How To Get Into California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine - Advice from Cracking Med School Admissions

How to Get Into California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM)

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) stands out as a medical school deeply rooted in its mission to address health disparities and improve healthcare access in the underserved communities of San Bernardino County and beyond. CUSM values compassion and a commitment to health equity, emphasizing the importance of training future physicians who understand the social determinants of health. Located in a region with significant healthcare challenges, including high rates of chronic illness and limited access to care, CUSM provides students with hands-on opportunities to work with diverse and vulnerable populations early in their medical education. The school’s modern curriculum integrates community engagement, clinical exposure, and cultural competence, equipping students to make a tangible impact on the lives of patients in underserved areas. For those passionate about reducing healthcare inequities and practicing patient-centered medicine, CUSM offers a transformative and purpose-driven medical education.

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team gets people accepted to CUSM. We can help you get accepted! Contact us today.

Why Choose California University of Science and Medicine?
  • Mission driven school. The California University Science and Medicine Mission Statement is: “The California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) aims to advance the art and science of medicine through innovative medical education, research, and compassionate healthcare delivery in an inclusive environment that advocates critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and professionalism.”
  • Serves diverse California population, including the underserved.
  • Good work/life balance.
  • Lots of professional development and support for CUSM med students.
  • Southern California location.

Applications

The California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) secondary application features comprehensive essay prompts that require careful thought and strong storytelling. To stand out, highlight your dedication to CUSM’s mission of advancing community-focused, socially accountable healthcare through service and innovation. If you’re wondering how to get into California University of Science and Medicine, researching its curriculum and unique emphasis on serving underserved populations will help you craft compelling, tailored responses. Given the depth of the essays, take the time to write well-structured, thoughtful answers that showcase your alignment with CUSM’s values and commitment to patient-centered care.

How to get into California University of Science and Medicine – know the school’s mission (we stated it above) and incorporate that into your California University of Science and Medicine secondary application essays!

How To Get Into California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine - Advice from Cracking Med School Admissions

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Secondary Application Essay Prompts:

1. Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? (150 words max)

2. Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? (150 words max)

3. Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person? (150 words max)

4. What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? (150 words max)

5. If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? (150 words max)

6. If you were enrolled in fewer than 12 units/credits for more than 1 semester/2 quarters during your undergraduate education, please provide a brief explanation below. (If not applicable, please enter N/A in the box below) (150 words max)

 

Contact Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta if you need any help brainstorming or editing your CUSM secondary application essays!

Need Help With Your California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Secondary Essays?

Get the Cracking Med School Admissions team’s expertise through our secondary essay editing packages. If you have questions, email us at info@crackingmedadmissions.com or contact us.

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM)
Interview Format

How to get into California University of Science and Medicine – ace the Kira interview!

Kira is like an interview in which you record your answers to a computer screen. Typically, all medical school applicants will get questions from the same basket of questions. 

Here are some sample kira interview California university of science and medicine questions:

  • Why do you want to attend CUSM, and how does its mission align with your goals?
  • What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how have your experiences prepared you for medical school?
  • Describe a time when you had to demonstrate resilience in the face of a challenge. How did you overcome it?
  • You witness a peer behaving unethically in a clinical setting. How would you handle the situation?
  • Imagine you are working with a team where members disagree on the best course of action for a patient. How would you facilitate collaboration and ensure the best outcome?
  • A patient refuses treatment due to cultural or personal beliefs. How would you approach the situation as a healthcare provider?
  • Tell us about a time when you worked with a diverse group of people. How did you ensure everyone’s perspective was heard?
  • Share an example of a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership in a difficult situation.
  • CUSM is committed to serving underserved communities. How have your experiences prepared you to contribute to this mission?

To ace your traditional interview, you need to know how to answer common medical school interview questions. It’s important to practice, practice, practice.

Cracking Med Resources for Interviews:

Contact us if you want to schedule a mock interview with our Cracking Med School Admissions team! Take a look at our interview packages.

download your interview guide

If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.

Med School Admissions Interview Guide eBook Cover
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California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Acceptance Rate

Applied
7221
Interviewed
800
Accepted
0
Admit Rate
0

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Admissions Statistics:

  • California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Average GPA: unavailable
  • California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Average MCAT: unavailable

How did California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) students do on their COMLEX exams? 

