Pre-Med Enrichment Program
Pre-Med Summer Program
Designed for Juniors, Seniors, and Recent College Graduates
The Pre-Medical Enrichment Program (PREP) is a free, six-week intensive summer program for educationally and economically disadvantaged 3rd and 4th year students and recent college graduates that are interested in strengthening their readiness to study medicine. Scholars engage in personal and professional development to enhance their application preparation medical school and develop a community of peers to support them along their journey.
PREP 2026 Program Dates:
July 6, 2026 - August 14, 2026
- Virtual:
- July 6, 2026 - July 17, 2026
- In-Person:
- July 20, 2026 - August 14, 2026
Important Dates for the PREP Application Process
Application Opens:
December 1, 2025
Application Closes:
March 2, 2026 @ 11:59PM (PST)
Interviews (for select candidates only):
March 31, 2026 - April 20, 2026
Admission Notification:
April 24, 2026
Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP)
About PREP:
The Pre-Medical Enrichment Program (PREP) is a free, six-week intensive summer program designed specifically for pre-medical students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Open to third- and fourth-year undergraduates as well as recent college graduates, PREP supports those preparing to apply to medical school by strengthening their academic readiness, professional development, and community support.
Through a rigorous curriculum and immersive programming, PREP equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and mentorship needed to pursue medical education and become impactful leaders in healthcare. The program helps scholars clarify their passion for medicine, develop a strategic plan for applying to medical school, and address challenges such as imposter syndrome.
Program Components
Personal Development
Scholars engage in discussions on mental health, imposter syndrome, and other essential topics to prepare for the demands of medical school. Panels featuring medical professionals and PREP alumni offer insights into medical school pathways, student life, curriculum, and career trajectories. Scholars build a supportive peer network and deepen their commitment to becoming a physician.
MCAT Bootcamp and Review
Daily MCAT review sessions are provided through The Princeton Review, along with study materials. Scholars refresh core content, develop test-taking strategies, and identify areas for focused preparation. Two full-length practice exams track progress throughout the program. While MCAT support is included, UCLA PREP is not a test preparation program, and independent study time is limited.
Focus on Health Disparities
In small groups, scholars explore health issues affecting underserved communities through data analysis and epidemiological research. Each group selects a community and designs a health intervention to address specific challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of health equity and public health.
Academic Enrichment
Workshops help scholars become self-regulated learners and apply evidence-based learning strategies. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions, led by current medical students, guide scholars through clinical case analyses that reinforce foundational concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry.
Ongoing Application Support
Admissions professionals provide guidance on medical school requirements and application strategies. Scholars receive individualized advising to explore their motivations, refine their application plans, and continue receiving support beyond the summer program.
Longitudinal Mentorship
Each scholar is paired with a current mentor in their field who provides guidance during the program and continues to support the scholar beyond the six weeks, fostering long-term professional relationships.
Pre-Med Enrichment Program Cost and Expenses
- There are no tuition or application fees to participate in PREP. Scholars who successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 stipend.
- PREP is a commuter-based program, so participants are expected to reside locally or arrange daily transportation to and from the program site.
- Please note that housing, transportation, parking, and personal expenses are not covered and remain the responsibility of each scholar.
Student Eligibility for Pre-Med Enrichment Program
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have documentation of approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in the State of California
- Be a third- or fourth-year undergraduate, community college student, or a recent college graduate (graduated no earlier than 2023)
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
- Have not previously applied to or matriculated into medical school
- Be 18 years of age or older by the first day of the program
- Have not taken the MCAT prior to August 14, 2026, the final day of the program.
- Come from an educationally or economically disadvantaged background
- Demonstrate a strong interest in addressing healthcare disparities affecting underserved communities
- Be able to commute daily to the program and arrange their own travel and transportation, as housing, parking, and personal expenses are not covered by the program
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).
All inquiries regarding the status of the application and receipt of supplemental documents must be directed to UCLAPrep@mednet.ucla.edu
UPDATE: Applications for PREP 2025 are now closed. The next round of applications (for PREP 2026) will begin in December 2025.
Campus Health and Safety Precautions
Summer 2026 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.
Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP) FAQs
PREP is a commuter-based program, so participants are expected to reside locally or arrange daily transportation to and from the program site.
Please note that housing, transportation, parking, and personal expenses are not covered and remain the responsibility of each scholar.
Yes!
Students can only participate in the Pre Med Enrichment Program once.
A maximum of 30 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.
Pre-Med & Pre-Health Guidance Appointments
Schedule NowOffice of Outreach and Pathway Programs
Location: Geffen Hall, Suite 305
Main Number: (310) 825-3575
Email: UCLAPrep@mednet.ucla.edu