2008-2009 University of California Irvine (UCI) Secondary Application Thread

[dwc929]

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I have yet to receive a secondary or a rejection from them. So I sent them a LOI(interest) asking for a secondary. Unheard of? Maybe, but I want a shot dang it! I'll keep you posted on what happens. I won't be surprised if I have a nice little "DENIED" next to the secondary section of my status page....

I tried this too and no luck so far.

 

[efitzpat]

I tried this too and no luck so far.

Got an email today saying they are going to reject me in January. I'm really bummed about this one. I thought I'd have a shot at Irvine. If they won't even give me a secondary, how will UCSD or UCLA ever want to interview me!? This one stings. Looks like I'll be headed to Ohio...

 

[otterpop]

Got an email today saying they are going to reject me in January. I'm really bummed about this one. I thought I'd have a shot at Irvine. If they won't even give me a secondary, how will UCSD or UCLA ever want to interview me!? This one stings. Looks like I'll be headed to Ohio...

Sorry about that. This process can be really random sometimes. I'm wondering, though, why would they send you an e-mail now saying they're going to reject you in January? Seems a little off to me.

So my phone was ringing today and I check my caller ID and it's a 949 area code. I'm thinking, "Oh, crap! This is either my friend __________ or... UC Irvine!!" I can't believe it, because I only had my interview 2 or 3 weeks ago. My heart beats faster and I start thinking about what I'm going to say if this were, indeed, an acceptance call from UCI. Should I play it cool? Should I go crazy and tell them how much I love them? I tell myself I better pick up before the call goes to my voicemail, so I press Answer and in the softest voice you've ever heard coming from a nervous man, I say....

Hello?

Hi. This is an automated message from Verizon Wireless...


I hang up and can't help but laugh. At least I know that if I were to ever receive such a phone call from UCI, I'll probably sound like a pansy.

 

[RySerr21]

Got an email today saying they are going to reject me in January. I'm really bummed about this one. I thought I'd have a shot at Irvine. If they won't even give me a secondary, how will UCSD or UCLA ever want to interview me!? This one stings. Looks like I'll be headed to Ohio...

Sorry about the rejection efitzpat! But this is a commong thing I hear all the time...people assuming UCI as their back up for the UCs, thinking that they might not be as competitive for the other UCs, but UCI they have a pretty good shot. The only reason I bring this up is that the UCs all have their rhymes and reasons for selecting students. Each application is independent, and I have seen many people on SDN (and have met students from both UCSD, UCSF, and UCLA SOM) who have been rejected from UCI but were accepted to those respective schols. Kinda weird, but ive noticed it a lot. I'm not really sure how it works. I think UCI is just looking for a really specific type of applicant, and for whateve reason they didnt think you fit that mold. Dont feel that if you got rejected their the rest of your CA apps are doomed. Keep your head up!

Sorry about that. This process can be really random sometimes. I'm wondering, though, why would they send you an e-mail now saying they're going to reject you in January? Seems a little off to me.

So my phone was ringing today and I check my caller ID and it's a 949 area code. I'm thinking, "Oh, crap! This is either my friend __________ or... UC Irvine!!" I can't believe it, because I only had my interview 2 or 3 weeks ago. My heart beats faster and I start thinking about what I'm going to say if this were, indeed, an acceptance call from UCI. Should I play it cool? Should I go crazy and tell them how much I love them? I tell myself I better pick up before the call goes to my voicemail, so I press Answer and in the softest voice you've ever heard coming from a nervous man, I say....

Hello?

Hi. This is an automated message from Verizon Wireless...


I hang up and can't help but laugh. At least I know that if I were to ever receive such a phone call from UCI, I'll probably sound like a pansy.

3 weeks is way to soon! Now, the weekend of week 5....if you get a 949 phone call, you can probably start to celebrate. GL!

 

[efitzpat]

Sorry about that. This process can be really random sometimes. I'm wondering, though, why would they send you an e-mail now saying they're going to reject you in January? Seems a little off to me.

They emailed me because I had emailed them asking about my application. Why they hae to wait until January to officially reject me is beyond me.

Sorry about the rejection efitzpat! But this is a commong thing I hear all the time...people assuming UCI as their back up for the UCs, thinking that they might not be as competitive for the other UCs, but UCI they have a pretty good shot. The only reason I bring this up is that the UCs all have their rhymes and reasons for selecting students. Each application is independent, and I have seen many people on SDN (and have met students from both UCSD, UCSF, and UCLA SOM) who have been rejected from UCI but were accepted to those respective schols. Kinda weird, but ive noticed it a lot. I'm not really sure how it works. I think UCI is just looking for a really specific type of applicant, and for whateve reason they didnt think you fit that mold. Dont feel that if you got rejected their the rest of your CA apps are doomed. Keep your head up!

