2012-2013 University of Central Florida Application Thread

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REL said:
So as a newer M.D. program we are FINALLY at a point where we can prove that our curriculum and varied teaching modalities work and that our students can obtain solid residencies. Than "final exam" will occur on March 15. There are a couple of very competitive specialties that match early, they are Ophthalmology (earlier this week) and Urology which will happen in about 2 weeks. Both are very difficult to get a match in, and probably more difficult from a program with no history (or so they say).....well, the early results are in. Two applied to Ophthalmology, two were selected........both to their top choice......it looks like we are IN the GAME for sure. So part of that gossip in the pre-med and admissions interview world...."they aint got history, ya aint gettin' a good residency from a new program"....does not appear to be correct....hmmmmm, what else is pure rumor or mis-information that you hear on the interview trail???? For more of the UCF Opthal match go to http://med.ucf.edu/news/2013/01/two...-highly-competitive-ophthalmology-residences/

Cheers!
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Haha, congratulations! I love that a faculty member can write in a relaxed, down-to-earth style. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
 
type12 said:
Haha, congratulations! I love that a faculty member can write in a relaxed, down-to-earth style. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Click to expand...

Great to hear! Thank you REL! That info makes me even more confident that this is my top pick school!
 
REL said:
So as a newer M.D. program we are FINALLY at a point where we can prove that our curriculum and varied teaching modalities work and that our students can obtain solid residencies. Than "final exam" will occur on March 15. There are a couple of very competitive specialties that match early, they are Ophthalmology (earlier this week) and Urology which will happen in about 2 weeks. Both are very difficult to get a match in, and probably more difficult from a program with no history (or so they say).....well, the early results are in. Two applied to Ophthalmology, two were selected........both to their top choice......it looks like we are IN the GAME for sure. So part of that gossip in the pre-med and admissions interview world...."they aint got history, ya aint gettin' a good residency from a new program"....does not appear to be correct....hmmmmm, what else is pure rumor or mis-information that you hear on the interview trail???? For more of the UCF Opthal match go to http://med.ucf.edu/news/2013/01/two...-highly-competitive-ophthalmology-residences/

Cheers!
Click to expand...

This always slays me. No matter where you go, if you have an excellent step 1 score and an impressive publication record (if you're going into a research specialty), you'll beat out the people that don't no matter where they're from. I suppose someone from a more reputable school who has a SLIGHTY lower score might surpass you, but not if your score is significantly better. There are also those who have political connects, but that will be true and remain a challenge for our whole lives no matter where we go or what we do. The school doesn't make the physician, the student makes the physician. Duh. All you need from your school are the resources required to make you the kind of physician you want to be (i.e., good research mentors, good clinical educators, shadowing opportunities for the subspecialties which are not in the curriculum, an abundance of patient exposure, and state-of-the-art equipment on which to train). Everyone who's been to UCF, from what I've heard, says they have it all.
 
REL said:
So as a newer M.D. program we are FINALLY at a point where we can prove that our curriculum and varied teaching modalities work and that our students can obtain solid residencies. Than "final exam" will occur on March 15. There are a couple of very competitive specialties that match early, they are Ophthalmology (earlier this week) and Urology which will happen in about 2 weeks. Both are very difficult to get a match in, and probably more difficult from a program with no history (or so they say).....well, the early results are in. Two applied to Ophthalmology, two were selected........both to their top choice......it looks like we are IN the GAME for sure. So part of that gossip in the pre-med and admissions interview world...."they aint got history, ya aint gettin' a good residency from a new program"....does not appear to be correct....hmmmmm, what else is pure rumor or mis-information that you hear on the interview trail???? For more of the UCF Opthal match go to http://med.ucf.edu/news/2013/01/two...-highly-competitive-ophthalmology-residences/

Cheers!
Click to expand...

That's great... Now send us some more II!!! 😍
 
REL said:
So as a newer M.D. program we are FINALLY at a point where we can prove that our curriculum and varied teaching modalities work and that our students can obtain solid residencies. Than "final exam" will occur on March 15. There are a couple of very competitive specialties that match early, they are Ophthalmology (earlier this week) and Urology which will happen in about 2 weeks. Both are very difficult to get a match in, and probably more difficult from a program with no history (or so they say).....well, the early results are in. Two applied to Ophthalmology, two were selected........both to their top choice......it looks like we are IN the GAME for sure. So part of that gossip in the pre-med and admissions interview world...."they aint got history, ya aint gettin' a good residency from a new program"....does not appear to be correct....hmmmmm, what else is pure rumor or mis-information that you hear on the interview trail???? For more of the UCF Opthal match go to http://med.ucf.edu/news/2013/01/two...-highly-competitive-ophthalmology-residences/

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Congrats to UCF!

