Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Allocate a limited same-day appointment
Practise making a fair, patient-safe recommendation when capacity is limited. Review whether you identify missing clinical information, avoid blaming either patient, explain your prioritization, and offer a workable alternative; then record again.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Advanced Study in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 29 months.
- Location: La Jolla, California.
- Entry: June 2027; exact date not published.
- Interview: Zoom virtual MMI in September and October 2026.
- ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Provisional; next review January 2027.
Official admissions process · Current ARC-PA directory
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, at least 500 healthcare-experience hours, three recommendations, and the published prerequisites and non-academic requirements. GRE, PA-CAT, MCAT, and Casper are not required or considered. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: cycle and secondary fee opened.
- August 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: CASPA, secondary questions and $135 fee due.
- September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: CASPA verification due.
- September-October 2026: Zoom virtual MMIs.
- January 2027: next ARC-PA review.
- June 2027: matriculation; exact date not published.
Official cycle dates · Current ARC-PA directory
How selection works
UC San Diego uses a six-level process: administrative and requirement checks, holistic rubric scoring, narrative review, faculty review, and a possible second look. After interview, the committee reviews application and interview scores and votes; 30 offers are planned. Numerical component weights are not public. Official selection process
Interview details
Confirmed
Approximately 90-120 applicants are anticipated for a Zoom virtual MMI in September and October. Each station gives two minutes to read and eight minutes with a rater. Stations are scored with a predefined rubric and averaged. Official interview format
Not published
The school does not publish the station count, prompts, rater identities or file access, component weights, or exact interview dates.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who can combine academic readiness and healthcare experience with clear reasoning, cultural humility, teamwork, empathy, communication and alignment with the program mission. Accreditation-Provisional remains current; recheck the January 2027 ARC-PA action before matriculation. Official admissions process · Current ARC-PA directory
Practice and next step
Record an eight-minute response to a same-day appointment-allocation scenario after two minutes of preparation. Review whether your reasoning names stakeholders, tradeoffs, and a fair action; adjust one weakness, record a second response, and compare both attempts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UC San Diego PA interview format?
It is a Zoom virtual MMI with timed stations.
How long is each station?
Two minutes to read and eight minutes with a rater.
Is Casper required?
No.
What is the accreditation status?
Accreditation-Provisional, with the next ARC-PA review in January 2027. Current ARC-PA directory
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published