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Selection and Interview Process

The UCI School of Medicine seeks to admit students who are highly qualified to be trained in the practice of medicine and whose backgrounds, talents and experiences contribute to a diverse student body.

Information provided by the AMCAS application is used for preliminary screening to select applicants for invitations to complete a secondary application. We have a holistic review process, that considers multiple factors such as academic metrics in GPA and MCAT exam and additional materials, including letters of recommendation, supplemental information forms and a nonrefundable application fee of $120 within 30 days of notification.

In addition to demonstrating scholastic achievement and a solid academic foundation, prospective students should also have leadership experience and have participated in extracurricular activities. Clinical exposure and research experience, as well as community service, also are highly desirable. Careful consideration is given to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds (i.e., disadvantaged through social and/or economic conditions).

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be permanent residents in possession of a green card, or be approved through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with a Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The medical school also participates in the WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program for applicants from certain western states that do not have medical schools. We do not accept transfer students.

Letters of recommendation

Should you receive a secondary application, a minimum of three to six letters of recommendations are strongly advised. All letters should be submitted through AMCAS, not to the admissions office. Letters of recommendation are an integral part of an applicant’s file and should corroborate the main activities an applicant has been engaged in.

The Admissions Committee relies on these letters to get a view of the applicant as seen by others. The letters are used to gain insight into an applicant’s personal qualities and the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular and volunteer activities, research and clinical exposure. It is suggested that two letters be submitted by senior professors that can evaluate an applicant’s academic ability. Keep in mind, letters should be submitted from individuals that can address the quality and extent of involvement that an applicant had in the activities they feel were most meaningful to them.

Interviews

Upon further review by the Admissions Committee, about 500 to 600 applicants who receive a secondary application will be interviewed. Applicants are interviewed by both faculty and current medical students.

The scheduling of interviews take place online for specified dates between September and April, with about 40 applicants interviewed per session.