2012-2013 University of Southern California (Keck) Application Thread

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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It seems like the 'why not UCLA' question is frequent. My interview is tomorrow. Do people think it's important/needed to know a good deal about UCLA? I have legit reasons I want to go to USC (for example, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and being able to do rotations at LAC will be AWESOME) but I wouldn't be able, at the moment, to speak to direct UCLA comparisons.

Basically don't want to waste time researching UCLA if a 'I don't know much about UCLA, but this is what is unique about USC that impresses me...' is sufficient. At the same time, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by not knowing about the other main med school in the area.

And yes...this is me stressing out.
 
MedicalAuthor said:
It seems like the 'why not UCLA' question is frequent. My interview is tomorrow. Do people think it's important/needed to know a good deal about UCLA? I have legit reasons I want to go to USC (for example, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and being able to do rotations at LAC will be AWESOME) but I wouldn't be able, at the moment, to speak to direct UCLA comparisons.

Basically don't want to waste time researching UCLA if a 'I don't know much about UCLA, but this is what is unique about USC that impresses me...' is sufficient. At the same time, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by not knowing about the other main med school in the area.

And yes...this is me stressing out.
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what's your undergrad?
 
MedicalAuthor said:
It seems like the 'why not UCLA' question is frequent. My interview is tomorrow. Do people think it's important/needed to know a good deal about UCLA? I have legit reasons I want to go to USC (for example, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and being able to do rotations at LAC will be AWESOME) but I wouldn't be able, at the moment, to speak to direct UCLA comparisons.

Basically don't want to waste time researching UCLA if a 'I don't know much about UCLA, but this is what is unique about USC that impresses me...' is sufficient. At the same time, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by not knowing about the other main med school in the area.

And yes...this is me stressing out.
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I highly doubt that the interviewers will prompt you directly regarding UCLA, though "why this school" is going to be a recurrent question no matter where you interview. I would also tread carefully to avoid turning this into a USC vs UCLA thread.

That being said, both are fantastic schools* - they simply emphasize different aspects of medical training. UCLA focuses more on the basic sciences, while USC places more weight on clinical exposure. That is changing, however; students at USC are now required to publish a poster or journal article prior to graduation. UCLA is cheaper (for IS students) but USC gives more scholarships. UCLA / Reagan serves more wealthy clients; LAC + USC generally treats more under-served populations.

If your interest lies in the ER, then USC is definitely the place to be. The emergency medicine residency program at LAC is easily among the top 10 in the nation. The EM student interest group has close ties to the attendings so you can shadow any of the emergency wards at essentially any time.

http://keck.usc.edu/Education/Acade...visions/Department_of_Emergency_Medicine.aspx

*Disclaimer: I am not a UCLA student, but I have many friends who are.

Perennially, UCLA is the second-largest contributor of incoming students at Keck (the first being USC).
 
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MedicalAuthor said:
It seems like the 'why not UCLA' question is frequent. My interview is tomorrow. Do people think it's important/needed to know a good deal about UCLA? I have legit reasons I want to go to USC (for example, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and being able to do rotations at LAC will be AWESOME) but I wouldn't be able, at the moment, to speak to direct UCLA comparisons.

Basically don't want to waste time researching UCLA if a 'I don't know much about UCLA, but this is what is unique about USC that impresses me...' is sufficient. At the same time, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by not knowing about the other main med school in the area.

And yes...this is me stressing out.
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I'd bet money that your interviewers won't make you defend USC over any particular med school. Definitely have specific things that you like about USC to talk about though.
 
Submitted my secondary yesterday. I love this school so much 😍
 
MedicalAuthor said:
It seems like the 'why not UCLA' question is frequent. My interview is tomorrow. Do people think it's important/needed to know a good deal about UCLA? I have legit reasons I want to go to USC (for example, I am interested in Emergency Medicine and being able to do rotations at LAC will be AWESOME) but I wouldn't be able, at the moment, to speak to direct UCLA comparisons.

Basically don't want to waste time researching UCLA if a 'I don't know much about UCLA, but this is what is unique about USC that impresses me...' is sufficient. At the same time, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by not knowing about the other main med school in the area.

And yes...this is me stressing out.
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Just had my interview and I can tell you right now to not worry about it. The interview and the whole experience is as non-confrontational as possible. There really is no reason to worry. Just be able to answer the obvious and simple questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your strengths/weaknesses" "what EC's have you done" I think I was asked about 4 or 5 scripted questions and the rest was basically branching off my answers to those particular questions. The Dean of Admissions even gives you the answer to the dreaded question of "Why this school?" She even mentions how she has asked the interviewers not to ask that question but just in case she gives you the best answer. The Dean is probably one of the coolest people and disarming people I have ever met. This being my first interview I was pretty nervous but she came in and just made everyone feel wanted. The school is amazing and the people involved are amazing. It is a very inclusive environment and has definitely become my top choice.
 
