How to Get into UC San Diego School of Medicine: The Ultimate Guide for 2024-2025

School of Medicine at UC San Diego (UCSD) provides students with cutting-edge resources and education that will help them become innovative and compassionate physicians. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know to craft a compelling application.

We’ll share:

• An overview of UC San Diego School of Medicine’s curriculum for MD students
• Tuition fees 
• Required premed courses, GPA, and MCAT
• Current admission rates
• How to write your UCSD admission essay
• Letter of recommendation guidelines
• UCSD eligibility restrictions
• Application timeline

Without further ado, let’s get started.

An Overview of UC San Diego School of Medicine’s Curriculum for MD Students

The curriculum at UC San Diego School of Medicine spans four years of instruction, divided into two main phases: the pre-clerkship curriculum and the clinical clerkships.

• Pre-clerkship curriculum: extends over six quarters and is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of health and disease. It primarily focuses on organ systems but also incorporates elements of molecular, cellular, whole organism, and population health orientations.
• Clinical clerkship: starting in the third year, students are involved in internships that allow them to acquire more advanced medical skills. 

UC San Diego School of Medicine Tuition Fees and Scholarships

UCSD tuition rates vary according to whether or not students reside in California. For the academic year 2023-2024, the fees for non-residents include: 

• Student Services Fee: $1,206
• Tuition: $12,264
• SOM professional Degree Supplemental Tuition: $28,617
• Disability Insurance: $40
• Graduate Student Association Fee: $60
• University Center Fee: $341
• RIMAC Recreation Facility Fee: $285
• Canyonview Recreation Facility Fee: $66
• Mandatory Health Insurance: $4,410
• CAPS/Student Mental Health Fee: $107
• Student Transportation Fee: $205
• Document Fee (one time, newly admitted students): $100

With all the mentioned fees included, the total cost of attendance comes to $59,650. However, for a California resident student, the fees are around $47,702.36 per year. 

Financial Aid

Scholarships played a significant role in student support for the class of 2027. A substantial 70% of students benefited from financial aid. 

Students can receive financial aid, up to the full standard budget amount. The type of aid depends on the student's Family Strength Index, an index developed by the university, derived from the financial information provided by applicants

The scholarship awards ranged widely, extending from $1,000 to as much as $5,000 per academic year.

How Hard Is It To Get Into UC San Diego School of Medicine?

UC San Diego School of Medicine admissions are highly competitive. UC San Diego School of Medicine seeks to enroll students who can demonstrate academic excellence, a solid scientific background, and a strong commitment to medicine.

To be considered as a candidate, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• Permanent resident in the country (green card holders)
• DACA recipient

UC San Diego School of Medicine does not accept students in transfer from other medical schools. Plus, UCSD values diverse backgrounds and perspectives in its student body and aims to create an inclusive environment.

Required Premed Courses at UCSD

It is recommended but not mandatory to have completed these courses: 

• Biology: One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).
• General Chemistry: One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).
• Biochemistry: One academic term (1 semester or 1 quarter).
• Organic Chemistry: One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).
• Physics: One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).
• Calculus or Statistics: One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).

UC San Diego School of Medicine GPA, MCAT, GPA, and Admission Rate

The admissions process for the class of 2027 at UC San Diego School of Medicine was highly competitive. The school received a total of 8213 applications, out of which 793 candidates were interviewed. Ultimately, only 270 applicants were admitted. For the class of 2027, UCSD School of Medicine’s acceptance rate was approximately 3.8%. The class eventually enrolled 140 students, including 523 in the MD-PhD program. 

In terms of academic performance, admitted students had an MCAT average of 515. Furthermore, the average GPA of admitted students was 3.72.

How to Write Your UCSD Essay

After completing your AMCAS application, you’ll need to write several secondary essays specifically for the UC San Diego School of Medicine. These essays are crucial as they allow you to demonstrate how your background aligns with the institution, beyond what is conveyed in your general medical school personal statement and the AMCAS Work and Activities section.

The secondary essay prompts for UCSD require thoughtful and comprehensive responses. For example:

This should be a true autobiographical statement. Topics to be included are family, childhood, primary and secondary school years, undergraduate years, and, if applicable, what you’ve done since completing your bachelor’s degree. You should also discuss the motivational factors which led you to a career in medicine, including any disadvantages or obstacles which might put your accomplishments into context. A repeat of your AMCAS statement will not be acceptable. Please note: if you are applying to the MD/PhD program, please include why you are specifically interested in seeking MD/PhD training at UCSD. (6000 characters).

During the initial stage, the university evaluates candidates and selects only a subset to complete an autobiographical essay. To craft a strong essay, it's important to:

• Include anecdotes from your life or family experiences that highlight your leadership skills, dedication, and commitment to helping others.
• Clearly articulate why you believe the MD program is essential for reaching your career aspirations.

UC San Diego School of Medicine Letter of Recommendation Requirements and Guidelines

Applicants can submit up to 5 letters of recommendation to enter UC San Diego School of Medicine. Letters can come from any source, including but not limited to: 

• Course instructors 
• Research mentors
• Clinical faculty
• ork supervisors
• on-faculty practicing physicians 

Applicants should choose letters they believe will best support their application. 

UCSD Eligibility Restrictions

UC San Diego School of Medicine has several eligibility restrictions for its admissions process:

• California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than C
• Non-California residents, including international applicants, must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than a C

UCSD Application Timeline 

The UCSD admissions process spans from May to October and involves four main steps:

• Primary Application: candidates must complete the application available through the American Medical College Application Service from June to October. 
• Secondary Application: If they pass the first step, candidates should send via email information about their professional background, community or volunteer experience, publications, and research. In addition, they must pay a fee of $135
• Interview: the next step is an interview in which the candidates will be given a vignette with a medical problem to be solved.

Before your first academic year. The admissions timeline typically follows this schedule:

• August 1 - Application opens 
• October 1 - FAFSA and California Dream act open
• October 1 - November 30 - Application submission
• March - April - Transfer admission decisions posted
• May 12 - Appeals for applicants not admitted
• May 15 - Applicants are invited to join the waitlist
• July 31 - Final decisions will be released to applicants who opt into the waitlist.
• June 1 - Deadline to accept UC San Diego's Offer of Admission
• July 1 - Deadline to submit final transcripts. 

Let’s Put You on the Path to UC San Diego School of Medicine

Embarking on the journey to UCSD can be challenging, and it's crucial to showcase why you're an ideal candidate. This process often commences during your freshman year of college, and at Premed Catalyst, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Premed Catalyst is committed to equipping premed students with the tools to succeed in medical school admissions. Our focus is on helping you cultivate a strong academic foundation and compelling narrative, aligning with what top institutions like UC San Diego School of Medicine seek in candidates.

Receive personalized mentorship and tailored advice for your unique journey. Take the first step towards achieving your medical school dreams by filling out a brief form—it'll take less than two minutes. Join us and embark on the path to wearing the coveted white coat!