Medical Degree Program Admissions Application Criteria & Process Admission Requirements How to Apply FAQs Transfer Policy & Procedures Contact Us Curriculum Electives Information for Incoming Students Student Support Application Criteria & Process Home Education Medical Education Medical Degree Program MD Programs Admissions MD Programs Admissions > Application Criteria & Process Application Criteria Overview When screening applicants, the UCI School of Medicine Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant's academic achievement, MCAT scores, extracurricular involvement and leadership experience. Careful consideration is given to applicants from disadvantaged social and/or economic backgrounds. Preliminary Screening Information provided by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application is used for preliminary screening to select which applicants will receive a secondary application. Once notified, these applicants are asked to submit additional materials, including letters of recommendation, supplemental information forms and a nonrefundable application fee of $120 within 30 days of notification. Extracurricular Activities In addition to demonstrating scholastic achievement and a solid academic foundation, prospective students should also have leadership experience and have participated in work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate a desire or sensitivity to working with people from diverse communities. Clinical exposure and research experience, as well as community service, also are highly desirable. U.S. Citizenship/Residency Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be permanent residents in possession of a green card, or be approved through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The medical school also participates in the WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) for applicants from certain western states that do not have medical schools. We do not accept transfer students. Learn more about the PSEP Application Process Letters of Recommendation Should you receive a secondary application, a minimum of three to six letters of recommendations are strongly advised. All letters should be submitted through AMCAS, not to the admissions office. Letters of recommendation are an integral part of an applicant’s file and should corroborate the main activities an applicant has been engaged in. The Admissions Committee relies on these letters to get a view of the applicant as seen by others. The letters are used to gain insight into an applicant’s personal qualities and the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular and volunteer activities, research and clinical exposure. It is suggested that two letters be submitted by senior professors that can evaluate an applicant’s academic ability. Keep in mind, letters should be submitted from individuals that can address the quality and extent of involvement that an applicant had in the activities they feel were most meaningful to them. Interviews Upon further review by the Admissions Committee, about 500 to 600 applicants who receive a secondary application will be interviewed. Applicants are interviewed by both faculty and current medical students. To further enhance our holistic review process, we are requiring applicants to complete a Kira Talent Video Assessment administered to assess six of the core competencies that our admissions committee believe are essential for success at our medical school. The Kira Talent Assessment Tool is completed asynchronously before the scheduled interview day. The scheduling of interviews take place online for specified dates between September and April, with about 40 applicants interviewed per session. Admission Requirements To be considered for admission into the UCI School of Medicine, applicants must meet several academic requirements. Explore admission requirements