2008-2009 UCSD Secondary Application Thread

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funkydrmonkey said:
Thanks. That sucks, cuz I am leaving immediately after the interview. I have a research paper and a midterm to study for, otherwise I would love to come to the free clinic tour. Yay, UCSD!
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kind of random, but i was a MIMG major at UCLA too, graduated in 08. when did you graduate? or are you still in school?


anyways, good luck at your interview. I dont think i am giving the lunch tour tomorrow.
 
bacalaca said:
kind of random, but i was a MIMG major at UCLA too, graduated in 08. when did you graduate? or are you still in school?


anyways, good luck at your interview. I dont think i am giving the lunch tour tomorrow.
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I am a 4th year, and I bet we had 185A together last year... Aww, it sucks. Apparently no one is gonna be there tomorrow.
 
jgberken said:
Aww sorry! I meant it as a joke...no need to be sad monkey! This should cheer you up: :zip:
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Thanks. I was just kidding around also. Wow, why is it that no one, IRL and apparently on SDN also, can tell when I am making a joke, and when I am being serious?
 
funkydrmonkey said:
Thanks. I was just kidding around also. Wow, why is it that no one, IRL and apparently on SDN also, can tell when I am making a joke, and when I am being serious?
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our entire first year class should be at school tomorrow... we have a biochem final lol
 
UCSD, you guys are awesome, and your class is so nice and non-competitive. 😎Thank you silverlining, and bacalaca for talking with me during my break.😀I really wanna come to UCSD now! I hope you guys did well in Biochem and good luck on SBS and Immuno!:luck:
 
funkydrmonkey said:
UCSD, you guys are awesome, and your class is so nice and non-competitive. 😎Thank you silverlining, and bacalaca for talking with me during my break.😀I really wanna come to UCSD now! I hope you guys did well in Biochem and good luck on SBS and Immuno!:luck:
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Thanks for the good wishes! So glad you liked UCSD. Glad I ran into you too - I guess by now I've developed a sixth sense for determining whether or not someone is an SDNer! Haha.
 
MellowYellowCA said:
Hey everyone,

I had some questions about the interview, and would love any help on any of these!

1. Do we get to find out who will be interviewing us beforehand? I know some schools tell students prior to the interview, but I wasn't sure if UCSD would let us know or if we can ask.

2. How do people dress to the free clinic tour/dinner? Is "casual" (which was mentioned in the directions) = jeans and a sweater, or do people wear semi-formal slacks and a blouse?

3. So all we need to bring to the interview is the Residence Form and a list of classes we have completed?

4. If we are currently taking courses but haven't finished them yet, would we still bring a course list of in-progress courses, or just update them later?

5. For the Residence Form, does anyone know how we would know the "Issued Date" of our CA license? I have no idea on this 🙄

6. I have heard that there can be a lot of driving around the city during the day of the interview? Could someone please explain what this is like/if it is simple/any precautions or suggestions/if we should try to bring a car/how the shuttle is? Should I find a friend in the area to take me instead of taking the shuttle?

7. Is there anything you advise us to bring or wish you had brought? Like one of those leather portfolios, etc?

8. Where do we eat lunch on interview day? 😉 I may be too nervous to eat!

Sorry for all these questions, just wanted to be prepared - I would really appreciate any help!
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LOLLL...this is pretty funny. Chill OUT! The shuttle is fine, just follow the instructions given that day and you'll be fine. Casual means casual; jeans and a shirt. Put all your classes for the rest of the year (expected).

Btw, Why are u stressing out so much? 😕 Just relax, UCSD is definitely changing its 'gunner' stereotypes and accepting more chill, down to earth people. So being paranoid and nervous will only hurt you.

Gluck. :luck:
 
MJ is KING said:
LOLLL...this is pretty funny. Chill OUT! The shuttle is fine, just follow the instructions given that day and you'll be fine. Casual means casual; jeans and a shirt. Put all your classes for the rest of the year (expected).

Btw, Why are u stressing out so much? 😕 Just relax, UCSD is definitely changing its 'gunner' stereotypes and accepting more chill, down to earth people. So being paranoid and nervous will only hurt you.

Gluck. :luck:
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Thanks for the response. I am glad UCSD is becoming more relaxed, but I don't think I am being "gunner" by asking these questions, I am preparing for one of my top choices. I guess some of the questions were over the top (the last one?), but some of these I would really prefer to know beforehand and are just basic questions.

Anyone know?
 
MellowYellowCA said:
1. Do we get to find out who will be interviewing us beforehand? I know some schools tell students prior to the interview, but I wasn't sure if UCSD would let us know or if we can ask.
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You will find out the morning that you arrive. You will have some downtime in the morning (interviews are both before lunch), but this may or may not be before your interviews. If time does allow, there's a computer lab upstairs where you can check your email and look up the interviewers if you like.

