2008-2009 USC-Keck Secondary Application Thread

[silverhorse84]

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To those who have interviewed:


The invite says that the names of your interviewer and schedule will show up before you interview, mine's this week and it hasn't showed up yet.. and I know that you're supposed to call and confirm with the interviewer. How close to your interview did this show up?

Also, is there not any presentation or anything during the day? It sounds like a pretty short day, student lunch, tour and interviews.

Also, anyone familiar with the LA area? I'm staying with a friend out in La Mirada, what's the best way to get there in the morning and about how long will it take? I know nothing about LA. I'm actually from the Midwest and am scared to death! And on top of that we're required to find the interviewer's office/ room on our own? Ah.

I'm not sure exactly when they showed up, cuz I didn't check until the day before. I do remember them saying you'll get an email the week before, but instead I got 4 copies of the same email the day before My faculty interviewer's name was there the day before, so I called to confirm. Then later that day the office called me and told me the name of both interviewers, what times the interviews were at and a run down of what the day was for me specifically. It sounds like they do that with everyone, so don't worry!

There is a financial aid talk, about 15 mins I think, a tour, lunch with your tour guides, and your two interviews and that makes up the day. If you miss the talk and tour because of an interview (which happened to me) they'll find someone to make it up for you. The office is really really nice and they make sure you have all the info you need - and even some you don't 😉

As far as the area and directions, I can't help you there, sorry.

Good luck!! 😀

 

[SN2ed]

Also, anyone familiar with the LA area? I'm staying with a friend out in La Mirada, what's the best way to get there in the morning and about how long will it take? I know nothing about LA. I'm actually from the Midwest and am scared to death! And on top of that we're required to find the interviewer's office/ room on our own? Ah.

Technically, it shouldn't take too long, about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there's usually quite a bit of traffic. I'd give yourself 1.5-2 hours to get there. For me, I'd stick with 2 hours or more because I'd much rather get there early than late. When I drove to USC, it took me about 1.5 hours mainly because of the 5 freeway and that so happens to be the freeway you'll be on the majority of the time. If you're going to be late, call ahead and let them know.

 

[Decicco]

The invite says that the names of your interviewer and schedule will show up before you interview, mine's this week and it hasn't showed up yet.. [...]

Also, is there not any presentation or anything during the day? [...]

Also, anyone familiar with the LA area? I'm staying with a friend out in La Mirada, what's the best way to get there in the morning and about how long will it take?[...] on top of that we're required to find the interviewer's office/ room on our own? Ah.

Mine showed up two days before, you should be able to call them after that. Also, they email you, letting you know that they added your interviewers' names and reminding you to call them. There aren't any presentations, so make sure you review why you want to go to Keck beforehand because they won't talk about the school at all before your interviews if they are before the tour. Its not necessarily a short day because your interviews could be seperated.. some interviews were scheduled as early as 7:30 am and as late as 4. You really won't find out your schedule until after you talk to the admissions office. You can use your free time to eat a snack, sit in on a class, or to read the Keck Magazine they give you to help prepare for the interview (what I did 😀). Getting to the campus is kinda tricky. I went there twice with two different cabs and neither knew where it was. Tell them that its by LA County Hospital, the Norris Cancer Center, and give them the driving directions from the USC secondary page.

Good luck, go Trojans!

 

[202781]

I agree that the admissions office is by far the most helpful, relaxed, kind... office I have ever encountered.

Also the students loved the school
A+ education
Volleyball court in the center of campus<---- They talked about this a lot. (and yes it's tight)
Great lunch (did anyone notice how good the ketchup was by any chance...I just can't get over how good it was)
Warm weather
New Hospital
Very diverse population to serve
Beach
Celebrities (my interviewer told me about the celebrities he has seen recently around town)
You are in the center of the action
Art Gallery in the bottom of the lecture hall
Big fish tank



...I could go on. My point is that I loved this school sooooo much. The students were all very friendly

 

[schnauzr]

Is there really a beach nearby?
Like an actual beach where people go swimming and sun tan?
Because that would be amazing.

 

[202781]

Umm...Yeah...LAX is like maybe less than 2 miles from the Ocean. Santa Monica is less than 10 miles from the airport.



If you have not already interviewed there I think you will have a blast...my interviewer was telling me that about 20% of the students actually live very very close to the beach and choose to commute to school (helps that nearly every lecture is online). I happened to bump into a M2 and she told me that many of the students will only go to class because they were going to the campus to have an epic volleball match.

 

[droshan]

The commute is a pain though, my brother went to USC for Law school and he commuted from the westside everyday. Don't forget how horrific the traffic is in Los Angeles! By the way, USC has just moved to the new hospital too. I'm so eager to interview there!!

