collageUCR is a great choice for you if you want to become a physician. It provides an excellent foundation for med school and has a rich history of producing successful applicants. The admissions committee looks at the overall picture when evaluating applications. They consider grades, coursework and standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and overall personal wellness into account. A strong application will demonstrate your leadership potential, medical interests and commitment to lifelong learning.
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Is It Hard To Get Into UCR Medical School
As long as you make the effort to get involved, UCR will welcome you with open arms.
Balancing Everything – Time Management is KEY
Finding a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and personal time is especially tricky for pre-meds, especially those who are eager to get involved in every activity they find interesting. Luckily, being involved and performing well academically at UCR seems to be manageable as long as students follow a disciplined schedule. Here’s some insight experienced pre-meds share to about finding a balance when coming to UCR:
“Depending on how you organize your schedule, it can be easy or very stressful.”
“For me it was tough. I worked 40+ hours a week my first quarter and even with just 13 units I definitely struggled so I wouldn’t suggest that many work hours on top of school unless you can set your schedule up in a way that optimizes your time to the point where you’re not going straight to work after class and can focus on one or the other at a time.”
“Not terribly hard, but very mentally exhausting”
“Don’t overwhelm yourself and get a good sleep schedule going and you’ll be fine.”
“It’s manageable if you plan well.”
“During my time on campus, I was not involved in any activities as I was trying to even out my GPA after a rough first quarter and finally quitting my job. However, there are many opportunities to get involved with, from organizations to research. It’s really all open to you as long as you take advantage of the opportunities.”
“Take it slow. Don’t try to get involved in a hundred things at once. Find your footing academically first cause the quarter system is a tough adjustment.”
How Highlanders Feel About Being Pre-Med At UCR
We’ve gone over the academic and extracurricular aspects of UCR and now it’s time to finally discuss probably the most important thing — how students honestly feel about attending UCR. You’ll be living and breathing UCR for four years, so it’s essential that it is in fact the vibe you want to surround yourself with. Here’s some unedited opinions from actual Highlanders on their lives at UCR.
What They Love About It
“Good professors that actually want you to succeed.”
“The premed community isn’t cutthroat compared to higher tier universities. Everyone helps each other out.”
“Your first year professors and most likely all of your professors really want you to pass and do your best. No they won’t spoon feed you and baby you throughout the course but they will accommodate to any needs you have and can help with deadlines in case any emergencies arise.”
“Many opportunities across campus as far as pre med and pre health professions go.”
“Good professors and research opportunities, volunteer opportunities w/ underserved populations”
“UCR is an amazing campus and it’s not too crowded.”
“The people here. It’s so supportive and I love that everyone helps each other out.”
What They Don’t Love About It
“The strict grading curves.”
“Some curves can really destroy your GPA.”
“HPAC (premed advisors) don’t necessarily help other than giving you basic advise and sometimes dissuade you from continuing on the premed route. But this seems to be universal for premed advisors for many universities .”
“Like any university, it’s relatively competitive. You’re gonna have to put in the time to get the results you want.”
“The clinical volunteering opportunities that are readily available aren’t the best.”
“Class registration for classes because I don’t have priority registration for most pre-med classes and having time conflicts with my major requirements.”
“Some people really judge you for going here. Doesn’t bother me too much cause I met some awesome people here but sometimes it’s annoying.”
Why Did They Pick UCR and Would They Do It Again?
Nearly every single Highlander expressed that they would definitely choose to attend UCR again. One student did explain that they would not choose it again because they “would have chosen a different major that makes me happy” (completely understandable), but everyone else was content with their decision. Most of the responders simply answered with a “yes”, but for those who provided an explanation, here’s what they had to say:
“Yeah, because I made a lot of good friends.”
“Hell. Yes. I had fun, learned a lot, made lifelong friends, and I succeeded in my goal.”
“Absolutely. Amazing campus, amazing atmosphere and endless opportunities.”
The Takeaway For Potential Future Highlanders
First and foremost, remember to take all this with a grain of salt. Everyone has different opinions and different experiences and if I learned anything from reading through all these responses, it’s that no two people have nearly the same pre-med experience. This article is for you to see the brutally honest (hence my tagline) opinions of Highlanders who have been through the pre-med experience so you can make the best decision for yourself. There are downsides and upsides to every school so don’t let this article discourage you if you truly feel UCR is the place for you.
To Finish Off, Some Wise Words From Highlanders
“Study and put effort in your classes.”
“”During the summer incoming into college, getting some shadowing hours in would be good as most schools end around May and UCR doesn’t start until late Sept. or early Oct. which gives you a large summer break.”
“Advice for those still in high school: UCR doesn’t take AP science scores as course credit but instead as elective credits. So if you want credit for chem/bio/physics you would have to do dual enrollment at a community college. However taking AP science classes really does help for the introductory science classes. “
“Don’t be scared to ask questions, take advantage of office hours and don’t be scared to email your professors about anything. Your TAs and discussions can also be extremely helpful so attend those even if they’re not required.”
“Learn as much as you can about the [medical school] process as early as possible, using multiple sources. don’t just trust advisors, premed friends, professors, or physicians without also doing your own research.”
