How hard is it to get into medical school in California?
The fifteen California schools reporting both numbers took 110,240 applications for 2,091 seats, about 53 applications for every place. Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California has the shortest odds of the group at 8 applications per seat.
| School | Applications | Class size | Applications per seat | Share who enrol | Median MCAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California | 1,500 | 189 | 8 | 12.6% | 509 |
| California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine | 4,000 | 150 | 27 | 3.8% | 506 |
| Loma Linda University School of Medicine | 6,238 | 172 | 36 | 2.8% | 510 |
| California Northstate University | 4,710 | 118 | 40 | 2.5% | 513 |
| California University of Science and Medicine | 5,359 | 130 | 41 | 2.4% | 512 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | 11,582 | 228 | 51 | 2.0% | 508 |
| University of California San Francisco School of Medicine | 9,156 | 174 | 53 | 1.9% | 517 |
| UC San Diego School of Medicine* | 8,210 | 152 | 54 | 1.9% | 516 |
| University of California Davis School of Medicine | 7,847 | 139 | 56 | 1.8% | 512 |
| University of California Irvine School of Medicine | 6,695 | 114 | 59 | 1.7% | 514 |
| University of California Riverside School of Medicine | 6,266 | 87 | 72 | 1.4% | 509 |
| University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine | 13,122 | 177 | 74 | 1.3% | 516 |
| Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California | 8,919 | 120 | 74 | 1.3% | 517 |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | 8,407 | 90 | 93 | 1.1% | 518 |
| Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine | 8,229 | 51 | 161 | 0.6% | 517 |
Share who enrol is the class divided by the applications, so it sits below a school's acceptance rate, because schools admit more people than take up a place. It is the closest figure the published numbers support.
These are the odds across everyone who applied, so a score at or above a school's median shortens them considerably. The schools that admit at the lowest medians nationally and your own chances of getting in both go further into it.
Medical schools in California at a glance
All sixteen medical schools in California are below, with median MCAT and GPA, tuition in and out of state, class size and the share of applicants who reach interview. Each figure is the most recent one the school has published.
2026–27 cycle data. Last updated 30 August 2026.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| School | Degree | Apply through | Founded | Median MCAT | Median GPA | In-state tuition | Out-of-state tuition | Class size | Secondary essays | Interview rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1908 | 518 | 3.92 | $89,740 | $89,740 | 90 | 16 | 5.63% |
| University of California San Francisco School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1864 | 517 | 3.88 | $50,537 | $62,782 | 174 | 3 | 5.9% |
| Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California | MD | AMCAS | 1885 | 517 | 3.81 | $72,662 | $72,662 | 120 | n/a | 9.8% |
| Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 2020 | 517 | 3.82 | $0[1] | $0[1] | 51 | n/a | 6.3% |
| University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1951 | 516 | 3.8 | $51,480 | $63,725 | 177 | 8 | 6.5% |
| UC San Diego School of Medicine* | MD | AMCAS | 1968 | 516 | 3.87 | $44,714 | $56,959 | 152 | n/a | 10.5% |
| University of California Irvine School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1896 | 514 | 3.87 | $49,525 | $61,770 | 114 | 8 | 7.02% |
| California Northstate University | MD | AMCAS | 2008 | 513 | 3.82 | $74,456 | $74,456 | 118 | n/a | 7.33% |
| University of California Davis School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1966 | 512 | 3.67 | $46,893 | $59,138 | 139 | 11 | 7.8% |
| California University of Science and Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 2015 | 512 | 3.73 | $72,500 | $72,500 | 130 | n/a | 13.1% |
| Loma Linda University School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1909 | 510 | 3.9 | $69,436 | $69,436 | 172 | 6 | 4.86% |
| University of California Riverside School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 2013 | 509 | 3.68 | $61,660 | $77,988 | 87 | 8 | 4.8% |
| Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California | do | AACOMAS | 1997 | 509 | 3.56 | $66,600 | $66,600 | 189 | n/a | N/a |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Do | AMCAS | 1977 | 508 | 3.65 | $68,763 | $68,763 | 228 | n/a | 13.54% |
| California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine | do | AACOMAS | 2012 | 506 | 3.5 | $71,420 | $71,420 | 150 | 2 | n/a |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1966 | 505 | 3.55 | $69,000 | $69,000 | 172 | n/a | N/a |
- Kaiser Permanente covers full tuition for every student, so the figure is zero rather than missing.
