2010-2011 UCLA/CDU Application Thread

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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rls303 said:
The area around Drew is very dangerous so I have heard, is there any type of protection for the students on campus and at the MLK hospital?

Everyone always says how bad the Compton and Watt's area is and tells me that at night it is okay to even go through red lights as it is the type of area you would want to avoid. Is this really true or is it just a big exaggeration? I would ultimately like to come and raise my family near where I do the rotations.
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This is not true and is pure exaggeration. In this area, just dont act stupid and people will treat you right
 
rls303 said:
The area around Drew is very dangerous so I have heard, is there any type of protection for the students on campus and at the MLK hospital?

Everyone always says how bad the Compton and Watt's area is and tells me that at night it is okay to even go through red lights as it is the type of area you would want to avoid. Is this really true or is it just a big exaggeration? I would ultimately like to come and raise my family near where I do the rotations.
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I go to USC and I've been around CDU/MLK my entire life. I can't speak about after 12am (there is no reason you should be walking around at that time anywhere in LA without alot of people) but I've been there from 5 AM - 12 AM and never had any incidents or heard of anything. I probably felt safer there than walking around USC off campus at night. When the hospital was operating it was safer cause so many people were there and cops were as well (still see lots of cops hanging the campus around nowadays too). In terms of rotations, they'll be at St. Mary's, Harbor-UCLA or Olive. I've lived and worked around all of those and again, if you're not doing something you shouldn't be, you'll be perfectly fine. My father worked at St. Mary's and I used to consider transferring out of Manhattan Beach's public school system to go there instead. I would rather have my kids grow up in an area where he can learn to appreciate hard work and making his own accomplishments than be around wealthy, entitled children. And even if that's not how you feel, everything in LA is 20 mins away, so there's plenty of nice areas to raise your children. So in a nut shell, what you heard is vastly exaggerated. However, I did notice most people who have never seen an urban area before do experience an initial shock.
 
USCTrojan11 said:
I go to USC and I've been around CDU/MLK my entire life. I can't speak about after 12am (there is no reason you should be walking around at that time anywhere in LA without alot of people) but I've been there from 5 AM - 12 AM and never had any incidents or heard of anything. I probably felt safer there than walking around USC off campus at night. When the hospital was operating it was safer cause so many people were there and cops were as well (still see lots of cops hanging the campus around nowadays too). In terms of rotations, they'll be at St. Mary's, Harbor-UCLA or Olive. I've lived and worked around all of those and again, if you're not doing something you shouldn't be, you'll be perfectly fine. My father worked at St. Mary's and I used to consider transferring out of Manhattan Beach's public school system to go there instead. I would rather have my kids grow up in an area where he can learn to appreciate hard work and making his own accomplishments than be around wealthy, entitled children. And even if that's not how you feel, everything in LA is 20 mins away, so there's plenty of nice areas to raise your children. So in a nut shell, what you heard is vastly exaggerated. However, I did notice most people who have never seen an urban area before do experience an initial shock.
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Second that. You get used to the community once you move here, and you learn not to do anything unwise in the pre-dawn hours. Plus, first two years of classes are at UCLA in Westwood, and rotations are at those three places mentioned. Rumors are just that- they don't often tell the whole story. There are still good people who live in underprivileged areas. And if you want to go to work with the underserved in LA, this is the type of community you will be serving.
 
Any news? Was there really an interview not too long ago? Drew...OMG, please let us know!
 
This program is definitely nice for those who want to work with underserved in the exposure they get. However, on a visit to Drew, I have noted it the students that I have seen to be predominantly URM.

Is the applicant pool largely URM's? I am Indian and I also saw the walls and didn't see anyone from my descent. I understand that one must be consistent with the school's mission statement in order to get serious consideration.

However, given the fact that the underserved area around Drew is largely URM, do they have a preference for accepting indivdiuals who are hispanic/black as they think they will be more culturally aware of the situations that the population encounters?

Also, is there any type of contract one must sign that says that one will work with an underserved area for a certain amount of time after graduation? I think that would be a good thing to have, personally.
 
agill786 said:
This program is definitely nice for those who want to work with underserved in the exposure they get. However, on a visit to Drew, I have noted it the students that I have seen to be predominantly URM.

Is the applicant pool largely URM's? I am Indian and I also saw the walls and didn't see anyone from my descent. I understand that one must be consistent with the school's mission statement in order to get serious consideration.

However, given the fact that the underserved area around Drew is largely URM, do they have a preference for accepting indivdiuals who are hispanic/black as they think they will be more culturally aware of the situations that the population encounters?

