Ucla Medical School Acceptance Rate

UCLA has rolling admissions and will no longer conduct interviews once the class is filled, so you should submit your completed application as soon as possible.

How to Get Into UCLA Medical School

As one of the country’s top medical schools, the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA is also one of the most competitive. If you’re interested in becoming one of the lucky few to get accepted to DGSOM but aren’t sure where to start, look no further — here’s your guide on how to get into UCLA medical school!

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UCLA Medical School Programs: What Do They Offer?

There are several different programs available at UCLA. Requirements for each can vary:

• The standaloneMD Program provides students with the skills necessary for careers in clinical practice, teaching, research, and public service.
• TheMedical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) specializes in educating and training individuals seeking a biomedical sciences career. You’ll begin with two years of med school, complete four years of Ph.D. graduate training, and finish with your final years of med school.
• TheUCLA Prime Program in Medical Education is a five-year dual degree program, during which you complete an MD and a master’s degree. This program focuses on developing leaders in addressing medical policy, care, and research.
• TheUCLA/Charles R. Drew Medical Education Program centers on education in community engagement and training physician leaders who promote wellness in diverse and underserved communities.

All candidates must apply through the David Geffen School of Medicine. Once DGSOM accepts you, you’ll need to apply to the program you want, submit letters of recommendation, and undergo an interview process.

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UCLA Medical School Admissions Requirements

So, let’s say you are interested in applying. What would you need? We have the UCLA med school requirements you need to know below.

You will apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Before filling out the $95 application, you must meet all UCLA medical school requirements. Here are the minimum qualifications and materials you’ll need for your AMCAS application:

• Undergraduate record

• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) score

• Letters of recommendation

• Graduate record (where applicable)

• Life experiences

• Admission interviews

Failure to provide any of these materials will delay your application review or lead to rejection. Let’s take an in-depth look at each requirement.

Undergraduate Record: Minimum Coursework

Successful applicants must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution. AP credit is accepted as well. DGSOM doesn’t evaluate specific prerequisite coursework.

The school recommends applicants demonstrate key competencies in the following college-level coursework and abilities:

Knowledge	Skills	Awareness
Biological Sciences and Physiology : Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics	Writing and Communication Skills	Healthcare Delivery : Could include courses/ experiences dealing with the ethical, legal, political, public health, scientific, and moral challenges
Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Sciences : Inorganic and Organic chemistry, Biochemistry of intermediary metabolism, and lab activities	Clinical Experiences : UCLA appreciates applicants’ dedication to medicine	Human Diversity
Humanities : Could include literature, art, history, philosophy, religion, ethics, economics, social behavior, and psychology	Interpersonal Skills	Research Experience
Mathematics and Statistics : Could include biomathematics, computer science, matrix algebra

Try to weave these competencies into your application: DGSOM seeks these qualities in students.

UCLA Med School GPA Requirements

There is no GPA cutoff to apply to DGSOM. The UCLA med school average GPA of accepted students is approximately 3.8.

UCLA Med School MCAT Requirements

Although UCLA doesn’t specify a minimum score, the DGSOM admissions committee will not review applications without MCAT scores. The average MCAT score of UCLA medical school students was 514 in a recent cycle.

Letters of Recommendation: What Others Think Matters Here

You must submit three to five recommendations, two of which must come from previous instructors. You can give writers a short synopsis highlighting key moments when working or learning with them. This reminds them of key characteristics about you that translate into a more detailed letter.

Transcripts: Proof of Your Degree

DGSOM requires your transcripts. Before submitting your application, you must request your official transcripts to be forwarded directly through AMCAS. The admissions committee doesn’t accept unofficial transcripts.

Work Experiences: What Have They Taught You?

Your personal statement is the best place to discuss your experiences (besides your activities list) and is a crucial UCLA medical school requirement. Details of research, volunteer work, clinical work, or publications bolster your application.

Discuss how your experiences have contributed to your desire to enter the medical field and what you can contribute to the program. You must display your communication skills. In short, sell yourself as best as possible!

