Overview of Computer Requirement

The UCSD School of Medicine (SOM) expects all incoming Medical Students to have a laptop (or notebook) computer with wireless access, a printer, and internet access.  It will be used for information access, instructional applications, and official communications - in class and at home.

UCSD does not require a specific brand of laptop computers.  However, students must pay attention to the requirements provided in order that their computer be of sufficient processing power and resolution to meet their academic needs.  A range of laptop computer configurations (described as Minimal to Optimal) are acceptable.  Both Apple and PC computers are acceptable.

• Minimum Configuration: This is the least expensive configuration that will meet the school's requirements. It may need some upgrading after a few years.  If you already have a computer that meets or exceeds this minimum, it will be adequate to begin medical school.
  
  
• Optimum Configuration: This configuration more than meets the school's requirements and has capabilities that will be useful while at medical school. If you can afford to purchase a computer with this configuration or better, it should serve your needs throughout medical school.

Use the menu tabs at the top of this page to view specifications for computer hardware, peripheral devices, and Internet access.

The Office of Educational Computing is available to answer questions about these recommendations and show you how to configure your laptop computers for connection to the UCSD wireless network.