Medical schools in California are in high demand.
Many future doctors dream of attending medical school in California, and for good reason.
Several California medical schools are highly ranked, accounting for three of the top 10 medical schools in the nation and four of the top 25.
Most of these schools are also known for excellent faculty, high-quality preparation for a medical career, and cultural diversity.
At the public medical schools, in-state students can save money on tuition. Of course, there’s also the beaches and beautiful weather.
Since California medical schools are a popular goal for pre-med students, admission is highly competitive.
In this guide, we’ll provide helpful information about accepted student statistics, acceptance rates, and what each of the California medical schools is looking for in its ideal candidate.
List of Medical Schools in California
- California Northstate University College of Medicine
- California University of Science and Medicine
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Keck School of Medicine of USC
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- UC Davis School of Medicine
- UC Irvine School of Medicine
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
- UC Riverside School of Medicine
- UC San Diego School of Medicine
- UCSF School of Medicine
There are also two osteopathic (DO) medical schools in the state of California:
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
California Medical Schools: Key Statistics
Let’s take a brief look at important statistics for each California medical school, including rankings, acceptance rates, and stats on accepted students.
Note: All rankings listed are per U.S. News and World Report.
California Northstate University College of Medicine
Private
- Location: Elk Grove
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): 11.7%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 1.3%
- Acceptance Rate: 8.8%
- Average GPA: 3.58
- Average MCAT: 513
The minimum GPA considered by CNU College of Medicine is a 2.8. The minimum MCAT score is a 497.
To be considered a competitive applicant, you’ll need a 3.2 and an MCAT score of 504.
Although the school does not give preference to any major, most applicants are science majors.
The most common majors are biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and psychobiology.
California University of Science and Medicine
Private
- Location: San Bernardino
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): Unreported
- Interview Rate (out of state): Unreported
- Acceptance Rate: Unreported
- Average GPA: Unreported
- Average MCAT: Unreported
CUSM is California’s newest medical school. The inaugural class held an average MCAT percentile ranking of 90% and was in the top quartile of their graduating classes.
The school aims to provide opportunities to students from underserved areas. 20% of students are from the Southern California Inland Empire community.
Also known as CalMed, the admissions team looks for students with keen observational skills, logic skills, comprehensive analytical abilities, compassion, integrity, and good interpersonal skills.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Private
- Location: Los Angeles
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): Unreported
- Interview Rate (out of state): Unreported
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average GPA: 3.0
- Average MCAT: 498
Applicants must have completed one year of college Biology, two years of college Organic Chemistry with laboratory, one year of English Composition or Literature, one year of college Physics with laboratory components, and one year of college Mathematics, including at least one course in Calculus and Statistics.
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Private
- Location: Los Angeles
- Ranking: 32 Research, 53 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 12%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 6.7%
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average GPA: 3.76
- Average MCAT: 515
The Keck School of Medicine admissions team considers both interpersonal and intrapersonal attributes when evaluating applications.
These include social skills, service orientation, cultural awareness, teamwork, oral communication, ethical responsibility, reliability and dependability, resilience, adaptability, and capacity for improvement.
The most highly recruited applicants have personal characteristics like leadership, empathy, civic service, and a commitment to social justice.
The committee “looks favorably upon students who inspire other students and those with interests in teaching or research.”
The school also values selection of a diverse class, and Spanish language skills are a plus.
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Private
- Location: Loma Linda
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): 8%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 5.3%
- Acceptance Rate: Unreported
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average MCAT: 508
Loma Linda School of Medicine is owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Preference for admission is given to members of the Church, but a number of applicants from other faiths are admitted each year.
No student is accepted solely based on religious affiliation.
Applicants are selected both on GPA, MCAT scores, medical and service experiences, mission fit, recommendations, personal characteristics, and interviews.
The admissions team seeks students who have demonstrated a commitment to medicine and to altruistic goals and ideals.
Applicants must demonstrate competence in the basic sciences regardless of their major. A broad understanding of the natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and the humanities is expected.
Stanford University School of Medicine
Private
- Location: Stanford
- Ranking: 3 Research, 32 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 6.2%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 7.7%
- Acceptance Rate: 2.5%
- Average GPA: 3.89
- Average MCAT: 518
Stanford Medicine looks for candidates whose accomplishments show evidence for creativity, originality, and a capacity for independent critical thinking.
