Post-Baccalaureate Program
The deadline has passed and the application is now closed.
Post-Bac Information Sessions
Join us for a Post-Bac Information Session to learn more about the application requirements, selection criteria and to meet program faculty.
About the Post-Baccalaureate (Post-bac)
The Post-Bac at UNR Med provides prospective medical school applicants, whose cumulative undergraduate GPA may be less competitive for admission, with an alternative pathway.
Applicants selected for the Post-Bac spend one year completing 32 credits of individually assigned upper division science coursework and preparing for the MCAT. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, Post-Bacs receive admission to the School of Medicine for the following year. These requirements include a 3.5 program GPA, an MCAT of 500 or above, and the following:
- Attendance at monthly advising meetings with UNR Med’s Learning Specialist
- Completion of MCAT Prep coursework
- Attendance and active participation in team-based-learning seminars to sharpen study skills and professional competencies
Post-Bac Year 1
- August-May: Complete 32 credits of upper division coursework and prepare for the MCAT.
- May-July: Take MCAT and apply to UNR Med
Post-Bac Year 2
- August-July: Gap year
- August: Start Medical School
Application Requirements
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the U.S. or a DACA recipient.
- Nov 15: Application Opens
- January 12: Application Deadline
- February 1: Interview Selection Notification
- March 15: Decision Notifications
- April 1: Post-Bac admits complete fall registration.
Completion of bachelor's degree by May 2023 with:
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.80 and 3.40, or
- GPA of 3.0 in the last 30 credits of college coursework
Post-Bac applicants must demonstrate foundational knowledge in the natural sciences along with critical thinking, reasoning and communication skills. The following prerequisites must be completed upon applying:
- 15 credits in biological sciences
- 8 credits in general chemistry
- 8 credits in organic chemistry
- 8 credits in physics
- 3 credits in psychology or sociology
UNR Med requires and will review, three letters of evaluation, including one clinical letter and one academic letter that are written within six months of submitting the Post-Bac application.
One (1) Clinical Letter of Evaluation
UNR Med prefers that the clinical letter of evaluation be written by a practicing physician, but will accept letters written by other healthcare professionals who can evaluate, based upon direct observation, an applicant’s interactions with patients, physicians, or other healthcare professionals; who can address an applicant’s passion for medicine; who can evaluate an applicant’s understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being a physician; and who can provide an informed evaluation of the candidate’s interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, and other professional competencies such as reliability, teachability, and adaptability.
One (1) Academic Letter of Evaluation
The academic evaluation should be written by faculty member or instructor who has directly observed an applicant’s commitment to academic excellence, to lifelong learning, and to applying and sharing their knowledge. Writers are invited to speak to the applicant’s experiences in the classroom, research lab, or as a teaching assistant or tutor and should evaluate competencies that directly impact academic performance such as dedication, collaboration, and capacity to improve.
One (1) Other Letter of Evaluation
The third required letter may be a second clinical or academic letter, but can also be written by someone who can evaluate an applicant’s communication and social skills, pre-professional competencies, personal attributes, and how their life experiences have prepared them for success in medical school and as a future physician.
Post-Bac Tuition and Fees
Credits taken in the Post-Bac program are assessed based upon residency status as undergraduate credits and include all mandatory fees. Eligibility for in-state tuition is determined by the university’s Office of Admissions & Records based upon information submitted on the NSHE Residency Form. This form is collected as part of the application process.
Admissions Review Process
The UNR Med Admissions process is mission-based, competency-focused and holistic that enrolls a maximum of 10 Post-Bac students per year. We strongly encourage applications from Nevada residents who are members of groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine or from medically underserved rural or low-income communities. Applications are assessed for the following:
- Demonstrated potential for success in the Post-Bac. This may include evidence of an upward grade trend, time management skills, a growth mindset, self-awareness, resilience, persistence, and a capacity to improve.
- A mature passion for medicine that is informed through exposure to the field and clinical experiences, including patient interactions.
- A demonstrated service orientation that includes serving individuals from vulnerable and underserved populations with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
- A commitment to UNR Med’s mission to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities, and to our institutional culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Development of AAMC’s Core Pre-Professional Competencies including cultural competence, ethical responsibility, reliability, dependability, teamwork and social skills.
Questions?
- Attend a Post-bac Information Session.
- For additional questions or to receive updated program information, please email the UNR MED Office of Admissions.