CUSM MBS 2026-2027

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
L

lovecake

New Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2025
Messages
6
Reaction score
5
Points
11
  1. Pre-Medical
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi all!!

I don't see a thread for this yet. I hope to connect with other accepted students and let other applicants ask questions!
  • California University of Science and Medicine
Looking forward to it!
 
Has anyone here been admitted to an MD program after completing this MBS program?
 
How long did it take yall to hear back? waiting for 1 LOR but should be submitted by the end of the week.
also, any info on the % of MBS students matriculating to med schools other than CUSM?
 
Premed_Premed said:
How long did it take yall to hear back? waiting for 1 LOR but should be submitted by the end of the week.
also, any info on the % of MBS students matriculating to med schools other than CUSM?
Click to expand...
hey I heard back about week later but it depends since it is so early in the cycle if they don't have enough applications to meet they will delay.
 
Premed_Premed said:
How long did it take yall to hear back? waiting for 1 LOR but should be submitted by the end of the week.
also, any info on the % of MBS students matriculating to med schools other than CUSM?
Click to expand...
Hey, mine took about 2-3 weeks. I had called and they were not meeting that Friday due to not enough applicants but if I'm not mistaken, they meet every 2 weeks on Friday's is what I remember being told. I will say if you do get accepted, they will send an email on either that Friday or the following Monday. Good luck! 🙂
 
Hey guys I am a recent alumni (2024-2025) from the MBS class at CUSM who applied this cycle and got into their MD program starting this fall. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the program and process.
 
coolbreezy said:
Hey guys I am a recent alumni (2024-2025) from the MBS class at CUSM who applied this cycle and got into their MD program starting this fall. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the program and process.
Click to expand...
Congrats on matriculating! May I ask how your experience was during the MBS program (anything notable you're willing to share since this question is so open ended)? What made you choose CUSM's MBS over another program? Were professors helpful and easy to work with? Did you use CUSM's pipeline to their MD program or did you apply to other schools as well?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
mav1907 said:
Congrats on matriculating! May I ask how your experience was during the MBS program (anything notable you're willing to share since this question is so open ended)? What made you choose CUSM's MBS over another program? Were professors helpful and easy to work with? Did you use CUSM's pipeline to their MD program or did you apply to other schools as well?
Click to expand...
Thank you! At the beginning of the program, I felt pretty intimidated by all the smart students who had gone to competitive undergrads, while I had just graduated from CSUSB. That feeling changed quickly though, because everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. The faculty, students, and staff genuinely want to see you succeed.

I chose CUSM primarily because of the MD program’s mission to serve underserved communities, which really resonated with me. As someone born and raised in the Inland Empire, staying local and giving back to my community was important. Hearing about the MBS program and the support it offered made it an easy choice.

I did not go through the conditional pathway to the MD program because I hadn’t taken the MCAT yet. After finishing the MBS program, I took the MCAT and qualified for the guaranteed interview. I applied to several other medical schools as well, but I only received interviews from CUSM and UCR.

Overall, the MBS program is intense, no sugarcoating it, but I am very grateful for the experience. It helped shape me into the student I am today and allowed me to build lifelong relationships. I would definitely recommend the MBS program to anyone considering it.
 
coolbreezy said:
Thank you! At the beginning of the program, I felt pretty intimidated by all the smart students who had gone to competitive undergrads, while I had just graduated from CSUSB. That feeling changed quickly though, because everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. The faculty, students, and staff genuinely want to see you succeed.

I chose CUSM primarily because of the MD program’s mission to serve underserved communities, which really resonated with me. As someone born and raised in the Inland Empire, staying local and giving back to my community was important. Hearing about the MBS program and the support it offered made it an easy choice.

I did not go through the conditional pathway to the MD program because I hadn’t taken the MCAT yet. After finishing the MBS program, I took the MCAT and qualified for the guaranteed interview. I applied to several other medical schools as well, but I only received interviews from CUSM and UCR.

