Your future career in medicine depends on the Pre Med school you choose to attend, and that’s why it’s important to pick the best one possible.
There are many pre med schools in California and sometimes we get confused in making the right choices.
To help you with your search, we’ve rounded up this list of the best pre med schools in California along with key facts about them.
Follow the links below to get more information on each school, including its admission requirements, tuition, financial aid opportunities, and contact information.
Before we show you these schools, you might want to check out some of our previous articles on different top schools in California and also we shall answer a few questions;
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What is a Pre Med School?
For the benefit of the doubt, we would want to remind you what a pre-med school really means and how to get into one of them.
A pre-med school is simply an educational institution that specializes in preparing students for medical school.
There are many different types of pre-med schools, but all share the common goal of helping students succeed in their future medical careers.
What are the advantages of attending Pre Med Colleges in California?
Pre-med students are those who have an interest in becoming doctors and are preparing to get into medical school by taking some of the required classes.
Some of the advantages students get by getting enrolled in the pre med institutions in California include;
Excellent and updated curriculum:
There are many renowned universities located in California, which offer excellent pre-med programs.
Modern facilities:
The state is home to a large number of medical facilities, which can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities for students.
Favorable weather and learning environment:
The weather in California is conducive to year-round outdoor activities, which can help students stay healthy and fit.
Moderate tuition fees and cost of living:
The cost of living and tuition rates in California are generally lower than in other parts of the country.
What are the requirements for Pre Med Colleges in California?
To get admitted into a pre-med school in California, you need to be eligible and possess some of the required documents below;
- Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, although some schools may require a higher GPA.
- Many pre-med programs also require students to complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Applicants should be proficient in basic subjects like; English, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
- Some schools also require students to complete shadowing or volunteering experiences.
What are the best Pre Med Schools in California?
Let us now review the schools in California with the best pre-med programs;
University of California San Diego
| Location | La Jolla, California. |
| National University Rank | 34 |
| Average MCAT score | 517 |
| Acceptance Rate | 36.6% |
| Tuition | $35,311 |
| Private/Public | Public |
The University of California San Diego is one of the top medical colleges in California.
The school has a world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence in research and patient care.
UCSD offers a variety of Pre Med programs that will interest you.
Contact details:
Address: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
Phone: +1 858-534-2230.
University of California Santa Barbara
| Location | Santa Barbara, California. |
| National University Rank | 28 |
| Average MCAT score | 510 |
| Acceptance Rate | 36.7% |
| Tuition | $36,949 |
| Private/Public | Public |
Located in the scenic town of Santa Barbara, UC Santa Barbara is one of the pre med schools in California.
The school offers a variety of Pre Med programs, including a pre-health professions program and a post-baccalaureate program.
UC Santa Barbara also has a strong research program, with over $200 million in research funding annually.
Contact details:
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States.
Phone: +1 805-893-8000.
University of California Los Angeles
| Location | Los Angeles, California. |
| National University Rank | 20 |
| Average MCAT score | 516 |
| Acceptance Rate | 14% |
| Tuition | $36,787 |
| Private/Public | Public |
The University of California Los Angeles is one of the top medical colleges in California, located in Los Angeles, UCLA is close to many hospitals and research facilities.
The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a pre-med program.
The University of California Los Angeles is also one of the hardest medical schools in California to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 14% according to US News of World Report.
The University of California Los Angeles also has a strong research program that is heavily funded annually.
Contact details:
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
Phone: +1 310-825-4321.
University of California – Berkeley
| Location | Berkeley, California. |
| National University Rank | 22 |
| Average MCAT score | 510 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17.5% |
| Tuition | $41,528 |
| Private/Public | Public |
The University of California – Berkeley is one of the most popular Pre Med institutions in California.
The school has a long tradition of excellence and offers a rigorous curriculum, UC Berkeley is also a great place to network and build connections.
Contact details:
Address: Berkeley, CA, United States.
Phone: +1 510-642-6000.
