2014-2015 Loma Linda University Application Thread

[thedoctor8706]

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Hi, can you guys help me out? I'll be applying next cycle and was wondering if you guys can see if my stats are competitive enough for Loma Linda: 3.9+ gpa, 29(12,8,9). Should my mcat score be higher? (I really don't feel like retaking that exam)

For what it's worth, your stats are the same as mine (though I was 9,9,11), and I'm about to graduate from LLU in May! MCAT could be higher, and I guess I'm not up to date on current MCAT averages, but you should be fine!

 

[Gandalf0222]

.

 

[Inygma]

Hi, can you guys help me out? I'll be applying next cycle and was wondering if you guys can see if my stats are competitive enough for Loma Linda: 3.9+ gpa, 29(12,8,9). Should my mcat score be higher? (I really don't feel like retaking that exam)

I think if you are SDA you might have a shot, maybe look into early decision?

 

[On Eagle's Wings]

Stats? if you don't mind, thanks!

LizzyM of 72-74.

 

[On Eagle's Wings]

Is anyone else interviewing in December? It was the only date I was offered when I called them.

 

[DirkN]

Congrats to everyone with interviews! For non-SDA with II's, did you guys get them by snail mail or email?

 

[On Eagle's Wings]

Congrats to everyone with interviews! For non-SDA with II's, did you guys get them by snail mail or email?

Email

 

[gtbROX]

Is anyone else interviewing in December? It was the only date I was offered when I called them.

Same here. Good luck!

 

[Fathead56]

Good Samaritan email. Again.

I'm wondering though, in this analogy are we the Good Samaritans, or the man that gets beat up?

 

[buoyboat]

I am SDA and I haven't received anything yet and am getting anxious.

3.5sGPA, 3.7 cGPA, 28 (8 9 11) and complete 8/21

 

[Make Or Break]

I am SDA and I haven't received anything yet and am getting anxious.

3.5sGPA, 3.7 cGPA, 28 (8 9 11) and complete 8/21

That's a surprise. You got a clergy letter and everything?

 

[buoyboat]

That's a surprise. You got a clergy letter and everything?

Yeah! My pastor wrote it!

 

[Make Or Break]

Yeah! My pastor wrote it!

I'm SDA also, with around the same stats as you and I got the complete email early August. I think you will be getting one soon!

 

[Bubbles0523]

Has anyone received an interview that didn't turn in a clergy letter?

 

[Fathead56]

Has anyone received an interview that didn't turn in a clergy letter?

Meee. Non SDA Christian

For what it's worth, I did send a letter of rec from a Theology Prof at a my college though. Not sure if that really answers your question.

 

[mang0pudd1ng]

Meee. Non SDA Christian

For what it's worth, I did send a letter of rec from a Theology Prof at a my college though. Not sure if that really answers your question.

when were you complete if I may ask?

 

[Fathead56]

when were you complete if I may ask?

August 25th I think. Reapplicant after being waitlisted last year so, hoping things go better.

 

[Make Or Break]

August 25th I think. Reapplicant after being waitlisted last year so, hoping things go better.

What were your stats last year if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Fathead56]

What were your stats last year if you don't mind me asking?

LizzyM 75 ish. stats aren't everything :/ I learned that the hard way I think

 

[Make Or Break]

LizzyM 75 ish. stats aren't everything :/ I learned that the hard way I think

Did you apply broadly?

 

[monkey922]

Is a clergy letter really necessary for Loma Linda? I didn't submit one. I am wonder if i should add a letter at this point..

 

[Make Or Break]

Is a clergy letter really necessary for Loma Linda? I didn't submit one. I am wonder if i should add a letter at this point..

"If the applicant's school does not provide a committee recommendation or packet, a minimum of three individual recommendations from individuals who know the applicant well are required. At least one of those recommendations must be from a science professor who has taught the applicant. It is suggested that the other references come from:
Physician
Employer
Pastor (or other clergy)
Other persons who know the applicant"

So I suppose a pastors letter is suggested, though other people on this forum said they got an interview without the letter.

 

[monkey922]

"If the applicant's school does not provide a committee recommendation or packet, a minimum of three individual recommendations from individuals who know the applicant well are required. At least one of those recommendations must be from a science professor who has taught the applicant. It is suggested that the other references come from:
Physician
Employer
Pastor (or other clergy)
Other persons who know the applicant"

So I suppose a pastors letter is suggested, though other people on this forum said they got an interview without the letter.

Thank you!

 

[Fathead56]

Did you apply broadly?

