Frequently Asked Questions

While they are completely separate programs, and, at the core, the most significant difference is that the LKSOM Pre-Medical Post Baccalaureate Program is for students interested in medicine and applying only to LKSOM. Acceptance into LKSOM program includes a conditional acceptance into the school of medicine on successful completion, without a growth year.

The CST Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is for applicants who wish to apply to a variety of health professions (medicine, dentistry, podiatry, physician assistant and pharmacy), and to apply broadly to other medical schools (including LKSOM).

In terms of curriculum, the Basic Core program (BCHS-BCMS) is identical for students from CST and LKSOM. Students from both cohorts attend lectures and labs together in classes customized for our post bac students only, and taught at the Main Campus by CST Faculty.

The CST Advanced Core (ACHS) curriculum is taught by the LKSOM faculty and the CST faculty on Main Campus. ACHS students attend lectures and seminars together as a cohort in classes for our post bac students only.The LKSOM Advanced Core (ACMS) curriculum is taught entirely at the Health Science Campus by LKSOM faculty.

The CST Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program has linkages with 4 medical schools, a podiatry school, and a pharmacy school. For pre-dental students we have an affiliation with the Philadelphia FIGHT family dentistry program. Our pre-physician assistant program offers application and student support opportunities.

Yes, students can apply to both BCHS/BCMS and ACHS/ACMS programs.

The Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is a non-degree, non-certificate granting customized post baccalaureate program for college graduates interested in applying to various health professions, medicine, dentistry, podiatry, pharmacy and/or physician assistant. We offer two (2) tracks: the career changer track (basic core in the health sciences [BCHS]) and the academic enhancer track (advanced core in the health sciences [ACHS]).

Learn more about our tracks

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 requirements when completing his/her baccalaureate degree, whereas the academic enhancement track is for students who have taken those science requirements but who would like to enhance their academic profile by doing additional science coursework to strengthen their science GPAs and prepare for required standardized testing.

Both tracks offer a structured course of study with customized courses and labs, recitations, tutoring, and standardized test preparation. Students attend all classes, labs, recitations as a cohort and only post bacc students are enrolled in these courses. There is a formal admission process for this program that includes an interview by invitation. We provide assistance with all the elements of the medical/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 post baccs, with a customized curriculum that is mapped to include the topics covered in standardized tests.

It depends on multiple variables, such as how many courses you have taken, when you took the course(s), what grade(s) you received. 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 tutoring integrated into the class schedule. We offer our post bacc students group tutoring twice per week and individual tutoring by appointment.

Our program offers standardized test preparation at no additional cost to students. Test preparation is customized with on-campus classes that are integrated throughout the entire length of the program.

Does your post bacc program help students in the application process?

We work closely with each student during the application process, including advising about the timing of the application and selection of schools, reviewing written components of the application such as the personal statement, and writing a committee letter of recommendation.

We require a formal application (including essays), an application fee, three letters of evaluation, official transcripts, resume, and standardized test scores such as SAT/ACT. We also request that students send their scores on any health professional school standardized tests (eg, MCAT, DAT, GRE), but these are not required for admission to either track of our program.

Successful applicants to our program typically have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above, a documented history of service, knowledge of the health career profession, and strong letters of recommendation. They also have resilience, integrity, dedication, and respect for others.

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

AMCAS Course Classification Guide

The BCHS application typically opens November 1 and closes late February/early March. The ACHS application typically opens mid-late October and closes late May/early June. Please click here for specific dates. Applicants typically receive invitations to interview within 2-3 weeks after their application has been processed and decisions regarding acceptance 2-3 weeks after interviews.

What is a linkage agreement?

A linkage agreement is a formal contract between a post baccalaureate program and a health professional 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

1803 N. Broad St.
Carnell Hall, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19122

cst.postbac@temple.edu

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