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

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Name and Institution

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine is a historic and pioneering medical institution located in Los Angeles, California. Established as one of only four MD programs in the United States at a Historically Black University (HBCU) and the only one that is also a Hispanic-serving institution, CDU COM represents a unique and vital part of American medical education.

Program Duration and Structure

The Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine offers a traditional 4-year MD program structured in three distinct phases:

• Phase One (22 months): The Pre-Clerkship Phase covers Years 1 & 2, including Gateway foundations and organ-based disease learning, alongside four-year longitudinal courses in Clinical Skills, Medicine and Society, and Foundations of Research
• Phase Two (12 months): The Clerkship Phase (Year 3) provides clinical experience across diverse medical practice settings in South Los Angeles
• Phase Three (12 months): The Residency Preparation Phase (Year 4) focuses on sub-internships and senior electives in various specialties

Location and Campus Details

Located in Willowbrook, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County on the border of Watts and Compton, CDU COM operates on an urban campus in one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States. The strategic location provides students with unparalleled exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare disparities affecting underserved communities.

Accreditation Status

Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine has received provisional accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) as of July 2025. The institution is actively preparing for full LCME accreditation, with a final survey visit scheduled for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additionally, CDU is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Mission and Educational Philosophy

The school’s curriculum, known as “The Glenda Lyndsey Curriculum” (named after a visionary pediatrician and faculty member), emphasizes training future physicians with a strong focus on treating, caring for, and advocating for medically underserved communities, particularly communities of color.

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements

Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine requires applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there is no specific major requirement, students must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better before matriculation.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Based on standard medical school requirements and the institution’s focus on comprehensive preparation, applicants typically need:

• General Chemistry with laboratory: 1 year (8 semester hours)
• Organic Chemistry with laboratory: 1 year (8 semester hours)
• General Biology with laboratory: 1 year (8 semester hours)
• Physics with laboratory: 1 year (8 semester hours)
• Mathematics: Including calculus and/or statistics (1 semester minimum)
• English: 1 year of college-level English composition

GPA Requirements

• Median accepted GPA: 3.54
• Minimum GPA consideration: While not explicitly stated, most medical schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Competitive GPA range: Students with GPAs above 3.5 are typically more competitive for admission

The admissions committee evaluates both overall GPA and science GPA (BCPM – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics courses) as part of their holistic review process.

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT Requirements

• MCAT Required: Yes, all candidates must take the MCAT
• Median accepted MCAT score: 504
• MCAT deadline: Must be taken no later than September of the year preceding admission
• Score validity: MCAT scores must be taken within 6 years of matriculation (for 2026 matriculation, oldest acceptable score date is July 2022)
• Multiple attempts: All MCAT scores must be reported if taken multiple times

Additional Testing

Currently, there is no indication that CDU COM requires additional standardized tests such as CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) or other supplemental assessments.

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

CDU COM employs a holistic evaluation approach that considers:

• Clinical experience: Direct patient care experience through volunteering, employment, or shadowing
• Research experience: Participation in scientific research projects, with preference for health disparities or community health research
• Community service: Demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities
• Leadership experience: Evidence of leadership roles in academic, professional, or community settings
• Cultural competency: Experience working with diverse populations

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

• AAMC ID: 876
• School Name in AMCAS: Charles R Drew University Of Medicine and Science College of Medicine

2026 Admissions Cycle Timeline

Key Dates:

• AMCAS application opens: May 1, 2025
• AMCAS submission begins: May 28, 2025
• Application transmission to schools: June 28, 2025
• AMCAS primary application deadline: November 15, 2025 (recommended submission by November 1, 2025)
• MCAT deadline: September 13, 2025
• Transcript deadline: December 29, 2025

Application Review Process:

• Application screening: July 2025 through November 2025
• Interview invitations: July through December 2025
• Interview period: August through December 2025
• Admission offers: After February 15, 2026, until all 60 spots are filled

Required Application Components

Primary Application (AMCAS)

• Completed AMCAS application
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• MCAT scores
• Work and activities descriptions
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation/evaluation

Secondary Application

• Deadline: 21 days after receiving the supplemental application request
• School-specific essays and questions
• Additional information about experiences and motivations

Interview Process

CDU COM conducts virtual interviews with faculty members. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the AMCAS application, supplemental information, and letters of recommendation, qualified candidates receive interview invitations.

