2009-2010 University of California - San Francisco (UCSF) Application Thread

[FutureScaresMe]

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Same here. He said there were three possibilities: one of two thin envelopes or a fat envelope (acceptance). The thin ones were "Rejection" or "Alternate List." He said that "Alternate" does not equal "waitlist." Waitlist is something devised later in the cycle. He said that most people on the alternate list get an acceptance or a waitlist position. Waitlist can turn into an acceptance or just peter out into nothingness.

The numbers he quoted us were 500 interviews (no more) and (based on last year) 270 acceptances after getting through the waitlist.

So come next weekish, the applicants who are neither accepted nor rejected will all be on the "alternate list" which differs from a waitlist? And then later in the cycle, those on the alternate list will be either accepted, rejected, or then put on an actual waitlist?

Well, knowing how the committee works now, I'll sure feel like absolute crap if I get a straight rejection. That would mean they really didn't want me.

 

[Calicaliboy]

anyone know how much value UCSF gives to update letters?

 

[Dyingduck]

Does anyone what should be included in an appeal letter? Better yet, what should not be included? How long should it be?

Thanks!

 

[JJMrK]

anyone know how much value UCSF gives to update letters?

I wouldn't send an update letter pre-decision.

 

[MD59007]

Does every interviewer at UCSF volunteer to give his or her email address to interviewees for future contacts, or we need to ask during interviews?

And such a volunteering offer of email is a good sign from the interviewer?

 

[starl3tte]

I wouldn't send an update letter pre-decision.

Why not? Just wondering. I sent a letter of interest/update to another school, and was planning on sending out a few more to some other schools. I haven't sent anything to UCSF though.

 

[garconfrancais]

Neither of you heard wrong. This is what happens after your interview:

Both interviewers write up a review regarding you.

This completes the application, and the application in its entirety is sent to the committee members who include your interviewers. This is the first time that your interviewers have access to your file.

All committee members read applications and give them some sort of a score.

Committee meeting is held. At this meeting, all the candidates are put up on the screen, listed in order of their combined scores by all the committee members. This is a temporary list for them to work off of.

Usually, [This is what JimmerJammerMK heard.] those at the top of this list are not debated about and they are accepted. Those at the bottom are sometimes rejected, but Dr. Wofsy reminded us that almost always, your interviewers will stand up for you if you're at this end. The middle of the list is further discussed and debated.

At the end of the meeting and after all discussion, each interview committee member gives a new score to each applicant, including everyone on the list. Those at the top tend to stay at the top, which is why they are accepted. The others can easily move around. From this finalized list, the top 1/3 are accepted, the middle 1/3 are waitlisted, and the bottom 1/3 are rejected.

Hope that helps!

That's interesting. So it sounds like your chances really depends on who you are being compared to

 

[starl3tte]

Does every interviewer at UCSF volunteer to give his or her email address to interviewees for future contacts, or we need to ask during interviews?

And such a volunteering offer of email is a good sign from the interviewer?

I don't think you should ask for email addresses. Interviewees are specifically told to not attempt any sort of contact with their interviewers after the interview day...

 

[MD59007]

I don't think you should ask for email addresses. Interviewees are specifically told to not attempt any sort of contact with their interviewers after the interview day...

If the interviewer volunteered to give his or her email to me, can I send email to the interviewer to thank him or her for the interview and discuss some research interests in his or her lab..?

 

[starl3tte]

If the interviewer volunteered to give his or her email to me, can I send email to the interviewer to thank him or her for the interview and discuss some research interests in his or her lab..?

I would not do that, as I recall being told to not even send thank you cards.

 

[mitzi82]

If the interviewer volunteered to give his or her email to me, can I send email to the interviewer to thank him or her for the interview and discuss some research interests in his or her lab..?

Maybe I'm overly cautious but I wouldn't just to avoid even any inkling of impropriety. We were told specifically not to contact them and they were told the same thing.

My interviewer offered me her card and to answer any questions I had AFTER I received my decisons.

 

[questions99]

Same here. He said there were three possibilities: one of two thin envelopes or a fat envelope (acceptance). The thin ones were "Rejection" or "Alternate List." He said that "Alternate" does not equal "waitlist." Waitlist is something devised later in the cycle. He said that most people on the alternate list get an acceptance or a waitlist position. Waitlist can turn into an acceptance or just peter out into nothingness.

The numbers he quoted us were 500 interviews (no more) and (based on last year) 270 acceptances after getting through the waitlist.

oh reallllly? It looks like in the previous years they've only gone up to 250 acceptances. 270 is better 🙂

 

[questions99]

Does anyone what should be included in an appeal letter? Better yet, what should not be included? How long should it be?

Thanks!

I appealed pre-secondary and got the secondary then interview. But even getting the secondary i hear is rare on an appeal. I just went all out, totally emphatic, not that specific, about how id be a great fit and how id make an important contribution. I wrote it literally in 20 min after I got the rejection, so full of emotion. I think they liked the realness of it 🙂. Id suggest something similar, but of course it's always a risk.

