Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:29 am
Program Overview & Institution Identity
Official Program Name
The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is located in Sacramento, California, serving as one of California’s premier medical education institutions. As a public medical school within the University of California system, UC Davis School of Medicine has established itself as a leader in medical education, research, and community health service.
Program Duration & Structure
UC Davis offers a traditional 4-year MD program following the I-EXPLORE curriculum structure. The school also provides combined degree options including MD/PhD programs for students interested in physician-scientist careers. The curriculum is competency-based and integrative, weaving together biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, and health systems science throughout all four years.
Location and Campus Details
Located in Sacramento, California, UC Davis School of Medicine benefits from the diverse metropolitan environment of California’s capital city. Sacramento was recently recognized by TIME Magazine and Harvard University’s Civil Rights Project as the most racially and ethnically integrated major city in America, providing students with exceptional clinical diversity and community engagement opportunities.
Accreditation Status
UC Davis School of Medicine maintains full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the official accrediting body for medical schools in the United States and Canada. The school received its most recent 8-year full accreditation term in June 2022, with the next full survey scheduled for 2029-2030.
Rankings and Recognition
While specific rankings vary by publication, UC Davis School of Medicine is consistently recognized for its commitment to primary care education, community health, and diversity in medical education. The school is particularly noted for its innovative curriculum and strong residency placement rates.
Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
Minimum Degree Requirements
Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by July 1 of the year they plan to matriculate. The degree must be verified by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
Required Courses
UC Davis requires completion of the following prerequisite courses at a U.S. accredited institution:
- Biological Sciences: 1 year
- General Chemistry: 1 year
- Organic Chemistry (Biochemistry or other chemistry also acceptable): 1 year
- Physics: 1 year
The school accepts online classes and does not require laboratory components, though in-person classes with labs are preferred. Prerequisites should be completed within 5 years of application submission and must be finished by spring of the intended enrollment year.
GPA Requirements
- Median Overall GPA: 3.7 (Class of 2027: 3.73)
- Median Science GPA: 3.5 (Class of 2027: 3.50)
- Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.58
While these represent median statistics, competitive applicants typically exceed these benchmarks.
Standardized Testing
MCAT Requirements
- Median MCAT Score: 510 (73rd percentile)
- MCAT Validity: Must be taken within 36 months of application
- Latest Accepted Exam: September of the application year
- Typical Score Range: 507-517 for accepted students
Additional Testing Requirements
AAMC PREview Exam: UC Davis requires all MD program applicants to complete the Association of American Medical Colleges Professional Readiness Exam (AAMC PREview™). This assessment evaluates pre-professional competencies that the admissions committee considers essential for success. The exam is available from March through September, and failure to complete it results in elimination from consideration.
Note: MD/PhD applicants and Huwighurruk Scholars are exempt from the PREview requirement.
Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements
UC Davis employs a holistic review process evaluating:
- Healthcare Experience: Average of 2,844 medical employment hours and 547 medical volunteer hours for matriculants
- Research Experience: Average of 1,467 research hours for matriculants
- Community Service: Average of 681 non-medical volunteer hours
- Leadership Experience: Demonstrated through various roles and activities
- Geographic Diversity: Strong preference for California residents, with 96% of matriculants being in-state
Application Process & Timeline
Application System
UC Davis participates in the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for primary applications.
Key Deadlines
- AMCAS Application Opens: May 26
- Application Deadline: October 1 at 11:59 PM EST
- Secondary Application: By invitation only
- Decision Timeline: Starting October 15 through July 15
Required Documents
- Official transcripts verified through AMCAS
- Letters of recommendation as specified by AMCAS requirements
- Personal statement and secondary application essays
- MCAT scores
- AAMC PREview exam completion
Interview Process
UC Davis conducts interviews by invitation only. The school interviews approximately 500 applicants annually for 139 available positions. Interview formats and specific requirements are detailed in secondary applications sent to qualified candidates.
