Navigating the Premed Path at UCLA: Acceptance Rates, Requirements, and Strategies for Success

UCLA is a highly desirable destination for aspiring medical students. The university's strong academics, abundant research opportunities, and a vast network of premed organizations and programs, coupled with its renowned hospital system, make it one of the top choices for premeds in California. However, the journey to medical school acceptance is a challenging one, requiring careful planning, dedication, and strategic decision-making. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the UCLA premed experience, covering acceptance rates, requirements, extracurricular opportunities, and valuable tips for success.

The Allure and Challenge of Being Premed at UCLA

It's easy to feel like everyone is a premed at UCLA, and that's no accident. UCLA boasts top-notch academics and research opportunities, hundreds of premed organizations and programs, and a hospital system ranked #1 in California and #3 in the nation, making it one of the best premed schools in California.

While UCLA attracts a large number of premed students, the reality is that many don't make it through the entire process. The competition is fierce, class sizes are large, and the pressure to maintain a high GPA in rigorous science courses can be overwhelming. Many students find themselves lost in the crowd, struggling to balance academics, extracurriculars, and the demands of preparing for the MCAT. This guide aims to provide the necessary tools and insights to help you navigate these challenges and increase your chances of medical school acceptance.

Understanding UCLA Premed Requirements

To embark on the premed path at UCLA, it's crucial to understand the specific course requirements and academic expectations. UCLA provides a recommended course of study for pre-health students, highlighting specific courses that fulfill each category, as well as relevant prerequisites. These requirements typically include:

Biology: A specific series of courses that all premeds take.
Math: Multiple course sequences from which you can choose.
Chemistry: Multiple course sequences from which you can choose.
Physics: Multiple course sequences from which you can choose.

The specific courses you choose will depend on your major. For example, chemistry majors may be required to take the Math 31 series, along with the Chemistry 20 and 30 series and the Physics 1 series. Biology majors, on the other hand, might opt for the Life Sciences 30 series for math and the Chemistry 14 and Physics 5 series.

When planning your courses, consider the following factors:

Requirements for your major, which may or may not overlap with premed courses
General Education requirements
Courses for your cluster, if you decide to enroll in one
Prerequisites for certain premed courses
When you want to take the MCAT
The relative ease and difficulty of each course

UCLA provides handy four-year sample course plans for common majors.

Maintaining a High GPA: Conquering the "Weeder" Courses

UCLA is known for its rigorous academics, making it challenging to maintain a high GPA, especially in the sciences. Many STEM classes are graded on a curve, making it more difficult to earn As, whereas courses in other disciplines tend to be evaluated using a straight scale. Many of these tough science courses are known as "weeders," because students who don't do well in them are effectively weeded out of the premed track.

Given how much weight your GPA holds when applying to medical school, it's no surprise that a low GPA (sub-3.5, in most cases) is one of the most common reasons why many UCLA premeds eventually give up on becoming a doctor. To avoid that fate, here is some guidance to help you keep your GPA afloat:

Expect to study hard! Even if you didn't need to put in a ton of effort to excel in high school, that won't be the case as a UCLA premed.
Go to office hours and TA sessions. It's important to seek out help from your instructors if you don't understand the course material. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you'll fall behind.
Join a premed study group. If you can't find one to join, create one.
Plan in advance which courses you'll take which semester, making sure that the most challenging classes are spaced out. UCLA's Reddit community and Bruinwalk (similar to Rate My Professor) are good resources to research specific courses and professors. You can also talk to older premeds about what to expect from different classes.
Consider taking classes over the summer to spread out your work load.
Don't take an unnecessarily challenging course load. Being a premed is hard enough, so attempt to find balance outside of your required courses.
Choose clusters carefully.
Make use of test banks. UCLA's Student Activities Center has a bank of midterms and finals given in certain courses. You can print out these resources to use as study material for exams.

Choosing the Right Major: Balancing Interests and Requirements

Generally speaking, there's no universal best major for premeds. Contrary to what you might think, majoring in biochemistry over art history has little statistical advantage when it comes to getting into medical school. That said, there are certain majors that are much more common for premeds than others. The most important thing is to choose a major that you are passionate about and that aligns with your interests and strengths. This will make it easier to stay motivated and engaged in your studies, ultimately leading to better academic performance.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

The Cluster Program: A Unique Opportunity with Potential Trade-offs

UCLA's Cluster Program allows freshman to join a group of 200 students who take classes together revolving around a central subject (e.g., "America in the 60s," "Frontiers in Human Aging") for a year. Clusters can be great because they allow you to become part of a more intimate community and knock out a bunch of your General Education (GE) requirements, giving you more academic flexibility in later years.

