UCSF Acceptance Rate 2026: No Undergrad SAT Rate, MD 1.6% Matriculation, PharmD, DDS & GPA Guide
Direct answer: UCSF is not a traditional undergraduate university. It only offers graduate and professional degrees, so there is no freshman SAT/ACT acceptance rate. UCSF acceptance rates must be read by program: MD, PharmD, DDS, MSTP, graduate programs, nursing and other health-science pathways.
The most searched UCSF number is usually the medical school rate. UCSF School of Medicine reported 10,300 applications, 584 interviews and 161 matriculants for Fall 2025. That means a 5.7% interview rate and 1.6% matriculation rate from applicants.
This guide gives the useful answers quickly: why SAT does not apply, which UCSF acceptance rate matters, GPA/MCAT/DAT expectations, PharmD and DDS class profile data, graduate GPA minimums, application steps, mistakes and official links.
UCSF does not run a normal freshman undergraduate admissions process.
161 matriculants from 10,300 MD applications in Fall 2025 data.
UCSF PharmD says it accepts 127 students from about 500 applicants.
Average cumulative GPA in UCSF DDS Class of 2029 profile.
Quick navigation for UCSF applicants
UCSF acceptance rate 2026: the right numbers to use
| Program / search intent | Official-data answer | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| UCSF undergraduate acceptance rate | Not applicable. UCSF has no normal undergraduate freshman population. | Do not compare UCSF with UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD or other UC undergraduate campuses. |
| UCSF MD program | 10,300 applications; 584 interviewed; 161 matriculated. | About 5.7% interviewed and 1.6% matriculated from the applicant pool. |
| UCSF PharmD | Accepts 127 students from about 500 applicants. | Roughly 25% planning estimate, but applicant pool quality changes yearly. |
| UCSF DDS | Class profile published; acceptance rate not clearly shown on the public class profile. | Use GPA and DAT profile to judge competitiveness instead of guessing a rate. |
| UCSF MSTP | 761 AMCAS applications; 57 interviewed; 13 matriculated. | Very selective physician-scientist pathway with about 1.7% matriculation from AMCAS applications. |
| UCSF IDP dental pathway | 857 applicants; 84 interviewees; 20 accepted. | International Dentist Pathway acceptance was 2.3% of applicants and 23.8% of interviewees. |
| UCSF Graduate Division | Admissions handled by individual programs. | Do not use one UCSF graduate acceptance rate; check the specific PhD, MS, DNP or certificate program. |
Does UCSF use SAT or ACT? No — use the right test
| Test | Does UCSF use it? | Where it matters |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | No normal UCSF use for freshman admission. | UCSF does not admit traditional undergraduate freshmen. |
| ACT | No normal UCSF use for freshman admission. | Not part of UCSF graduate/professional admissions in the usual way. |
| MCAT | Required for MD applicants. | UCSF says the MCAT is required and should be within the required time window. |
| DAT | Required for DDS applicants. | DDS Class of 2029 profile shows DAT Academic Average range 18–28, average 23.1. |
| PCAT | Not required for PharmD. | UCSF PharmD lists no PCAT required. |
| GRE | Mostly not required by many UCSF graduate programs. | Graduate Division says most programs stopped requiring GRE beginning with the 2019 cycle, but applicants must check the specific program. |
| TOEFL / IELTS | Required for some international applicants. | Graduate Division lists TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic minimums for English proficiency where applicable. |
UCSF GPA expectations by program
Graduate Division
Minimum eligibility: bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least a 3.0 GPA. Some programs may require a master’s degree or extra requirements.
PharmD
Minimum GPA: 2.80 cumulative undergraduate GPA as calculated by PharmCAS. Summer 2025 average cumulative GPA was 3.50.
DDS
Class of 2029: cumulative GPA 3.11–4.00, average 3.78; science GPA 2.87–4.00, average 3.72.
MSTP
Entering 2025: average GPA 3.91, range 3.78–4.00; MCAT average was 95th percentile.