 

[DreamPills]

I commute from Westwood to HSC virtually everyday (I'm a graduate student at USC). Morning commute: 40 mins (depending on when you leave). Afternoon commute (4-5pm) is around an hour. Not worth it for the beach IMO. But, with no traffic it is only 30 mins.

 

[Decicco]

The commute is a pain though, my brother went to USC for Law school and he commuted from the westside everyday. Don't forget how horrific the traffic is in Los Angeles! By the way, USC has just moved to the new hospital too. I'm so eager to interview there!!

The new hospital is not yet opened. My interviewer hopes it opens next year, but some of the M2s I talked to said it was supposed to be opened before they started too and it never happened. Its been built for years but has just been sitting there because beauracracy, red tape, etc. Not to complain.. I loved the school for the same reasons as everyone above. My only complaints are the neighborhood and the commute.

I commute from Westwood to HSC virtually everyday (I'm a graduate student at USC). Morning commute: 40 mins (depending on when you leave). Afternoon commute (4-5pm) is around an hour. Not worth it for the beach IMO. But, with no traffic it is only 30 mins.

How long from Pasadena?

 

[DreamPills]

The new hospital is not yet opened. My interviewer hopes it opens next year, but some of the M2s I talked to said it was supposed to be opened before they started too and it never happened. Its been built for years but has just been sitting there because beauracracy, red tape, etc. Not to complain.. I loved the school for the same reasons as everyone above. My only complaints are the neighborhood and the commute.


How long from Pasadena?

That's weird. I thought the new hospital was open as well. It was featured on the front page of the HSC weekly. I thought it was an opening ceremony.

From Pasadena, it is about 20-30 minutes. You take mainly local streets to get there. From Westwood, you just take the freeway. I just went today from Pasadena and it took 25 minutes.

hmm..to clarify, I guess it depends where in Pasadena. If it is from South Pasadena, it is only about 15 mins. From northern Pasadena (near Altadena) it is about 25.

 

[schnauzr]

I'm just curious,
so does every medical student own a car?
I heard LA is like that but still no one uses the public transportation?
There seems to be some sort of a subway station at USC medical center.
I'm really hoping for an interview here as well!!

 

[DreamPills]

I'm just curious,
so does every medical student own a car?
I heard LA is like that but still no one uses the public transportation?
There seems to be some sort of a subway station at USC medical center.
I'm really hoping for an interview here as well!!

LA public transportation..isn't good...isn't reliable...but there are people that take the bus. USC does have a inter-campus bus system. So, if you live in Pasadena/Alhambra, you get take the shuttle from their HSC-Alhambra campus to school instead of driving.

 

[Decicco]

LA public transportation..isn't good...isn't reliable...but there are people that take the bus. USC does have a inter-campus bus system. So, if you live in Pasadena/Alhambra, you get take the shuttle from their HSC-Alhambra campus to school instead of driving.

I talked to a few people who ride a bike and come to class sweaty (although there are availible showers on campus..also you don't need to bring books because you can leave them in your on-campus desk). Most have cars.

 

[enjoydrywax]

Man I would give up my interview at harvard for an interview at USC. I Just really want to stay in LA..

 

[Dr_Berk]

The new hospital is not yet opened. My interviewer hopes it opens next year, but some of the M2s I talked to said it was supposed to be opened before they started too and it never happened. Its been built for years but has just been sitting there because beauracracy, red tape, etc. Not to complain.. I loved the school for the same reasons as everyone above. My only complaints are the neighborhood and the commute.

We had the hospital opening ceremony on October 5th. The official opening date is set to November 7th. 😀

It is a big enough task to open a hospital that size with all the req'd inspections. It is an even bigger task to transfer a working hospital into a new building. There have been a lot of test runs and a lot of planning, and it's happening very soon.

Good luck on your applications and interviews! 😀

 

[SN2ed]

We had the hospital opening ceremony on October 5th. The official opening date is set to November 7th. 😀

It is a big enough task to open a hospital that size with all the req'd inspections. It is an even bigger task to transfer a working hospital into a new building. There have been a lot of test runs and a lot of planning, and it's happening very soon.

Good luck on your applications and interviews! 😀

How do you like it at USC?

 

[medRckr55]

We had the hospital opening ceremony on October 5th. The official opening date is set to November 7th. 😀

It is a big enough task to open a hospital that size with all the req'd inspections. It is an even bigger task to transfer a working hospital into a new building. There have been a lot of test runs and a lot of planning, and it's happening very soon.

Good luck on your applications and interviews! 😀

I just took an informal tour of County Gen. Hospital last night, and everyone there said they are moving the patients out in about a week, so it is definitely opening within the next week or so. BTW it looks AMAZING!

