Frequently Asked Questions

While they are completely separate programs, the most significant difference is that the LKSOM Pre-Medical Post Baccalaureate Advanced Core (ACMS) Program includes a conditional acceptance into LKSOM on successful completion, without a growth year.

The CST Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is for applicants who wish to apply more broadly, to a variety of medical schools, to link to one of our linkage partners, or apply early decision to the school of their choice. Our program does not include a conditional acceptance to LKSOM.

The CST Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program has linkages with 4 medical schools. To apply, click here.

The Basic Core of Medical Sciences (BCMS) Career Changer program at LKSOM is no longer being offered. However, the CST BCHS program is still being offered. You can apply here.

Yes, students can apply to both the ACHS and ACMS programs.

The Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is a non-degree, certificate-granting structured post baccalaureate program for college graduates interested in applying to various health professions, including medicine, dentistry, podiatry, pharmacy and/or physician assistant.

Generally, the target population of these two tracks differs. The career changer track is for someone who has taken only a few or no science pre-requisites when completing his/her baccalaureate degree, whereas the academic enhancement track is for students who have taken science pre-requisites but who would like to enhance their academic profile by doing additional science coursework to strengthen their science GPAs and prepare for standardized tests such as the MCAT, DAT, or GRE.

All tracks offer a structured course of study with specialized courses and labs, recitations, academic support, and standardized test preparation. Students attend all classes, labs, recitations as a cohort. Pre-med, pre-dent, and pre-podiatry students attend post-bacc exclusive courses; pre-PA and pre-pharmacy students do take 1-2 courses with other undergraduate students. There is a formal admission process for this program that includes an interview by invitation. Our program provides assistance with all the elements of the professional school application process, including regular one-on-one advising and writing and sending committee letters.

For the purposes of financial aid, Temple CST post bacc students are considered 5th year undergraduates. Students in the BCHS track take the required core undergraduate science courses. Those who are in the ACHS track take upper-level undergraduate biology courses to enhance their academic profiles.

The length of our program varies between tracks. The BCHS program is one full year, spanning four (4) semesters: Summer 1, Summer 2, Fall and Spring. The ACHS program spans two (2) semesters, Fall and Spring.

We do offer shadowing and volunteering opportunities at Temple University Hospital and other organizations. However, we will expect you to have already obtained some of this experience before admission in order to demonstrate that you are making an informed choice in pursuing a health profession.

What is the typical course load for a post bacc student in this program?

Depending on the track, students will take a full course load (3-4 courses) for the academic year. BCHS students take General Chemistry in the summer.

Learn more about our tracks

Our program offers classes exclusively for our pre-med, pre-dent, and pre-podiatry post bacc students, with a customized curriculum that is mapped to include the topics covered in standardized tests. Pre-PA and pre-pharmacy classes are primarily post-bacc exclusive; however, they do take 1-2 classes with other undergraduate students.

It depends on multiple variables, such as how many courses you have taken, when you took the course(s), what grade(s) you received. These variables will be evaluated after your application has been submitted and verified. Once you apply, we will review your entire portfolio to make a decision.

This depends on multiple variables, like when you took the course(s) and the grade(s) you received. Some professional schools allow students to repeat coursework that was completed at least five years prior to enrollment.

We have a full time Learning Skills Specialist with academic support integrated into the class schedule.

Our program offers standardized test preparation at no additional cost to students. Test preparation is customized with MCAT classes that are integrated into the program. Formal online GRE, DAT, and PCAT test preparation is also provided.

What is required to apply to your post bacc program?

  1. A formal verified PostBacCAS application.
    • Personal statement
    • Application fee
    • Official transcripts
  2. Three (3) letters of recommendation. We prefer letter writers submit letters directly to PostBacCAS, however, letters can also be submitted via Interfolio to pbdocs@temple.edu.
  3. If taken, all SAT/ACT score(s). Upload unofficial score report(s) to PostBacCAS.
  4. If taken, all MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE score(s). Upload unofficial score report(s) to PostBacCAS. These are not required for admission to our program.

Successful applicants to our program typically have an average cumulative GPA of 3.2, a documented history of service, knowledge of the health career profession, and strong letters of recommendation. They also exhibit professionalism, resilience, compassion, integrity, dedication, and respect for others.

No. However, SAT/ACT scores are strongly recommended. MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE score(s) are not required for admission to our program, but you are required to report them if you have taken them.

No. However, successful applicants to our program typically have an average cumulative GPA of 3.2.

Yes. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. We prefer letter writers submit letters directly to PostBacCAS, however, letters can also be submitted via Interfolio to pbdocs@temple.edu.

Letters from the following categories are common: health professions advisors, science professors, professors in other disciplines, healthcare professionals, coaches, employers, supervisors, and/or volunteer coordinators.

SGPA is calculated via PostBacCAS using biology, chemistry, math, and physics courses. For more information, visit the AMCAS Course Classification Guide.

  • The BCHS application typically opens around mid-September and closes in March.
  • The ACHS application typically opens around mid-September and closes in May.
  • The Pre-PA application typically opens around mid-September and closes in May.

Please refer to our application in PostBacCAS for specific dates. Applicants typically receive invitations to in-person interviews within 2-3 weeks after their application has been verified by PostBacCAS and decisions regarding acceptance 2-3 weeks after interviews.

Yes. The College of Science and Technology (CST) Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program conducts interviews January through April for the Basic Core and January through June for the Advanced Core.

Interviews are by invitation only. Immediately after your interview, you can expect to receive the Admission Committee decisions within 5-7 business days. Class selection is made on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to complete your application at your earliest convenience, to be considered.

Decisions are communicated via email and sent to the email address listed on your application.

What is a linkage agreement?

A linkage agreement is a formal contract between a post baccalaureate program and a health professions school that allows exceptional students with a strong interest in that school to accelerate the application process.

Each of our linkage agreements guarantees you an interview if you meet the professional school guidelines. You will work closely with your post baccalaureate advisor to determine whether you qualify and the best time to apply.

Students who are part of our program typically have a transitional year, generally referred to as the gap or the glide year, between completion of the program and the time they begin health professional schools.

The growth year is a very useful and productive period for students who have completed this program because it allows time for medical, research, or employment opportunities that help students enhance their applications to health professional school.
Contact Us

Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program
College of Science and Technology
Temple University

1900 North 12th Street
Bio Life Sciences Building, Suite 106
Philadelphia, PA 19122

(215) 204-0621
cst.postbac@temple.edu

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