Learn about applying
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program is committed to building and sustaining a diverse academic community of faculty, staff, and learners. We aim to attract and admit culturally and cognitively diverse learners with the potential for clinical excellence, whose interests align with the mission, vision, and core values of the program. The program is dedicated to a holistic admissions process that considers the lived experiences, attributes, and academic achievements of each applicant, recognizing their unique potential to serve as future clinicians.
In accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, the University of California San Diego does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy,1 physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services.2,3 This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. The University of California San Diego recognizes its obligation to provide program accessibility (as described in Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) for persons with disabilities.
1 Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.
2 Service in the uniformed services includes membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.
3 State and federal funding programs may require the program to recruit individuals who are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented populations, military veterans, and those from rural backgrounds.
Secondary Application
The Secondary Application for the 2024-2025 application cycle has opened and will close on August 1, 2024 at 11:59 EST. Payment of the Secondary Application fee through a payment portal is required to receive the link to the Secondary Application. Applicants who submit a Secondary Application without payment will not be processed. The hyperlink to the Secondary Application will appear in the email receipt sent after payment has been completed. Applicants should keep a copy of their receipt for their records should the program not be able to confirm payment was made prior to the August 1 deadline. Completion of the CASPA application and the applicant’s CASPA number are required for submission of the Secondary Application.
Secondary Application Fee Waiver
Applicants who have received a CASPA fee waiver may have their UC San Diego Secondary Application fee waived. Proof of CASPA fee waiver is required in the Secondary Application via document upload. Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should NOT pay the Secondary Application fee on this page and instead, go to https://bit.ly/ucsdpae_secondarywaiver and complete the Secondary Applicant Fee Waiver form. The application link will be sent directly by email to applicants who qualify for the waiver.
Refunds
The Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program will not refund Secondary Application fees due to CASPA-related issues (e.g., non-verification, late-verification, and non-completion), or any expenses incurred by applicants during the application and/or interview process, regardless of accreditation status.