“Don’t major in biology, you have a better chance majoring in humanities.”
“Ask for letters of rec early (3-6 months in advance) and bug your professors constantly to get it done. Also apply for medical school early.”
“There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be premed. Now that I’ve seen the other side, some of the things I thought were important really were not at all. My priorities if I had to do it again are #1) GPA and MCAT. Look up average GPA and MCAT scores from schools you want to go to and use that as your bar. A large portion of applicants won’t make it to their interview if their gpa is too low due, as some med schools have a cutoff simply because there are too many applications to look through. #2) Be a good person. Seriously. People like doing things for nice, humble people. This might open surprising opportunities or networking. #3) Join a premed interest group early. They often have resources or opportunities available to get involved in health care or the community early on just ready for the taking. #4) ASK FOR HELP. Ask professors for research or mentor ship opportunities (obviously you should look at what type of research they do and have a basic understanding of it). #5) Now that you have connections in the community and certain professors as mentors, ASK FOR LETTERS OF Recommendation! Most are more than happy to write them!!! Good luck!”
From sunny beaches to beautiful redwoods, California has something for everyone. If you are considering going to medical school in California, you can’t go wrong. California has top-ranked medical schools in some of the best locations in the country. With beautiful weather year-round and an abundance of things to do, it is the ideal place to spend your four (or more) years of medical education.
This post will provide you with detailed information about each California school and tips on how to get in. Whether you are wondering where to apply to medical school, or just interested in learning more, keep reading!
Learn About California Medical Schools:
List of Medical Schools in California
California Medical School Admissions Statistics and Information
Tips to Get Into Medical Schools in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting into California medical schools is tough! There is no better medical school application adviser than Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta from Cracking Med School Admissions. Send us a question below. We can help you shine on your medical school applications, secondary essays, and interviews!
Ask Us A Question!
LIST OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
California has 16 medical schools (13 MD, 3 DO). That’s a lot! How can we narrow down where to apply? Below we will list the facts and statistics of each medical school, along with some insider information on what life is like as a medical student.
Click on the school links in the medical school list to jump to the school details, including specific location, acceptance rates, and medical school tuition costs.
California MD vs DO medical schools
Allopathic California Schools (M.D.)
California Northstate University College of Medicine
California University of Science and Medicine
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Kaiser Permanente Medical School
Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine
UC Davis School of Medicine
UC Irvine School of Medicine
UCLA (UC Los Angeles) David Geffen School of Medicine
UC Riverside School of Medicine
UC San Diego School of Medicine
UC San Francisco School of Medicine
Osteopathic California Schools (D.O.)
California Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Northern California vs Southern California Medical Schools
Medical Schools in Southern California
California University of Science and Medicine
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Kaiser Permanente Medical School
Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
UC Irvine School of Medicine
UCLA (UC Los Angeles) David Geffen School of Medicine
UC Riverside School of Medicine
UC San Diego School of Medicine
California Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Medical Schools in Northern California
California Northstate University College of Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine
UC Davis School of Medicine
UC San Francisco School of Medicine
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
CALIFORNIA MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS STATISTICS
We collected the admissions statistics for all California Med Schools. We listed the medical schools in order of U.S. News rankings.
In additional to admissions statistics, our Cracking Med School Admissions team also gave some highlights about each medical school. For detailed school profiles, check out all our school profiles here where we list secondary essay prompts, interview tips, medical school curriculum details, clinical rotations, student life, and financial aide.
Check Out: All Cracking Med School Admissions Profiles
MD MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Stanford University Medical School | Stanford, CA
School Type: Private
Stanford Median MCAT: 519
Stanford Median GPA: 3.89
Campus type: Suburban
Stanford Medical School Tuition: ~ $61,000
Stanford Medical School Acceptance Rate: 2%
One of the world’s most renowned medical schools, Stanford is known for its cutting-edge research, innovation in biotech and entrepreneurship, and top-of-the-line clinical training. Stanford is a powerhouse in many areas of medical education. No matter what your career goals are, Stanford is an unparalleled springboard into whatever field you may choose.
Stanford has a unique, flexible curriculum that allows students to pursue their passions. Students are able to “split” their second-year, meaning that they have the opportunity to take half the usual load of academic credits in order to spend the other half of time pursuing some scholarly project or personal endeavor. Students who opt into this program graduate in 5 years instead of 4. This is just one example of the many opportunities Stanford provides to students who want to take charge of their education and carve out their own path.
It is worth mentioning that Stanford is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the most expensive places to live in California. Cost of living can be a barrier for students. However, Stanford is very generous with financial aid, and there is also graduate housing available for students. From our experiences living there, you can find affordable on-campus and off-campus housing.
