Linkage

The Pre-Health Program currently participates in linkage agreements with several medical schools and one dental school, including:

• Drexel University College of Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine
• Jefferson Medical College
• Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine
• The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
• The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine

Through these linkages, highly qualified students can eliminate the year between post-bac pre-health coursework completion and matriculation into medical or dental school. Linkage decisions are made by the Pre-Health Linkage Committee based upon the requirements of each of the linkage schools. It is a very selective process.

Please note that Specialized Studies students are eligible to link only to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine (RWJMS), or Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NOVA).

For more details, please contact the Pre-Health Program Director or the Pre-Health Program Advisor.

What are the eligibility criteria for linkage?

• Once you are admitted to the Post-Bac Pre-Health program, linkage is an option for you.
• Each medical and dental school sets their own eligibility criteria based upon the following factors:
  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA
  • Post-bac science GPA at the time you are nominated
  • Test date for MCAT or DAT to be completed
  • Minimum MCAT or DAT score
  • Time frame to complete the Post-Bac Pre-Health coursework
  • Pre-Health Program track—Core Studies or Specialized Studies—open to school for linkage
• Additional criteria set forth by the Pre-Health Linkage Committee and some of the linkage schools include:
  • No repeated courses
  • No grade lower than “C”
  • No “W” on transcript
  • You must not have taken the MCAT or DAT unless you have achieved the desired score

How does the linkage nomination process work?

• Linkage nomination is a two-step process. If you are a current Pre-Health student you nominate yourself if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria. The Pre-Health Linkage Committee will then interview current Pre-Health students who meet the eligibility criteria.
• After the interviews have taken place, the Pre-Health Linkage Committee will determine which students they will recommend for linkage to the medical or dental school.

Can I nominate myself to more than one linkage school?

• No, you can select only one linkage school.

If I am not accepted by the linkage school, can I still apply in the regular applicant pool for the following matriculation year?

• Yes.

If I am not accepted by the linkage school, will I then have a “Glide Year”?

• Yes. “Glide Year” is the year between your completion of the Post-Bac Pre-Health Program and matriculation into medical, dental, or veterinary medicine school. This year is also known as “application year.” During the glide year, you have already completed the required prerequisite courses for medical, dental, or veterinary medicine school and are completing various activities. You can enroll in advanced-level science or elective courses, volunteer in a healthcare setting related to your field of interest, volunteer abroad, complete clinical- or laboratory-based research, or pursue full - or part-time employment in a healthcare-related field .
• The following positions are a sampling of what our Post-Bac Pre-Health students have completed during their Glide Year:
  • Clinical Research Assistant at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Research Assistant at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania completing breast cancer research
  • Research Assistant at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania working on vascular surgery research
  • Research Assistant at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania working in the cardiac surgery lab studying the implantation of stem cells in the heart
  • Research Assistant at Penn’s School of Medicine in the Anesthesiology department working on clinical research on disparities in hip fracture care and perceptions of surgery
  • Research Assistant at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital completing orthopedic surgery research
  • Family Health Advocate at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice
  • A few students are completing upper-level biology courses such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Genetics