Every year, thousands apply to UCLA medical school for a limited number of seats.
The UCLA med school acceptance rate stays low compared to most other schools.
Good grades help, but they are not enough on their own. Test scores matter, and so does your personal level. Knowing what UCLA looks for can help you plan ahead.
You can see what makes an application strong and what falls flat. Knowing the acceptance rate helps you set goals that make sense.
Getting in starts with knowing exactly what UCLA expects from you.
UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine: An Overview
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is a well-known public medical school. It sits in Los Angeles and is part of the University of California system. It holds full LCME accreditation.
Students earn an MD degree through a four-year program. The program covers basic sciences, clinical skills, and social factors in health.
Applicants apply through AMCAS, the shared platform used by most U.S. medical schools. Students train across sites like Ronald Reagan UCLA, Harbor-UCLA, Olive View-UCLA, and the West Los Angeles VA.
The school focuses on strong clinical training, research, and community health. It also stresses teamwork across different fields of medicine.
UCLA Medical School Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics
Getting into the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is one of the hardest admissions challenges in US medicine. Here is a snapshot of what the numbers look like:
Metric | Data |
|---|---|
Acceptance Rate (2025–2026) | 1.40% |
Six-Year Rate Range | 1.22% – 1.56% |
Total Applications | 12,474 |
Seats Available | 175 |
In-State Acceptance Rate | 1.95% |
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate | 1.05% |
International Acceptance Rate | 0% |
Interview Invitation Rate | 7.58% |
These numbers place UCLA among the most selective medical schools in the country. That said, raw statistics only tell part of the story.
UCLA operates on a holistic review model, meaning a strong GPA and MCAT open the door, but your research, mission alignment, clinical experience, and personal narrative determine.
GPA and MCAT Benchmarks for UCLA Medical School
Strong academics are the foundation of any competitive UCLA application. Here is what the numbers show, and what they mean for your chances.
Average GPA of Admitted Students
The average GPA among UCLA matriculants is 3.96, with the median GPA of accepted applicants at 3.88.
UCLA sets no official minimum, but applicants below 3.7 face a steep climb unless every other part of their profile is exceptionally strong.
Holistic review does not mean GPA is ignored; it means a lower GPA must be offset by something truly compelling elsewhere.
MCAT Score Expectations
The median MCAT among UCLA-accepted applicants is 515, while that of matriculants is 513. The average accepted applicant scores 514.9, nearly 9 points above the national applicant average.
Here is what each score tier means for your application:
MCAT Score | What It Means at UCLA |
|---|---|
515 | Meets the median benchmark, competitive but not a differentiator |
519 | Places you in the top 25% of accepted applicants, clear academic edge |
522+ | Above the average matriculant score, the strongest academic position |
Deadline to note: MCAT scores must be received by September 1 of the application year. Scores can take up to six weeks to be issued, so plan your test date well in advance.
If you are chasing a top score, see how rare 520-plus MCAT scores really are.
UCLA Medical School Admission Requirements
Knowing UCLA’s admission requirements inside out is not optional; it is the foundation every serious applicant must build on first.
Academic Prerequisites
UCLA does not hand you a fixed course checklist. Instead, it expects demonstrated mastery across four core competency areas:
Competency Area | What It Includes |
|---|---|
Biological Sciences & Physiology | Cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics |
Chemistry & Biochemistry | Inorganic, organic, lab work, biochemistry |
Humanities & Social Sciences | Ethics, psychology, social determinants of health |
Math & Statistics | Biostatistics, computational science, matrix algebra |
A Bachelor’s degree from a US or Canadian institution is required. AP credit is accepted.
The AAMC PREview®Exam
The AAMC PREview Exam is a professional readiness assessment required for all Traditional MD Track applicants, and one most students overlook until it is too late.
The submission deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle is November 13, 2026. UCLA uses the score as one factor in its mission-aligned holistic review, not as a cutoff.
PRIME-LA and MSTP applicants follow different requirements, though dual consideration candidates must also complete it.
