M.D. Program

Admissions Criteria

The UC Davis School of Medicine 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

The Admissions Committee determines whether the applicant will be granted a secondary application, interview, and ultimately acceptance to the UC Davis School of Medicine. Committee members attempt to do a holistic assessment of each applicant that includes but is not limited to the following experiences, attributes, and metrics (in no particular order of importance):

Experiences

  • Healthcare 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
  • Performance in a post-baccalaureate and/or graduate degree program