Perezpupis17 said:
Just had my interview and I can tell you right now to not worry about it. The interview and the whole experience is as non-confrontational as possible. There really is no reason to worry. Just be able to answer the obvious and simple questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your strengths/weaknesses" "what EC's have you done" I think I was asked about 4 or 5 scripted questions and the rest was basically branching off my answers to those particular questions. The Dean of Admissions even gives you the answer to the dreaded question of "Why this school?" She even mentions how she has asked the interviewers not to ask that question but just in case she gives you the best answer. The Dean is probably one of the coolest people and disarming people I have ever met. This being my first interview I was pretty nervous but she came in and just made everyone feel wanted. The school is amazing and the people involved are amazing. It is a very inclusive environment and has definitely become my top choice.
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Just woke up to get ready to head over to my interview. This is good to read!!!!! Thanks!!!
 
cinamin said:
Keck & Albany that I know of... it varies by each school
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no secondary yet, I know its pretty early (verified on 9/15) but I'm a USC undergrad with 3.74/ 34

I really want to stay at USC and prewrote my secondary already

Any advice on my essay? (For the "what would you do in 3 hours" I decided to write about how I would do an elaborate prank on my room mate- is this not serious enough?)
 
nabilesmail said:
no secondary yet, I know its pretty early (verified on 9/15) but I'm a USC undergrad with 3.74/ 34

I really want to stay at USC and prewrote my secondary already

Any advice on my essay? (For the "what would you do in 3 hours" I decided to write about how I would do an elaborate prank on my room mate- is this not serious enough?)
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I'm not sure what they're looking for, but there is no way in hell I'd talk about doing a prank on a roommate. Good luck though lol
 
nabilesmail said:
no secondary yet, I know its pretty early (verified on 9/15) but I'm a USC undergrad with 3.74/ 34

I really want to stay at USC and prewrote my secondary already

Any advice on my essay? (For the "what would you do in 3 hours" I decided to write about how I would do an elaborate prank on my room mate- is this not serious enough?)
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Yeah, I might consider picking something else too. If you can write a creative essay about that, and have it communicate meaningful information about you, then go for it though!
 
nabilesmail said:
no secondary yet, I know its pretty early (verified on 9/15) but I'm a USC undergrad with 3.74/ 34

I really want to stay at USC and prewrote my secondary already

Any advice on my essay? (For the "what would you do in 3 hours" I decided to write about how I would do an elaborate prank on my room mate- is this not serious enough?)
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Just my two cents, but I went to a school where elaborate and thoughtful pranks were appreciated and even encouraged--so I actually think it'd be great if you wrote about that... as long as it doesn't sound malicious or something.
 
nabilesmail said:
no secondary yet, I know its pretty early (verified on 9/15) but I'm a USC undergrad with 3.74/ 34

I really want to stay at USC and prewrote my secondary already

Any advice on my essay? (For the "what would you do in 3 hours" I decided to write about how I would do an elaborate prank on my room mate- is this not serious enough?)
Click to expand...

My essay for that question wasn't serious at all. It was quite possibly the most bizarre and random thing I've ever written :laugh:. So I'm sure your essay is fine--the whole tone of the secondary is pretty informal anyway.
 
Had my interview yesterday. Went really well, I think. The Dean of Admissions is super awesome! I'd say to keep in mind that, although everyone says it's super chill (and it is), you still want to prepare. My faculty interviewer was more structured than my student one and he had specific questions to ask me, like what I would do with 2 hours free time, what would I do in a certain ethical dilemma, what's a weakness, when's the last time I made a mistake and what did I learn from it (this one caught me off guard...almost blanked). He didn't grill me about anything but I still feel like it wouldn't have boded well if I didn't have an answer to these questions. Even the student interviewer had a list of questions he likes to ask.

That being said, prep like you would for any other interview, just be less nervous 🙂
 
MedicalAuthor said:
Had my interview yesterday. Went really well, I think. The Dean of Admissions is super awesome! I'd say to keep in mind that, although everyone says it's super chill (and it is), you still want to prepare. My faculty interviewer was more structured than my student one and he had specific questions to ask me, like what I would do with 2 hours free time, what would I do in a certain ethical dilemma, what's a weakness, when's the last time I made a mistake and what did I learn from it (this one caught me off guard...almost blanked). He didn't grill me about anything but I still feel like it wouldn't have boded well if I didn't have an answer to these questions. Even the student interviewer had a list of questions he likes to ask.

That being said, prep like you would for any other interview, just be less nervous 🙂
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This is great advice. From what I have experienced, you still need to prepare well even for the "super chill" interviews.
 
For USC med students, do you know how many non-canadian international students there are in your batch? I have a feeling that USC is not receptive to these applications
 
Yeah, my tone of the essay is humorous/creatively written, Doesn't really show maliciousness but more that I have a fun personality (which I emphasize in other parts of the secondary as well". However, it ALSO does not show any awesome characteristics embedded within.