Overall, the MBS program is intense, no sugarcoating it, but I am very grateful for the experience. It helped shape me into the student I am today and allowed me to build lifelong relationships. I would definitely recommend the MBS program to anyone considering it.
Click to expand...
Glad to hear how the program supported and aligned with your own values, CUSM sounds like the perfect school for you to pursue your medical degree at as well! Since some of the MBS courses sound like they overlap with undergraduate upper division coursework, how would you compare the level of difficulty between the two? Do you have any advice for managing/balancing the intensity of the courses?
 
coolbreezy said:
Hey guys I am a recent alumni (2024-2025) from the MBS class at CUSM who applied this cycle and got into their MD program starting this fall. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the program and process.
Click to expand...
Congrats! What is the class schedule like? Is it like 8-4 m-f and are they blocks or do you have each class for the full semester? Also what were the research papers like? Outside of the capstone
 
himmyneutron said:
Congrats! What is the class schedule like? Is it like 8-4 m-f and are they blocks or do you have each class for the full semester? Also what were the research papers like? Outside of the capstone
Click to expand...
I remember hearing that classes might run around (8am) 9 a.m.–12 p.m. M-Thu, but I’m not sure if that’s accurate.
 
mav1907 said:
Glad to hear how the program supported and aligned with your own values, CUSM sounds like the perfect school for you to pursue your medical degree at as well! Since some of the MBS courses sound like they overlap with undergraduate upper division coursework, how would you compare the level of difficulty between the two? Do you have any advice for managing/balancing the intensity of the courses?
Click to expand...
Yes, so some topics within these classes do overlap with upper-division undergrad, However, pace and depth in the MBS program are on a completely different level. It’s much faster and more intense.

My biggest advice is to stay consistent from day one and treat it like a full-time job. Don’t fall behind, and lean on your classmates. It’s tough, but it definitely prepares you well. Also find on early what works for you when studying.
 
himmyneutron said:
Congrats! What is the class schedule like? Is it like 8-4 m-f and are they blocks or do you have each class for the full semester? Also what were the research papers like? Outside of the capstone
Click to expand...
Thank you! So class was Monday through Thursday 8 or 9am until 11am -12pm. No blocks, each class is for the full semester. Each class has an allotted time during the week and they use a flipped classroom model so class time focuses more on discussion and clarifying concepts.

As for research papers, outside of the capstone during the spring, we had to do a group research project in the fall as well.
 
coolbreezy said:
Thank you! So class was Monday through Thursday 8 or 9am until 11am -12pm. No blocks, each class is for the full semester. Each class has an allotted time during the week and they use a flipped classroom model so class time focuses more on discussion and clarifying concepts.

As for research papers, outside of the capstone during the spring, we had to do a group research project in the fall as well.
Click to expand...
Did you feel like you had time for ECs while doing the MBS? Thanks for giving us insight!
 
coolbreezy said:
Thank you! So class was Monday through Thursday 8 or 9am until 11am -12pm. No blocks, each class is for the full semester. Each class has an allotted time during the week and they use a flipped classroom model so class time focuses more on discussion and clarifying concepts.

As for research papers, outside of the capstone during the spring, we had to do a group research project in the fall as well.
Click to expand...
Are exams during these times too?
 
is there anyone out of state applying for this program? or anyone who applied out of state had success?
 
Odobenus said:
Did you feel like you had time for ECs while doing the MBS? Thanks for giving us insight!
Click to expand...
I felt like I did. I worked part time as an EMT during the program and would try to volunteer at ARMC or local food bank when I could over the weekend and shadow this doctor I knew when I had time (3-4 times a month).
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
coolbreezy said:
Yes, sorry I didn’t mention it but we mainly had exams on Fridays.
Click to expand...
are they like during normal class time in the same rooms but just Friday? sorry asking for purposes of trying to get a job that doesn't interfere
 
himmyneutron said:
are they like during normal class time in the same rooms but just Friday? sorry asking for purposes of trying to get a job that doesn't interfere
Click to expand...
No worries and yes just Friday. I believe exams were at 9am every Friday. So let’s say we had Biochem Mondays at 10am, the midterm for that class would be 9am Friday. Only one midterm per week
 
himmyneutron said:
I did not. I'm taking mine late April
Click to expand...
I applied with a very average gpa so I’m scared maybe it’s the waiting that’s killing me inside haha how long did it take you to hear back? Also did they email you after to say they received everything?
 
