M.D./Ph.D. Application Process

The UC Davis M.D./Ph.D. Program is a growing program that is seeking well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance and robust research experiences.

Applications are encouraged from individuals with diverse socioeconomic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.

We are actively seeking applicants interested in the social sciences and humanities.

For general information about M.D./Ph.D. programs, we recommend the following site:

M.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree Training Overview (AAMC Guide)

M.D./Ph.D. applicants must complete the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application. This includes completing the AMCAS application and specifying interest in the M.D./Ph.D. program at UC Davis. Applicants will need to complete the M.D./Ph.D specific essays as part of their AMCAS application. Students are required to have at least one reference letter written by a mentor of their research experience. The deadline to submit the AMCAS application to the UC Davis M.D./Ph.D. program is October 1st.  Applicants must be eligible for admission to the M.D. program at the UC Davis School of Medicine and proceed through the regular admissions process. Materials do not need to be sent separately to the M.D./Ph.D. program. 

Some applicants will be invited to complete a secondary application. Full applications will be holistically reviewed by the M.D./Ph.D. leadership and steering committee. Top applicants will be invited for M.D./Ph.D. program interviews (officially called pre-interviews) with the program leadership, current students, and faculty members of interest. All interviews are virtual. Interviews are non-confrontational and faculty often ask about an applicant's research experiences, desire to become a physician scientist, and interests in UC Davis. A subset of these interviewees will then be invited at a later date to participate in the School of Medicine M.D. program interviews which follow the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format.

Applicants to the UC Davis M.D./Ph.D. program will not be considered separately for admissions in the M.D.-only program. 

M.D./Ph.D. Program applicants are exempt from the AAMC PREview Exam requirement. 

ADMISSION FAQs

1. How many positions are available each year? We are in the process of expanding the size of our program and are currently approved to matriculate 5 students per year.
2. Are international students eligible for admission? Due to funding restrictions, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. We will consider DACA applicants on a case-by-case basis. 
3. If an M.D./Ph.D. applicant does not receive an offer of admission, will they be considered for admission to the UC Davis School of Medicine? M.D./Ph.D. applicants are only consider for the M.D./Ph.D. program.
4. If I am a current Ph.D. student, can I apply to the M.D./Ph.D. program? Not usually, but please email us to discuss your situation.
5. How important are GPA and MCAT scores? While evidence of aptitude to complete a rigorous program of study is required, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. For reference, over the past 5 years, our students have a mean GPA of 3.76 and a mean MCAT score of 516.  
6. Is the AAMC PREview Exam required for M.D./Ph.D. program applicants? No, applicants to the UC Davis M.D./Ph.D. program are currently exempt from the PREview Exam requirement.
7. What Letters of Recommendation are required for the M.D./Ph.D. program? The requirements for the Letters of Recommendation are the same as for the UC Davis School of Medicine (3-6 LORs allowed; at least one from a physician or clinician recommended). Applicants to the M.D./Ph.D. program are required to have at least one reference letter written by a mentor of their research experience.
8. Are there any preferences for the type of research conducted by applicants? Emphasis is placed on the quality and commitment to the research, not the type of research. 

GRADUATE SCHOOL FAQs

1. Do I have to apply separately to a graduate program? Students are admitted first to the M.D./Ph.D. program then apply to graduate programs during their first two years of medical school. For students interested in non-traditional Ph.D. programs, including in the social sciences and humanities, a separate application to the graduate program may be requested later in the admissions cycle.
2. Are GRE scores required? GRE scores are neither required nor accepted for M.D./Ph.D. program consideration. The majority of graduate programs at UC Davis also do not require the GRE. 
3. Are M.D./Ph.D. students allowed to do their Ph.D. in fields other than the biomedical sciences? Yes, students may join any Ph.D.-granting graduate program/group at UC Davis as long as they fulfill the prerequisites for that program. See a full list here: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/graduate-programs. We are actively recruiting students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in the social sciences and humanities. Due to the differences in how graduate students are funded in some programs, it is important to express interest in non-biomedical programs in advance. 
4. Is acceptance to graduate school guaranteed? UC Davis currently requires our students to separately apply to a graduate program/group during their first two years of medical school. This is, in part, administrative, and in part so students can have time to decide on their program interest. To date, every M.D./Ph.D. student has been admitted to the graduate program of their choice, without exception. For non-traditional fields, including in the social sciences and humanities, separate application and admission to the graduate program of interest may be required prior to admission into the M.D./Ph.D. program.