FAQs

We do not consider MCAT scores in determining admission to the program.

GPA (cumulative and science), standardized test scores, personal statement and overall application, clinical and research experience, and interviewing skills. DU's Post-Baccalaureate Medical Studies BMS program addresses all of these aspects.

The length of study depends upon your previous coursework and your career goals. The BMS, 34 credit hours, can be completed in 2–3 semesters; however, many students need or want additional coursework prior to applying to professional programs. Due to the sequential nature of many science courses, those with no previous science background may take two full years of classes to prepare to apply to a professional program. Advisors will tailor your coursework to what best serves your particular situation.

For the academic year 2025–2026, tuition is $1035 per credit hour; the BMS requires 34 credit hours to complete.

Yes. Within various departments of the university there are research opportunities available. Independent research is also encouraged and supported. There are ample opportunities to present research findings within the program as well as at local symposia.

Endless volunteer opportunities are available in River Forest, nearby Oak Park and downtown Chicago. Check out Volunteer Match. In addition, we have a very successful MEDLIFE chapter. This group of 20 to 40 students travels annually to provide basic medical care to impoverished communities in Peru or Ecuador. We also have a thriving MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students) chapter, and an active chapter of AMSA (American Medical Student Association).

No. We encourage you to apply whenever you are ready. We will be able to evaluate your application prior to completion of your first bachelor’s degree. Enter the remaining classes you will be taking in the electronic portion of the application and mark as "In Progress". Send your current transcripts to PostBacCAS. We will require your final transcript once your coursework is completed.

No, all applications are processed through PostBacCAS. We do not directly offer any fee waivers.

Please visit PostBacCAS for all application requirements. We do not accept any materials sent directly to Dominican University. Transcripts and any supporting documents must be submitted through the centralized application system.

You can always ask individual professors to write you individual letters at their discretion. In addition, most students request a committee letter. For this letter, you will ask several professors to contribute to the letter and we compose it, using relevant excerpts, and send it along. The committee letter is very personalized and thorough. There is a system for requesting the letters, having them written, monitoring the progress, and sending them to the professional schools. All of this information is available to current students.

Yes, we do offer a spring enrollment. Our program has two start options:

• Fall 2025 with classes scheduled to begin on August 25, 2025 and orientation to take place on the Thursday before.
• Spring 2026 with classes scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026 and orientation to take place on the prior Friday. 

In terms of summer, we have a few options available each year but the majority of the coursework is offered fall and spring semesters.

We maintain an enrollment of approximately 50 students. In terms of "success rate"; we have an 85+% rate of matriculation into medical, physician assistant and dental programs. If you also consider those students who matriculate into specialized master's programs and high-level research and/or clinical positions, our success rate is over 95%. These statistics are for students who complete the program as advised.

No, however, we do have articulation agreements with several schools and strong working relationships with many other professional and graduate schools. If you meet the admission requirements, schools with articulation agreements do guarantee an interview, but there are no guarantees in terms of acceptance.

The majority of our courses take place during daytime hours. It is nearly impossible to maintain full-time employment while in this program. Students who work typically do so during weekends or evening hours only.

Some courses, yes, are available to both undergraduates and post-bacc students. The post-bacc students are fully integrated members of the university community and are a welcome addition to classes serving a variety of students. There are also several post-bacc specific courses. These include:

• Medical Professionalism and Leadership
• Preparing for Professional School and Beyond
• Medical Ethics and the Law
• Clinical Preceptorship
• Principles of Drug Action
• Advanced Human Anatomy
• Functional Neuroanatomy
• Histology
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Anatomy Cadaver Dissection

All content for the MCAT is taught in courses; most of our students self-study or take a commercial course for more comprehensive preparation.

Yes. The greatest strength of our program is in our advising. Your advisors are seasoned physicians/clinicians who are experts at helping students achieve their goals. We also offer training in interviewing and networking.