Admission Statistics & Success Rates
Overall Acceptance Rate
UC Davis School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of approximately 1.78%, making it one of the most competitive medical schools in California and nationwide.
Application Volume
- Recent Applications: Over 7,796 applications for 139 spots
- Class Size: 139 students per year
- Interview Invitations: Approximately 500 candidates annually
Demographics of Admitted Students (Class of 2027)
- Gender Distribution: 57.7% female, 32.1% male, 3.6% genderqueer/non-conforming, 6.6% unknown
- Average Age: 26 years (range 21-40)
- First Generation College Students: 39.4%
- Disadvantaged Background: 70.1%
Geographic Distribution
- California Residents: 96% of matriculants
- UC System: 66.4% of undergraduates
- Cal State University: 9.5%
- Private/Out-of-state: 24.1%
Racial/Ethnic Diversity
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 5.1%
- Asian: 34.3%
- Black/African American: 13.1%
- Hispanic/Latinx: 24.1%
- Middle Eastern/North African: 2.2%
- White: 18.2%
- Unknown: 2.2%
Tuition & Financial Information
Current Tuition Rates
- In-state Tuition: $46,893 per year
- Out-of-state Tuition: $59,138 per year
- International Students: Same as out-of-state rates
Additional Fees
Students should budget for additional costs including:
- Technology and laboratory fees
- Health insurance
- Clinical rotation expenses
- Books and equipment
Total Cost of Attendance
The total cost varies significantly based on housing choices and personal expenses. Students should consult UC Davis’s financial aid office for current cost of attendance estimates that include living expenses in Sacramento.
Financial Aid Options
UC Davis offers various financial aid programs including:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Based on academic achievement and other criteria
- Need-based Aid: Determined through FAFSA and institutional applications
- UC Restricted Endowments: Available to current students and admitted applicants
- Federal Loan Programs: Standard federal financial aid options
- Work-study Opportunities: Available for eligible students
Click To See Hundreds Of Consultants Who Can Mentor You:
Curriculum & Program Structure
Program Duration and Structure
UC Davis follows a 4-year MD curriculum organized around the innovative I-EXPLORE framework (Integrated EXplorative Patient and Learner Oriented Education).
Educational Philosophy
The curriculum is built on three integrated pillars:
- Biomedical Science: Traditional science foundations
- Clinical Science: Patient care and clinical skills
- Health Systems Science: Healthcare delivery and population health
Key Features
- Competency-based Education: Linked to graduation competencies and educational objectives
- Integrative Approach: Multi-disciplinary themes around clinical presentations
- Innovation: Student-centered teaching with simulation and standardized patients
- Flexibility: Research opportunities, community service, and elective options
Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2)
The pre-clinical curriculum integrates basic sciences with early clinical exposure through the longitudinal doctoring program. Students develop clinical skills while learning fundamental medical sciences through an integrative block system.
Clinical Training (Years 3-4)
Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in various medical specialties. UC Davis has partnerships with multiple hospitals and clinical sites throughout Northern California, ensuring diverse clinical experiences.
Special Programs
- MD/PhD Program: For students pursuing physician-scientist careers
- Community Health Scholars Programs: Including ACE-PC, Rural-PRIME, REACH-PRIME
- Student-Run Clinics: Seven clinics providing care to underserved populations
- International Programs: Including the MEDICOS program in Nicaragua
Residency Preparation
UC Davis provides comprehensive support for residency applications and career planning. Match results are publicly available, showing strong placement rates across various specialties.
