2011-2012 University of Central Florida Application Thread

[2003mach1]

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So does anyone know just how much of a shot we have at getting accepted depending on where we are on the waitlist? I'm in the middle third...

 

[Badancil]

just want people to know here, the interview at ucf seems to count for very little. i had an interviewer tell me that he thought i was a perfect fit for this school and that he was going to try as hard as he could to get me into the school, but then i get my phone call and find out I'm in the bottom third of the wait list even with above average GPA and mcat scores for previous ucf classes and I've already been accepted to other schools. so good luck people with figuring out how this brand new school picks its classes. it is a great school and i was pretty bummed to find this out because i thought it was such a fit for me. but good luck to everyone else, its an awesome school

Here is what I can tell you. The interview definitly counts. I dont know if REL stopped telling you guys how it works on the bus (I SERIOUSLY doubt that) or if you were not listening, but at UCF its all about the scores you are given. The interviewers give a report on what they thought of you to the admissions comittee, both of them. They are your advocate to the members of the admissions board. The board then takes those reports, plus your app, and your grades into account. each member gives you a score. (i think its like 1-5, or 1-10, i dont remember) and they add them up. your score puts you on the list, if you are in the top - however many - they are accepting that week, you get a call. If not, you still get a call, but to tell you where you landed on the list.

I dont know what happened in your interview, maybe one guy loved you, and the other didnt, maybe there was something glaring on your app you are unaware of.

The admissions process at UCF is one of the most fair I came across when I was interviewing, and I saw my fair share.

They use the scores to be as fair as possible. Think about it this way, you are in the very first interview group. the first day (go you). this probably means that you are one of the best candidates out there, cause lets face it, they are usually the ones who are on their game enough to both get everything done, and be attractive enough, to be in that first group.

Lets say they interview 20 students, and for the sake of argument, lets say they all have great EC's, amazing apps, 3.9+ gpa's and 35+ MCATS. Pretty stellar group if you ask me. so you interview, it goes well, but at the end they can only accept 10. at other schools, that would mean you are officially.... wait for it.... waitlisted. boom. you now have to wait for the summer.

why does this suck? well, at those waitlisted schools, three months later, some scrub with a mediocre GPA, an OK MCAT, a degree in photography!?!?!?, and marginal EC's, who is a terrible writer on AMCAS, well call this guy... Badancil. he comes in, and just happens to be less of a scrub then 10 of the 20 HE interviewed with.

BOOM! ACCEPTANCE!

but wait!? you say, my interview, and basically everything, was better than that shady badancil character (this is a true statement about me, BTW) and he got accepted!?

not at UCF. because those scores keep only the best getting an acceptance, and keep it fair for everyone. you will never be dinged because you interviewed first, in fact, you can only really be hurt by interviewing later, since you may sneak an acceptance when the list is short, but not when it is long. the more scores on the list=the better chance someone on the list is better than you.

sorry for the long response. and im sure REL can confirm anything I said wrong.

@lonesurfer

I would definitely disagree that the interview means little.

From my experience, one of my interviewers' main goals was to see how i react under pressure. He pressed far beyond what I expected in the ethical questions. He even highlighted portions of my application that he didn't like, but I explained why I included things, and stood by my decisions. He seemed to respect that.

My second interviewer was completely the opposite from the first one, and couldn't say enough good and encouraging things.

I believe UCF has a very specific type of student in mind when they go through the admissions process. I'm sure that you will end up at the right place for you, and perhaps there was something in your application that told the UCF AdCom that you would thrive elsewhere.

This is absolutely true (the bolded part). I dont say that because of any insider info (i have none, only what i learned during my interview). This is because as I look at my classmates, I can see that they were looking for a certain kind of student. I cant really put my finger on what kind of student that is, but I know that were a peculiar group in my class, in that we are more of a family, and no one seems to be out to get anyone. there arent any real gunners here. Sure, there are some incredibly talented, and motivated people in my class, but they are some of the most willing to help other students out. Its a good group, and whatever the ADCOM is doing, they are doing a good job.

i didnt really say that it counts for nothing...it just kind of seems misleading so i was venting some and just looking for some explanations and you both gave me that. thanks and thanks for the empathy too. youll be a good doctor haha

BTW, this did happen to me at another school. and this was one where I had TWO interviewer tell me that I was a shoe in. Then I was summarily rejected. It sucks homie. I seriously doubt that you did anything horribly wrong, and there is still decent chances for you to get in. its just the med school process, its subjective. thats just the way it is. and its awful and greuling, and can make you reconsider everything about yourself you thought was good enough. but in the end, if you are a good candidate (Im going to say you probably are) you will make it through the process and do what you want to do.

