Interviews

**All MSTP interviews are conducted virtually for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle** 

Approximately 75 applicants are selected to interview for admission to the UCLA-Caltech MSTP. All applicants to the MSTP are also separately evaluated by the DGSOM. Those who are not selected for the MSTP, your application will be evaluated for “MD only” admission by the DGSOM Admissions Committee, but only if you have indicated in your secondary application you wish to also be considered for MD only admission if not accepted to the MSTP. Based on post-MD screening results, the applicant may be invited to participate in the MMI for consideration to the MD program.

A small subset of candidates invited to interview at UCLA will be offered the option of combining their UCLA interview with an interview for one of two positions each year in the Caltech component of the UCLA-Caltech MSTP. These candidates will be selected from the pool of applicants who indicated on their Supplemental Application that they are interested in performing their PhD research at either “UCLA or Caltech.” Applicants are selected for Caltech interviews based primarily on the extent to which their research interests would benefit from the unique strengths of Caltech and the unique interests of Caltech faculty. Applicants who expressed an interest in performing their PhD research at “UCLA or Caltech” will be given full consideration for admission to the UCLA component of the MSTP if they cannot be considered for a Caltech interview. Only a limited number of Caltech interview slots are available each year.

Before You Arrive

Prior to the interview visit, applicants will be asked by the MSTP Administrative Office to provide important information that will assist the office in scheduling the interview day at UCLA and at UCLA/Caltech for those invited to interview at Caltech. Of particular importance, applicants will be asked to send a list of faculty at UCLA whose research fits their area of interest. Although applicants provide a list of potential faculty mentors on their supplemental application, many applicants wish to send a modified list prior to the interview. Applicants offered Caltech interviews will also be asked to provide a list of Caltech faculty. These lists must be submitted well in advance of the interview date to allow sufficient time for scheduling. Failure to respond to requests for information in a timely manner may lead to withdrawal of the interview offer.

What to Expect

There is an unofficial social gathering hosted by current UCLA MSTP student for applicants who arrive early to the Westwood area the evening prior to the interview date. Please note that attendance to the social meeting is optional and NOT mandatory. A student host will contact interviewing candidates as each interview date approaches.

During the visit, applicants will first meet as a group at 8:15 AM for a 90-minute orientation session. At this session, the MSTP Directors and other UCLA faculty members will describe the medical school curriculum, graduate programs and organization of the MSTP and David Geffen School of Medicine. Applicants will also be introduced to two or three of the most exciting areas of research emphasis at UCLA. In most instances, each applicant will then participate in four or five individual interviews, including one of the MSTP Directors, with at least one additional member of the MSTP Admissions Committee, and with faculty whose research may be of interest to the applicant. An effort will be made to schedule interviews with appropriate faculty from the lists provided by the applicant. However, meetings with requested faculty cannot be guaranteed because of travel, teaching conflicts, etc.  

Over lunch and dinner, applicants will meet with current students in a relaxed setting, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions about the atmosphere of the program, the quality and character of life at UCLA, and any other issues that may not have been addressed over the course of the day. After lunch, applicants will have an opportunity to participate in a student-led tour of the UCLA campus and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. UCLA and Caltech interview days conclude with dinner hosted by current students in the program.

Where to Stay (in-person visit)

The UCLA MSTP does not cover the cost of incurred expenses for the initial interview. However, the program does provide accommodations for interviewing applicants who are traveling more than 50 miles one-way for the interview.

Alternatively, here is a list of nearby hotels.  

Tiverton House
Royal Palace Westwood
Claremont Hotel Westwood
Hotel Palomar
W Hotel on Hilgard
Hotel Angelino

Questions

For more information, please visit the Admissions FAQ page of this website or send an email to mstp@mednet.ucla.edu