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What is a Glide Year?

It is now very common for people to work for one or two years between college and medical school. This is commonly referred to as a "glide year." Medical schools often look favorably on candidates who are more mature and bring some “working world” experience with them when they begin their medical studies.

Approximately 80 percent of Bryn Mawr applicants graduated from college and then worked for a year or more prior to enrolling in medical, dental, or veterinary school. During the glide year(s), many alums have worked as scribes at hospitals and clinics or as research assistants for biomedical, translational or clinical research projects in universities. Some have served with the , , or . Others have assisted with health-related work in government or not-for-profit organizations. 

The works with students and alumnae who are looking for internship and job opportunities in the health professions field. Be sure to work closely with the CPD as you explore glide year job opportunities.

Postbac Programs

Some graduates pursue training for prehealth professions schools after they complete their undergraduate degrees. Postbaccalaureate prehealth programs — often described as “postbac programs” — are designed to help individuals prepare for the academic and other competencies they need for training in the health professions. The two main types of programs are “career changer” programs (for those who decided to pursue health care either late in or after college) and “record enhancement programs” (for those seeking a chance to strengthen their academic preparation for graduate study in the health professions).

Bryn Mawr College is proud of its “career changer” program, which is one of the nation’s oldest, strongest, and most respected postbaccalaureate premedical programs. 

Although most postbac programs are designed for students preparing to enroll in medical school, many programs accommodate students with the additional courses needed for some of the other health professions. 

• For an introduction to postbac programs, visit the .  
• Also visit the AAMC Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Programs Database, a searchable resource, which includes filters for program characteristics such as type of program or location. It includes programs that accommodate students interested in health professions other than medicine and those designed for students in backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. 

Bryn Mawr College undergraduates and alums are encouraged to talk contact Gail Glicksman, Assistant Dean for Health Professions Advising, to discuss postbac preparation for health professions schools.