2012-2013 Charles Drew/UCLA Application Thread

[Quicksilver005]

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Although my current location is Nashville, I was born and raised in Los Angeles.

GL

Mini Update: I decided not to apply to Charles Drew. I'd have no shot.

But I have my eye on Prime UCLA.

 

[Guero]

GL

Mini Update: I decided not to apply to Charles Drew. I'd have no shot.

But I have my eye on Prime UCLA.

Dude, me too. I would love a shot at any of these programs. I'm totally making a thread for PRIME/UCLA. If you get a secondary, please share the prompts if you don't mind. Good luck.

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

I was extremely excited to receive this secondary today! Now I just have to get to working on it so I can submit as soon as possible.

Good luck to everyone else applying to this amazing school.

 

[MusicJunkie]

I was extremely excited to receive this secondary today! Now I just have to get to working on it so I can submit as soon as possible.

Good luck to everyone else applying to this amazing school.

Me too. I feel honored! Although I will say that I'm having a hard time with the "role in my family" question. I guess I'm not completely sure what they mean.

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Me too. I feel honored! Although I will say that I'm having a hard time with the "role in my family" question. I guess I'm not completely sure what they mean.

I completely agree. That question kinda has me stomped =\

 

[MusicJunkie]

I completely agree. That question kinda has me stomped =\

We'll figure it out, I'm sure. It's a long secondary, but I like that they ask so many great questions. It feels like they are really trying to go for a "fit" when picking their entering class.

 

[Girly X]

Having a hard time staying under 800 characters with some of these questions 🙁

 

[Girly X]

Anyone know how many apply vs receive a secondary vs interview vs accepted?

 

[Guero]

Anyone know how many apply vs receive a secondary vs interview vs accepted?

Can't seem to find those stats anywhere.

 

[MusicJunkie]

Can't seem to find those stats anywhere.

There was a post in a 2007 thread that said something like 1,800 apply, 300 get secondaries, 150 get interviewed. I know it's old data, but it's all I could find.

edit:// From the post (verbatim):
"I called.

1700 applied.
300 secondaries sent out (im sure not all 300 people fill out that monstrous secondary)
150 interviewed 👍
~24+ accepted 👎"

 

[Guero]

There was a post in a 2007 thread that said something like 1,800 apply, 300 get secondaries, 150 get interviewed. I know it's old data, but it's all I could find.

edit:// From the post (verbatim):
"I called.

1700 applied.
300 secondaries sent out (im sure not all 300 people fill out that monstrous secondary)
150 interviewed 👍
~24+ accepted 👎"

150 interviews for around 25 seats!?!? Oh. Dear. God.

 

[MusicJunkie]

150 interviews for around 25 seats!?!? Oh. Dear. God.

Lol, right?! =/
From what I understand, the class size is capped at 24 students total. The odds aren't the best, but at least if you get a secondary, you have a 50% chance of getting an interview.

 

[Girly X]

Lol, right?! =/
From what I understand, the class size is capped at 24 students total. The odds aren't the best, but at least if you get a secondary, you have a 50% chance of getting an interview.

I believe after interview the odds may be better than we think. Most schools accept 2 times as many applicants as they have seats in their class due to people matriculating elsewhere. So perhaps Drew will accept about 50 to get the class of 24? I hope lol!

 

[MusicJunkie]

I believe after interview the odds may be better than we think. Most schools accept 2 times as many applicants as they have seats in their class due to people matriculating elsewhere. So perhaps Drew will accept about 50 to get the class of 24? I hope lol!

That's a great point! I didn't consider that.

 

[Guero]

I believe after interview the odds may be better than we think. Most schools accept 2 times as many applicants as they have seats in their class due to people matriculating elsewhere. So perhaps Drew will accept about 50 to get the class of 24? I hope lol!

I don't know if they'd actually end up accepting twice the lot like most schools considering how competitive this program is. But it's definitely possible; one can hope.

 

[virtuoso735]

Is the "Please provide any additional information" prompt optional? It doesn't say that it's optional, but I'm stumped as to what to include here since this secondary covers so much ground already.

 

[virtuoso735]

Is it also okay if I send the photo in a word document?

 

[Girly X]

I believe the instructions said .jpeg? Look on the last page of the application. I would do what they request. They might be uploading the pics into a program that requires that format.

 

[virtuoso735]

I believe the instructions said .jpeg? Look on the last page of the application. I would do what they request. They might be uploading the pics into a program that requires that format.

I read the instructions and the only thing I saw said that it should be in an "electronic format." I don't know how to get a jpeg 2x2 photo.

 

[Girly X]

I read the instructions and the only thing I saw said that it should be in an "electronic format." I don't know how to get a jpeg 2x2 photo.

