HOW TO APPLY FOR ELECTIVES AT UCSF FRESNO

Thank you for your interest in the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program.  We hope that the following information will be helpful as you prepare to apply for elective rotations at UCSF Fresno.  Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

VSAS Applicants (US Allopathic Schools) 

• Beginning April 2009, UCSF Fresno will accept VSAS applications submitted on-line through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS), http://www.aamc.org/programs/vsas/.  This service is only available to students enrolled at an LCME accredited Allopathic medical school.  
• UCSF Fresno will process and approve VSAS applications only after all documentation has been downloaded or mailed in by applicant and after application fees have been received.

Osteopathic Students & Non-VSAS Applicants

• Prior to initiating an online electronic application, prospective visiting students must complete Step 1 under Electronic Application by contacting a Site Scheduler/Coordinator to set rotation dates.  However, setting tentative dates is at the discretion of the sponsoring department.  Please continue to review the below information prior to making contact with a Site Coordinator.

Calendar/Rotation Dates

• All elective rotations at UCSF Fresno start on a Monday (except holidays) and end on a Friday.  Education timeframes are normally 4 weeks but this can vary depending on the elective chosen.   Applications may not be accepted if applied for more than 9 months in advance of the rotation date and approval is at the discretion of the sponsoring clinical department. 

Online Electronic Application

• Prospective visiting students will apply using an online electronic application that filters directly into a database at UCSF Fresno.  Once the electronic application process is initiated, you will receive an email notification from the Undergraduate Medical Education Office stating that your application has been received and to send pertinent information to the UME Office in order to continue the process.  The email will provide instructions on returning authorization and health forms and along with applicable fees.  Student will be given a timeframe of 45 days in which to complete this process or the application will be deemed incomplete and placed into a cancelled status.  If the application is deemed cancelled and the student wishes to reapply, the student may go back into the online application and select #4 additional courses since initial demographic information is already in the system.

• Students who have set prospective dates may continue with Step 2 and complete the Online Electronic Application. 

Fees:

• Fees:  All visiting students (non-UCSF & VSAS applicants) will pay an elective application/processing fee.  The standard processing fee starts at $140 per education timeframe up to 4 weeks for the first three rotations. On the fourth rotation and after, the fee increases to $175 per 4 week timeframe.  The UME office will notify students of all fees due at the time of application. The cost for housing is $350 per 4 week block.  All fees are due at the time of application.   Make checks payable to UC Regents. Credit cards are not accepted.

Special requests for single room housing arrangements may be accommodated at a higher housing rate.  If space is available, a student may request single occupancy through the UME office.  Rates will be discussed at the time of the request.  Call (559) 499-6523 to inquire about special housing room arrangements.

International/Offshore Fees:   

• It is the policy of UCSF Fresno not to accept international medical students or students from non LCME accredited medical schools.  Exceptions to this policy may be considered on an individual basis.  Send your inquiry to medical.students@fresno.ucsf.edu.  If approved, the fee for international applications is $250 per 4 week timeframe/rotation.

Cancellation Policy:

• General Cancellation Rule:  Students must notify the appropriate clinical department of any cancellation.  Students should notify the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by phone (559) 499-6523 or email briojas@fresno.ucsf.edu to notify of cancelled rotation(s). 
• Housing Cancellation:  A two-week cancellation notice is required by the UME office for a full refund of the $350 housing fee.  Students who cancel a rotation less than 2 weeks of the start date will not receive a housing refund.   Please allow 4 to 6 weeks to process the refund if applicable.  
• Application Fee Refund:  Application processing fees are non-refundable if the student cancels the elective application.  In the event the elective is cancelled or not accepted by the clinical department, a housing refund and a partial refund of the enrollment fee may be granted at the discretion of the UME office.

Application Processing Timeframe:

• All visiting students will be given a timeframe of 45 days to complete the initial online electronic application process.  Communication between the student and the UME office will be primarily by email.  Please ensure that you provide the most current and accurate email address for communication and timely response to your inquiries.  Medical.students@fresno.ucsf.edu

Orientation

• Students must complete an orientation on day one with the Undergraduate Medical Education Office with the exception of recently returning students or those completing multiple back-to-back electives.   Returning students may be required to “check in” with UME office to get updated computer code, new pager or parking pass.  All students will be notified via email regarding orientation.     http://www.fresno.ucsf.edu/undergrad/orientation.htm

General Information

• Please refer to our website for additional information on student housing, transportation/parking, orientation, student resources and a list of our available elective courses.