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What it takes to reach a 512 in California
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What medical schools in California look for
Median MCAT across California runs from 505 at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine to 518 at Stanford University School of Medicine. Where your score sits in that spread shapes which of them to apply to, so application, so check it before you build a list. What counts as a good MCAT score sets out the national picture, and the percentile tables show what each scaled score means.
Between 3.50 and 3.92 is where median GPA sits. A GPA below that band is still in the conversation with a strong MCAT, and a single cycle is long enough to raise an MCAT score. If you have already tested, the retake calculator prices what another attempt would take, and the score calculator converts an AAMC practice test into a scaled score.
For residents, tuition starts at $0 at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine and reaches $89,740 at Stanford University School of Medicine. Medical school tuition across the US and Canada puts those numbers in context.
They do not all use the same application. It is AMCAS for fourteen, AACOMAS for two. Applying across services means duplicating work, so check which one each school on your list takes before you start.
Secondaries are the next hurdle after the primary. The eight schools here we hold prompts for ask 62 essays between them, from 2 up to 16 at Stanford University School of Medicine. Our secondary prompt database carries the wording of every one for the 2026-27 cycle, so you can draft before they arrive.
Two of the sixteen award a DO alongside the MD programs. Both lead to licensure and residency, and DO programs generally admit at lower median scores, which is why they belong on most lists. The medical schools that admit at the lowest medians covers that ground nationally.
Between them these programs read about 110,240 applications a year for roughly 2,263 seats, near enough 49 applications per place. Those totals double-count anyone applying to more than one school, so treat the ratio as a measure of how much reading each committee does rather than as your odds. It is the reason a screening score matters before anyone reads a word of your essays.
Every school here sends a secondary, and the load is uneven. Stanford University School of Medicine asks for 8, and the rest range from one required essay to several more once optional prompts open up. Five of them interview by MMI, which rewards different preparation from a conversational panel. Our secondary prompt database carries the current prompts for each of them, so you can draft in June instead of reacting in August.
On the US News research ranking, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine places highest at 19. Rankings shift little from year to year and matter far less than fit, funding and where you want to train, though they do shape how competitive a given cycle feels.
Free checklist
California's medical schools sit between a 505 and a 518 median MCAT. The checklist covers everything else your application is graded on.
Every phase of the application cycle, what is due when, and what to have ready before you open AMCAS.
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Stanford University School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 8.8/10
Since 1908, Stanford Med has been more than just a private medical school—it’s where medicine meets moonshot thinking. Nestled in the backyard of Silicon Valley, this is the place where future doctors don’t just treat patients, they build the technology, research, and biotech revolutions that will change healthcare forever.
Median GPA
3.92
Median MCAT
519
Location
Stanford
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$89,740
Out-of-State Tuition
$89,740
Class Size
90
US News Ranking (Research)
unranked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
8,407
Secondaries Required
8
Interview Rate
5.63%
Interview Format
Hybrid MMI
Address
291 Campus Drive, 94305
University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 8.8/10
Founded in 1864, the UCSF School of Medicine is a public powerhouse where medicine meets innovation. Nestled in San Francisco, it’s a top-ranked institution shaping the future of healthcare—pioneering breakthroughs in research, equity, and patient care. Here, white coats aren’t just a uniform—they’re a mindset for changemakers ready to transform medicine.
