Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:34 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine (CUSM) is a private medical school located in Colton, California, serving the Inland Empire region. Founded in 2015, CUSM operates on a suburban campus with a clear mission to advance the art and science of medicine through innovative medical education, research, and compassionate healthcare delivery in an inclusive environment that advocates critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and professionalism.

Program Duration and Structure

CUSM offers a traditional 4-year MD program designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare through a comprehensive curriculum that promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and early patient contact. The program facilitates the integration of basic science with clinical problem-solving and stimulates students to develop skills for self-directed learning.

Location and Campus Details

Campus Location: Colton, California
Setting: Suburban campus in the Inland Empire region
Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit health sciences university

Accreditation Status

CUSM is working toward full LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accreditation. The school is scheduled to undergo a survey visit for full LCME accreditation on September 15-17, 2025. LCME accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the reliable authority for accreditation of medical education programs leading to the MD degree, ensuring graduates are eligible for USMLE examinations and ACGME-accredited residency programs.

Recognition and Unique Features

• Focus on Healthcare Equity: CUSM is committed to ensuring healthcare equity in the Inland Empire of California and all communities nationwide
• Community Integration: Strong emphasis on serving the underserved populations in the Inland Empire region
• Innovative Curriculum: Systems-based, interdisciplinary approach with integrated basic science and clinical problem-solving from day one
• High Match Rates: Achieved a 97% residency match rate in 2025, with 66% of graduates remaining in Southern California

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting body (or equivalent for non-U.S. institutions). Coursework completed at non-U.S. institutions must be accompanied by an evaluation report certified by a NACES-approved foreign educational credentials evaluation service.

Course Requirements

CUSM welcomes diverse curricular backgrounds and does not have specific course requirements. However, the school recommends students work toward a solid depth of knowledge in:

• Biology
• Chemistry and Physics
• Mathematics
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Communication
• Laboratory or Field Experiments

GPA Requirements

• Minimum GPA Preference: 3.0 or above (total undergraduate GPA)
• BCPM GPA Preference: 3.0 or above (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics)
• Median GPA of Accepted Students: 3.82 (based on recent data)
• Average GPA Range: Recent incoming classes typically have GPAs in the 3.6-3.8 range

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements

• Minimum MCAT Score: 502 composite score
• Median MCAT Score: 512 (recent entering class)
• Average MCAT Score: 510-513 range for recent incoming classes
• Validity Period: Must be taken within three years of intended matriculation
• Testing Window: For 2026 entry, MCAT must be taken between January 2023 and September 2025

Additional Testing

CASPer Assessment: Required for all applicants who receive secondary applications. CASPer is an online assessment tool designed to evaluate non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics essential for program success.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• DACA Status: Applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may apply
• International Students: CUSM does not admit international students and cannot issue I-20 certificates

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation through AMCAS. If a Pre-Health Advisory Committee letter of evaluation is available, it may replace the other letters’ requirement.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

Primary Application: All applications must be submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

Key Deadlines

• AMCAS Primary Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Secondary Application Deadline: December 30, 2025
• Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
• Fee Waivers: Available based on AMCAS Fee Assistance Program status

Application Process Steps

1. AMCAS Completion: Submit complete primary application by December 1, 2025
2. CUSM Review: Admissions office reviews applications and selects qualified applicants for secondary applications
3. Secondary Application: Invited applicants complete secondary application with essays, pay $100 fee, and take CASPer assessment
4. Committee Review: Admissions committee reviews primary and secondary applications
5. Interview Process: Selected candidates participate in virtual interview process
6. Final Decision: Admissions decisions communicated via email

Interview Process

CUSM utilizes a virtual interview format that includes:

• Video assessment with pre-recorded questions (30-60 minutes)
• Virtual Q&A session with faculty
• Rolling admissions process with offers made throughout the interview season

Note: CUSM does not accept updates to AMCAS or supplemental applications post-submission.

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 2.05% (extremely competitive)
• Applications Received: 6,306 (2025 entering class)
• Students Matriculated: 129-130 per year
• Interview Invitation Rate: 10.26% (550 out of 6,306 applicants)

Geographic Distribution

• California Residents: 97.7% of matriculants
• Out-of-State Students: 2.3% of matriculants
• Strong California Preference: Significantly favors California residents

Academic Statistics of Enrolled Students

• Median GPA: 3.82
• Median MCAT: 512
• GPA Range: Most successful applicants have GPAs between 3.6-3.8
• MCAT Range: Competitive scores typically 510-515

Class Demographics

• Class Size: 130 students per year
• Gender Distribution: Approximately 51.2% female, 48.8% male
• Total Enrollment: ~420 students across all four years

Residency Match Success

• 2025 Match Rate: 97%
• 2024 Match Rate: 98%
• California Residencies: 78% of graduates (2024), 66% (2025)
• Inland Empire Residencies: 33% (2024), 28% (2025)
• Competitive Specialties: Graduates successfully match into highly competitive fields including Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery, ENT, Radiology, Dermatology, and Orthopedic Surgery

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

• Annual Tuition: $70,200
• Applies to All Students: Same rate for in-state, out-of-state, and California residents
• Four-Year Total Tuition: Approximately $280,800

Comparison to National Averages

CUSM’s tuition of $70,200 places it in line with the national average for private medical schools ($67,145-$68,767 range nationally).