Required Coursework
UCLA does not mandate a rigid course list, but most competitive applicants complete these foundational subjects before applying:
- Biology: Cell biology, genetics, physiology, microbiology
- Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry
- Physics: Introductory physics with lab work
- Mathematics: Calculus, biostatistics, or equivalent quantitative coursework
- Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences
- Humanities: Ethics, writing, communication-based coursework
Going beyond the basics through research methods or public health coursework further strengthens your profile.
Letters of Recommendation
UCLA requires all letters of recommendation to be submitted through AMCAS, no exceptions.
Letters sent outside AMCAS will not be considered regardless of source.
Submit your letters alongside your completed AMCAS application and choose recommenders who can speak directly to your academic ability, clinical experience, or research work.
Strong letters add context that numbers alone cannot convey, so prioritize quality over quantity when making your selections.
What Experience Do You Need for UCLA Medical School?
UCLA does not publish a minimum hour requirement for any experience category. What you have done and how well you can speak to it matter far more than hours logged.
Here is a breakdown of what each area involves:
Experience Type | What It Involves | What UCLA Wants to See |
|---|---|---|
Clinical Experience | Direct patient care in hospital, clinic, or community settings | Sustained hours, diverse patients, clear link to your medical mission |
Physician Shadowing | Observing physicians across specialties and settings | Multiple specialties, inpatient and outpatient exposure, mission alignment |
Research Experience | Involvement in basic science or clinical research | Sustained work, clear grasp of methods, a poster, paper, or thesis |
Community Service and Volunteer Work | Long-term service tied to health disparities or underserved groups | Consistent engagement over time, not short-term participation |
Leadership Experience | Driving change, not just holding a title | Independent initiative, creative projects, or founded efforts |
Each area shows a different side of your readiness for medical school. Together, they help UCLA see the full view of who you are as an applicant.
The Three Program Tracks at UCLA DGSOM
UCLA DGSOM offers three distinct pathways to an MD, each with different goals, formats, and applicant profiles.
Here is what sets them apart.
1. Traditional MD Program
The Traditional MD Program is UCLA’s primary pathway, offering an estimated 142 seats each cycle.
Applications go through standard AMCAS submission, followed by a secondary application and a one-on-one virtual interview with DGSOM faculty.
This track suits applicants focused on clinical medicine, research, or public health who want a structured, rigorous medical education at one of the most respected programs in the country.
2. PRIME-LA Program
PRIME-LA is a five-year dual-degree program combining an MD with one of six master’s options.
With only 18 estimated seats, it is highly selective.
The program targets future healthcare leaders committed to improving care delivery in underserved communities.
Unlike the Traditional MD track, PRIME-LA uses the MMI format for interviews.
Applicants can also select the dual consideration option to be reviewed for both the Traditional MD track and the PRIME-LA program.
3. UCLA-Caltech MSTP (MD-PhD)
The Medical Scientist Training Program is a joint initiative between UCLA and Caltech, offering 15 estimated seats for students pursuing careers in biomedical or socio-medical research.
Unlike the Traditional MD track, admission offers are extended on a cohort basis rather than on a rolling basis.
MSTP applicants can opt into dual consideration for the Traditional MD track, giving them a pathway to clinical medicine alongside their research training.
UCLA Medical School Application Process
UCLA’s application process follows a clear sequence, but each step has specific rules that catch unprepared applicants off guard. Missing a single deadline or detail can set your whole application back.
Here is a quick look at the full process:
- AMCAS Application: Submit your primary application early through the centralized platform, since UCLA uses rolling admissions.
- Secondary Application: Complete and return it within 15 days of your invitation, along with the $100 fee.
- Secondary Essay Requirements: Answer three required prompts and up to one conditional prompt, each within an 800-character limit.
- Application Deadlines: Track every date closely, since missing one ends your application right away.
- Interview Process: Prepare for a one-on-one or MMI format interview, depending on your program track.
Each step builds on the one before it, so preparation matters at every stage. Staying organized and on time gives you the strongest shot at admission.