I don't know, I really want to use it because USC's secondary seems to want to know about your personality rather than your medicine related attributes.
 
I talked about spending time with my wife.

Definitely don't go medical. But I can't decide if a prank would come off as immature or not...
 
Would anyone mind reading it and letting me know? Like I said, I had the idea because I wanted to write an engaging essay that shows that (and agrees with other parts of my secondary) that I am a light-hearted fun person.
 
nabilesmail said:
Yeah, my tone of the essay is humorous/creatively written, Doesn't really show maliciousness but more that I have a fun personality (which I emphasize in other parts of the secondary as well". However, it ALSO does not show any awesome characteristics embedded within.

I don't know, I really want to use it because USC's secondary seems to want to know about your personality rather than your medicine related attributes.
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Don't do it. I know at least a couple faculty members who told me the worst thing to do is try to be funny.
 
I hope USC gets back to me soon! I had a lot of fun with their secondary and wrote truthfully about what I'd do with my time/my interests/what I love. To keep this on topic: I wrote about hitting the gym to unwind after my day and then spending time with my fiance and friends afterwards (a typical Friday night for me haha). Hopefully they liked it! My GPA isn't superb fingers crossed that they'll be interested in the rest of my application!
 
ModernAlchemist said:
Don't do it. I know at least a couple faculty members who told me the worst thing to do is try to be funny.
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I don't know if its blatantly "being funny" versus just telling a fun story (and people who have read it have laughed)


Like I said, anyone willing to read it :]?
 
nabilesmail said:
I don't know if its blatantly "being funny" versus just telling a fun story (and people who have read it have laughed)


Like I said, anyone willing to read it :]?
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I don't know exactly what they want. All I know is that when I asked for advice, that was the #1 response I got. Just trying to help others out too. Good luck!
 
nabilesmail said:
I don't know if its blatantly "being funny" versus just telling a fun story (and people who have read it have laughed)


Like I said, anyone willing to read it :]?
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I wouldn't mind reading it. Just pm it.
Adcom goes through thousands of these. Im willing to bet they will appreciate creativity as long as it doesn't show immaturity and apathy.
 
nabilesmail said:
Oh, you specifically talked to USC faculty?
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Honestly man, in my opinion there are a lot more way to come off as personable, funny, humorous, etc than to write about pulling a prank. I think many people are misinterpreting USC's secondary questions as a free-for-all and I don't think this is the case. If the first thing you'd do outside of school is pull a prank on someone, then Idunnolol.jpg

But of course, none of us are on the adcom here so it's all based on opinion. If you think they'll bite, go for it. At least your feedback will be useful for next year's crowd 🙂
 
No I hear ya, and I appreciate the feedback. But USC focuses on so much outside medicine- school spirit, fun at the tailgates, football, etc... that I feel it may be worth the risk.

Cheers to figuring out information for studentdoc!!
 
thekay said:
thanks! it seems like as long as you're not rejected, you guys still have a high chance of getting an interview. i was worried for a bit because people complete after me were getting interviews, so don't lose hope guys! 👍
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:xf::xf:
 
I'd be able to read this prank essay. PM it to me.

But ask yourself: why are you attached to it? Because it's funny, creative? Does the prank part have ANYTHING to do with why you like it? If not, then why can't you recreate that creativity with another topic? Why take the risk is the factor that's putting you there (the prank topic) only has potential to be a risk and not a potential to help (i.e., will anyone be like ' I LOVE that he wrote about a prank...?).

Bottom line: you can make a creative essay about something else.
 
first interview invite! complete 8/30 in state
needless to say this is an exciting opportunity!

and for those that are curious about the essay. i wrote mostly about baseball because I really love it. maybe they're looking for the enthusiasm to come through? just don't try too hard, use specific examples, and the space pretty much fills itself up!
 
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Guess they are rejecting me soon.. Sigh! Complete 8/2
 
wolfwolf said:
Guess they are rejecting me soon.. Sigh! Complete 8/2
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Hahaha I've been complete since 7/10 and I haven't heard back yet, but I'm trying to stay positive! You should too :luck:
 
Seriously dude. Do you guys think they have started rejecting people completing on early August?
 
Dang I have the same stats as you and I'm in state as well. This give me hope. Even though I was complete before you 🙁
 
I was complete 7/16, wrote light-hearted answers for a couple of the questions, and have not heard anything since. Maybe I should've written my comedy routine.
 
Fivo said:
Wait, are you guys serious about this trend or what?
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Tomorrow we will be applying in the shade... Because USC will blot out the sun with 1000s of rejections...
 
Dires said:
Tomorrow we will be applying in the shade... Because USC will blot out the sun with 1000s of rejections...
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Hahaha now I'm nervous. Leave it to SDN :laugh: Well good luck to us all then! :luck: :xf:
 
Goobs said:
Hahaha now I'm nervous. Leave it to SDN :laugh: Well good luck to us all then! :luck: :xf:
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panic.gif
 
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