Median GPA
3.88
Median MCAT
516
Location
San francisco
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$50,537
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,782
Class Size
174
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 1
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
Tier 1
Total Applicants
9,156
Secondaries Required
2 required, 2 if applicable
Interview Rate
5.9%
Interview Format
Two blind interviews
Address
1600 Divisadero St, 94115
University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 7.7/10
Founded in 1951, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is a public leader in medical innovation, research, and care. Located in Los Angeles, it’s where bold ideas, breakthrough science, and next-gen physicians come together to shape the future of healthcare.
Median GPA
3.8
Median MCAT
514
Location
Los Angeles
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$51,480
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,725
Class Size
177
US News Ranking (Research)
19
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
13
Total Applicants
13,122
Secondaries Required
6
Interview Rate
6.5%
Interview Format
md, MMi, mstp
Address
10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095
UC San Diego School of Medicine*
Competitiveness: 7.7/10
Founded in 1968, the UC San Diego School of Medicine is a public hub for medical innovation, tackling everything from neuroscience to cancer breakthroughs. Located in a biotech powerhouse, it’s where bold research meets real-world impact.
Median GPA
3.87
Median MCAT
516
Location
La Jolla
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$44,714
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,959
Class Size
152
US News Ranking (Research)
20
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
32
Total Applicants
8,210
Secondaries Required
2 required, 1 if applicable
Interview Rate
10.5%
Interview Format
The 4-year M.D. program, PRIME-HEq, PRIME-TIDE, GHAC
Address
9500 Gilman Dr, 92093
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Competitiveness: 7.4/10
Founded in 1885, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is a private leader in medical innovation, research, and patient care. Based in Los Angeles, it pushes the boundaries of medicine, from cutting-edge research to hands-on training at top hospitals.
Median GPA
3.81
Median MCAT
517
Location
Los Angeles
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$72,662
Out-of-State Tuition
$72,662
Class Size
120
US News Ranking (Research)
28
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
52
Total Applicants
8,919
Secondaries Required
4 required, 2 if applicable
Interview Rate
9.8%
Interview Format
virtual interview
Address
1975 Zonal Ave, 90033
University of California Irvine School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 6.0/10
Founded in 1896, the UC Irvine School of Medicine is a public leader in medical innovation, research, and patient care. From breakthrough tech to hands-on training, it’s shaping the future of healthcare in the heart of Southern California.
Median GPA
3.87
Median MCAT
517
Location
Irvine
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$49,525
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,770
Class Size
114
US News Ranking (Research)
51
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
61
Total Applicants
6,695
Secondaries Required
2 required, 1 if applicable
Interview Rate
7.02%
Interview Format
Individual interview
Address
1001 Health Sciences Rd, 92617
University of California Davis School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 4.8/10
Founded in 1966, the UC Davis School of Medicine is a public leader in research, education, and patient care. Based in Sacramento, it drives innovation in health equity, rural medicine, and biomedical breakthroughs.
Median GPA
3.67
Median MCAT
511
Location
Sacramento
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$46,893
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,138
Class Size
139
US News Ranking (Research)
51
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
8
Total Applicants
7,847
Secondaries Required
3
Interview Rate
7.8%
Interview Format
MMI
Address
4610 X St, CA 95817
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 4.1/10
Founded in 2020, the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine is a private institution redefining medical training. Based in Pasadena, it emphasizes integrated care, health equity, and hands-on learning to shape the future of healthcare.
Median GPA
3.82
Median MCAT
517
Location
Pasadena
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$0
Out-of-State Tuition
$0
Class Size
51
US News Ranking (Research)
UNRanked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
8,229
Secondaries Required
4
Interview Rate
6.3%
Interview Format
hybrid
Address
98 S. Los Robles Ave., 91101
California Northstate University
Competitiveness: 3.4/10
Founded in 2008, California Northstate University is a private institution shaping future healthcare leaders through innovation, clinical excellence, and community impact.
