Post baccalaureate premedical programs cater to students who are pursuing a career in medicine and have already received their bachelor’s degree. There are two traditional types of post baccalaureate programs: First, there are those that offer students the opportunity to complete the science courses necessary for a medical school application. Second, there are those that help students improve their grade point averages. In the latter case, students have completed the required pre-medical coursework, but want to improve their academic records in order to become more competitive in the medical school application process. There are other less common post baccalaureate programs that are devoted to helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are from underrepresented groups.
It is important for post baccalaureate pre medical applicants to consider the courses they have completed before applying to a post baccalaureate program. Because some are intended to offer science curriculum to those who have not had it, while others act as academic-record enhancers, being in the right school is critical. Along those lines, those seeking to improve their academic records should ensure that the American Medical School Application Service (AMCAS®) optimally classifies the post baccalaureate program’s classes. In other words, not all courses in a post baccalaureate program may be considered BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics and math) by AMCAS®. A student should ensure s/he understands the school’s course classifications before applying.
As medical schools become increasing popular in the downturned economy, so too will post baccalaureate programs. Bright applicants who used to target business school or law degrees are finding those fields unstable and are turning their interest toward medicine. Consequently, stronger candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making professional post baccalaureate premedical and medical school admissions consulting increasingly important in optimizing applications.
Admissions consulting companies come in a variety of forms. Some are larger companies that focus on admissions to several types of graduate programs – not just medicine. Others are smaller companies that provide a medical focus, but have a pool of consultants of varying quality. Finally, elite companies offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients. These professionals are ex-admissions officers from respected medical institutions. They have the inside knowledge of how medical admissions work, providing personalized guidance to optimize candidates’ written materials and interview skills.
Many post baccalaureate applications require a personal statement, updated curriculum vitae and an interview. Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poorly compiled written application materials and inadequate interview skills, a qualified, personalized post baccalaureate premedical school admissions consultant provides a great advantage.
An expert consultant can offer a variety of services to improve a post baccalaureate application:
- Personal statement editing. The post baccalaureate application essay allows the candidate to demonstrate his or her distinctiveness as an applicant. Excellent organization, format, syntax, grammar and spelling are essential.
- Curriculum vitae (C.V.). The C.V. is a standardized medical resume that requires brevity, visual appeal and strong content. The C.V. can also be used for the rest of the applicant’s professional career.
- Mock interviews. Few people would take an important test without practicing first. But many applicants mistakenly arrive at their post baccalaureate interviews unprepared. Being coached by an experienced professional makes an enormous difference in an applicant’s confidence and presentation to the admissions committee.
When choosing a post baccalaureate admissions consulting company, an applicant should verify the company’s references and research its consultants. Elite companies that offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients offer a large advantage for post baccalaureate premedical applicants, especially during these competitive times.