NOTE: For 2026–2027, the AMCAS deadline is October 1, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Pacific. Accepted applicants get 15 days to respond. (21 words)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into UCLA Medical School
Getting into UCLA Medical School takes a well-rounded and deliberate profile. No single part of your application can carry the whole weight.
Here are the key areas to focus on:
- Build a Strong Academic Record: Aim for a GPA at or above the median with strong science courses.
- Gain Meaningful Clinical Experience: Focus on steady patient interaction across diverse and underserved settings.
- Participate in Research: Get involved early and aim for a poster, publication, or thesis.
- Develop Leadership Experience: Drive real change and tie it to your medical mission.
- Submit Your Application Early: Apply as soon as possible for a better shot at an early interview.
Each of these areas adds real strength to your application. Working on them together gives you the best shot at getting in.
UCLA Medical School: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Understanding the full cost of attending UCLA DGSOM is essential, but so is knowing how much financial support is available to offset it.
Tuition and Fees
UCLA DGSOM tuition depends on residency status. California resident tuition and fees run roughly $52,363 to $52,763 a year, depending on the source.
Verify the exact figure with UCLA’s Office of Financial Aid. Out-of-state students pay extra supplemental tuition, bringing their total to about $64,600 to $65,000 a year.
With living costs, books, and equipment included, total annual cost rises to roughly $80,000 to $90,000 for most students.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Nearly 90% of UCLA med students receive some form of financial aid.
The flagship David Geffen Medical Scholarships cover the full cost of attendance for up to 20% of each entering class with no service obligation attached.
Beyond that, over 100 additional UCLA philanthropic scholarships are available on a need- and merit-based basis.
The Our Leaders of Tomorrow Scholars Program offers additional full tuition coverage for qualifying applicants committed to serving underserved communities
UCLA Medical School vs. Other California Medical Schools
Choosing the right California medical school starts with understanding how each program differs.
Here is how UCLA DGSOM stacks up against its closest competitors:
School | Acceptance Rate | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
UCLA DGSOM | 1.40% | 3.96 | 522 | Mission-driven, research-intensive, holistic review |
UCSF | 1.60% | 3.80 | 517 | Primary care focus, strong research culture |
UC San Diego | 3.00% | 3.80 | 517 | Problem-based learning, research opportunities |
USC Keck | 4.00% | 3.70 | 515 | Strong clinical training, diverse patient population |
Stanford | 1.70% | 3.80 | 519 | Flexible curriculum, innovation and entrepreneurship focus |
Based on acceptance rate alone, UCLA DGSOM is the most selective California medical school, followed closely by Stanford and UCSF. However, each school evaluates applicants differently; Stanford rewards innovation.
UCSF values primary care commitment, and UCLA demands clear mission alignment above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AAMC PREview Exam, and Do I Need It for UCLA?
The AAMC PREview Exam is a required professional readiness assessment for all Traditional MD Track applicants at UCLA. It measures core competencies tied to future success.
Can I Reapply to UCLA Medical School If I Was Rejected?
Yes, up to two reapplications are permitted, but quantifiable growth since your last application is essential.
What is the David Geffen Medical Scholarship, and Who Qualifies?
A full cost-of-attendance scholarship is awarded to up to 20% of each entering class on a need and merit basis.
Does Applying Early to UCLA Improve My Chances?
Yes, earlier submission means earlier review and better access to interview slots under rolling admissions.
What is the Difference Between the Prime-La and Traditional Md Tracks?
PRIME-LA is a five-year dual degree focused on underserved communities; Traditional MD is a standard four-year clinical pathway
Summing It Up
UCLA medical school stays selective, and the numbers show it clearly. Getting in takes strong grades, real experience, and clear personal insight.
You need patience, planning, and steady effort at every step. Strong letters, solid research, and clinical work all add value. A good MCAT score helps, but your insight matters too.
Applying early gives you an advantage under rolling admissions. Your file should reflect who you are as an applicant.
UCLA looks for applicants who match its mission and values.
Review your application carefully before you submit it. Drop your questions in the comments below and get started.
