Director's Message
Thank you for your interest in the Tufts Post-baccalaureate Premedical Program.
If you are a college graduate looking to complete course requirements for applying to a variety of health professions graduate programs, you are in the right place.
Typically, there are two types of post-bacc programs: career-changer programs and academic enhancement programs. Career-changer programs are for students who already have an undergraduate degree but need to take pre-requisite coursework for the first time to be eligible to apply to health professions schools. Academic enhancement programs are for students who have already taken the majority of their pre-health prerequisite coursework as an undergraduate student but need to improve their science GPA. Tufts is a career-changer program and accepts students who have not already taken the majority of their prerequisite coursework.
There are many post-bacc programs and not every program is for every student--you want the program where you think you will excel academically and feel positive about your experience. Consider these questions as you research programs:
- Do I need a structured program where there is a cohort of students whom I will get to know?
- Do I need some flexibility in terms of how many courses I take at a time, or how slowly or quickly I move through the program?
- Do I need access to an array of academic supports such as tutoring, study skills support, etc.?
- Do I need access to individualized expert advising from someone who will help me map out my plan?
- Do I need easy access to faculty so I can learn as much as possible and establish relationships that can result in letters of recommendation?
- Do I need a program that offers preparation for the standardized test I will have to take?
- Do I need easy access to volunteer and/or paid opportunities in healthcare to help build that aspect of my candidacy?
- Do I want programming where admissions deans, alums, or other speakers help me better understand my path?
- Do I have the financial resources to pay for a structured, small, private school program?
