Academic Enhancer
The Academic Enhancer Program is designed for students who have already completed the foundational science prerequisites required for medical school and other health professions programs, but who wish to further strengthen their academic profile before applying.
Through advanced biological science coursework and individualized advising, students have the opportunity to demonstrate continued academic excellence and enhance their overall competitiveness for health professional school admission.
Program Length: 1 year (individualized academic plan 24-36 units) – Fall Only Entry
Curriculum: Biology (labs, lectures, and/or electives available)
MCAT support: includes a full Kaplan MCAT preparation package
The Academic Enhancer Program may be a good fit for students that match the following:
- Has completed the foundational science prerequisites required for their intended healthcare professions pathway
- Is seeking to strengthen their academic record through coursework in Biological Science
- Intends to apply to medical school or other health professional schools in the near future
- Has established meaningful involvement in healthcare, research, service, leadership, etc.
- Values individualized guidance and a tailored academic pathway while preparing for health professional school admission.
Application Timeline
Application open: September 17, 2026
Deadline to submit application in PostBacCAS: February 5, 2027 @ 11:59 pm PST
All supplemental documents must be received: February 12, 2027
Interviews: Late February/Early March
Instruction begins: September 2027
**applications reviewed on a rolling basis**
Application Questions?
PostBacCAS Help Center
Email: PostBacCASinfo@liasioncas.com
Phone: 857-304-2047
Program Questions?
Email: premedpb@uci.edu
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (any major)
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.2
- Preferred science GPA: 3.0 and above
All applications received are considered individually and holistically by the admissions team, regardless of whether an applicant meets the minimum 3.2 GPA requirement listed.
Required Coursework
Applicants must have all prerequisite courses with a minimum letter grade of “C” and above for their respective health professional track. Limited exceptions may apply. Please inquire for additional information.
- One year of General Biology with labs
- One year of General Chemistry with labs
- One year of Organic Chemistry with labs
- One semester/quarter of Biochemistry
- One year of General Physics with labs
- One year of English Composition
Recommended Coursework
- Calculus I
- Statistics
- Intro Psychology
- Intro Sociology
MCAT
Previous MCAT takes allowed, minimal retakes preferred (no more than 2)
Previous Applicants
Applicants who have previously applied to health professional schools are encouraged to apply.
Letters of Recommendation
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members at an accredited college or university
- One faculty letter may be replaced with a letter from a supervisor in a research, clinical, healthcare, or other significant extracurricular setting
Supplemental Documents Required
- Transcripts from all institutions attended where undergraduate or graduate credit was earned: How to Send Transcripts to PostBacCAS
- Letters of Recommendation (2-3). Minimum two letters of recommendation.
All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically through PostBacCAS. Request for your letters of recommendation through the PostBacCAS application. Your letter writers will receive instructions on how to submit their letter online. Letters statuses are updated real time.
Supplemental Application Processing Form (non-refundable fee) – $60. Email this form to UCI Division of Continuing Education when submitting your application: dce-services@uci.edu.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION BEFORE THEIR TRANSCRIPTS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE RECEIVED. All documents must be received by February 12th, 2027. Remaining incomplete applications by February 12th,2027 are denied without a refund.
Extracurricular Experiences
Applicants should demonstrate approximately two years of combined experience across the following areas. Experience may be gained from multiple areas listed below and does not need to come from a single area.
- Clinical experience (paid or volunteer)
- Clinical shadowing
- Community service and outreach
- Other meaningful extracurricular activities
Curriculum Map
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) |
| UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) |
| UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (4) |
| **Test Prep** | ||
| 12 total units | 12 total units | 12 total units |
24-36 unit program. Summer coursework may be available. Final course plans are individualized through advisor review of academic history.
Sample Plan
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Human Physio – BioSci E109 (4) | Human Anatomy w/ Lab – BioSci D170 (5) | Human Physio Lab-BioSci E112L (4) |
| Genetics – BioSci 97 (4) | Biochemistry -BioSci 98 (4) | Molecular Biology – Biosci 99 (4) |
| Scientific Writing – BioSci 100 (3) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (optional) (4) | UD BioSci Lecture/Lab or Elective (optiona) (4) |
| **Test Prep** | ||
| 11 total units | 13 total units | 12 total units |
Class selection dependent on student academic history and availability
Application Fees
- PostBacCAS Application Fee: $141 for the first application; $56 for each additional application submitted to other postbaccalaureate programs. (Paid directly to PostBacCAS.)
- UCI Supplemental Application Fee: $60 per applicant.
Enrollment Fees
Commitment Deposit: $300
Applied toward the Program Fee upon enrollment.
Program Fees
Academic Enhancer Program: $4,500 per accepted student.
Course Fees
Tuition is assessed per-unit and is charged separately from the Program Fee. Additional university enrollment, technology, and departmental fees may apply.
- Cost per Unit (26-27 Academic Year): $481
- Summer Cost per unit: $400 (Charged as Visiting Non-UC Students)
Most Academic Enhancer students complete approximately 36 units during the academic year, though unit totals may vary based on academic background, course selection, and individual educational goals.
Housing, textbooks, transportation, lab materials, and personal expenses are not included. Course fees are subject to change.
Certification Requirements
The UCI Biological Sciences Postbaccalaureate Pre-Health Program is a non-degree granting, certificate program. Students who satisfy the requirements below may request a digital Certificate of Completion through the UCI Division of Continuing Education:
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30
- Complete a minimum of 24 units of Biological Science coursework