UCLA Medical School Acceptance Rate

True to its strong reputation, UCLA’s medical school acceptance rate is low. acceptance rate is just under 3%, making it one of the most challenging schools in the country to get into. The positive aspect of such low acceptance rates is a higher faculty-student ratio of 3.6:1.

UCLA Medical School Acceptance Statistics: How You Rank

While David Geffen School of Medicine receives many applications, the limited spots make it one of the most competitive schools you can enter. In a recent admissions cycle, 173 students matriculated.

• The MD program allows approximately 118 new entrants.

• The MSTP program accepts 12 to 15 applicants annually.

• Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program accepts approximately 24 new entrants annually.

• UCLA Prime allows approximately 18 new entrants.

UCLA medical school admission statistics can seem daunting, but you can set yourself apart with the right preparation. Remember to start early and keep important dates in mind.

UCLA Medical School Application Timeline

The David Geffen School of Medicine uses a rolling admission schedule. While application deadlines are mid-October, aim to submit earlier. You can see the admissions timeline below:

Deadlines	Dates
AMCAS Application Deadline	October 2
Secondary Application Deadline	Two weeks from the date & time of invitation
Screening of Completed Applications	July to November
Interviews	August to March
Offers of Admission	Starting October 15

If you receive an offer of admission, you’ll have 15 days to respond.

UCLA Medical School Secondary Application: The Essays

Once you’ve completed all aspects of the primary application, the DGSOM admissions committee will review it. After, the school may send secondary applications to candidates they want to see continue in the admissions process.

These are the current secondary application prompts, although they can change annually:

1. 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)

2. Respond to the following and indicate how these areas of experience have impacted your progress toward your future career goals in relation to becoming an ‘Outstanding Physician, AND…’.

Describe your most unique leadership, entrepreneurial, or creative activity. (800 characters)

Describe your most important volunteer work and why it was meaningful. (800 characters)

Describe your most scholarly project (thesis, research or field of study in basic or clinical science or in the humanities) and provide the total number of hours, dates and advisor. (800 characters)

3. Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your pathway to medical school. Include any academic, personal, financial or professional barriers, as well as other relevant information. (800 characters)

4. Did you experience or are you anticipating time between graduating from college and matriculating into medical school? (Yes/No) If yes, describe the activities in which you participated or are planning to participate. Examples include additional schooling, employment, or caring for a loved one. (800 characters)

5. (Optional) Do you identify as being part of a group that has been marginalized (examples include, but are not limited to, LGBTQIA, disabilities, federally recognized tribe) in terms of access to education or healthcare? (Yes/No) If you answered ‘Yes’ to the above, answer the following prompt: Describe how this inequity has impacted you or your community and how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community. (800 characters)

These questions allow the admissions committee to get to know you better. The goal is to understand your interests, experiences, achievements, and hardships that provide a clearer picture of who you are.

UCLA Medical School Interview Process: Your Time to Shine

Once the admissions committee reviews your secondary application, you may be invited to interview. The one-on-one virtual interview is your final requirement for UCLA medical school. UCLA interviews are held between August and January or until the class is full.

You’ll want to stress your abilities, why you want to attend DGSOM, and how you’ll contribute to the program. The admissions committee determines a final offer after a comprehensive review of your application.

UCLA Medical School Tuition & Scholarships

Costs and tuition at UCLA med school can vary. Here is a breakdown of tuition, fees, and other expenses you can expect to pay at UCLA:

Cost Factor	1st Year	2nd Year Summer	2nd Year	3rd Year Summer	3rd Year	4th Year
Tuition and Fees	$43,843	$9,763	$43,843	$9,763	$43,843	$49,904
Food and Housing	$26,270	$5,254	$26,270	$5,254	$26,270	$26,270
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$3,510	N/A	$2,219	N/A	$1,629	$1,730

Transportation	$3,940	$1,158	$5,790	$1,104	$5,520	$3,990
Miscellaneous	$5,680	$1,178	$5,890	$1,274	$6,370	$5,060
Loan Fees	$882	N/A	$882	N/A	$882	$882
Total	$84,125	$17,353	$84,894	$17,395	$84,514	$87,836

If you’re an out-of-state student, you must pay an additional $12,245 in annual tuition. At the end of your first year, UCLA recommends establishing a residency in California to reduce tuition costs at UCLA medical school.

