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Preparing to Apply

What to know before applying

UCLA isn’t just a sunnier path into medicine. UCLA inspires you to think deeper, collaborate better, and unlock your full potential.

UCLA is a place where ambition meets joy. Here it is not only about the degree you are after, it's about a life of impact. Here you'll train to be an outstanding physician and build your passion into your practice.

What to Know

At a Glance

We are a diverse and collaborative community of innovators, educators, healthcare providers, and life-long learners committed to creating world leaders.

Mission and vision

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#1

UCLA, Nationally Ranked Public University, 2021

99.4%

Overall successful rate of Match for graduating students who applied to residency

34.4%

First-generation medical students, incoming class

42

States and countries represented in our incoming class

Top 20

Nationally ranked medical schools for Primary Care, Research, and Diversity Index, U.S. News & World Report, 2022

284

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Application Process FAQs

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. You can find a comprehensive list of FAQs regarding the PREview exam and more information on the AAMC PREview website.

You must submit your application by our October 2 application deadline. However - if no earlier PREview test dates are available, select the earliest test date available. Your test date should be no later than December 1. 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.

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. You can find more information on preparing to apply below.

How much is the Secondary application?

The Secondary application fee is $95.00.

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.

Drew: Select “UCLA/Drew Medical Education Program” (school code: 831)

Are international students eligible to apply?

International students are eligible to apply but are required to have obtained an Undergraduate or Graduate Degree from an accredited North American institution.

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?

Students are considered for admission regardless of their legal status. 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.

When should I take the MCAT?

It is recommended that all candidates take the MCAT in the spring, but it must be taken no later than September of the year preceding admission to the School of Medicine.

What is the average MCAT score for admitted students?

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

Where can I learn more about the MCAT?

You can learn more about taking the MCAT exam here.

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.

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, 24 estimated new entrants to the Charles R. Drew/UCLA medical education program track, and 18 estimated new entrants to the PRIME-LA track.

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.

What's Required for Admission?

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. Please note AP credit is acceptable.

Competencies

We adhere to the principle that college years not only prepare students for professional 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, 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

Attainment of skills in:

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

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

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. 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 student policy requirements.

Residency and Citizenship

We welcome DACA applicants

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is and will continue to consider students for admission regardless of their DACA status.

The University of California system welcomes and supports students without regard to their immigration status, and the David Geffen School of Medicine will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with trainees and others in our community negatively affected by the Trump Administration’s decision.

The UC system recently issued a statement of principles (pdf) reaffirming its commitment to vigorously protect the privacy and civil rights of our undocumented students as we do all members of our community.

In accordance with state law and University of California policy, DGSOM will continue to provide services to DACA recipients and other undocumented students, including continuing to allow all California residents to pay in-state tuition, regardless of citizenship status. In the meantime, we have a variety of resources available for students and other members of our community affected by the Trump Administration’s action on DACA, including:

UCLA Undocumented Student Program, including up-to-date information, access to legal services, and more
Our medical school’s Behavioral Wellness Center.
This UCLA reference guide regarding federal immigration enforcement actions.
Updates from the UCLA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion office.

The privacy of DGSOM students is protected by law. Regardless of who you approach on campus, your immigration status will remain confidential, just like your grades, records, and medical information.

International Student Eligibility