The ideal candidate wants to move the fields of medicine and biomedical sciences forward.
In addition, candidates should have personal qualities that will serve them well in the medical profession, as well as an academic background that has prepared them to succeed at Stanford Medicine.
Applicants must submit a minimum of three and a maximum of six letters of recommendation.
UC Davis School of Medicine
Public
- Location: Davis
- Ranking: 39 Research, 10 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 9.8%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 0.9%
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Average GPA: 3.72
- Average MCAT: 509
The UC Davis School of Medicine evaluates experiences, attributes, and metrics as related to the school’s core student physician competencies:
- Patient Care
- Knowledge
- Interpersonal/communication skills
- Professionalism
- System-based practice (working within health care system to enhance care)
- Life-long learning
Metrics include grades, grade trends, course load, and MCAT score. Evaluated experiences include:
- Healthcare
- Research
- Leadership
- Community service
- Educational background
- Working in inter-professional teams
- Obstacles overcome
Finally, the admissions team looks at attributes such as:
- Resilience
- Motivation
- Intellectual curiosity
- Communication skills, including empathy and listening
- Languages spoken
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Professional responsibility and accountability
- Values and ethical beliefs
- Self-assessment and improvement skills
- Altruism and compassion
- Appreciation for diverse perspectives
- Honesty and integrity
UC Irvine School of Medicine
Public
- Location: Irvine
- Ranking: 46 Research, 77 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 10.3%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 4.3%
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Average GPA: 3.82
- Average MCAT: 512
UC Irvine’s School of Medicine selects a diverse, well-balanced class. Each student will contribute unique and valuable talents and experiences to the school and to their eventual patients.
Factors used in evaluating students include:
- Academics
- Clinical exposure
- Involvement in research
- Community service
- Extracurricular activities
- Life experiences
- Personal qualities
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Public
- Location: Los Angeles
- Ranking: 8 Research, 4 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 11.1%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 6%
- Acceptance Rate: 2.1%
- Average GPA: 3.85
- Average MCAT: 517
Candidates for admission to the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine are selected based on:
- Undergraduate record
- MCAT scores
- Multiple mini-interviews with members of the Admissions Committee
- Letters of recommendation
- Graduate record (if applicable)
- Life experience (research, volunteerism, etc.)
Preference is given to students who present high achievement in college and a capacity for mature interpersonal relationships.
During the college years, students should develop:
- Competence in written and spoken English
- Capacity for quantitative thinking (represented by mastery of mathematics, science, and the scientific method)
- A foundation for insight in human behavior, thought, and aspiration (represented by study in the social sciences and humanities)
UC Riverside School of Medicine
Public
- Location: Riverside
- Ranking: 93 Research, RNP Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 6.5%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 0%
- Acceptance Rate: Unreported
- Average GPA: 3.74
- Average MCAT: 508
The UC Riverside School of Medicine aims to create a class with diverse intellectual and life experiences.
They value broad academic backgrounds including social sciences, humanities, foreign languages, and the arts.
Academics are evaluated alongside volunteer/community and personal experiences that prepare students to care for diverse populations.
Selections for interviews are based on:
- Academic competitiveness
- Strength of letters of recommendation (specifically regarding traits like integrity, leadership, commitment to hard work, and communication skills)
- Achievements and honors received
- Quality/duration of extracurricular activities in research, teaching, work experience, and special talents
- Commitment to community service, particularly in underserved communities
- Extent/quality of clinical experiences
In addition, the admissions team considers personal attributes such as:
- Integrity and ethics
- Reliability and dependability
- Service orientation
- Social and interpersonal skills
- Capacity for improvement
- Resilience and adaptability
- Cultural competence
- Oral communication
- Teamwork
Finally, the UC Riverside School of Medicine recognizes that applicants do not have equal access to resources, mentorship, and strong high school preparation prior to college.
The admissions team considers the “distance traveled” by each applicant to arrive at this stage in his or her career.
UC San Diego School of Medicine
Public
- Location: San Diego
- Ranking: 22 Research, 17 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 12.8%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 5.3%
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average MCAT: 515
The Admissions Committee at UC San Diego School of Medicine selects applicants who have demonstrated intelligence, maturity, integrity, and dedication to the ideal of service to society.