These costs can seem daunting, but they shouldn’t discourage you. The school offers multiple scholarships to cover a large sum (or all) of the cost of attending UCLA medical school.

• The David Geffen Medical Scholarship provides financial support for the four-year cost of attendance. The scholarship includes in-state tuition and fees plus an annual living stipend. Out-of-state tuition is covered only for the first year.
• The LA Care Scholarship pays in-state tuition and fees plus an annual living stipend. Out-of-state tuition is covered only through the first year.
• The Leaders of Tomorrow Scholars Program pays full tuition and fees and a one-time $5,000 research stipend.

There are also need-based scholarships available. The DGSOM Financial Aid Office emails information regarding financial aid to entering students. Furthermore, many external scholarships are available to med students in the U.S. Do your research and apply because there’s money waiting for you!

Tips for Getting Into UCLA Medical School

If you’re interested in attending medical school at UCLA, here are some tips to help you get accepted.

Pursue Diverse Clinical Experiences

One thing that will make you stand out from the other applicants is if you have solid, tangible working experience shown throughout your application. UCLA classifies working experience in four different ways:

• Working in medical environments
• Working in community service
• Working in research
• Working in leadership

Gaining clinical experience in the areas highlighted above will prove to the admissions committee that you possess the soft skills needed to be a successful doctor, alongside your technical skills and understanding of medicine.

Start Your Application Early

Your application to medical school is one of the most important documents you’ll have to prepare in your medical career. That’s why former Associate Dean for Admissions, Dr. Theodore Hall, recommended starting your application at least two years before you intend to apply.

“As you’re planning for your career in medicine, you should be documenting your extracurricular activities and research projects, people to ask for letters of recommendation and any other evidence [that] you’d be a good candidate,” he said.

Keeping track of everything as you go can make the application process much smoother!

Show You Possess the Core Competencies UCLA Seeks

Since UCLA doesn’t have specific course requirements, you need to demonstrate your fit through the competencies the admissions committee searches for. In terms of knowledge, ensure your transcript shows you’ve taken science, math, and humanities courses.

The admissions committee is also searching for candidates with varied clinical and research experiences, effective communicators, and strong interpersonal skills.

Getting Into UCLA Med School: FAQs

Still have questions about how to get into UCLA med school? We’ve got you covered.

1. How Hard Is It to Get Into UCLA Medical School?

DGSOM’s acceptance rate is 2.9%. With dedication and patience, you can maximize your chances of acceptance.

2. How Many Letters of Recommendation for UCLA Med School Do I Need?

You’ll need to submit three to five letters of recommendation. Your letters should come from professors or professionals who know you well and can speak to your qualifications.

3. What Are the UCLA Medical School Prerequisites?

The UCLA med school application requirements don’t include any specific prerequisite courses. However, you should have significant knowledge in the following areas:

• Biological Sciences and Physiology
• Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Sciences
• Humanities
• Math and Statistics

You should also have good writing and communication skills and clinical and research experience.

4. What Score Do I Need on the MCAT for UCLA Medical School?

Although no specified minimum MCAT score is required for DGSOM, it’s a good idea to aim for a score around or above 514. This will give you a competitive advantage at many programs, including UCLA.

5. What GPA is Required for UCLA Medical School?

There are no GPA cutoffs at UCLA medical school, but a GPA of 3.8 or higher can help you become a more competitive applicant.

6. Is UCLA a Good Medical School?

UCLA is one of the nation’s best medical schools. U.S. News ranks DGSOM as #10 in primary care and #18 in research. UCLA is a good med school for applicants interested in research or primary care.

