The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Glenn Cummings, associate dean and director of health professions advising at Bryn Mawr, for an in-depth look at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected career-changer post-bac pathways. Dr. Cummings explains the distinctive mission and history of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program – founded in 1972 at Bryn Mawr College – and clarifies what truly defines a “career changer” in the post-bac world. He walks listeners through the program’s rigorous 12-month curriculum – including the accelerated summer chemistry sequence and the full-time fall and spring science load – while also outlining how Bryn Mawr supports students through intensive academic advising, structured MCAT preparation, and opportunities for clinical volunteering, research, and service. 

Dr. Cummings also highlights the program’s unique advantages, such as its extensive network of medical school linkage partnerships, its individualized W.I.S.E. advising model, and its robust alumni mentoring system. In addition, he discusses what the admissions committee looks for in competitive applicants: strong academic performance, demonstrated motivation for medicine, a history of service, and the maturity to thrive in a tight-knit, collaborative cohort. 

Whether you’re a true career changer, a recent graduate ready to pivot toward medicine, or simply exploring structured post-bac options, this episode offers valuable insights into how Bryn Mawr prepares students not only for the application process but also for success in medical school and beyond. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 History of the Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program

01:47 Defining a Career Changer vs. Academic Enhancer

02:08 Who the Program Is Designed For

05:05 Curriculum Overview and 12-Month Structure

07:19 Unique Features of the Bryn Mawr Postbac

07:25 Medical School Linkage Programs

09:45 W.I.S.E. Advising Model and Alumni Mentorship

12:17 Preparing Students for Med School Applications

14:10 Clinical Volunteering, Research, and Service

17:15 What Makes a Competitive Bryn Mawr Applicant

21:40 Letters of Recommendation and Applicant Evaluation

23:50 Final Advice 

Related Resources

• Dr. Glenn Cummings contact information 
• Bryn Mawr Postbac Program email: postbac@brynmawr.edu
• The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]
• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608] 

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