About How to Get Into UCR Medical School
To get into medical school, your âwhyâ should be all throughout your application.. And we understand why. You will have facts such as admissions statistics, and youâll get ⦠The problem with UCR med school is that there are only 60 seats in the medical school class whereas other medical schools have more. degree from UCR at time of selection or recently graduated but have not applied to medical school. In this guide, weâll also be covering how to land a seat in medical school despite a less-than-stellar GPA or a low Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score. UCR continues to improve up in the rankings and would be a powerhouse sometime in the future with the development of UC Merced. on that note, i have a 3.5/35+ mcat and have 5 II so far and one from a top 10 school so don’t fret. We hear it directly from our students all the time! Even with a high GPA, gaining admission to the most prestigious medical programs across the globe is not guaranteed. REASON #3: THE APPLICANT POOL KNOWS HOW HARD IT IS TO GET IN Weâre influenced by a variety of experience to pursue medicine. UCR has been training doctors since about 1975. A Legitimate âWhyâ Iâm not just talking about your personal statement. Popular majors include Business, Biology, and Research and Experimental Psychology. So medical school is and forever will be painted in as a scary 4-year monster. How Hard Is It to Get into University of California-Riverside? The UK Medical School Application Timeline. Joint Statement from the Admissions Deans of California Medical Schools Regarding Academic Work and MCAT Tests that are Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak. Letâs breakdown each secondary essay prompt from last yearâs cycle: UC RIVERSIDE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SECONDARY ESSAY TOPICS (’18-’19) 250 words max for each. Admissions to UCR will be getting harder and will take MORE than the minimun requirements to get into UCR. This school is also known as: UCR, UC Riverside, University of California, Riverside. 1. Selling medical school as a battle of determination instead of wits, however, is just not as fun.
UC Riverside really is the underdog of the mid-tier/top-tier UCs. Most people would consider it a “safety” and really do undermine its ability merely because it ranks lower in the UC system. What many pre-meds do not realize, though, is that not only is UC Riverside one of the most rapidly growing UCs, but its medical school actually prefers Riverside graduates, ultimately increasing your shot at getting admitted into an MD program. If you’ve been accepted into UCR and aren’t considering it a serious option, it’s time to start doing so!
Because of its lower-ranking reputation, many people overlook UC Riverside without doing any actual research on the school. Hopefully this article and the insight that current and graduated Highlanders give will help you get a better idea of all the opportunities Riverside has to offer.
Getting Into Medical School
Thomas Haider Early Assurance Program
UC Riverside actually has its own medical school guarantee program. Any student who graduates with a degree from UC Riverside, completes the necessary prerequisites, and is able to “demonstrate strong academic ability, significant clinical and volunteer experience, and a commitment to practice medicine in Inland Southern California” is eligible to apply. If you’re one of the 24 accepted, you are guaranteed a position at UCR School of Medicine without having to take the MCAT or pay AMCAS application fees. Applying traditionally, the average accepted applicant has a 3.71 GPA and a 510 MCAT. The only drawback here is that if you apply for the EAP, you cannot apply to any other medical schools during that cycle.
Through The Traditional Application Cycle
Besides the EAP, Riverside has a relatively small (but quickly growing) population of pre-meds. Unfortunately, at least to the extent of my knowledge, they do not release any medical school admissions data to the public.
The Pre-Med Experience at UCR From A Highlander’s POV
With the little information available about UCR’s pre-med program, it’s very helpful to hear about the pre-med experience from actual Highlanders.
With Hard Work, Great GPAs Are Possible
Most pre-meds know that your GPA is undeniably one of the most essential parts of a competitive medical school application. Most applicants would consider a 3.7 “competitive enough” for most top tier medical schools. Still, having a lower GPA doesn’t ultimately break your application–it just means you might have to work a little harder to stand out in other areas of your application.
Several Highlanders openly shared their GPA and their thoughts on the fairness of grades at UCR. It seems like most of these GPAs are at or above average for medical school applications.
Graduate: 3.98, 3.54
Senior: 3.71, 3.89, 3.93
Junior: 3.7
Sophomore: 3.4, 3.51, 3.67
Of course, this is a VERY small sample size and everyone’s experience can be very different. If anything, we can takeaway that it is definitely possible to maintain a high enough GPA for medical school admissions at UC Riverside. In fact, the EAP has a minimum GPA requirement of only 3.4.
Besides numbers, though, here’s how pre-meds responded when asked if they think it is difficult to maintain a competitive GPA for medical school:
“At first it may be rough when adjusting to the quarter system as its fast paced, but after learning new study habits I was able to get a 3.8 during the spring quarter. So yes it is possible to get and maintain a good GPA once you gain new study habits, as those that you had in high school may not work in college.”
“Not really, but I had taken one of the “weed out” lower division courses (Bio 5B) during the pandemic and the averages for that class were significantly higher. The remote learning aspect definitely changes things a lot.”
“Not too hard to maintain a 3.7. Above that requires some effort and/or talent.”
“If you put in the work, no.”
“Pretty easy to have a high GPA as long as you study hard and reach out to professors for help when you need it.”
It seems like, at least compared to some of the more “cutthroat” UCs, UCR has a much friendlier academic system. Most students agree that it is very possible to do well if they put in the right about of work.
Curves and Quarters Can Be A Pain
The two biggest downsides of the UCR academic system are the quarter and curve systems.