| Program | GPA / score data | Applicant takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| MD | No simple public minimum GPA cutoff shown on UCSF’s MD admissions data page. | Strong science preparation, MCAT readiness and mission fit matter; avoid relying on GPA alone. |
| MSTP | Average GPA 3.91; GPA range 3.78–4.00; MCAT 84th to 100th percentile range. | Physician-scientist applicants need exceptional academics plus serious research readiness. |
| PharmD | Minimum cumulative GPA 2.80; average cumulative GPA 3.50; average science GPA 3.38. | Meeting the minimum is eligibility, not competitiveness. Health-care, leadership and service can help. |
| DDS | Average cumulative GPA 3.78; average science GPA 3.72; DAT Academic Average 23.1. | Dental applicants should be strong in both GPA and DAT, with evidence of dental fit. |
| IDP DDS | Dental school GPA 3.29–4.0, average 3.78; TOEFL average 101.2. | International dentist applicants face a very competitive pathway with limited seats. |
| Graduate Division | Minimum 3.0 GPA for eligibility; program-specific review varies. | Research fit, letters, statement, experience and faculty/program match often matter heavily. |
UCSF admissions by program: what applicants should focus on
| Pathway | Main application focus | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| School of Medicine MD | AMCAS, MCAT, prerequisites, clinical/service mission, secondary application, interview. | Confirm biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics requirements before submitting. |
| MSTP MD/PhD | Research record, MD readiness, MCAT, science GPA, physician-scientist fit. | Show sustained research productivity and why MD/PhD training is necessary. |
| PharmD | PharmCAS GPA, prerequisites, leadership, health-care experience, service, interview fit. | Use UCSF’s minimum GPA and facts profile to decide whether your file is ready. |
| DDS | AADSAS, DAT, GPA, dental experience, service, holistic review, manual skills/fit. | Compare your GPA and DAT with the Class of 2029 profile before applying. |
| IDP DDS | International dental degree, TOEFL, dental school GPA, limited seats, interview. | Treat this as a very selective pathway; acceptance was 20 from 857 applicants in the profile. |
| Graduate Division PhD/MS | Program-specific review, research fit, GPA, statements, references, English proof if required. | Apply to only one UCSF graduate program per application cycle/year unless the program states otherwise. |
Key UCSF requirements applicants should not miss
| Requirement | Where it applies | Applicant warning |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Graduate Division and MD applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation before entry. | UCSF is not the place to apply as a normal freshman undergraduate. |
| MD prerequisites | Biology with lab, chemistry including organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry and physics. | Complete required coursework by June of the year of entry. |
| MCAT timing | MD applicants. | For 2026 submission, UCSF says it accepts scores released from Jan. 1, 2024 through Sept. 13, 2026. |
| Citizenship / status | MD applicants. | UCSF says MD applications are considered from U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents and applicants with DACA. |
| PharmD GPA minimum | PharmD applicants. | 2.80 cumulative undergraduate GPA by PharmCAS is the minimum; competitiveness is higher. |
| DDS DAT | DDS applicants. | Class profile shows strong DAT averages; do not apply with a weak DAT without a plan. |
| English proficiency | International graduate applicants where required. | Graduate Division lists TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic minimums; check program rules early. |
| GRE | Graduate programs. | Most UCSF graduate programs do not require GRE, but each program controls its own requirements. |
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How to apply to UCSF: scan-first checklist
Common mistakes that hurt UCSF applicants
- Searching for UCSF SAT scores: UCSF does not have normal freshman undergraduate admissions.
- Using one acceptance rate: MD, PharmD, DDS, MSTP and graduate programs are different pathways.
- Confusing matriculation with acceptance: UCSF MD publishes matriculated count, not a simple admit count on the admissions data page.
- Applying MD without current MCAT timing: MCAT scores must meet UCSF’s timing window.
- Ignoring prerequisites: Required science courses must be finished by the stated timeline.
- Applying PharmD at the minimum GPA only: 2.80 is eligibility; the entering class average was higher.
- Applying DDS without DAT context: The DDS class profile shows strong DAT averages.
- Writing prestige-only essays: UCSF wants program fit, mission fit and evidence.
- Assuming California residency always helps: Some pathways recruit nationally or do not use residency the way applicants expect.
- Missing program-specific instructions: UCSF admissions are handled by the individual school or program.
Official UCSF links and sources
The useful facts are summarized inside the article. Use these official UCSF pages for final verification before applying.
Confirms UCSF only offers graduate degrees and has no undergraduate student population.
Official applications, interviewed and matriculated data for Fall 2025.
Official MD coursework, MCAT timing and eligibility details.
Official PharmD GPA profile and entering class facts.
Minimum GPA, no PCAT, prerequisites and application process.
Official DDS GPA and DAT profile for the Class of 2029.
Graduate eligibility, bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA requirement.
Official MD/PhD applicant, interview, matriculation, GPA and MCAT percentile profile.
FAQs about UCSF acceptance rate 2026
What is the UCSF acceptance rate for 2026?
UCSF does not have one undergraduate acceptance rate because it only offers graduate and professional degrees. Use program-specific numbers such as MD, PharmD, DDS, MSTP or Graduate Division data.
Does UCSF have undergraduate admissions?
No. UCSF is a graduate and professional health-sciences university. Students usually complete college-level preparation elsewhere before applying to UCSF.
Does UCSF require SAT or ACT?
No normal UCSF admission pathway uses SAT or ACT for freshman admission because UCSF does not admit traditional undergraduate freshmen. MCAT, DAT or program-specific tests matter instead.
What is the UCSF medical school acceptance rate?
UCSF School of Medicine Fall 2025 data shows 10,300 applications, 584 interviewed applicants and 161 matriculants. That is a 5.7% interview rate and 1.6% matriculation rate from applicants.
What GPA do you need for UCSF medical school?
UCSF School of Medicine does not publish one simple GPA cutoff. Applicants need strong science readiness, required coursework, MCAT scores and mission fit. The UCSF MSTP entering 2025 class had an average GPA of 3.91.
Does UCSF require the MCAT?
Yes. UCSF School of Medicine requires the MCAT for consideration and expects scores within its stated timing window.
What is the UCSF PharmD acceptance rate?
UCSF PharmD says it accepts 127 students from about 500 applicants each year, which is roughly a 25% planning estimate.
What GPA do you need for UCSF PharmD?
UCSF PharmD requires a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.80 as calculated by PharmCAS. The summer 2025 entering class average cumulative GPA was 3.50.
What GPA and DAT do you need for UCSF dental school?
UCSF DDS Class of 2029 profile reports average cumulative GPA of 3.78, average science GPA of 3.72 and average DAT Academic Average of 23.1.
How can I improve my UCSF application?
Choose the right UCSF program, complete prerequisites, keep GPA strong, take the correct test if required, build clinical or research fit, write specific essays, secure strong references and track program deadlines carefully.