Academic Requirements and Criteria
To apply to the SJV Prime+ program, applicants must meet the minimum requirements below. To be competitive in the SJV Prime+ admission process, applicants should present an academic profile that is much stronger than any minimum UC admission requirements.
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Must enroll in one of the qualifying majors: Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or Public Health BS and associated track
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Maintain strong academic standing while at UC Merced
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Have a minimum overall UC GPA of 3.6 (Learn how to calculate your University of California GPA here.)
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Must meet the University of California admissions criteria and submit an application to UC Merced by November 20.
Suggested Coursework towards Pre-Med Academic Readiness
- Starting with the required minimum A-G coursework for UC eligibility, a student should attempt to take the highest level of math and science at their school.
- Reading and writing recommendations are related to college reading and comprehension, academic or research writing. Learn about the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement here.
- We encourage applicants to our BS to MD Program to demonstrate strong intellectual curiosity by actively seeking out learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. This could mean taking challenging courses, participating in volunteer or paid work that allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, engaging in independent research, or joining clubs and organizations that align with your intellectual interests, such as a science club, debate team, theater or community service group. Review our College/Pre-Med Readiness Preparation and Resources page to explore different options that may be available to you in person or online.
What We Consider
The SJV Prime+ review process utilizes a holistic review model which includes consideration of some of the following criteria:
- Applicants who are residents of and have deep ties to the San Joaquin Valley*
- Academic course rigor pursued in high school (especially in math and science)
- Demonstration of focus and dedication in an area of interest, extracurricular activity, and/or personal commitment
- Opportunities/experiences undertaken that have shaped the applicant’s experiences and insight into underserved medical care in the SJV
- Commitment to serving the population of the SJV through respectful interactions with different groups and organizations throughout the region
An Overview of the Application Process
1. Submit the UC Application (October 1 - November 20)
2. Complete the Supplemental Application (December 3)
3. Receive Letters of Recommendation (December 3)
4. Select Applicants for Interviews - (January)
How to Apply
STEP 1: UC APPLICATION
- Only regular on-time first year (freshman) applicants that apply directly to UC Merced will be reviewed for the BS to MD pathway.
- Start your Fall 2025 University of California application between October 1 - November 20, 2024.
- Select UC Merced on your UC application and one of the qualifying majors and tracks (Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemistry or Public Health BS) as your major. Students who only select an SJVP+ qualifying major as their alternate major will not be considered for the BS to MD pathway.
- Select the SJVP+ BS to MD Emphasis track in order to receive a link for submitting responses to the Supplemental Application as well as emails on important next steps
- Submit your UC application by November 20, 2024. This is earlier than the UC System-Wide deadline.
STEP 2: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
- Applicants will need to submit responses to the SJVP+ Supplemental Application questions by December 3, 2024.
- Applicants should receive an invitation to access their supplemental application 3-5 business days after they submit their University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission.
- Additionally, students will need to submit two names and email addresses of their Letters of Recommenders to complete the Supplemental Application.
- At least one (1) of your recommenders needs to be an instructor, preferably from a math or science course.
- You can review the supplemental application questions here.
STEP 3: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- Applicants will need to be sure their contacts have submitted the two Letters of Recommendation by December 3, 2024.
- The letters that will tell us the most about you, your contributions, and your potential are from math or science instructors who know you well. Letters that document evidence of extracurricular activities or other experiences related to science or healthcare are also of particular interest to the SJVP+ admissions committee.
- Character references and recommendations from family or friends are generally not useful.
