Phase II:   Fall Quarter Instruction Begins  - September 24,  2009

                  Spring Quarter  Instruction Ends - June 11, 2010

Academic Year (9 Months)

The academic year program is an exciting experience in cognitive and behavioral development and intercultural group bonding.

Postbaccalaureate students enroll in UCSD Revelle College as limited status (non degree) students and are subject to the rules and regulations of the University of California, San Diego. Students take courses on the undergraduate campus, pay the undergraduate tuition rate, and are eligible to use  many  of the University's  resources and student  support services. The UCSD School of Medicine  LMSA and SNMA medical students provide mentoring support, social interaction, and opportunities to participate in educational and community outreach projects.  Counselors from the UCSD Offices of Admissions and Records and  Revelle College, Financial Aid oversee the financial aid and admissions applications of postbaccalaureate students beginning in summer and throughout the academic year. 

The  academic curriculum is the most important component of our students' learning experience.  Each quarter, postbaccalaureate students typically enroll in 12-16 credit units of challenging, upper division science and public health courses. Course selections are made in consultation with the Program Director.  All coursework must be taken for a "letter" grade.  We highly recommend  that you choose a series of courses that provide an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of the sciences that are taught in  medical school.

The most valued biological science courses are  Metabolic Biochemistry, Structural Biochemistry, Endocrinology, Bacteriology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology,  Immunology, Mammalian Physiology I and II, Genetics, Human Reproduction, Molecular Basis of Disease, Microbial Genetics, Protein Trafficking, Virology, Developmental Neurobiology, and Pharmacology.    Opportunities to engage in  independent research  (Biology 199 or Medicine 296) are available for the motivated student with special interests in basic science or public health research.  

Non-science course selections  that provide a comprehensive understanding of the  socio-cultural, psychological, and behavioral factors that infuence individuals and communities include Urban Studies and Planning-Preventive Issues in Health, Psychology courses on Mental Health, Drugs, and Addiction, and Human Sexuality, Ethnic Studies courses, American Sign Language and other language courses, and Cognitive Strategies Instruction.  

A complete listing of courses offered at UCSD can be reviewed in the UCSD web catalog:  http://infopath-1.ucsd.edu/catalog/front/content.html

Academic Expectations

Postbaccalaureate students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework. Students who do not maintain acceptable GPAs are placed on academic probation and, depending upon  academic outcomes at the end of the program, may be encouraged to explore alternative careers.

Student Support Services

Program staff continually work with students to provide the support necessary to maintain good emotional health; to reinforce academic strengths, and identify weaknesses that impede academic progress.  Tutorial Support is provided by the UCSD OASIS Study Management Center and by the postbaccalaureate program science tutor. Students are encouraged to organize peer study groups to augment their learning experience.

Additional support services include  academic year, MCAT preparation workshops, phlebotomy certification, opportunities for clinical volunteer and community outreach experience, basic science research, faculty-student interaction, medical school mock interviews, and Journal Club, an activity designed to promote an interest in public health and health issues prevalent in underserved communities.  Students attend social and unstructured activities such as ethics discussions, conferences and seminars specifically designed to stimulate social awareness and an interest in diversity.

Retention Services

Retention services, for students accepted to medical school, include the eight-week, UCSD School of Medicine Summer Pre-matriculation Program provided to facilitate  students' transition  into the medical school, basic science curriculum.

Housing

On-campus housing is not provided during the academic-year component of the program. We will provide you with general information about housing options in the La Jolla/San Diego area, however, arranging and paying for housing during this phase of the program is the responsibility of the student.

Contact UCSD Commuter Student Services and Office Campus Housing: http://offcampushousing.ucsd.edu or (858) 534-3670.

Financial Aid

The cost of attending the Postbaccalaureate Program for California residents is about $23,760. (This includes an annual registration fee of $8,062, and $15,698 to cover the cost of insurance, books, and housing for the year.) Postbaccalaureate (limited status) students are eligible to apply for the FAFSA loan for the first year of the program.  FAFSA regulations for dependent students limit financial aid assistance to $5,500; independent students can receive up to $10,500.  Accepted students can apply for FAFSA loans online before enrolling in the Summer MCAT Program.  The UCSD federal school code is 00317.  Students matriculating in the two-year Postbaccalaureate Program must secure "private" loans to pay for the second year.

Note: Students admitted to the University are required to purchase health insurance. (To be eligible for the health insurance waiver, students must show proof of current health insurance coverage.) 

See UCSD Financial Aid website: http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/finaid/

Partial funding provided by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Professions Diversity