So You’re Thinking About a Post-Bac—Now What?

If you're considering a career in medicine, dentistry, optometry or another health profession—but you don’t quite meet the admissions requirements—a post-baccalaureate program may be just what you need. These programs can be a strategic way to strengthen your application, improve your scores, complete missing prerequisites or gain experience in healthcare. 

Yet these programs can vary widely. With dozens of options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Should you choose a structured or unstructured program? How important is advising? What kind of outcomes can you realistically expect? 

This guide covers the key features to look for in a health professions post-bac program and how the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate delivers value, structure and proven results to help you take the next step. 

1. Academic Enhancement 

One of the main reasons to seek out a health professions post-bac is to improve your GPA. Taking additional coursework through a post-bac program is a popular way to raise a low GPA. If you struggled with science courses in undergrad, retaking upper-division science courses demonstrates your mastery of the subject area and boosts your GPA. 

A key benefit of the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac is its focus on academic building. It can take a year of advanced science classes to raise your GPA—and that’s what our program provides. You'll work with an advisor to select from available upper-division courses of your choice each quarter for a total of 12–16 rigorous science courses throughout the 12-month program, giving you ample time to boost your GPA. 

2. Test Preparation 

If you have low test scores or haven’t yet taken your MCAT, GRE, DAT or other exams, post-bac programs can help you build test-taking skills and confidence. But not all post-bac programs offer a test prep course. 

That’s where our in-house test preparation can benefit you. Regardless of which entrance exam you need, your success is our priority. Our test-prep seminars help you build confidence through individualized plans, consistent practice and one-on-one meetings with our test prep specialist. Pre-Med students benefit from year-long MCAT preparation, including content review, strategies for each test section and 15 full-length practice tests. Students taking the DAT or GRE benefit from a similar experience tailored to their exam. 

3. Flexibility 

Once you’ve defined your academic goals, you’ll want a program that aligns with your needs. If you need to improve your academic record, a program that allows you to complete prerequisites or raise your GPA may be right for you. If you only need a few courses, look for a program that lets you enroll only in those. 

In the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac, you choose the path that works for you—a 12-month program or a quarter-by-quarter option. Our four-quarter program allows you to take a full year’s worth of coursework, prepare for your exam and develop skills to help you secure a full-time position during your application year. But if you don’t need a full year of academic enhancement, you can take one quarter of courses at a time and still access advisors and application support. 

4. Structure 

Would you prefer a structured or unstructured program? While unstructured programs provide more flexibility, you’re often on your own when it comes to planning and applying. A structured, cohort-based model offers a comprehensive experience and built-in support. 

Our program prepares you for every aspect of the application process, including a quarter-long application prep seminar where you work closely with advisors to define your strategy. You’ll develop your personal statement, create a school list, practice interviews and secure recommendation letters. You'll also have access to a committee letter that includes your recommendation letters and a personalized cover letter from our program director. 

Students often say that their cohort made a lasting impact. They supported one another, exchanged insights and built friendships that lasted beyond the program. 

5. Advising and Support 

Applying to health professional schools can be daunting, especially if you’ve received rejection letters. That’s why access to strong advising is critical. 

At UC Davis, we provide high-touch, holistic advising. Our advisors get to know each student’s goals and challenges to provide personalized support. You’ll have one-on-one check-ins and wraparound guidance through the entire process. 

We also offer free access to TimelyCare—a virtual health and well-being platform providing 24/7 emotional support without requiring insurance. 

6. Generating Experience and Skill Building 

Post-bac programs should help you become a more competitive applicant beyond grades and test scores. Clinical or research experience, internships and skill-building seminars can distinguish you from other applicants. 

Our program begins in January and ends in December, giving you time to take courses and develop essential professional skills. Our seminars include medical terminology, study strategies, narrative writing and application preparation. You can also select one of three summer learning tracks: 

• Clinical Track: Participate in the 11-week UC Davis EMT program
• Health Equity Track: Intern at a community health or dental partner clinic
• Research Track: Work in a lab or research project that fits your interests 

7. Networking 

Connections can be just as important as credentials. Some programs offer linkage agreements, while others bring in guest speakers and alumni to expand your reach. 

In our program, our students connect with regional professionals through guest speakers from institutions like the UC Davis School of Medicine. You’ll also have exclusive access to our Pre-Health Conference Meet & Greet—an intimate opportunity to engage with admissions representatives from schools across the country before the event. It’s your chance to build connections and ask meaningful questions about your candidacy. 

8. Class Size 

A smaller class size fosters connection and support. While not all UC Davis courses are small, many classes are, making it easier to build relationships with classmates and interact with professors. 

Our students frequently mention how accessible faculty are—and how much it improves their classroom performance. 

9. Cost 

Higher education is a big investment. As you weigh your options, consider the full financial picture—cost, out-of-state fees, aid, scholarships and loans. 

While our program isn’t eligible for federal loans or deferment, you can use private loans and apply for scholarships. Visit our Financing Your Education page to learn more about your options. For non-California residents, our program offers a significant benefit: there are no additional out-of-state fees, which can often double the cost of in-state tuition.

10. Success Rate 

What can you expect to gain from a post-bac? The answer often depends on what you put into it—but the results speak volumes. 

Our program boasts a 92% matriculation rate to health professional schools, including UC Davis, UCSF, UC San Diego, USC, UC Irvine, Penn State, Loyola Stritch, Albert Einstein, Rush Medical and Temple University. Students report an average GPA of 3.8 and an average MCAT score of 508. 

Explore our student outcomes and hear from program alumni about the success they’ve achieved.