The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier medical institutions, dedicated to advancing health worldwide through excellence in education, research, clinical care, and public service. Founded in 1864, UCSF has a rich history of innovation and leadership, and it is consistently ranked among the top medical schools for both research and primary care. UCSF’s Bridges Curriculum emphasizes active, case-based, and problem-based learning, equipping students with the competencies needed for 21st-century medicine. With access to world-class research institutes, global health opportunities, and diverse clinical training sites across California, UCSF prepares future physicians and scientists to make transformative contributions to healthcare. The school is deeply rooted in the values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence (PRIDE), while also prioritizing student well-being and professional development.

UCSF seeks applicants who are academically strong, deeply curious, and committed to improving health at both individual and community levels. The admissions committee values students who demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, resilience, and a collaborative spirit. A strong interest in advancing health equity, addressing healthcare disparities, and serving diverse or underserved populations is highly regarded. Applicants should be reflective and authentic, able to articulate their motivations for medicine, and prepared to actively engage in shaping their own educational journey. Beyond academic preparation, UCSF looks for individuals who embody its PRIDE values, show evidence of compassion and professionalism, and are motivated to become leaders in medicine, research, and public service.

UCSF School of Medicine Secondary Essay Tips

NOTE: UCSF says this about their processing time between primary submission and secondary:

“It may take 8-12 weeks after we receive your verified primary application before you may hear from the School of Medicine with an invitation to complete a secondary.”

Essay #1

Applicants are interviewed by invitation only. Interviews are scheduled from October to mid-February (days vary). For the 2025-26 interview season, we will conduct interviews via zoom. If you will be out of the country – provide additional info below (e.g. dates, best way to contact, etc.) (300 characters)

Provide additional information about your interview availability. 

Essay #2

[Optional] If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below. (500 words)

If you have new activities to report since submitting your AMCAS primary application, describe them here. You may also expand on some of the activities that you already included in your AMCAS application. Focus on experiences that demonstrate your passion, leadership, service, or impact. What did you learn? How did these experiences shape your interests and motivation to pursue medicine?

Essay #3

[Optional] If you are a 2024 or earlier college graduate, please use the space below to tell us what you have done since completing your undergraduate degree. (350 words)

Answer this question if you graduated from college in 2024 or earlier. This is your chance to show the admissions committee how you have been spending your time and the ways in which you have grown since your undergraduate years. Include employment, clinical work, research, volunteering, or academic experiences. Consider experiences that demonstrate personal and professional growth. What experiences have changed your perspective? What have you learned about the medical field? How have you pursued your interests and passions? What qualities have you developed that will help you become a better medical student and future physician? 

Essay #4

UCSF PRIDE* values serve as a guiding light for institutional life and activities. Briefly describe how you will contribute to and support our PRIDE values consistent with your goals or life experience. (500 words)

The UCSF PRIDE values are Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. Select one of the five values that resonates with you most. Consider examples from your life in which you have demonstrated one of these values in a personal, academic, or professional setting. Use a concrete example in which you demonstrated this value. How did it influence your action or decision making? Why is this value important to you? Discuss how you will contribute to and support this value as a medical student at UCSF. How will this contribute to an effective and inclusive learning environment? How is this value an important part of the type of classmate and future physician you strive to be?

Essay #5 

Candidates and current students must meet the ethical and legal standards to be licensed to practice medicine in the State of California as well as the standards of the UCSF School of Medicine. Accordingly, candidates for admission must acknowledge and provide written explanation to the School of Medicine of any felony offense, misdemeanor offense, and institutional action taken against them prior to matriculation. This disclosure is required of all charges and convictions, including expunged and diverted offenses that have not already been reported in the primary AMCAS application. Failure to disclose prior offenses can lead to disciplinary action by the school that may include dismissal.

[Checkbox] I acknowledge this policy and have nothing additional to disclose.

[Checkbox] I have a relevant disclosure described below. (no obvious word limit)

Answer this prompt if you have a relevant disclosure. Briefly and honestly describe the disclosure and any unusual circumstances that may have contributed to the event. Discuss how you responded to this challenge and what you learned from it. How have you grown? How will your approach be different going forward? 

Essay #6

Residency: Please list all states of residence including where you have had an official address within the past 10 years.

List your states of residence. 

UCSF School of Medicine Application Timeline

Date/Time Frame	Step and Action
Before Applying	Step 1: Am I eligible? – Review admissions prerequisites and requirements.
By October 15	Step 2: AMCAS application – Complete and submit the AMCAS application.
Mid-July to November	Step 3: Secondary application – Invited applicants complete UCSF’s secondary application.
Late September to Early February	Step 4: Interview – Invited applicants participate in interviews.
February to April	Step 5: Post-interview decisions – UCSF releases decisions.
After Acceptance	Step 6: Congratulations! – Access key resources and info for new students.

Source: UCSF School of Medicine website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with UCSF directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

UCSF School of Medicine Class Profile

Here is a look at enrolled UCSF School of Medicine students as of fall 2024 (data taken from the UCSF website):

Underrepresented in medicine*: 45.8%

Gender

• Female: 55.7%
• Male: 41.7%
• Non-binary: 2.5%

First-generation college students**: 24.1%

California resident: 88.4%

*UIM is defined as identifying with at least one of the following races/ethnicities: Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (including Filipinx), and Native Indian/Alaska Native.

**Data is based on students’ self-report of parental education level in AMCAS application.

As the former assistant dean of student affairs at the William Beaumont School of Medicine and former director of pre-health advisement and the Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, Dr. Valerie Wherely brings more than 20 years of success working with pre-health candidates in medicine, dental, vet, PA, PT, OT, exercise science, and nursing. Her clients appreciate her expertise in the holistic admissions process and her patient, thoughtful, strategic, and data-driven working style. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources

• Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide
• Five Tips for Completing AACOMAS Secondary Applications