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University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

Los Angeles, CA / School Detail
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School Detail Interview Feedback Secondary Essays
APPLICATION FEE
$100
Tuition In State
$76,640
Tuition Out of State
$76,640
Average GPA
3.85
AVERAGE MCAT
517
OOS MATRICULANTS
19.2%

School Overview

Degrees
MD
Ownership
Private Non-Profit
Program Length
4 years
Total Enrollment
186
Founding Year
1885
Accreditation Year
1949
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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $518,326
Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for USC-Keck using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Above national average cost of living

Los Angeles, CA is about 1.14x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $3,420 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Compare this with your own housing plan before treating it as exact.

Environment: Urban

Students at USC-Keck benefit from a very walkable setting, with many services and eateries just steps away. While biking is possible, the environment is best suited to those who prefer to get around on foot.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.

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Secondary Essays for USC-Keck

1. Other
What is the most fun you’ve had lately?
2. Other
If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be?
3. Other
What are three things you don't care about at all?
4. Other
Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved.
5. Other
Have you previously applied to or attended medical school (M.D., D.O., international)?
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About the School

The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) is a private medical institution established in 1885, making it the second oldest medical school in California. Located on USC's Health Sciences Campus in northeastern Los Angeles, the school is adjacent to the Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods. As of 2023, the Keck School is ranked #28 in Best Medical Schools for Research and tied for #52 in Best Medical Schools for Primary Care by U.S. News & World Report.

Curriculum

The Keck School's MD program is structured into three phases: Scientific and Clinical Foundations, Clinical Immersion, and Individuation and Transformation. In the initial phase, students receive comprehensive instruction in biomedical sciences and clinical care, emphasizing active and case-based learning. Early patient interaction is a hallmark of the curriculum, with students engaging in clinical settings from the outset. The program also integrates education on health systems and social determinants of health, preparing students to address health inequities effectively.

Facilities

The Keck School boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Keck Hospital of USC, a 401-bed teaching hospital located on the Health Sciences Campus. Affiliated teaching hospitals include the Los Angeles General Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. These facilities provide students with diverse clinical training environments, ranging from advanced private hospitals to safety-net settings, ensuring comprehensive exposure to various patient populations and medical conditions.

Demographics

The Keck School of Medicine has a total enrollment of 1,262 students and employs approximately 1,300 full-time faculty members. The student body comprises 55% female and 44.7% male students, with 0.3% identifying as other. This diverse community fosters an inclusive learning environment, reflecting the school's commitment to equity and representation in medical education.

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2026