That said, clusters can have their downsides if not chosen carefully. Since you'll be studying one subject for a year, you'll want to make sure it's a topic that genuinely compels you. Participating in a cluster also restricts your ability to choose classes one-by-one. You can technically leave a cluster after the first or second quarter and still get GE credits for the courses you completed, but finishing out the year nets you your Writing II credit plus another "bonus" GE credit, so it's typically worth it to stay the course. On top of that, it's essential that the GEs you fulfill through your cluster do not overlap with the GEs you'll fulfill through your major; otherwise, you'll end up taking extra classes in order to meet all the requirements. For example, if you're in a science major, an ideal cluster would be one based in the humanities. As a premed, you'll also want to make sure that your cluster courses won't interfere with your ability to keep your GPA up and do well in your premed courses. Certain clusters have reputations for being more demanding than others, so do your research. It's certainly not necessary to participate in a cluster, and there are plenty of premeds on either route.

Mastering the MCAT: Timing and Essential Coursework

The best time to take the MCAT depends on a number of factors, including which premed classes you've taken and when you're planning on applying to medical school. If you're applying to med school straight through-i.e., you're not planning on a gap year-we generally recommend taking the MCAT for the first time during the fall of your junior year. This allows you to spend the summer prior studying, and it builds in enough time on the other end in case you need to retake the exam.

And, most importantly, it ensures that you've mostly completed your required premed coursework, which is invaluable for MCAT prep. Here are the UCLA courses that are essential to take before you take the MCAT:

Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C
Physics 5A, 5B, and 5C
Chemistry 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D
Chemistry 153A

We cannot stress enough that you shouldn't attempt the MCAT without the above coursework, especially when it comes to biochemistry (Chemistry 153A). Although the fact that you only need to take one biochem class in college might make it seem less important than some of your other science courses, the reality is actually the opposite: biochemistry is one of the most important subjects to master for the MCAT, as it makes up about 25 percent of the C/P and B/B sections.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

In addition, you might consider taking Psychology 10 and Sociology 1. The course content will show up on the MCAT, and the classes themselves aren't too demanding.

Extracurricular Activities: Standing Out from the Crowd

The good news about premed extracurriculars at UCLA is that there are tons of organizations, labs, and activities to get involved with. The downside is that actually getting involved can be very competitive due to the high number of premeds vying for quality extracurricular experiences. For example, many premed clubs only take a select number of new members each year, and some even have extensive application processes to join, involving transcripts, references, interviews, and more. This might sound discouraging, but rest assured that there are plenty of less competitive clubs and opportunities on campus and off that will allow you to obtain great extracurricular experiences. You can still throw your hat in the ring for the more exclusive clubs and treat the application process as valuable practice for the med school application process ahead. Here are some popular programs, activities, and organizations that UCLA premeds get involved with:

Clinical Volunteering: Provides exposure to the field of medicine and helps you understand the realities of healthcare. Examples include Care Extenders Program, Emergency Medicine Research Associates (EMRA), Student Stroke Force/Team SCOPE at UCLA, ARC Medical Program, Bruin Beans, CTSI RAP, PULSE, UCLA APA Health CARE, AMSA Sports Medicine Internship, Fellowship for International Service and Health (FISH), Medical Experience through Service in Healthcare (MESH), and Global Medical Brigades.
Shadowing: Allows you to observe physicians in a clinical setting and gain insights into their daily routines and decision-making processes.
Non-Clinical Volunteering: Demonstrates your commitment to service and your desire to make a positive impact on the community.
Research: Provides opportunities to contribute to scientific advancements and develop critical thinking skills. Options include Emergency Medicine Research Associates and UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Program. Another great way to get involved with research is to become a research assistant in a UCLA faculty member's lab. One popular pathway for premeds is the Biomedical Research Minor, which requires you to conduct at least four quarters of research and write a thesis.
Employment/Gap Year: Offers opportunities to gain valuable work experience and explore your interests outside of academics. For example, premeds frequently scribe at nearby UCLA hospitals/clinics. Others become employed by their labs as lab managers or research assistants. One popular option is working for Residential Life, or the on-campus housing/dining services, as an RA or staff member. Another option is teaching the MCAT for nearby tutoring companies in Westwood like The Princeton Review and The Berkeley Review. Finally, some students choose to spend their gap years outside of the LA/Westwood area (e.g. TEACH for America, Fulbright/Rhodes fellowships.)

