Why choose UCSC for your postbacc studies?

  • Flexibility - We offer flexible options to accommodate various schedules, whether you prefer individual courses or a structured cohort experience.
  • Personalized Support - Benefit from individualized advising, MCAT preparation, and cohort-specific resources and mentorship. Diverse Options
  • Diverse Options - Choose between taking individual courses or participating in a structured cohort for a more immersive experience.

Your journey begins here.

The Premed Postbaccalaureate Program at UC Santa Cruz is designed to support you on your journey to medical school. Our mission is to enhance your academic skills, guide your professional goals, and strengthen your medical school application. With personalized guidance and professional development, we provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed — all underpinned by the exceptional resources and standards of the University of California.

Program options

Apply to one of our cohorts or choose only the courses you need in the DIY program.

We hold three hybrid cohorts a year.

  • Silicon Valley Winter Cohort
  • Silicon Valley Summer Cohort
  • Central Coast Summer Cohort

Compare your postbacc program options.

 

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Silicon Valley Cohort

A hybrid cohort for non-traditional students (career changers) and academic enhancers. New cohorts will begin each winter and summer. Applications for the summer 2026 cohort are open.

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Central Coast Cohort

A hybrid cohort for academic enhancers who are California residents committed to practicing in medically underserved communities of California. New cohorts will begin each summer. Applications for the summer 2026 cohort are open.

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DIY Program

A flexible, self-paced option for academic enhancers looking to prepare for medical school without the support of a structured program.

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Apply to a summer 2026 cohort today|

 

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Mentorship Opportunities

Choose from a range of mentorship opportunities to support student professional development.

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Pathways To Medical School

The UCSC Postbacc Program offers linkages to medical schools for qualifying students who meet program requirements, with priority given to those enrolled in a cohort program.

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Premed Postbacc FAQs

Learn about the Premed Postbacc program in an online Q&A Learn how to streamline your path to medical school in one of our upcoming live online meetings with a program leader.

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Book an online one-on-one information session with the program director.
 
Postbacc Inquiry Form

NEW! The High School Health Sciences Pathways Summer Academy

Six weeks of transformative learning, in-person, at the Silicon Valley Campus of UC Santa Cruz
  
Applications Open: Feb. 16, 2026

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