The quarter system essentially breaks the academic year into four terms (Fall, Winter, Spring, and an optional Summer Quarter) that consist of fast-paced classes. Most classes have maybe two-three weeks between midterms and finals, with some STEM classes having even more exams which can be rather stressful for new students. Eventually, most students adjust to the rapid pace.
Many classes also have curved grading where “in order to get a good grade all you have to do is beat the average.” Unfortunately for some, that curve grading can truly tank their GPA, especially if the teacher decides to adjust the curve retroactively. One student explains that their “Chem 1A professor had changed her grading scale (was also stated as a possibility in the syllabus so I can’t be angry about it honestly) after the final where most of the class sat at about an A- (including myself) and based grades off of class standing. Because if this I went from an A- to a B- which significantly tanked my GPA. I’d expect the standing/curved based grading scale a lot in your lower division courses as I have also encountered it in my Chem 1C course and have heard of it in Calc 7A and CSI (Computer Science) courses as well.”
Most students agree that “it’s generally easy to pass a course, but rather challenging to get an A/A+ as you need to either sit at the top 5-10% of your class and master the material” and that if you put in the time and effort, “mostly A’s is doable”.
There Is No Apparent “Go To” Pre-Med Major
From the responses I received, it looks like every single student picked a different major. Almost all their main motives when choosing a major was to declare one that is interesting. That way, they have plenty of engaging upper division electives to choose from that will motivate them to perform even better. Here are the majors these pre-meds chose:
Biology
Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
Neuroscience
Psychology
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Clearly, with no one lead “pre-med major”, it looks like most UCR students choose to drive their curiosity with true interest rather than seeking opportunities that would look the most impressive or have the easiest courses. That’s refreshing to see when comparing it to other top tier UCs where most pre-meds crowd one or two majors.
There was no mention of minors or double majors, but I assume it is as possible here as it is at any other UC. If you truly enjoy learning about a subject outside of your major or even (gasp) outside of STEM, go for it. You won’t regret your decision.
Extracurricular Involvement
After GPA and Test Scores, extracurricular involvement is a key aspect of any competitive medical school application. Although there aren’t any “right” or “wrong” extracurriculars, medical schools want to see that you’ve found something you’re truly passionate about and that you can confidently demonstrate commitment to in your application. With its own medical school and a local hospital, UCR is a prime spot for clinical involvement and research experiences for pre-meds.
Getting Involved
Because UCR has a small pre-med population compared to other UCs, there are many more opportunities available for those who openly seek them. In fact, chances are if you want to be involved in an interesting research project or hospital organization, simply asking can get you in.
On-campus, students have access to “pipeline organizations which have direct ties to the UCR medical school” amongst “hundreds of other organizations where you can continue your hobbies and volunteer to help the community.” For those who want to find positions in labs, UCR is a research school, so “getting into research isn’t very hard.” Nearly every pre-med that responded assures future students that research is by-far the easiest activity to find, contrary to what you might hear from other larger, pre-med saturated schools.
Many students also encourage new Highlanders to step out of their comfort zone and try new, non-health related activities. One student urges future Highlanders to “try to get involved in a diverse assortment of different clubs to help differentiate yourself from other people.”
Get Accepted: Read Full Stanford School Profile
Medical Schools in California – UCSF Medical School
University of California San Francisco (UCSF) | San Francisco, CA
School Type: Public
UCSF Median MCAT: 518
UCSF Median GPA: 3.85
Campus type: Urban
UCSF Medical School Tuition: ~ $36,000 (in-state), ~$48,000 (out-of-state)
UCSF Medical School Acceptance Rate: 3.8%
UCSF resides in one of the best cities in California – San Francisco. Whether you are a foodie, or a theatre fanatic, or a museum-goer – you name it – San Francisco is the perfect city to start your medical career.
UCSF has a unique commitment to community service and social justice. They promote equal healthcare access to all populations. As a student at UCSF, you have the humbling opportunity to work with disadvantaged populations and make a great impact on their lives.
Because UCSF is located near Silicon Valley, many med students have an entrepreneurial mindset. Several students work on innovative projects and start-up companies, like mobile health app development. UCSF recently opened UCSF Innovation Ventures.
UCSF also provides world-class clinical training and research opportunities. Faculty at UCSF are well-known in their field and are eager to help students. Students who attend UCSF match for residency at top-notch institutions around the nation
Get Accepted: Read Full UCSF Medical School Profile
Medical Schools in California – UCSF Medical School
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, CA
School Type: Public
UCLA Median MCAT: 517
UCLA Median GPA: 3.85
Campus type: Urban (Los Angeles sprawl)
UCLA Medical School Tuition: ~ $38,000 (in-state), ~$50,000 (out-of-state)
UCLA Medical School Acceptance Rate: 2.4%
UCLA is one of the most prestigious schools in the country and is one of the most sought-out locations in the country. Who doesn’t want to live in Los Angeles? UCLA is located in Westwood, a cute college town on the west-side of L.A. Compared to the other medical schools in the Los Angeles area, UCLA is closest to the beach. Many students live around campus, but some opt to live a more urban life in downtown L.A.