When evaluating clinical volunteering opportunities, look for concrete responsibilities and unique experiences. Certain student organizations will be more worthwhile than others with respect to your pre-professional development. Do your research and be critical of commitments you choose to take on!

UCLA Premed Admissions Statistics and Strategies for Success

UCLA doesn't provide premed-specific advising. In 2020, 1,149 UCLA premeds applied to medical school and 53 percent were accepted-10 percentage points higher than the national average. Successful applicants from UCLA had an average MCAT score of 513.6 and an average GPA around 3.7.

Although UCLA grads matriculate at med schools across the country, many understandably hope to stay close to home-9 of the 10 medical schools most applied to by UCLA grads are located in California. And while the med schools that accept the highest numbers of UCLA grads-USC, California University of Science and Medicine, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Davis-reflect this trend, the schools that accept the highest percentages of UCLA premeds tell a slightly different story. The top five medical schools at which UCLA grads enjoy the best odds still include USC and California University of Science and Medicine, this time joined by Saint Louis University, Western Michigan University, and Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook.

Getting into UCLA Medical School as a UCLA Premed

What about UCLA's own David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM)? Lots of premeds understandably wonder whether their status as a UCLA undergrad will give them a better shot of getting into UCLA's prestigious medical school. In 2020, 903 UCLA premeds applied to DGSOM and 33 were accepted-just 3.7 percent. And while the overall acceptance rate at Geffen is lower at 2.8 percent, the difference isn't huge. In other words, you aren't significantly more likely to get into Geffen as a UCLA premed than you are as an applicant from another college. If you do hope to stay in Westwood through medical school, know that the average GPA and MCAT score at DGSOM are high-3.85 and 517-so following the advice in this guide will be even more crucial.

General Medical School Acceptance Rates

In 2024, the average acceptance rates for applicants to any med school were:

AMCAS (MD schools): 44.58%
AACOMAS (DO schools): 42.28%
TMDSAS (TX medical programs): 34.46%

Interestingly, each of these numbers is significantly higher than the previous year. Both AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) and AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) saw acceptance percentage jumps of greater than 3% year-over-year.

While the trend may be that overall acceptance rates are slightly increasing (due to more seats and fewer applicants), the average acceptance rate to individual schools remains extremely low. On average, MD schools accept 4.23% of their applicants. Six programs boast acceptance rates under 1% (!), while only 18 programs have acceptance rates over 7%.

Both overall acceptance rates and institution-level acceptance rates can offer important data to consider as you apply. For instance, pre-med students with lower-than-average GPA or MCAT scores may want to focus on applying to schools with higher acceptance rates. Students with highly competitive applications might go after a more coveted spot at a program with a lower acceptance rate.

Regardless of individual school rates, though, it’s vital to remember that your chances of acceptance into any medical program are less than 45% overall. MD schools boast the highest acceptance rates, approaching 45%, while Texas medical schools have the lowest at closer to 34% (possibly because of how strongly they favor in-state students).

Recent Trends in Medical School Admissions

Med school admissions have seen major fluctuations in the last several years. Here are a few observations about what has happened and why:

The ‘Fauci Effect.’ As people watched the impact of Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID pandemic, many of them saw a physician in the public eye making a significant difference. This is one reason the number of total applicants to medical school surged in 2020 and 2021 (reflected in the final matriculant numbers in 2021 and 2022) - those on the fence saw the impact they could make, too. Admissions officers began referring to this as ‘The Fauci Effect.’ As the pandemic died down, there became less of a call for doctors, and total applications dropped again close to pre-pandemic numbers.
The spotlight of social media. Social media has shined a light on how difficult a career in medicine really is. We’ve seen doctors unionize, struggle with insurance preauthorizations all day, and report significantly higher levels of burnout, stress, and depression. Fewer people may now be applying for this reason, opting for a career with less red tape and lower barriers to entry.
Enrollment at an all-time high. Due to higher numbers of hopefuls in the applicant pool and newly opened medical programs offering more available seats, medical school enrollment is higher than ever. The AAMC reports that nearly 100,000 students are enrolled in medical schools, the highest total number in history.
New rules for diversity considerations. In June of 2023, the Supreme Court overturned decades of precedent of affirmative action in college admissions. This ruling trickled down to med school admissions, and - as the AAMC predicted - has led to a less diverse pool of applicants and matriculants since taking effect. Applications and acceptances of many URiM (underrepresented in medicine) groups have declined significantly in just the two years after this decision.