2. How do people dress to the free clinic tour/dinner? Is "casual" (which was mentioned in the directions) = jeans and a sweater, or do people wear semi-formal slacks and a blouse?
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Absolutely casual - T-shirt, jeans, whatever. If you come in slacks you will look odd, like you are trying to impress people. The tour guides have no bearing on your admission.

3. So all we need to bring to the interview is the Residence Form and a list of classes we have completed?
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Sounds right.

4. If we are currently taking courses but haven't finished them yet, would we still bring a course list of in-progress courses, or just update them later?
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Uhhhh I don't remember on this one. However, the people are really nice, and you can just ask when you arrive (or even call and ask). One of my interviewees forgot his forms, and they just gave him new ones and let him fill them out on the spot.

5. For the Residence Form, does anyone know how we would know the "Issued Date" of our CA license? I have no idea on this 🙄
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I just guessed. I don't have the impression that it matters a whole lot.

6. I have heard that there can be a lot of driving around the city during the day of the interview? Could someone please explain what this is like/if it is simple/any precautions or suggestions/if we should try to bring a car/how the shuttle is? Should I find a friend in the area to take me instead of taking the shuttle?
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The day of the interview? I don't think there should really be much driving. I guess some people did have to go to another hospital for an interview, but I believe you should just be able to take the free shuttle system, and information will be provided. Chill, UCSD plans for this stuff and doesn't leave you hanging.

7. Is there anything you advise us to bring or wish you had brought? Like one of those leather portfolios, etc?
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The leather portfolios aren't necessary because UCSD will give you a folder of information, so you can keep stuff in there. I don't know, bring... a bottle of water? Even that isn't that necessary since there are fountains and you'll get water at lunch.

8. Where do we eat lunch on interview day? 😉 I may be too nervous to eat!
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Please try to relax! Lunch is supposed to be FUN and informative! You'll be eating a provided lunch with current med students (usually MS1s and 2s). They are NOT on the admissions committee, and you can just relax and ask questions. You're probably going to be eating in the conference room or out on the picnic tables... if that matters.

If you like, you're welcome to PM me your identity/contact info and I will do my best to meet up with you and check in on the day of your interview; perhaps I'll even give your free clinic or lunch tour!
 
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Thank you silverlining1, I think I just really freaked out there for a moment after I re-read the email from UCSD. Your answers make sense. Thanks for the offer to meet up, maybe I will PM you in December closer to the date of the interview, I am very excited!
 
has anyone from pre-interview hold gotten an interview or will that not happen until much later?

just wondering 🙂 and hoping for a ucsd interview:luck:
 
For anyone who has a pre-interview hold, there is still luck. I came off of the pre-interview hold and have an interview in January. How bad is it to have an interview that late though?
 
Penguick said:
For anyone who has a pre-interview hold, there is still luck. I came off of the pre-interview hold and have an interview in January. How bad is it to have an interview that late though?
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I PMed you, but I'll respond here too -

I REALLY don't think that January is "late". Heck, I interviewed January 29 and was accepted without waitlist. Several of my classmates interviewed after I did; this is just anecdotal and I don't have the data for the distribution of when we all got in. I also have several classmates who got in off the waitlist over the summer. Brian Zeglen, the director of admissions, said that applicants are considered equally regardless of when they apply/interview. Whether or not you believe that, I don't have any reason to think that interviewing in January is late.
 
Penguick said:
For anyone who has a pre-interview hold, there is still luck. I came off of the pre-interview hold and have an interview in January. How bad is it to have an interview that late though?
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you are my hero.
 
Penguick said:
For anyone who has a pre-interview hold, there is still luck. I came off of the pre-interview hold and have an interview in January. How bad is it to have an interview that late though?
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May I ask when you were placed on hold and when you were taken off?

I hope it happens to me! UCSD is my top choice...
 
could you please post on the Interview Feedback page? Not very many people have. Thanks!
 
The SD in UCSD stands for Shattered Dreams.
 
Silverlining et al: UCSD is known for it's tough traditional curriculum, and I have heard from a number of previous (UCSD) medical students that I should consider all other options before choosing UCSD. Makes sense because some of the students I've met from UCSD (second year and onwards) seem like walking cases of clinical depression. However, one of your current MS1s told me that you are changing your curriculum to include less class etc etc basically making it so that it's more like UCLA. Will these changes be implemented for the class of 2013?

