Highly qualified students who have the required academic background, substantial research experience, and a strong commitment to a career in biomedical research will be considered for the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). In applying for the program, students must meet the admission requirements of both the College of Medicine and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores are required, although Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not. The UCI MSTP strives for diversity, and non-residents of California are encouraged to apply, and are considered equivalently to residents.

The application to the UCI MSTP is found in the primary AMCAS application. No additional forms are required since the essays are now included in your primary AMCAS application. Applications are reviewed by the MSTP Admissions Committee, which consists of the program director and representatives from the participating graduate departments. Applicants do not need to select a specific graduate department at the time of admission, but it is advantageous to have selected a field of study. Students who are currently enrolled in either the College of Medicine or in a graduate program and who seek to become M.D./Ph.D. candidates must also apply to the Committee. Students who already hold either degree are not eligible for the joint program.

Applications are reviewed promptly and notification of acceptance is made at the earliest possible date. Because the admissions process operates on a rolling acceptance basis, it is to your advantage to have your application complete as early as possible. Applicants not accepted into the MSTP will still be considered for acceptance into the College of Medicine according to standard admission procedures.

Over the past few years, students admitted to the MSTP have had undergraduate grade point averages ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 and MCAT scores ranging from 11 to 14 in all subjects. All current M.D.-Ph.D. students have had substantial research experience as undergraduates or had completed master's degree programs before entering.

Program information and brochure:

To receive more information about the UCI MSTP, please submit your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number to Contact us.

Note that this is not a request for an application, because all applications must be initiated through AMCAS. The MSTP application forms are sent out as part of the secondary packet after the initial AMCAS application has been reviewed by the Medical School Admissions Office.