University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

UC San Diego School of Medicine (UCSD SOM) has a full eight year BA/BS/MD program in conjunction with UCSD or Caltech, called the Medical Scholars Program. This is a highly selective program. For the UCSD undergraduate, this program is available only to California residents. For the Caltech undergraduate, you just have to be a US citizen or permanent resident. But just as a heads up, don't think that this narrows the pool size down, or changes any probabilities in your favor. This is not an easy program to get into.

For the UCSD undergraduate Medical Scholars Program, annually, there are approximately 300 applicants who apply (that meet the eligibility requirements), and 25 candidates are selected for interviews. From there, a maximum of 12 people are accepted into the program. These numbers are exact and haven't changed from year to year (as far as I know). For the Caltech undergraduate Medical Scholars Program, there are around 200-250 applicants, about 30 get admitted to Caltech, about 15 selected for interview, 8-10 are offered/waitlisted, and 6 are enrolled to the program. Caltech ONLY enrolls 6 students each year in the Medical Scholars Program that goes to UCSD SOM.

So. The numbers don't look good, BUT, keep in mind those spots still need to be filled by somebody (I actually know one of the medical scholars in the class of 2014, we're from the same high school!). So keep your chin up, and remember that it never hurts applying to an extra program, in the event that you get the invitation for the Medical Scholars Program after applying to the undergraduate schools. For UCSD, after completing and submitting the UCSD undergraduate application in November, invitations will be sent to all applicants who meet the primary eligibility requirements of the Medical Scholars Program. Declared undergraduate majors is not considered as a factor in this selection. If you are selected for an interview, they will contact you by phone sometime in mid February. For Caltech, you MUST apply for Early Action to Caltech undergraduate. You will know if you got into Caltech undergraduate by mid December, then (if you had checked that you wanted to be considered for the Medical Scholars Program) you will be notified for an interview around mid February.

Once accepted, to remain in the program you must maintain a 3.5 GPA, finish all the required med school courses, and complete your major. No MCAT required. As first year undergraduates, Medical Scholars are each assigned a medical student and a faculty mentor to follow throughout their academic careers. All other activities are left to the student to "explore their interests" and "broaden their horizons". They even allow you to apply out if you wish. Considering it's such a small pool of students in each school, it sounds like smooth sailing throughout undergraduate.

It's an honest, good program to look into, with a reputable medical school. Getting in is the hard part (when isn't it??). Best of luck to you all!

Admission Requirements:

UC San Diego

• Application Deadline: by invitation
• California Resident
• Minimum high school GPA ≥ 4.0 (weighted)
• SAT ≥ 2250 or ACT ≥ 34
• Demonstrated strong extracurricular involvement, particularly in community service and leadership

Caltech

• Application Deadline: You MUST apply to Caltech undergraduate as Early Action by November 1st. You cannot apply Early to any other schools if you do this.
• Accepted into Caltech undergraduate
• Any US Citizen or US Permanent Resident is eligible
• Getting into Caltech is hard enough as it is