The UC San Diego School of Medicine has no preference for a major field of study.
However, the admissions committee does prefer evidence of broad training and in-depth achievement in a particular area of knowledge, whether in the social sciences, humanities, or natural sciences.
The school seeks students with diverse interests and backgrounds. It’s committed to expanding opportunities for individuals from socioeconomic and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
UCSF School of Medicine
Public
- Location: San Francisco
- Ranking: 5 Research, 2 Primary Care
- Interview Rate (in-state): 7.8%
- Interview Rate (out of state): 5.2%
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Average GPA: 3.82
- Average MCAT: 516
Course requirements for applicants to the UCSF School of Medicine are:
- Biology, one year with lab
- Chemistry, one year, including at least one semester of organic chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry, at least one course
- Physics, one semester
These courses form the basic core requirements for all applicants, but most successful applicants will have gone beyond these requirements.
They will have demonstrated the ability to perform at a higher level academically.
Most successful applicants have taken at least one upper level biology course (molecular biology, genetics, immunology) and a full year of organic chemistry.
UCSF also values outstanding performance in the humanities and the ability to communicate in languages other than English.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 generally are not considered favorably for admission.
However, students with a nontraditional background shouldn’t be discouraged. Students of all majors are encouraged to apply if science perquisites are met.
UCSF welcomes applicants who demonstrate in-depth study of a subject that reflects their passion.
In addition, the admissions committee considers intellectual and personal characteristics, as well as extracurricular activities and personal statements.
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Private
- Location: Vallejo
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): Unreported
- Interview Rate (out of state): Unreported
- Acceptance Rate: Unreported
- Average GPA: 3.52
- Average MCAT: 507
Touro University pre-screens students for minimum Science and Cumulative GPAs of 3.0 or better.
Successful applicants typically have GPAs of at least 3.3. All candidates are required to earn a minimum score of 502 on the MCAT.
Minimum course requirements are:
- Biology- 8 semester units
- Physics- 8 semester units
- Chemistry- 8 semester units of General/Inorganic Chemistry, with lab and 8 semester units of Organic Chemistry, with lab OR 4 semester units of General/Inorganic Chemistry, 8 semester units of Organic Chemistry, and 4 semester units of Biochemistry, all with lab
- 2 courses of college English
- 2 courses of Behavioral Science
- 1 course of Math/Computer Science
Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry are also recommended.
Throughout the application process, students are also evaluated on:
- Academic competence
- Personal/professional achievements
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Creative abilities
- Experience in health care
- Likelihood to practice in underserved primary care areas
Western University of Health Sciences- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Private
- Location: Pomona
- Ranking: Unranked
- Interview Rate (in-state): Unreported
- Interview Rate (out of state): Unreported
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Average GPA: 3.63
- Average MCAT: 506
Course prerequisites for admission to the Western University of Health Sciences- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific include:
- 6 semester units of college English
- 6 semester units of Behavioral Sciences
- 8 semester units of Biological Sciences with lab
- 8 semester units of Organic Chemistry with lab
- 8 semester units of Inorganic Chemistry with lab
- 8 semester units of Physics with lab
Biochemistry, Physiology, and Genetics are also recommended. The ideal candidate will not only meet, but exceed these core expectations.
The university weeks well-rounded, achievement-oriented individuals with character, maturity, and dedication.
They actively recruit underrepresented students and have historically sought diversity in their student population.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, a commitment to compassionate health care, interest and involvement in the community, and a solid understanding of the profession.
Final Thoughts: Medical Schools in California
If you’re interested in applying to a medical school in California, consider how well your GPA and MCAT scores align with the average accepted student statistics listed here.
At the same time, remember that schools consider many other factors. Read through the personal characteristics, course requirements, and other information from each school to determine whether you’d be a good fit.
In your personal statements and throughout your application, try to highlight the qualities you have that align with each school’s mission and values.
Once you’re ready to apply, you may also want to read the following articles:
- Medical School Application Timeline
- How to Write a Medical School Personal Statement
- 75 Medical School Interview Questions and How to Answer
Good luck!