Did i want to call and curse out that school on the phone? sure. But then I came to UCF, and now i want to thank them. Im not sure if i would have ended up here if they had accepted me. and i KNOW that I wouldnt love a place as much as I love UCF. (btw, its awesome)

feel free to email me at aabney AT fau DOT edu and ill be happy to answer any other questions.


This goes for anyone else who took the time (please, if you did, go do something fun, hang out with family or friends, study something, call someone and tell them you love them AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET OFF THIS SITE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK) to read this LOOOOONG post (in the middle of studying for upcoming finals, no less). I am happy to answer any emails.

if you have already interviewed, I may have met you! my name is AJ. lets be friends.

I hope i never write a post this long again in my life.

-AJ

 

[LadyRugger]

I just interviewed on 11/18 so I just wanted to clarify a few things based on what REL explained on the bus. Your interviewers write up your interview feedback, which goes in your file. Then THREE members of the committee (of 14) review your complete file to present you. Each of the three members independently presents your file to committee and then based on their presentation each of the 14 members assigns you a score from 4-7 (REL said no one gets less than 4). From there you join the ranked list based on your score. After that, REL said you are never reevaluated. For each review date the top 10 are offered acceptance.

REL said it's strictly the top 10.. No reevaluations based on diversity, etc. He said the only time this factors in is later in the cycle (post May 15) when they may have to accept based on IS vs OOS. So if the number one is IS but there is need for an OOS student they may skip to number 2.

I hope this helps.

 

[Badancil]

I just interviewed on 11/18 so I just wanted to clarify a few things based on what REL explained on the bus. Your interviewers write up your interview feedback, which goes in your file. Then THREE members of the committee (of 14) review your complete file to present you. Each of the three members independently presents your file to committee and then based on their presentation each of the 14 members assigns you a score from 4-7 (REL said no one gets less than 4). From there you join the ranked list based on your score. After that, REL said you are never reevaluated. For each review date the top 10 are offered acceptance.

REL said it's strictly the top 10.. No reevaluations based on diversity, etc. He said the only time this factors in is later in the cycle (post May 15) when they may have to accept based on IS vs OOS. So if the number one is IS but there is need for an OOS student they may skip to number 2.

I hope this helps.

Exactly. its the most fair admissions process I experienced. There are no games, and its completely transparent. you cant ask for more than that. also, i know a few of the adcom members (and no, they dont ever ask my opinion, or give a crap what i say about you guys) and they are all amazing. literally some of the nicest people around. you should feel confident that no one is out to get you in this process at UCF.

 

[Cinclus]

UCF is pretty much awesome.

 

[2003mach1]

Depends on where in the middle third you are. Can go either way depending on where you are and whether or not you meet their diversity needs after movement starts in may. Keep in mind many have not interviewed yet so your spot can move up or down

I was in the top half of the middle third, I don't know where I am now. I am hispanic if that's going to help 😀

 

[alexandertg6]

super neurotic question-- but for those of us in the 11/14 interview group, we should expect a call from REL around Dec. 7th, right?

 

[Badancil]

I was in the top half of the middle third, I don't know where I am now. I am hispanic if that's going to help 😀

If you are in the top half of the middle third, and in state, then you are in pretty good shape. Nothing guaruntees an acceptance, but an acceptance, but that is a good position.

being Hispanic means nothing, though. I mean, it means something about your heritage and everything, but as far as I know, once your on the list, which means you have received a score from admissions, its all just a numbers game on the list. but the top half of the middle third is usually good territory, allthough if you were there early in the season, that could mean you have been bumped up/down depending on the cadidates who came after you (i.e. if they were not quality, you got bumped up, if they were super quality, you likely got bumped down)

hope that helps
-AJ

 

[2003mach1]

If you are in the top half of the middle third, and in state, then you are in pretty good shape. Nothing guaruntees an acceptance, but an acceptance, but that is a good position.

