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.

UCSF School of Medicine Acceptance Rate: 1.82%

The acceptance rate at UCSF School of Medicine is 1.82%. In the 2024-2025 application cycle, UCSF School of Medicine received a total of 9,555 applications and 174 matriculants. That means your odds of getting into UCSF SOM are fewer than 2 in 100.

Below is a table highlighting UCSF School of Medicine’s acceptance rate over the previous four admissions cycles, according to archived data from the AAMC.

The average acceptance rate at UCSF School of Medicine across the past four years is 1.89%, which also means the average rejection rate is 98.11%. An average of 53 applicants competed for each available seat at UCSF School of Medicine throughout all four years. 

How Hard Is It to Get Into UCSF School of Medicine?

It’s extremely challenging to gain admission to the UCSF School of Medicine. In the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, UCSF School of Medicine admitted fewer than two students for every 100 that applied. UCSF School of Medicine receives enough qualified applications to fill its incoming class 54 times over. That means you need to have an extremely compelling application to stand out from the crowd.

We created the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine Admissions Difficulty Scale by comparing acceptance rates and overall selectivity across all accredited US medical schools.

What is UCSF School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for In-State Applicants?

The approximate acceptance rate for in-state applicants at UCSF School of Medicine is 3.14%. Last year, UCSF School of Medicine received 4,262 verified in-state applications, and 134 of them matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating as an in-state applicant are just over 3 in 100.

At UCSF School of Medicine, in-state applicants make up about 44.6% of the total pool, reflecting the strong interest from California residents seeking to attend their home state’s premier medical school.

What is UCSF School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for Out-of-State Applicants?

The approximate acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants at UCSF School of Medicine is 0.77%. UCSF SOM received 5,179 verified in-state applications, and 40 of them matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating to UCSF SOM as an out-of-state applicant are fewer than 1 in 100.

Out-of-state applicants account for roughly 54.2% of the total number of applications. This high percentage underscores the UCSF SOM’s national reputation for excellence in medical education and research, attracting highly competitive candidates from across the country.

What is UCSF School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for International Students?

The UCSF School of Medicine does not accept international applicants, except for those from Canadian institutions with which it has a Training Affiliation Agreement (TAA).

How Many People Apply to the UCSF School of Medicine Every Year?

Over the last four years, an average of 9,359 people have applied to the UCSF School of Medicine annually. According to the AAMC, the national average number of AMCAS applications submitted per applicant is 18.6. When compared to UCSF SOM’s 9,555 applications in the most recent cycle, this volume reflects the school’s exceptional national regard, with thousands of highly qualified candidates competing for a small number of seats.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into UCSF 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.

1. Prioritize Clinical Experience That Serves Underserved Populations

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.

2. Prove Your Involvement in Public Health or Basic Science Research

According to MSAR, only 2% of UCSF School of Medicine matriculants had no research experience in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. In the last four years, an average of 97.75% of applicants have had research experience when applying to 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Last year, 82% of applicants had community service or volunteer experience, and 94% of applicants had specifically medical/clinical community service or volunteer experience. 

The previous year saw the highest number of applicants in four years with medical or clinical community service or volunteer experience. That means you should aim for relevant medical expertise 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. 

5. Target UCSF-Specific Research Initiatives

Align your research with UCSF School of Medicine's flagship programs, such as the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Cardiovascular Research Institute, or the Institute for Global Health Sciences. 

Work directly with UCSF School of Medicine faculty through summer programs, gap year positions, or remote research partnerships to demonstrate genuine institutional fit.

6. Leverage the PRIME Program Strategic Advantage

Apply to UCSF School of Medicine's Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US) if you have substantial experience with health disparities. This pathway has distinct selection criteria and can offer an alternative route to admission, aligning with the UCSF School of Medicine's social mission.

7. Establish International Health Experience

Given the UCSF School of Medicine's emphasis on global health, consider pursuing substantive international work through organizations such as Partners In Health, Doctors Without Borders, or research collaborations in low-resource settings. Look for roles that require significant commitment and cultural competency.

8. Seek an Admissions Consultant's Help

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.

UCSF School of Medicine MD Programs Offered

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

UCSF School of Medicine Tuition and Scholarships

The total tuition and cost of attendance for first-year in-state students at UCSF School of Medicine is $87,116. The total tuition and cost of attendance for first-year out-of-state students is $99,361. 

Here is a breakdown of the estimated fees for first-year students attending UCSF School of Medicine.

Based on this data, first-year out-of-state students pay approximately 14.06% more than in-state students in their first year at UCSF School of Medicine.

How Much Does UCSF School of Medicine Cost for 4 Years?

The total cost to attend UCSF School of Medicine for four years is $369,663 for in-state applicants and $418,643 for out-of-state applicants. This includes tuition, fees, living expenses, books, commuting costs, and applicable supplemental costs, such as summer fees and board exam fees.

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.

UCSF School of Medicine Application Timeline

Here is the application timeline for the UCSF School of Medicine.

FAQs 

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

Yes, UCSF School of Medicine prefers California residents. Approximately 77% of matriculants are California residents, and in-state applicants are more than four times more likely to be admitted than out-of-state applicants. While UCSF SOM accepts applications from all eligible U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, admissions data show a significant in-state advantage.

2. 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. Last year, only 1% of matriculants applied without research experience, so research experience, especially in public health, clinical research, or basic science, is strongly recommended.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. How Many Letters of Recommendation Should I Submit?

UCSF School of Medicine requires 3–5 letters of recommendation, with at least 2 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.

6. 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.

Get Accepted to UCSF School of Medicine

Earning a seat at UCSF School of Medicine is one of the most challenging feats in medical school admissions. With an acceptance rate of 1.82% and academic benchmarks that place most matriculants in the top few percentiles nationally, the competition is intense. 

Applicants who take the time to intentionally develop the qualities that the UCSF School of Medicine values in their academic, professional, and personal journeys will stand out far more than those who focus solely on checking boxes.

Working with a former admissions officer can help you improve your chances of admission to UCSF School of Medicine. Book a free consultation at Inspira Advantage today, and we’ll help you get accepted this cycle.

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