Median GPA
3.82
Median MCAT
513
Location
Elk Grove
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$74,456
Out-of-State Tuition
$74,456
Class Size
118
US News Ranking (Research)
unranked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
4,710
Secondaries Required
6
Interview Rate
7.33%
Interview Format
holistic/traditional/dialogue
Address
9700 W Taron Dr, 95757
California University of Science and Medicine
Competitiveness: 3.3/10
Founded in 2015, CUSM is a private medical school in Southern California, dedicated to innovation, hands-on training, and community-focused healthcare.
Median GPA
3.73
Median MCAT
514
Location
Colton
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$72,500
Out-of-State Tuition
$72,500
Class Size
130
US News Ranking (Research)
UNRANKED
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
UNRANKED
Total Applicants
5,359
Secondaries Required
6
Interview Rate
13.1%
Interview Format
ONE TO ONE (HOLISTIC)
Address
1501 Violet St, 92324
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 3.2/10
Founded in 1909, Loma Linda University School of Medicine is a private institution dedicated to whole-person care, blending advanced medical training with a mission to serve and heal.
Median GPA
3.9
Median MCAT
511
Location
Loma Linda
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$69,436
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,436
Class Size
172
US News Ranking (Research)
unranked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
6,238
Secondaries Required
8
Interview Rate
4.86%
Interview Format
two separate one-on-one interview
Address
11175 Campus St, 92350
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine
Competitiveness: 2.6/10
Founded in 1966, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine is a private Los Angeles institution driven by health equity, hands-on training, and real-world impact. Here, medicine isn’t just studied—it’s put into action.
Median GPA
3.55
Median MCAT
508
Location
Willowbrook
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$69,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,000
Class Size
172
US News Ranking (Research)
-
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
-
Total Applicants
unknown
Secondaries Required
5
Interview Rate
N/a
Interview Format
virtual traditional interview
Address
1731 E 120th St Los Angeles, 90059
University of California Riverside School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 2.4/10
Founded in 2013, the UC Riverside School of Medicine is a public institution built to serve inland Southern California. With a focus on community care, innovation, and hands-on training, UCR shapes physicians who make a difference where it’s needed most. Here, medicine means impact.
Median GPA
3.68
Median MCAT
509
Location
Riverside
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$61,660
Out-of-State Tuition
$77,988
Class Size
87
US News Ranking (Research)
95-124
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
94-124
Total Applicants
6,266
Secondaries Required
4 required, 1 if applicable
Interview Rate
4.8%
Interview Format
mmi
Address
92521 UCR Botanic Gardens Rd, 92507
Western University of Health Sciences
Competitiveness: 1.9/10
Founded in 1977, Western University of Health Sciences is a private institution in Pomona, California. Known for its interprofessional approach, innovation, and commitment to community care, WesternU prepares students to lead with purpose and make an impact in healthcare.
Median GPA
3.65
Median MCAT
508
Location
Pomona
Degree
Do
In-State Tuition
$68,763
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,763
Class Size
228
US News Ranking (Research)
95-124
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
94-124
Total Applicants
11,582
Secondaries Required
5 required, 5 if applicable
Interview Rate
13.54%
Interview Format
traditional and mmi
Address
615 E 3rd St, 91766
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California
Competitiveness: 1.8/10
Founded in 1997, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California is a private institution in Vallejo, California. With a focus on osteopathic principles, hands-on experience, and community care, Touro trains compassionate physicians ready to make a real impact.
Median GPA
3.56
Median MCAT
509
Location
Vallejo
Degree
do
In-State Tuition
$66,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,600
Class Size
189
US News Ranking (Research)
95-124
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
94-124
Total Applicants
1,500
Secondaries Required
8
Interview Rate
N/a
Interview Format
one hour panel
Address
1310 Club Dr, 94592
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Competitiveness: 1.4/10
Founded in 2012, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private institution in Clovis, California. Focused on osteopathic care, innovation, and community health, CHSU prepares students to lead with compassion and skill in the ever-evolving healthcare field.