 

[Dyingduck]

I appealed pre-secondary and got the secondary then interview. But even getting the secondary i hear is rare on an appeal. I just went all out, totally emphatic, not that specific, about how id be a great fit and how id make an important contribution. I wrote it literally in 20 min after I got the rejection, so full of emotion. I think they liked the realness of it 🙂. Id suggest something similar, but of course it's always a risk.

No pain, no gain

Yes, my appeal letter is getting long, but it is good to hear that it has worked for you. Good luck with the decision!!

 

[Dyingduck]

I appealed pre-secondary and got the secondary then interview. But even getting the secondary i hear is rare on an appeal. I just went all out, totally emphatic, not that specific, about how id be a great fit and how id make an important contribution. I wrote it literally in 20 min after I got the rejection, so full of emotion. I think they liked the realness of it 🙂. Id suggest something similar, but of course it's always a risk.

Also, would you mind telling me (roughly) how long was your appeal letter? I submitted later in the cycle and this is for pre-secondary appeal.

 

[JJMrK]

Why not? Just wondering. I sent a letter of interest/update to another school, and was planning on sending out a few more to some other schools. I haven't sent anything to UCSF though.

No real reason not to per se, but the idea behind those things is to bump yourself off of the WL, deferred list, etc. Sending a LOI before they've even made a decision comes off as a little pushy, IMO. Let the adcom do their work. JMO though.

 

[Jolt21]

I wouldn't send an update letter pre-decision.

Why not? Just wondering. I sent a letter of interest/update to another school, and was planning on sending out a few more to some other schools. I haven't sent anything to UCSF though.

i dont know why you wouldn't send an update letter predecision. ucsf makes sure you fill out the update sheet during interview day, so they care about updates. also, waiting until final decisions is pointless, if you get rejected, then you have no chance.

send the update and ask that they add it to your app before making a final decision.

 

[questions99]

Also, would you mind telling me (roughly) how long was your appeal letter? I submitted later in the cycle and this is for pre-secondary appeal.

Sure. Its about a page, single spaced. 550 words

 

[sewcurious]

i dont know why you wouldn't send an update letter predecision. ucsf makes sure you fill out the update sheet during interview day, so they care about updates. also, waiting until final decisions is pointless, if you get rejected, then you have no chance.

send the update and ask that they add it to your app before making a final decision.

I agree, on the website it specifically says that you can't be considered for an appeal if you are rejected post-interview :
"Applicants who do not receive a secondary application or an invitation to interview may appeal the decision of the Committee on Admissions by writing to the Chair of the Admissions Committee at the Admissions Office. Please note that applicants who have interviewed are not eligible to appeal because their files have already received final Committee review."

http://medschool.ucsf.edu/admissions/apply/accepted.aspx#appeals

 

[Dyingduck]

Sure. Its about a page, single spaced. 550 words

Hmm, thanks. Was this something that is written or is it like an unspoken standard for an appeal letter?

 

[TheFreak]

Sure. Its about a page, single spaced. 550 words

hey questions, did you have any way of knowing if your letter was being reviewed?

 

[Ariodant]

If the interviewer volunteered to give his or her email to me, can I send email to the interviewer to thank him or her for the interview and discuss some research interests in his or her lab..?

Did you interview for MSTP? It's ok to contact the MSTP interviewers, especially the faculties, since they'll be done with you once they submit the report. Contacting the MD-only interviewers, however, is indeed against the policy.

 

[ColonelTigh]

hey questions, did you have any way of knowing if your letter was being reviewed?

I just called, and they were like, yeah, we got your letter, and I was like Kool,

 

[FutureScaresMe]

So has anyone called to ask when decisions will be mailed out?

 

[Calicaliboy]

i think it's next week...but damn to be in the top third of people interviewing basically means you have to be absolutely stellar...as sad as it sounds i'm hoping for waitlist at best w/ a 3.6 and 32

 

[oknow]

to be in the top third of people interviewing basically means you have to be absolutely stellar

yeah...that's why i'm not getting my hopes up

 

[JJMrK]

i dont know why you wouldn't send an update letter predecision. ucsf makes sure you fill out the update sheet during interview day, so they care about updates. also, waiting until final decisions is pointless, if you get rejected, then you have no chance.

send the update and ask that they add it to your app before making a final decision.

Yeah, I mean do it if you feel like it. I'm not going to until I hear something back, though.

 

[sewcurious]

If u have alread had ur interview, doesn't that seem like a gamble? If u get rejected won't have a chance to give them the extra info that could have made a difference.

 

[ballin]

I think whether you send an update depends on where you feel like you are on the the thirds. If you feel like you are in the middle of the pack, you probably want to wait to send an update because either 1) you'll get in or 2) you'll get waitlisted. If you're waitlisted then sending an update letter afterwards would differentiate you from other waitlisted candidates. However, if you think you bombed your interview or you would be in the bottom third no matter what, I would suggest you send an update now. This is my two cents though.

If u have alread had ur interview, doesn't that seem like a gamble? If u get rejected won't have a chance to give them the extra info that could have made a difference.

