2008-2009 USC-Keck Secondary Application Thread

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Awe I wish... I'm still waiting... probably a long shot at this point, I guess. 🙁 Anyone else? Is there still hope?!

i called the admissions office last week and they told me that the latest we would hear from them regarding interviews is the last week of march because the last round of interviews are in the first week of april. so there's still hope!
 
have a lot of people been rejected pre-interview? Is it a good sign if we haven't?
 
I interviewed on 1/13 and got the acceptance letter today! Anyone else hear?
 
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have a lot of people been rejected pre-interview? Is it a good sign if we haven't?

This isn't specific to Keck, but I feel like many schools don't "reject" that many people pre-interview until the interview season is actually over.

So far I have only been "rejected" outright by 1 school that I haven't interviewed with (and that I did do a secondary for)...Granted there are like 6 or 7 others that just haven't said anything...but I highly doubt i'll be interviewing at any of them.

This isn't to make you discouraged, just to keep in mind that (at least in my experience) a lot of schools don't outright reject you until the very end...whether that means they are still "actively considering" your application or if its just in a drawer never to be read again...I don't know.
 
I interviewed on 11/13 and got the acceptance letter today! Anyone else hear?

Congrats!

I interviewed December 2nd and got in last Tuesday. I really liked the school so it's definitely in my "holding" list.
 
Congrats!

I interviewed December 2nd and got in last Tuesday. I really liked the school so it's definitely in my "holding" list.

Thanks, sorry I meant 1/13 ...
Keck def. seems to take care of their students, but what do you think of the pricetag?
 
Price and Location are the two reasons I'm not a definite on Keck. I'm on the waitlist at UCSD and hoping to hear from them. The price and the area make it a lot more appealing to me.

Though in all honesty, my family is paying for my education. However, I still want to make it as cheap as possible (while still getting a good education. I really really liked UCSD so we'll see. I'm not a california resident so I'm at a big disadvantage).
 
I interviewed on 1/13 and got the acceptance letter today! Anyone else hear?

Congrats! You have some nice choices too.

That was a pretty fast turn around. I interviewed 2 weeks after you. I wonder if I should look out for something in two weeks?
 
have a lot of people been rejected pre-interview? Is it a good sign if we haven't?

This isn't specific to Keck, but I feel like many schools don't "reject" that many people pre-interview until the interview season is actually over.

So far I have only been "rejected" outright by 1 school that I haven't interviewed with (and that I did do a secondary for)...Granted there are like 6 or 7 others that just haven't said anything...but I highly doubt i'll be interviewing at any of them.

This isn't to make you discouraged, just to keep in mind that (at least in my experience) a lot of schools don't outright reject you until the very end...whether that means they are still "actively considering" your application or if its just in a drawer never to be read again...I don't know.


Keck actually has rejected a lot of people thus far pre-interview (in fact, 3 of my 5 roommates have been rejected already, and I've heard of many others). Supposedly it's a good sign if you haven't been rejected, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily get your hopes up. I'm still crossing my fingers too, so we're in the same boat
 
If you haven't heard back in the same quick time frame as someone else, it could be something as silly as one of your interviewers didn't return their form in a timely fashion or barely commented...it really stinks, but I wouldn't take it as a definite rejection.

I work at a different private school, and this definitely happens.
Sometimes some members of the adcom committee unexpectedly had to go see patients...stuff like that.

Then they put you into a re-review pile for when they get your interviewer's form back or can re-convene the whole committee. You'd rather that than they reject you based on no good reason 🙂.

Keck actually doesn't interview that many applicants, so you have pretty good chances once you've gotten an interview.

Of course, there are going to be those applicants who they can't decide on, also...who will keep getting put onto the re-discuss pile. Some will get rejected, some will get waitlisted, and some will get admitted...but it's still better to be put in that pile than to be rejected outright! I have met many Keck students who got in off the waitlist (lots of CA residents take UC offers b/c of the low tuition, but they can come really late in the season, since the public schools are so over-worked and under-funded).

