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UC Davis School of Medicine

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for admissions?

The MCAT and three years (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours) in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada are required. Applicants are urged to take the MCAT in the spring but no later than the summer in which the application is made. A course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is recommended.

The school believes a medical student should have a sound background in the humanities and behavioral and social sciences as well as in the physical and biological sciences. Premedical requirements must be completed by June of the year of desired entry.

The following college-level courses are required:
  • English: 1 year
  • Biological Sciences, lower division (with lab): 1 year
  • Biological Sciences, upper division (lab not required): 1/2 year*
  • General Chemistry (with lab): 1 year
  • Organic Chemistry: 1 year
    (If two or more undergraduate courses are offered, the more rigorous option is recommended)
  • Physics: 1 year
  • Mathematics (college-level math): 1 year
    (College-level statistics fulfills a portion of the requirement.)

AP/CLEP credit is not acceptable for prerequisite courses.

* Upper division biological science requirement can be satisfied by one semester or two quarters of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or genetics. Admission to medical school requires that the applicant have an understanding of fundamental concepts of biomedical science. Although a biochemistry course is not absolutely required for admission, it is strongly recommended.

How do I apply?

UC Davis School of Medicine participates in the centralized American Medical College Application Services (AMCAS). You can obtain an application via the Web at: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm.

Only one set of transcripts needs to be submitted. AMCAS will coordinate the verification and distribution of your application to the medical schools to which you are applying.

What is the deadline to apply?

June 1 is the first day students may submit applications to AMCAS. It is generally a good idea to submit the AMCAS application no later than August 1. November 1 is the deadline that all materials must be received at AMCAS. We will not grant extensions.

What is a "secondary?"

A "secondary" is a request for supplementary information. We will ask you to answer essay questions, send three (3) letters of recommendation and a non-refundable fee of $60.00

When will I know if I have been granted an interview?

After we have received your secondary materials, your application will be considered complete. Applications are then forwarded to the admissions committee who will determine who will receive interviews. This process normally takes six weeks from the date the application was deemed complete. If you are granted an interview, we will notify you via e-mail.

Are you on a rolling admissions?

Yes. After the interview stage, the admissions committee again reviews applications and makes decisions on a continual basis. We could offer an acceptance as early as October 15 and as late as mid-September. It is important to send in all materials in a timely manner.

When will I know my final status?

You will be notified 6-8 weeks from the date of your interview regarding your status.

What are the computer ownership requirements?

The UC Davis School of Medicine maintains the same computer ownership expectations and requirements as the Davis campus.  More information regarding these requirements and expectations can be found at the following Web site: Student Computer Ownership

Where can I get more information?