UCSF School of Medicine Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who To Contact

Who to Contact
Need Help With Contact Info
Receipt of Acceptance Forms and Transcripts School of Medicine Office of Admissions at 415.476.4044
Determination of Legal Residence Office of the Registrar
Accepted Students Weekend Office of Outreach and Academic Advancement at 415.514.1390 or 415.514.2277
Housing School of Medicine Office of Admissions at 415.476.4044 or the Housing Office at 415.476.1426
Financial Aid Student Financial Services at 415.476.4181
Student Health Forms/Immunization Records Student Health Services at 415.476.1281
Class of 2010 Computer Requirement Contact the Office of Educational Technology at iROCKET@medsch.ucsf.edu
Academic Calendar Calendars on the Medical Student Portal
Holding Multiple Acceptance Offers Look at AMCAS "traffic rules"
Summer Research Opportunities "Research" on the Medical Student Portal
Orientation Schedule, Information and Forms Materials available in July. Contact the Office of Student Affairs at 415.476.1216
Transportation and Parking UCSF Parking and Transportation at 415.476.1511

Getting Started

Can you send me an application?
UCSF belongs to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), so you will need to go to the AAMC web site and fill out the on-line application. Make sure that you indicate University of California, San Francisco when you are selecting schools to which you want your application sent.
Does AMCAS send the entire application to UCSF?
AMCAS sends UCSF the electronic version of your application after reviewing and verifying your official transcripts.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted through AMCAS on or about June 4. All material required by AMCAS (including all official transcripts) must be received by October 15.
What does the Admissions Committee consider in the initial reviews of my application?

The Admissions Committee looks at:

  • GPAs
  • MCAT scores
  • State of legal residency
  • Applicant's personal statement
  • The extent and depth of extracurricular activities
  • Work experience
  • Honors and awards
  • Student's background

See the profile of a successful applicant for additional information.

Does UCSF School of Medicine give preference to California residents?
Yes. The Committee on Admissions gives preference to California residents, who make up about 80 percent of the entering class annually.
I grew up in California, but I'm going to school out of state. Can I still apply as a California resident?
Yes. Applicants may leave the state for educational purposes and still be considered California residents. If you are no longer in college, you must return to California to still be considered a resident of California. If you have a specific question about state residency, please call the Office of Admissions at (415) 476-4044.
I took the MCAT four years ago. Will I be able to use those scores?
The Medical College Admission Test is required of all applicants and must be taken within three years of the date of matriculation. We will accept scores from 2007, 2008, and 2009 for the October 15, 2009 application deadline. For students who have taken the test more than once, the committee looks at the most recent scores. If you apply with scores more than three years old, you are considered to be automatically requesting a waiver. After review of your application, you will be notified if a waiver is not granted.
When should I send letters of recommendation?
We ask that you do not send letters of recommendation until we have requested them. If you are invited to submit a secondary application, you will be asked at that time to send a minimum of three letters of recommendation. Letters sent prior to your invitation to submit a secondary application will be discarded.
When should I send transcripts?
We request transcripts only after applicants are accepted or placed on the alternate list. Therefore, we ask that you do not send transcripts until we have requested them.
Who are the members of the Admissions Committee?
The Admissions Committee consists of about 80 members, of whom 35% are medical students and 65% represent a broad cross-section of the clinical and basic science faculty.
I'm not a U.S. Citizen; are the application requirements different for me?
The UCSF School of Medicine accepts applications from foreign students who have completed a minimum of one year of college in an accredited U.S. college. It is very difficult to gain entry, however, without holding a permanent resident visa or US citizenship.
I'm Canadian. Can I apply to UCSF?
Yes. Although we require that foreign applicants complete a minimum of one year of college in the U.S., this requirement is waived if the college study was at an English-speaking institution. It is very difficult to gain entry, however, without holding a permanent resident visa or US citizenship.
I have a medical degree from another country. Do I need to start over and apply to medical school in the U.S.?
The School of Medicine's Office of Graduate Medical Education assists graduates of foreign medical schools with these inquiries.
Does UCSF accept transfer students?
The School of Medicine does not accept transfer students at any level.

Secondary Applications

Do all applicants receive secondary applications?
No. Approximately 1,500 applicants are approved for secondary applications after initial reviews by the Committee on Admissions.

Interviews

How many applicants interview at UCSF?
We interview about 500 applicants each year.
What time does the interview day begin and where do I check-in?
Your confirmation email will include your check-in time and location.
How many interviews will I have?
If possible, you will have two one-on-one interviews with members of the admissions committee. You may have one interview with a faculty member and one with a student member; otherwise, both of your interviewers will be faculty. All members of the Admissions Committee serve as voting members, including students. Some interviews will be conducted at sites other than the main campus (e.g., San Francisco General Hospital, VA Hospital, Mt. Zion Hospital, Mission Bay, Laurel Heights). A free shuttle will take you to these locations.
What can I expect during the interviews?
The interviews are one-on-one and "blind," which means that the interviewers have no previous knowledge of you besides your name. The average interview lasts 40 minutes. Interviewers are asked to keep the interview as relaxed as possible in order to get to know you beyond your paper record.
How long does the interview day last?
You should expect to be at UCSF most of the day, typically 8:00 am-5:00 pm. In addition to your interviews, you will have an orientation, lunch, a tour with students, a financial aid session, and the opportunity to attend classes if in session. If you are arriving on an overnight or early morning flight, make sure you arrive early enough (no later than 6:00 am) in order to allow travel time from the airport to UCSF. Check-in time for your orientation is at 8:00 am. If you are flying out on the same day, please do not book a departing flight earlier than 8:00 pm.
How many applicants interview on a given day?
The number of applicants per day varies. You will have a chance to meet the other applicants during the course of your interview day.
Does UCSF provide breakfast and lunch?
A continental breakfast will be available when you arrive. In addition, we provide vouchers for lunch and try to have one of our 3rd or 4th year students join you in the nearby Courtyard Caffe to talk with you about the clinical years.
Can I sit in on classes?
Attending classes depends on a variety of factors: your interview schedule, the classes available on a given day, and holiday/exam times. You will receive a current schedule for 1st and 2nd year courses when you check-in. The calendars are on-line if you would like a preview.
What do I need to bring on my interview day?
Please bring a copy of the interview confirmation email. Do not bring supplementary material to your interviews.
What can I do with my luggage during my interview day?
You are welcome to leave your luggage in the Admissions Office (C-200) until 5 pm.
Do you have a student housing program for applicants?
Yes. UCSF has a student-run hosting program that is available to interviewees who wish to stay with a medical student prior to the interview day. More information will be available on your status page once you have been invited to interview.
What is the best way to travel to UCSF from the airport?
Many people find that door-to-door van service is the most convenient for the price. Detailed information is provided above in "Travel Information".