2010-2011 University of California - Irvine Application Thread

[obgyny]

---

Members don't see this ad.

UCI just seemed like the better school to me. Better location, more modern facilities, more supportive faculty/staff, no homeless people sleeping on your porch. Another biggies is that I'm pretty my interests in medicine lie in EM and it seems like UCI would prepare me well for that.

But If I'm making a huge mistake in choosing UCI over UCLA (if I get accepted that is) please feel free to let me know why I'm being a *******. I just honestly don't see why UCLA is that much better than UCI.

I don't think it's crazy to pick UCI over UCLA. I didn't like living in LA. UCI is a great school, just pick where you think you would be happier. I didn't get accepted at UCLA, but I still think I'd pick UCI even if I had.

Whether UCI or UCLA better prepares you for EM, I have no idea. I'm sure both prepare you well.

 

[alwaysaangel]

When you say waitlisted, you mean that your status page changed to "alternate list" correct? Do you know if they'll be willing to tell us where we sit on the waitlist? UCI is my top choice and I'm hoping I'm in the "high" waitlist and not the "low" waitlist. 😕

No they won't. Actually, more accurately - they can't. Its not a ranked waitlist. Everytime they need a new body they rereview all the files.

 

[KimiNiTodoke]

No they won't. Actually, more accurately - they can't. Its not a ranked waitlist. Everytime they need a new body they rereview all the files.

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll keep telling them how much I love UCI and hopefully I'll hear something good in May/June.

 

[RySerr21]

UCI just seemed like the better school to me. Better location, more modern facilities, more supportive faculty/staff, no homeless people sleeping on your porch. Another biggies is that I'm pretty my interests in medicine lie in EM and it seems like UCI would prepare me well for that.

But If I'm making a huge mistake in choosing UCI over UCLA (if I get accepted that is) please feel free to let me know why I'm being a *******. I just honestly don't see why UCLA is that much better than UCI.

i like you 👍 not just cuz you picked my school, but b/c you aren't wrapped up in the names of schools and are actually making a well thought out decision for your own reasons. If you do choose UCI, you'll be more than satisfied. Dr. Fox and the dept are awesome, the EM interest group is one of the most active on campus, you'll get training in ultrasound unlike nowhere else. Its not a coincidence that 17 people matched into EM this year! It even got me thinking about EM for a second, haha.

 

[obgyny]

i like you 👍 not just cuz you picked my school, but b/c you aren't wrapped up in the names of schools and are actually making a well thought out decision for your own reasons. If you do choose UCI, you'll be more than satisfied. Dr. Fox and the dept are awesome, the EM interest group is one of the most active on campus, you'll get training in ultrasound unlike nowhere else. Its not a coincidence that 17 people matched into EM this year! It even got me thinking about EM for a second, haha.

Do you have a specialty in mind yet?

 

[RySerr21]

Do you have a specialty in mind yet?

i'm most interested in cardiology, but a lot of the fellowships after IM residency sound interesting to me so it could totally change. Meds/peds sounds really cool too. Im also open to the idea that I could end up in a specialty i havent thought twice about yet. Thats why 3rd year is so exciting 🙂 I came in to med school having done a lot of work and most insterted in sports medicine/orthopedics. Now its not really even on my radar!

 

[DoctaFuture]

i'm most interested in cardiology, but a lot of the fellowships after IM residency sound interesting to me so it could totally change. Meds/peds sounds really cool too. Im also open to the idea that I could end up in a specialty i havent thought twice about yet. Thats why 3rd year is so exciting 🙂 I came in to med school having done a lot of work and most insterted in sports medicine/orthopedics. Now its not really even on my radar!

lol nice! yea minds change! so many different facets of medicine!

 

[snookiez]

UCI just seemed like the better school to me. Better location, more modern facilities, more supportive faculty/staff, no homeless people sleeping on your porch. Another biggies is that I'm pretty my interests in medicine lie in EM and it seems like UCI would prepare me well for that.

But If I'm making a huge mistake in choosing UCI over UCLA (if I get accepted that is) please feel free to let me know why I'm being a *******. I just honestly don't see why UCLA is that much better than UCI.

Sorry 🙂 I didn't mean to make you feel bad or anything. I was just curious! I thought you'd have a compelling reason; which you did have. I'll keep my fingers crossed for u.

 

[obgyny]

i'm most interested in cardiology, but a lot of the fellowships after IM residency sound interesting to me so it could totally change. Meds/peds sounds really cool too. Im also open to the idea that I could end up in a specialty i havent thought twice about yet. Thats why 3rd year is so exciting 🙂 I came in to med school having done a lot of work and most insterted in sports medicine/orthopedics. Now its not really even on my radar!

I'm sure I'm going to change my mind 100 times throughout med school 😛. I'm interested in a lot of the specialties and I can't wait to try them out! I'm definitely going to keep an open mind 🙂.

Now that I got into med school, everyone asks me what specialty I'm picking... I honestly have no idea!

 

[halethsonofhama]

Just got my acceptance voice from Dr. Peterson, thus ending my application cycle.

Summary:
Applied to 8 schools; secondaries requested from all 8
Sent off 6 secondaries
Invited to 3 interviews
Accepted to 3 schools

So I'm pretty set on UCI but I'm I'll keep my mind open to arguments for my other schools (LLU and UCLA)

 

[kleinishere]

Congrats, on the acceptance!

*Edit: removed question asked above*

 

[rHinO1]

Just got my acceptance voice from Dr. Peterson, thus ending my application cycle.

Summary:
Applied to 8 schools; secondaries requested from all 8
Sent off 6 secondaries
Invited to 3 interviews
Accepted to 3 schools

So I'm pretty set on UCI but I'm I'll keep my mind open to arguments for my other schools (LLU and UCLA)

Congrats 👍

It is a great feeling to be done.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Congrats 👍

It is a great feeling to be done.

Granted my experience was not nearly as tough as most people. I only applied in state and the only schools to interview me were within 2 hours driving distance.

I just didn't have the money or the perseverance (still an undergrad) to manage applying out of state. Extremely lucky this cycle ended a lot better than I thought.

 

[decafplease]

-

 

[DoctaFuture]

I interviewed at UCLA, Drew, UCSF and Irvine. The minute I got my UCI acceptance, I gleefully withdrew from UCLA. I had a negative experience at my interview. To put it plainly, everyone seemed like a snob (when I asked why they chose UCLA they said, "WELLLLL, it's UCLA!" 🙄) and the facilities didn't impress me. Irvine, on the other hand, had me at "Hello." My interviewers were enthusiastic and supportive, the students were lovely, I was excited about the new Medical Education Building, etc... I think you're making an excellent choice. 😉

ah were you just accepted to UCI decaf?

 

[obgyny]

A few things:

1. Has anyone who was accepted heard back from financial aid?

2. I'm on the housing waitlist for PV and VP (signed up the second day the application opened). I really hope I get into one of these places since they are SO much cheaper. But now I'm looking into backup plans. The housing office said a lot of student won't hear back until Sept or Oct 😱. The lease where I currently live ends in August.

At first, I didn't even consider Puerto de Sol, VDC, or VDC Norte since they're so expensive. But of course everything in Irvine is expensive and I'd rather live as close to campus as possible. Can anyone comment on these places? Seems like you have to pay $150 deposit to apply to each. Since I'm very low on funds these days, I'm thinking about applying to maybe one of these places.

I seriously hope to get into PV or VP though!!

3. Anyone have any recommendations for off-campus housing that's nearby? The only drawback to UCI has been how expensive it costs to live here.

 

[RySerr21]

A few things:

1. Has anyone who was accepted heard back from financial aid?

2. I'm on the housing waitlist for PV and VP (signed up the second day the application opened). I really hope I get into one of these places since they are SO much cheaper. But now I'm looking into backup plans. The housing office said a lot of student won't hear back until Sept or Oct 😱. The lease where I currently live ends in August.

At first, I didn't even consider Puerto de Sol, VDC, or VDC Norte since they're so expensive. But of course everything in Irvine is expensive and I'd rather live as close to campus as possible. Can anyone comment on these places? Seems like you have to pay $150 deposit to apply to each. Since I'm very low on funds these days, I'm thinking about applying to maybe one of these places.

I seriously hope to get into PV or VP though!!

3. Anyone have any recommendations for off-campus housing that's nearby? The only drawback to UCI has been how expensive it costs to live here.

the costs around irvine arent that bad. Definitely the cheapest options for you will be verano or PV. If you really want to live there I dont think youll have a problem. I havent known anyone who has wanted to live on campus and been denied. They do the waitlist thing every year.

In terms of off campus housing, theres a lot of available places in Irvine, costa mesa, newport beach, etc. I live in newport beach, a block from the beach, and i pay less than the people who are living in VDC Norte and puerto del sol. Probably comparable to what they pay at VDC. My friends who live in a house maybe 10 min from campus all pay under 700.....

 

[rHinO1]

Granted my experience was not nearly as tough as most people. I only applied in state and the only schools to interview me were within 2 hours driving distance.

I just didn't have the money or the perseverance (still an undergrad) to manage applying out of state. Extremely lucky this cycle ended a lot better than I thought.

I wish I had only applied in-state, it would have saved me a ton of money. I interviewed at UCD, UCSF, & UCI before I was accepted at UCI (in Oct.). After I was accepted at UCI, I withdrew from the rest of my interviews, which were all out of state. For me, UCI was the best fit based on location, weather, proximity to my family/gf, opportunities, quality of facilities, curriculum, cost , and my general impression of the students/faculty. Basically, I decided UCI is where I would be happiest for the next four years, and really that is all that matters to me at this point.

A few things:

1. Has anyone who was accepted heard back from financial aid?

2. I'm on the housing waitlist for PV and VP (signed up the second day the application opened). I really hope I get into one of these places since they are SO much cheaper. But now I'm looking into backup plans. The housing office said a lot of student won't hear back until Sept or Oct 😱. The lease where I currently live ends in August.

At first, I didn't even consider Puerto de Sol, VDC, or VDC Norte since they're so expensive. But of course everything in Irvine is expensive and I'd rather live as close to campus as possible. Can anyone comment on these places? Seems like you have to pay $150 deposit to apply to each. Since I'm very low on funds these days, I'm thinking about applying to maybe one of these places.

I seriously hope to get into PV or VP though!!

3. Anyone have any recommendations for off-campus housing that's nearby? The only drawback to UCI has been how expensive it costs to live here.

I haven't heard back from financial aid yet either. Hopefully, it will be some time in the next week.

Regarding housing, I got an email awhile back, which made it sound like if you apply before May 3rd (IIRC), then you will recieve your housing assignment on May 13th. They said although medical students are not guaranteed housing, if you apply before 5/3, then they expect to be able to offer us housing.

 

[halethsonofhama]

I interviewed at UCLA, Drew, UCSF and Irvine. The minute I got my UCI acceptance, I gleefully withdrew from UCLA. I had a negative experience at my interview. To put it plainly, everyone seemed like a snob (when I asked why they chose UCLA they said, "WELLLLL, it's UCLA!" 🙄) and the facilities didn't impress me. Irvine, on the other hand, had me at "Hello." My interviewers were enthusiastic and supportive, the students were lovely, I was excited about the new Medical Education Building, etc... I think you're making an excellent choice. 😉

Glad to see i'm not alone.

the costs around irvine arent that bad. Definitely the cheapest options for you will be verano or PV. If you really want to live there I dont think youll have a problem. I havent known anyone who has wanted to live on campus and been denied. They do the waitlist thing every year.

In terms of off campus housing, theres a lot of available places in Irvine, costa mesa, newport beach, etc. I live in newport beach, a block from the beach, and i pay less than the people who are living in VDC Norte and puerto del sol. Probably comparable to what they pay at VDC. My friends who live in a house maybe 10 min from campus all pay under 700.....

What is the general opinion of MS1 students for living on or off campus?



And for those applying for housing on campus, do I need to wait until my acceptance packet arrives before I sign up for housing or can I just call and get started?

 

[rHinO1]

Glad to see i'm not alone.



What is the general opinion of MS1 students for living on or off campus?



And for those applying for housing on campus, do I need to wait until my acceptance packet arrives before I sign up for housing or can I just call and get started?

Regarding housing, try going to the housing website, and logging in to the application. I don't think you need the acceptance packet.

 

[alwaysaangel]

Glad to see i'm not alone.



What is the general opinion of MS1 students for living on or off campus?

Well I'm not an M1 but I'll answer. Either is fine. If you can get on-campus housing you probably should. It is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper.

You'll be paying about $700/month to share a 2 bdrm apartment with one other person in PV, about $550/month to share a 2 bdrm apartment with one other person in Verano. Palo Verde is really nice. Verano is 60 years old and looks it.

If you cannot get into those then you're probably just as good living off campus as on - the private 'oncampus' housing is pricey.

But keep in mind, you're going to have a roommate. Its impossible to get a 1 bdrm because the waitlist is 4 years long. If you want to live alone then you probably need to start looking for studios/rooms in peoples homes on craiglist.

Also, at this time I believe the only apartments that are allowing cats is Verano. PV has a moratorium on them. So you would have to live in Verano if you have a cat/want to get one.

Keep in mind however, that if you're a partier - probably better to share a house with some classmates somewhere. If you're partying later than 11pm you will get shut down by the UC Irvine police if you live on campus.

 

[Xinlitik]

I interviewed at UCLA, Drew, UCSF and Irvine. The minute I got my UCI acceptance, I gleefully withdrew from UCLA. I had a negative experience at my interview. To put it plainly, everyone seemed like a snob (when I asked why they chose UCLA they said, "WELLLLL, it's UCLA!" 🙄) and the facilities didn't impress me. Irvine, on the other hand, had me at "Hello." My interviewers were enthusiastic and supportive, the students were lovely, I was excited about the new Medical Education Building, etc... I think you're making an excellent choice. 😉

Were you also bothered by the dean saying UCLA would be the best medical education in the country? I've never seen another school with such an inflated ego... (Btw, UCLA is an amazing school, but to say it's the best in the universe is pretty silly.)

 

[obgyny]

Thanks for all the responses above!

And for those applying for housing on campus, do I need to wait until my acceptance packet arrives before I sign up for housing or can I just call and get started?

I tried to apply for housing before getting my acceptance packet, but it didn't work. The acceptance packet includes a statement of intent to register (SIR), which must be signed and turned into the office before they let your student ID or UCnetID work. However, I was able to bypass this. I called admissions and they just told me to email Lynn at [email protected] something along the lines of "I intend to register at UCI." And this will be sufficient for you to be officially registered and apply for housing.

 

[RySerr21]

Glad to see i'm not alone.



What is the general opinion of MS1 students for living on or off campus?



And for those applying for housing on campus, do I need to wait until my acceptance packet arrives before I sign up for housing or can I just call and get started?

i dont really konw if there is a general opinion. There are pros and cons to both, depending how you look at it. In the end its really up to you. I'd say most people live on campus the first year, probably just b/c its easier to figure out. But I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to live on campus. I wanted to have my school life and my away life. So, I found a place in newport beach. I live in a 4 bedroom 4 bath with 3 other med students (another 2nd year, and two first years). I pay equivalent to what you'd pay in PV. So in my opinion i think i have one of the best living situations possible. You really just need to figure it out for yourself where you think you'd be happiest. Its not too difficult to get a place on or off campus. And i know the perception is that the OC area is expensive, but honestly unless you live in Verano you arent going to be saving that much money. I prefer to spend that little extra money on a sweet place by the beach. Its whatever flloats your boat. I might even save money if you factor in the transport situation. There is a shuttle that goes from newport to the UCI campus. Its a dollar a ride. For one, i go to campus as little as possible. And second, i dont have to waste 500 dollars on a parking pass to park at school. In the end, you'll find good places and great people no matter where you go.

 

[decafplease]

ah were you just accepted to UCI decaf?

No. Last cycle. 🙂

 

[decafplease]

Were you also bothered by the dean saying UCLA would be the best medical education in the country? I've never seen another school with such an inflated ego... (Btw, UCLA is an amazing school, but to say it's the best in the universe is pretty silly.)

I think I heard, "UCLA is best in the West!" about a thousand times. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to "act cool" or grovel. 😎

 

[RySerr21]

in ucla's defense, their hospital waaaaaaas voted as one of the all around best in the country. i definitely wouldn't mind going there for residency, hehe. But their med school ain't got nothin on us!!! zot zot fo life!

 

[Gaboon]

in ucla's defense, their hospital waaaaaaas voted as one of the all around best in the country. I definitely wouldn't mind going there for residency, hehe. But their med school ain't got nothin on us!!! Zot zot fo life!

damn straight!

 

[halethsonofhama]

Does anyone else love how awesome the staff/faculty at UCI is?

I sent an e-mail last night, this morning they gave me a personal call to let me know they took care of my concern as well as took care of a few other things I didn't even know I should be concerned with. They are like super on the ball.

 

[rHinO1]

Does anyone else love how awesome the staff/faculty at UCI is?

I sent an e-mail last night, this morning they gave me a personal call to let me know they took care of my concern as well as took care of a few other things I didn't even know I should be concerned with. They are like super on the ball.

I really liked my interviewers at UCI, especially my faculty interviewer. He called to congratulate me on my acceptance, but I missed his call, so he asked me to call him back on his cell phone so he could congratulate me in person (this was a couple months after Dr. Peterson's call). He was definitely the coolest faculty member I interacted with during interviews.

 

[halethsonofhama]

I really liked my interviewers at UCI, especially my faculty interviewer. He called to congratulate me on my acceptance, but I missed his call, so he asked me to call him back on his cell phone so he could congratulate me in person (this was a couple months after Dr. Peterson's call). He was definitely the coolest faculty member I interacted with during interviews.

My student interviewer e-mailed me the day after. The school definitely seems like it has its stuff together.

This is why I prefer UCI to UCLA. UCLA students seemed very distant and not too caring but maybe I interviewed on a day of a test for them or something.

Anywho, I have UCLA's second look tomorrow so I'll let them try to change my mind.

 

[DrCox]

Anyone else on the alternate list get a post card regarding financial aid information?

 

[rogerthaat]

So after a couple of less than ideal roommate situations, I think I would rather go for a 1 br/studio than risk having a bad roommate in my first year. Since a 1br probably won't be happening in PV for me, I'm debating between VDC/VDC Norte/Puerta del Sol and off-campus housing. Do a lot of med students live in these other communities? I'm thinking it would make sense to pay a bit more for the convenience of living closer to friends...is this a terrible idea?

Also, I will be bringing my car. Are any of the on campus options particularly bad for having a car?

 

[alwaysaangel]

So after a couple of less than ideal roommate situations, I think I would rather go for a 1 br/studio than risk having a bad roommate in my first year. Since a 1br probably won't be happening in PV for me, I'm debating between VDC/VDC Norte/Puerta del Sol and off-campus housing. Do a lot of med students live in these other communities? I'm thinking it would make sense to pay a bit more for the convenience of living closer to friends...is this a terrible idea?

Also, I will be bringing my car. Are any of the on campus options particularly bad for having a car?

There are a considerable number in VDC and VDC Norte, not sure about Puerta since its new.

I don't think you will be all THAT close to people. But the advantage is those 1bdrms are cheaper than most others in the area.

Puerta del Sol parking sucks - its by the gym. VDC and Norte and PV are fine.

 

[snurps]

So, what's it like doing med school on the quarter system? Does it influence the curriculum at all or is it just a technicality for grading?

 

[alwaysaangel]

So, what's it like doing med school on the quarter system? Does it influence the curriculum at all or is it just a technicality for grading?

The only time I ever thought about it in 4 years was when I was waiting on my next loan disbursement. No effect on thcurricukum at all. Classes don't follow the quarters

 

[eunina]

Has anyone from the 3/16 interview heard back?? UCI is my top choice, and I'm starting to become really anxious! =(

 

[RySerr21]

So, what's it like doing med school on the quarter system? Does it influence the curriculum at all or is it just a technicality for grading?

length of class does not follow any sort of system, some courses are 2 weeks long, some are all year, some last from from november to June, and everything in between.

 

[MiniMoo]

This was posted to the UCISOM 2015 FB group. But in case there are those of you who missed it... good news for the entering class:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/students-297194-work-medical.html

 

[obgyny]

This was posted to the UCISOM 2015 FB group. But in case there are those of you who missed it... good news for the entering class:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/students-297194-work-medical.html

Yayy!!! So excited! Think we'll get them at the white coat ceremony like last year? Wish I could get it earlier 😉.

 

[Dr Sushi]

that is really awesome news!!

 

[snurps]

*

 

[gl0baltrader]

Just a quick question, accepted back in Jan and just curious if we have to turn in transcripts and/or vaccination ?
I just turned in the paper from the acceptance packet and the financial aid forms. Is there anything else i am missing ?

thanks

 

[snurps]

Hey bpost137 or anyone else who may know,

How did you get your housing application to realize that you were no longer an undergraduate student? Did you use a different user ID and Password? I logged on to eee using my old user ID/password and it says "medical" but the housing application didn't seem to get the message...... and I DEFINITELY don't want to live in AV.... again....yuck!

Thanks!

 

[obgyny]

Hey bpost137 or anyone else who may know,

How did you get your housing application to realize that you were no longer an undergraduate student? Did you use a different user ID and Password? I logged on to eee using my old user ID/password and it says "medical" but the housing application didn't seem to get the message...... and I DEFINITELY don't want to live in AV.... again....yuck!

Thanks!

Hey snurps, the same thing happened to me.

You'll get a new student ID number, but you'll keep the same UCInetID and password, they just have to link your two student ID numbers to your UCInetID. I called OIT at (949) 824-2222 first, so that they linked my new medical student ID with my old UCInetID. They said it takes a day for the change to be in effect with the system. Then the next day, I called the Housing Office to make sure they changed the housing application for me.

If it works, you'll only get to sign up for VP and PV (the undergrad ones won't even show up).

This was definitely a really frustrating problem, and I only figured it out by making a bunch of phone calls. Surely they have plenty of UCI undergrads who go to UCI med school. Not sure why it's so difficult and why they don't automatically link your two student ID numbers. It was even more complicated since I'm currently a full-time UCI employee... so I actually have 3 different ID numbers . Cool thing is I got to use the same email address for undergrad, as an employee, and now for med school 😎.

 

[halethsonofhama]

Cool thing is I got to use the same email address for undergrad, as an employee, and now for med school 😎.

I'll be glad to get away from my UCLA e-mail. When they asked me for a UCLA username, I thought they just wanted something so I can sign in to my student website.

After I chose a stupid User name its like "ok yeah, your student e-mail i now '[email protected]' lolz!"

 

[junsul]

Anyone know if there will be any waitlist movement?

 

[obgyny]

I'll be glad to get away from my UCLA e-mail. When they asked me for a UCLA username, I thought they just wanted something so I can sign in to my student website.

After I chose a stupid User name its like "ok yeah, your student e-mail i now '[email protected]' lolz!"

LOL . UCI picks one for you, so you won't make that mistake again 😉.

 

[theMan2012]

Does waitlist move at all before May 15?

 

[RySerr21]

Does waitlist move at all before May 15?

no not really