being Hispanic means nothing, though. I mean, it means something about your heritage and everything, but as far as I know, once your on the list, which means you have received a score from admissions, its all just a numbers game on the list. but the top half of the middle third is usually good territory, allthough if you were there early in the season, that could mean you have been bumped up/down depending on the cadidates who came after you (i.e. if they were not quality, you got bumped up, if they were super quality, you likely got bumped down)

hope that helps
-AJ

I don't know where I'm on the list now, I'm sure it's grown in numbers, so I'm just going to wait for REL's update call. I was just trying to see if there were a lot of other people in the same position as me that ended up getting accepted. I was bummed to not get accepted right away, but it's good to know I've still got a decent shot. Thanks!

 

[2003mach1]

Depends on where in the middle third you are. Can go either way depending on where you are and whether or not you meet their diversity needs after movement starts in may. Keep in mind many have not interviewed yet so your spot can move up or down

gujuDoc, I've responded to your pm twice now but I have no idea if they sent because there's nothing appearing in my sent folder. Just letting you know..

 

[alexandertg6]

I also wonder if in years past people tend to move up on the list as the interview season progresses? It makes logical sense that would be the case as there may be a higher prevalence of strong "superstar" candidates ( like Cinclus 😀) in the earlier interview groups?

Just curious

 

[goodnewsplease]

REL: How many OOS students have been accepted so far? Thank you!

 

[SisterDisco08]

I also wonder if in years past people tend to move up on the list as the interview season progresses? It makes logical sense that would be the case as there may be a higher prevalence of strong "superstar" candidates ( like Cinclus 😀) in the earlier interview groups?

Just curious

That's probably a REL question, since I don't think students would know the trends.

In other news: I tried to make us a Facebook group, but evidently you can't make a group unless you know at least one other person who can be added to it...so someone else has to make it ha, because I don't know any other accepted students.

 

[REL]

That's probably a REL question, since I don't think students would know the trends.

In other news: I tried to make us a Facebook group, but evidently you can't make a group unless you know at least one other person who can be added to it...so someone else has to make it ha, because I don't know any other accepted students.

I usually make a Facebook Group for each class and control the access to accepted students, but dont otherwise monitor the group's discussion. I dont have my own Facebook account other than for the med school admissions accepted classes. If this is something that you feel should be created, let me know.

As for "stronger" applicants being interviewed earlier....I guess there is limited truth to that but we do value much more than the "numbers." Anyway, yes as some can attest, you can move off the "not yet accepted" list to be "accepted" as our committee will take ~10 off the top of their ranked list each time they meet. I'd say ~12-15 of those currently admitted came off the "not yet accepted" list

We have admitted 51, of which 12 are non-Florida as of now.

 

[Badancil]

I don't know where I'm on the list now, I'm sure it's grown in numbers, so I'm just going to wait for REL's update call. I was just trying to see if there were a lot of other people in the same position as me that ended up getting accepted. I was bummed to not get accepted right away, but it's good to know I've still got a decent shot. Thanks!

Lots of people get accepted off the list. I have plenty of friends in my class who were. Theres never a gauruntee, but remain encouraged. long stressful periods of time are just part of the game.

once you get accepted somewhere though, all your choices are going to be between good and better for the rest of your days.

-AJ

 

[alexandertg6]

Of course there are plenty of superstar candidates who have yet to be interviewed and there is a lot more to the admissions process than numbers. I doubt I was the only one who was wondering though, so thanks for satisfying our curiosity, REL! 😳

 

[SisterDisco08]

I dont have my own Facebook account other than for the med school admissions accepted classes. If this is something that you feel should be created, let me know.

Ha, REL, you should have a fan page on Facebook.

 

[LadyRugger]

Anyone get the call from REL yet? Those of us that interviewed on 11/18 (and around that date I suppose) are supposed to get the call today with our list placement and/or if we are in the top 10 this time around...

 

[alexandertg6]

Anyone get the call from REL yet? Those of us that interviewed on 11/18 (and around that date I suppose) are supposed to get the call today with our list placement and/or if we are in the top 10 this time around...

I got a call!! middle of top third!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm thrilled because I absolutely love UCF-- it really is an awesome school!!!


