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BS to MD Frequently Asked Questions

RETURN TO BS TO MD HOMEPAGE

Program Curriculum

Will SJV PRIME+ students be able to study abroad?

The SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program curriculum does not currently factor in time to study abroad. Requests to study abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What medical specialties can students pursue?

Students in the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program can pursue any medical specialty

Do "doctoring skills" include EMT/allied health training (ex. Phlebotomy, IV placement)?

No, “doctoring skills” encompasses professional development and skills for patient/family interactions in the clinical setting.

Do students in the SJV PRIME BS/MD Program have to take the MCAT?

Students in the program are not required to take the MCAT. Acceptance into the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program includes conditional acceptance into the UCSF School of Medicine upon completion of pre-determined program milestones

What is a normal courseload like for SJVP+ scholar?

During the first two years of SJVP+, it is possible for students to be taking 18-20 units per semester, depending on intended, qualifying major. These course units are front loaded in the first two years to prepare students for research during junior and senior years. This courseload is intended to optimally prepare students to begin medical school. Below is a sample schedule first year schedule.

Bio 11 and BIO 11L – Intro to Molecular Bio w discussion and lab (5 units)

MATH 11 – Calculus 1 (4 units)

CHEM 2 and 2 22D– General Chem with discussion and lab (5 units)

Writing 10 – Medical writing course (4 units)

SPARK 10 – Health in the SJV (1 unit)

USTU 90 – Introduction to Medical Learning (1 unit)

Do we have to find our own community engagement, research and job shadowing?

The SJV PRIME+ community engagement team will work with students to coordinate site placements for both community engagement and experiential learning opportunities.

What is UC Merced’s Summer Edge Program? 

This non-credit online program is designed to prepare UC Merced students for college-level chemistry, computer science, math, and writing courses. Through a combination of asynchronous and live interactions with instructors, mentors, and other participants, you will build your academic skills, campus knowledge, and sense of belonging at UC Merced. 

Please visit the following link for more information: https://summeredge.ucmerced.edu/program-information-0  

Eligibility & Application Process

What can students do to strengthen their applications?

The SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program will consider:

  • Academic course rigor pursued in high school
  • 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
Are DACA and/or AB540 students eligible to apply for this program?

Yes

I completed an AA/AS through dual enrollment as a high school student, can I finish my BS degree early and start medical school sooner?

No. The projected entry into medical school with the UCSF School of Medicine conditional acceptance is after 4 years of the undergraduate program. Students completing BS requirements early may work with their academic advisor regarding additional degree goals (another major or minor).

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter this program?

No

Where do I submit my supplemental application?

After selecting a qualifying major with “SJV PRIME+, BS/MD” on the UC application, students will receive an email with directions about how to submit their SJV PRIME+ supplemental application. Supplemental applications questions are posted on the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program website

Will the SJVP+ Admissions Committee see my UC Application?

Yes, the SJV PRIME+ Admissions committee will see all application components: UC Application with the PIQs, Supplemental Application, Letters of Recommendation, and interview notes if the student is interviewed.

If an applicant is not admitted to the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program, can they reapply?

At this time, the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program is only accepting applications from applicants applying as incoming first year (freshman) students directly out of high school.

Cost

What is the estimated cost for this program?
  • For the undergraduate portion of the program, the cost will align with the current UC Merced cost of attendance: https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/cost-attendance (There is no additional cost associated with being an SJV PRIME+ B.S./M.D. student)
  • UCSF School of Medicine provides a world class education at a public institution. We continue to have some of the lowest costs of attendance in the system for medical schools. We continue to raise funds for scholarships to make medical school more affordable for families and students in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV).

Admissions

How many students will be accepted into the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Program each year?

The program currently admits 12 students per year.

If students are waitlisted, what is the process?

Students will be accepted from the waitlist until the cohort has been filled. Once the cohort has been filled, the remaining students on the waitlist will be notified.

What health professions resources are available at UC Merced?

UC Merced has a robust selection of health professions resources available to all enrolled students:

What does the interview process involve?

Interviews will take place on Zoom and be approximately 30 minutes long. There will be 4 questions and time for you to ask questions. The theme of the interview questions will be: commitment to the Valley and motivation to pursue medicine. Please dress business casual for the interview. If you need assistance finding a quiet space with reliable internet access for your interview, we can provide one for you.

Dual Enrollment or College Credit

Will my dual enrollment or AP courses count towards my degree or course completion?

UC Merced courses are highly rigorous and frequently exceed the difficulty of transferrable courses. Given that our students come from diverse academic backgrounds, it is essential for SJV PRIME+ students to experience this level of rigor to ensure their success in medical school. 

The SJV PRIME+ MedEd Core courses are required to be taken at UC Merced. Students with AP/College credits for a particular course (e.g., Calculus) may opt to repeat that course at UC Merced or select a higher-level course in that field (e.g., Multi-Variable Calculus, Linear Algebra). However, students may not use AP/College credits to be exempt from any MedEd Core or UC Merced required courses.

Transfer Unit Guidelines*: 
  • Transfer units can only count towards lower division courses (course number 90s and below); however, all transfer units can count towards the total graduation unit count (120 units) 
  • A student’s grade point average is computed on courses undertaken in the University of California, with the exception of courses undertaken in University Extension; therefore, transfer units taken outside of the University of California will not be factored into a student’s grade point average 

*These guidelines are specific to the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD program and may vary from other campus program protocols and policies