Also - thank you for posting this for us now. It doesn't matter between which schools we are deciding; this is timely information. It is easy to get caught up in the hype of school name/rankings, despite our best efforts to throw those aside. Thank you for the confirmation that we should follow our instincts!
 
Interviewed at UCF somewhat recently... just thought I'd put it out there, but going into the interview, I was unsure of what to expect from such a new school in a somewhat isolated location. I had already interviewed at some schools in the upper east coast and thought that it wouldn't compare.
Well, after my experience that day, UCF COM has become my top choice!!! 😀
WOW! It was a pleasure to meet REL...seriously the school could NOT have hired anyone better for the job. So funny, honest, and SHARP. My interviewers were FANTASTIC and unlike some other schools, had actually went over my file extensively. There were sets of questions they had to ask, but besides that, it was very relaxed and conversational 🙂
Then, Dr. German spoke and I was sold... if the students, amazing facilities, support, REL hadn't sold me on the school, she did. Amazing leader and I know she'll succeed in her dream for UCF COM and the community.

GREAT JOB UCF COM! 👍
 
First off, I enjoyed it here.


Question : what is so great about Dr. German? From the videos, etc, I haven't been just overwhelmed by her. REL = different story.

Why doesn't UCF have much to say about their clinical years? Are we going to Orlando Health to go up on the 10th floor to stand at the back of the room watching procedures, etc and hope we get a good grade? Or are we going to be hands on - delivering babies with our own hands like 2 other schools I've interviewed at are telling me... Also - if ACA is moving healthcare toward community settings and prevention how is going to Orlando Health training us appropriately for the future? Do they also have smaller outpatient settings for 3rd year rotations? Should we even be concerned about clinical experience from one med school to the next if we get 3-6 years of it in residency where we "actually learn" ?

I didn't hear the word "patient care" one time on interview day - granted we were so busy so I don't think UCF neglects that at all -
 
Joshturnerfan said:
First off, I enjoyed it here.


Question : what is so great about Dr. German? From the videos, etc, I haven't been just overwhelmed by her. REL = different story.

Why doesn't UCF have much to say about their clinical years? Are we going to Orlando Health to go up on the 10th floor to stand at the back of the room watching procedures, etc and hope we get a good grade? Or are we going to be hands on - delivering babies with our own hands like 2 other schools I've interviewed at are telling me... Also - if ACA is moving healthcare toward community settings and prevention how is going to Orlando Health training us appropriately for the future? Do they also have smaller outpatient settings for 3rd year rotations? Should we even be concerned about clinical experience from one med school to the next if we get 3-6 years of it in residency where we "actually learn" ?

I didn't hear the word "patient care" one time on interview day - granted we were so busy so I don't think UCF neglects that at all -
Click to expand...
UCF M1 here.

I suppose you either catch Dean German's infectious enthusiasm and vision for UCF or not. It's pretty incredible all that she's gotten done, from turning a cow field into a medical school to raising tons of money to finance the founding class. What's NOT great about Dean German?

It's fair to think about your third year experience. You SHOULD be thinking of your third year experience. I don't think it's discussed much on interview days because it's not as tangible to pre-med applicants as the pre-clinical years are. You're not confined to the Orlando Health system. UCF has partnerships with the Florida Hospital system (multiple hospitals and clinics), the VA, Nemours (soon) as well as many other ambulatory care facilities. I'm only a first year so I can't say first hand what the experience is like, but the third years I've spoken with haven't had any complaints. Most have said that third year is their favorite year so far and they're loving their time on the wards.

Go to this website and you can view the handbooks for the various clerkships. It lists the hospitals and what your expected role is: http://med.ucf.edu/academics/md-program/program-modules/m3-third-year-clerkships/

REL may have more to say on this matter, but in the scheme of things to worry about I'm not concerned about being appropriately trained for patient care. Even as first years, we're learning all of the patient exams, tons of ultrasound and medical imaging training and going to community physicians throughout the year.
 
Joshturnerfan said:
Question : what is so great about Dr. German? From the videos, etc, I haven't been just overwhelmed by her.
Click to expand...

Because it was my only time interviewing at a Florida school where I heard someone talk about goals for their school to become among the best in the country without feeling as if they were sugarcoating.
 
I'm loving this school already! My wife and I both are AORTA status! =)

EDIT: We're about to finish our first semester of grad classes. Updating with course grades (not official transcript) is the MO, correct?

EDIT #2: In the case one of us get an interview, would it be arrogant (or silly, stupid, etc.) to ask if they can schedule the others' or make a decision so we can travel together?
 
MDschoolorbust said:
REL,

Approximately how far down the waitlist do you think will be cleared this year?
Click to expand...