I didn't think of it as a back up. NO UC is a back up! But my subpar stats seemed OK for Irvine. Hopefully my letters sent out to the others will give me better results.

 

[RySerr21]

They emailed me because I had emailed them asking about my application. Why they hae to wait until January to officially reject me is beyond me.




I didn't think of it as a back up. NO UC is a back up! But my subpar stats seemed OK for Irvine. Hopefully my letters sent out to the others will give me better results.

I didnt mean to come off as saying you arrogantly thought it was a back up, I konw thats not the case at all! My point was that people sometimes think that if they get rejected from Irvine that means they have no hope at any of the others. I was jus saying that that is not the case. It was supposd to be encourgaing! Sorry if it came off the wrong way.

 

[efitzpat]

I didnt mean to come off as saying you arrogantly thought it was a back up, I konw thats not the case at all! My point was that people sometimes think that if they get rejected from Irvine that means they have no hope at any of the others. I was jus saying that that is not the case. It was supposd to be encourgaing! Sorry if it came off the wrong way.

The worst thing about type words is the lack of emotion. I did appreciate the encouragement, but just wanted to be sure that people understood that I didn't think of Irvine as a back up. Some of these SDNers can be ruthless.

I have my fingers crossed for another UC.

 

[RySerr21]

The worst thing about type words is the lack of emotion. I did appreciate the encouragement, but just wanted to be sure that people understood that I didn't think of Irvine as a back up. Some of these SDNers can be ruthless.

I have my fingers crossed for another UC.

Well good luck! And hey it could be worse. Even if you get rejected from every UC school......you are still gonna become a doctor (saw your mdapps), and thats really all that matters.

 

[alwaysaangel]

[/I]I hang up and can't help but laugh. At least I know that if I were to ever receive such a phone call from UCI, I'll probably sound like a pansy.

I'm sure they're used to it. I started sobbing when Dr. Peterson called me 2 years ago. Didn't seem to weird her out too much. And then I had to call admissions to ask what I was supposed to do - I admitted I didn't really hear anything Peterson after "we'd like to accept you to UCI" they just laughed and said it wasn't uncommon.

 

[RySerr21]

I'm sure they're used to it. I started sobbing when Dr. Peterson called me 2 years ago. Didn't seem to weird her out too much. And then I had to call admissions to ask what I was supposed to do - I admitted I didn't really hear anything Peterson after "we'd like to accept you to UCI" they just laughed and said it wasn't uncommon.

I had the same exact experience! She had to ask me 3 times whether or not I was taking biochemistry because i wasnt listening to a word she was saying, haha. After I got off the phone i said to my gf "i have no idea what we just talked about...i hope i dont have to do anything important!"

 

[spidermann]

So... if we've had "decision pending" pre-interview for over 3 months does that basically mean our chances are shot? why don't they just reject us already ..? so much for staying in cali for the next 4 years 🙁

 

[iA-MD2013]

So... if we've had "decision pending" pre-interview for over 3 months does that basically mean our chances are shot? why don't they just reject us already ..? so much for staying in cali for the next 4 years 🙁

I don't understand UC schools anymore. You have amazing interview invites!!! You'd think one UC school would interview you...???

 

[spidermann]

thanks, berk. i'm still holding out hope for ucla 🙂 have you had luck with any of them uc's? you can join me in frustration for no in-state love 😛

 

[FF430]

secondary status says "denied"....can't say im shocked, even though i went to uci for undergrad...UCs in general seem like a rough bunch

 

[iA-MD2013]

thanks, berk. i'm still holding out hope for ucla 🙂 have you had luck with any of them uc's? you can join me in frustration for no in-state love 😛

Well, I was lucky enough to get one interview/acceptance from a UC school (UCSD)...But I got a pre-interview hold first, so they didn't like me that much. 😛 I still think it's ridiculous how somebody with a great app like yours hasn't gotten a UC invite! I feel like the UCs are looking for something specific in an applicant and it's different than all the other med schools. I don't understand this process!!!

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

Whenever I call I never get through to anyone.

 

[efitzpat]

Man, that is scary. I can't believe they would give you that info over the phone! All they said was "we have reviewed your file and will be rejecting you in January?"

I am also waiting pre-secondary at UCI. Who did you you email and what did you say? Maybe I should also email or call? Whenever I call I never get through after I am transfered by the receptionist.

I emailed so they didn't give me that info over the phone. My status says now says DENIED so they definitely didn't wait until January. My email was basically a letter of interest, and also noted a few of my weaknesses which I could better explain through a secondary and interview. They politely said they'd reviewed my app and denied me.

