Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you tell me what electives are available for specific dates?
Because elective enrollment changes regularly throughout the year and availability varies significantly by course, we are unable to provide "a list of all available courses." We recommend that when you apply, you list all desired courses and dates in order of preference. After processing an application, we attempt to accommodate eligible students' requests based on course availability at that time.
- What type of visa is required?
While a visa is not required as part of the application, those students who are eligible and receive and accept an elective offer will need the appropriate visa prior to arrival in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Department of State visa information website for additional information on the type of visa required for your specific needs. For the purposes of participating in our program, typically the B1 visa is appropriate. Students from some countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
- What type of malpractice coverage is required, and does your school provide it?
$1,000,000 per incident, $3,000,000 aggregate. UCSD School of Medicine does not provide malpractice insurance to visiting students nor do we refer to a particular provider. We recommend you contact your home school.
- Can I apply without proof of malpractice coverage and purchase it afterward, if I am offered an elective?
No, proof of malpractice coverage is required as part of the application process.
- What type of health/personal injury insurance is required, and does your school provide it?
Some form of basic coverage is required, but it is up to the individual applicant the degree of coverage selected. UCSD School of Medicine does not provide health insurance to visiting students nor do we refer to a particular provider. We recommend you contact your home school.
- Can I apply without proof of health/personal injury insurance and purchase it afterward, if I am offered an elective?
No, proof of health/personal injury insurance is required as part of the application process.
- Do you offer observerships?
No, please see "Electives" for the courses to which visiting students may apply.
- Do you offer research electives?
No, please see "Electives" for the courses to which visiting students may apply.
- Can I apply for dates other than those on the UCSD School of Medicine calendar/Is there any flexibility in when I can take an elective?
No, visiting students must follow the UCSD School of Medicine calendar?
- What information is required in the Dean's Letter for the application?
This letter must confirm the applicant is a current medical student in good standing in the final year of medical school. The letter must also include the name of the medical school and the applicant's anticipated date of graduation/receipt of M.D. degree.
- What information should be provided in the "list of clinical experience"?
The list should include the date, location, department/specialty, and name of faculty/physician supervisor for each clinical experience.
- Is there a deadline to submit an application for a particular block?
Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited, and should submit their applications no later than two months in advance of the earliest date for which they are applying.
- Are students from medical schools outside of North America required to take the USMLE Step 1, the USMLE Step 2, or the TOEFL?
No.