University of California Davis
| Location | Davis, California. |
| National University Rank | 38 |
| Average MCAT score | 510 |
| Acceptance Rate | 46.4% |
| Tuition | $37,651 |
| Private/Public | Public |
The University of California Davis is one of the top Pre Med institutions in California. It’s a large public university with over 31,000 students.
The school has a strong reputation for its research and academics, and it is also a great choice for students who want to be close to a major city.
The school offers a variety of Pre Med programs, including a BS/MD program with St. George’s University.
Contact details:
Address: 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
Phone: +1 530-752-1011.
University of Southern California
| Location | Los Angeles, California. |
| National University Rank | 27 |
| Average MCAT score | 517 |
| Acceptance Rate | 16.1% |
| Tuition | $80,151 |
| Private/Public | Public |
The University of Southern California is one of the best Pre Med institutions in California with over 16,000 undergraduate students.
Located in Los Angeles, this private research university has a long-standing reputation for excellence.
USC offers a comprehensive Pre Med program that includes coursework, clinical experience, and research opportunities.
The program is also flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and goals.
USC’s Pre Med graduates are highly sought-after by medical schools and residency programs, making it one of the best choices for aspiring doctors.
Contact details:
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States.
Phone: +1 213-740-2311.
Occidental College
| Location | Los Angeles, California. |
| National University Rank | 42 |
| Average SAT score | 1370 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40.9% |
| Tuition | $75,916 |
| Private/Public | Public |
Located in Los Angeles, Occidental College is a top-ranked school for pre-med students.
The school has a strong focus on the liberal arts and sciences, which gives students a well-rounded education.
Additionally, the school offers unique opportunities, such as research programs and study abroad options.
Occidental College also has a low student-to-faculty ratio, which means that students have more one-on-one time with their professors.
Contact details:
Address: 1600 Campus Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90041, United States.
Phone: +1 323-259-2500.
California Institute of Technology
| Location | Pasadena, California. |
| National University Rank | 9 |
| Average SAT score | 1545 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% |
| Tuition | $77,718 |
| Private/Public | Private |
Located in Pasadena, the California Institute of Technology is a private research university that offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.
The school’s small size (around 900 students total) allows for personalized attention from faculty.
Students interested in pre-med can take advantage of the school’s close relationship with the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Contact details:
Address: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States.
Phone: +1 626-395-6811.
Santa Clara University
| Location | Santa Clara, California. |
| National University Rank | 55 |
| Average MCAT score | 500 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50.7% |
| Tuition | $72,984 |
| Private/Public | Private |
If you’re looking for a Pre Med college in California, Santa Clara University should be at the top of your list.
Located in the heart of Santa Clara, this Jesuit university offers a rigorous curriculum that will prepare you for medical school and beyond.
Plus, with a student size of 5600, you’ll get the individualized attention you need to succeed.
And if you’re looking for extracurricular opportunities, Santa Clara has plenty to offer, from clubs and organizations to research opportunities.
Contact details:
Address: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, United States.
Phone: +1 408-554-4000.
Claremont-McKenna College
| Location | Claremont, California. |
| National University Rank | 8 |
| Average SAT score | 1410 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13.3% |
| Tuition |
$76,475
|
| Private/Public | Private |
Founded in 1946, Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, it became coeducational in 1976.
The school is known for its strong programs in economics, government, and public policy.
CMC is also one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges for pre-med students.
Contact details:
Address: 888 N Columbia Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States.
Phone: +1 909-621-8000.
Pepperdine University
| Location | Malibu, California. |
| National University Rank | 49 |
| Average MCAT score | 512 |
| Acceptance Rate | 41.9% |
| Tuition | $77,912 |
| Private/Public | Private |
As one of the best pre med schools in California, Pepperdine University offers students a comprehensive education that will prepare them for a successful career in medicine.
Pepperdine University also provides students with opportunities to gain real-world experience through clinical rotations and research opportunities.
Contact details:
Address: 24255 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263, United States.
Phone: +1 310-506-4000.
