When was the UCLA Pre-medical/Pre-dental Enrichment Program established?
UCLA PREP was established in 1981 with the charter class entering in 1982.
Who is eligible to apply?
Pre-medical and pre-dental students who have had educational, economic or social disadvantages are encouraged to apply. U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who are undergraduates, including students from community colleges, 4-year colleges or universities and post-baccalaureates are eligible. Academic criteria is determined by the tier to which applied.
Can I apply to PREP if I have previously attended another summer program?
Yes, however priority admissions will be granted to qualified students who have not previously participated in a premedical enrichment program.
Can I apply to PREP if I have applied to medical school?
No. Students who have been previously unsuccessful in gaining admission to any United States medical school should consider applying to a post-baccalaureate re-application program.
Does PREP offer MCAT preparation?
PREP offers review of the subject areas tested by the MCAT to enhance your fund of knowledge as a foundation to medical education and not solely in preparation for the admissions test. For students who come to PREP with a solid premedical science background, PREP can serve as strong preparation for the MCAT.
Does participation in PREP guarantee acceptance to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA?
No.
Does participation in PREP improve my application or my resume?
Yes. PREP has a national reputation and a strong success rate which is well respected by medical schools throughout the nation.
How many students do you accept each year?
Up to 30 premedical students annually, including a few seats that are reserved for pre-dental students.
How competitive is the selection for PREP?
All applications are carefully screened and approximately 60 applicants are invited for interviews each year. From those, the final selection is made by the admissions committee.
What does it cost to participate in PREP?
There is no fee or tuition for participation and learning materials are provided by the program. Participants receive a stipend to cover living expenses, determined by the availability of funds.
Is housing provided?
No. PREP is a non-residential program, but past participants have been able to find housing easily. Many have been able to live with family or friends in the area; others have shared accommodations with PREP or current medical students. In addition UCLA campus has ample listings of sublet opportunities during the summer.
Is counseling provided?
PREP participants are provided with in-depth, individualized counseling during the summer program. After participation, PREP alumni receive ongoing follow-up counseling throughout their premedical/pre-dental education until they enter a health professions school.
Can application materials be submitted separately?
Yes. All materials may be submitted together or separately and must be postmarked by March 1st.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
At least one of the two letters of recommendation for PREP must be from a science professor who has taught you. The second letter from a premedical advisor or an employer who can give an evaluation of your character, reliability, maturity and your suitability for a career in a health profession.
What is the success rate of PREP students being admitted to health professions schools?
Currently, 87% of PREP alumni, who have applied to health professions schools, have been admitted. The rate has been as high as 91% during the course of the program.
To which health professions schools have PREP students been admitted?
The most frequent choices for professional training that PREP alumni have selected are:
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California
UCLA School of Public Health
UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego Schools of Medicine
Howard University College of Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Medical School
UCLA and UCSF Schools of Dentistry