7. What Extracurricular Activities Should I Participate in to Improve My Chances of Getting into UCLA Medical School?

You should participate in varied extracurriculars related and unrelated to the medical field to add differentiation to your profile. Clinical and research experience, in particular, are two of the competencies UCLA is looking for.

8. How Important Is Research Experience for UCLA Medical School Admissions?

Research experience is important – according to the MSAR, 96% of a recent incoming class had research experience.

9. Does UCLA Medical School Have a Preference for In-State Applicants?

According to data from the MSAR, UCLA offered more interviews to in-state students than out-of-state, despite more out-of-state students applying. Additionally, the incoming class comprised 100 in-state students and 67 out-of-state students. Therefore, it seems UCLA medical school does have a preference for in-state applicants.

You Can Get Into UCLA Med School

While the process is competitive and time-sensitive, it’s possible to get admitted into the David Geffen School of Medicine. Now that you know how to get into UCLA medical school, the most important thing to remember is to ensure you submit all materials before the deadline.

There are excellent resources available to assist you when applying. With this guide and tailored admissions consulting, becoming a student at DGSOM is within your reach!

How to get into the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (2023-2024)

Introduction: How to Get Into UCLA Medical School

Although a relative newcomer to the medical scene, the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, also known as David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States. Founded in 1951, UCLA is currently ranked #19 in U.S. News and World Report for research . Given its highly acclaimed reputation, it’s no surprise that admission is fiercely competitive.

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

“As the youngest top medical school in the nation, we are a groundbreaking community of problem solvers, caregivers, innovators and life-long learners with a noble mission: to heal humankind by delivering leading-edge research, education, patient care and community engagement.”

UCLA Medical School Programs

There are four major programs within UCLA Medical School. They include:

Traditional MD Program

The medical education program at the David Geffen School of Medicine equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide the best care for their patients and contribute to the ever-growing scientific body of knowledge. Through research, clinical practice, teaching, and public service, students learn how to employ a patient-centered approach to their careers in medicine. Currently, the classic MD program is going through a curriculum redesign.

UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program

In partnership with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), this combined MD-PhD program focuses on training physician-scientists, exploring topics including engineering, social sciences, bedside research, and health policy. The program seeks out students with a “life-long commitment” to research and leadership. Students complete the medical portion of their education at the David Geffen School of Medicine and their PhD within a UCLA graduate program. Annually, two students will complete their graduate training at Caltech.

Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program

Through this program, students receive training to become leaders in medicine in underserved populations within the U.S. and abroad. Twenty-four students are selected for this community-based program in medical education, which emphasizes the humane aspects of medicine and diversity.

PRIME-LA

PRIME-LA students focus on addressing real problems in healthcare through leadership and advocacy, emphasizing healthcare disparities in disadvantaged and underserved populations in California and the entire country. Participants complete the traditional MD curriculum, along with special courses. They will also undertake research projects relating to healthcare access problems and clerkships in clinical arenas that focus on these populations, before completing an advanced degree, such as an MBA, MPH, MPP, or MS.

How Difficult is it to get into UCLA Medical School?

UCLA Medical School Acceptance Rate

Admission to the UCLA Medical School is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of 2.3 percent. Of the 14,357 applicants in 2022, 1093 were invited to interview and 320 students were accepted. More than half of admitted students — 175 — ended up enrolling.

A majority of students were in-state, while 40 percent were out of state and 2.2 percent were international. 55 percent of the student body were women.

UCLA Medical School Average MCAT

Accepted students at the UCLA School of Medicine had an average MCAT score of 516. A 510 represented the 25th percentile, while 520 was at the 75th percentile of students.

UCLA Medical School Average GPA

For accepted students, the 25th percentile of admitted students had a GPA of 3.62, while students with a 3.92 sit at the 75th percentile. The average GPA is 3.81.

UCLA Medical School Undergraduate Majors

Among students who ended up matriculating at the UCLA School of Medicine, 79 percent majored in a science discipline.