LadyRugger, I also replied to your PM, but idk if it sent bc there was nothing in my 'sent' folder.... did you get it?

I also pmed you a dumb question by accident that you answered in your pm... Im really excited right now so my brain is kinda not really focused on ANYTHING I am saying or doing...

 

[goodnewsplease]

Do u mean top of middle third? There are only 6 zones that are possible... Middle of top third implies 9 possible zones. It's either upper third, middle third, lower third. Then upper or lower in each.

 

[alexandertg6]

Do u mean top of middle third? There are only 6 zones that are possible... Middle if top third implies 9 possible zones. It's either upper third, middle third, lower third. Then upper or lower in each.

No, I meant I'm in the upper third in between the upper and lower half of the upper third.

 

[nontradAV]

I see that a UCF ADCOM person is posting periodically, so helpful to have someone "in the know" providing information. I have been "complete" since 9/28/2011, and have been "AORTA - ELIGIBLE FOR INTERVIEW SELECTION" for a little over a month now... Have individuals whose file became complete around my date already been reviewed by the committee and given or denied interviews?

Thank you

 

[goodnewsplease]

interesting...im getting my info from what REL said on interview day and middle of a third wasn't one of the options he told us. anyway, either way, good luck.. that sounds like a good position.

 

[REL]

interesting...im getting my info from what REL said on interview day and middle of a third wasn't one of the options he told us. anyway, either way, good luck.. that sounds like a good position.

I do occasionally talk about being in the middle of the group because they are right there in the pivot postion.

 

[alexandertg6]

interesting...im getting my info from what REL said on interview day and middle of a third wasn't one of the options he told us. anyway, either way, good luck.. that sounds like a good position.

Thank you!!!! Best of luck to everyone else!!!!

 

[emcda001]

Thank you!!!! Best of luck to everyone else!!!!

I interview Monday. excited for interview. Any useful tidbits you guys wish you had known prior to your interviews?

 

[gbc85]

Just interviewed here today, and I have to say the school is amazing. The campus is beautiful, the facilites are brand new, and the curriculum seems great. Both interviews were very casual and laid back. Most importantly, everyone is super friendly. The students, the faculty, even the employees at Celebration Hospital. Definatly my top choice of schools.

emcda001: The whole day is pretty straight forward and they make it a point to not hide anything from you, so nothing really to know ahead of time!

On a side note, when we met REL I felt like I was meeting a celebrity because of how active he is on this forum!

 

[alexandertg6]

I interview Monday. excited for interview. Any useful tidbits you guys wish you had known prior to your interviews?

I agree... REL and the office of admissions are amazing, and their biggest strength is how transparent they make everything. Of course do your research beforehand, just like every school. Education is a tool, so know what you plan on using it for. Other than that, just relax. UCF by far has the best admissions staff of the ~30 schools I applied to.

 

[dalovely561]

I've Been On "Aorta-Eligible for interview" for over a month. Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[jkchang10]

I've Been On "Aorta-Eligible for interview" for over a month. Anyone else in the same boat?

I've been on that status for about 3 months. lol.

Heard back from 3 florida schools but no UCF love! please!!!

 

[dalovely561]

I've been on that status for about 3 months. lol.

Heard back from 3 florida schools but no UCF love! please!!!

Fingers crossed for both of us

 

[SisterDisco08]

I've been on that status for about 3 months. lol.

Heard back from 3 florida schools but no UCF love! please!!!

Haha chang I only think it's appropriate that we end up at the same school so I'm pulling for you!

 

[robertch8]

I've Been On "Aorta-Eligible for interview" for over a month. Anyone else in the same boat?

I've been on EFI for over 3 months now.....it's getting pretty old at this point 🙁. Here's to some in-state love!

 

[dalovely561]

I've been on EFI for over 3 months now.....it's getting pretty old at this point 🙁. Here's to some in-state love!

Yea the only in-state school I've heard from is FIU (for an interview). I want to go to UCF soooo bad!!!

 

[AnthroMD]

Good to know! I have several new updates as far as community service and research projects are concerned. Making a list, checking it twice, gonna send an update to UCF tonight...

All you guys can do at this point is update them. If you have any fall updates from grades or research projects or volunteering projects, etc. I'd go ahead and do that as you go on break for winter break because now is a good time to have something significant to report and why your interest in a brief paragraph. That's what I did at all my other schools at this point last year.