Some things to do in L.A. include: hiking to the Hollywood sign, spending a day in Griffith Park, surfing at Malibu Beach, driving through the beautiful Topanga Canyon, and more. You can achieve an ideal work-life balance living in L.A. and attending UCLA for medical school. Granted, L.A. can get expensive, but UCLA has graduate housing that is much more affordable than an apartment in the area.
Of course, you will receive an excellent medical education at UCLA. Students are exposed to clinical work very early on and learn to interact with patients within the first weeks of their first year. UCLA has a pass/fail pre-clinical curriculum, eliminating competition and reducing stress. The patient population you serve is extremely diverse, both from an ethnic and also a socio-economic status perspective.
Other than clinical training, UCLA’s strength includes research. There are several opportunities for research at the medical school, but many students also pursue research through other UCLA departments, including the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and UCLA AIDS Institute.
Get Accepted: Read Full UCLA Medical School Profile
Med Schools in California – UCLA David Geffen and University of Southern California Medical School
University of California San Diego (UCSD) | La Jolla, CA
School Type: Public
UCSD Median MCAT: 517
UCSD Median GPA: 3.85
Campus type: Suburban
UCSD Medical School Tuition: ~ $37,000 (in-state), ~$49,000 (out-of-state)
UCSD Medical School Acceptance Rate: 3.8%
UCSD School of Medicine is highly ranked and it has earned that ranking through outstanding clinical training and strong research. Being the only major academic center in San Diego, UCSD students have access to diverse patient populations from all over the city. UCSD has several free clinics for underinsured or uninsured patients.
People come from all over the country just to spend a few vacation days in San Diego. It is sunny year-round with beautiful beaches. It is hard to not be happy when you can walk out of your front door in the morning and breathe in the ocean air. This is one of the many things that draw prospective students to UCSD.
Students interested in research are not confined to UCSD Medical School (although students have no trouble finding an outstanding lab on their campus). Med students also work with faculty at Scripps and other surrounding areas. UCSD’s research strength includes basic science and biotechnology. In addition to conducting medical research through the university, other students pursue summer internships or work on medical devices in the booming San Diego biotech hub.
UCSD is located very close to the border between the US and Mexico. This creates a unique political and social climate, and it provides students with the opportunity to work with high-need, immigrant populations. Many students volunteer in predominantly Spanish-speaking communities, including trips to Tijuana, Mexico.
Get Accepted: Read Full UCSD Medical School Profile
University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles, CA
School Type: Private
USC Median MCAT: 517
USC Median GPA: 3.81
Campus type: Urban
USC Medical School Tuition: ~ $65,000
USC Medical School Acceptance Rate: 4.6%
USC Keck School of Medicine is known for its vibrant student life, early clinical exposure, and top-notch medical education. The school spirit is palpable, and students have a great work-life balance. Being in Los Angeles, there are so many opportunities for getting out in the city and enjoying whatever it is that you are passionate about. Interested in seeing a Broadway musical? Head on over to the Pantages. Want to explore a unique, crazy food scene? Try the Bazaar in West Hollywood! There are endless things to do for people from all walks of life, whether you are raising a family or living it up in your early 20’s.
USC Keck Medical School is located in East Los Angeles, which is one of the most underserved parts of the city. It is affiliated with L.A. County Hospital, which is the safety-net hospital of the city and sees some of the most difficult cases. Having said that, the clinical training at USC is excellent. Students not only get to work in the hospital early on, but they get hands-on opportunities with complex cases that you won’t see in most other parts of the country because many patients at the county hospital suffer from un-treated chronic conditions.
Med Schools in California – UCLA David Geffen and University of Southern California Medical School
University of California, Davis | Sacramento, CA
School Type: Public
UC Davis Median MCAT: 512
UC Davis Median GPA: 3.7
Campus type: Urban (Sacramento area)
UC Davis Medical School Tuition: ~ $41,000 (in-state), ~$53,000 (out-of-state)
UC Davis Medical School Acceptance Rate: 3.2%
UC Davis Medical School is located in the diverse Sacramento area. The school is known for its multi-faceted instruction style, innovative technology, and commitment to community service. Many med students rave about the mentorship they receive at UC Davis School of Medicine.
UC Davis School of Medicine is strong in primary care specialties like emergency medicine, internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. The school is affiliated with numerous hospitals around the Northern California area, providing diverse clinical training and many opportunities to work with various medical professionals and patients.
Sacramento is the capital of California, and UC Davis students get involved with state-level health policy. Med students can work with the UC Davis Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, which is dedicated to improving healthcare access, delivery, costs, quality, and outcomes. Health policy involvement not only includes research, but med students also lobby at the state capitol and educate the public or legislatures about important health topics.
The Sacramento area is a very approachable city while also having many of the benefits of an urban setting, including a vibrant night-life and all sorts of recreation. You are very close to the state’s capital, which has great historical significance and makes it a very interesting place to live. You are also close to some of the most beautiful parts of the state. The area is surrounded by lakes, wildlife reserves, and tall forests. If you love the nature and outdoors, UC Davis is the ideal place to go to medical school. Grab your camping bag and tent and take a short over-night trip!
