Samuel Merritt University welcomes the opportunity to help you learn more about our Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Program. Prospective students can use the following methods to obtain information:
- Online CSPM Admission Inquiry
- Virtual Drop In Counseling
- Phone: (800) 607-6377
The CSPM Admission Inquiry is an efficient way to let us know what your specific areas of interest are. We endeavor to give prospective students who have a serious interest an ample opportunity to explore questions or concerns about CSPM.
Why Choose CSPM?
Each year CSPM accepts a select group of 40-48 highly qualified candidates for admission. Profiles for the class of 2011 show that:
Each year CSPM accepts a select group of 40-48 highly qualified candidates for admission. Profiles for the class of 2011 show that:
- 41 new entering students enrolled in the fall of 2007
- The average science grade point average was 3.18
- The average cumulative grade point average was 3.21
- The average MCAT score was 22
- 60% of the entering students are male
- 40% of the entering students are female
- 62% of the entering students are residents of California
- 38% of the entering students came from states other than California
Tours/Campus/Visits
Tours of the campus are available for prospective students, available virtually every Wednesday and Friday with an advance appointment required. The schedule is an intensive, full day designed to give you an in-depth look at the CSPM experience; it is much more than a walk around campus. Family members are welcome to accompany you, but much of the visit is exclusively for prospective students. The day is designed to include the interview (below). Students who have not fully met the application requirements are welcomed on the tour; depending upon your qualifications, a final telephone interview may be needed before these students are offered admission.
Tours of the campus are available for prospective students, available virtually every Wednesday and Friday with an advance appointment required. The schedule is an intensive, full day designed to give you an in-depth look at the CSPM experience; it is much more than a walk around campus. Family members are welcome to accompany you, but much of the visit is exclusively for prospective students. The day is designed to include the interview (below). Students who have not fully met the application requirements are welcomed on the tour; depending upon your qualifications, a final telephone interview may be needed before these students are offered admission.
Applying for Admission
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application
The DPM program at Samuel Merritt University participates in the Central Application Service of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). For an application, contact AACPMAS at www.aacpm.org (application link) or
Customer Service Hours:
Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm Eastern time) excluding federal holidays
AACPMAS
P.O Box 9200
Watertown, MA 02471
Phone: 617-612-2900
Email: aacpmasinfo@aacpmas.org
The application filing period extends from September 1 through June 30 for the next Fall entering class. Application received prior to April 1st will receive priority consideration, though applications will be accepted after the deadline date on a space-available basis.
Applicants are considered on a rolling basis, and are notified of the admission decision after all required materials are received and evaluated. Upon acceptance, applicants are required to submit an acceptance deposit of $1,000.00 to ensure a place in the class. The deposit is credited towards the first term tuition. All matriculated students are required to have a physical examination and designated immunizations prior to the beginning of the academic year.
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application
The DPM program at Samuel Merritt University participates in the Central Application Service of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). For an application, contact AACPMAS at www.aacpm.org (application link) or
Customer Service Hours:
Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm Eastern time) excluding federal holidays
AACPMAS
P.O Box 9200
Watertown, MA 02471
Phone: 617-612-2900
Email: aacpmasinfo@aacpmas.org
The application filing period extends from September 1 through June 30 for the next Fall entering class. Application received prior to April 1st will receive priority consideration, though applications will be accepted after the deadline date on a space-available basis.
Applicants are considered on a rolling basis, and are notified of the admission decision after all required materials are received and evaluated. Upon acceptance, applicants are required to submit an acceptance deposit of $1,000.00 to ensure a place in the class. The deposit is credited towards the first term tuition. All matriculated students are required to have a physical examination and designated immunizations prior to the beginning of the academic year.
