UCLA PREP is a seven-week program designed to provide premedical and predental students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a means of strengthening their ability and readiness to study medicine or dentistry. As a result of full participation in UCLA PREP, participants should have enhanced their chances of being accepted to medical or dental school and succeeding once there.

During the years since the charter class of 1982, PREP has become a nationally respected program with outstanding success in the following areas:

• Since the charter class of 1982, 761 students have participated in UCLA PREP.

• 90% of those who have applied to a health professions school have been accepted

• Over 300 PREP alumni are practicing clinical, research or academic medicine throughout California and the nation

• Over 65% of PREP participants are the first in their family to receive a college education

• Mean grade point averages increased significantly after participation in UCLA PREP

The top medical programs PREP alumni attend are:

• David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (over 100 students)
• Charles R. Drew University/UCLA
• Keck School of Medicine at USC
• UC Irvine School of Medicine
• UC San Diego School of Medicine
• UC Davis School of Medicine
• University of Illinois College of Medicine
• Michigan State University School of Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences
• University of Iowa College of Medicine
• UC San Francisco School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School
• Howard College of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical School

The top dental schools PREP alumni attend are:

• UCLA School of Dentistry
• UC San Francisco School of Dentistry
• USC School of Dentistry
• Loma Linda School of Dentistry
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine

 

 

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Application for UCLA PREP 2010

 

DEADLINE March 1, 2010

(Link to Online application is found Under Summer Programs)

ACADEMIC COMPONENT

Students will work at a rigorous pace with a highly focused scope to prepare for the MCAT and DAT.  Participants will engage in an extensive and lively classroom review of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Verbal Reasoning.  Beyond learning and reinforcing scientific facts, participants learn to manipulate and integrate the information through analytical thinking.  To further enhance the classroom experience, participants are assigned to small study groups lead by medial and dental students.  In addition, students are introduced to problem based learning through the investigation of patient case histories.  Students’ success is enhanced by intensive workshops covering reading, writing and critical thinking.  These skills, which are improved during the summer, have considerable value throughout the student’s academic and professional life.

 

Note: This is not a test preparation program and applicants are advised that independent study time is limited.

CAREER GUIDANCE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Through individual counseling, guest lectures and personal development workshops, which include topics such as: Study Skills and Time Management, Financial Planning, Application Procedures & Strategies, Interviewing Skills, Networking, complementary medicine, and Issues of Modern Medicine; participants are able to more realistically prepare themselves to successfully reach their goals. The most critical of these are the “Life Management” series and the ongoing values clarification sessions called “A Winner...You”, which provide a safe venue for participants to explore their inner calling and motivation.

CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIPS

Participants are assigned to observe practicing physicians, dentists and medical researchers performing the typical functions of their profession. The clinical settings range from any of the UCLA affiliated hospitals and clinics to private practice settings, community clinics and health maintenance organizations. This invaluable experience allows PREP students to interact with established practitioners who are addressing the constantly changing problems of modern medicine. Students can project themselves into a variety of roles and can make more realistic self-evaluations of their own motivation and intentions surrounding their career choice. In addition, many mentorship relationships grow from these experiences.

SPECIAL EVENTS

PREP participants will explore the healthcare delivery system and the unique diversity of L.A. on all-day “Vistas of Los Angeles” site tours. Students will also gain the opportunity to personally meet with invited recruiters from health professional schools from around the country.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for UCLA PREP, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be from a disadvantaged background or medically underserved community
• Be a US citizen or permanent resident
• Have one year of biology or chemistry completed by the time the program begins
• Minimum 2.5 science GPA for freshmen or sophomores
• Minimum 2.8 science GPA for juniors and above

Note: If you have previously applied to medical school or dental school, you are not eligible for PREP, please explore postbaccalaureate programs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 

An application is complete and ready for review when all of the following materials have been received:

1. Completed, signed application form. (Application available on our website)
2. Two letters of recommendation, one from a science professor (math, biology, chemistry and other science course) and one from a premedical advisor or employer.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
4. Copy of your financial aid award letter from your undergraduate institution for the current year.
5. Personal essay of 2-3 pages describing your personal, family and community background; your motivation for a 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.
6. A wallet-size photo with an index card. Index card should have your name, local and permanent address and phone.

Finalists will be granted an interview. A telephone interview will be arranged for applicants who are not within a radius of 50 miles.

* Incomplete applications will not be considered.

FEES

There is no tuition for participation. Students who must relocate to participate in the program may be eligible for a stipend depending on availability of funds.

Note: PREP does not offer credit and students are responsible for their housing, transportation, and living expenses.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES 2010

March 1st, 2010 Program materials must be postmarked by this date to be considered.

IMPORTANT DATES 2010

• March 1st -Completed application form, essay, transcripts, letters, financial aid award letter, and 2 x 2 photo on index card
  Application materials not postmarked by this date will not be considered
• May 1st - Participants are notified of acceptance
• May 15th - Students’ confirmation of acceptance
• May 30th - Registration and information packet sent
• June 16th - program begins
• July 30tt - program ends

 

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

ADVISORY COMMITTEE