PLP Mission & Vision
Program Details & Requirements
The program is open to 16 students per year who fall into one of two categories: Re-Applicants (students who have applied to medical school and did not matriculate) and First-Time Applicants (students who have taken most of their medical school prerequisite courses and need to strengthen their GPA). Students must meet program requirements.
- Maintain a minimum of 3.5 GPA
- Complete a minimum of 24 units – a maximum of 36 units at CDU (to be taken in Summer, Fall, and Spring)
- Communicate regularly with CDU PLP Leadership
- Participate in all required programming:
- Complete an intensive MCAT course
- CDU PLP students will take the MCAT while participating in the program and will need an official MCAT of 500 or more
- Abide by professionalism standards as detailed in CDU Student Handbook
- Pay all associated tuition/fees by the deadlines listed
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
The program provides both lower and upper-division undergraduate science coursework to students through the College of Science and Health.
Some course options include:
- Histology and Histopathology
- General Microbiology w/ Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab
- Human Embryology
- Human Parasitology
- Neuroscience and Behavior
- Immunology
- Human Genetics
- Biophysics
- Fundamentals of Biotechnology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Students in the program will also participate in a longitudinal Postbaccaluarete Leadership Series consisting of interactive workshops designed to support students with the knowledge, behaviors and skills necessary to become successful medical school applicants. Additionally, CDU PLP students will also enroll in the President’s Leadership Seminars in the Fall and Spring.
The CDU Postbaccalaureate Leadership Program runs over a 12-month (3-term) period beginning in mid-May with an exciting week-long orientation and concludes in mid-May of the following year. Curriculum/Programming will occur mainly during business hours, with occasional evening and weekend activities.
CDU PLP students must be prepared to commit full-time to their academic coursework and to stregthten extracurricular activities in preparation for their medical school application. Limited paid hours in research or a clinical setting are permitted with prior CDU PLP leadership approval.
A wide variety of extracurricular activities, including research, clinical, community service, mentoring, and networking opportunities, are available for students participating in the program. Recommendations on extracurricular activities will be personalized to meet the student’s application needs.
Students in the program will receive a formal MCAT prep course with additional MCAT mock exams, online learning tools, and books.
CDU PLP students will receive tailored advising throughout the duration of the program.
Program Highlights
- Rigorous academic science courses
- Small class sizes with dedicated instructors & supplemental instructors
- Longitudinal Postbaccalaureate Leadership Series with interactive workshops and guest speakers
- President’s Leadership Seminar Series
- Medical student supplemental instructors
- Research opportunities with CDU faculty
- Intensive MCAT preparation
- Participation in annual California Pre Health Conferences
- California Postbaccalaureate Consortium member
Program Benefits
- Upon successful completion, students receive:
- Certificate of Completion**
- Vice Provost/Director Letter **
- Recognition at the CDU Annual Commencement Ceremony**
- Tailored Premedical Advising from Experienced Leadership
- Guaranteed interview for the CDU-COM MD Program**
- Eligible for DMC Health Leadership Fellowship
- Eligible for scholarship opportunity
CDU PLP Leadership Team
Questions? Contact Us.
Mail:
CDU Postbaccalaureate Leadership Program
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
1731 East 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059