Admissions Preferences
The CSUSB MSPA program strives to matriculate applicants who demonstrate a strong alignment with the mission and values of the program and institution. Therefore, the MSPA program provides special consideration to applicants who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Current degree-track student or graduate of CSUSB
- Current resident or spent the majority of childhood + in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside counties), a federally designated medically underserved area + (MUA), or a health professional shortage area (HPSA) per HRSA.gov.
- Clinical experience in a health professional shortage area (HPSA) or medically underserved area/population (MUA/P) per HRSA.gov.
- Received state or federal assistance as a child +
- First generation in family to attend college (defined as your parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree)
- Proficiency in Spanish (or language other than English) at an intermediate or advanced level, or first language
- Current or former member of the Military * (i.e., veterans, active members, and reserves)
How Admissions Preferences Are Evaluated
Applicants will be evaluated for the above characteristics through responses provided in the general CASPA application and CSUSB custom questions (embedded within CASPA).
In order to receive additional considerations, applicants are strongly encouraged to fill out sections listed as optional in Quadrant 1 of the main CASPA application. Specific sections include Family Information, Environmental Factors, and Other Information. The admissions preferences related to these sections include:
- Received state or federal assistance as a child
- First generation in family to attend college (defined as your parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree)
- Proficiency in Spanish (or language other than English) at an intermediate or advanced level, or first language
- Current or former member of the Military (i.e., veterans, active members, and reserves)*
All other admissions preferences are captured within the CSUSB custom questions (Questions section of CASPA application).
Applicants will not be automatically granted or denied an interview or admission based on the above preferences.
+ Based on childhood and socioeconomic questions within the CASPA application.
* Reservists/Guard members must be in good standing as evidenced by a letter from their commanding officer. Separated or retired veterans must provide a DD214 showing an honorable discharge. Applicable documents should be uploaded to the Document section of the CASPA application.