Post-Bac Community
The post-bac program is generally composed of about ten students. Students in the program in recent years have taken the initiative to create community within the group. Activities in the past have included a weekly lunch hour discussion group, study groups, and social activities. Post-bac students have a listserv and Facebook group through which they communicate with each other.
Available Support Services
Individualized Advising
Accepted students meet initially with the Assistant Dean for Health Professions Advising in the Office of Academic Services to design a plan of study that meets their academic needs and professional goals. They may receive ongoing academic support and guidance in the form of workshops on exam strategies, note taking, and time management offered by the Office of Student Enrichment Services. Tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, and math is also available.
Application Assistance
In the year of application, students are assigned to an advisor from the Board of Premedical Advisors who guides them through the application process. All students are interviewed by the Board, and a composite letter of recommendation is prepared for each. Students have access to the Health Professions Resource Library in the Office of Academic Services.
Health Professions Experience
In addition to the academic work students complete while attending the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program, post bac students are strongly encouraged to do volunteer work at local hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies. Some of the sites have included: Brigham & Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Hospice West, Inc. and Crittenton Hastings House. More information on local resources for volunteer and clinical activities can be found here.
Workshops
Throughout the year workshops are offered on the application process, writing the personal essay, and interviewing. In addition, students are able to participate in a mock medical school interview.
The Pre-Health Society
Brandeis has a very active Health Professions Society that is open to all post-baccalaureate students. Along with the Health Professions Advisor, the Society schedules events during the year which have included speakers from the medical community, faculty sharing their research, and admissions directors from medical schools, seminars on current health care topics, how to finance medical school, and a variety of other events including social activities. Other student organizations that focus on health care include the Pre-Vet Society, and 'Deis Dental Society (DDS). Students also have the opportunity to write for The Pulse, a student-run newsletter that educates the community on issues in health care.