Get Accepted: Read Full UC Davis Medical School Profile
Medical Schools in California – UC Davis School of Medicine and Cal Northstate Medical School
University of California, Irvine (UCI) | Irvine, CA
School Type: Public
UC Irvine Median MCAT: 517
UC Irvine Median GPA: 3.83
Campus type: Suburban
UC Irvine Medical School Tuition: ~ $36,000 (in-state), ~ 48,000 (out-of-state)
UC Irvine Medical School Acceptance Rate: 4%
UCI School of Medicine is known for outstanding research and world-class physicians. UCI and affiliated hospitals have made big strides in innovation with some of the nation’s leading experts in fields such as Urology, Cardiology, and Audiology. Interested in seeing the first-of-its-kind MRI guided prostate cancer resection? Or a trans-aortic valve replacement? UCI has been a leader in its field for many years, and they continue to innovate every day. In terms of innovation in medical education, it was the first school to pioneer giving all its med students a hand-held ultrasound!
UC Irvine is in the famous Orange County, California. Irvine is well-known for being safe and a great place to start a family and career. It is just minutes away from the beach. You can easily take a day to take the ferry over to Balboa Island and grab an ice cream. Or, get yourself a Disneyland pass and make beautiful memories at the happiest place on Earth. In the summer, enjoy a fried Twinkie at the Orange County Fair. There are simply so many things to do, all within short driving distance. Orange County is very approachable with little traffic and provides a very comfortable lifestyle.
Students who attend UCI Medical School are prepared to not only tackle the technical skills, but also to foster humanistic qualities that will make them better doctors. It is no doubt that you will receive a world-class education at UCI.
Get Accepted: Read Full UCI Medical School Profile
University of California, Riverside (UCR) | Riverside, CA
School Type: Public
UCR Median MCAT: 510
UCR Median Median GPA: 3.72
Campus type: Suburban
UCR Median Medical School Tuition: ~$37,000 (in-state) & ~$50,000 (out-of-state)
UCR Median Medical School Acceptance Rate: 5.5%
UC Riverside School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals are the leading hospital of the Inland Empire, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Students at UCR have the unique opportunity to participate in the Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Experience (LACE) where they see patients very early on with a physician-mentor. It spans the first three years, bridging the gap between pre-clinical training and clinical core clerkships. The focus on UCR’s medical school is in primary care, especially among Spanish-speaking and underserved populations.
The region surrounding Riverside is growing every day, with all sorts of recreation and exciting things to do. It is located near the San Bernardino National Forest, numerous lakes, and several mountain ranges, making it the ideal location for people looking to spend time in nature. Even if you are not a nature person, the Inland Empire has an urban scene with vibrant city-life.
It is noteworthy that UCR has a significant bias towards students from the Inland Empire. Its mission is primarily to serve the underserved patients of the region. If you are an out-of-state applicant, it may be difficult to get a seat in UCR’s class. However, if you resonate with their mission and can communicate about it, do not feel limited.
Where is UCR medical school
California Northstate University | Elk Grove, CA
School Type: Private
Cal Northstate Median MCAT: 512
Cal Northstate Median GPA: 3.69
Campus type: Suburban
Cal Northstate Medical School Tuition: ~$60,000
Cal Northstate Medical School Acceptance Rate: 8.8%
Founded in 2015, California Northstate is one of California’s newer medical schools. Similarly to UC Davis School of Medicine, California Northstate is located in the Sacramento area, which is a wonderful region to start your medical training. At California Northstate, you will not only garner your basic science knowledge, but you will also learn extensively about medical ethics and work in hands-on clinical settings.
California Northstate is blooming as an great research and medical institution. It is being awarded numerous NIH grants for conducting innovative research in the field. It is committed to community service and research; Students are required to participate in service-learning and scholarly projects during their medical school career. Match rates sit at about 98%, so you can rest assured that you will find great success as a student here.
Medical Schools in California – UC Davis School of Medicine and Cal Northstate Medical School
California University of Science and Medicine | Colton, CA
School Type: Private
California University of Science and Medicine Median MCAT: 513
California University of Science and Medicine Median GPA: 3.69
Campus type: Suburban
California University of Science and Medicine Medical School Tuition: ~$60,000
California University of Science and Medicine Medical School Acceptance Rate: not available
California University of Science and Medicine was founded in 2015, so it is a relatively new medical school. CUSM-SOM is in between the mountains and cities of the Inland Empire, with Palm Springs, Los Angeles and local beaches within just a short driving distance. Whatever you are interested in, whether it is sports, restaurants, or arts, this region offers it all. Students have the opportunity to experience the rich, vibrant environment of Southern California through local events. This area is so unique in that there is an abundance of totally disparate things to do. You can visit a local winery in Temecula, or go hiking in a national park, or go skiing in Big Bear.
Being such a new school, there is so much room to carve out your own path. You can start student interest groups that are the first of its kind. You get to grow and have an influence on the school, such as serving on curriculum committees to have a say in the future of the institution.
Note that, similarly to University of California, Riverside, there is a preference for applicants from the Inland Empire. Do not let this detract you, however, if you are very interested in the school.
