Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD)
Los Angeles, CA, US
Los Angeles, CA, US•Est. 1966
Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) Medical School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private Minority-Serving Institution in Los Angeles and California's only federally designated Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI) — not a U.S. Department of Education-listed HBCU — dedicated to training health professionals for underserved communities. The College of Medicine offers an MD programme with a singular focus on health equity, structural racism in medicine, and clinical service in South LA's Watts and Willowbrook neighbourhoods — some of the most medically underserved communities in the US. CDU has historically trained a high proportion of under-represented minority physicians relative to its class size.
Entry Requirements
What you need to apply to Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD).
Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Applications submitted via AMCAS. CDU strongly values under-represented minority applicants, first-generation medical students, and applicants with deep community ties to South LA or similar underserved communities. Clinical experience in safety-net or community settings is strongly valued. Secondary application required.
MCAT median
508 (range 502–514)
GPA median
3.57 overall / 3.52 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
4.0%
Class size
50
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Health equity commitment, under-represented minority identity, South LA community ties, safety-net clinical experience.
Notes
Estimates from public AAMC FACTS and school data; verify current cycle. CDU's mission-based selection means academic metrics are secondary to demonstrated commitment to health equity.
Specialities offered
Health Equity, Primary Care, Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Maternal and Child Health
Interview Format
How Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) interviews applicants.
Format
Traditional interview and/or MMI components (varies by cycle)
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling; final decisions by March 30
Post-interview chances
Approximately 30–50% post-interview acceptance rate (estimated; heavily mission-weighted).
What to expect at a Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) interview
CDU uses a combination of traditional interview and structured MMI-style components. Applicants typically meet with faculty in conversational sessions and may also encounter structured scenario stations. The interview strongly emphasises the school's mission to train physicians for the medically underserved communities of South Los Angeles — questions probe commitment to health equity, understanding of structural racism in medicine, and experience with under-represented populations. The interview day includes an overview of CDU's Watts-Willowbrook community mission.
What makes Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) different
CDU's medical education programme is one of only four historically Black medical colleges in the United States (alongside Howard, Meharry, and Morehouse). It has the highest percentage of Black and Latino graduates of any medical school in California. The school is embedded in the Watts/Willowbrook community and operates in close partnership with MLK Community Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center, providing students with deep safety-net clinical training.
Tutor insight
CDU interviewers look for applicants who are genuinely committed to health equity and structural change in medicine — not those for whom CDU is a backup or a diversity credential. Demonstrate deep familiarity with the Watts and South LA health landscape, the history of the 1965 Watts Uprising and its legacy for community health, and current health disparities in LA County. Under-represented minority applicants, first-generation students, and applicants from South LA or similar communities will be most competitive. Be prepared to discuss race, structural racism, and medical inequity directly and thoughtfully.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
595 medicine questions inside
Interview questions matched to Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD)
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Hard·PanelQ1
Patient Advocacy: Discharge to Homelessness
A 58-year-old patient experiencing homelessness is admitted for cellulitis requiring IV antibiotics. She is medically stable for discharge after five days, but her wound requires daily dressing changes and oral antibiotics. She has no fixed address, no place to store her medications safely, and will be sleeping outside in cold weather. The case manager says the hospital cannot extend her stay for social reasons. What are your responsibilities, and how do you advocate for this patient within the constraints of the healthcare system?
Likely follow-up · What community resources exist to support patients experiencing homelessness at the point of hospital discharge?
3 expert tips in Prometheus
Hard·MMIQ2
Patient Advocacy: The Uninsured Undocumented Patient
An undocumented immigrant presents to your clinic with signs of appendicitis. She is uninsured and terrified that seeking hospital care will result in her deportation. She wants to leave without treatment. You are the medical student on the team. What are the ethical principles at stake, and how does the team respond?
Likely follow-up · What legal protections exist for undocumented patients seeking emergency medical care in the United States?
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Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) - Frequently asked questions
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Applications submitted via AMCAS. CDU strongly values under-represented minority applicants, first-generation medical students, and applicants with deep community ties to South LA or similar underserved communities. Clinical experience in safety-net or community settings is strongly valued. Secondary application required.
Traditional interview and/or MMI components (varies by cycle). CDU uses a combination of traditional interview and structured MMI-style components. Applicants typically meet with faculty in conversational sessions and may also encounter structured scenario stations. The interview strongly emphasises the school's mission to train physicians for the medically underserved communities of South Los Angeles — questions probe commitment to health equity, understanding of structural racism in medicine, and experience with under-represented populations. The interview day includes an overview of CDU's Watts-Willowbrook community mission.
Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine (MD) typically interviews in October–February.
Decisions are released Rolling; final decisions by March 30.
CDU's medical education programme is one of only four historically Black medical colleges in the United States (alongside Howard, Meharry, and Morehouse). It has the highest percentage of Black and Latino graduates of any medical school in California. The school is embedded in the Watts/Willowbrook community and operates in close partnership with MLK Community Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center, providing students with deep safety-net clinical training.
