Post-Baccalaureate Program: Overview

The Post-Baccalaureate program at Rutgers-Newark is designed for the individual possessing a non-science bachelor's degree from an accredited university with at least a "B" grade point average and is now seriously considering a career in the medical profession. Applicants are expected to have completed college-level courses in mathematics (at least through pre-calculus) and also have evidence of volunteer or paid service in the medical field.

Medical colleges generally require the following undergraduate science courses for admission:

• 2 semesters of General Biology with laboratory (8 credits)
• 1 additional semester of biology with laboratory (4 credits)
• 2 semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory (10 credits)
• 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry with laboratory (10 credits)
• 2 semesters of Physics with laboratory (10 credits)
• 1 or 2 semesters of Mathematics (3-6 credits), usually through Pre-calculus This requirement varies with certain schools and may require Calculus. Students are encouraged to consult with individual schools for specific entrance requirements.

These courses should be completed in 16 months to 2 years with at least a "B" average and in advance of the nationwide standardized examinations.

For Admission to...	Take Standardized Test
Allopathic, Osteopathic and Podiatric Schools	Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Dental Schools	Dental Admission Test (DAT)
Optometry Schools	Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
Veterinary Schools	Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) - OR - Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Rutgers-Newark offers continuous services including tutorial assistance and advisement focused on preparing students for admission to professional schools.

Post-Baccalaureate Program: Applying

Before applying to the program, it is suggested that students first consider making an appointment for an in-person visit with an admissions officer at a medical school to determine the best way to enhance acceptance to the school. It is recommended that the student bring transcripts and other pertinent information so that a full evaluation can be conducted. This is especially important for students with weak undergraduate records.

Apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Program through University College - Newark as a non-matriculated student. It is possible to change your matriculation status after completing some courses. Students are reviewed for admission in accordance with the standards for University College and includes GPA, grade trend and completed courses.

Apply online using the Undergraduate Admission Application. Under the Newark Campus, select "Not working toward a degree" (non matriculating) and select University College-Newark as your college choice. Individuals in the post-baccalaureate program are registered as non-degree students. Regarding the personal statement on the bottom of the application, indicate that you are a post-baccalaureate applicant. Apart from the application and fee, you are required to submit either official college transcripts or a copy of a diploma to confirm the degree earned. High school transcripts are not required.

Post-Baccalaureate Program: Requirements

Pre-Health File
Enrolled students should open a Pre-Health File with the Pre-Health Office during their first semester at Rutgers-Newark. The enrollment fee for the program is $300 payable to "Rutgers University". Students first come to the Pre-Health Office for the fee form when a file is opened. There are also additional fees for letters of recommendation. The fee schedule is available in the Pre-Health Office.

Individuals are expected to maintain a 3.4 cumulative grade point average in order to remain in the program and receive a composite letter of recommendation as required by the medical schools. It is the obligation of the student to update and complete their Pre-Health file at least 6 weeks before requesting the office submit recommendation letters.

Courses
Students accepted into this day-session program pursue a rigorous 38 credit accelerated curriculum in biology, chemistry and physics. The following Rutgers-Newark courses satisfy the general requirements of most medical colleges:

Requirement	Credits	Rutgers-Newark Course(s)
2 semesters of General Biology with lab	8 credits	General Biology I (120:101, 4 credits) General Biology II (120:102, 4 credits)
1 additional semester of Biology with lab	4 credits	Any 4-credit biology course including lecture and lab
2 semesters of General Chemistry with lab	10 credits	General Chemistry Lecture I (160:115, 4 credits)1 General Chemistry Lab I (160:113, 1 credit) General Chemistry Lecture II (160:116, 4 credits) General Chemistry Lab II (160:114, 1 credit)2
2 semesters of Organic Chemistry with lab	10 credits	Organic Chemistry Lecture I (160:335, 4 credits)3 Organic Chemistry Lecture II (160:336, 4 credits)3 Organic Chemistry Lab (160:331, 2 credits)4
2 semesters of Physics with lab	10 credits	General Physics Lecture I (750:203, 4 credits)5 Introductory Physics Lab I (750:205, 1 credit) General Physics Lecture II (750:205, 4 credits)5 Introductory Physics Lab II (750:206, 1 credit) - OR - University Physics Lecture I (750:213, 4 credits)6 Introductory Physics Lab I (750:205, 1 credit) University Physics Lecture II (750:214, 4 credits)6 Introductory Physics Lab II (750:206, 1 credit)
1 or 2 semesters of Mathematics (usually through Precalculus)7	3-6 credits	Precalculus (640:114) - OR - Unified Calculus (640:135)

¹The prerequisites for General Chemistry Lecture I are 1 year high school chemistry (or equivalent), AND College Algebra (640:113).
²The prerequisites for General Chemistry Lecture II are 1 year high school chemistry (or equivalent), AND Precalculus (640:114).
³The prerequisites for Organic Chemistry Lecture I/II are General Chemistry Lecture I AND II.
⁴The prerequisite course for Organic Chemistry Lab is one semester of Organic Chemistry Lecture I OR II.
⁵The prerequisite course for Rutgers General Physics Lecture I/II is Precalculus (640:114).
⁶The prerequisite or corequisite course for University Physics Lecture I/II is Unified Calculus (640:135 AND 640:136).
⁷This requirement varies with certain schools and may require Calculus. Students are encouraged to consult with individual schools for specific entrance requirements.

Typical Programs
Plan A: 38 credits completed in 16 months:

• Summer Session: General Chemistry with lab (10 cr.)
• Academic Year: Organic Chemistry with lab (10 cr.) and General Biology with lab (8 cr.)
• Summer Session: Physics (10 cr.) and MCAT (or other standardized test).

Plan B: 38 credits completed in 2 years:

• Academic Year 1: General Biology with lab (8 cr.), Gen. Chemistry with lab (10 cr.) and additional credits (if required).
• Academic Year 2: Organic Chemistry with lab (10 cr.), Physics with lab (10 cr.) and MCAT (or other standardized test).

Note: Plan B is also suitable for professional schools requiring additional credits. Students may elect to attend summer session or enroll in more courses as needed during the academic year.

Registration
Accepted students should register for courses as soon as possible. Courses often close early and registration in any particular course is not guaranteed.

Post-Baccalaureate Program: Linkage Program

Click HERE for information regarding the Linkage Program with New Jersey Medical School.

Please be informed that students in the Post-Baccalaureate Program are NOT automatically "linked" and are considered as "linkage applicants". The decision is ultimately made by NJMS when the preparatory courses are completed and the MCAT score is submitted. Competitive students should have at least a 3.6 GPA in the sciences completed exclusively at Rutgers with no "C" grades and a MCAT no less than 32.

Note: Students are urged to enroll in additional courses beyond those listed in the link (above) such as Foundations of Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry to enhance their preparation for medical school. Individuals missing the spring deadline for the MCAT should consider additional coursework in the sciences while studying for the MCAT.

This year the deadline for taking the MCAT is the last testing date in May, May 28, 2009. However, linkage program students are urged to take the test as early as possible.

Students must complete the AMCAS application only to New Jersey Medical School by March 1st of the second year in the post-baccalaureate program. In addition, students must request that New Jersey Medical School provide an AMCAS application deadline extension.

Students are expected to promptly supply all materials requested by the Admissions Committee.

Note: All final admission decisions are at the sole discretion of New Jersey Medical School Admissions Committee.