How to Apply to M.D. Program | UC Davis School of Medicine

UC Davis School of Medicine uses a holistic review process based on competencies, experiences, attributes, and academic metrics.

Core Competencies

Applicants are evaluated on readiness for:

• Patient care 
• Medical knowledge 
• Communication and interpersonal skills 
• Professionalism 
• Systems-based practice 
• Lifelong learning 

Experiences

• Clinical/healthcare experience
• Research experience
• Leadership experience
• Community service
• Educational background
• Experience working in inter-professional teams
• Life experiences (e.g. obstacles overcome)

Attributes

• Geographic origin (e.g. rural or medically underserved area)
• Resilience
• Motivation for a medical career
• Intellectual curiosity
• Communication skills, including listening and empathy
• Additional languages spoken
• Critical thinking skills including problem solving
• Professional responsibility and accountability
• Values and ethical beliefs
• Self-assessment and improvement skills
• Altruism and compassion
• Appreciation for diverse perspectives
• Ability to work in inter-professional teams
• Honesty and integrity

Metrics

• Undergraduate grades, grade trends, and course load
• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) score
• Performance in a post-baccalaureate and/or graduate degree program

Who is considered an international applicant?

You are considered an international applicant if you require a visa to live and study in the United States.

If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, you are considered a domestic applicant—even if you currently live outside the United States.

Financial Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate the ability to fully fund their medical education:

• Complete the School of Medicine Financial Statement 
• Provide documentation of sufficient financial support 

Important notes:

• Non-U.S. residents are not eligible for U.S. financial aid 
• Financial aid is not available after arrival at UC Davis 
   

You should have a reliable, continuous funding plan in place for the entire duration of your program before applying or enrolling.

Our Commitment

UC Davis School of Medicine is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for undocumented students. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and support their success in medical education.

Admissions and Privacy

• Immigration status is not considered in admissions decisions
• We are committed to protecting the privacy and civil rights of all students
• Student information is not shared without a legal warrant
• UC Davis does not participate in immigration enforcement activities 

Support for DACA Recipients

Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are encouraged to apply. UC Davis continues to support DACA recipients in pursuing careers in medicine and the health professions.

Ongoing Support

Our Office of Medical Education and Office of Medical Pathways provide guidance and resources to help undocumented and DACA students succeed throughout their training.

Additional Resources

• UC Davis Inclusive Excellence
• Undocumented Student Resource Center

Disclosures to Students in Programs Leading to Professional Licensure

In order to comply with federal regulations regarding professional licensure, UC Davis School of Medicine is required to make the following disclosures.  

All applicable UC Davis School of Medicine academic programs prepare students to be licensed and practice medicine in California. We have not determined whether our programs meet requirements for professional licensure or eligibility to practice medicine in other states. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm program and license eligibility outside of California.  

Visit the University of California licensure disclosure page for more information

UC Davis School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). LCME is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in the United States and Canada.  

Learn more about national accreditation