Medical School Application

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AAMC PREview Exam (Traditional MD Requirement)

Is the AAMC PREview exam a requirement to apply to DGSOM?

Yes, the AAMC PREview exam is a new requirement beginning the 2023 application cycle for Traditional MD Program Track applicants. Our other program tracks will not require this exam. However, if you are applying to PRIME-LA or MSTP Tracks and opt-in for dual consideration (which includes Traditional MD consideration), you will need to complete the exam. You can find a comprehensive list of FAQs regarding the PREview exam and more information on the AAMC PREview website.

For the 2025-2026 Cycle, the PREview score submission deadline date is November 20, 2025. Your AAMC PREview exam score does not expire. Your score is required for the full review of your medical school application.

*Please pay careful attention to the set test dates on which you will be able to take the exam.

Application

How can I apply?

Please follow the steps on the How to Apply page.

Who is eligible to apply?

Successful applicants will have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a US or Canadian institution by completing at minimum 3 years of undergraduate coursework or have obtained a graduate degree from a US or Canadian institution. DGSOM will consider applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or California residents. Applicants who do not satisfy one of these requirements will not be considered.

How much is the Secondary application?

The Secondary application fee is $100.00.

When is the application deadline?

Important dates for the application can be found on the How to Apply page.

How do I submit recommendations?

Recommendations are submitted through the AMCAS application portal.

How do I submit transcripts?

Transcripts are submitted through the AMCAS application portal.

Prior to submitting an application, you must request that a complete set of official transcripts be forwarded directly to AMCAS by the registrar of each school you have attended. Official transcripts are not required for work you have taken the previous term (e.g. if the application is submitted in the summer, previous spring official transcripts are not required). Your application will not be processed until all required official transcripts are received by AMCAS.

Can I submit my application through an Early Decision Program?

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA does not have an Early Decision Program.

How can I update my application after I submit it?

Updates to your application will only be accepted when you submit your Secondary Application.

What are the differences in applying when considering different program tracks?

Traditional: Select "University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine".

PRIME: Select "University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine". On the Secondary Application, you may choose to select the "Dual Consideration Option" to also be considered for the Traditional MD Track.

MSTP: Select "University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine". On the Secondary Application, you may choose to select the "Dual Consideration Option" to also be considered for the Traditional MD Track.

Eligibility

Are international students eligible to apply?

DGSOM will consider applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or California residents. Applicants who do not satisfy one of these requirements will not be considered.

Are my chances of admission diminished if I am not a California State Resident?

All applicants are reviewed for admission without consideration of the state of residence.

Will my Post-Baccalaureate grades be considered as a part of the admissions process?

Post-Baccalaureate grades will be considered, if available, but are not required.

What is the average GPA for admitted students?

This information can be found at the Medical School Admission Requirements™ site.

Is there an expiration time frame for transcripts and related grades?

Applicants must submit all transcripts of grades for all post-secondary studies regardless of the date.

Will my legal status affect my eligibility?

Please find additional information for DACA applicants .

Can I transfer from another medical school?

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA does not accept transfer students.

MCAT

Important Dates to Consider:

Earliest MCAT exam date accepted: January 1, 2021
Final deadline for MCAT score submission: October 31, 2025, 8:59pm (Pacific Time)
Primary application submission deadline: October 1, 2025, 8:59pm (Pacific Time)
Note: MCAT scores may take up to six weeks to be issued. Plan accordingly to ensure your scores are received by the October 31 deadline.

Does my application submission date affect consideration of my application?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and receive equal consideration regardless of the month in which they are received.

For First-time exam-takers

If you are taking the MCAT for the first time, your application will be held until your score is received. Be sure to take the exam early enough to meet the October 31 score submission deadline.

For those re-taking the exam

If you plan to retake the MCAT, submit your application once your new score is issued. All MCAT scores from every attempt will be reviewed with your application.

Admission Process

What happens after I submit my application? How are successful candidates selected?

Following a comprehensive holistic review of both the application and secondary application, select applicants are then invited to interview. Refer to the After Applying page for more details on the medical school application timeline.

When will I receive a decision on my application?

Offers of admission will be extended during the Fall and Spring following application submission and review.

Can I submit an appeal if I’m not admitted?

Due to the large volume of highly competitive applications received, all application decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Can I reapply if I’m not admitted?

Two reapplications per applicant are permitted.

If admitted, can I defer my acceptance?

The David Geffen School of Medicine does not accept deferral requests.

What is the number of students accepted into each program at DGSOM?

118 estimated new entrants to the MD program, 15 estimated new entrants to the UCLA-Caltech MSTP track, and 18 estimated new entrants to the PRIME-LA track.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Laws and University Policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, medical condition, marital status, citizenship, or sexual orientation.

The University prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

Medical School Application and Admissions

Successful medical school applicants will have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a US or Canadian institution by completing at minimum 3 years of undergraduate coursework or have obtained a graduate degree from a US or Canadian institution. Please note AP credit is acceptable.

Competencies

We adhere to the principle that college years not only prepare medical students for professional medical schools, but also provide opportunities for creative intellectual engagement, promote enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and engender psychosocial maturity.

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA does not evaluate specific prerequisite coursework. Instead, medical school applicants are given the flexibility to demonstrate mastery of competency areas throughout their unique academic history. To lay the foundation of success in medical school, we recommend applicants demonstrate the following key competencies through the successful completion of college-level coursework.

Attainment of knowledge in:

Biological Sciences and Physiology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics
Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Sciences: Inorganic and Organic chemistry, Biochemistry of intermediary metabolism, and associated laboratory activities.
Humanities: This might include literature and/or art, history, philosophy, religion, ethics, economics, social behavior, psychology
Mathematics and Statistics: This might include biomathematics, computer science, matrix algebra

Awareness of:

Health care delivery: This could include courses and/or experiences that deal with the ethical, legal, political, public health, scientific and moral challenges facing health care and health care delivery
Human Diversity
Research experience

Attainment of skills in:

Writing and communication skills
Clinical Experiences: We value a sustained interest and commitment to medicine
Interpersonal Skills

Technical Non-Academic Standards

The School of Medicine has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients with whom students and graduates will come in contact. Medical school students are admitted by the School of Medicine for the purpose of training them to become competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of entering a residency program and require that they must meet all requirements necessary to obtain a medical license. Essential abilities and characteristics are required for the completion of the MD degree. See the full technical non-academic standards .

Medical School Applications and International Student Eligibility

DGSOM will consider applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or California residents. Applicants who do not satisfy one of these requirements will not be considered.