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

Renowned for its commitment to diversity, innovative curriculum, and community-focused approach to medical education, UC Riverside School of Medicine (UCR SOM) is a dream destination for many aspiring doctors. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know to craft a compelling application to get in.

We’ll share:

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

Without further ado, let’s get started.

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

The UCR School of Medicine's curriculum is known as UME curriculum. It prepares students for notable careers encompassing clinical practice, teaching, and research endeavors. There are four years of study in this program:

• In the first year, biology and behavioral sciences are integrated, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of medicine. UCR SOM also introduces fundamental clinical skills and starts the Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience.
• In the second year, the learning process from the first year continues, adding four instructional blocks, focusing on disease processes.
• Third-year students have educational experiences in core areas of medicine, such as surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, psychiatry, neurology, and emergency medicine at medical centers.
• In the fourth year, students complete two core selectives in critical care medicine and a sub-internship, preparing them to transition to residency.

UC Riverside School of Medicine Tuition Fees and Scholarships

UCR SOM tuition fees vary according to whether the student lives on or off campus. For a first-year student living on campus, these are the approximate fees: 

• Tuition and fees: $44,924
• Room/Board: $19,825
• Books/Supplies: $4,406
• Transportation: $2,000
• Personal Costs: $2,400

With all the mentioned fees included, the total cost of attendance comes to $73,555.

Financial Aid

Scholarships played a significant role in student support for the class of 2027. There are at least six types of financial aid at this university: 

• Dean’s Mission Scholarship - Merit Program
• Dean’s Mission Award - Service Program
• Founders Scholarship Award
• Professional Fee Offset Grant
• IEHP Dean’s Mission Award – Service Program
• Institutional Scholarships

At UCR SOM, 85% of undergraduate students who applied for financial aid received awards, with 97% of those recipients obtaining need-based scholarships and/or grants. 

The average student loan debt for UCR students who borrow federal loans upon graduation is $21,500, representing only a fifth of the total tuition and housing expenses.

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

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

There are several key aspects of UCR School of Medicine admissions, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (undocumented and DACA students are also admitted). 
• Have ties to the California community even if you come from another state.
• Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US undergraduate program.

In addition, volunteer or community and personal experiences are desirable but not mandatory.

Required Premed Courses at UCR School of Medicine

The prerequisite courses for admission to UC Riverside School of Medicine include:

• Mathematics — Eight semester hours in calculus and/or statistics.
• Physics — Eight semester hours, labs optional.
• General chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry — 16 semester hours, labs optional.
• Biology — Eight semester hours, labs optional.

UC Riverside School of Medicine GPA, MCAT, GPA, and Admission Rate

The admissions process for the class of 2027 at UC Riverside School of Medicine was highly competitive. The school received a total of 6,077 applications. For the class of 2027, UCR SOM’s acceptance rate was approximately 2.2%. The class eventually enrolled 86 students.

Moreover, 3.67% of admitted students had a science major. In terms of academic performance, accepted students had an MCAT average of 514 and an average GPA of 3.85.

How to Write Your UCR School of Medicine Essay

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

The UCR SOM application essay involves answering about 5 or 6 questions in 1300 words. Candidates are asked these questions to demonstrate that they have skills and values aligned with the institution. For example:

The mission of the UCR School of Medicine is to improve the health of the people of California and, especially, to serve Inland Southern California by training a diverse workforce of physicians and by developing innovative research and healthcare delivery programs that will improve the health of the medically underserved in the region and become models to be emulated throughout the state and nation. What experiences, skills, and abilities will you bring to the class to fulfill this mission? (250 words).

UC Riverside School of Medicine Letter of Recommendation Requirements and Guidelines

Applicants must submit a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation to enter UC Riverside School of Medicine. Applicants will need at least one letter from a Family Medicine physician or a Family Medicine Department Chair.

It's important to note that while these guidelines are strongly recommended, they are not strict requirements.​

UCR School of Medicine Eligibility Restrictions

UC Riverside School of Medicine has some eligibility restrictions for its admissions process:

• International or transfer students are not accepted.
• Applicants must present a comprehensive portfolio that shows not only strong academic qualifications but also a diverse range of volunteer, community, and personal experiences indicative of their preparedness to serve varied populations as future physicians. 

Moreover, it’s fair to mention that applications will not necessarily be processed in the order of submission.

UCR School of Medicine Application Timeline 

Before your first academic year. The admissions timeline at UCR School of Medicine typically follows this schedule:

• May 1, 2024: The application process for prospective students opens. 
• May 28 - November 1, 2024: Primary applications are accepted. Review of applications will commence in mid-July. 
• July to December 2024: Invitations for secondary applications will be sent 
• September 2024 - March 2025: Multiple mini Interviews will be scheduled.  

The application time for UC Riverside School of Medicine finishes on November 1st. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, emphasizing the importance of submitting early in the cycle to enhance the chances of consideration. UCR SOM also provides an early decision program tailored for applicants firmly committed to attending the school. The early decision deadline is in August. 

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

Starting your journey towards UCR SOM demands a clear demonstration of why you're an ideal candidate, a process that often starts in your freshman year of college. At Premed Catalyst, we specialize in guiding premed students like you through this intricate process, offering personalized mentorship and tailored advice to help you build a compelling narrative that sets you apart in your medical school application.

Fill out a quick form and take the first step towards donning the white coat!