I interviewed at Keck on 1/20 and have not heard yet on 2/08...I'm keeping my fingers crossed w/ everybody else 🙂
 
Last year, I kept waiting and waiting but never did receive an invitation to interview at USC. Worst of all, I did not receive an outright rejectly letter until Spring - that was painful. I wish I had saved that letter.* Every single rejection letter was so painful. I didn't get into any medical school, even my "safety" school. 🙁 I'm glad I didn't know about this forum then because it would have only added to my anxiety! Really, is finding out how far after their interviews others' have received their judgment going to change your or ease your mind? (okay, that previous sentence construction might provide a clue to why I had a rough time) Or how is knowing the timing of others' interview invitations going to help you?

IMO, you have to realize some things are beyond your control. You'll get the notification sooner or later, whether or not you sweat over it publicly. You can simply chose to just focus on something else more productive and try to forget it.

*I mention this because last year I was in the same situation as some of you might be in, and the days (months) were indeed very dark - I could have used some guidance or encouragement. I reassessed my motivations and weaknesses in my application, improved the app in every facet I could, and re-applied for this cycle (successfully).

Don't lose hope but be a realist. Despite what I said, I think this can be a good place to receive advice and support.

So did you get into USC this year? Just curious because then you really should have saved the letter...you could keep it through medical school 🙂
 
Yes, I did get accepted. The feeling is like being released from prison for a crime that you didn't commit, after having served so many years that there's no bitterness just relief. And for those who are counting the days, it took almost two months to find out after my interview date.

Congrats, is it one of your top choices?

If so I may see you there...though I am going to be waiting on a few waitlists.
 
If you haven't heard back in the same quick time frame as someone else, it could be something as silly as one of your interviewers didn't return their form in a timely fashion or barely commented...it really stinks, but I wouldn't take it as a definite rejection.

I work at a different private school, and this definitely happens.
Sometimes some members of the adcom committee unexpectedly had to go see patients...stuff like that.

Then they put you into a re-review pile for when they get your interviewer's form back or can re-convene the whole committee. You'd rather that than they reject you based on no good reason 🙂.

Keck actually doesn't interview that many applicants, so you have pretty good chances once you've gotten an interview.

Of course, there are going to be those applicants who they can't decide on, also...who will keep getting put onto the re-discuss pile. Some will get rejected, some will get waitlisted, and some will get admitted...but it's still better to be put in that pile than to be rejected outright! I have met many Keck students who got in off the waitlist (lots of CA residents take UC offers b/c of the low tuition, but they can come really late in the season, since the public schools are so over-worked and under-funded).

I interviewed at Keck on 1/20 and have not heard yet on 2/08...I'm keeping my fingers crossed w/ everybody else 🙂

Since this whole timing thing is becoming a concern, I figure it would help ease some nerves if I gave more detail on my app.

I sent a letter of interest about a week before I was accepted, which makes me think that perhaps they made a decision earlier than if I had not sent it in. Then again, who knows what goes on behind the scenes...but this is what I suspect.

I also heard that the interviewer's eval forms are due within 3 days of the interview, so I wouldn't worry about that holding anything up for those who haven't heard yet. Also, both my interviewers said they don't sit on admissions so I don't think its possible that their attendance plays a role in when you find out.

So my advice is don't worry...consider my case an anomaly. They told us 5-6 weeks from interview is when we could expect to hear -- I'd stick to that first. Good luck guys, don't stress.
 
I spoke too soon 🙂 Interview 12/12, letter of interest 1/22, accepted 2/9!
 
Hello,
For those who sent LOI's, did anyone from the admissions office let you know that it had been received and/or added to your file?

Thanks!
 
I got an automated message saying that my email had been received, but nothing specifically acknowledging it.
 
Where did you send your letter of interest/intent?
 
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I mailed mine to the admissions office and emailed a copy to Ms. Garza, with no response from either..
 