Pomona College
| Location | Claremont, California. |
| National University Rank | 4 |
| Average SAT score | 770 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6.5% |
| Tuition | $75,094 |
| Private/Public | Private |
Pomona College is a top-tier school with a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of just 6.5%.
Pomona offers a major in biochemistry, which is perfect for students interested in pre-med.
The college also has a strong focus on research, and students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on projects.
Contact details:
Address: 333 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711, United States.
Phone: +1 909-621-8000.
Chapman University
| Location | Orange, California. |
| National University Rank | 122 |
| Average MCAT score | 518 |
| Acceptance Rate | 58.3% |
| Tuition | $78,272 |
| Private/Public | Private |
Chapman University’s School of Medicine provides a world-class education to aspiring physicians in the center of Orange County.
Chapman is the largest, most diverse university in the region, and there are several medical specialties for students to choose from, including family medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Chapman University also holds a strong commitment to research, with opportunities for students to work on groundbreaking projects.
The school’s location makes it possible for students to partake in many cultural and recreational opportunities.
Contact details:
Address: 1 University Dr, Orange, CA 92866, United States.
Phone: +1 714-997-6815.
California State Fullerton
| Location | Fullerton, California. |
| National University Rank | 19 |
| Average SAT score | 1040 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67.6% |
| Tuition | %28,715 |
| Private/Public | Public |
California State Fullerton is one of the best pre med institutions in California, offering a well-rounded curriculum to help students succeed in medical school and beyond.
This school is located in the heart of Fullerton, and has a long history of producing excellent doctors.
The school offers a bachelor’s degree in science with a concentration in pre-medicine, as well as a minor in medical studies.
Contact details:
Address: 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831, United States.
Phone: +1 657-278-2011.
Harvey Mudd College
| Location | Claremont, California. |
| National University Rank | 28 |
| Average SAT score | 1560 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18% |
| Tuition | $58,660 |
| Private/Public | Private |
Harvey Mudd College is a small private university with an undergraduate student enrollment of 902 as of 2021, it is also one of the highly ranked medical schools in California.
It’s located in Claremont, California, which means students have access to excellent clinical rotations and research opportunities.
Harvey Mudd College is an excellent choice for California residents who want to pursue a career in medicine as they offer pre-medical programs to their students.
Contact details:
Phone: +1 909-621-8011.
Stanford University
| Location | Stanford, California. |
| National University Rank | 6 |
| Average MCAT score | 520 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5.2% |
| Tuition | $56,169 |
| Private/Public | Private |
Located in Stanford, CA, this private research university was founded in 1885 and is one of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions.
The school enrolls over 7,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
For pre-med students, Stanford offers a major in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Premedical Studies.
Contact details:
Address: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
Phone: +1 650-723-2300.
Pre Med Schools in California | FAQs
What is the Easiest Pre-Med School in California?
Based on the data above, the California State Fullerton is the easiest pre-med school in California with the highest acceptance rate of 67.6%.
What is the Hardest Pre-Med School in California?
The hardest pre-med school in California is Stanford University with just a 5.2% acceptance rate.
How long is a Pre Med school in California?
Pre-med students in California can spend about 2-3 years doing pre-clinical works.
How Much is a Pre-Med School in California?
The tuition fee for the pre med schools in California varies according to the school, it can be anywhere from $20,000-70,000.
How much does a medical doctor make a year in California?
The average salary for doctors in California is around $150000 per year.
References
- University of California San Diego
- University of California Santa Barbara
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of California – Berkeley
- University of California Davis
- University of Southern California
- Occidental College
- California Institute of Technology
- Santa Clara University
- Claremont-McKenna College
- Pepperdine University
- Pomona College
- Chapman University
- California State Fullerton
- Harvey Mudd College
- Stanford University
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Conclusion
Overall, becoming a doctor is an uphill battle no matter which school you attend.
However, if you want to increase your chances of getting into a top residency program and becoming a successful doctor, then attending one of these schools may be the best option for you.
Good luck in your career, and if you have any suggestions, contact us.
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