 

[Decicco]

I just took an informal tour of County Gen. Hospital last night, and everyone there said they are moving the patients out in about a week, so it is definitely opening within the next week or so. BTW it looks AMAZING!

Awesome👍 I love USC!

 

[vbdoc77]

so I've been complete for over 2 months and haven't heard a thing from USC. anyone else?

 

[iA-MD2013]

so I've been complete for over 2 months and haven't heard a thing from USC. anyone else?

Yeah. Same here. 🙁

 

[Anatidae]

I just got an interview invite yesterday and I'd been complete since mid-August, so...still hope!

 

[Arpan5145]

Yeah. Same here. 🙁

ditto, dying for just one in-state interview!

 

[Dulcina]

Yeah. Same here. 🙁

same. They're being quite slow!

 

[Scean]

Complete since mid-July here....👎...no fun

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

They just started interviewing, so we could still get invites!

 

[droshan]

It hurts when some people have multiple Cali interviews and you have none! Come on USC!

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

They just started interviewing, so we could still get invites!

Did they really just start? I thought people interviewed in the middle of last month?

Does anyone have any insight as to how this process works at USC and when we should expect to hear? Does it even matter when you turned in your secondary - it seems like some people turned it in 3 months ago and haven't heard anything while some who turned it in a month ago have?

 

[halekulani]

is there a status page (secondary application page just shows the green checks)? or are we just supposed to wait for an email/phonecall/snailmail?

 

[SN2ed]

No idea, but I'm now in the window of when they might contact me.



Know what would be cool....a USC carrier pigeon sending your acceptance. Now that would be unique. Think, you're just walking around and a pigeon dive bombs you. You run. It catches you. You see it's holding something. I promise you, you would never forget that acceptance notice.

 

[halekulani]

not really into the harry potter theme

i was hoping more of a mission impossible thing where they send you a phone in a fedex box. it rings, you pick it up to answer, it quickly tells you the date, time and location of your interview, and then self-destructs as you quickly scramble for a pen and paper.

 

[SN2ed]

I wasn't thinking about Harry Potter. I just like the idea of a carrier pigeon because I've always wanted to see one at work.

 

[Druzie]

😱

And I was practically done with the secondary (just needed revising). Now I'm having to rewrite all 5 essays from scratch! 👎

 

[silverhorse84]

is there a status page (secondary application page just shows the green checks)? or are we just supposed to wait for an email/phonecall/snailmail?

Yeah, their status page doesn't have much. You'll get an email interview invite, and a snail mail decision. Good luck!

 

[RySerr21]

Is there really a beach nearby?
Like an actual beach where people go swimming and sun tan?
Because that would be amazing.

Umm...Yeah...LAX is like maybe less than 2 miles from the Ocean. Santa Monica is less than 10 miles from the airport.

Ummm, no. The beach is not "near by" and neither is LAX. LAX is a good half an hour to 45 minute drive, and thats IF there isn't any traffic.....which is never. Its taken me an hour and a half to get to LAX before due to traffic. If you want to go to the beach, its gonna be a good drive to get there. Dont let anyone let you think its a brisk bike ride or walk down the street. You are in the heart of LA....lots of buildings, dirty freeways, a billion cars, and no trees.

 

[202781]

Ummm, no. The beach is not "near by" and neither is LAX. LAX is a good half an hour to 45 minute drive, and thats IF there isn't any traffic.....which is never. Its taken me an hour and a half to get to LAX before due to traffic. If you want to go to the beach, its gonna be a good drive to get there. Dont let anyone let you think its a brisk bike ride or walk down the street. You are in the heart of LA....lots of buildings, dirty freeways, a billion cars, and no trees.

Listen. I was not saying that the campus is two miles from the beach...but in terms of distance from the airport to the coastline it is less than two miles.

From the AIRPORT to Marina del Ray is like 4 miles and from the Airport to Santa Monica is like 9 miles.

Keck is inland and I agree that it would be like an hour from the beach but dude...it is an HOUR from the beach that is tight!!

 

[202781]

I forgot, when did they say that the decisions for the people who interviewed in mid-october are going to come? I missed a lot of the meeting due to being in an interview that ran long

 

[SN2ed]

It's 4-6 weeks from your interview date.

I don't think you're taking into account the traffic.

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

No idea, but I'm now in the window of when they might contact me.

What do you mean though? Isn't that window any time after you turn in your secondary.

In response to the status page question, yeah I think we get no form of updates. Even when I tried calling the admin office they said sorry we don't know anything about the process of your application, "you will know before we will".... USC seems slower than most schools with sending out interviews. It's hard to be left in total dark for 2 months, or more.

