How to Get Into UCSF School of Medicine

Follow these expert tips and insights to help you get into the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF SOM).

If you’re just here for the requirements, click here.

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine Acceptance Rate: 1.71%

The acceptance rate at UCSF School of Medicine is 1.71%. In the 2025-2026 application cycle, UCSF School of Medicine received 10,372 applications and 177 students matriculated. For every student who earned a spot in the entering class, 58 did not.

Take a look at the graphic below for more insight into UCSF SOM’s acceptance rates.

Below is a table highlighting UCSF School of Medicine’s acceptance rate over the past five admissions cycles, based on archived data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

The average acceptance rate at UCSF School of Medicine across the past five years is 1.85%. An average of 9,562 applicants competed for each available seat at UCSF School of Medicine throughout all five admissions cycles. 

How Hard Is It to Get Into UCSF SOM?

It’s extremely challenging to gain admission to the UCSF School of Medicine. In the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, the UCSF School of Medicine admitted fewer than two students for every 100 applicants. UCSF School of Medicine receives enough qualified applications to fill its incoming class roughly 58 times over. That means you need to have an extremely compelling application to stand out from the crowd.

What Is UCSF SOM’s Acceptance Rate for In-State Applicants?

The acceptance rate for in-state applicants at UCSF SOM is 2.65%. In the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, UCSF School of Medicine received 4,761 verified in-state applications, and 126 of them matriculated.

California residents have an acceptance rate of 2.65%. UCSF SOM draws nearly half its applicant pool from California alone, which means you're competing against a concentrated group of strong candidates who often have ties to UCSF-affiliated clinical and research programs. Residency status alone won't carry your application to acceptance.

What Is UCSF SOM’s Acceptance Rate for Out-of-State Applicants

The acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants at UCSF School of Medicine is 0.89%. UCSF SOM received 5,482 verified out-of-state applications, and 49 of them matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating to UCSF SOM as an out-of-state applicant are fewer than 1 in 100.

UCSF SOM is one of the most difficult schools in the country to get into as an out-of-state applicant. Despite those odds, out-of-state candidates still account for over half of the total applicant volume. If you're applying from out of state, your application needs to answer a specific question: Why UCSF SOM over every other top program you could attend closer to home

What Is UCSF SOM’s Acceptance Rate for International Students?

The approximate acceptance rate for international applicants at UCSF School of Medicine is 1.55%. UCSF SOM received 129 verified international applications, and 2 of them matriculated.

UCSF SOM only considers applications from U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and DACA recipients. However, "international" in the AAMC data likely refers to applicants with foreign undergraduate institutions or dual citizenship who still hold U.S. residency status, not applicants without U.S. legal status.

Applicants with foreign undergraduate institutions or dual citizenship should have strong research publications, meaningful U.S. clinical exposure, or a scientific background that aligns directly with UCSF SOM's institutional priorities will separate viable international applicants from the rest of the pool.

How Many People Apply to the UCSF SOM Every Year?

Over the last five admissions cycles, an average of 9,562 students applied to the UCSF School of Medicine. The average acceptance rate is 1.85%.

Secondary Application

Below are UCSF SOM’s secondary essay prompts for the 2026-2027 application cycle.

Interview Prompt (300 characters)

“Applicants are interviewed by invitation only. Interviews are scheduled from October to mid-February (days vary). For the 2025-2026 interview season, we will conduct interviews via Zoom. If you will be out of the country, provide additional info below (e.g., dates, best way to contact, etc.)”

How to approach it:

⚈ This prompt’s purpose is to flag international travel that could complicate Zoom scheduling across time zones.

⚈ If you'll be studying abroad, completing international research, or traveling outside the country for an extended period between October and mid-February, state the dates and provide a reliable contact method.

⚈ If you’ll be in the country for the entire interview window, leave the field blank.

Update/Expand Upon Activities Prompt (500 Words, Optional)

“If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below.”

How to approach it:

⚈ This prompt’s purpose is to update the timeline on activities already listed in AMCAS and introduce new activities that began after you submitted the primary application.

⚈ For updates to existing activities, keep each entry brief. Name the activity, state what changed, and quantify the change if possible.

⚈ The admissions officers can cross-reference your AMCAS activities list, so context-setting should be minimal.

⚈ For new activities, provide slightly more detail. Name the activity, describe your role, and explain why it matters to your candidacy.

⚈ Don't use this space to add low-impact extracurriculars that pad your resume without adding substance. A new research position or a meaningful clinical experience deserves the space. Joining a new club does not.

Updates Since Graduation Prompt (350 Words, Optional)

“If you are a 2024 or earlier college graduate, please use the space below to tell us what you have done since completing your undergraduate degree.”

How to approach it:

⚈ This prompt is optional, but for applicants who graduated in 2024 or earlier, it’s effectively required.

⚈ At 350 words, prioritize depth over breadth. If you've held one primary role since graduation, spend most of the essay on that experience. Describe what you do, what you've learned, and how the role has prepared you for medical school in ways your undergraduate experience alone couldn't have.