Pre-Medical Preparation
Undergraduate Program Recommendations
UC Davis welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. While no specific major is required, students should demonstrate:
- Strong performance in prerequisite courses
- Well-rounded academic preparation
- Commitment to healthcare and service
Clinical Experience Requirements
Successful applicants demonstrate significant healthcare exposure through:
- Clinical Employment: Average of 2,844 hours among matriculants
- Volunteer Clinical Work: Average of 547 hours
- Quality over Quantity: Meaningful, sustained experiences preferred
Research Experience
While not required, research experience strengthens applications:
- Average Research Hours: 1,467 hours for matriculants
- Research Types: Basic science, clinical, public health, and community-based research all valued
- Publications: Not required but can enhance competitiveness
Extracurricular Planning
Build a comprehensive application profile including:
- Community Service: Average of 681 non-medical volunteer hours
- Leadership: Demonstrated through various roles and experiences
- Long-term Commitment: Sustained involvement preferred over brief experiences
Standardized Test Preparation
- MCAT Timeline: Plan 3-6 months of dedicated preparation
- Score Goals: Target scores above the 510 median
- Retake Considerations: Significant improvement may justify retaking
- PREview Preparation: Familiarize yourself with professional competency assessment
Gap Year Considerations
Gap years can be beneficial for:
- Gaining additional clinical or research experience
- Strengthening application components
- Personal and professional development
- Many successful applicants take time off between undergraduate and medical school
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UC Davis School of Medicine look at extracurriculars?
Yes, UC Davis uses a comprehensive holistic review process that heavily weighs extracurricular activities. The admissions committee evaluates healthcare experience, research, community service, leadership, and other non-academic factors alongside academic metrics.
What is UC Davis School of Medicine’s average GPA and MCAT score?
The median overall GPA is 3.7 and the median MCAT score is 510 (73rd percentile) based on recent matriculant data. However, successful applicants typically exceed these medians.
How competitive is UC Davis School of Medicine compared to other medical schools?
UC Davis is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 1.78%. It ranks among the most selective medical schools in California and nationally, comparable to other top-tier public medical schools.
Does UC Davis School of Medicine prefer in-state applicants?
Yes, UC Davis shows strong preference for California residents, with 96% of matriculants being in-state residents. Out-of-state and international applicants are accepted but compete for very few positions.
What makes UC Davis School of Medicine different from other medical schools?
Key differentiators include:
I-EXPLORE integrated curriculum
Seven student-run clinics serving underserved populations
Strong commitment to diversity and community health
Location in one of America’s most integrated cities
Emphasis on primary care and rural medicine
When should I apply to UC Davis School of Medicine?
Applications open May 26, with an October 1 deadline. Submit applications early in the cycle, as UC Davis reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Does UC Davis School of Medicine accept international students?
Yes, UC Davis accepts international students, though they compete in the out-of-state applicant pool for limited positions. International students pay out-of-state tuition rates.
What clinical experience do I need for UC Davis School of Medicine?
While no minimum is specified, matriculants average 2,844 hours of medical employment and 547 hours of medical volunteering. Focus on meaningful, sustained clinical exposure rather than just accumulating hours.
Does UC Davis School of Medicine require research experience?
Research is not required but is highly valued. Matriculants average 1,467 research hours. Research demonstrates intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
How many letters of recommendation does UC Davis School of Medicine require?
UC Davis follows AMCAS requirements for letters of recommendation. Specific requirements are detailed in their application materials and may vary by applicant type.
What is UC Davis School of Medicine’s curriculum like?
The I-EXPLORE curriculum integrates biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, and health systems science throughout four years. It emphasizes competency-based learning, early clinical exposure, and community engagement.
Where do UC Davis School of Medicine graduates match for residency?
UC Davis graduates successfully match across various specialties. Recent match results are publicly available on the school’s website, showing strong placement rates in competitive specialties and programs.
How much does UC Davis School of Medicine cost?
Current tuition is $46,893 for California residents and $59,138 for out-of-state students, plus additional fees and living expenses. Total cost of attendance varies based on individual circumstances.
What financial aid is available at UC Davis School of Medicine?
Financial aid options include need-based grants, merit scholarships, federal loans, work-study programs, and UC-specific endowment funds. All students are automatically considered for institutional aid.
Does UC Davis School of Medicine offer interviews to all qualified applicants?
No, interviews are by invitation only. UC Davis interviews approximately 500 candidates annually for 139 positions, making interview invitations highly competitive and selective.
