Samuel Merritt College 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
- Phone: (800) 607-6377
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.
Applying for Admission
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application
The DPM program at Samuel Merritt College 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 by phone 800.922.9266.
The application filing period extends from September 1 through July 31 for the next Fall entering class. Application received prior to April 1st will receive priority consideration, though applications will be accepted after the dealine 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:
- 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 2008, please note that a minimum score of 16 or higher must be obtained on the MCAT. For those entering fall 2009, the minimum MCAT score has been increased to 18.
see 'Required Testing' below
Specific Course Requirements
- General Biology*: 8 Semester Units
- General Chemistry*: 8 Semester Units
(including content in Inorganic) - Organic Chemistry*: 4 Semester Units
- Biochemistry*: 4 Semester Units
- Physics*: 8 Semester Units
- English / Communication Studies: 8 Semester Units
- Liberal Arts Electives: 12 Semester Units
*all science prerequisites require labs
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. For those entering fall 2008, please note that a minimum score of 16 or higher must be obtained on the MCAT. For those entering fall 2009, the minimum MCAT score has been increased to 18. For fall 2008 admission, the latest MCAT testing date that is acceptable is July 8, 2008.
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:
- 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 AdmissionThe Interview
C/O Samuel Merritt College
370 Hawthorne Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
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.
2005/2006 Tuition and Fees Please see the tuition page for information regarding tuition and fees for the CSPM program at Samuel Merritt College.
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.
Housing
On-campus housing is available at the Samuel Merritt College. In addition, the Admission Office can provide assistance in locating housing in the San Francisco Bay Area.