meow23 said:
I applied with a very average gpa so I’m scared maybe it’s the waiting that’s killing me inside haha how long did it take you to hear back? Also did they email you after to say they received everything?
Click to expand...
I did get an email with confirmation and it just depends on if there’s been a lot of applicants or not. I only had to wait around 1-2 weeks but I think some other people waited a month+ due to low applicant numbers. My GPA is probably below average honestly but I do have some IE ties. I have family there.
 
meow23 said:
I applied with a very average gpa so I’m scared maybe it’s the waiting that’s killing me inside haha how long did it take you to hear back? Also did they email you after to say they received everything?
Click to expand...
Have you heard back? I am too waiting, and dont know how to feel haha
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
meow23 said:
is there anyone out of state applying for this program? or anyone who applied out of state had success?
Click to expand...
I applied from OOS and got in. There are a few people from out of state in our current class from Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
 
For those of you who already accepted, can I ask what topics you mentioned in your PS? I was advised to consider my role as a scientist when writing it, but I'm honestly not sure what that means outside of research and moving healthcare forward. I'm an IE resident but my undergrad GPA is below what they prefer, so I'm really nervous about how the rest of my app makes up for it. I did explain my GPA as it was circumstantial and contributes to my story/path to medicine, so I'm hoping that counts for something
 
mav1907 said:
For those of you who already accepted, can I ask what topics you mentioned in your PS? I was advised to consider my role as a scientist when writing it, but I'm honestly not sure what that means outside of research and moving healthcare forward. I'm an IE resident but my undergrad GPA is below what they prefer, so I'm really nervous about how the rest of my app makes up for it. I did explain my GPA as it was circumstantial and contributes to my story/path to medicine, so I'm hoping that counts for something
Click to expand...
Current MBS student. Talk about your experiences and also how that aligns with your path to medicine. Everyone can talk your role as a scientist, but if your goal is eventually to become a physician or a scientist that part will always be there. But what matters is YOUR story, WHO you are, and what do you hope to contribute to the field someday. The admissions team at CUSM for this program uses a wholistic approach. If you are doing this program to enhance your background I would address that and also mention what you hope to get out of this program.
 
DocMazard said:
Current MBS student. Talk about your experiences and also how that aligns with your path to medicine. Everyone can talk your role as a scientist, but if your goal is eventually to become a physician or a scientist that part will always be there. But what matters is YOUR story, WHO you are, and what do you hope to contribute to the field someday. The admissions team at CUSM for this program uses a wholistic approach. If you are doing this program to enhance your background I would address that and also mention what you hope to get out of this program.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this! Those topics were my initial talking points so I'm glad to hear they're still relevant. Hope the program has gone well for you so far!!
 
mav1907 said:
For those of you who already accepted, can I ask what topics you mentioned in your PS? I was advised to consider my role as a scientist when writing it, but I'm honestly not sure what that means outside of research and moving healthcare forward. I'm an IE resident but my undergrad GPA is below what they prefer, so I'm really nervous about how the rest of my app makes up for it. I did explain my GPA as it was circumstantial and contributes to my story/path to medicine, so I'm hoping that counts for something
Click to expand...
So for me beside sharing little bit about my background I shared the experiences that came along with it. I think they want to know who you really are (it's about showing the story rather then telling. I also did research all 4 years of college with few publications but I didn't really mention that besides my CV. I talked about my healthcare experiences since I'm a premed. You got this!! I was also very nervous because I was oos appilicant but I think as long as you have good essay and your goals align with their mission you should be fine. Good luck!
 
congrats to everyone!

my portal says rejected but I haven’t gotten an email yet 🫠 idk what i was lacking lol
 
I heard that someone will not be attending, so an additional spot has opened up.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
hello everyone! I was wondering if you guys know anything about the loan situation since grad plus won't be offered anymore? I'm worried about how this will all work out, I'm aware that FAFSA might be offering about 20k of federal loans (might not be accurate) but not sure how the rest can be acquired through school loans?
 