Last year, I kept waiting and waiting but never did receive an invitation to interview at USC. Worst of all, I did not receive an outright rejectly letter until Spring - that was painful. I wish I had saved that letter.* Every single rejection letter was so painful. I didn't get into any medical school, even my "safety" school. 🙁 I'm glad I didn't know about this forum then because it would have only added to my anxiety! Really, is finding out how far after their interviews others' have received their judgment going to change your or ease your mind? (okay, that previous sentence construction might provide a clue to why I had a rough time) Or how is knowing the timing of others' interview invitations going to help you?

IMO, you have to realize some things are beyond your control. You'll get the notification sooner or later, whether or not you sweat over it publicly. You can simply chose to just focus on something else more productive and try to forget it.

*I mention this because last year I was in the same situation as some of you might be in, and the days (months) were indeed very dark - I could have used some guidance or encouragement. I reassessed my motivations and weaknesses in my application, improved the app in every facet I could, and re-applied for this cycle (successfully).

Don't lose hope but be a realist. Despite what I said, I think this can be a good place to receive advice and support.

I don't know why they don't just reject people when the decide they won't give an interview. Anyway, having said that, I am waiting for an interview (hoping!), and my 3 friends applying with me have already been rejected. Why some people are rejected early and some late, I don't know. Maybe they keep passing on my app to the next committee meeting, again and again.
 
^
Basically that's what I was told when I called for a status check. If you haven't been rejected yet, then at least one person on the adcom would like to interview you.
 
I just got invited to a google group for USC Keck class of 2013, saying congrats on the acceptance!

My status page hasn't changed. Should I take this as a formal acceptance? If so, awesome, first acceptance!

EDIT: I called the office and they said it's legit. I'm not sure why the informal google invite email came through first, though.
 
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I'm also waiting to hear about an interview, but I haven't received a rejection yet. But I have received rejection letters from a few other schools, so hopefully I could still be in the game! Congrats to everyone who received acceptances!!
 
I just got invited to a google group for USC Keck class of 2013, saying congrats on the acceptance!

My status page hasn't changed. Should I take this as a formal acceptance? If so, awesome, first acceptance!

EDIT: I called the office and they said it's legit. I'm not sure why the informal google invite email came through first, though.

CONGRATZ hot penguin sex! I am 98% sure that means you are accepted. Why would they invite you to join the group otherwise?
 
I just got invited to a google group for USC Keck class of 2013, saying congrats on the acceptance!

My status page hasn't changed. Should I take this as a formal acceptance? If so, awesome, first acceptance!

EDIT: I called the office and they said it's legit. I'm not sure why the informal google invite email came through first, though.

That's weird because after I was accepted the office said I'd be invited to the group after my deposit cleared. Hmm, maybe you won't have to pay the deposit 😉

Congrats on the acceptance!!
 
I just got invited to a google group for USC Keck class of 2013, saying congrats on the acceptance!

My status page hasn't changed. Should I take this as a formal acceptance? If so, awesome, first acceptance!

EDIT: I called the office and they said it's legit. I'm not sure why the informal google invite email came through first, though.


when did you interview?
 
I'm also waiting to hear about an interview, but I haven't received a rejection yet. But I have received rejection letters from a few other schools, so hopefully I could still be in the game! Congrats to everyone who received acceptances!!

Hey lovemed I am there with you, hoping for an invite. Best of luck to both of us. It would be nice since I have also been getting a string of rejections.
 
Hey lovemed I am there with you, hoping for an invite. Best of luck to both of us. It would be nice since I have also been getting a string of rejections.

Talbo, I noticed on your profile that you got into Miami as an OOS'er and are still waiting for a USC invite.

I got into USC and haven't received an invite from Miami! Miami could have been one of my top choices because of proximity to kin.
 
Talbo, I noticed on your profile that you got into Miami as an OOS'er and are still waiting for a USC invite.

I got into USC and haven't received an invite from Miami! Miami could have been one of my top choices because of proximity to kin.

hey tryptofan, yea i am waiting for the remaining cali skools to show me some love haha. r u still waitin on miami? perhaps you will get an invite soon! good luck!

n yes this process is random well it's not really random but bc there are too many qualified applicants it does become random n very subjective
 
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

can we get a translation?