UCLA Medical School Application Deadlines

The David Geffen School of Medicine uses the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which has a primary application deadline of September 30th.

UCLA Secondary Essay Information and Prompts

Unlike most medical schools, UCLA screens applicants and only selected applicants are extended a secondary application. The secondary application is due FIFTEEN days from the invitation to complete it.

UCLA Secondary Essay Prompt #1

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)

It’s important to be completely genuine in your response here, because otherwise, the admissions committee will see through it. It can be helpful to use an anecdote from your most meaningful volunteering, advocacy, or social justice experience to show, rather than tell, how it affected you. The vast majority of students will write about an activity that has been discussed elsewhere in the primary application.

UCLA Secondary Essay Prompt #2

Respond to the following and indicate how these areas of experience have impacted your progress toward your future career goals in relation to becoming an “Outstanding Physician, AND…”.

A-Describe your most unique leadership, entrepreneurial, or creative activity. (800 characters)

The key here is to remember that you’re being tasked with describing an activity that’s not related to your coursework or academic life. That means you should explain your passion for r an outside club or extracurricular you enjoy. You can, of course, connect it to your reasons for wanting to be a physician — perhaps, for example, tutoring younger students helped cultivate your desire to help people.

B-Describe your most important volunteer work and why it was meaningful. (800 characters)

It’s important to be completely genuine in your response here, because otherwise, the admissions committee will see through it. It can be helpful to use an anecdote from your most meaningful volunteering experience to show, rather than tell, how it affected you. The vast majority of students will write about an activity that has been discussed elsewhere in the primary application.

C-Describe your most scholarly project (thesis, research or field of study in basic or clinical science or in the humanities) and provide the total number of hours, dates and advisor. (800 characters)

You may choose to write about something off-the-beaten path for this prompt or something more “traditional” such as a research project; you can stand out by writing about either. If you’ve undertaken an interesting project that the admissions committee doesn’t encounter too often, they will notice, say, an interesting humanities or social science project that has some connection to medicine. Try not to focus too heavily on the details and information but instead your takeaways from it. This is another prompt that will force you to write about topics covered in your primary.

UCLA Secondary Essay Prompt #3

Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your pathway to medical school. Include any academic, personal, financial or professional barriers, as well as other relevant information. (800 characters)

UCLA Secondary Essay Prompt #4

Did you experience or are you anticipating time between graduating from college and matriculating into medical school?

If yes: Describe the activities in which you participated or are planning to participate. Examples include additional schooling, employment, or caring for a loved one. (800 characters)

Many students take gap time before applying to medical school, and that’s okay. Just be forthcoming and explain why you took the time off and how you benefited from it. Perhaps you traveled and gained a new perspective or wanted to have work experience to help you become more mature, for instance. Again, this prompt may force you to repeat topics covered in your primary application.

UCLA Secondary Essay Prompt #5

Do you identify as being part of a group that has been marginalized (examples include, but are not limited to, LGBTQIA, disabilities, federally recognized tribe) in terms of access to education or healthcare?

If yes: Describe how this inequity has impacted you or your community and how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community. (800 characters)

This will give the admissions committee insight into any difficulties you may have faced that could impact your academic performance and overall candidacy. Because UCLA seeks students from different backgrounds and perspectives and understands that you may have undergone obstacles that affected your performance in college and beyond, this will most likely help rather than hurt your chances of acceptance. That said, you should never fabricate an obstacle to improve your odds of admission. Do not feel you must complete this essay if you don’t have anything you feel qualifies as a marginalization or hardship.

UCLA Medical School Interview Format

The UCLA admissions committee screens applications and extends invitations starting August 15th.

Interviews are conducted virtually and are a one on one traditional format except for the PRIME program which conducts MMI interviews.

UCLA has rolling admissions and will no longer conduct interviews once the class is filled, so you should submit your completed application as soon as possible.

Special programs often have additional requirements and deadlines.