How to Get Into UCSF Medical School (2026 Guide): Requirements, Acceptance Rate, and Tips

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States. Consistently ranked among the top institutions for both research and primary care, UCSF attracts thousands of highly qualified applicants each year.

Applying to UCSF, or any top medical school, can feel intimidating. This guide breaks down UCSF’s acceptance rate, requirements, programs, and application process so you know exactly what to expect and how to strengthen your candidacy.

Programs Offered at UCSF School of Medicine

UCSF offers a wide variety of tracks to accommodate diverse career goals:

MD Program 

Four years following the Bridges Curriculum, blending foundational science with early clinical exposure.

MD/MAS Program 

Combines the MD with a Master’s in Advanced Studies for students interested in intensive clinical research.

MD with Distinction 

A research-intensive yearlong option with a thesis requirement.

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) 

UCSF’s combined MD/PhD program for aspiring physician-scientists.

UC Berkeley–UCSF Joint Medical Program 

Students spend two pre-clerkship years at UC Berkeley completing a master’s degree, then transfer to UCSF.

PRIME-US 

A five-year track for students committed to serving underserved urban populations.

SJV PRIME 

Designed for students passionate about practicing in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

SJV PRIME+ 

An eight-year pathway that integrates community engagement in the San Joaquin Valley.

With these options, UCSF allows students to tailor their training to clinical care, research, or service-based careers.

UCSF Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

• Acceptance rate: 1.8%
• Number of applications: ~9,555
• Number interviewed: ~583
• Matriculants: ~174
• Average GPA: 3.89
• Average MCAT: 516.9

Nearly all incoming students have research or lab experience (98%), and many bring strong clinical backgrounds. UCSF is one of the most competitive programs in the U.S., so applicants should aim to exceed national averages.

UCSF Medical School Requirements

To be considered, applicants must complete:

I. Coursework:

• One year of biology with lab (biochemistry included)
• One year of chemistry with lab (including organic chemistry)
• One semester of biochemistry
• One semester of physics

II. GPA

Successful applicants average 3.89; GPAs below 3.2 are rarely considered.

III. MCAT

Average accepted score is 516.9; no official cutoff.

IV. Letters of Recommendation

3–5 letters (two from instructors).

V. Activities & Work Experience

Research, shadowing, clinical exposure, and volunteer service are strongly encouraged.

UCSF Secondary Application

UCSF’s secondary application is shorter than many schools, with 3–4 essay prompts (each 350–500 words). Topics often include:

1. Updates or expansions on activities.
2. What you’ve done since graduation (if applicable).
3. Experiences with inequities in healthcare or education.
4. UCSF PRIDE values (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence) and how you align with them.

Strong essays combine personal reflection with professional context and show alignment with UCSF’s mission of service, equity, and research.

UCSF Medical School Tuition

• Annual cost (CA residents): ~$50,537
• Annual cost (nonresidents): ~$62,782
• Estimated 4-year cost: ~$314,000

Fortunately, UCSF provides generous need-based financial aid, often reducing debt burdens compared to other top-tier schools.

UCSF Application Timeline

• May: AMCAS opens
• June-July: Submit AMCAS and begin secondary essays
• September: MCAT deadline
• Mid-October: AMCAS submission deadline
• Mid-November: UCSF secondary deadline
• Sept–Feb: Interviews
• March: Admissions decisions released

As UCSF uses rolling admissions, it’s best to apply as early as possible.

FAQs: UCSF Medical School

#1. What GPA do I need to get into UCSF?

The average GPA is 3.89. A GPA above 3.7 is considered competitive.

#2. What MCAT score do I need for UCSF?

The average accepted MCAT is 516.9, but aiming for 518+ will strengthen your chances.

#3. Is UCSF harder to get into than other UC medical schools?

Yes. UCSF is among the most selective nationwide, with an acceptance rate of ~1.8%.

#4. Does UCSF favor in-state applicants?

Yes. California residents make up a larger portion of interviews and matriculants, though out-of-state students are still admitted.

#5. What makes UCSF unique?

Its emphasis on health equity, urban underserved programs, research excellence, and early clinical training make UCSF a leader in U.S. medical education.

Final Thoughts

Gaining admission to UCSF Medical School is highly competitive, but achievable with strong academics, meaningful experiences, and compelling essays. Students who combine research with patient-focused experiences stand out most.

At Go Elective, we offer clinical internships abroad in Kenya and Tanzania that allow pre-med students to gain supervised hands-on experience in global health, build cross-cultural competence, and develop stories that strengthen secondary essays for selective schools like UCSF.

By preparing strategically and pursuing opportunities that demonstrate your passion for medicine, you can maximize your chances of joining UCSF’s next class.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 15, 2025