Total Cost of Attendance

While specific living expense estimates weren’t provided in the available data, students should budget for additional costs including:

• Housing and living expenses in the Inland Empire region
• Health insurance (if not already covered)
• Books, equipment, and technology fees
• Transportation costs
• USMLE examination fees
• Residency application costs (fourth year)

Financial Aid Opportunities

• Application Fee Waivers: Available through AMCAS Fee Assistance Program
• Federal Financial Aid: Eligible as LCME-candidate institution
• Need-Based Aid: Standard federal loan programs available
• Specific scholarship information requires direct contact with the financial aid office

Living Costs Context

Located in Colton, California (Inland Empire), students benefit from lower living costs compared to coastal California cities while maintaining access to major metropolitan areas and clinical training sites.

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration and Overview

CUSM operates a 4-year MD program structured in distinct phases designed to prepare students for healthcare careers through integrated learning approaches.

Educational Philosophy

The curriculum promotes:

• Critical thinking and teamwork
• Early patient contact
• Integration of basic science with clinical problem-solving
• Self-directed learning skills
• Systems-based, interdisciplinary approach

Phase 1: Orientation (July – 2 weeks)

• Introduction to program, faculty, and fellow students
• White Coat ceremony
• Introduction to small group learning communities
• Team-based learning in flipped classroom model preparation

Phase 2: Pre-Clerkship Phase (First 18 months)

Core Components:

• Systems-Based Learning: Interdisciplinary, organ system-focused curriculum
• Integrated Coursework: Foundational sciences organized by organ systems
• Clinical Skills: Weekly sessions including clinical simulation and standardized patient encounters
• Team-Based Learning: Weekly clinical case presentations promoting application-based learning
• Health Systems and Professional Practice: Health systems science, public health, ethics, professionalism
• CHANGE Program: Community-engaged projects with regional partners
• Academic Research Study: Longitudinal research component (proposal in Year 1, execution in Year 2)
• Medical Spanish: Communication skills and cultural competency for Spanish-speaking patients

Phase 3: Clerkship Phase (12 months)

• Core Clinical Rotations: 12 months of required clerkship rotations
• Primary Teaching Hospital: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC)
• Regional Clinical Sites: Multiple affiliated sites providing diverse educational experiences
• Clinical Training Partners: Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside University Health System, Eisenhower Medical Center

Phase 4: Professional Development Semester (6 months)

• Professional Identity Exploration: Opportunity to explore career interests
• Flexible Activities: Distinguishing activities aligned with professional interests
• USMLE Preparation: Dedicated study time for Step examinations
• Residency Preparation: Application and interview preparation

Unique Curriculum Features

• Early Integration: Basic science and clinical disciplines integrated from day one
• Community Focus: Strong emphasis on serving underserved populations
• Research Component: Mandatory longitudinal research experience
• Cultural Competency: Medical Spanish and cultural awareness training
• Regional Healthcare: Deep integration with Inland Empire healthcare system

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

CUSM welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and does not require specific undergraduate majors. However, successful applicants typically have:

Academic Foundation

• Strong performance in science courses, particularly biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
• Solid grounding in behavioral and social sciences
• Communication skills development
• Laboratory or field research experience

GPA Optimization Strategies

• Minimum Target: Maintain overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• BCPM Focus: Ensure BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Competitive Range: Aim for 3.6+ GPA to be competitive with recent entering classes
• Grade Trends: Demonstrate consistent strong performance, particularly in upper-level science courses

Clinical Experience Requirements

While CUSM does not specify minimum clinical experience hours, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Clinical Exposure: Direct patient contact through volunteering, shadowing, or employment
• Healthcare Understanding: Clear comprehension of healthcare delivery and challenges
• Service Commitment: History of serving underserved or diverse populations (aligned with CUSM’s mission)

Research Experience

The longitudinal Academic Research Study requirement indicates CUSM values research preparation:

• Research Background: Previous research experience beneficial but not mandatory
• Research Skills: Basic understanding of research methodology and scientific inquiry
• Publication Potential: While not required, research publications strengthen applications

Extracurricular Planning

CUSM’s holistic review process considers:

• Community Service: Particularly service to underserved populations
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated leadership in various contexts
• Cultural Competency: Experience with diverse populations
• Professional Development: Activities demonstrating commitment to medicine

Standardized Test Preparation

MCAT Preparation

• Target Score: Aim for 510+ to be competitive (recent average: 510-513)
• Minimum Threshold: Score at least 502 to meet minimum requirements
• Timing: Take MCAT within three years of intended matriculation
• Retake Considerations: Multiple attempts acceptable if scores improve

CASPer Test Preparation

• Situational Judgment: Prepare for scenarios testing ethical reasoning and interpersonal skills
• Practice: Utilize CASPer practice materials and sample questions
• Professional Characteristics: Focus on demonstrating empathy, integrity, and problem-solving abilities

Application Timeline Planning

Junior Year (1 year before application):

• Complete prerequisite coursework
• Gain clinical experience
• Participate in research activities
• Take MCAT (spring recommended)

Senior Year (Application year):

• Submit AMCAS application by December 1
• Complete secondary applications by December 30
• Take CASPer assessment when invited
• Participate in interviews (typically winter/spring)

Gap Year Considerations:
CUSM welcomes non-traditional timelines. Productive gap year activities include:

• Clinical work or research
• Additional healthcare experience
• Community service
• Graduate coursework (if needed for GPA improvement)

Frequently Asked Questions