coolbreezy said:
Yes, sorry I didn’t mention it but we mainly had exams on Fridays.
Click to expand...
hello, sorry to bother! I was wondering if you could provide some insight into how competitive the conditional pathway was at the time and if you are aware of the stats of some applicants who were able to get in through this pathway? I'm not sure how accurate this is but I heard that around 15 students get accepted through this pathway?
 
teenylovie said:
hello, sorry to bother! I was wondering if you could provide some insight into how competitive the conditional pathway was at the time and if you are aware of the stats of some applicants who were able to get in through this pathway? I'm not sure how accurate this is but I heard that around 15 students get accepted through this pathway?
Click to expand...
i talked to admin and this is what i know:

you need to apply via AMCAS like a normal applicant to their MD and do the secondary while doing the MBS during sem 1

You need an above class average MCAT score which they told me was now 505-506 ( it also says you need to either come in with the score or take it quickly during sem 1)

Then you need to get a 3.7+ GPA during the MBS with at least a 3.5 in sem 1

^for the GPA 3.7 is the avg MBS GPA at CUSM across the last 5 years

The MD program holds 15 places for the MBS class
most recent data (2025) showed that 11/13 people who got into the pathway from MBS got into the MD program
they dont have to use all 15 slots

it was implied to me that the 2/13 chose other paths for their future

it also could be the case that they applied to various schools and chose a different MD school

the main filter is the MCAT, given that in recent data only 13/15 spots were even used meaning not enough people from the 60 person MBS met the gpa and mcat needs.
 
teenylovie said:
hello, sorry to bother! I was wondering if you could provide some insight into how competitive the conditional pathway was at the time and if you are aware of the stats of some applicants who were able to get in through this pathway? I'm not sure how accurate this is but I heard that around 15 students get accepted through this pathway?
Click to expand...
Okay the actual flow is even more selective than I understood:

Terms:
MBS->MD = up to 15 candidates

1. Come into CUSM MBS with an MCAT or take it early fall

“MCAT score of at least 4 points above the national average for the most recent year”
so I guess that's 505-507ish

2. Fall semester MBS GPA of 3.5 or higher

3. Do the AMCAS primary and secondary for CUSM -> and I assume the MD interview (not sure on this)

4. Do casper ethics test

5. They interview you to be selected for this pathway

6. If you are selected then you have to finish MBS with GPA 3.7+

“Not everyone who applies through this pathway is accepted. It is not a guaranteed admit based on the numbers.”

it seems like they interview just to put you in this bucket after MBS sem 1
 
Odobenus said:
Okay the actual flow is even more selective than I understood:

Terms:
MBS->MD = up to 15 candidates

1. Come into CUSM MBS with an MCAT or take it early fall

“MCAT score of at least 4 points above the national average for the most recent year”
so I guess that's 505-507ish

2. Fall semester MBS GPA of 3.5 or higher

3. Do the AMCAS primary and secondary for CUSM -> and I assume the MD interview (not sure on this)

4. Do casper ethics test

5. They interview you to be selected for this pathway

6. If you are selected then you have to finish MBS with GPA 3.7+

“Not everyone who applies through this pathway is accepted. It is not a guaranteed admit based on the numbers.”

it seems like they interview just to put you in this bucket after MBS sem 1
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the info!!
 
coolbreezy said:
No worries and yes just Friday. I believe exams were at 9am every Friday. So let’s say we had Biochem Mondays at 10am, the midterm for that class would be 9am Friday. Only one midterm per week
Click to expand...
Are the exams multiple choice or should I get my writing hand retrained?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
NSU MBS 2026-2027
Replies
2
Views
312
18strugs
1
I
  • Question Question
Duquesne MBS 2026-2027
Replies
0
Views
1K
im-already-him
I
Y
UToledo MSBS 2026-2027
Replies
0
Views
219
yaya:P
Y
Heyfuturedoc
Georgetown GEMS 2026-2027
Replies
9
Views
930
pinkpremedprincess
pinkpremedprincess
S
WVSOM MSBS 2026-2027
Replies
22
Views
3K
LordhaveMRSA_
L
Top Bottom