Academic Requirements
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must meet the following criteria:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of all course prerequisites prior to entry
- Suggested minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Suggested minimum science GPA of 3.0
- Standardized tests: MCAT. For those entering Fall 2010, please note that a minimum score of 16 or higher must be obtained on the MCAT.
see 'Required Testing' below
Specific Course Requirements
| General Biology with labs | 8 Units |
| General Chemistry with labs (including content in Inorganic) | 8 Units |
| Organic Chemistry with labs (A total of 4 semester units of Biochemistry with a lab may be substituted for the second semester of Organic Chemistry) | 8 Units |
| Physics with labs | 8 Units |
| English / Communication Studies | 8 Units |
| Liberal Arts Electives | 12 Units |
Required Testing
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required of all applicants. Test results are valid only for three years. The Admission office must receive your test scores prior to the fall entering year. You may register for the MCAT on line by going to The Medical College Admission Test Web Site or contact: the MCAT Program Office, P.O. Box 4056 , Iowa City, IA 52243. Please note that a minimum score of 16 or higher must be obtained on the MCAT. For fall 2010 admission, the latest MCAT testing date that is acceptable is May 1, 2010.
TOEFL (U.S. citizens or international students) - The need for TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by applicants on the application for admission. If required, a score of 100 (Internet Based Test) must be achieved and official score results must be provided. In addition, applicants must take the Test of Spoken English (TSE).
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required of all applicants. Test results are valid only for three years. The Admission office must receive your test scores prior to the fall entering year. You may register for the MCAT on line by going to The Medical College Admission Test Web Site or contact: the MCAT Program Office, P.O. Box 4056 , Iowa City, IA 52243. Please note that a minimum score of 16 or higher must be obtained on the MCAT. For fall 2010 admission, the latest MCAT testing date that is acceptable is May 1, 2010.
TOEFL (U.S. citizens or international students) - The need for TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by applicants on the application for admission. If required, a score of 100 (Internet Based Test) must be achieved and official score results must be provided. In addition, applicants must take the Test of Spoken English (TSE).
Supporting Documents
The following documents should all be from the same academic year as the year that you apply to CSPM. These are to be sent directly to the CSPM Admission Office; all three are required:
The following documents should all be from the same academic year as the year that you apply to CSPM. These are to be sent directly to the CSPM Admission Office; all three are required:
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended, including any work in progress.
- Two letters of Recommendation from your college science faculty or from a Pre-Health Advisory Committee.
- Letter of Recommendation from a Podiatric Physician.
CSPM Office of Admission
3100 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
The Interview
Interviews are offered to applicants who have passed the preliminary screening of the admissions process. Applicants are responsible for submitting the appropriate materials including official transcripts, test scores and all letters of recommendation. All applicants must visit the office of a Podiatric physician prior to the on-campus interview.
Interviews are offered to applicants who have passed the preliminary screening of the admissions process. Applicants are responsible for submitting the appropriate materials including official transcripts, test scores and all letters of recommendation. All applicants must visit the office of a Podiatric physician prior to the on-campus interview.
International Applicants
All international applicants (including Canadian citizens) have special requirements. Please contact the Office of Admission for details. International applicants are strongly encouraged to observe the priority deadline of April 1st; to obtain a student visa can take up to three months.
All international applicants (including Canadian citizens) have special requirements. Please contact the Office of Admission for details. International applicants are strongly encouraged to observe the priority deadline of April 1st; to obtain a student visa can take up to three months.
Tuition and Fees
Please see the tuition page for information regarding tuition and fees for the CSPM program at Samuel Merritt University.
Please see the tuition page for information regarding tuition and fees for the CSPM program at Samuel Merritt University.
Financial Aid
Please visit the Financial Aid section of our website, or contact Tanya Grigg, Associate Director of Graduate Financial Aid (510) 869-6276. CSPM has numerous scholarships and loans available.
Please visit the Financial Aid section of our website, or contact Tanya Grigg, Associate Director of Graduate Financial Aid (510) 869-6276. CSPM has numerous scholarships and loans available.
Housing
Please contact Craig Elliott, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, at (510)869-6627.
Please contact Craig Elliott, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, at (510)869-6627.
CONNECT WITH A PODIATRIST IN YOUR LOCAL AREA
Did you know that both the APMA and CPMA provide a link on their website to help you find a local podiatrist?
For nationwide resources, check: http://iweb.apma.org/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx
For California resources, check: http://www.podiatrists.org/visitors/findpod
If you are interested in connecting with a CSPM alum, please contact Ms. Carla Ross, Director of Alumni Affairs through this webform . We will do our best to put you in contact with a CSPM alum.