school.
• Career Changers
  Graduates transitioning into medicine and needing to fulfill medical school prerequisites.
• MCAT Candidates
  Students preparing for or retaking the MCAT.
• Students Needing Specific Science Courses
  Those requiring particular courses for medical school prerequisites.
• Students Seeking Structured Support
  Those who would benefit from a cohort-based learning environment, including mentorship and application support.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution.
• Minimum recommended GPA of 2.8

There are three paths to experience the UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbacc program

Silicon Valley Cohort

A flexible program with optional in-person sessions in Santa Clara. Ideal for students needing academic enhancement or transitioning to medicine. Open to students nationwide.

Central Coast Cohort

A combination of in-person and online components, designed for academic enhancers from underrepresented communities in the Central Coast region. Requires some in-person attendance in Marina, CA and is exclusive to California residents.

DIY

For students seeking flexibility and self-paced learning. Do it yourself means you can choose your own courses without the structure of a cohort.

FORMAT: Hybrid (can be done online or in person)

DURATION: 12-24+ months, based on individual needs.

LOCATION: Can be completed fully online, with in-person sessions at the Silicon Valley Campus in Santa Clara.

START DATE: Generally begins in Summer

HOW TO APPLY: Applications currently open for Summer 2025 cohort. Apply early via PostbacCAS.

LINK TO SAMPLE SCHEDULE COMING SOON

FORMAT: Combination of in-person and online components

DURATION: 12 months

LOCATION: In-person sessions in Marina, CA (some in-person attendance required)

START DATE: Generally begins in Fall

How to get started: Applications will open April for the Fall 2025. Check the website for updates

LINK TO SAMPLE SCHEDULE COMING SOON

Shape your own study plan

The do it yourself option gives you the freedom to select your own courses, set your own pace, and design a schedule that works best for your individual goals. It includes:

• Science courses
• MCAT prep
• 1:1 career counseling

How to get started

Fill out the inquiry form. Contact postbacc@ucsc.edu to learn how to declare yourself as a DIY student and start taking courses.

• Science Courses
  Typically taken online including lab components

• Silicon Valley Cohort
  The Silicon Valley Cohort is a fully hybrid experience, with both online and in-person options for lectures and medical school application support.

• Central Coast Cohort
  The Central Coast Cohort includes required in-person components for certain courses.

Learn more about our cohort programs.

The UC Santa Cruz Postbacc Program offers a range of mentorship opportunities to support professional development. We place students in mentorships based on availability. Priority is given to students in a cohort program.

If you are an enrolled student in our program and are interested in mentorship opportunities, please learn more. Contact us with your questions at postbacc@ucsc.edu.

Yes. Advising is an important component of our cohort programs.

Students taking individual courses on the DIY track can also register for 1:1 career counseling.

Yes. As long as you can access the online courses, you’re welcome to join us virtually from anywhere.

Note, however, we do not sponsor F1 visas.

Cohort Application Schedule

We review applications as they come in so early applications provide the best chance of acceptance. Please visit our cohort page for the current application schedules.

Do It Yourself (DIY) track

There is no formal application for the students who are independently taking courses. Please check offerings to enroll during registration periods.

The payment structure varies depending on the cohort and program specifics. Please visit the cohort page for current cost information.

To take individual courses, it is pay as you go.

No. Federal aid is not available. We recommend private loans such as Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan, or College Ave Career Loan.

Alternative Funding

While our students are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are several options spelled out on our Financial Assistance page such as private student loans.

Scholarships may be available.

• Major/Specialty: Select "Premed Postbaccalaureate" as your major or specialty.
• Loan Type: Choose the Graduate/Professional Program loan type.
• School Code: Use the federal school code provided here.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the program, please reach out to postbacc@ucsc.edu.

Absolutely. Please book an individualized info session.

Please visit our Giving Page. Donations support student scholarships.