He's mentioned to me a few times that the top and most of the middle third typically come off the waitlist. Assuming history repeats itself, the same should happen this year. Of course he can't give any guarantees but he has stated that he is quite confident in the consistency of this waitlist pattern. I know it's not coming from REL himself but I'm hoping that'll give you the answer you were looking for.
 
type12 said:
I'm loving this school already! My wife and I both are AORTA status! =)

EDIT: We're about to finish our first semester of grad classes. Updating with course grades (not official transcript) is the MO, correct?

EDIT #2: In the case one of us get an interview, would it be arrogant (or silly, stupid, etc.) to ask if they can schedule the others' or make a decision so we can travel together?
Click to expand...

Yes, do not send official transcripts, just send the grades. You can do a screen print of your unofficial transcript and email that to them.

I wouldn't consider such action in your second edit to be arrogant, silly, or stupid (unless you used a tone that was), but I don't think it's all that tactful. If you were to try and push them to an answer, the easiest answer for them to give is "no". Two plane tickets will cost *relatively* the same whether or not you go at once or separate, though you may save money on one night of lodging. That being the only tangible benefit, I wouldn't push the committee for it.

Now, if one of you gets an ACCEPTANCE and the other ends up waitlisted, you MIGHT consider advertising yourselves as a package deal. Of course your tone is "I'm very sorry and by no means intend to apply pressure, but I can't separate from my spouse for 4 years, etc... what we can we do to make this a possibility, etc..."
 
tygerguy said:
Yes, do not send official transcripts, just send the grades. You can do a screen print of your unofficial transcript and email that to them.

I wouldn't consider such action in your second edit to be arrogant, silly, or stupid (unless you used a tone that was), but I don't think it's all that tactful. If you were to try and push them to an answer, the easiest answer for them to give is "no". Two plane tickets will cost *relatively* the same whether or not you go at once or separate, though you may save money on one night of lodging. That being the only tangible benefit, I wouldn't push the committee for it.

Now, if one of you gets an ACCEPTANCE and the other ends up waitlisted, you MIGHT consider advertising yourselves as a package deal. Of course your tone is "I'm very sorry and by no means intend to apply pressure, but I can't separate from my spouse for 4 years, etc... what we can we do to make this a possibility, etc..."
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Yeah, thanks for the advice... I guess we would travel separately, but I think we both want to be there to support the other, so it will be double the fare (two tix for her interview, two for mine). But yes, it's a small price to pay in the long run and not something I should really bother admissions with (let's not forget I'm getting ahead of myself). I see your point that it is not the time to use polite leverage, as I essentially have none, lol.

Thanks for the help!
 
Just as an update, the other early match occurred earlier this week for Urology. One of two matched in the specialty. So 3 of 4 in the two early match specialties should speak the to urban legend that "where you come from" is a big factor in the residency match. They residency directors are looking for 1) those who can demostrate solid academics to ensure that the licensure exam will not be a hindrance, 2) the hand-ons on skills in the clinical realm, and 3) how the applicant's interpersonal skills and how they work with patients, peers, and supervisors. So strongly demonstrate those aspects and sprinkle in something else such as research or an ability to create/build/modify/enhance a group, organization, or teamwork/leadership skill will be icing on the cake. Of course having the good-ole-boy network active on your behalf is not to be ignored: having faculty who know others in your intended career is always of some help.

Bottom line: Pick the program that "speaks" to your inner-being, follow your instinct, do your best, and it will all be good. Many institutions with a "name" do not take on change well.....and if they are not one of the very few with a "real name" it really does not matter at all.
 
That is great! Thank you REL for keeping us updated on the match.
 
REL said:
Just as an update, the other early match occurred earlier this week for Urology. One of two matched in the specialty.
Click to expand...

To put this in context, this was a particularly competitive year for urology. Only around 65% of applicants matched into the specialty, so this is pretty good news.
 
First interview scheduled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 don't know what to feel...scared, excited?! ahh!!!
 
Hi Rel!

Thank you so much for responding to our questions! I'm sorry if this has been covered before but, I had a concern about being a non-traditional applicant. I recently completed a Biomedical PhD program and I'm planning on applying to UCF COM this year... is having a research degree likely to be helpful or is it viewed more like (generic) work experience? From checking the class stats I noticed that there have been a decent number of students with Masters degrees so I'm hoping my degree won't put me at a disadvantage! If it will, do you have any suggestions for what might be useful for me to do to help the admissions committee be more comfortable with my background?

Thank you,

RGA
 
is this the first year that UCF will over accept? iam not convinced that the waitlist movement will be comparable to past years if this is the case.
 
RGA14 said:
Hi Rel!

Thank you so much for responding to our questions! I'm sorry if this has been covered before but, I had a concern about being a non-traditional applicant. I recently completed a Biomedical PhD program and I'm planning on applying to UCF COM this year... is having a research degree likely to be helpful or is it viewed more like (generic) work experience? From checking the class stats I noticed that there have been a decent number of students with Masters degrees so I'm hoping my degree won't put me at a disadvantage! If it will, do you have any suggestions for what might be useful for me to do to help the admissions committee be more comfortable with my background?

