What Students Are Saying

UC San Diego's post baccalaureate program did much more than give me a chance to even consider applying to medical school; it set me up for success during and after medical school. The program did more than strengthen my CV and application, it provided me with the academic foundation for medical school material and taught me how to study effectively. Because of this, I was able to study well during school and maintain my own well being. I ultimately graduated and was awarded the AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement. I also happily matched my first choice in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. This was all a lot of hard work, but undoubtedly the foundations of my achievements today rest on the post baccalaureate program and mentors.

Laurel Ball, MD, Resident, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati

As I enter my second month of medical school, I'd like to take a minute of your time to praise the UCSD Premedical Postbaccaluarete Program, its staff, and its past alumni. Without the support of this amazing program and its leadership I truly don't believe that I could be a successful medical student. During my premedical journey at UCLA, I often felt lost, and unsupported, and made out to think of myself as a number in a system filled with others like myself. In 2020, I made the decision to apply to UCSD. The moment I clicked "Submit" was the start of this amazing journey I am currently on.

At the beginning of the program, I was nervous- feelings of imposter syndrome took over. I felt like my identity as a Latino and my socioeconomic status at the time would hinder me from doing well at UCSD, much as it did at UCLA. To my surprise, however, I was met with overwhelming amounts of support that ultimately helped me traverse the challenging curriculum. My mentors took the time to understand me and my ambitions. The faculty helped me navigate the application process. And, my fellow students created a support group that I will cherish as I move into the next steps toward my Medical Degree. All in all, I believe that UCSD and the school's amazing faculty have helped me realize my potential as a student and future doctor.

Aaron Joseph Knuteson, 1st Year Medical Student at Washington University in St. Louis

As I prepare to start my journey at my dream medical school, UC San Diego School of Medicine, I look back with extreme gratitude for the UCSD Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program. Graduating from my undergraduate institution, I never would have envisioned being on the path I am now. Coming from a first generation, low-income background there were many unexpected hurdles I faced during my college career. I graduated feeling lost and that I would never achieve my dream of becoming a physician due to my struggle as a student. However, the UCSD Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program gave me a second chance.

Through the support of the staff, students, alumni, and professors, I learned they believed in my ability to succeed more than I believed in myself at that time. I am forever grateful for their encouragement as it helped me create a foundation of confidence in myself as a student. Through the post baccalaureate program, I was able to refine my studying skills and build a network of support that allowed me to succeed. I wholeheartedly believe that a big part of my success at being admitted into medical school lies in the support and opportunities from the post baccalaureate program. Now, as I prepare to start medical school, I feel confident that I will be a strong student due to the invaluable foundation knowledge I gained and the community of support I created. I will forever be thankful for being given the chance to be a part of the UCSD Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program.

Clarissa Camarena

Being in a small cohort of individuals all working toward the same goal fosters an environment of support and enables success. The Post Bacc Premed program builds a community through faculty members, advisors and students that have one another to look to for help, guidance and strength in order to achieve the best possible results.

Sarah Watler

The UC San Diego Post Bacc Premed Program provided an environment that allowed me to became very comfortable studying in groups and I realized this type of studying helped me learn the material much better. All 29 people in my cohort developed great bonds and I felt like I could reach out to them whenever I had questions or need support.

Michael McCreery

As a cohort, we were extremely close and I truly benefited from the close nature of the class. As I progressed through the application process, the importance of teamwork within the medical field has only become more evident.

Ian Simpson-Shelton

When I started volunteering at a community clinic, I saw the great work that doctors were doing to serve the diverse population of San Diego. Seeing the positive impact that physicians were having in the community inspired me to want to do the same. My experience in the Post Bacc year was rewarding and I would definitely encourage other students to experience it themselves.

Gerardo Lopez

I enjoyed shadowing at the UC San Diego Neurology Clinic as well as volunteering at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. I was surprised by the friendships I made with students outside the Post Bacc program while volunteering and taking classes with the undergraduate students at UC San Diego.

Kiana Choo