Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles 
Major: Psychobiology 
Track: Research 
Future Health Profession: Physician 
Health Profession School: University of California, San Diego 

“I have always been passionate about helping people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Taylor Lewis, a second-year medical student at UC San Diego. 

Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in patient’s lives, Taylor knew she wanted to become a physician. But before applying to medical school, she wanted to strengthen her academics and become a more competitive applicant. She found the support she needed through the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program. 

“I was particularly drawn to UC Davis because of its proximity to home and the mentorship opportunities it offered,” said Taylor. “I knew that having a supportive environment and access to individualized guidance would be invaluable as I continued working toward my goal of becoming a physician.” 

Through personalized advising, academic resources and a supportive community, Taylor strengthened her medical school application and increased her MCAT score by 10 points. Now, as she begins medical school, Taylor looks forward to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, advocating for underserved communities and improving access to health care. 

How did the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac Program help you achieve your goals? 

I wanted to improve my GPA, increase my MCAT score and strengthen my application materials. UC Davis provided me with academic resources and individualized support to accomplish these goals. 

How did the program strengthen your medical school application? 

The program provided invaluable mentorship throughout the medical school application process, from preparing for the MCAT to strengthening my application materials. Through personal meetings with advisors, I was able to identify areas for improvement, adjust my study strategies and develop more effective study habits. As a result, I increased my MCAT score by 10 points! 

That improvement was a major milestone for me and demonstrated how much of a difference personalized guidance and a strong support system can make. Having advisors who were knowledgeable about the process made an otherwise overwhelming experience feel much more manageable. Their guidance helped me approach each step with greater confidence and clarity. 

How did the research track shape your approach to medicine? 

It helped me better understand how research can influence the future of health care. It encouraged me to think critically about ways to improve patient care, address gaps in health care delivery and strengthen health professions education. This experience reinforced the importance of using research not only to advance medical knowledge but also to create meaningful improvements in the communities we serve. 

What was the most valuable part of your experience? 

One of the most meaningful aspects was having people in my corner who genuinely believed in my potential and wanted to see me succeed. Having advisors who were invested in our success, along with classmates who understood the challenges of pursuing a career in health care, created such a supportive environment. 

How did your cohort support you throughout the program? 

I really enjoyed getting to know my cohort and building relationships with individuals who shared similar goals and aspirations. That shared experience made the journey feel less isolating. I still keep in touch with many of my classmates today, which speaks to the meaningful connections we built throughout the program. 

What challenges did you face on your path to medical school, and how did you overcome them? 

One of my biggest challenges was overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of failure. There were moments when I questioned whether I could achieve my goals, especially given how competitive the medical school application process can be. Leaning on my advisors and building stronger relationships with my classmates helped me gain confidence in myself. I learned that asking for support is not a weakness and that surrounding yourself with people who believe in you can make a tremendous difference. 

How did it feel to receive your medical school acceptances? 

Receiving my medical school acceptances was an incredibly emotional and rewarding moment. UC San Diego School of Medicine was one of the schools I had always dreamed of attending, so receiving that acceptance felt like a full-circle moment. It was a reminder of all the hard work, sacrifices and perseverance that had brought me to that point. It was especially meaningful to see that the goals I had worked toward for so long were finally becoming a reality. 

What advice would you give someone considering the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac Program? 

Take that step and apply! The UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac Program played an important role in helping me get to where I am today. The opportunity to strengthen your academic foundation, develop better study habits and receive individualized mentorship can be incredibly valuable. 

Everyone's journey to health professional school looks different, and sometimes taking an additional step to invest in yourself can make all the difference. A post-bac program is not just about improving your application. It is also an opportunity to grow in confidence and better prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.