 

[sewcurious]

That makes sense, but it seems to me that whether u send it before or after, the decision will probably be the same. And at least if u send it ahead of time you won't regret it later if u get rejected. That being said, I freely admit that I have become an SDN addict and am providing unwarranted, (essentially) baseless opinions. Good luck all!

 

[BlueElmo]

I agree, on the website it specifically says that you can't be considered for an appeal if you are rejected post-interview :
"Applicants who do not receive a secondary application or an invitation to interview may appeal the decision of the Committee on Admissions by writing to the Chair of the Admissions Committee at the Admissions Office. Please note that applicants who have interviewed are not eligible to appeal because their files have already received final Committee review."

http://medschool.ucsf.edu/admissions/apply/accepted.aspx#appeals

Interesting, I didn't know they had an appeal process. I'm thinking of sending one to see if I can get a secondary (they rejected me pre-secondary). Do you guys know if these letters work?

 

[sewcurious]

Yes

I appealed pre-secondary and got the secondary then interview. But even getting the secondary i hear is rare on an appeal. I just went all out, totally emphatic, not that specific, about how id be a great fit and how id make an important contribution. I wrote it literally in 20 min after I got the rejection, so full of emotion. I think they liked the realness of it 🙂. Id suggest something similar, but of course it's always a risk.

 

[Dyingduck]

So, is it bad if it is too long? (the appeal letter)

Also, the Committee on Admissions Chair is Dr. Wofsy, right?

 

[Jolt21]

Interesting, I didn't know they had an appeal process. I'm thinking of sending one to see if I can get a secondary (they rejected me pre-secondary). Do you guys know if these letters work?

if it's an option, i assume it works if you make a strong argument. dont think they want to read this if they have no intention of ever changing their mind.

 

[BlueElmo]

if it's an option, i assume it works if you make a strong argument. dont think they want to read this if they have no intention of ever changing their mind.

Yeah, but I guess no harm in trying. The worst that could happen is they reject me for the second time.

 

[teenmachinery1]

anyone send a post-secondary update letter before they were offered a interview/rejected?

I sent one snail-mail and I was wondering if I should call to see if it was received.

 

[teenmachinery1]

I sent them an update last week, and they emailed me back saying that they will add the information to my file. They don't seem to have an issue with it.

Did you send it via e-mail or snail?

thanks!

 

[FutureScaresMe]

Did you send it via e-mail or snail?

thanks!

I did both, but I got an email back saying I only needed to send it one way haha. I personally just like sending official stuff snail mail, but emailed a copy of it because I wanted to get the letter into my file before the committee met. So I think it's fine if you email it.

edit: oh, just noticed you already snail mailed it. Yeah call them up and ask if it was received. I did. The guy who answers the phone is very friendly.

 

[Moogle Man]

Did you send it via e-mail or snail?

thanks!

I sent them an email, and they were very quick to respond that the new information had been added.

 

[JJMrK]

If u have alread had ur interview, doesn't that seem like a gamble? If u get rejected won't have a chance to give them the extra info that could have made a difference.

IMO, sending something is a gamble because it comes across as pushy. Also, if I get rejected post-interview I am probably a terrible fit for the school. I feel like adcoms are pretty in tune with who is a good fit and who is not, and I'm just going to let them do their work. Obviously *I* feel like I'm a good fit here, but we'll see what they think, ya know?

 

[Question123]

Does anyone know if they would read a new LOR? I didn't send one in from my boss b/c I started the job in July, but now that its near December I feel he could write a meaningful LOR... that being said, is it too late? My interview is in mid January...

 

[Andaluthina]

this week some of us will hopefully be getting some letters...

 

[FutureScaresMe]

I called and was told that decision letters will be sent starting the week of the 21st

this week some of us will hopefully be getting some letters...

Yeah, hopefully what was told to dermda is true!

 

[ballin]

Word. I'm really banking on UCSF..my state school 🙂

this week some of us will hopefully be getting some letters...

 

[ApoK]

Cool.

UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay Project on Target for 2014
http://today.ucsf.edu/stories/ucsf-medical-center-at-mission-bay-project-on-target-for-2014/

... Now, if only they'd accept me

 

[ballin]

So please start posting if you receive a nice fat package in the mail! 🙂

 

[FutureScaresMe]

So who wants to be the one to call and ask if letters are going to get sent out this week

 

[cathyrn]

LOL!!! here we go again...

 

[casillas]

So who wants to be the one to call and ask if letters are going to get sent out this week

I'd do it, but when i called a few weeks ago the guy recognized my voice. Which was kinda weird considering i only talked to him on interview day.
He was really helpful though.

FutureScaresme your it!

 

[deleted294708]

So who wants to be the one to call and ask if letters are going to get sent out this week

okay, I called! I couldn't stand the wait anymore.

I interviewed in early November and the woman on the phone told me that November interviews are a gray area, that we will most likely hear back from them in February. Only some students should expect to hear before the holidays, but when she said "some" it sounded like she wanted to say "few". The office is closing for a week and a half for the holidays.

so much for hoping for a UCSF Christmas gift.