Also, is there any type of contract one must sign that says that one will work with an underserved area for a certain amount of time after graduation? I think that would be a good thing to have, personally.
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I don't think there's like a quota for black/hispanic individuals in the class. People of that background do make up probably 30-50% of the Drew classes, but that's pretty proportional to the number of interviewees of those backgrounds I've seen. Granted, this is just anecdotal, but it's very much a self-selective program.

And no, there is no contract to work in underrepresented communities (like with the NHSC scholarships/loan repayment), but the environment is definitely one that encourages that type of work. There are a lot of pressures in med school that slowly but surely push away from primary care in general & serving underrepresented communities specifically, so being a part of a program where that is the focus & there's support for that passion & commitment is an incredible blessing. Drew was founded in response to the healthcare needs of the community precipitating the LA riots, and the mission remains true today.
 
bradenmog said:
I don't think there's like a quota for black/hispanic individuals in the class. People of that background do make up probably 30-50% of the Drew classes, but that's pretty proportional to the number of interviewees of those backgrounds I've seen. Granted, this is just anecdotal, but it's very much a self-selective program.

And no, there is no contract to work in underrepresented communities (like with the NHSC scholarships/loan repayment), but the environment is definitely one that encourages that type of work. There are a lot of pressures in med school that slowly but surely push away from primary care in general & serving underrepresented communities specifically, so being a part of a program where that is the focus & there's support for that passion & commitment is an incredible blessing. Drew was founded in response to the healthcare needs of the community precipitating the LA riots, and the mission remains true today.
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I totally understand your point but I am curious as to how many of the graduates actually do practice in underserved areas after they graduate? I just hope that the program is able to filter out those who are applying because of the prestige of being part of UCLA from those who are genuinely interested in working with the underserved. I do realize your points about the mission of Drew (the environment of working with the underserved, etc.) I feel it would be good just to ensure that these people would be working with the underserved by having them sign some type of a binding contract.
 
agill786 said:
I totally understand your point but I am curious as to how many of the graduates actually do practice in underserved areas after they graduate? I just hope that the program is able to filter out those who are applying because of the prestige of being part of UCLA from those who are genuinely interested in working with the underserved. I do realize your points about the mission of Drew (the environment of working with the underserved, etc.) I feel it would be good just to ensure that these people would be working with the underserved by having them sign some type of a binding contract.
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In terms of actual numbers, that'd be a great question to ask the university. You could also ask why they don't have a contract like the NHSC uses. I will say that the number going into primary care residencies is much higher relative to most institutions and the many CDU grads I have happened to meet are essentially all working in undeserved areas. Granted, I have nothing more to offer than anecdotal evidence, but I do think your points are warranted (some people may apply to CDU just to get into UCLA). Drew does a very good job of filtering people out with the extensive interview sessions. Also, Drew is very competitive (>1000 applications for 28 spots) & so while I do think a few people try to apply to CDU as a perceived back-door into UCLA, I don't think it's an actual problem.
 
Well, they said it would be a while. They weren't kidding. :bang:
 
I honestly can't think of a better program for anyone who is committed to working with the underserved population. I would give anything to attend as this program truly parallels my interests.
 
Can Geffen override Drew when it comes to the selection of an applicant? Let's say one is accepted via Drew's adcom, but can Geffen reject that applicant?
 
rdanny said:
Can Geffen override Drew when it comes to the selection of an applicant? Let's say one is accepted via Drew's adcom, but can Geffen reject that applicant?
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I'm not sure if this answer your question. But i know somebody who was accepted to UCLA drew but was rejected to Geffen.
 
gl0baltrader said:
I'm not sure if this answer your question. But i know somebody who was accepted to UCLA drew but was rejected to Geffen.
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Actually what I meant to say is, I understand that applications are reviewed and approved via Drew's committee. However, as the first two preclinical years are done at UCLA, the UCLA committee members have to also approve these candidates that Drew has selected? At least that is what I thought.

So in essence, one could be accepted by Drew's committee and then be denied due to the fact that UCLA does not approve this applicant into the Drew/UCLA program.

I do understand that the applicants who have applied to both Drew/UCLA and UCLA separately can be denied by one and accepted to the other. However, I think UCLA still has the power to override a decision made by Drew. UCLA has the final say.
 
