To fully understand how your application will be assessed, please first read carefully about the UCLA IMG Program curriculum and its different program levels (Program A, B, C, and D).
Applicants may apply to programs A, B, or C, depending on their level of preparation for, and experience with, the USMLE. Some applicants may have already registered to begin the ECFMG certification process and are studying to take USMLE Step 1; others may have already taken and passed one or more of the USMLE exams. Following are some of the factors we take into consideration when assessing your application. Please note that there are no guarantees implied in the following criteria, and that all cases for admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
It is preferable for applicants to have some evidence that they have begun preparing for the USMLE. This may include enrollment in a course of study such as Kaplan Medical or a web-based preparatory course. A passing score on any individual component of the USMLE Step 1 (anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, or behavioral sciences) will also be taken into consideration.
If you are applying to our program but have not yet taken any USMLE Step 1 exam, we strongly urge you NOT to take the exam until you have achieved NBME exam scores of 500+ on successive practice tests, or until after you have enrolled in the IMG Program. Any previous failure on any USMLE can severely impact one’s chances of being matched to a residency program in California.
All scores on previous USMLE exams will considered on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to any evidence of current preparation for the USMLE, applicants to both Program A and Program B will be required to take an appropriate level self-assessment examination administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Your scores on any NBME exams will be used to assess your program readiness.
Evidence of current enrollment in English as a Second Language courses will be considered. All applicants who advance to the interview stage will be assessed via interview for English language competency.
Any applicant must express their willingness and commitment to eventually practice medicine in under-resourced inner-urban or rural communities for the length of their contractual agreement with the Program.
