Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to UC Irvine, School of Medicine?
The School of Medicine is a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Applicants need to go to the AAMC website and complete and submit the on-line AMCAS application.

Can you send me an application?
The School of Medicine does not have it’s own application. We belong to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), so you will need to go to the AAMC website and fill out the on-line AMCAS application.

What is the AMCAS application deadline?
Applications are accepted through AMCAS from June 1 through November 1 of the year before you intend to enter. No extensions are granted.

How does AMCAS know that I want to apply to UC Irvine, School of Medicine?
When submitting your application to AMCAS, you need to make sure that you indicate University of California, Irvine - School of Medicine when you are selecting which schools you wish to have your application sent to.

Does the School of Medicine give preference to California residents?
Yes. The Admissions Committee gives preference to California residents, US citizens and applicants that have been granted Permanent Residence and are in physical possession of their Green Card.

Does the School of Medicine accept transfer students?
The School of Medicine does not accept transfer students at any level.

Do all applicants receive secondary applications?
No. Approximately 1700 applicants are sent secondary applications via e-mail after preliminary reviews by the Admissions Committee. Applicants are advised to check their online status page frequently to make sure that they haven’t received a secondary application and somehow missed the e-mail.

How much is the secondary application fee?
There is a fee of $70 for the secondary application process. The fee can either be paid online, via  the secondary application, or you can mail in a check payable to the “UC Regents” to the Office of Admissions and Outreach. Additional info is available on the “Instructions” page for the secondary application. 
The $70 fee is waived for applicants that have been granted a fee waiver by AMCAS.

What is the deadline for the secondary application process?
Applicants have one month from the date the secondary application was e-mailed to them by the Office of Admissions to complete the secondary application process. 

How do I submit letters of recommendation?
UC Irvine is participating in the AMCAS Letters Service.  Please visit AMCAS Letters for more details about this service.  UC Irvine will not accept any letters of recommendation sent directly to the medical school.
The Admissions Committee will only be reviewing letters or recommendation from those applicants that received a secondary application. NOTE: Even if we have received your LOR’s from AMCAS, if you did not receive a secondary application, your online status page will not reflect a ”Letters Complete Date” and your letters will not be acknowledged on the online status page.  

How many letters of recommendation do you ask for?
Three to six letters are suggested.  We recommend that at least two of the letters be from professors in the sciences with whom you have taken classes. In addition, at least one letter should be written by a professor who is not in the sciences.  If you have been involved in research, clinical, or service experience(s), it is recommended that you submit a letter from your supervisor in that experience.
The Admissions Committee will only be reviewing letters or recommendation from those applicants that received a secondary application.  NOTE:  Even if we have received your LOR’s from AMCAS, if you did not receive a secondary application, your online status page will not reflect a ”Letters Complete Date” and your letters will not be acknowledged on the online status page.  

Does the School of Medicine accept AP credit?
We will accept AP credit for Statistics, Math, or English Composition. The AP credit must appear on your college or university official transcript.

How will I know if I have been invited to interview?
Interviews will begin the end of September and run through April. Invitations are sent via e-mail so it is important that applicants notify the Admissions Office of any changes in their contact information at medadmit@uci.edu. Applicants can also check the status page to see if they have been invited to interview. Applicants that are invited to interview are able to schedule their interview date online.

When should I send transcripts?
We ask that you do not send transcripts until we have requested them.

Does your school conduct a criminal background check on applicants?
Yes, for accepted applicatns. UC Irvine School of Medicine participates in the AAMC Background Check Service.  All  applicants offered an acceptance will receive a criminal background check.  As a result, ALL offers of acceptance are CONDITIONAL until the Admissions Committee has received the report and reviewed its content for each accepted applicant.  In addition, nearing our matriculation date in early August, selected applicants on the Alternate List will also receive a criminal background check.  For more information about the process, please visit AAMC Criminal Background Service

What if there’s a change in my contact info?
Forward all changes to medadmit@uci.edu. It is very important that you report all changes in your contact information to AMCAS as well as the individual schools you are applying to.

I grew up in California, but I'm going to school out of state. Can I still apply as a California resident?
In most instances, yes. Applicants who leave the state for educational purposes may still be considered California residents. If you have a specific question or a concern about state residency, it is best to contact the Deputy Registrar in the Registrar’s Office at mvierra@uci.edu.

I'm from another country, are the application requirements different for me?
The School of Medicine accepts applications from foreign students who have completed a minimum of one year of college in an accredited US college or university. It is important to note that we give preference to applicants that are US citizens and applicants that have been granted Permanent Residence and are in possessions of their Green Card.

I'm interested in applying to Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC). How do I apply?
If you receive a secondary application you can complete the application for PRIME-LC.

How do I apply for the MD/PhD program?
The AMCAS application asks you if you wish to be considered for the MD/PhD Program. If you do, there are several essays on the AMCAS application for you to complete. The School of Medicine does not have a separate application for the MD/PhD Program.

Can I get an MD/MBA at the School of Medicine?
Yes. Medical students at the School of Medicine can obtain an MD/MBA.

What should you do if you have a specific question that is not answered on the web site?
Please forward your question to medadmit@uci.edu.