Our Consortial Medical Schools
If you want to avoid the “glide year” and attend medical school directly after you complete your postbac program, you should take a closer look at Bryn Mawr’s consortial option. This option allows you to apply for early, provisional admission to medical schools with which we have a consortial relationship.

If you apply to one of our consort medical schools, you’ll be evaluated on your qualifications to date as well as your ability to complete certain requirements established by the school. You must also maintain good performance at Bryn Mawr, and may need to take the MCAT.

While the consortial option is open to all of our postbac students — and is a popular choice — it may not be right for you. For example, you may look forward to taking a year off before medical school for a variety of reasons, or may want to go to a medical school that is not part of the consortial agreement.

You do not need to make a decision about the consortial option until you are a postbac student at Bryn Mawr College. Throughout the academic year, you will have ample opportunity to visit the consort schools, talk with postbacs who have chosen the consortial option, and meet with admissions deans at participating schools.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Consortial Options

Who can apply for the consortial option?
The consortial option is most appropriate for students who are prepared to make a commitment to one medical school, and go to medical school immediately following completion of the postbac program.

How many students choose the consortial option?
Approximately 20 to 30 students per year apply and matriculate to medical school through the consort process.

When can I apply to a consort school?
You can begin the consortial application process during the fall of your postbac academic year.

How is my application to a consort school evaluated?
Decisions are made based on the qualifications presented at the time your application is received. Acceptances are contingent upon good performance at Bryn Mawr. The MCAT may also be required. Several of the consort schools have an application process whereby your work at Bryn Mawr is considered during the evaluation process at the medical school.

Can I apply to more than one consort school?
No, because your early-decision application indicates your special interest in — and serious commitment to — one particular school.

Do I have to apply to a consort school?
No.

Am I obligated to attend, if accepted?
Yes, you are obligated to enroll as soon as you complete the postbac program.

Do consort schools limit the number of applications they will consider?
Most of the consort schools do not set a limit on the number of applicants from our program.

Do I have to maintain a certain grade point average at Bryn Mawr College if accepted?
Yes. Medical school admission will be provisional upon completing your postbac courses with a minimum grade point average set by each school.

Is the MCAT required for admission to the consort schools?
Many of the consort schools require the MCAT, while a few do not. Our staff will advise you on which schools have an MCAT requirement so you can prepare in advance.

Do consort schools require additional coursework beyond the core courses in Bryn Mawr’s program?
Brown and Dartmouth require one semester of calculus. Robert Wood Johnson requires one semester of college math.

What happens if I apply to a consort school but am not accepted?
You will apply in the general application pool for medical school for the following academic year.

What are the advantages of being accepted to a consort school?
By applying early with a commitment to attend if accepted, you indicate a serious interest and commitment to that school. In addition, you go directly to medical school without having a “glide year.”

What are the disadvantages of being accepted to a consort school?
You may want a year off for financial or personal reasons. Also, the schools with which we have a consortial agreement may not be the right ones for you.