UCSF Medical School Acceptance Rate 2024
Curious about the UCSF medical school acceptance rate? Discover the latest statistics, trends, and factors influencing admission decisions at one of the nation’s leading medical institutions.
The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine is a pinnacle in medical education, consistently ranked among the nation’s top five for research and primary care. With an acceptance rate below 3 percent, UCSF is renowned for its selective admissions process. Moreover, the UCSF secondary application challenges applicants with three concise essay prompts, adding to the competitive nature of securing a coveted spot in this esteemed institution.
Admissions Statistics and Eligibility at UCSF School of Medicine
UCSF School of Medicine is one of the nation’s most competitive institutions, with only approximately 7.5% of applicants granted interviews and an overall matriculation rate of around 2.4%.
Key Admissions Metrics:
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 2.40%
- In-State Acceptance Rate: 3.66%
- Out-of-State Acceptance Rate: 1.23%
- Average MCAT Total Score: 518
- Lowest MCAT Accepted: 512
- Average GPA: 3.86
- Lowest GPA Accepted: 3.49
These figures underscore the rigorous standards UCSF upholds, with high average MCAT scores and GPAs among successful applicants.
Academic Curriculum at UCSF Medical School
At UCSF, the mission of medical education extends beyond treating individual patients; it encompasses improving community health and overall well-being. The UCSF School of Medicine’s Bridges Curriculum is designed to equip MD graduates with the skills essential for modern medical practice. The curriculum aims to deliver competent and compassionate patient care through collaborative efforts with multidisciplinary teams while enhancing students’ knowledge and advancing medical sciences.
The MD program focuses on seven core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, systems-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration.
Structured into three phases, the Bridges Curriculum provides a foundation of knowledge upon which students can build expertise tailored to specific patient needs and diverse healthcare environments they may encounter in their careers.
In the final phase, known as the career launch phase, students can pursue individualized learning experiences aligned with their professional aspirations. This phase allows students to select clinical rotations or scholarly projects that best support their career goals and interests.
UCSF Tuition and Scholarships: Navigating Costs and Financial Aid
UCSF’s 2022–2023 tuition and fees are $47,580 for California residents and $59,825 for non-residents. However, living in San Francisco comes with a hefty price tag, as it holds the nation’s highest cost of living. When factoring in expenses like housing and transportation, the total four-year cost at UCSF may exceed other programs with higher tuition rates.
Considering books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses, the first-year cost of attendance is estimated at $80,175 for in-state students and $92,420 for out-of-state students.
UCSF emphasizes increasing scholarship support, with scholarship awards rising by over 50 percent since 2008. The class of 2021 graduates had an average medical school debt of $140,293, significantly below the national average.
Becoming a California resident after one year is possible for out-of-state applicants, contingent upon meeting specific criteria demonstrating intent to reside in-state permanently. Once residency criteria are met for over one year (366 days), individuals can qualify as “in-state” for UCSF’s tuition purposes. Given the complexity of state residency matters, applicants must review UCSF’s guidelines thoroughly.
The Challenge of Gaining Admission to UCSF Medical School
Admissions Data for UCSF Medical School
The UCSF Medical School’s acceptance rate is a mere 2.6 percent, reflecting the institution’s stringent admissions standards. Here’s a breakdown of the admissions statistics for the class of 2026:
- Total Applicants: 9,090
- Interviews Granted: 544
- Students Enrolled: 187 (with 71% from in-state)
- Average GPA: 3.87
- Average MCAT Score: Approximately 90th percentile (equivalent to 515)
UCSF Medical School Admissions Requirements
UCSF Medical School outlines specific coursework prerequisites for prospective applicants:
- Biology: One year with a laboratory component (which may include biochemistry)
- Chemistry: One year, encompassing at least one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory (which may include biochemistry)
- Biochemistry: At least one course
- Physics: One semester
While this list appears concise, UCSF emphasizes that successful applicants typically surpass these requirements, demonstrating exceptional academic performance. For instance, most admitted students have completed advanced biology courses and a full year of organic chemistry.
Beyond scientific readiness, UCSF values a well-rounded academic background. They emphasize success in humanities studies and proficiency in a second language, especially those commonly spoken by non-English-speaking communities in the U.S.
Applicants are required to take the MCAT within three years of intended enrollment. For the 2023–2024 application cycle, MCAT scores from 2021, 2022, or 2023 are accepted.
UCSF highlights that candidates with GPAs below 3.2 typically face challenges in the admissions process.
UCSF Medical School Application Timeline
For prospective applicants to UCSF, adhering to the AMCAS application timeline is crucial:
- May 2, 2023: Opening of the AMCAS application
- May 30, 2023: Commencement of AMCAS application submission
- Early July 2023: Initiation of application review
- October 15, 2023: Deadline for submitting the AMCAS application
- December 2023–April 2024: Release of admissions decisions
UCSF operates on a rolling admissions basis, underscoring the importance of submitting your AMCAS application early. The institution also conducts prescreening for secondary applications. If selected to progress to the next stage, you can anticipate receiving an invitation to complete the secondary application within 3–10 weeks after verifying your initial AMCAS submission.
MCAT and GPA Requirements for UCSF School of Medicine
Applicants to UCSF School of Medicine must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three years of anticipated enrollment, with the test being completed by September of the year preceding medical school entry.
Key MCAT and GPA Data:
– Average MCAT Score of Accepted Applicants: 518
– Lowest Accepted MCAT Score: 512
– Average GPA of Accepted Applicants: 3.86
– Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.49
These statistics highlight the rigorous academic standards UCSF sets, emphasizing both MCAT performance and GPA attainment.
Contact information
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion on UCSF Medical School Acceptance Rate 2024
The acceptance rate for UCSF Medical School in 2024 remains highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants securing admission. With an overall acceptance rate of 2.4%, including 3.6% for in-state applicants and 1.3% for out-of-state candidates, gaining acceptance to UCSF requires exceptional academic achievement and a well-rounded application. Applicants should strive to meet or exceed the average GPA of 3.86 and aim for an MCAT score around the average of 518 to enhance their chances of acceptance. Despite the rigorous admissions process, UCSF School of Medicine offers an unparalleled education and opportunity for aspiring medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions on UCSF Medical School Acceptance Rate 2024
1. What kind of undergraduate degree do I need to get into UCSF School of Medicine?
There isn’t a specified undergraduate degree. Applicants must have completed the MCAT and foundational biology, chemistry, and physics courses.
2. Does UCSF School of Medicine accept international students?
No. UCSF only accepts applicants from the US, including those with resident and DACA status.
3. Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes, students should apply for all eligible financial aid annually. Aid may need to be reapplied for if stated to be reexamined yearly.
4. Are undocumented students eligible for financial aid?
Undocumented students without resolved DACA status are ineligible for UCSF School of Medicine financial aid.
5. Can my letters of recommendation be submitted after my application?
While it’s beneficial to include recommendation letters with the application, they can be supplemented by the end of the application deadline.
6. What is the overall acceptance rate?
The overall acceptance rate for UCSF School of Medicine is 2.4%, with a 3.6% acceptance rate for California residents and 1.3% for out-of-state applicants.
7. What is the interview format?
The interview phase comprises two blind interviews lasting 40-60 minutes each. Blind interviews mean interviewers don’t access applicant information beyond what is presented during the interview.
8. What is the average MCAT score?
The average MCAT score for accepted applicants is 518 total points.
RELATED
Duke Medical School Acceptance Rate 2024
What is the 2024 New York Medical College Acceptance Rate?
UMD Acceptance Rate: Explore Admission Statistics for the University of Maryland 2024