Yeah, I think the main issue was that I didn't send in a clergy letter

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Hi, can you guys help me out? I'll be applying next cycle and was wondering if you guys can see if my stats are competitive enough for Loma Linda: 3.9+ gpa, 29(12,8,9). Should my mcat score be higher? (I really don't feel like retaking that exam)

Yes, you should apply, especially if your SDA, but even if you just have mission work, it would be a good place to look at.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Is anyone else interviewing in December? It was the only date I was offered when I called them.

I am interviewing in Jan. They picked the last date I gave them! Is everyone's interviews on tues?

 

[Make Or Break]

I am interviewing in Jan. I am not real thrilled about it. They picked the last date I gave them! Is everyone's interviews on tues?

They didn't give you the option to interview in November?

 

[BorntobeDO?]

They didn't give you the option to interview in November?

No, were you given multiple options?

 

[Make Or Break]

No, and my interactions have not been great. Were you given multiple options?

I was not. They just asked if November 25 was alright and I said yes.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I was not. They just asked if November 25 was alright and I said yes.

Did they ask you for a bunch of days, and then picked near the end?

 

[mang0pudd1ng]

August 25th I think. Reapplicant after being waitlisted last year so, hoping things go better.

Thanks! Hoping to get an interview here too. Non-SDA Christian as well but I was complete 10/7. Just going to patiently wait and pray.

 

[On Eagle's Wings]

Did they ask you for a bunch of days, and then picked near the end?

They simply give you one random date, and ask if you can make that date. If you answer yes, that is the date you are assigned for your interview.

 

[Make Or Break]

They simply give you one random date, and ask if you can make that date. If you answer yes, that is the date you are assigned for your interview.

Exactly this.

 

[thedoctor8706]

I think the average right now is 30 or 31. I recently got my scores and there are barely any spots left for the old MCAT before it changes. And I'm not interested in taking the new one lol. That is why I want to keep my score. But do you think it is safe not to retake? I am also SDA, if that changes anything..

Sorry, took me awhile to respond! The bottom line with retaking the MCAT is if there is any chance your score could drop, it's probably not a good idea. Is your science GPA as good as your cumulative? If it's not nearly as good as your cGPA, then there might be more need for a better MCAT. I know I don't know your full story, and I'm hesitant to tell you downright one way or the other, but I would err on the side of caution. If LLU is your top choice, I think a 29 and your 3.9+ GPA are great.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

They simply give you one random date, and ask if you can make that date. If you answer yes, that is the date you are assigned for your interview.

Exactly this.

Wow, they totally didn't do this for me, I guess it was them trying to be nice, letting me 'pick' the days, and then picking from them. I won't sweat the interview being in January. I guess it seems that they only interview one a day, and not in groups, huh?

 

[BorntobeDO?]

What is the best way to fly into Loma Linda? I am coming from Orlando, and I am not looking to pay huge money for a flight.

 

[Fathead56]

I guess it seems that they only interview one a day, and not in groups, huh?

No, it's in groups

What is the best way to fly into Loma Linda? I am coming from Orlando, and I am not looking to pay huge money for a flight.

Ontario I think? Pretty hefty taxi costs to get to the school though :/

 

[Make Or Break]

No, it's in groups



Ontario I think? Pretty hefty taxi costs to get to the school though :/

The ticket I bought was from Ontario.

And yes, I would assume they interview in groups. I don't think individual interviews are feasible for any school unless its EDP.

 

[thedoctor8706]

What is the best way to fly into Loma Linda? I am coming from Orlando, and I am not looking to pay huge money for a flight.

If you fly Southwest, Ontario is the closest (25 minutes) to LLU, and doesn't cost more. If you fly one of the bigger carriers like United or American, LAX can be cheaper, but it's a lot further than Ontario. If you do fly into LAX and do so with enough time, you can take Amtrak into San Bernardino, and get a quick lift from there.

Have you guys looked into Uber or Lyft for ground transport? Might be a reasonable alternative to a taxi.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I did use southwest, but it ended up being like 150 less to do San Diego, so thats what I did. Sadly I had to do bad flight times d/t classes starting the same week.

 

[Make Or Break]

I did use southwest, but it ended up being like 140 less to do LAX, so thats what I did. Sadly I had to do bad flight times d/t classes starting the same week.

Oh man. You might actually spend 140 just to get from lax to Loma Linda. It's a fairly long drive.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Oh man. You might actually spend 140 just to get from lax to Loma Linda. It's a fairly long drive.

76 miles each way, so I figure 66 for rental car + 20 for gas = 86. I would have still had to arrange transport from ONT too, so probably still about $100 more to fly there instead of San Diego.

