Applicant Information

2023-2024 Interview Season

In hopes of creating a fair and equitable application process for everyone, we will continue to offer only virtual interviews to both local and non-local applicants.

Reviewing Applications

We receive over 1,000 applications each year for 17-18 categorical positions. We interview approximately 200 qualified applicants each year. We take a holistic approach to review all applications that emphasize applicants with a wide range of interests and diverse backgrounds. We are looking for a diverse group of residents to join our residency family that learns and succeeds best in a fast-paced, high-volume, medium-size program that wants to be leaders in the field of pediatrics. We seek residents who value anti-racism, integrity, humility, communication, equity, innovation, excellence, advocacy, collaboration, inclusion, adaptability, and diversity. Successful residents in our program thrive by being part of a team that works closely together and supports each other in and outside of work.

Application Process for All Applicants

• All applications must be submitted through ERAS  ((Electronic Residency Application Service). We participate in the NRMP  (National Resident Matching Program).
• The application deadline is November 1st to be considered for the 2024 Match.Applications must include all of the requirements below and must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an interview. 
• Invitations to interview will be sent out on a rolling basis starting on October 10, 2023. Invites can be sent as late as mid-December.
• If you are applying to the UC San Diego Combined Medicine/Pediatrics Residency or the UC San Diego Child Neurology Residency you do not have to apply to categorical pediatrics separately through ERAS. Apply only through those perspective programs unless you would like to also be considered for the categorical pediatrics residency separately. Please refer to the prospective residency program's website that you are applying to for application requirements. 

Application Requirements for Categorical Pediatrics

• ERAS Application
• CV
• Medical Student Performance Report (MSPE)
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation. You may submit up to four letters through ERAS. Department Chair's letter is optional.
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE Step 1 Score required by November 1^st
• USMLE Step 2 CK Score is required by January 31^st
• We do accept COMLEX scores. We do not require additional USMLE scores.
• NRMP Number

Interview Days

We will hold interviews on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Interviews will start in mid-October and end in December. Interview days will include a choice for a morning session (8:00  - 11:00 am PST) or an afternoon session (1:00 - 4:30 pm PST). We are excited to host resident socials weekly throughout the season in the evenings for all interviewees!

2023 Interview Days
Morning Session: 8:00  - 11:00 am PST | Afternoon Session: 1:00  - 4:30 pm PST

Interview Experience

Interview days will consist of an overview of our program, 3 interviews (Program Director or Associate Program Director, 1 faculty member, and 1 chief resident), and Q&A with our current residents. 

Diversity Days

We embrace the importance of having specific interview days for our applicants who self-identify as underrepresented in medicine and allies. At the end of the diversity interview days, there will be an opportunity to virtually meet our diverse faculty and residents in a small group setting.

2023 Diversity Interview Days (8:00 am  - 12:30 pm PST)

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023

Physician-Scientist Interviews

For the applicant that is planning to pursue a career in basic science or transitional research and headed toward fellowship. In addition to the typical interview day, we will organize meetings for the applicants with research faculty to discuss mutual interests and learn more about our rich community of investigative collaborations throughout San Diego. 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• We do not have a minimum passing USMLE or COMLEX score
• Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to send each applicant a response to their application
• Our categorical pediatric NRMP Program Code is 1049320C0
• Our ACGME Code is 3200531036
• The Primary Care Track is not currently a separate match through the NRMP. If you are interested in applying to our Primary Care Track please send us a separate e-mail, pedsresidency@health.ucsd.edu.