Where is UCR medical school
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles, CA
School Type: Private
Charles Drew Median MCAT: 508
Charles Drew Median GPA: 3.4
Campus type: Urban
Charles Drew has all of the perks of having a small class size in the context of a large, vibrant city. And, by small class size, we mean really small. The entering 2020 class was made up of a mere 26 students. This makes it easy to form close relationships with fellow peers and faculty. Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science is proud to be one of the most diverse medical schools in the country, with a huge emphasis on social justice and caring for underserved populations. The curriculum focuses on significant topics in medicine, such as research, health policy, and health disparities. It is located just East of the I-110, making it an easy commute to anywhere in Los Angeles.
As a student at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, you will experience the rigor of medical school, alongside immersive community service with underserved patients and early, hands-on clinical experience.
Med Schools in California – UCLA David Geffen and University of Southern California Medical School
Loma Linda University School of Medicine | Loma Linda, CA
School Type: Private
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Median MCAT: 509
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Median GPA: 3.8
Campus type: Suburban
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Tuition: ~$48,000
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Acceptance Rate: 5%
Loma Linda’s medical school is a religious institution, with the primary mission being to study holistic healthcare in the context of Christianity. In their words, their aim is to “continue the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ to make man whole.” With religion as an inspiration, students are expected to conduct research and engage in service learning (there is a community service requirement for all students).
Students have the opportunity to rotate through diverse hospitals, from the VA, to urban hospitals, to county hospitals. You will have the chance to see many cases in all sorts of contexts.
Being in the Inland Empire of Southern California, Loma Linda is perfectly located between everything you could ask for. You’ve got the beaches an hour away, Los Angeles just a short drive to the west, the San Bernardino mountains (perfect for winter and summer excursions), and the relaxing city of Palm Springs.
Overall, if you fit in with their mission, Loma Linda School of Medicine is an extremely supportive place to start your medical training. The school’s abundant resources and wellness initiatives ensure the success of each and every student.
Where is UCR medical school
Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine | Pasadena, CA
School Type: Private
Kaiser Median MCAT: 515
Kaiser Median GPA: 3.85
Campus type: Suburban
Kaiser Tuition: tuition free first 5 years
Kaiser was founded most recently in 2019. Even so, it has made immense strides in terms of prestige in such a short time. The clinical training at Kaiser is unlike any other. Being affiliated with Kaiser Permanente hospitals, there is no shortage of interesting, diverse cases to see.
Kaiser has a commitment to primary care. They believe that student loan debt is a big reason that medical students choose to not take the internal medicine route, instead looking for something that will pay more, like surgery. Kaiser has responded to this by offering completely free tuition to their first few classes. They also offer abundant amenities to their students, such as laptops, iPads, cell phones, and more. They do not want cost to be a barrier in pursuing what you love.
Pasadena is a wonderful place to live. It has the perfect blend of historical landscape and modern excitement. Not to mention, the weather is perfect year-round. If you like the idea of living in Los Angeles, but do not want to live a bustling city life, Pasadena is perfect for you. It has a suburban feel, filled with nature and outdoor activities, yet it is just a short drive way from downtown LA. You get the best of both worlds.
Medical Schools in California – Kaiser Medical School Location
DO MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine | Vallejo, CA
School Type: Private
Touro University California Median MCAT: 510
Touro University California Median GPA: 3.68
Campus type: Suburban
Touro University California School of Medicine Tuition: ~$48,000
Touro University California Acceptance Rate: 8%
Touro University has a fantastic osteopathic program with an emphasis on outstanding training in holistic healthcare. Touro focuses strongly on preventative healthcare. They believe that many of the ailments that people develop are preventative and should be treated as such. Clinical training is fantastic here, especially if you want to train as a physician with these values.
Touro is also very strong in research and community outreach. Many students benefit from the exceptional research facilities and faculty. And, as a student here, you get the rewarding benefit of treating underserved populations.
From art galleries, to farmer’s markets, to Six Flags, to beautiful bike trails, there is an abundance of things to do in Vallejo. You are also just a short ferry ride to San Francisco, which is notoriously one of the most exciting cities in the country. Vallejo is not that well-known, but it is a wonderful city. If you are considering applying to Touro, rest assured that you will be in a fantastic location.
California – Touro Osteopathic School of Medicine Location
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine | Pomona, CA
School Type: Private
Western University of Health Sciences Median MCAT: 510
Western University of Health Sciences California Median GPA: 3.68
Campus type: Suburban
Western University of Health Sciences Tuition: ~$59,000
Western University of Health Sciences Acceptance Rate: 6%
Western University in Pomona strongly emphasizes treatment of the patient as an individual, rather than as a set of symptoms. They also strongly encourage community outreach. As a student, you have the opportunity to even earn degree credits for participating in community service. There are ample opportunities to get involved in all sorts of interests, from student government to the arts.
As a student here, your clinical training is fantastic. Not only do you rotate through all of the usual specialties that most schools require for clerkships, but you also do an Osteopathic Manipulative rotation. This emphasizes the core principles of osteopathic medicine and how to treat the body from a different lens. While there are so many affiliated hospitals to rotate through, students also have the opportunity to rotate through hospitals all over the country! If you have a location or school you’ve been wanting to train at, you may have the opportunity to do so.
