The SJV PRIME+ pathway is committed to ensuring every student entering the program is equipped for success, both academically and personally. There is an array of services to support students as they progress through the program from BS to MD. It is our goal that students arrive at medical school personally well, academically strong, and professionally committed to completing their medical education.
Eligible SJV PRIME+ students who are in good standing (i.e. on track to meet all SJV PRIME+ pathway requirements) upon completion of their baccalaureate degree at UC Merced will be considered for acceptance to the UCSF School of Medicine (SOM).
To successfully meet conditional acceptance and matriculate into the UCSF School of Medicine, students must:
- Meet all SJV PRIME+ Pathway and UCSF School of Medicine Program Requirements.
- Declare decision to pursue medical school at UCSF by completing an AMCAS application (with waived requirements) by June 30th following the third year:
1. Students will complete the Personal Statement
2. UC Merced Department of Medical Education (DOME) Chair, with input from the DOME faculty, will complete the BS/MD Student Performance Evaluation form
3. Students will not be required to:
a. Submit the SJV PRIME supplemental application
b. Complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to be considered for acceptance to the UCSF SOM
4. Students will complete an abbreviated interview with a designated committee appointed by the UCSF Associate Dean for Admissions to understand the student’s level of readiness for medical school, as well as their career goals and interests.
Designated members of the UCSF SOM Admissions Review Committee, under the guidance of the UCSF Associate Dean for Admissions, will review each SJV PRIME+ student’s academic record, accomplishments, and activities listed in the AMCAS application before confirming the student’s acceptance to the UCSF SOM.
- Confirm intent to enroll and start medical school at UCSF by May of fourth year.
- Matriculate to UCSF SOM immediately following graduation from UC Merced with a Bachelor of Science.
Students who are unable to or decide not to matriculate into the UCSF School of Medicine (SOM):
- If a student does not meet SJV PRIME+ pathway requirements, the School of Medicine Readiness Committee (SRC) will outline a Remediation Plan to address any personal or academic issues. If the student does not meet the terms and expectations of the Remediation Plan, the student may be at risk of dismissal from SJV PRIME+.
- If the student does not declare an intent to enroll in the UCSF SOM through AMCAS by June 30th following their 3rd year, then their conditional acceptance and spot in SOM will be forfeited.
- Voluntary withdrawal may occur, for example, in the following circumstances:
- Student would like to attend a medical school other than UCSF SOM (Note: Students who wish to be considered for admission at other medical schools will work with UCM Pre-Health Advising to outline plans to take the MCAT)
- Student does not intend to return to the San Joaquin Valley to practice medicine
- Student wishes to pursue a different career path
