California School of Podiatric Medicine

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
• 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.

CSPM Enrollment Data

Fall 2012 Entering Class Information:

On-Campus Counseling Appointment

Counseling appointment and campus tours are available to prospective students. In order to schedule an appointment, please contact

The counseling appointment is designed to give you an in-depth look at the CSPM experience. Prospective students are encouraged to bring their most up to date transcripts in order to make efficient use of the appointment. Family members are welcome to accompany you, but much of the visit is exclusively for prospective students.

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.  For a representative Application/Admission Processing Timeline for fall 2013, please click here. 

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

Applicants must have all prerequisites courses completed prior to the start of the term. The program at CSPM is a rigorous, medical curriculum and applicants are expected to be of the same caliber as those of applicants to all medical colleges.

Most matriculated students have had a curriculum that includes three or more of the following recommended courses: anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, and physiology, as well as a spectrum of liberal arts subjects. A combination course such as genetics, embryology, virology, and immunology will also be beneficial.

Prerequisite Coursework

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required of all applicants. Test results are valid for three years. The MCAT is the only acceptable standardized exam considered for admission.  The program at CSPM is a rigorous, medical curriculum and MCAT scores are expected to be of the same caliber as those of applicants to all medical colleges. More information on the MCAT is available on their website: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/

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 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 items are required:

• Official Transcripts from all institutions attended, including any work in progress.  Final updated official transcripts with "work-in-progress" courses completed will be required once grades are posted.
• Two (2) letters of Recommendation from your college science faculty or a letter from a Pre-Health Advisory Committee.
• (1) Letter of Recommendation from a Podiatric Physician that you have shadowed.

Please send your official transcripts and letters of recommendation directly to:

CSPM also accepts Letters of recommendation from Interfolio.

The Interview

Interviews are offered to applicants who have passed the preliminary screening of the admissions process. Depending on availability, interviews are scheduled on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's by invitation only. The schedule is an intensive, full day designed to give you an in-depth look at the CSPM experience. Applicants are responsible for submitting the appropriate materials including official transcripts, test scores and all letters of recommendation. Family members are welcome to accompany you, but much of the visit is exclusively for interviewing students.

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.

Tuition and Fees

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, Director of Financial Aid (510) 869-6276. CSPM has numerous scholarships and loans available.

Housing

To learn more about off-campus housing opportunities; please see our Housing brochure. Should have questions about Housing, please contact Dr. Craig Elliott, Assistant VP of Enrollment and Student Services at 510.869.6627 or CElliott@samuelmerritt.edu.

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.

For more information please visit: www.todayspodiatrist.com/students