You could try taking a picture of a passport pic (they are 2x2) with a camera phone then email the pic to yourself, save on your computer and viola you have a digital photo. I believe they suggested costco or rite aid so maybe those places can email/save a passport pic they take of you on a flash drive rather than printing out hard copies? I would call those places to explain what you need and see if they can help. Worse case, call Drew and ask if the Word doc will be ok.

 

[virtuoso735]

You could try taking a picture of a passport pic (they are 2x2) with a camera phone then email the pic to yourself, save on your computer and viola you have a digital photo. I believe they suggested costco or rite aid so maybe those places can email/save a passport pic they take of you on a flash drive rather than printing out hard copies? I would call those places to explain what you need and see if they can help. Worse case, call Drew and ask if the Word doc will be ok.

Thanks, I will try that.

Thing is, I'm not sure what they mean when they say it has to be 2x2. I know that it should be a square in that case, but the size of the picture really depends on how much you zoom in or out (when it is in electronic form).

 

[USCTrojan11]

I don't know if they'd actually end up accepting twice the lot like most schools considering how competitive this program is. But it's definitely possible; one can hope.

Took 30-something last year. See you guys at interviews!

 

[Guero]

SECONDARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*reconvenes and gathers self* Anyone else?

 

[MusicJunkie]

SECONDARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*reconvenes and gathers self* Anyone else?

haha, congratulations! 😀 I just submitted my secondary earlier today. Hoping for good news this cycle!

 

[Quicksilver005]

I folded.

I decided to submit my primary to them after all. But since I submitted it Sept and am not black, I am at the bottom of the list. So I am not expecting much. Oh well.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Don't feel bad Quick, I don't expect much either after bombing MCAT. Good luck everyone else.

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Submitted my secondary yesterday! Wishing everyone else best of luck.

 

[FijiGNR89]

submitted today. that thing was a beast!

 

[Kivi]

I got my primary received email on 7/23 and still haven't heard back from them yet.... :/

 

[aspiringdoc09]

On question 7: did you all differentiate community from public service or list it as the same thing? I assumed they were the same unless they are referring to law enforcement.

 

[FijiGNR89]

Any ballpark ideas when these II's will come out? Maybe based on old cycles?

 

[Quicksilver005]

Don't feel bad Quick, I don't expect much either after bombing MCAT. Good luck everyone else.

Thanks.

Good luck to everyone.

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Received an interview invite via phone call this week. I was amazed by the fast turnaround time after submitting my secondary. I am EXTREMELY excited by this school and I hope it continues to go well from here 😀.

Good luck to everyone else still waiting to hear back!

 

[Guero]

Received an interview invite via phone call this week. I was amazed by the fast turnaround time after submitting my secondary. I am EXTREMELY excited by this school and I hope it continues to go well from here 😀.

Good luck to everyone else still waiting to hear back!

Awesome, congrats! When were you complete?

 

[MusicJunkie]

Received an interview invite via phone call this week. I was amazed by the fast turnaround time after submitting my secondary. I am EXTREMELY excited by this school and I hope it continues to go well from here 😀.

Good luck to everyone else still waiting to hear back!

Congratulations! 😀

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Thank you!

Awesome, congrats! When were you complete?

I never received a complete email but I submitted my application on 09/07 🙂

 

[Guero]

Anyone hear anything lately? Aspiring, do you mind sharing when you interview?

I've been reading last year's thread and feel sooo honored to have received a secondary this early in the game; it means a lot. But I am sooooo much more eager to get in and interview. Unless something drastic happens during the interview, I'm pretty sure this is my top choice. Good luck everyone.

 

[virtuoso735]

So I take it that receiving a secondary is a very good sign? I submitted my secondary on 8/31 but I haven't heard anything back yet, not even an acknowledgement that I submitted.

 

[Guero]

So I take it that receiving a secondary is a very good sign? I submitted my secondary on 8/31 but I haven't heard anything back yet, not even an acknowledgement that I submitted.

Yup, they screen very heavily. I got a simple "thanks" reply from the admissions office after submitting. My status has not changed, though.

 

[virtuoso735]

Yup, they screen very heavily. I got a simple "thanks" reply from the admissions office after submitting. My status has not changed, though.

How do you access your status?

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Anyone hear anything lately? Aspiring, do you mind sharing when you interview?

I've been reading last year's thread and feel sooo honored to have received a secondary this early in the game; it means a lot. But I am sooooo much more eager to get in and interview. Unless something drastic happens during the interview, I'm pretty sure this is my top choice. Good luck everyone.

