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University of California San Diego School of Medicine

San Diego, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools Public Non-Profit

🩺 School Overview

Tuition (In State): $39,345

Tuition (Out of State): $51,590

Accreditation Status: Full

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Total Enrollment: 108

Degrees: MD

Founding Year: 1968

Accreditation Year: 1968

Website: https://medschool.ucsd.edu

Has any information changed? Click here to report an update.

📄 Application Information

Applications Received: N/A

Interviews Granted: N/A

Admitted: N/A

Average MCAT: 517

Average GPA: 3.78

Male: N/A

Female: N/A

Underrepresented:N/A

Interview Feedback Summary

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 15% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.

School Review Summary

Insufficient reviews to generate a summary. Add your review!

5 Most Common Secondary Essay Questions for UCSD-SOM


  • 1. Motivation and Fit – This should be a true autobiographical statement. Topics to be included are family, childhood, primary and secondary school years, undergraduate years, and, if applicable, what you’ve done since...
  • 2. Community, Diversity, and Equity – The goals of PRIME - HEq are: To increase the number of clinicians, research scientists, and advocates addressing minority health and health disparities; to create a diverse community of scholars...
  • 3. Motivation and Fit – GHAC: Applicants to the UCSD School of Medicine may apply for admission to the GHAC. This track provides mentored research and clinical experiences in Global Health. Please describe your interest in...
  • 4. Motivation and Fit – PRIME-TIDE​: Applicants to the USCD School of Medicine may apply for admission to the Program in Medicine - Transforming Indigenous Doctor Education (PRIME-TIDE). Please describe your experiences...
  • 5. Motivation and Fit – TAN FAMILY SCHOLAR PROGRAM: Please describe your interest in Compassion and Empathy. In your essay, describe any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interests and how you think...

About the School

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, established in 1968, is the only medical school in the San Diego metropolitan area and the third in the University of California system. It is closely affiliated with UC San Diego Health, which includes multiple hospitals and research centers. The school is recognized for its commitment to scientific discovery and clinical innovation, consistently achieving top rankings among health care institutions nationwide.

Curriculum

In 2010, the School of Medicine implemented the Integrated Scientific Curriculum, emphasizing ambulatory experience to better prepare students for medical practice. The first two years consist of classroom learning based on topical units, followed by two years of clinical rotations. A cornerstone of the elective curriculum is the Independent Study Project (ISP), requiring students to complete a project under the guidance of a faculty committee.

Facilities

The School of Medicine is situated on a 54-acre campus in La Jolla, bordered by Gilman Drive and Revelle College to the west and La Jolla Village Drive to the south. The campus features academic, research, and administrative buildings arranged around green spaces such as the School of Medicine Quad and the Ceremonial Green. Notable facilities include the Rita Atkinson Residences, housing 450 graduate students, and the Club Med dining facility. The campus also hosts two Stuart Collection art installations: "Terrace" by Jackie Ferrara and "Standing" by Kiki Smith.

Demographics

The incoming class at UC San Diego School of Medicine reflects a diverse student body. Approximately 32% of students are underrepresented in medicine, 39% are first-generation graduate students, and 22% are first-generation college students. The average undergraduate GPA is 3.81, with a science GPA of 3.75, and an average MCAT score of 514.1. Additionally, 77% of students are California residents, and 65% earned their undergraduate degrees in the state.

SDN Insights

Our analysis of UCSD-SOM:

💰

Student Loan Burden: $397,088

A student taking student loans for all 4 years of medical school at UCSD-SOM, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $397,088. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.

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Cost of Living: Highest 40% Nationally

The cost of living at UCSD-SOM is among the top 40% of all medical schools. Take this into consideration when considering loan burden.

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Environment: Urban

There is currently insufficient information to assess the neighborhood around UCSD-SOM.

Why no Tier Rankings?

Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.