Funny story: my UCLA interviewer was talking about how much students "hate it" down there. When I told him I had an interview coming up, he revealed that he is actually the professor that the big wigs down at UCSD called in order to get more information about how UCLA runs its show. I think he felt mighty proud about that. Any thoughts?
 
have any of you guys gotten accepted at SD yet? My research lab partner got an acceptance at SD last week. She was soooooo happy. LOL. Is SD on rolling admission?
 
enjoydrywax said:
Silverlining et al: UCSD is known for it's tough traditional curriculum, and I have heard from a number of previous (UCSD) medical students that I should consider all other options before choosing UCSD. Makes sense because some of the students I've met from UCSD (second year and onwards) seem like walking cases of clinical depression. However, one of your current MS1s told me that you are changing your curriculum to include less class etc etc basically making it so that it's more like UCLA. Will these changes be implemented for the class of 2013?

Funny story: my UCLA interviewer was talking about how much students "hate it" down there. When I told him I had an interview coming up, he revealed that he is actually the professor that the big wigs down at UCSD called in order to get more information about how UCLA runs its show. I think he felt mighty proud about that. Any thoughts?
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No the curriculum changes will not be fully implemented until class of 2014. A lot of what you hear is heresay based on what the UCSD people on this forum have to say. Keep in mind med school is hard everywhere, it isnt like UCLA is going to be funner/easier than UCSD.

That professor was being really unprofessional IMO.
 
BlueElmo said:
have any of you guys gotten accepted at SD yet? My research lab partner got an acceptance at SD last week. She was soooooo happy. LOL. Is SD on rolling admission?
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Really? When did your friend interview? When I interviewed the admissions guy said they will send out a batch of acceptances sometimes this week. I am extremely nervous...but if your friend got an acceptance last week...I guess that means I am on the waitlist...not complaining though, SD is a competitive school.
 
enjoydrywax said:
Silverlining et al: UCSD is known for it's tough traditional curriculum, and I have heard from a number of previous (UCSD) medical students that I should consider all other options before choosing UCSD. Makes sense because some of the students I've met from UCSD (second year and onwards) seem like walking cases of clinical depression. However, one of your current MS1s told me that you are changing your curriculum to include less class etc etc basically making it so that it's more like UCLA. Will these changes be implemented for the class of 2013?

Funny story: my UCLA interviewer was talking about how much students "hate it" down there. When I told him I had an interview coming up, he revealed that he is actually the professor that the big wigs down at UCSD called in order to get more information about how UCLA runs its show. I think he felt mighty proud about that. Any thoughts?
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I have heard the exact same sentiments...
 
enjoydrywax said:
Silverlining et al: UCSD is known for it's tough traditional curriculum, and I have heard from a number of previous (UCSD) medical students that I should consider all other options before choosing UCSD. Makes sense because some of the students I've met from UCSD (second year and onwards) seem like walking cases of clinical depression. However, one of your current MS1s told me that you are changing your curriculum to include less class etc etc basically making it so that it's more like UCLA. Will these changes be implemented for the class of 2013?

Funny story: my UCLA interviewer was talking about how much students "hate it" down there. When I told him I had an interview coming up, he revealed that he is actually the professor that the big wigs down at UCSD called in order to get more information about how UCLA runs its show. I think he felt mighty proud about that. Any thoughts?
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disorder said:
I have heard the exact same sentiments...
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I have to say that I am really sad that these notions are still out there being spread. It is true that, several years ago, the student body here was known for being competitive and unhappy overall. However, we have had new deans for the past few years, and they have done an excellent job of changing things. They are incredibly friendly and supportive, but the highlight of my experience here is the student body. People are warm, friendly, and inclusive - people help each other out with studying all the time via forums or study groups, and people also organize group outings and invite the whole class. For example, after a test the class usually goes to a bar or restaurant or club to celebrate. I absolutely would NOT characterize us as competitive or unhappy. I have friends at several other medical schools and would say that we are all pretty happy - we learn to balance our stress with things that we enjoy. It is extremely disappointing to hear that people may be avoiding UCSD because of this false idea. I don't just like it here - I really love it here.

The curriculum is not changing until the class of 2014, I believe. However, the current system is NOT as bad as people make it out to be. We have a lot of lecture time, but it's easy to balance it the way you want to; a notetaker takes detailed notes for every class, slides are posted online, and most lectures are podcasted. Many people choose to miss some lectures to work on other things or just relax - again, you can find your own balance to stay sane. Something else to know is that we have a midterm/final-type system, so tests are more frequent than some other schools. However, you can compare this to UCLA, which has a block of 8 weeks with no exams and then 3 days of tests on everything. I'm not making a judgment on which system is better, but this is something you should consider.

I also love that we have a lot of elective options - I'm in a really cool emergency medicine elective where I get to ride in an ambulance, shadow in the ER, learn to do ultrasound, and more. There are other options ranging from politics of medicine to ENT preceptorships.

Anyways, I could ramble for a long time about why UCSD is a great place to be. It's not perfect for everyone, but I hope that I've been at least somewhat successful in convincing you that this is NOT a place of depressed students.

