Program Overview
Since 1972, the Bryn Mawr Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program has empowered people to change careers and become catalysts for positive change in healthcare. After a 12-month period of intensive, full-time study of the required premed coursework, regular clinical volunteer experiences, and co-curricular programming, Bryn Mawr's postbacs are prepared for the challenges of medical school—and beyond. Please visit their website for more information about the program and the admissions process.
Questions and Answers
- Does your program have a special focus?
Yes, the program is for "career changers" who wish to take undergraduate-level premedical courses for the first time. Students are generally new to science and have taken few, if any, premedical courses. Applicants will be considered if they will have completed a bachelor’s degree by the time the postbac program starts and they have a very strong academic record in college.
- Is your program degree- or certificate-granting?
No, the program is non-degree or certificate-granting.
- How long does it take to complete your program?
The program can be completed in 12 months.
- Does your program require part-time or full-time attendance?
The program is designed for full-time students only.
- Are classes offered in the evening, on weekends, or online?
Classes occur in person during daylight hours. Some coursework may have an online component. The Review & Reinforcement sessions provide guided support for practice problems and are led by former postbacs. These sessions are offered both in-person and virtually. This is not an online or weekend program.
- Is there a deadline to apply?
Early action (decision by mid-December) deadline is October 1. Regular decision deadline is mid-February.
- Are there fees to apply to your program?
There is a $40 fee payable via PostbacCAS.
- Does your program offer shadowing or promote interaction with physicians?
The Bryn Mawr program has an advisor designated to helping students find clinical experience as well as a rich network of information from postbacs who have worked with patients at various sites in the past. Bryn Mawr students have a reputation for being driven and industrious and therefore, many programs reach out to the school for student recruits.
- How does your program support students with the medical school application process?
Advising staff support postbacs during the entire application process from start to finish. We employ a “W.I.S.E.” philosophy of advising: Welcoming, Individualized, Strategic, Experienced.
- After completing the program, what percentage of students matriculate to medical school?
Over the last 5 years, 95-99% of students completing the Bryn Mawr program have been accepted into medical school.
- Is your program linked to any medical schools? If so, what school(s)?
Yes, please see the current list of Linkage Partners.
- If your school has a linkage agreement, how does it function?
Students go through a detailed advising process in the early months of the program to determine if they would be a strong candidate for linkage and to decide which one of our 15 linkage partners is a good fit. The linkage application is a commitment to attend, if accepted. Applicants apply in December of their postbac year, with interviews in January-February and an admissions decision reached in March-April. Continued strong academic work, and sometimes an MCAT score, are needed before acceptance becomes final.
- Is federal financial aid available or does your school offer any type of financial aid?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify for federal student loans. We also offer need-based scholarships to qualified applicants which alleviate costs in the final semester of the program. In addition, students may choose to work as paid peer tutors or in other positions supporting the program.
- Does your program accept international students?
International and DACA students are eligible to apply. Bryn Mawr strongly encourages international applicants to be informed of the facts surrounding international applicants to medical school prior to applying to the program. Visit the AAMC website for more information about Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant.
- How can students learn more about your program?
Visit Bryn Mawr Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program.
A Student's Perspective: Juan C. Garcia
I spent five years in management consulting before pursuing a career in medicine. The Bryn Mawr Postbac Program exceeded my expectations. The coursework was rigorous and thoughtfully curated, and the faculty were truly exceptional.
Beyond the classroom, we were connected to a wide range of volunteer and research opportunities. The support was unwavering. Through a new medical assistant volunteer partnership with Bryn Mawr Hospital, I was able to obtain hands-on clinical experience while attending the program.
When it came time for the MCAT and medical school applications, I had access to top study resources and personalized advising. I felt confident and prepared on test day and in interviews. What stood out most was the student cohort: extraordinary classmates – and now lifelong friends – deeply committed to becoming compassionate, exemplary physicians.
I began medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in August 2025 through a linkage program and I carry forward everything Bryn Mawr reinforced in me: a strong academic foundation, a commitment to patient-centered care, and confidence in this next step of my medical journey.
For more information on postbaccalaureate programs, visit the following resources: