2010-2011 University of Central Florida Application Thread

[Chastyre]

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I was accepted to UCF COM! Thanks so much to Rel and all the staff and volunteer faculty!

Congratulations! Seems like your whole process went really quickly; I'm extremely envious! 😉 Congrats again!

I can't stop thinking about the hope I'll get off the waitlist before 2nd look weekend! I'm kind of quiet on these boards, but I love logging in just to read the comments from everyone else. Everyone on this board seems incredibly supportive, which is a breath of fresh air when this process starts to get me down. 😍

 

[InfinitiPSI]

^ Glad to hear that this forum brings you relief in what can be a very stressful time. I hope you make it in!

Thanks for the congratulations everyone. I look forward to meeting everyone on the second-look as well.

To everyone feel free to PM me any questions you have about my experience or application at UCF.

 

[LadyLoe]

I was accepted to UCF COM! Thanks so much to Rel and all the staff and volunteer faculty!

Congrats! I also got an acceptance call the same day. Nice to meet you future classmate!

 

[InfinitiPSI]

Who all plans to attend the second look day?

 

[docjlud]

I'll be there

 

[Badancil]

Interviewed on friday. Wow. Just wow.

Impressed.

cant wait till the 24th.
heres hoping for an outright acceptance.
ill be happy if i hear the words upper third though.

 

[mashers]

Does anyone know when waitlisted people will get the next updates?

Yeah it is an amazing school Badancil. 🙂

You guys are definitely not alone in your love for UCF. I was super impressed by what I saw on my interview day, too!

Guju- Rel has been really consistent with sending me an update on my waitlist status via email once a month. So if it's been a month since you last heard, I would be expecting an email soon.

 

[Chastyre]

Tomorrow will be a month since last update and 2 months since initial decision.

True to his word, REL got out an update today exactly one month from the previous update. I haven't moved significantly list: still upper top third. The 24th is when the last batch of interviewed applicants will be added to the list, then we're just waiting for folks with multiple acceptances to choose where to accept / drop.

Of course, my pessimism won't stop me from staring at my phone all next Thursday night / Friday morning hoping I was high enough up on the list to warrant one of the last eleven open spots. 😛

 

[Chastyre]

Chastyre,
You are truly one lucky person. I wish I was in ur shoes.

Thanks, Guju! I guess I'm just a twitchy person by nature. I don't think I'll feel even remotely relaxed until I'm holding an actual acceptance in my hand. Hopefully something will pan out for each of us!

 

[mes415]

True to his word, REL got out an update today exactly one month from the previous update. I haven't moved significantly list: still upper top third. The 24th is when the last batch of interviewed applicants will be added to the list, then we're just waiting for folks with multiple acceptances to choose where to accept / drop.

Of course, my pessimism won't stop me from staring at my phone all next Thursday night / Friday morning hoping I was high enough up on the list to warrant one of the last eleven open spots. 😛

Same for me!

 

[froggyrose]

I interviewed on March 4th and I'm almost positive REL said he'd be making phone calls on or around the 17th...but since there hasn't been much activity today on sdn, that makes me think I mixed up the date. Are there are any other March 4th interviewers out there that know if I didn't hear him right? Sitting next to my phone all afternoon waiting for it to ring has been awfully agonizing!

 

[mashers]

I interviewed on March 4th and I'm almost positive REL said he'd be making phone calls on or around the 17th...but since there hasn't been much activity today on sdn, that makes me think I mixed up the date. Are there are any other March 4th interviewers out there that know if I didn't hear him right? Sitting next to my phone all afternoon waiting for it to ring has been awfully agonizing!

I was under the impression that the next/final meeting will be March 24th. Luck o' the Irish to everyone!!

 

[maniacmath13]

I was under the impression that the next/final meeting will be March 24th. Luck o' the Irish to everyone!!

Yep, I got an email from REL himself saying the next and final meeting will be on March 24th. Good luck!

 

[flyingsquirrel4]

Finally got the Acceptance Call today!!!! Been in the top half of the top third since October. Can't wait to attend the second look!

 

[hopingformd]

So I was surprised when I got the acceptance call tonight after I got an email on Monday specifying that next week was the last adcom meeting. Apparently they met this week too. I was pretty sure about going to another school but now idk. UCF is amazing, nothing but fantastic stuff to say about this place. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

 

[docjlud]

CongrAts hopingformd and flyingsquirrel! See u in april at second look!

 

[REL]

I interviewed on March 4th and I'm almost positive REL said he'd be making phone calls on or around the 17th...but since there hasn't been much activity today on sdn, that makes me think I mixed up the date. Are there are any other March 4th interviewers out there that know if I didn't hear him right? Sitting next to my phone all afternoon waiting for it to ring has been awfully agonizing!

Dont doubt your memory! We did have our normally scheduled meeting last night and will have our final meeting on 24th to fill the class. I was able to make about 15 calls last night and will make the rest of the calls later this morning.

 

[ceng2doc]

Finally got the Acceptance Call today!!!! Been in the top half of the top third since October. Can't wait to attend the second look!

Congrats!

 

[DM3]

Just wanted to let yall know I emailed Mr Larkin and requested he release my seat to the next person in line about ten minutes ago.

This hurts because I'm a UCF alum, but after 4 rough years in Orlando in my personal life I need a change of scenery.

Good luck everyone, and Go Knights!

 

[Joshturnerfan]

I'm 19.5 yrs old guy, not immature as my age might imply, in spring semester with a 4.0 science having already taken physiology, cell bly, genetics, and no math but have taken statistics.
W in biochemistry, A's in Organics. Retaking Biochemistry in Senior yr. and smashing it. (The W drives me insane)
Taking the MCAT this summer and preparing like crazy.

My EC's are lots of construction labor (house building) in the past 2 years. Hundreds and hundreds or hours.
A week of Hurricane Katrina relief work.
Member of AED and rural health club
Shadowing family doctor and volunteering at the same clinic for past 9 months -
Active at active at church with leadership role.

I have biology research opportunity that I'm focusing on starting shortly with prof which will span a few months before sending off application.
I'll also have hospital shadowing experience before applying, although I don't see this as real powerful on the application.

Now that is IT folks! I'm from a very rural, low-income, family/culture that has nothing to do with higher education (mainly for deeply religious reasons), I convinced them to let me go and started college as a greenhorn at 17 and have worked my tail off and enjoyed it. My parents are in Canada.

Assuming a 30-32 MCAT (I can do it) and in-state FL resident, what are my chances at ANY of the Fl schools???

I've got 4-5 months to make a difference in my application... what should it be?
Grades? Yes
Practical common sense? yes
Adequate shadowing? Yes
Leadership roles? ouch
Tons of extracurriculars? ouch

 

[DM3]

So do u mind if we ask where you decided to go??? If you don't want to say I understand. Good luck wherever you choose to go. I remember you from the beginning of the thread and your amazing ECs and scores that made you sound really interesting. Good luck at your future school whatever that may be.

To be truthful, I haven't yet decided. I'm between Ohio State and UMiami at this point, but I'm in favorable wait list positions at two schools that could also come into play before all is said and done.

But I'm being completely honest when I say my decision not to attend UCF had nothing to do with anything UCF does/doesnt have or thinking somewhere else was better. I've driven by the COM on my way home to visit my parents for four years now; I've watched them build it from the ground up, and I've dreamed of going there, but Orlando just isn't the right place for me now.

I know I could have probably held onto the spot for a little while longer; see if something miraculous happened to convince me I could do another four years in Orlando (dont get me wrong, great city, just rough personal memories), but I know in my heart I gotta move on, and with second look coming up I wanted to make sure someone who actually plans on attending gets the chance to meet their classmates and share in the experience.

It's what I hope someone would do for me.

 

[DM3]

Yeah no I completely understand. I've been there myself to know there are some places I didn't really want to go to for the same reasons.

So I know how you feel. I wish you a lot of luck. It is always good to get the change. I was in Tampa for far too long and never thought I was going to leave then I went to boston for a year and it changed everything. I suddenly lost that firm grip of I have to be in tampa kind of feeling i had. I think finally it made me realize I wanted to move on. For me Orlando would be doing that if I make it cuz its away from where all my own past memories are, except for the good times I had in kissimmee with the best friend forlife.

Oh wow. Are you from Tampa originally? I grew up in Palm Harbor.

 

[docjlud]

Joshturnerfan (and every other prospective applicant lurking on these threads),

There is no secret recipe, though i think most admissions committees value Health Care Experience and work with the underserved much more highly than basic science research as most of us will end up Clinicians and not MD/PHD's or bench researchers....I got accepted to UF and UCF with basically no Research experience (only a one semester thing helping a prof in his lab, but i did no independant work at all)... This was something i really worried about going into the application season, but it all ended up working out...

My advice would be to focus on this... Shadowing is ok, but i think something where you take a more active role instead of just following a doctor around would be considered more valuable like working at an Equal access clinic or something......(these experiences are also valuable personally and will help confirm your motivation to spend all this time and effort to become a doctor)

Also, spend as much time and effort on your essays as you do for the mcat.... the difference between a 30 or 35 MCAT is NOT THAT SIGNIFICANT but the difference between a well thought out personal statement and one that is just trying to say what we think the adcoms want to hear is HUGE..

But, this is just MY OPINION.. every applicant has something different to offer and the adcoms realize this.......

 

[docjlud]

Also, dont try to BS any part of your personal statement......it stands to reason that ADCOMS are proficient at discerning between the sincere and insincere essays...

I spent alot of time just reflecting on my life and motivations when crafting my personal statement........I think SINCERITY goes along way and i think it takes alot of time and thought to make something as encompassing as a medical school personal statement sincere...

Again, just my two cents!!!!

 

[flyingsquirrel4]

Joshturnerfan (and every other prospective applicant lurking on these threads),

There is no secret recipe, though i think most admissions committees value Health Care Experience and work with the underserved much more highly than basic science research as most of us will end up Clinicians and not MD/PHD's or bench researchers....I got accepted to UF and UCF with basically no Research experience (only a one semester thing helping a prof in his lab, but i did no independant work at all)... This was something i really worried about going into the application season, but it all ended up working out...

My advice would be to focus on this... Shadowing is ok, but i think something where you take a more active role instead of just following a doctor around would be considered more valuable like working at an Equal access clinic or something......(these experiences are also valuable personally and will help confirm your motivation to spend all this time and effort to become a doctor)

Also, spend as much time and effort on your essays as you do for the mcat.... the difference between a 30 or 35 MCAT is NOT THAT SIGNIFICANT but the difference between a well thought out personal statement and one that is just trying to say what we think the adcoms want to hear is HUGE..

But, this is just MY OPINION.. every applicant has something different to offer and the adcoms realize this.......

I fully agree with everything above. I only had one semester of research experience (not independent either) and my MCAT was not very high. But I spent a great deal of time having active clinical experiences and writing my essays with attention to detail and sincerity. I got into every FL school.

 

[Butler]

Joshturnerfan (and every other prospective applicant lurking on these threads),

There is no secret recipe, though i think most admissions committees value Health Care Experience and work with the underserved much more highly than basic science research as most of us will end up Clinicians and not MD/PHD's or bench researchers....I got accepted to UF and UCF with basically no Research experience (only a one semester thing helping a prof in his lab, but i did no independant work at all)... This was something i really worried about going into the application season, but it all ended up working out...

My advice would be to focus on this... Shadowing is ok, but i think something where you take a more active role instead of just following a doctor around would be considered more valuable like working at an Equal access clinic or something......(these experiences are also valuable personally and will help confirm your motivation to spend all this time and effort to become a doctor)

Also, spend as much time and effort on your essays as you do for the mcat.... the difference between a 30 or 35 MCAT is NOT THAT SIGNIFICANT but the difference between a well thought out personal statement and one that is just trying to say what we think the adcoms want to hear is HUGE..

But, this is just MY OPINION.. every applicant has something different to offer and the adcoms realize this.......

I completely agree with what was said here. I had very little shadowing experience, almost no research but I was accepted at a couple FL schools. Really flesh out your motivations for becoming a physician and let that shine in your personal statement. Do your best to pick Professors that know you well and will write good LORs.

Also, make sure to research every school that gives you an interview. Find out what they look for in applicants and use that info to craft your responses for "Why a doctor?" And "tell me about yourself" questions. Rehearse these responses thoroughly!! The interview process is a lot of smoke and mirrors type stuff, make sure to do your research and tell them what they like to hear. I don't mean to imply you should be untruthful, but you can always put your experiences and beliefs in a slightly different light if need be. There is not a checklist of stuff to say for every school's interview, but I know some of my acceptances were most likely due to the little touches of "Feeding them what they like hearing" at opportune moments.

So in summary, prepare well, work hard, do your research and be professional. Know why you want to be a physician outside of "Get money, cars and girls." OR almost as bad "I want to help people." If you do these things young padawan, you will be the greatest Jedi master of the land one day. May the Force be with you.

 

[Badancil]

thursday is the day. im going to need to do alot to distract myself from "the call" all week.

heres hoping i get one of those spots...

-BA

 

[lilqu]

So I have a Q, but first I'll explain my situation
I am taking my MCAT in late May
I have approx 3.55 SGPA, and 3.60 Cumm
i have done a few our volunteering in pediatric unit
I am also a private tutor to all grade levels, as well as volunteer work as a tutor at a local church for an after school program
I have done some shadowing in a clinic and hospital
I am in the pre-med society council, and was president for a semester
I have NO research exp.


I feel really insecure...as if my application has alot of holes - I am not so worried about the MCAT, but i fear that even with a 30+ score I won't have a fighting chance!

I want to apply as soon as i receive m MCAT scores ~ June/July. I am scared my personal exp isn't enough and have no clue how to improve it 🙁
Any help would be appreciated.

I also had the fear that without any research exp, UCF won't consider me.

 

[mes415]

thursday is the day. im going to need to do alot to distract myself from "the call" all week.

heres hoping i get one of those spots...

-BA

Me too! To everyone holding on to a spot who doesn't want to go here please give it up before Thursday! Please and thank you haha 🙂

 

[lilqu]

Anything?

 

[Chastyre]

Anything?