I went and looked back, there is one option that was only $100 more, but still, I would return at 11pm vs. 6pm on Wednesday (Not real good for work). Uber and lyft doesn't appear to be around ONT and I am sure normal taxi's aren't cheaper anyhow than the $1+ per mile (25 miles approximately each way).

Last edit: looking on the II email supershuttle will take you from ONT for $45 each way (79 for LAX, which is more appropriate but still too much for me). Wow that is a rip off. I don't see anything cheaper than renting a vehicle and driving.

How will the weather be like 1st week of January?

 

[buoyboat]

I'm SDA also, with around the same stats as you and I got the complete email early August. I think you will be getting one soon!

oh man, i really hope so! God willing. Good luck to us both, man

 

[kmerc]

It doesn't look like there are any current students answering questions yet, but if they are out there and could give their input it would be much appreciated! Also non-students that are familiar school with the school are welcome to share if they have any ideas. I love a lot of aspects of the school even though I am not an SDA. My specific questions are:

1) Coffee is a fundamental part of my life. From what I read in a post from last year it seems that caffeine is frowned upon (as in it isn't sold on campus) but that you can drink it on campus if you want. However, if I am going to get disapproving looking from people for drinking coffee I think I would have a hard time studying at LL, as trivial as it may be...

2) are the a fair number of older/married/with kids students? Is the school family-friendly?

3) I love that they have a lot of mission trips. I was a little unclear though as whether or not there is proselytizing on the trips, which I think would make me uncomfortable.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Hey! I've just dropped by to check out the thread and saw this post. It's a super late reply but I'm actually a Master of Medical Sciences student here at Loma Linda, which translates to being kinda like an M0.. lol! Right now I take class this year with the M1s but will actually join the co 2019.

So to answer you questions
1) You will definitely NOT get disapproving looks from anyone for coffee!! Over half of the class.. neigh, over half of the school survives on coffee!! Come 8am when class starts over half of the current has a cup sitting in front of them and there are more than a handful of coffee shops within 2 min drive of the campus where you can get your fix 🙂


2) Loma Linda is a super family friendly campus. There are always weekend activities going on and some great family parks in the area. Of the class of 2018 about a little under half are either married or engaged. There's also a great support group for spouses and families of medical students called the Junior medical auxiliary that I have only heard good things of.

3) For the mission trips, I myself have not been on one. From the upper classmen I have talked to there definitely is a Jesus component to them but the main focus of the trip is NOT proselytizing but really the medical services and care.

Hope I could be of help and feel free to ask anymore questions!

 

[Make Or Break]

Hey! I've just dropped by to check out the thread and saw this post. It's a super late reply but I'm actually a Master of Medical Sciences student here at Loma Linda, which translates to being kinda like an M0.. lol! Right now I take class this year with the M1s but will actually join the co 2019.

So to answer you questions
1) You will definitely NOT get disapproving looks from anyone for coffee!! Over half of the class.. neigh, over half of the school survives on coffee!! Come 8am when class starts over half of the current has a cup sitting in front of them and there are more than a handful of coffee shops within 2 min drive of the campus where you can get your fix 🙂


2) Loma Linda is a super family friendly campus. There are always weekend activities going on and some great family parks in the area. Of the class of 2018 about a little under half are either married or engaged. There's also a great support group for spouses and families of medical students called the Junior medical auxiliary that I have only heard good things of.

3) For the mission trips, I myself have not been on one. From the upper classmen I have talked to there definitely is a Jesus component to them but the main focus of the trip is NOT proselytizing but really the medical services and care.

Hope I could be of help and feel free to ask anymore questions!

Sorry if this is a little off topic but are you guaranteed a spot if you do well in their masters program?

 

[ussmediprise]

Do you know when they send out rejections. Havent heard anything since i submitted my verified app 10/15.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Do you know when they send out rejections. Havent heard anything since i submitted my verified app 10/15.

They are really slow with the apps. It took them a month and a half to mark my app as 'complete' even though I submitted within the first week. I wouldn't worry about being rejected this early. However, based on previous years threads they do some silent rejections. But like I said. I waited almost two months to move to complete, even though I gave them everything as early as possible.

 

[xpuccax]

Does anyone know if it's group interviews? From my knowledge it's usually individual for Loma Linda.

 

[GarrusVK47]

Does anyone know if it's group interviews? From my knowledge it's usually individual for Loma Linda.

When I interviewed last year there were about 30 interviewees but the actual interviews were both one on one. One with an MD and the other with a student.

 

[xpuccax]

When I interviewed last year there were about 30 interviewees but the actual interviews were both one on one. One with an MD and the other with a student.

How was your interview with a student? I feel like those always make me a little bit more nervous