How to Maximize Your Chances at Acceptance

To increase your competitiveness as a medical school applicant, you'll need to do a lot more than meet the minimum admissions requirements - you need to stand out. A few ways to do this include:

Maximize your MCAT score. Aim to exceed the average MCAT score of your peers. For context, MD matriculants averaged 511.7 on the MCAT, and DO matriculants averaged 503.9 in the most recent application cycle.
Maximize your GPA. For many students, a better GPA might mean taking a gap year to enter a post-bacc program to enhance your coursework. Aiming for an average GPA of at least 3.6-3.8 will put you around the middle of the pack, but your BCPM GPA (AKA “science GPA”) also plays a big part.
Optimize your personal statement. One of the only factors in your application that’s completely unique to you is your personal statement. This essay should feature compelling storytelling to help you shine as an individual.
Prioritize high-quality extracurricular activities. Your extracurriculars show a lot about your commitment to the medical profession.
Get top-notch letters of recommendation. Recommendations from physicians and professors carry a lot of weight in your application.
Apply where you're likely to succeed. It's okay to have a few "reach" or "undershoot" options on your school list, but in general, choose medical schools where your metrics and CV are likely to attract attention from admissions committees. If you don’t have a super high MCAT score or GPA, it’s probably a good idea to avoid applying to Ivy League medical programs.

Tips From a UCLA Alum: Succeed as a UCLA Pre Med

Build effective study habits and techniques: To succeed academically and maintain a high GPA, you need to optimize your studying. Find spots on or off campus where you can be productive and establish a routine for your work. Treat studying for classes like a 9-5 job; devote time to study and pursue extracurriculars and take time off afterwards like you are working a full-time job. In addition to excellent study habits, you should research evidence-based study techniques. For example, many medical students utilize Anki, a flashcard application that harnesses active recall (“quizzing” yourself) and spaced repetition (reviewing multiple times over a longer period to memorize information). Another great method of studying is practice problems and practice tests. Avoid passive, inefficient study methods like re-reading, highlighting, and underlining texts. Aim to establish understanding with one reading, encode that information with active recall/spaced repetition, and synthesize it by drawing connections between concepts.
Be strategic about your major and course selection: Course and major difficulty is variable at UCLA. Therefore, be strategic in selecting your major. Most importantly, select a major that you enjoy! If you are not interested in what you’re studying, it will be difficult to be engaged in your classes and maintain a high GPA.
Take the initiative and make use of multiple resources: As a student at a large public university, you often need to seek out academic resources and guidance on your own in order to succeed. This is necessitated by the large student body size and thus course sizes at UCLA. It is not uncommon to find yourself in classes where there are more students than seats, or office hours so well attended that you only have time to ask 1-2 questions before other students interject. This isn’t limited to academics. Enrolling in classes, securing university housing, and even making use of campus facilities (dining, recreation and fitness) all require taking the initiative and being one step ahead of the curve. Mentally prepare for the reality of attending a large public university, and strive to take the initiative. You won’t be spoon-fed anything at UCLA, but the traits you develop in taking the initiative will serve you well in medical school and beyond.
Get involved with student organizations: Student organizations are huge at UCLA. Not only are these organizations great for gaining clinical and general life experience, but they are also an opportunity for you to make friends with other like-minded peers. One thing to note is that student organizations at UCLA often have semi-competitive recruitment processes due to a large number of undergraduate students and limited opportunities. Have your application read by multiple others and practice interviewing. Think of it as preparation for medical school applications!
Take time off to have fun and enjoy college: The most important lesson you can learn before medical school is how to have fun and take a break from school. Join student organizations unrelated to your medical school application. Go out with your floor-mates and friends. Explore Westwood and LA with friends. When you think back to college as an alumni, you’ll remember the people you met and experiences you shared rather than what you learned in your pre-req courses. School is important, but don’t forget to enjoy college!

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