 

[robertch8]

Yea the only in-state school I've heard from is FIU (for an interview). I want to go to UCF soooo bad!!!

To be fair, I need to give the city of Miami a break for my lack of in-state love because I've had interviews at both UM and FIU (accepted). It'd just be nice to visit another part of the state

Gujudoc, I sent them an update back in November when I finished my first set of classes for my Master's program but another update will probably need to be in order in about a week or so.

 

[Gator1988]

I heard all the great feedback about UCF, but I needed to see it to believe it. Have to say I was thoroughly impressed by the school...really hoping I can get in as soon as possible! January can not come soon enough. I just have this feeling in my gut though that there are a lot of candidates currently holding spots that do not intend on going to UCF or are using UCF as a back up...because there is no deposit. Oh well, I would rather hear in May for an acceptance that not at all...even if my banking account is going to hate paying to go to these med school interviews in the future ><

 

[SisterDisco08]

From my experience, if you actively show a school that you are interested in them, it helps.

 

[Sitagliptin]

Interviewed here this week. The experience was awesome, as was the admissions staff. I agree with Gator1988; January cannot come soon enough! Good luck to everyone!

 

[dalovely561]

All you guys can do at this point is update them. If you have any fall updates from grades or research projects or volunteering projects, etc. I'd go ahead and do that as you go on break for winter break because now is a good time to have something significant to report and why your interest in a brief paragraph. That's what I did at all my other schools at this point last year.

Thank you for the advice! i really appreciate it 🙂

 

[Sephiroth]

Finally got an II yesterday. Would've been complete in early August if not for my peer letter taking forever. First guy kept putting it off for a while til it became clear he wasn;t gonna do it, so I had to ask someone else, which then took a couple weeks, so that didn;t get done til around Halloween.

Set to interview Jan 20. Anyone else for that date?

 

[Echoed]

Finally got an II yesterday. Would've been complete in early August if not for my peer letter taking forever. First guy kept putting it off for a while til it became clear he wasn;t gonna do it, so I had to ask someone else, which then took a couple weeks, so that didn;t get done til around Halloween.

Set to interview Jan 20. Anyone else for that date?

Congrats! Mind sharing when you were actually EFI? I was complete around then also.

 

[alpinebrook]

I just have this feeling in my gut though that there are a lot of candidates currently holding spots that do not intend on going to UCF or are using UCF as a back up...because there is no deposit. Oh well, I would rather hear in May for an acceptance that not at all...even if my banking account is going to hate paying to go to these med school interviews in the future ><

Hey, didn't REL tell you that per AAMC policy, deposit fees are supposed to be refundable before May 15th? So....it shouldn't really matter whether there is a deposit or not. Unless you get into multiple med schools and can't make up your mind about which school to go to.

 

[starwarsgeek]

Fingers crossed for both of us

To those who have had "Aorta-Eligible for interview" do you mind posting your stats?
Also, what is the next step after "Aorta-Eligible for interview"
Any reply would be appreciated - Thanks

 

[AnthroMD]

From the portal, definition of "AORTA- Eligible for Interview Selection":

This file is in a pool of applicants to be considered for an interview group on a near-weekly basis as we construct interview groups. This means the file is eligible for selection for an interview group, it does not mean that selection for an interview is guaranteed. You are welcome to send any updated information to our email address. Next status is either Interview Scheduled (after phone call) or Unable to Offer Interview (after email at end of interview cycle). (AORTA - Admissions Office Review Team for Applicants, aka ADCOM prescreen team)

To those who have had "Aorta-Eligible for interview" do you mind posting your stats?
Also, what is the next step after "Aorta-Eligible for interview"
Any reply would be appreciated - Thanks

 

[goodnewsplease]

Phone call tomorrow!! Give me good news REL!

 

[alpinebrook]

Phone call tomorrow!! Give me good news REL!

+1 😍

 

[dalovely561]

Good Luck tomorrow everyone!

 

[Kiro90]

I can't wait to hear back form REL tomorrow! Hope it will be god news!

 

[goodnewsplease]

+1 😍

Good Luck tomorrow everyone!

Are you both from the Dec 2nd group?