Patience, grasshopper. 😉

I have no research experience, and I'm in a pretty good spot of the alternate list. You sound like you have good EC's and decent GPA's, so focus on the MCAT. Figure out what about you as a person will make you a good fit for the school and focus on explaining in words how the experiences you've had reinforce these qualities.

 

[lilqu]

Tyvm for that response - I tend to panic easily, but I am thankful that knowledgeable people like yourself going through the same process can grant me a measure of comfort. 🙂

Are you waiting for thursday to arrive so you can know if you have a spot?

 

[Badancil]

Well, I will spend my day in fasting and prayer.

they usually call in the evening, correct?

-BA

 

[docjlud]

Well, I will spend my day in fasting and prayer.

they usually call in the evening, correct?

-BA

REL called me in the a.m..... Good luck!

 

[MDeadmau5]

...nervous...

if not today, then hopefully sometime in may!

as of the last email update, im still in the upper half of upper third

 

[Chastyre]

Well, I will spend my day in fasting and prayer.

they usually call in the evening, correct?

-BA

I believe calls go out tonight into tomorrow morning typically. However, I don't think they have anyone to rank this time around- but don't quote me on it!

Good karma out to everyone! I'm going to try not to stare at my phone for the rest of the day.

 

[mes415]

Anyone else in the top of the upper waiting for one of the prized OOS spots?

 

[Chastyre]

Anyone else in the top of the upper waiting for one of the prized OOS spots?

I am. There seems to be a lot of OOS activity on this thread. I find myself checking SDN periodically today to see if anyone has posted about getting a phone call from REL. I feel like we should start a game to keep ourselves occupied. 😀

 

[mes415]

I am. There seems to be a lot of OOS activity on this thread. I find myself checking SDN periodically today to see if anyone has posted about getting a phone call from REL. I feel like we should start a game to keep ourselves occupied. 😀

I think I've checked this thread once every 10 mins to see of calls have gone out. I feel like it might be harder to get off the waitlist as OOS as we can get passed over if it's only IS spots left, but I could be wrong. Worst part is I should be IS bc I only left Florida for undergrad and I could smack myself for giving up that residency just for cheaper undergrad tuition. If I only knew what I know now..... Sigh.

But good luck to u too!! The wait is agonizing!!

 

[Badancil]

still nothing huh....

 

[Badancil]

Upper Half of upper third...
Mr. Larkin was incredibly encouraging.

I guess ill just have to wait till May.

good luck everyone else!

 

[Chastyre]

I wonder when they will send another update to us chastyre? You think they will wait til April 15th if you don't get accepted with the next round of calls or they will send us an update before then now that the last group has gone??

You know me! I'd take an update everyday at this point in the cycle; though I doubt REL's poor fingers would stay on for very long. I'm betting it will probably come out at the monthly reminder mark; I doubt there's been that much movement this soon.

Le sigh...

 

[Chastyre]

Upper Half of upper third...
Mr. Larkin was incredibly encouraging.

I guess ill just have to wait till May.

good luck everyone else!

Still an enviable place to be! Welcome to the torture, Badancil. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back to checking my phone obsessively and sighing dramatically.

Le sigh...

 

[BushidoBrown]

Heh

 

[mes415]

I know what u posted originally. lol 😉. and

+1 hahaha I tried tonight fingers crossed for tomorrow 😉

 

[Chastyre]

Got the call from REL around 6pm!

 

[mashers]

Got the call from REL around 6pm!

Congrats, Chastyre! No more le sighing for you!!

 

[Badancil]

Still an enviable place to be! Welcome to the torture, Badancil. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back to checking my phone obsessively and sighing dramatically.

Le sigh...

Honestly, REL was incredibly encouraging on the phone that allthough he could never guaruntee anything (because every one of the 80 could decide to keep their spots) he basically said that we would have an acceptance conversation in the next couple months.

and I put alot of stock in what Mr. Larkin tells me, so im pretty excited about my chances.

anyway, maybe well be classmates down the road.
-BA

 

[Badancil]

Honestly, REL was incredibly encouraging on the phone that allthough he could never guaruntee anything (because every one of the 80 could decide to keep their spots) he basically said that we would have an acceptance conversation in the next couple months.

and I put alot of stock in what Mr. Larkin tells me, so im pretty excited about my chances.

anyway, maybe well be classmates down the road.
-BA

Also, as an encouragement to others on the waiting list. I know of at least two people (maybe three) holding acceptances that may be withdrawing them soon. but they could always have a massive change of heart and stay (and they are good people too so that wouldnt be a bad thing)

keep strong guys!
-BA

 

[mes415]

Congrats, Chastyre! No more le sighing for you!!

Got the call from REL around 6pm!

So jealous!!! And my wait continues .... Luckily I have an acceptance elsewhere so it's not too stressful.