A group photo of the 2022 Cohort of PREP 2022 students

Juniors, Seniors, and Recent College Graduates

UCLA Pre-Medical Enrichment Program

PREP is a 5-week intensive summer program that provides premedical students with the means to strengthen their ability and readiness to study medicine. Full participation in the PREP program allows participants to enhance their chances of being accepted to medical school and succeeding once there.  PREP is designed to support students who have experienced social, economic, or educational disadvantage in their journey to medical education. The program prepares students through academic enrichment, personal development, MCAT review sessions, longitudinal application support, focus on health disparities, interview skills and practice, and longitudinal mentorship. 

Important dates

December 1, 2022 - Application Opens
March 30, 2023 at 11:59pm PST - Application Closes
April 30, 2023 - Decisions Released

program dates

Virtual MCAT Bootcamp: July 17, 2023 - July 21, 2023 (8am-4pm PST)
In-Person: July 24, 2023 - August 18, 2023 (8am - 5pm PST)

  • Move-in: Sunday, July 23, 2023
  • Move-Out: Saturday, August 19, 2023

About UCLA PREP

Personal Development

Scholars will discuss mental health, imposter syndrome, and other critical topics to ensure they have the skills to thrive in medical school. Scholars participate in panels with medical professionals and PREP alumni discussing pathways to medical school, student life, medical school curriculum, and career paths. Scholars will strengthen their passion for medicine and find a community of peers to support them along their journey.

MCAT Bootcamp and Review 

Scholars will participate in daily MCAT review sessions that cover the following topics: Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. In these sessions, scholars will refresh their knowledge, develop strategies, and identify areas to focus on during their individual MCAT Preparation. In addition, scholars will take two full-length practice MCAT exams during the program to show their development over time. UCLA PREP is not a test preparation program and applicants are advised that independent study time is limited.

Focus on Health Disparities

Scholars develop statistical and analytical skills through working on a small group project related to describing and developing an understanding of the health issues and epidemiology of underserved communities. Scholars will then specify an underserved community and present a health intervention to ameliorate some of the community's health issues.

Academic Enrichment

Scholars will take part in workshops that encourage development of their time management, test taking skills, and note taking skills. Scholars will also participate in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum in which they will study clinical cases and develop an action plan to solve the clinical case. PBL will reinforce concepts of physical sciences (physics and general chemistry), biology, & organic chemistry lectures.

Ongoing Application Support

Admissions professionals will provide scholars with presentations to better understand medical school requirements so they can develop their plan for Medical School applications. Scholars will participate in individual advisement sessions that will explore their motivations and intentions surrounding their career choice as well as strengthen their application planning. Beyond PREP, scholars will keep in touch with staff to check-in about their application plans and have a space to ask questions they may have. 

 

Longitudinal Mentorship

During the program, scholars will be paired with a DGSOM Staff, Faculty, and Students who will serve as their mentor during the program. Scholars will maintain this mentor relationship beyond the 4-week program, to ensure the scholar as an ongoing support system.

Program Cost

There is no tuition fee or application costs to participate in the program. Stipend and Housing (including meals) options will be available to our participants. The amount may vary depending on funding availability.

Program participant will be responsible for any travel and personal expense(s) incurred while attending the program. 

Student Eligibility

Students are eligible for UCLA PREP if they have not previously applied to medical school. Community college students, non-California residents, and post-baccalaureate students are eligible to apply.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Applicants must come from an educationally or economically disadvantaged background.
  • Applicants must be U.S citizens, hold a permanent residency or have documentation of approved eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the State of California
  • Minimum 2.8 Cumulative GPA
  • Applicants should have not taken the MCAT before June 15, 2022
  • Two letters of recommendation, one from a science professor and one from a counselor/premedical advisor or employer/internship recommend participation in the PREP program.
    • All letters of recommendation must be received by the deadline of March 30, 2023
  • Demonstrated interest in addressing issues affecting underserved populations in healthcare.
  • Compelling personal statement (PDF Format)

Application Process

Personal Statement Prompt: (To be uploaded with your application) 
Please describe your personal, family, and community background; your motivation for medical career; what you have done to develop your interest and knowledge of modern medicine; and what you hope to accomplish by participation in UCLA PREP (minimum 1000 words, maximum 1500, PDF Format only).

PREP 2023 Application

Apply Now

All inquiries regarding the status of the application and receipt of supplemental documents must be directed to UCLAPrep@mednet.ucla.edu 

If you need additional support, our team will be available live via zoom during our drop-in hours on Thursdays at 1:00pm-2:00pm PST. See link in the bottom of this webpage to register.

Campus Health and Safety Precautions

Summer 2023 Programs

In addition to UC’s vaccination requirement, the campus has implemented a number of health and safety protocols designed to keep the Bruin community safe this fall. For a full list of these protocols, see our UCLA COVID protocols page.

All students participating in SHPEP, PREP, and RAP are expected to comply with UC health and safety protocols to participate in our programs.

Please see current precautions, requirements, and information for students.

See student requirements

PREP Program FAQs

PREP Participants can choose to either receive a stipend at the end of the program or get pre-arranged housing (including meals). Housing arrangements will be a double-room occupancy shared with one other participant. Housing will be located at one of the UCLA Dorms.

Students who have a GPA that is slightly lower than 2.8 (for Juniors and Seniors), but have demonstrated a strong interest in the Medical profession, are encouraged to apply.

Yes!

Students can only participate in the program once.

A maximum of 40 students are accepted to participate every summer.

PREP's curriculum covers MCAT components and general test-taking skills.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process.  Only admitted students are required to send official transcripts. PDF Format only

Yes. PREP requires current transcripts for each application year.

Yes. An unofficial transcript is required from each U.S., U.S. territorial, and Canadian institution at which you have attempted coursework. PDF Format only

An applicant may submit either last year’s form or complete the FAFSA form.

Preferred letter writers will be your academic advisor, professor, employer, or professional mentor. Current or previous.

DGSOM employees at an event

Pre-Health Virtual Office Hours and Guidance Appointments

Have questions? Connect with our staff to learn about DGSOM medical tracks, pre-health summer programs, and postbacc programs.

Learn more

Office of Outreach and Pathway Programs

Location: Geffen Hall, Suite 305
Main Number: (310) 825-3575
Email: UCLAPrep@mednet.ucla.edu

Pre-Health Opportunities

Pre-Health Guidance Center

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