⚈ If you've held multiple positions, select two or three that represent the most significant dimensions of your post-graduation development and give each one proportional space based on its relevance.

⚈ Avoid defensive framing about why you took time off. Admissions officers evaluate what you did with the time, not whether you took it.

⚈ If your post-graduation time includes periods of non-medical work (retail, food service, or office jobs taken to pay loans), you can briefly mention them for timeline clarity without apologizing.

⚈ A sentence acknowledging that you worked to support yourself while pursuing clinical volunteering on weekends shows resourcefulness, not weakness.

PRIDE Values Prompt (500 Words)

“UCSF PRIDE values serve as a guiding light for institutional life and activities. Briefly describe how you will contribute to and support our PRIDE values consistent with your goals or life experience.”

How to approach it:

⚈ UCSF's PRIDE values are Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence.

⚈ Regardless of which value you select, the essay must follow a specific structure: experience first, then connection to the value, then forward-looking contribution to UCSF SOM.

⚈ Don't open by defining the value or quoting UCSF SOM's definition. Open instead with the experience that embodies it.

⚈ If you choose Integrity, describe a moment where you faced pressure to compromise your ethical standards. Maybe you reported a data error in a research project that would have gone unnoticed and improved the results.

⚈ If you choose Respect, describe how you built a relationship across a meaningful difference by prioritizing the other person's dignity and autonomy.

⚈ If you choose Excellence, show how your pursuit of mastery in a specific domain pushed you beyond competence into genuine distinction.

⚈ Avoid writing about a PRIDE value in general terms without grounding it in your own experience. "I believe diversity is important because different perspectives strengthen teams" is a thesis statement, not an essay. The prompt asks how you will "contribute and support" the value, which demands action, not belief.

Ethics / Disclosure Statement (No Word Limit)

“Candidates and current students must meet the ethical and legal standards to be licensed to practice medicine in the State of California. Acknowledge and disclose any felony offense, misdemeanor offense, or institutional action taken against you prior to matriculation, including expunged and diverted offenses not already reported in your AMCAS application.”

How to approach it:

⚈ If you have nothing to disclose, check the box and move on. The prompt requires no narrative if your record is clean.

⚈ If you do have a disclosure, address it with the same directness you'd use for any application red flag.

⚈ State what happened, when it happened, and the outcome. Take appropriate responsibility. Then describe what you learned and how your behavior or circumstances have changed.

⚈ Keep the explanation factual and proportional. A minor in possession charge from freshman year needs two to three sentences: what happened, what the consequence was, and what changed.

⚈ institutional academic integrity violation needs slightly more context: what the allegation was, how it was resolved, and what safeguards you've put in place since.

⚈ Avoid lengthy justifications or attempts to minimize the incident. The admissions officers evaluate how applicants handle accountability, not whether they have a flawless record.

⚈ A concise, honest explanation followed by evidence of growth demonstrates the integrity that UCSF SOM's PRIDE values demand. An evasive or excuse-laden explanation undermines it.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

The video below offers expert insight on how to improve your chances of getting into UCSF School of Medicine.

Here are even more expert tips to help you get into the UCSF School of Medicine.

Prioritize Clinical Experience That Serves Underserved Populations

In the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, 91% of UCSF SOM matriculants had clinical experience on their application, so yours should too.

According to Michelle Albert, Associate Dean for Admissions at UCSF School of Medicine, prospective students must have a passion for helping all community members. She shared:

“At UCSF, we strive to recruit a student body with the collective desire to advance the health of ALL members of society. We are seeking curious, compassionate people who are committed to serving others. If you are eager to lead the innovations needed to address the scientific and health needs, YOU belong at UCSF.”

Albert’s statement reveals two key priorities. First, UCSF SOM defines “belonging” not solely through GPA or MCAT scores, but through a demonstrated record of service and compassion. The admissions office is explicitly seeking candidates who will carry forward the institution’s broader mission of social accountability in healthcare. 

Second, Albert links curiosity with compassion, suggesting that UCSF SOM values students who can merge scientific innovation with a patient-centered ethos. For applicants, this means your personal statement and experiences must convey not just what you’ve achieved, but why you’ve pursued those achievements in the service of others.

The UCSF School of Medicine prioritizes health equity; consider volunteering or working in clinics, hospitals, or nonprofits that specifically serve marginalized communities. Admissions officers are seeking applicants who already embody their mission to advance health for all, particularly underserved populations.

Prove Your Involvement in Public Health or Basic Science Research

According to MSAR, 98% of UCSF School of Medicine matriculants had research experience on their application in the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Over the last four years, an average of 97.75% of applicants have had research experience when applying to the UCSF School of Medicine.

That means you should have research experience when applying to UCSF SOM to be considered a competitive applicant.