Pomona is uniquely nestled around the Orange County-Los Angeles area and has the benefits of both locations. Want to head to West Hollywood to see a Broadway musical? Go for it. Want to go to Disneyland in Anaheim? Also go for it! But, you don’t even have to leave Pomona to enjoy life as a medical student. Western University hosts all sorts of fun events, such as ice cream socials, Halloween costume contests, and musicals. Students at Western University are immersed in rich, diverse experiences and have a great work-life balance.
Where is UCR medical school
California Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine | Clovis, CA
School Type: Private
California Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine Median MCAT: 505
California Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine Median GPA: 3.4
Campus type: Suburban
California Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine Tuition: ~$53,000
California Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine Acceptance Rate: 5%
California Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) is a brand new medical school – the inaugurating class matriculated in 2020. The primary mission of CHSU is to train physicians who aim to stay and serve the underserved communities in the Central Valley of California. Being so new, there is so much opportunity to help shape the future of the institution. Not to mention, all of the facilities are brand new and intentionally designed for the purpose of optimizing medical education. Classroom learning is supplemented with interactive simulations with manikins. Anatomy labs have state-of-the-art equipment, just waiting for new students to come and use it. Interestingly, CHSU focuses on culinary medicine and teaching in depth about nutrition. This is unique. A common complaint is that not enough medical schools emphasize the effect of nutrition on health.
Clovis is an ideal place to live because, compared to much of California, cost of living is affordable. Yet, you are not compromising on quality of life. You are nearby beautiful national parks, such as Yosemite and Sequoia, and just a short drive away from beautiful destinations such as Carmel and Monterey. Art and culture thrive in Clovis, and foodies will not be disappointed here.
There are boundless opportunities, and by coming here, so you carve your own path as a medical student. And, with such a small class size, you will make friends and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Where is UCR medical school
TIPS ON HOW TO GET INTO CALIFORNIA MEDICAL SCHOOLS
Tip #1: Study what makes each school unique
Some of these schools have a very particular mission or have a strong in-state bias. You need to look into where is a good fit for you and where you have the best chance of getting in.
Read our synopses and school profiles carefully to see whether you are a good fit for each medical school. Additionally, look at each medical school’s website for additional resources and information.
Tip #2: Stand out by conveying your “X” factor
California schools are notoriously competitive. Sometimes, it is not enough to just check all of the boxes on the application and call it a day. You need to find what makes you unique and what makes you stand out. If you can find that “x-factor” and write well about it, it will be received very well by these medical schools. Maybe you’re a competitive baker or love teaching people piano. Whatever it may be, even it is not medically-related, that is the type of thing that will help you stand out.
Read more tips: AMCAS Applicant Guide
Tip #3: Apply to medical schools in your MCAT and GPA range
Most importantly for out-of-state applicants, learn which medical schools accept out-of-state students. Some California state schools are notorious for not admitting out-of-state or international pre-meds. You can learn out-of-state versus in-state admissions rates in the MSAR or U.S. News. We listed some of the admissions statistics below! Additionally, we support our mentees to apply to reach schools, but it’s important to apply to a majority of your schools where your GPA / MCAT scores are within the range in which students typically gets accepted.
Apply to several medical schools. If you are set on living in California, you need to increase your chances of getting into a school there. If you have the financial means, you should consider applying to multiple California schools. Cast a wide net, and you are more likely to be successful. Ideally, we suggest California students to still apply to several out-of-state schools.
Additional Resource: How to Use MSAR Effectively: 4 Tips to Apply to Medical Schools Right For You
Tip #4: Talk to current medical school students
There are so many California schools, it can be hard to distinguish them. One great way to get to know the school more is by talking to current students. They will have great insider information that you cannot get from just reading the school’s brochure online. The more you know about the school, the more excited you get about it and the better your writing will be when you explain why you want to go there.
Tip #5: Tailor each secondary towards each medical school
While almost all California medical schools are great research universities, the medical schools do have a some specific niches. We’ll put some examples below:
Stanford – research, changing healthcare through innovation, leadership
UCSF – clinical excellence, changing healthcare through innovation, leadership, strong primary care (although they recruit students who are also strong in specialty fields), diversity
UCLA – research
UCSD – research, specifically in biotechnology and basic sciences
Kaiser – interdisciplinary interests in medicine (ex: arts and medicine), ability to leverage Kaiser’s HMO network and databases to conduct research
Loma Linda – Jesuit tradition, community medicine
UC Davis – primary care, public policy interests (located in Sacramento), rural health – specifically in Spanish-speaking areas in California
UCR – primary care, healthcare for LatinX populations
It is not difficult to get into a Medical school. If you are interested in becoming a doctor and have taken the appropriate classes, you could eventually be accepted into one of the top medical schools like UC Riverside or UC San Diego. You can also apply for a less competitive program at other colleges. Be sure to research these programs since they offer different advantages and disadvantages.
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