Application Process - FAQs

What is your application deadline?

October 15.  We start reviewing applications on September 29. 

When do you interview?

Selected dates in November 2023 to January 2024.

Can I apply to multiple tracks (Categorical and Primary Care)?

Yes, we consider your application to each track separately. You can apply to all 3 if you are interested in all of them (Categorical, UCPC-GIM, SFPC).

What are my chances of getting into the program?

The UCSF Medicine Residency is a highly competitive program. We receive approximately 3000 applications for our 64 PGY-1 positions in our categorical and primary care programs. We are unable to determine a candidate's "chances" of getting in the program. Only completed applications with required supporting documents will be reviewed and evaluated by the selection committee.

What are your USMLE score requirements?

There are no minimum USMLE score requirements for application to the program. Candidates must have passed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 on the first attempt.

Does your program require passing USMLE step 2?

UCSF now requires applicants to have passed the Clinical Knowledge Step 2 by February 15 in order to be ranked by our program.

Does your program participate in signaling?

Yes, we are participating in the ERAS Geographic and Program Signaling.

Do you accept applications from international medical graduates (IMGs); also sometimes referred to as foreign medical graduates (FMGs)?

Yes.

If I completed medical school over 2 years ago, should I apply to the program? 

The internal residency program does not filter out applications based on year of graduation. However, the majority of our interns start residency right after medical school graduation. The program would be very interested in knowing what you have done since your graduation. Please address this in your application.

Does your program require U.S. clinical experience for international medical graduates?

U.S. clinical experience is not required. However, applicants who graduated from medical school more than 2 years ago, must have patient-related clinical experience within the last 2 years from the date of application. Please note observational rotations do not qualify as clinical experience.

When do I need to submit my California Medical Letter (International medical graduates only)?

Starting on January 1, 2020, the California Letter or PTAL (Post Graduate Training Authorization Letter), will no longer be required for applying to programs starting after this date.  If you are applying to begin residency in 2020, no PTAL is needed.

Do you sponsor the H1B1 visa?

We do sponsor H-1B visas, on a limited basis.  If you were to match in our program, we would need you to have an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) or an OPT (Optional Practical Training) document in order to begin residency.  During your intern year, we would apply for an H-1B visa to carry you through the end of residency.

Feel free to peruse our ISSO (International Student and Scholars Office) website for more information.