Yes rdanny, UCLA has the final say on all med programs
 
carlogu said:
Congrats! you survived! the only thing that is puzzling me is why your current status is so utterly incorrect??!!!
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I won't be changing that until July 17. It won't be official until then. 🙂
 
Esteban said:
I won't be changing that until July 17. It won't be official until then. 🙂
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you're a more patient man than I..........I just feel like we are no longer premed by any means other than a few day's wait........
 
carlogu said:
you're a more patient man than I..........I just feel like we are no longer premed by any means other than a few day's wait........
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Only 19 more days! I waited 6 months for that call!!! I am looking forward to meeting everyone. From what I hear, the CDU students are so much cooler than Geffen students. 😀
 
Esteban said:
Only 19 more days! I waited 6 months for that call!!! I am looking forward to meeting everyone. From what I hear, the CDU students are so much cooler than Geffen students. 😀
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And better at basketball. Apparently we play Geffen every year and win.
 
Hi guys!

I have been a lurker here and I just wanted to congratulate those who have already been accepted.

I interviewed in May and did not receive anything back. I was just wondering if the class is full? The only type of mail I got from them was an invitation to apply for an MPH.

I know my chances are low at this point, but when is the last day I could potentially hear from them? It is difficult to get a hold of anyone in the office as they are more than likely busy with the incoming class programs, etc. Some have mentioned July 18th as being the day pre-matriculation starts.

I truly do love the school and I have a strong commitment to work with the underserved as reflected in my experiences. I also thought my interview went relatively well. This school really is a top choice for me.
 
as90 said:
Hi guys!

I have been a lurker here and I just wanted to congratulate those who have already been accepted.

I interviewed in May and did not receive anything back. I was just wondering if the class is full? The only type of mail I got from them was an invitation to apply for an MPH.

I know my chances are low at this point, but when is the last day I could potentially hear from them? It is difficult to get a hold of anyone in the office as they are more than likely busy with the incoming class programs, etc. Some have mentioned July 18th as being the day pre-matriculation starts.

I truly do love the school and I have a strong commitment to work with the underserved as reflected in my experiences. I also thought my interview went relatively well. This school really is a top choice for me.
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Our first day of orientation is July 18th. No word on whether class is full or not. That's good to hear your interview went well just keep in mind that there are only 24 spots for 160 or so interviews so it is pretty tough, I imagine many people have good interviews. Good luck to you where ever you end up and remember that commitment to the underserved can be practiced no matter where you go to schoo. Don't let one rejection change who you are.
 
as90 said:
Hi guys!

I have been a lurker here and I just wanted to congratulate those who have already been accepted.

I interviewed in May and did not receive anything back. I was just wondering if the class is full? The only type of mail I got from them was an invitation to apply for an MPH.

I know my chances are low at this point, but when is the last day I could potentially hear from them? It is difficult to get a hold of anyone in the office as they are more than likely busy with the incoming class programs, etc. Some have mentioned July 18th as being the day pre-matriculation starts.

I truly do love the school and I have a strong commitment to work with the underserved as reflected in my experiences. I also thought my interview went relatively well. This school really is a top choice for me.
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I would definitely call the office and ask whether or not they have "deliberated" on your application. I emailed them a month ago and they told me that they haven't made a decision on my application. And I just heard back from the school 2 weeks ago regarding my application and I interviewed in Dec.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the encouragement and support guys. It is quite competitive and I am still glad that I was chosen for an interview.

Was just wondering, doesn't UCLA actually begin orientation in August (like the first week or something). Is the pre-matriculation week on July 18th really mandatory?
 
as90 said:
Thanks for the encouragement and support guys. It is quite competitive and I am still glad that I was chosen for an interview.

Was just wondering, doesn't UCLA actually begin orientation in August (like the first week or something). Is the pre-matriculation week on July 18th really mandatory?
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It's mandatory for CDU students.
 
Wow, I can't believe orientation is starting so soon! See everyone tomorrow.
 
gl0baltrader said:
It's mandatory for CDU students.
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Oh I see. Is it still possible for one of the students to drop between this orientation and the start of classes for UCLA? For example, say one hears something from another school or decides to defer for a year, will that position remain unfilled for the entire year or will they take someone from the waiting list? Just curious if everyone showed up for orientation in your guys' class?'

I have been trying to reach someone in the office, but I'm consistently getting no response, maybe I will go there in person.

In any event good luck to all of you!
 
Yo. I don't think anyone will be giving up their spot at Drew between now and August 1. Sorry. 🙁
 
Esteban said:
Yo. I don't think anyone will be giving up their spot at Drew between now and August 1. Sorry. 🙁
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Thanks for letting me know. Good luck to you guys! As USCTrojan says, a commitment to working with the underserved can be practiced regardless of the school. I truly hope that we will all be able to eliminate the disparities in healthcare amongst different patients.
 
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