Median GPA
3.5
Median MCAT
507
Location
Clovis
Degree
do
In-State Tuition
$71,420
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,420
Class Size
150
US News Ranking (Research)
unranked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
4,000
Secondaries Required
2
Interview Rate
n/a
Interview Format
virtual interview
Address
2500 Alluvial Avenue, 93611
Common questions about medical schools in California
How many medical schools are in California?
Sixteen medical schools. Fourteen award an MD and two award a DO. Every one is listed in the table above with its median MCAT, median GPA and tuition.
What MCAT score do you need for medical school in California?
Median MCAT runs from 505 to 518, so a score at or above 513 puts you in range at about half of them. A median is the midpoint rather than a cut-off, and roughly half of each admitted class scored below it. What counts as a good MCAT score goes through how to read those numbers, and our guide to raising a score covers how to raise one.
What GPA do you need for medical school in California?
Medians land between 3.50 and 3.92. A GPA under that band is workable when the MCAT is strong, which is the part of the application still open to change once your transcript is fixed.
How much does medical school cost in California?
In-state tuition runs from $0 a year at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine to $89,740 at Stanford University School of Medicine, before living costs. Tuition across the US and Canada sets those against the national range.
Which California medical school is easiest to get into?
By median MCAT, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine admits at the lowest score of the group at 505. That makes it the most forgiving on numbers, though secondaries, interviews and mission fit still decide the outcome. Our secondary prompt database carries the essays each school asks for.
What is the acceptance rate at medical schools in California?
Schools here report roughly 110,240 applications against about 2,263 seats, which works out near one place for every 49 applications. That is not a per-applicant acceptance rate, because most people apply to fifteen or twenty schools and get counted at each one. Read it as a measure of how crowded each committee's desk is, and as the reason a screening MCAT and GPA come first. Individual schools publish their own rates, and the in-state and out-of-state figures usually differ sharply.
Which application service do California medical schools use?
Amcas for fourteen, aacomas for two. The table above lists it per school, so you can group your list by service before you start writing.
What secondary essays do California medical schools ask for?
Across the eight we hold prompts for, 62 in total, ranging from 2 to 16 at Stanford University School of Medicine. Secondaries arrive within days of a verified application and the turnaround runs to about two weeks, so prewriting is the difference between a considered essay and a rushed one. Our secondary prompt database carries the wording of every one for the 2026-27 cycle.
Are there DO schools in California?
Yes. Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine award a DO rather than an MD. Osteopathic programs lead to the same licensure and compete for the same residencies, and they generally admit at lower median MCAT and GPA, so leaving them off a list narrows your options for no good reason. The table above shows their numbers beside the MD programs.
Can you get into a medical school in California with a low GPA?
It happens, and the MCAT is usually what carries it. With medians between 3.50 and 3.92, a GPA a few tenths under still gets read when the test score sits at or above the median and the rest of the application is strong. An upward trend across your transcript reads better than a flat average, and a post-bacc or a master's is the standard route when the gap is wider than that. Raising an MCAT score is the faster of the two levers.
When should you apply to medical school in California?
AMCAS opens in May and submitting in the first weeks of June is the strongest position, because most schools review on a rolling basis. Work back from that to pick a test date on the AAMC calendar, leaving room for a retake if the first score comes in short.
Medical schools in other states
Every state in the West with a medical school, on the same figures: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
The medical school hub carries all 59, including Northeast, the South, the Midwest, Canada.
Where to go next
- Studying for the MCAT now? The live MCAT course runs one cohort at a time with 515+ scorers teaching it.
- Want one-on-one help? MCAT tutors in California are matched on the section costing you points, and our tutoring packages list what each one includes.
- Building an application rather than a score? Medical school admissions coaching covers the list, the essays and the interviews.
- Deciding whether to sit it again? The retake calculator gives you a verdict and a date.
- Just browsing? The free MCAT resources are a good place to start, and our reviews and student score stories show what the jumps look like.
- Looking beyond the medical schools in California? The medical school hub lists every state and province with a program.