University of Virginia
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
What You Need to Know..
Prior to starting the PBPM program at UVA!
Pre-Program Preparations
Complete Learning How to Learn Online Course: Several PBPM alumni have told us how much they valued the book A Mind for Numbers by Dr. Barbara Oakley as they prepared for this rigorous academic experience. The author also teaches this free online course that we encourage all students to complete prior to Math Boot Camp in order to optimize your performance throughout the program. And, a side bonus is that you learn more about biology/neurology along the way!
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The number one recommendation is to enjoy your next few months! Spend time with friends and family, travel, and participate in activities you love. Finish your current engagements (work, school etc.) strong, so that you can focus on school once you arrive in Charlottesville.
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Give some thought to things you can do now to make your life easier later. Invest in a crock\instant pot, compile some easy recipes, and make sure you have comfortable closed-toed shoes you can wear to lab. Consider investing in a planner and a calculator you are comfortable using.
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If you are moving from somewhere with a very different climate, consider stocking up on some Virginia appropriate apparel (it’s hot and humid in the summer, and it snows in the winter!).
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Per a recent alum's advice, the first 5-7 videos in this Khan Academy playlist may ease your transition into General Chemistry this summer.
Housing
Off-Grounds: One way to begin your search for privately owned housing is the University Off-Grounds Housing Office (OGHO) or the Blue Ridge Apartment Council.
Other options for finding housing or classified lists are through the local newspaper, The Daily Progress or check on Zillow.com.
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***While Post-Bac students are eligible for on-Grounds housing, they receive last priority in that process as they are non-degree students. We have had PBPM students explore this option in the past, but most end up choosing off-Grounds options.
A previous cohort created a document (these prices are not current- this is an older document) with where housing options with prices, pet policies, distance to Grounds, etc, Past cohorts have provided their own reviews of local housing options.
Some of our alumni made this campus map with the most relevant spots to a PBPM student. And another alum made this Google map which includes main academic buildings, popular housing locations, and favorite spots around Charlottesville.
Note: We do not recommend apartments in the 12th and 14th street areas of Charlottesville. These areas are heavily populated by undergraduates and are known for late night parties that are disruptive to neighbors.
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Once the class is finalized (mid-March), we will send names and email addresses in case you'd like to coordinate roommates/housing situations. Students from past cohorts or other graduate students make great roommates too!
Parking & Transportation
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If you plan to regularly commute to Grounds via your personal vehicle, you'll need to purchase a parking pass through UVA Parking & Transportation Services.
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If you plan to park on Grounds more intermittently, you can use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking around UVA and Charlottesville.
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There are a variety of ways to get around Grounds and Charlottesville other than driving your own vehicle! See the list under Transportation for information about the University Transit Service, City/Regional Transit, CAVPool Ridesharing, walking, biking, E-scooters, mopeds, and more.
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Ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft are also available in the Charlottesville area.
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MCAT Prep
The PBPM curriculum at UVA does not cover Psychology, Sociology, or Critical Analysis &Reading (CARS). Therefore, we encourage you to use your “free time” now to start reviewing or practicing these subjects that will appear on the MCAT.
Coursera offers a free Intro to Psychology course along with Khan Academy’s Behavior Unit, Individuals & Society, Society & Culture, and Social Inequality. In addition, here are some CARS practice passages.
Childcare in Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a very family-friendly town, but finding childcare for non-school age kids can be competitive. We recommend looking into this as early as possible.
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UVA's Law School has a webpage dedicated to childcare options in the area, including the UVA Child Development Centers.
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See this page for more information.
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