I am guessing you got into Keck and that you are jumping up and down because it is such an awesome school and you cannot wait to go there.
 
bobdog when did u interview?
 
bobdog when did u interview?

I second this question!

Everyone who gets accepted must give an interview date for all of us people wondering how long until our decisions come 🙂
 
I interviewed on December 2nd or so and I got accepted about two weeks ago (two weeks ago this coming Tuesday to be exact)
 
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first acceptance for me........interviewed the second week of january
 
I'll just re-affirm that I interviewed on Jan 20 and have not yet heard. I'm thinking of Fed-Ex'ing and emailing a LOI. It is my #1 school AND my hometown where my parents live...so living could be uber cheap (above their garage, not WITH them).
 
I'll just re-affirm that I interviewed on Jan 20 and have not yet heard. I'm thinking of Fed-Ex'ing and emailing a LOI. It is my #1 school AND my hometown where my parents live...so living could be uber cheap (above their garage, not WITH them).

Well they did say it would take about 6 weeks (I interviewed the 21st). Sending a letter never hruts, but I don't think you should be worried about not hearing yet nor should you really expect to hear back yet.
 
I'll just re-affirm that I interviewed on Jan 20 and have not yet heard. I'm thinking of Fed-Ex'ing and emailing a LOI. It is my #1 school AND my hometown where my parents live...so living could be uber cheap (above their garage, not WITH them).

kinda like your own apartment...do you have a shed in the back that I could live in? (seriously)
 
Hi all...what do you think about sending update letters before receiving an interview, I sent in my secondary application on the deadline date and am still waiting to hear from USC about an interview...I really want this school!!!!
 
Hi all...what do you think about sending update letters before receiving an interview, I sent in my secondary application on the deadline date and am still waiting to hear from USC about an interview...I really want this school!!!!


This is a quote from the Application Requirements Complete email that Keck sends out:
"Once your file is complete, it gets sent to a member of our screening committee digitally. We are unable to send them any additional information, therefore, please do not send any updates via email or hard copy – they will be discarded. Updates are only accepted after you have been invited for an interview, and can be brought to our office on your interview day. Changes to your mailing address must be done through AMCAS, however, you may call our office to change your current email address or phone number."
 
This is a quote from the Application Requirements Complete email that Keck sends out:
"Once your file is complete, it gets sent to a member of our screening committee digitally. We are unable to send them any additional information, therefore, please do not send any updates via email or hard copy – they will be discarded. Updates are only accepted after you have been invited for an interview, and can be brought to our office on your interview day. Changes to your mailing address must be done through AMCAS, however, you may call our office to change your current email address or phone number."

Thanks...this definitely answers my question
 
This is a quote from the Application Requirements Complete email that Keck sends out:
"Once your file is complete, it gets sent to a member of our screening committee digitally. We are unable to send them any additional information, therefore, please do not send any updates via email or hard copy – they will be discarded. Updates are only accepted after you have been invited for an interview, and can be brought to our office on your interview day. Changes to your mailing address must be done through AMCAS, however, you may call our office to change your current email address or phone number."


I called and confirmed this.
 
Hi all...what do you think about sending update letters before receiving an interview, I sent in my secondary application on the deadline date and am still waiting to hear from USC about an interview...I really want this school!!!!

Waiting until the deadline date = very very bad idea.

I have applied twice with the same applications.
Last year, I sent in everything on their deadline dates b/c I was sick most of the winter with resistant tonsilitis and tired as a dog. The only interview I got was U. Utah. I didn't even get D.O. interviews.

This year I have gotten 7 M.D. interviews and 6+ D.O. interviews. I never heard from USC last time...I kinda think they may have been one of the schools that didn't even send me a rejection until past July last year.
 
Yeah waiting until the deadline date is definitely not the best choice.

On another note, does anyone know if USC is still sending out interview invites? I know many people have been rejected pre-interview... but does USC do silent rejections? Basically, is there really still a chance for us poor folk who haven't received invites?
 
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