Renowned for its commitment to diversity, innovative curriculum, and community-focused approach to medical education, UC Riverside School of Medicine (UCR SOM) is a dream destination for many aspiring doctors. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know to craft a compelling application to get in.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
The UCR School of Medicine's curriculum is known as UME curriculum. It prepares students for notable careers encompassing clinical practice, teaching, and research endeavors. There are four years of study in this program:
UCR SOM tuition fees vary according to whether the student lives on or off campus. For a first-year student living on campus, these are the approximate fees:
With all the mentioned fees included, the total cost of attendance comes to $73,555.
Scholarships played a significant role in student support for the class of 2027. There are at least six types of financial aid at this university:
At UCR SOM, 85% of undergraduate students who applied for financial aid received awards, with 97% of those recipients obtaining need-based scholarships and/or grants.
The average student loan debt for UCR students who borrow federal loans upon graduation is $21,500, representing only a fifth of the total tuition and housing expenses.
UC Riverside School of Medicine admissions are highly competitive. It seeks to enroll students who can demonstrate academic excellence, a solid scientific background, and a strong commitment to medicine.
There are several key aspects of UCR School of Medicine admissions, you must:
In addition, volunteer or community and personal experiences are desirable but not mandatory.
The prerequisite courses for admission to UC Riverside School of Medicine include:
The admissions process for the class of 2027 at UC Riverside School of Medicine was highly competitive. The school received a total of 6,077 applications. For the class of 2027, UCR SOM’s acceptance rate was approximately 2.2%. The class eventually enrolled 86 students.
Moreover, 3.67% of admitted students had a science major. In terms of academic performance, accepted students had an MCAT average of 514 and an average GPA of 3.85.
After completing your AMCAS application, you’ll need to write several secondary essays specifically for UCR SOM. These essays are crucial as they allow you to demonstrate how your background aligns with UCR School of Medicine, beyond what is conveyed in your general medical school personal statement and the AMCAS Work and Activities section.
The UCR SOM application essay involves answering about 5 or 6 questions in 1300 words. Candidates are asked these questions to demonstrate that they have skills and values aligned with the institution. For example:
The mission of the UCR School of Medicine is to improve the health of the people of California and, especially, to serve Inland Southern California by training a diverse workforce of physicians and by developing innovative research and healthcare delivery programs that will improve the health of the medically underserved in the region and become models to be emulated throughout the state and nation. What experiences, skills, and abilities will you bring to the class to fulfill this mission? (250 words).
Applicants must submit a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation to enter UC Riverside School of Medicine. Applicants will need at least one letter from a Family Medicine physician or a Family Medicine Department Chair.
It's important to note that while these guidelines are strongly recommended, they are not strict requirements.
UC Riverside School of Medicine has some eligibility restrictions for its admissions process:
Moreover, it’s fair to mention that applications will not necessarily be processed in the order of submission.
Before your first academic year. The admissions timeline at UCR School of Medicine typically follows this schedule:
The application time for UC Riverside School of Medicine finishes on November 1st.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, emphasizing the importance of submitting early in the cycle to enhance the chances of consideration. UCR SOM also provides an early decision program tailored for applicants firmly committed to attending the school. The early decision deadline is in August.
Starting your journey towards UCR SOM demands a clear demonstration of why you're an ideal candidate, a process that often starts in your freshman year of college. At Premed Catalyst, we specialize in guiding premed students like you through this intricate process, offering personalized mentorship and tailored advice to help you build a compelling narrative that sets you apart in your medical school application.
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