Thank you,

RGA
Click to expand...

So we do not have any quota for any degrees, except that you must have a minimum of a bachelor's. That being said we do have several masters in each class as well as 1-3 PhD's in each class. Demonstrate all of the medical and humanist motivations on a consistent basis and convince us that you can survive the academics etc. You would be a viable candidate for an interview providing that you are competitive within that years' applicant pool in general.
 
Also, REL - would you be sending out "not-yet-accepted" list updates within the next couple of weeks, or does UCF CoM's very first match have you completely tied up at the moment?
 
Does anyone know what the average MCAT and GPA of the first class was?
 
Hi REL,

Thank you for the your honesty and the transparency with which UCFCOM goes about the admission process.

I was just wondering if you had an update as to how many seats are left in the class/how many more interviews invitations are left to be given out. The last update you gave us was in December so I am wondering what progress that has been made.

Thank you in advance REL!
 
Never hurts to ask, right? I mentioned that I'm doing a graduate program, so I am wondering if I should send an update that explains the first semester doesn't end until March. I'm worried that the school might just be waiting for me to show interest and report my grades...
 
type12 said:
Never hurts to ask, right? I mentioned that I'm doing a graduate program, so I am wondering if I should send an update that explains the first semester doesn't end until March. I'm worried that the school might just be waiting for me to show interest and report my grades...
Click to expand...

So if I understand the situation, there IS some peril here. Many admissions offices are winding down interviews in March. Since applicants are invited for interviews ?2-3? weeks in advance of the interview, these March grades will be very late, probably too late, to matter for this cycle in most cases. The best you might be able to do is send an "interim" grade report or some such update.
 
jcaptian said:
Hi REL,

Thank you for the your honesty and the transparency with which UCFCOM goes about the admission process.

I was just wondering if you had an update as to how many seats are left in the class/how many more interviews invitations are left to be given out. The last update you gave us was in December so I am wondering what progress that has been made.

Thank you in advance REL!
Click to expand...

We have filled 89 seats as of Tuesday. I think we are in the vicinity of ?80? more invitations.
 
REL said:
So if I understand the situation, there IS some peril here. Many admissions offices are winding down interviews in March. Since applicants are invited for interviews ?2-3? weeks in advance of the interview, these March grades will be very late, probably too late, to matter for this cycle in most cases. The best you might be able to do is send an "interim" grade report or some such update.
Click to expand...
Yep, that was my concern, as I pointed out he degree program in my secondary, but did not mention that my semester started in Oct and ends in March. Thanks REL!
 
Hi REL,

Is there any way to find out where I lie on the AORTA eligible list? Also, how soon can I expect to hear about an interview?

Thanks
 
chatdent said:
Hi REL,

Is there any way to find out where I lie on the AORTA eligible list? Also, how soon can I expect to hear about an interview?

Thanks
Click to expand...

There is no real ranking on this list. You can actually "select" the status in your applicant dashboard for a definition and possible future responses. Basically we review the list each week as we construct an interview group. It is possible that your file could be selected in any week, or not at all as this is a big group. About all you can do is send an email update if there is anything significant to add.
 
I've been AORTA-EFI since October, and sent in updates in December, and still no word from UCF. I'm guessing I'm out of the running? UCF is one of my top choices too. 🙁
 
REL said:
Absolutely!
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Out of curiosity, do ADCOMS generally interview who they feel are the strongest applicants at the start? middle? or end?

Or am I just crazy and trying to make sense of this admissions process!
 
Lafakads said:
Out of curiosity, do ADCOMS generally interview who they feel are the strongest applicants at the start? middle? or end?

Or am I just crazy and trying to make sense of this admissions process!
Click to expand...

Just crazy :meanie:
 
bordeaux24 said:
I've been AORTA-EFI since October, and sent in updates in December, and still no word from UCF. I'm guessing I'm out of the running? UCF is one of my top choices too. 🙁
Click to expand...
I'm AORTA-EFI too. Going to send in my first update soon! Don't fret just yet. You and I can panic in Feb. 🙂
 
Hello rel,

Can you tell us what days the adcom will meet in feb..fo those of us still expecting interviews

Thanks
 
salim4056 said:
Hello rel,

Can you tell us what days the adcom will meet in feb..fo those of us still expecting interviews

Thanks
Click to expand...

The AORTA, a committee sub-group, review the applicants and identified those for interview. More often than not this group meets on Tuesdays. Our admissions committee also meets on Tuesdays.
 
congrats! were you on the "yet to be accepted list"? if so where on the list were you?
 
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