The UC Santa Cruz Postbacc Program offers linkages to medical schools for qualifying students who meet program requirements, with priority given to those enrolled in a cohort program.
If you are an enrolled student in our program and are interested in linkage opportunities, please discuss your options with your pre-health advisor.
Students who have completed the Postbacc program with a GPA of 3.0 and above and MCAT of 495 and above who meet AUA’s admission requirements will be guaranteed admission to AUA’s MD program. This opportunity includes benefits such as waived application fees, an expedited admissions process, and the possibility of receiving a $5,000 Preferred Program Grant. AUA has clinical affiliations with teaching hospitals in the United States, including five in California.
Students who complete the UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbacc Program are guaranteed an interview with SABA. Additionally, SABA has clinical affiliations with teaching hospitals across the United States.
Students who complete the UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbacc Program are guaranteed an interview with MUA. MUA also has clinical affiliations with teaching hospitals across the United States.
For students who may not have gained admission to U.S. medical schools due to GPA, MCAT scores, or other factors, Caribbean medical schools offer a viable alternative. These institutions provide an opportunity to earn an MD degree through a more flexible admissions process.
Caribbean medical schools provide structured support to help students excel in the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams, which are essential for securing residency placements. Through dedicated review courses, practice exams, and faculty mentorship, students receive the guidance needed to master these critical licensing exams.
Many Caribbean institutions have established affiliations with U.S. hospitals, allowing students to complete core and elective rotations in clinical settings across the country. This hands-on experience not only enhances clinical proficiency but also strengthens residency applications for U.S. placements by providing opportunities to network with faculty and program directors.
While some U.S. medical schools require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a domestic institution, our established pathway agreements with select accredited international medical schools offer a compelling alternative. These partnerships grant qualified students guaranteed interviews and admissions into medical school. By creating a seamless bridge into the American healthcare system, these invaluable opportunities empower international students and career changers to navigate competitive U.S. residencies with confidence and support.
UC Santa Cruz partners with UC Davis to launch new Central Coast medical program. Click here to read the announcement.