  • Average California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Level 1 Score:unavailable
  • Average Average California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE Score: unavailable
  • Average Average California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) COMLEX-USA Level 2 PE Score: unavailable
  • Average California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) COMLEX-USA Level 3 Score: unavailable

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Dr. Rachel Rizal

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people's lives

Undergraduate
Princeton University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships
Fulbright Scholar
USA Today Academic First Team
Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, MD, MSc, MA

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools

Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships
Marshall Scholar
Tylenol Scholarship
Global Health Scholar

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team
helps students get accepted to top medical schools.
We can help you get accepted!

Contact us today.

The Insider's View On CUSM's
Pre-Clinical Years

How to Get Into California University of Science and Medicine Tip – Know the Curriculum

CUSM Curriculum: Overview
At CUSM the first and second year curriculum covers 18 required courses focused on foundations, systems, longitudinal clinical skills, professional development, and board preparation. CUSM medical students learn from a flipped classroom approach. During the third and fourth year students complete clinical clerkships and sub-internships.

Check out CUSM’s Curriculum!

Pre-Clinical Years:
As CUSM medical student, you spend your first year and beginning of your second year completing pre-clerkship courses covering the Scientific Foundations of Medicine, Musculoskeletal and Skin, Blood and Urinary Systems, Respiratory and Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal System, Reproductive System, and Nervous System.

During the pre-clinical years, CUSM Medical School is Pass/Fail.

How to get into CUSM – Know Unique Characteristics
Unique highlights:

  • Spanish for Healthcare Professionals offered to students of any Spanish level to provide care for local Inland Empire community
  • Offers College Colloquium which occurs every week and is designed to promote student understanding of ethics, public health, and health systems

What students are saying about California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM)

The Insiders View On CUSM's
Clinical Years

How to get into California University of Science and Medicine – know the curriculum and how it relates to CUSM’s mission statement.

CUSM Clinical Curriculum:

Around January of your second year, you have the opportunity to choose to begin your required clerkships or take a 6-month block called the Professional Development block to prepare for board exams and scholarly projects. You will continue completing your required clerkships and professional development block up until the end of your third year.

Grading: During the clinical years at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine, the grading system transitions from pass/fail to a tiered system. Students are typically assessed using categories such as Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail for their clinical rotations.

The following are the required clerkships that third year students participate in:

  • Surgery (4 weeks)
  • Medicine (4 weeks)
  • Pediatrics (3 weeks)
  • Ob/Gyn (3 weeks)
  • Family Medicine (3 weeks)
  • Psychiatry (3 weeks)
  • Neurology or Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)

Fourth year students begin the transition to independent practice where they are required to participate in a sub-internship, radiology/imaging, electives, and professional development.

Other highlights:

  • Professional Development block designed to prepare students for their STEP exams and amp up research/scholarly interests

Common clinical rotation sites:

  • Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
  • St. Bernardine’s Medical Center
  • Temecula Valley Hospital
  • Rancho Springs Medical Center
  • Inland Valley Medical Center
  • Chino Valley Medical Center
  • Desert Valley Hospital
  • San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
  • Walter Reed Hospital
  • Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  • Montclair Hospital Medical Center

What Students are Saying about California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM)

Housing & Social

Housing:

  • Housing for students at California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) is both convenient and affordable, with many students choosing to live in nearby areas such as Colton, Loma Linda, or San Bernardino. These neighborhoods offer a variety of housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Social Life:

    • The social life at California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) is built around a supportive and close-knit community of students who share a common passion for medicine and service. With small class sizes, students quickly form strong bonds through study groups, student organizations, and campus events.
    • The school’s location in San Bernardino provides access to a variety of local activities, from hiking in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains to exploring cultural spots and restaurants in neighboring Redlands and Riverside. Additionally, CUSM emphasizes wellness and balance, offering opportunities for community engagement and peer connection through service initiatives and social gatherings, creating a well-rounded and fulfilling medical school experience.

financing

CUSM students can work with the CUSM financial aid office to find outside scholarships, loan options, and financial aid solutions.

Tuition Medical School Tuition and Fees: ~$63,500

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