Almost any form of research experience will strengthen your application to UCSF School of Medicine, but if you want to truly stand out, consider pursuing projects that connect to health disparities, primary care, or translational science. Research in these areas aligns with UCSF SOM’s mission to advance health equity and improve outcomes for underserved populations, making your work especially relevant to what the admissions committee is seeking.

For example, instead of focusing solely on general oncology, you might take part in a project that examines cancer outcomes in low-income communities or investigates racial disparities in cancer screening access. Research framed in this way not only demonstrates scientific rigor but also shows that you are committed to addressing the very inequities UCSF SOM prioritizes.

Demonstrate Competence and Compassion in Your Secondaries and Interviews

UCSF School of Medicine’s admissions officers and interviewers look for maturity, self-awareness, and a growth mindset. They’re evaluating how you think, how you reflect, and how you evolve in the face of difficulty.

In your secondary essays and interviews, use specific, personal experiences that clearly show:

• How you handle mistakes
• What you’ve learned from failure
• Your reason for caring about people, not just science

These stories demonstrate that you possess the kind of emotional intelligence, humility, and purpose that the UCSF School of Medicine actively seeks in future physicians.

Show a History of Leadership That Aligns With UCSF School of Medicine’s Mission

UCSF School of Medicine wants leaders in public health. The PRIME-US Program’s mission evidences this:

“To nurture, support and equip medical students to carry out their goal of effectively promoting health equity and providing healthcare to urban underserved communities.”

You can demonstrate your leadership in public health through community or volunteer experience. In the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, 88% of applicants had community service or volunteer experience. That means you should aim for a relevant volunteer experience that aligns with UCSF SOM’s mission.

Choose experiences that emphasize public health, as that’s one of UCSF SOM’s main objectives. Then demonstrate in your interviews and secondary essays how these experiences prove your leadership skills.

The best advice to increase your chances of acceptance is to find a reliable admissions counselor. Inspira Advantage features former admissions officers from some of the nation's top medical schools. With over 15 years of experience, they can help you get into the UCSF School of Medicine.

MD Programs Offered

Here are the seven MD programs offered at UCSF School of Medicine.

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition at UCSF SOM costs $55,959 for first-year medical students. When you factor in additional costs, the total cost of attendance is $89,634 for residents and $101,879 for non-residents. Based on this data, first-year non-residents pay approximately 13.66% more than California residents at UCSF School of Medicine.

How Much Does UCSF SOM Cost for 4 Years?

The total cost of attendance at UCSF SOM for California residents is $380,138. This breaks down as:

• Year 1: $89,634
• Year 2: $90,039
• Year 3: $102,644
• Year 4: $97,821

The total cost of attendance at UCSF SOM for non-residents is $429,118. This breaks down as:

• Year 1: $101,879
• Year 2: $102,284
• Year 3: $114,889
• Year 4: $110,066

Scholarships

UCSF School of Medicine offers the Regents Scholarship, one of the highest honors available to UC students. It is awarded to a limited number of candidates based on academic excellence and exceptional promise. Additionally, the Professional School Scholarships and other campus-based awards are available based on financial need.

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine Application Timeline

Here is the complete 2026-2027 application timeline for the UCSF School of Medicine

FAQs: Getting Accepted to UCSF SOM

Does UCSF School of Medicine Prefer California Residents (i.e., In-State Applicants)?

Yes, UCSF SOM prefers California residents. In-state applicants matriculate at a rate of 2.65%, compared to just 0.89% for out-of-state applicants. Roughly 77% of each entering class comes from California, and in-state candidates are nearly three times more likely to earn a seat than their out-of-state counterparts.

Can I Get Into UCSF School of Medicine Without Research Experience?

No, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get into UCSF School of Medicine without research experience. In the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, only 2% of matriculants applied without research experience, so research experience is strongly recommended.

What Kind of Volunteer Work Impresses UCSF School of Medicine Admissions?

UCSF School of Medicine prioritizes applicants who serve underserved or marginalized communities, primarily through clinical or community health work. Volunteering in safety-net clinics, harm-reduction programs, or public health education efforts that align with the UCSF School of Medicine’s mission will stand out more than generic hospital volunteering.

Does UCSF School of Medicine Accept Postbaccalaureate or Non-Traditional Applicants?

Yes, UCSF School of Medicine accepts postbaccalaureate and non-traditional applicants. Many admitted students come from diverse educational or career paths. However, you’ll still need a strong academic foundation, a competitive MCAT, and precise alignment with UCSF School of Medicine’s values.

How Many Letters of Recommendation Should I Submit?

UCSF School of Medicine requires three to five letters of recommendation, with at least two from instructors. A committee letter or letter packet is preferred if available. Letters that highlight your character, leadership, and real-world contributions to medicine or research are more impactful than generic academic references.

Does UCSF School of Medicine Require a Specific Major to Apply?

No, the UCSF School of Medicine does not require a specific major for application. However, you must complete all prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry (including organic), biochemistry, and physics. Successful applicants often major in biological sciences, but students from humanities or social science backgrounds are also accepted.

Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.