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

I emailed so they didn't give me that info over the phone. My status says now says DENIED so they definitely didn't wait until January. My email was basically a letter of interest, and also noted a few of my weaknesses which I could better explain through a secondary and interview. They politely said they'd reviewed my app and denied me.

Do you think the LOI helped, hurt, or didn't matter? do you think they even read it?

 

[efitzpat]

Do you think the LOI helped, hurt, or didn't matter? do you think they even read it?

It definitely didn't matter. I doubt they read it. I think they made the decision a long time ago. The response was pretty quick so I doubt they looked at my file again and decided to reject me just because of the email

 

[drugfactscont]

4 months since completion and still pending review. Ugh.

 

[talbo]

4 months since completion and still pending review. Ugh.

same here =(

 

[usermike8500]

4 months since completion and still pending review. Ugh.

Same story here as well. I've been tempted to call the admissions office but I figure I would just be pestering them.

It seems that UCI is not shy about "Denying" people interviews so I'm going to assume that no news is good news at this point.

 

[MissAmanda]

same here =(

do you all mean pending review for a secondary or for an interview?

 

[otterpop]

So... any updates anyone?

 

[otterpop]

anyone who interviewed in November hearing back yet?

 

[otterpop]

This thread is so DEAD! For anyone who's still reading this, don't expect to hear anything before January. Happy holidays!

 

[RySerr21]

This thread is so DEAD! For anyone who's still reading this, don't expect to hear anything before January. Happy holidays!

i know its so sad 🙁. I think its cuz they only interview twice a month. Its not like they have applicants coming every week. That results in fewer people talking about it on any given week. Just my theory.

 

[LifeofGas]

anyone who interviewed in November hearing back yet?

I haven't heard anything yet. I interviewed on the 12th. It is almost 6 weeks now. I am not hoping for much though since its the holiday and people are usually on break. Do admissions call people during christmas? I was just thinking...wouldn't it be the one of the most wonderful christmas gifts ever if we get notified of our acceptance on christmas day?

 

[RySerr21]

I haven't heard anything yet. I interviewed on the 12th. It is almost 6 weeks now. I am not hoping for much though since its the holiday and people are usually on break. Do admissions call people during christmas? I was just thinking...wouldn't it be the one of the most wonderful christmas gifts ever if we get notified of our acceptance on christmas day?

have you checked your status yet? It may have been updated. If its still unchanged, i think you can look forward to good news. Its only a theory, but so far has not been proven wrong. If they waitlist the candidates, they do it relatively soon. And you can tell by checking the status page (itll say waitlisted). They do not, however, update the status if you are accepted until AFTER tthe phone call. So, if its been a really long time, and still no status change, it might be good news. Dont hold me to it tho, and let me know if my theory holds true!

 

[LifeofGas]

have you checked your status yet? It may have been updated. If its still unchanged, i think you can look forward to good news. Its only a theory, but so far has not been proven wrong. If they waitlist the candidates, they do it relatively soon. And you can tell by checking the status page (itll say waitlisted). They do not, however, update the status if you are accepted until AFTER tthe phone call. So, if its been a really long time, and still no status change, it might be good news. Dont hold me to it tho, and let me know if my theory holds true!

😛. I just checked my status, alternate list. Man...should have checked after christmas. I am having pretty bad luck with these interviews...oh well, at least I gave my best at interview day.

 

[RySerr21]

😛. I just checked my status, alternate list. Man...should have checked after christmas. I am having pretty bad luck with these interviews...oh well, at least I gave my best at interview day.

I'm sorry! 🙁 But if theres any school I'd like to be waitlisted at, its UCI. They take 2/3 of the class from the waitlist, so there is still hope. If it is one of your top choices, do not hesitate to write them a LOI. I dunno if Dr Peterson mentioned this on your interview day, but she told us that if they are trying to decide between two people on the waitlist, and one has sent them a LOI, they will take that person every time. They want to accept people that wanna be there, so I'd definitely write one if i were you. Good luck!

 

[otterpop]

😛. I just checked my status, alternate list. Man...should have checked after christmas. I am having pretty bad luck with these interviews...oh well, at least I gave my best at interview day.

First, thanks for actually writing on this thread to update us.

I second what rysser said. If UCI is where you want to be come spring, I think you stand a good chance of getting accepted. Also, it helps to put things into perspective. From what I remember from interview day, only 500 out of the 5000 that apply get an interview. It's so hard to get an interview invitation that ending up on the waitlist is quite an accomplishment. And like rysser said, a huge portion of the class comes from the waitlist. Dr. Peterson told us that so many of their students were from the waitlist last year that this year they won't be offering a second-look visit, as it doesn't offer those on the waitlist, who end up matriculating, a chance to see the school a second time. I hope that run-off sentence made sense. It's 1:35 AM.