Letters of Recommendation

While specific requirements aren’t detailed in available sources, most medical schools require 3-5 letters of recommendation, typically including:

• Letters from science faculty
• Letters from physicians or healthcare professionals
• Academic or professional references

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Class Size and Application Volume

• First-year class size: 60 students
• Geographic distribution: CDU COM accepts both in-state and out-of-state applicants

Academic Statistics of Accepted Students

• Median GPA: 3.54
• Median MCAT: 504 (approximately 32nd percentile)

Acceptance Rate and Competitiveness

While specific acceptance rates for the MD program aren’t available in current data, historical information suggests that CDU is a competitive institution. The median MCAT score of 504 indicates that successful applicants typically score at or above the national average for medical school applicants.

Student Demographics

As an HBCU and Hispanic-serving institution, CDU COM is committed to diversity and traditionally enrolls a significant percentage of underrepresented minorities in medicine. Historical data shows:

• 80% of CDU MD graduates serve underserved communities
• 65% enter primary-care specialties
• 14% remain in the local South Los Angeles area (Service Planning Area 6)

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

• Tuition for all students: $70,162 per year
• In-state vs. Out-of-state: CDU is a private institution, so tuition rates are the same for all students regardless of residency status

Estimated Total Cost of Attendance

Based on current tuition and typical living expenses in Los Angeles:

• Annual tuition and fees: $70,162
• Living expenses (estimated): $25,000-$35,000 per year
• Books and supplies: $2,000-$3,000 per year
• Total annual cost: Approximately $97,000-$108,000
• Total 4-year program cost: Approximately $388,000-$432,000

Financial Aid Options

CDU offers comprehensive financial aid support through:

Federal Financial Aid

• FAFSA required: CDU FAFSA school code is 013653
• Federal student loans (Stafford and Grad PLUS loans)
• Federal work-study programs

Scholarships and Grants

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based institutional grants
• External scholarship opportunities
• Healthcare-focused scholarships and grants

Financial Aid Statistics

• Students receiving aid: 67% of enrolled students
• Average aid amount: $11,002
• Aid coverage: Covers approximately 47.83% of tuition

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Educational Philosophy

The Glenda Lyndsey Curriculum is designed around three core principles:

• Community engagement: Training physicians to serve underserved populations
• Health equity: Addressing social determinants of health and healthcare disparities
• Comprehensive care: Emphasizing both clinical excellence and social justice

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2)

The 22-month pre-clerkship phase includes:

• Gateway course: Introduction to medicine and healthcare systems
• Organ-based learning: Integrated approach to understanding diseases
• Longitudinal courses:
  • Clinical Skills I-IV
  • Medicine and Society I-IV
  • Foundations of Research I-IV

Clinical Training (Year 3)

The 12-month clerkship phase provides hands-on clinical experience in:

• Core medical rotations
• Hospital and clinical site partnerships throughout South Los Angeles
• Exposure to diverse patient populations
• Community-based healthcare settings

Senior Year (Year 4)

The residency preparation phase focuses on:

• Sub-internships in chosen specialties
• Senior electives
• Research capstone presentation
• Residency application preparation
• Career planning and specialty exploration

Special Programs and Opportunities

• Research opportunities: Emphasis on health disparities and community health research
• Community engagement: Mobile street medicine team and community service learning
• Interprofessional education: Collaborative training with nursing and other health profession students

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Preparation Recommendations

• Academic performance: Maintain strong GPA in both science and non-science courses
• MCAT preparation: Target score above 504 for competitive consideration
• Clinical experience: Gain meaningful patient care experience, particularly in underserved communities
• Research involvement: Participate in health disparities or community health research
• Community service: Demonstrate commitment to serving diverse populations
• Leadership development: Seek leadership roles that align with CDU’s mission

Optimal Timeline

• Junior year: Complete prerequisite courses, begin MCAT preparation
• Senior year: Take MCAT by September, submit AMCAS application by November 1st
• Gap year considerations: Use productively for additional experience, research, or community service

Frequently Asked Questions