Characteristics of Accepted Applicants Policy

PURPOSE
To outline the characteristics of accepted applicants to the UC Davis School of Medicine (the School).

AUDIENCE
Prospective applicants and all faculty, staff, students, and other representatives participating in the School’s admission process

LCME STANDARD
10.4 Characteristics of Accepted Applicants

POLICY
The School's Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s experiences, attributes, and metrics as related to our core student physician competencies:

patient care
knowledge
interpersonal and communication skills
professionalism
system-based practice (working within the health care system to enhance care)
life-long learning

PROCEDURE

The School embraces the AAMC’s holistic review process. The current list of attributes was first developed in 2012 and approved by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee reviews the attributes annually and makes recommendations for approval or revisions as needed.

Once the completed application has been received, all evaluative admissions processes include a review of the following personal and professional attributes of the applicant:

Experiences:

Health-care experience
Research experience
Leadership experience
Community service
Educational background
Experience working in inter-professional teams
Life experiences (e.g., obstacles overcome)

Attributes:

Geographic origin (e.g., rural or medically underserved area)
Resilience
Motivation for a medical career
Intellectual curiosity
Communication skills, including listening and empathy
Languages spoken, particularly by underserved patient populations
Critical thinking skills, including problem-solving
Professional responsibility and accountability
Values and ethical beliefs
Self-assessment and improvement skills
Altruism and compassion
Appreciation for diverse perspectives
Ability to work in inter-professional teams
Honesty and integrity

Metrics:

Undergraduate grades, grade trends, and course load
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) score and AAMC PREview Exam score
Performance in a postbaccalaureate and/or graduate degree program

Personal attributes of applicants are assessed in the preliminary screening, selection for interview, interview, acceptance decision, and waitlist stages. The individuals and groups involved in this holistic admissions process are detailed below.

RESPONSIBILITY
Admissions Committee

REFERENCES

School of Medicine Bylaws and Regulations, Bylaws 4.2231 and 4.2232

RELATED POLICY/POLICIES
Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy
Premedical Requirements Policy
Student Selection Policy
Technical Standards Policy

POLICY OWNER
Admissions Committee

REVIEWED BY
Admissions Committee*

REVIEWED DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
July 2023, annual review cycle

* indicates the Policy Owner