Postbac Program Linkages | PERSONAL PREMED

What are linkages?

Postbac program linkages are admissions agreements between postbac programs and specific medical schools. They allow qualified applicants to move directly from a postbac program into medical school without doing a gap or glide year.

Specific programs like Goucher or Bryn Mawr have as many as 10-18 linkages whereas other programs have only one or no linkages. (Check out our infographic of the best postbac programs so you can see the programs with the best linkages.)

Linkage Tips

Some things to keep in mind about linkage programs. First, just because a program has a linkage agreement with a medical school does not necessarily mean you will be able to use it. Linkages may require you to have a specific GPA cutoff (often > 3.7 or 3.8) or a certain score on the MCAT prior to admission. Others will only take a certain number of ‘linkers’ per year, and so you indirectly compete with other postbacs for a limited number of spots. (As an aside, there may be some strategizing you do with the postbac director on which school to attempt to link to; also, some linkage agreements actually allow you to skip the MCAT entirely.)

Advantages of Linkages

The advantage of a linkage is you save time and money. Instead of applying to medical school the year after your postbac program, you directly start medical school after completing your postbac. For applicants who are eager to get their MD, this is a great opportunity. In addition, there is a real emotional cost savings when you avoid the medical school application cycle. You avoid having to write dozens of essays and the anxiety that comes with preparing to interview, interviewing, and waiting for the results. In addition, depending on the linkage agreement, you may not have to take the MCAT.

Disadvantages of Linkages

Some of the downsides to linkages are that it is much more difficult to get a merit scholarship. Keep in mind that when you apply to a linkage, you are obligated to attend that program. As such, the school has little incentive to offer merit scholarship money to convince you to attend. You’re already obligated! For extremely strong applicants, this is the biggest downside of the direct linkage. That being said, some programs still will meet much of your financial need.

Another downside to linking is you side-step an additional year of life experience. Once you start medical school and residency, it is difficult to take a year off. A gap year is a great way to explore your unique interests, live abroad, and generally have a more interesting life which could improve on your overall medical school application.

Should you Link to Medical School?

The decision of whether or not you should link is highly personalized. It will depend in large part on whether your GPA/standardized test scores allow you to link as well as on your personal preferences and financial situation. Be sure to speak with your postbac advisor early and often about whether linking to medical school is right for you. If you’re seriously considering linking and aren’t yet in a postbac program, you should focus on getting into a top-tier postbac program with substantial linkages.

How to Get into a Top Premed Postbac?

There are numerous strategies that will help you get into a post-bac program with linkages. These include obtaining clinical experiences/shadowing/volunteering, enhancing your personal statement, and preparing for your interview. For more resources on how to get into the best premed postbac programs, be sure to check out:

If you have further questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]