 

[otterpop]

Also, from your MDapps, you have pretty good numbers. If the rest of your app is OK I'm certain you'll be fine this cycle.

 

[trojanMD]

Interview invite today for 2/9!!!😀 One of my top choices!

Complete 10/1 if your wondering

 

[XRanger]

My interview status is still PENDING REVIEW...

 

[dinocalvin]

Im getting nervous... anyone that got Dec. interviews hear back yet?

 

[go lakers]

First, thanks for actually writing on this thread to update us.

I second what rysser said. If UCI is where you want to be come spring, I think you stand a good chance of getting accepted. Also, it helps to put things into perspective. From what I remember from interview day, only 500 out of the 5000 that apply get an interview. It's so hard to get an interview invitation that ending up on the waitlist is quite an accomplishment. And like rysser said, a huge portion of the class comes from the waitlist. Dr. Peterson told us that so many of their students were from the waitlist last year that this year they won't be offering a second-look visit, as it doesn't offer those on the waitlist, who end up matriculating, a chance to see the school a second time. I hope that run-off sentence made sense. It's 1:35 AM.

Yes, a lot of our class came off the alternate list, but the vibe in our class is also most people wanted to/were very happy to be @ UCI. Letters of interest are definitely read with your file and interest in the school is a serious consideration when they decide who to accept off the WL in summer.

 

[halekulani]

application complete 8/25

interview status: pending review

🙁

 

[RySerr21]

glad to see this thread has some recent action! Its awlays so dead!

I'm sorry to hear about the pending review halekulani!! 🙁🙁

Im getting nervous... anyone that got Dec. interviews hear back yet?

have you checked your status page recently? If it is still unchanged thats probably good news. You can PM me if you want to konw why i think so!

 

[Regley]

have you checked your status page recently? If it is still unchanged thats probably good news. You can PM me if you want to konw why i think so!

I'm going to agree with this idea too. From what I've observed if they put you on alternate list your status changes quickly.

 

[RySerr21]

I'm going to agree with this idea too. From what I've observed if they put you on alternate list your status changes quickly.

Exactly.

Alternate list: status change within a few weeks after your interview

Acceptance: no status change until after your phone call notifying you of acceptance. Since they dont make those phone calls for about a month to month 1/2 after your interview, the longer your status page is unchanged the more you can expect good news. I say if youve made it this far (i believe its been over a month), you should be hearing good news any day. They love notifying people on the weekends, so i wouldnt be surprised if you got a call today or tomorrow.

 

[Loon]

My interview status is still PENDING REVIEW...

My -secondary- status is still pending review. Which is odd because they seem to have sent out pre-secondary rejections already.

Not that I have any optimism about this particular school...

 

[dinocalvin]

Thanks the the encouragement, haha

Ive been checking my status page religiously since last week. Admissions status is still blank. I hope you theory is true!

Dec 8th interview.

 

[BearsDoc]

My -secondary- status is still pending review. Which is odd because they seem to have sent out pre-secondary rejections already.

Not that I have any optimism about this particular school...

They told me over the phone only people received secondary get one.

 

[anonymouse44]

Anyone know if the UC's drug test during interviews? I celebrated a little during new year's...

 

[RySerr21]

Thanks the the encouragement, haha

Ive been checking my status page religiously since last week. Admissions status is still blank. I hope you theory is true!

Dec 8th interview.

haha, i would stop checking..you will drive your self crazy. I honestly think that my theory is true....its been that way the lats 3 or 4 interviws, including my own. I know you can never start celelbrating until you know for sure, but i would be very surprised if you got a status change to waitlist 4+ weeks after interview. They usualy make phone calls on the weeknd of the 5th week (thats when my was), but it could be different b/c you are waiting through the holidays and what not.

Anyone know if the UC's drug test during interviews? I celebrated a little during new year's...

UCI does not drug test during the interview. Does any school do that?

 

[Loon]

They told me over the phone only people received secondary get one.

The password came in the email acknowledging my AMCAS.

 

[dinocalvin]

haha, i would stop checking..you will drive your self crazy.

Hense why I'm hitting the slopes tomorrow!

 

[RySerr21]

Hense why I'm hitting the slopes tomorrow!

where at? If you are in so cal and are going to bear/summit, i must warn you that the snow conditions are absolutely awful. I went yesterday. Hopefully you are up north and are goin to tahoe or something. Thatd be cool if you got the phone call while on the lift haha. Keep your phone on you!

 

[JackInTheBox]

where at? If you are in so cal and are going to bear/summit, i must warn you that the snow conditions are absolutely awful. I went yesterday. Hopefully you are up north and are goin to tahoe or something. Thatd be cool if you got the phone call while on the lift haha. Keep your phone on you!

It seems like the season gets shorter and shorter and the conditions get worse and worse every year 🙁