BlueElmo said:
have any of you guys gotten accepted at SD yet? My research lab partner got an acceptance at SD last week. She was soooooo happy. LOL. Is SD on rolling admission?
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Yes, if you look through this thread and the acceptance thread, you'll see that several people have already gotten in. We do rolling admissions and have been accepting people since October. I'm glad to hear that your lab partner is happy 🙂
 
Accepted! Man, I am one happy girl!

Now - what to do with the interviews that I already have scheduled? Plane tickets are expensive and I'm already very happy with UCSD...but I'd be so sad if I missed out on that "perfect" fit. I haven't felt a really amazing click with any of the schools I visited, but maybe that just isn't going to happen to me.
 
Hooray, congratulations!!! :hardy:

I totally felt the same way about wanting to check out all my options in case I fell in love with an unexpected school. However, being in med school now (UCSD wasn't actually my top choice, and yet I can now rave about it for hours) makes me realize that it IS true - the experience is what you make of it - and given that you're already excited about UCSD, I am sure that you will have a fabulous time.

If, in the long run, you think it'll be okay to spend this money on your plane tickets, go check out those other opportunities! But if you don't have any compelling reasons to check out other schools and don't have the time/money, I really believe that you'll do great and enjoy UCSD.
 
I would like to send a letter of interest to UCSD. Does anyone know where/how I can send it (snail mail, what address, e-mail)? Thanks!
 
Decisions come out 12/2 for People who interviewed on 11/10! I need to give my dad a good birthday present, and I hope Dr. Kelly will allow me to give him the comfort of knowing that I will stay in CA next year:laugh:

:luck::luck::luck:Good luck y'all!:luck::luck::luck:

Med school on the Beach (UCSD)=😍 hopefully!
 
For any current students, what is the best way to get from where I'll be after the clinic tour to the airport? I'm assuming cab, but I just wanted to see if there are cheaper options.

Thanks
 
CourageKid said:
For any current students, what is the best way to get from where I'll be after the clinic tour to the airport? I'm assuming cab, but I just wanted to see if there are cheaper options.

Thanks
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I have not encountered this myself, but any airport shuttle may be cheaper than a cab - they can pick you up at the intersection of Gilman and Osler http://maps.ucsd.edu/Acrobat/CampusMap.pdf Also, there is a slim chance that your clinic tour guide will be willing to drop you off - my tour guide last year did that for me. Also, I'm giving a couple free clinic tours in the near future, so you can let me know the date, and if I'm giving the tour, I'll be happy to take you to the airport.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm interviewing on Monday, Dec 8.
 
CourageKid said:
Thanks for the info. I'm interviewing on Monday, Dec 8.
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Sorry, I'm not giving the clinic tour that day =/ But I did just sign up to give the lunch tour! See you then. Feel free to ask me any questions.
 
Penguick said:
For anyone who has a pre-interview hold, there is still luck. I came off of the pre-interview hold and have an interview in January. How bad is it to have an interview that late though?
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Did you send them any extra info after being on hold or did they eventually invite you for an interview without you doing anything?
 
funkydrmonkey said:
Waitlisted... Booo!🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
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so how much can we infer from this? is that one email that went out or all of them?

i think knowing the exact day of the decision is too tense.
 
adizz mfresh said:
so how much can we infer from this? is that one email that went out or all of them?

i think knowing the exact day of the decision is too tense.
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Don't infer anything. They're sending out decisions from like 10 different interview days (so about 100 people, maybe more). It takes time to send out all the emails.

This really is too tense. I have a midterm tomorrow and I can't study because I'm busy staring at my email inbox. This is the first time this whole cycle that I don't want any emails :scared:
 
adizz mfresh said:
so how much can we infer from this? is that one email that went out or all of them?

i think knowing the exact day of the decision is too tense.
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I don't think you can infer anything... people are waitlisted and accepted each time. I am surprised the decisions were available so early in the morning this time around! I thought it was usually after noon. And I don't think anything goes out by email (unless they've made changes) - you can call and find out. A phone call will go out to acceptees. Decisions will also come in snail mail eventually.

EDIT: Just read berken's post... wow, didn't know they did email now 🙂
 
silverlining1 said:
I don't think you can infer anything... people are waitlisted and accepted each time. I am surprised the decisions were available so early in the morning this time around! I thought it was usually after noon. And I don't think anything goes out by email (unless they've made changes) - you can call and find out. A phone call will go out to acceptees. Decisions will also come in snail mail eventually.

EDIT: Just read berken's post... wow, didn't know they did email now 🙂
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Well they email waitlists and call accepted students. He said that he'd try to get the decisions out in the morning and that we can call him after 12 if we haven't received a decision and can't wait.

I can't take this silver...I should probably leave the house for 2 hours, but I know I could never do that. I barely slept last night because I was thinking about UCSD. This is killing me!!! :scared:
 
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