 

[202781]

What do you mean though? Isn't that window any time after you turn in your secondary.

In response to the status page question, yeah I think we get no form of updates. Even when I tried calling the admin office they said sorry we don't know anything about the process of your application, "you will know before we will".... USC seems slower than most schools with sending out interviews. It's hard to be left in total dark for 2 months, or more.

I think he was responding to me. I think he means that it is 4-6 weeks after you interview that you get the acceptance/rejection/waitlist letter

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

I think he was responding to me. I think he means that it is 4-6 weeks after you interview that you get the acceptance/rejection/waitlist letter

: ) oh, thanks.

Does anyone understand this, from the interview invite thread:

BluePhoenix (C:10/28, II: 11/11, I:1/16 OOS), snizzlepants (C:8/8, II:11/11, I: 1, OOS)

Does the committee not go in order of who is complete? Two people who were complete over 2 months from each other get an interview on the same day? With the UCs I have been able to roughly anticipate when I would hear back based on when others were complete and hearing back, but I am lost with USC, there's gotta be some method to the madness 🙂

 

[202781]

USC is a private school so it operates differently than the UC schools.
I think that in addition to the time you submit, your stats also come into play.

A person who has a 3.5/30 and submitted late aug. = a person with 3.8/34 who submitted in oct.

I just made those stats up...but the thing is they do take into account other factors besides the day you are complete.

 

[RySerr21]

Listen. I was not saying that the campus is two miles from the beach...but in terms of distance from the airport to the coastline it is less than two miles.

From the AIRPORT to Marina del Ray is like 4 miles and from the Airport to Santa Monica is like 9 miles.

Keck is inland and I agree that it would be like an hour from the beach but dude...it is an HOUR from the beach that is tight!!

haha, okay okay. I guess i'm just a little spoiled coming from san diego and the beach being a 10 minute walk from a lot of my freinds houses. An hour is a long drive to go to the beach.

And thats great that its 2 miles from the airport, but the comment is misleading for those who do not konw that the airport is not really anywhere near the campus. I just didnt want people to get the misconception that the campus was nearby the beach, cuz its not. Now if you want to be nearby the beach, go to UCSD or UCI.....their campuses are practically surrounded by sand.

 

[SN2ed]

Ugh. I really want to know if I'm accepted or not. If I am, that will take a load of pressure off of me because I'd have an acceptance somewhere.

 

[CaliforniaGreen]

USC is a private school so it operates differently than the UC schools.
I think that in addition to the time you submit, your stats also come into play.

A person who has a 3.5/30 and submitted late aug. = a person with 3.8/34 who submitted in oct.

I just made those stats up...but the thing is they do take into account other factors besides the day you are complete.

That should make sense except people with roughly my stats, and in one case lower, who submitted within a few days of me, have already gotten an interview 🙁

 

[BluePhoenix]

USC is a private school so it operates differently than the UC schools.
I think that in addition to the time you submit, your stats also come into play.

A person who has a 3.5/30 and submitted late aug. = a person with 3.8/34 who submitted in oct.

I just made those stats up...but the thing is they do take into account other factors besides the day you are complete.

I was pretty surprised with how quickly I got an interview...my stats aren't that great 3.5/35 but I'm also a non-traditional applicant (I'm a PhD) so maybe that had an effect?

 

[trojanMD]

Off-topic question, but does anyone know if Keck favors USC undergrads? I am thinking no, but I need all the help I can get 😳

Another quick Q: Does Keck accept pre-interview update letters? I tried to send one and called to confirm receipt, but the lady who answered the phone said no in an unsure manner. So maybe someone here can confirm.

Thanks guys! and goodluck I am dyiiiiiiiiiiiing for an interview. I am beyond envious of those who have already got interviews. I was complete late-Sept, so im keeping my fingers crossed that I hear something in the not too distant future.

 

[hereIcome]

Hey guys.

I'm a first year here at Keck and I love it. I found this board to be really helpful last year when I was applying and I haven't looked at it since. But I wanted to return the favor of so many people who answered so many of my questions last year. So, if you have any questions at all, feel free to message me or post them here. I'm busy, but I will try to check in.

USC is an amazing school and the new hospital is officially open now and all patients have been transferred. I love, love, love Keck and I will never regret choosing it!

 

[202781]

is it worth the extra 15-20k per year?

 

[Decicco]

Quick question hereIcome: I took biochemistry (as required) and did well in it, but I don't feel like I learned all that much... Since biochem is required at USC, do you think that not knowing it will put me at a significant disadvantage to my peers?

 

[n3opologist]

Interview Invite!!!!!!! I'm super excited
I was complete over 3 MONTHS ago, August 14, so there's still hope guys and girls.