Admission Procedure

Each applicant must complete the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application. The application must be submitted between June 1st and October 31st.  The Program starts to review completed applications in the summer, therefore prompt submission of all application materials is strongly encouraged.  MSTP applicants are required to provide additional information regarding their research experience and motivation to pursue a Physician Scientist Career.  Secondary information from the UCSD SOM will be made available once an applicant’s AMCAS application has been received. 

UCSD will be participating in the AMCAS Letters Service for the 2009-2010 Application Year.  Please visit www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/amcaslettersfaq.htm for more details about this service.  A minimum of three letters  are required from individuals who can provide a well considered evaluation of your qualifications for the medical profession. (Two of the three should be from faculty with a science background at a four-year undergraduate institution – course instructors, research mentors, clinical faculty are all acceptable.)   A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required from research related faculty. A MAXIMUM OF SEVEN LETTERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Please remember, these letters are required in addition to the letters of recommendation to the UCSD SOM.  The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required, scores should be sent to the UCSD SOM; Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required.

For additional information regarding the AMCAS application, you may contact AMCAS at:

American Medical College Application Service
2501 M Street, NW
Lobby-26
Washington, DC 20037-1300
(202) 828-0600
E-mail: amcas@aamc.org

Selected candidates may be invited for an interview visit. Because the admission process for the MSTP is integrated, one visit is sufficient for both medical school and the Medical Scientist Training Program. Application to the Graduate programs are not required. Acceptance to the MST Program includes acceptance to a graduate program. Travel and financial arrangements for interview are the applicant's responsibility. Students should arrive the preceding evening in time for tours and dinner, and are hosted by an MSTP student. There are typically two formal faculty interviews, one formal student interview, informal interviews with faculty of choice, lunch with students and a reception to conclude the interview day. Interviews are not confrontational or "stress" interviews, and are conducted one-on-one. Faculty often ask about an applicant's research experiences, expected career, and desire to become a physician and why he or she chooses a physician scientist career. Other lists of typical interview questions are usually available from applicants' undergraduate health professions advising committees.