The director of student affairs told me that because they are a small program they only do Saturday interviews, and only plan on having a couple of those to fill next year's class.

I'm pretty certain I will be in one of the first groups interviewing on Oct. 20th (first day made available to me). I'm excited yet a bit nervous! Does anyone know how the interview is conducted? I read on last year's thread that they mix 1-on-1 with a group interview and essay, but I'm not sure how correct this is?

 

[ZJX90]

Did anyone get a "primary received" email from this program, before receiving a secondary? If so, how long did it take since verification? I've been verified since 8/24 and haven't heard anything...just want to make sure that my application wasn't lost or something.

 

[Guero]

How do you access your status?

http://www.cdrewu.edu/admissions/ApplicationStatus
It's a separate link if you applied via PRIME. Let me know if you need that, too.

Did anyone get a "primary received" email from this program, before receiving a secondary? If so, how long did it take since verification? I've been verified since 8/24 and haven't heard anything...just want to make sure that my application wasn't lost or something.

No, I received nothing but the secondary the day after my new MCAT posted. From last year's thread, it seemed sending LOIs was an effective catalyst for some to receive secondaries and interviews. I'm debating how long to wait until I sent them a LOI. Like I wrote earlier, this is my top choice.

The director of student affairs told me that because they are a small program they only do Saturday interviews, and only plan on having a couple of those to fill next year's class.

I'm pretty certain I will be in one of the first groups interviewing on Oct. 20th (first day made available to me). I'm excited yet a bit nervous! Does anyone know how the interview is conducted? I read on last year's thread that they mix 1-on-1 with a group interview and essay, but I'm not sure how correct this is?

GL everyone and congrats on your interview Aspiring!! So jealous! 😉

 

[MusicJunkie]

Yup, they screen very heavily. I got a simple "thanks" reply from the admissions office after submitting. My status has not changed, though.

I got a "Thanks" as well! My status says "secondary requested," so I'm not sure if I just haven't been processed or not. And I agree with you Deutsch Arzt. I've been pretty weary of naming anything my top choice, simply because I want to be open to all possibilities. But if I'm completely, 100% honest -- if I got into this school, I'd have a very, very, very, very hard time turning it down for any reason.

 

[Guero]

Yeah, I'm willing to bet they're interviewing those with high MCATs first. :-( Stupid MCAT. I hate you.

 

[MusicJunkie]

Yeah, I'm willing to bet they're interviewing those with high MCATs first. :-( Stupid MCAT. I hate you.

lol seriously. I can't even adequately express how much I agree with that sentiment.

 

[Guero]

lol seriously. I can't even adequately express how much I agree with that sentiment.

I had a patient ask me if I applied to Stanford, Vandy, and Baylor yesterday. He seemed so disappointed when I said no because they accept around the 95th percentile of applicants (based on MCAT). I just wanted to scream and say, "I didn't have the luxury of a prep school education, a top 20 university, and a multi-thousand dollar prep-course! I studied via books for two months while working full-time, going to school, and volunteering with a family!"

::sigh:: It at least taught me how to prep better for standardized tests. I think I finally have a grasp on how I'll study for the USMLEs. If I had the patience and time to have studied for 6 months, I think I could've made my dream score of around a 33. But whatever. Life goes on, no regrets. Everything I've been through has made me who I am.

 

[MusicJunkie]

I had a patient ask me if I applied to Stanford, Vandy, and Baylor yesterday. He seemed so disappointed when I said no because they accept around the 95th percentile of applicants (based on MCAT). I just wanted to scream and say, "I didn't have the luxury of a prep school education, a top 20 university, and a multi-thousand dollar prep-course! I studied via books for two months while working full-time, going to school, and volunteering with a family!"

::sigh:: It at least taught me how to prep better for standardized tests. I think I finally have a grasp on how I'll study for the USMLEs. If I had the patience and time to have studied for 6 months, I think I could've made my dream score of around a 33. But whatever. Life goes on, no regrets. Everything I've been through has made me who I am.

As tough as the MCAT was, it did teach me a lot -- about myself and about my study method in general. I can't say that I'm necessarily glad I took it, but I'm appreciative for what I learned from it. And you're right -- life goes on, no regrets. MCAT aside, I'm sure that we have some high points in our application, and a genuine love for working with the underserved, that will shine through.

 

[Guero]

As tough as the MCAT was, it did teach me a lot -- about myself and about my study method in general. I can't say that I'm necessarily glad I took it, but I'm appreciative for what I learned from it. And you're right -- life goes on, no regrets. MCAT aside, I'm sure that we have some high points in our application, and a genuine love for working with the underserved, that will shine through.

I hope so! We stand together. Good luck!