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April 3, 2024
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Renowned for its innovative approach to medical education, UCLA Medical School (also known as the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA) is a dream destination for many aspiring doctors. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know to craft a compelling application.
We’ll share:
Without further ado, let’s get started.
The UCLA Medical School's MD curriculum, known as the HEALS Curriculum, is designed to train the next generation of physicians with a focus on integrating new and emerging content into medical education.Â
Students may choose between two pathways to have a more focused educational experience, these are:
Additionally, there are some alternatives to getting your MD beyond the traditional path. You may also opt for:
Overall, UCLA Medical School's MD curriculum is continually updated to include new and emerging content, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest advancements in medical science. In contrast to many other institutions, they are introduced to clinical rotations much earlier than in traditional curriculums. Also, it's worth noting that the program allocates dedicated time for students to engage in research, dual degree programs, electives, and advocacy work, providing a flexible and comprehensive educational experience tailored to their diverse interests and career goals.
Tuition fees at UCLA Medical School vary slightly depending on your academic year. For freshman students, they go as follows:
With all the mentioned fees included, the total cost of attendance comes to $84,125. Non-CA resident students must pay the additional $12,245, totaling their cost of attendance to $96,370.
Scholarships played a significant role in student support for the class of 2027. A substantial 89% of students benefited from financial aid. UCLA Medical School offers a range of financial aid options, including medical school scholarships and loans. In addition to financial assistance, they provide resources and guidance on financial health, including financial literacy and debt management.
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA admissions process is competitive and holistic, considering a range of factors, including:
While academic grades are important, they are not the sole factor in application evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures each application component is assessed equally to ensure you're a well-rounded candidate.
At the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the admissions process doesn't focus on specific prerequisite courses. Instead, it allows applicants to showcase their competence in key areas through their diverse academic experiences. This approach is aimed at assessing the foundational skills necessary for success in medical school.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the following competencies through their completed college-level coursework:
They also consider awareness of healthcare delivery, human diversity, and research experience. Skills in writing, communication, clinical experiences, and interpersonal skills are equally important. You can check out our five favorite premed extracurriculars for UCLA med school on our YouTube channel.
The admissions process for the class of 2027 at UCLA Medical School was highly competitive. DGSOM received a total of 13,064 applications and the acceptance rate was approximately 2.9%. The class eventually enrolled 175 med students.
In terms of academic performance, admitted students had an MCAT average of 514 and the average GPA was 3.8.Â
Want to learn how to not be another generic high stat pre-med student?
After completing your AMCAS application, you’ll need to write several secondary essays specifically for UCLA Medical School. 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.
UCLA's secondary application for medical school involves answering brief questions with an 800-character limit, requiring concise and thoughtful responses. For example:
‍At the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, students are provided with curriculum and experiences enabling them to become an "outstanding physician" and dedicating themselves to important societal missions. What missions do you want to embrace? What have you done toward your missions? (800 characters)
Here, the focus is on what is important for you and how you envision making a difference as a physician. A successful strategy involves selecting a medical specialty or public health issue of interest, discussing relevant experiences, and connecting these ambitions to UCLA's offerings.Â
Applicants can submit 3 to 5 letters of recommendation to enter UCLA Medical School. The best letter writers for their application process are individuals who know the applicant well. This could be a professor, a peer, a mentor, or an employer. The key is to choose someone who can effectively highlight your qualities. The focus is not on the status of the letter writer but on their ability to convey your strengths and potential for medicine.Â
Overall, applicants should choose letters they believe will best support their application. It's important to note that while these guidelines are strongly recommended, they are not strict requirements.​
Our full breakdown video will help you learn more about how to write great letters of recommendation for UCLA med school:
UCLA Medical School has several eligibility restrictions for its admissions process:
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA evaluates all applicants, whether they are in-state, out-of-state, or international, without any preference or separate evaluation processes. Their approach to candidate evaluation is holistic, ensuring equal consideration for all.
The timeline for the 2024-2025 academic year at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is not yet available. However, to give you an idea based on last year's schedule, the process typically includes:
UCLA Medical School looks for candidates with a holistic profile, valuing not only academic excellence and strong MCAT scores but also a commitment to community service, leadership, and diverse experiences. They seek individuals who demonstrate the potential to contribute significantly to the medical field and the well-being of diverse patient populations.Â
Starting the journey toward UCLA medical school can be challenging, and it's essential to show why you're a good fit. This often begins during your freshman year of college, and at Premed Catalyst, we're here to support you along the way.
Premed Catalyst is focused on helping premed students navigate the path to medical school. Our goal is to assist you in building a solid foundation and a compelling narrative to strengthen your medical school application.
We provide personalized mentorship and advice tailored to your individual journey. To get started, simply fill out a quick form (it'll only take a couple of minutes) and take the first step toward pursuing your dream of wearing the white coat!