Pre-Med Summer Program

Designed for Juniors, Seniors, and Recent College Graduates

Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP) is a 6-week intensive summer program that provides pre-med 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.

The Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP) is designed to support students who have experienced social, economic, or educational disadvantages in their journey to medical education.

UCLA Prep Cohort 2023

The Pre-Med Enrichment 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. 

Program Dates:

Jul. 8, 2024 – Aug. 16, 2024

  • Virtual MCAT Review
    • Jul. 8, 2024 –  Jul. 19, 2024
  • In-Person
    • Jul. 22, 2024 – Aug. 16, 2024

Move-in: Sunday, Jul. 21, 2024
Move-Out: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

Important Dates

Application Opens: Dec. 1, 2023
Application Closes: Mar. 1, 2024 @ 11:59PM (PST)
Admission Notification: Apr. 26, 2024

Pre-Med Enrichment Program (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.

Pre-Med Enrichment Program Cost and Expenses

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 for Pre-Med Enrichment Program

Students are eligible for UCLA Pre-Med Enrichment Program 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 July 15, 2024
  • Demonstrated interest in addressing issues affecting underserved populations in healthcare.
  • Compelling personal statement (PDF Format)

Pre-Med Enrichment Program 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).

The applications for the PREP 2024 summer cohort are now closed. We thank you for your interest. The applications for the PREP 2025 summer cohort will open in December 2024.

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 Pre-Med and Pre-Health Drop-In Hours on Thursdays at 1:00pm-2:00pm PST. To sign up for these hours, please sign up below:

Pre-Med and Pre-Health Drop-In Hour

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

Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP) FAQs

Pre Med Enrichment Program 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.

Yes!

Students can only participate in the Pre Med Enrichment Program once.

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

The Pre Med Enrichment Program's curriculum covers MCAT components and general test-taking skills.

There is no need to send official transcripts, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. 

Yes, if you are reapplying to the Pre Med Enrichment Program, you must submit a new completed application with all necessary documents. 

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.

Audience with students

Pre-Med & Pre-Health Guidance Appointments

Have questions? Connect over Zoom with our staff to learn about medical school, 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