College Admissions Consulting What Are Post-Baccalaureate Programs? Written by Lauren DiProsperoon October 14th, 2026 I began my undergraduate admissions career at Stanford University where I helped coordinate diversity events and outreach. This ignited a passion for higher education which led me to Columbia University where, after earning my masters, I began recruiting and reviewing the applications of students applying to Columbia College from all around the country including the northeast, mid-west, Texas and California. I also reviewed the applications of international students from countries across Asia as well as Canada and Mexico. During my time at Columbia, I was Director of Admissions at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons where I oversaw the entire medical school admissions process, including recruitment, application review, interview days, and admitted student events. From there I became the Director of Enrollment Management at the University of San Francisco where I oversaw a team that supported both undergraduate and graduate admissions. In that role I recruited in Southern California and reviewed applications from multiple domestic territories for the undergraduate admissions team. Most recently, I was the senior director at Stanford Medicine, where I again oversaw the entire medical school admissions process. Learn More About Lauren applying to med school, med school, medical school, Did you discover a passion for medicine in junior or senior year of college? Or did you graduate and decide you want a career change? Maybe you weren’t able to complete all of the pre-requisite courses needed for medical school or you need to improve your science GPA before applying to medical school. It can seem overwhelming to know where to start. The good news is that you have options! One option is a post-baccalaureate (post-bac) program. Post-bac programs come in many formats, but the two main categories are career changer and record enhancement. Career Changer Programs These programs are typically geared towards career changers or recent graduates who have taken very few or no science courses. They consist of one or two years of study and provide support in research and clinical experiences. One of the benefits of this type of program is their linkage programs. A linkage program is a formal agreement that allows highly qualified students to apply to “linked” medical schools before they complete their post-bac program, allowing them to skip the gap year that typically follows a post-bac. A career changer post-bac program often, but not always, requires the student to step out of the work force and may have additional application requirements. Career changer programs are offered by schools including Bryn Mawr College, University of Louisville, University of Colorado-Boulder, UC Berkeley Extension, Washington University in St. Louis, and Case Western Reserve University. Record Enhancement Programs These programs are designed for students who need to enhance their science GPA. For students who are only missing or need to retake a few science classes, this can be achieved as a non-degree student at a nearby college. For all other students, the main benefit of a record enhancement program is the structured curriculum, advising, and, sometimes, linkage programs. Some offer flexibility through night classes or number of courses each semester which may allow employed students to continue to work. You’ll find these programs at Washington University in St. Louis, UC Berkeley Extension, American University, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Creighton University, Saint Xavier University, and Temple University. Additional Resources A post-bac program is not the only way to achieve a strong science record after college nor is it required to apply to medical school. There are a lot of things to consider before applying to a structured program. These may include location, cost, size, resources, linkage agreements, and so much more. Ask questions of the post-bac admissions office and request to speak with current students about their experience. You can also reach out to the pre-med advising or career center at your college, even if you’ve already graduated; most colleges support both current students and alumni. The advisors will be able to provide guidance and support as you make your decision. If you do not have access to advising, NAAHP, an organization of health professions advisors, has volunteer advisors as well as FAQs about post-bac programs. Additionally, the AAMC, the organization that oversees the medical school application process, publishes a searchable database of Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs. Related Resources Read | Posted on September 2nd, 2026 Exploring High School Options Read | Posted on July 23rd, 2026 Top Money Mistakes First-Year College Students Make Read | Posted on May 28th, 2026 10 Things Rising Seniors Can Work on this Summer
