UCSF Dental School Acceptance Rate

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry is one of the leading dental schools in the United States. Known for its rigorous academic program and high standards, the school attracts thousands of applicants each year. However, gaining admission is no easy feat, as the acceptance rate is relatively low compared to other dental schools.

What is the Acceptance Rate in UCSF Dental School?

The acceptance rate at UCSF Dental School is a crucial factor to consider when applying. This rate is the percentage of applicants who are offered admission. It is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the total number of applicants. The lower the acceptance rate, the more competitive the school is.

As of the most recent admissions cycle, the acceptance rate at UCSF Dental School is approximately 7.95% for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Out of an estimated 1,496 applicants, only about 119 students were offered admission, underscoring the selectivity of the program and the strength required to stand out in the applicant pool.

Acceptance Rate Over Time – UCSF Dental School

Factors Influencing Acceptance

Several factors influence the acceptance rate at UCSF Dental School. These include the applicant's academic performance, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. The school also considers the applicant's experiences and activities related to dentistry, such as shadowing, research, and community service.

Furthermore, the school values diversity and seeks to admit students from a variety of backgrounds. Therefore, non-academic factors such as leadership skills, cultural competency, and a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations can also impact an applicant's chances of admission.

Academic Performance

UCSF Dental School has high academic standards for its applicants. For the class of 2024, the average GPA of accepted students is around 3.6, and the average DAT score is 22. These averages are higher than the national averages for dental school applicants, which are around 3.5 and 20, respectively.

However, having a GPA and DAT score above these averages does not guarantee admission. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers all aspects of an applicant's profile. Therefore, applicants with lower GPAs and DAT scores can still be competitive if they have strong non-academic qualifications.

Dental Experiences and Activities

UCSF Dental School values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to the field of dentistry. This can be shown through dental-related experiences and activities, such as shadowing dentists, participating in dental research, and volunteering in dental clinics.

These experiences not only provide applicants with a deeper understanding of the profession but also demonstrate their dedication and passion for dentistry. Therefore, applicants with significant dental experience and activities may have a competitive edge in the admissions process.

How to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Given the competitive nature of UCSF Dental School's admissions process, applicants may wonder how they can increase their chances of acceptance. While there is no guaranteed formula for admission, there are several strategies that can help applicants stand out.

Firstly, applicants should strive to excel acadically. This includes maintaining a high GPA, performing well on the DAT, and taking challenging science courses. However, academic excellence alone is not enough. Applicants should also seek out dental-related experiences and activities to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Preparing for the DAT

The DAT is a crucial component of the dental school application. It tests applicants on their knowledge of natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Therefore, thorough preparation is essential for achieving a high score.

There are many resources available to help applicants prepare for the DAT, including study guides, practice tests, and prep courses. Applicants should also consider forming study groups with other pre-dental students to share resources and strategies.

Read: How to Ace the Dental Admission Test (DAT): 5 Tips for Success

Gaining Dental Experience

As mentioned earlier, dental-related experiences and activities can significantly enhance an applicant's profile. Therefore, applicants should seek out opportunities to shadow dentists, participate in dental research, and volunteer in dental clinics.

These experiences not only provide applicants with a deeper understanding of the profession but also demonstrate their dedication and passion for dentistry. Therefore, applicants with significant dental experience and activities may have a competitive edge in the admissions process.

Conclusion

The acceptance rate at UCSF Dental School is low, reflecting the school's high standards and competitive nature. However, with the right preparation and strategy, applicants can increase their chances of being among the select few who are offered admission.

Ultimately, the key to a successful application is a strong academic record, high DAT scores, and a demonstrated commitment to dentistry. By focusing on these areas, applicants can position themselves for success in the UCSF Dental School admissions process.

For personalized feedback on your dental school application, work with a top dental school admissions coach who’s helped students get into top programs like UCSF. From perfecting your personal statement to building a compelling activity list, they’ll guide you every step of the way. Browse Dental Admissions Coaches here.

See: The 10 Best Dental Coaches for Application & Interview Prep

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FAQs

How hard is it to get into UCSF Dental School?

• It’s very competitive. UCSF looks for applicants with high GPAs (3.6+), strong DAT scores (22+), and meaningful experience in dentistry, like shadowing, volunteering, or research. They also value diversity, leadership, and service.

What DAT score do I need for UCSF?

• A DAT score of 22 or higher is competitive for UCSF, based on recent admitted student averages. But remember, they take a holistic approach, so strong experiences and a great personal statement can help even if your score is a little lower.

Can I get into UCSF Dental School with a lower GPA?

• Yes, it’s possible, especially if you have strong DAT scores, excellent letters of recommendation, and impactful dental-related experiences. UCSF looks beyond numbers to assess your overall potential and fit with their mission.

What kind of dental experience does UCSF look for?

• They want to see real-world exposure to dentistry, things like shadowing dentists, volunteering in underserved communities, participating in dental research, or working in a clinical setting.

When should I start preparing for the DAT if I want to apply to UCSF?

• Most students start 6–12 months before applying, especially if aiming for a high score. Prep courses, study groups, and daily review can make a big difference. The earlier you start, the more confident you’ll feel.