2014-2015 University of California - Davis Application Thread

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Struggling with that first question... I could talk about my clinical experience being lower than most applicants (150 hours volunteering and 50 hours shadowing) but I don't want to undermine my application if there's nothing wrong with it. Thoughts?
 
It looks like Davis wants individual letters, correct? I have a committee letter from undergrad and a letter packet from grad, but I'm thinking I need to submit the 3 individual letters (that went into the committee letter) as well. Anyone in the same boat? Did you get additional recommenders or did you just request that your school submit the individuals?
 
So it's fine to leave it blank if you really feel like there's nothing concerning about your app? Anyone else on the same boat? Also @eatkalteenbars I also have a committee letter but since they asked for 3-6 individual letters, I was going to submit the individual letters along with my committee letter.
 
Secondary complete 7/8, Interview Invite 7/14 (signed up for 8/15 interview slot)

They are sending out interview invites already??? I was complete on July 15; in-state applicant. When was the earliest date they offered you for an interview? Congratulations.
 
They are sending out interview invites already??? I was complete on July 15; in-state applicant. When was the earliest date they offered you for an interview? Congratulations.

I received an interview invite yesterday. The first and only day offered was August 15th for me.
 
So for the "anything of concern" essay, is that like a good or bad concern lol? Like "Oh, I am interested in volunteering at the student-run clinics at Davis", or "I got a C- in bio because I was sick".
 
So for the "anything of concern" essay, is that like a good or bad concern lol? Like "Oh, I am interested in volunteering at the student-run clinics at Davis", or "I got a C- in bio because I was sick".

I think it's for the "bad" concerns mostly - a place to explain a dip in your GPA or a leave of absence, for example. Being interested in clinics is not an area of concern.
 
I think it's for the "bad" concerns mostly - a place to explain a dip in your GPA or a leave of absence, for example. Being interested in clinics is not an area of concern.

This...it's a place to discuss what you think are weaknesses in your application or potential red flags. For those of you who are answering quest. #1, make sure your answer doesn't sound like an excuse.
 
As you probably know, the interview at Davis is mostly MMI format. For those of you who are interested, here is a video by Dr. Sousa (Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Development) and Mr. Roy Rai (Chief Administrative Officer) titled "How to be successful in the MMI." btw, you will most likely meet both of these gentleman during your interview!

 
Excited to apply here! Still nervous about the poster that mentioned they only took 3 oos students last year. That can't possibly be right can it?
 
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Excited to apply here! Still nervous about the poster that mentioned they only took 3 oos students last year. That can't possibly be right can it?
Actually, that is true; only three OOS matriculated. However, it's not entirely clear how many were offered acceptances, only to decline for other schools. Needless to say, UC-Davis really favors the IS applicants, but there's no harm (except the cost) in applying.
 
Excited to apply here! Still nervous about the poster that mentioned they only took 3 oos students last year. That can't possibly be right can it?

it can and is right. davis is an IS school.
 
Hello,

Received my secondary (!).

Just went open this thread, and you guys answered most of my concerns.

On thing though. For the 3 meaningful experiences, do we have to put something under the Evidence of Accomplishment section? My meaningful experiences are mostly volunteering and tutoring, for which I can't think of any evidences besides contact information.
Also, will it look bad if I substitute one meaningful experience for another (one that's not listed as meaningful on AMCAS)?

Thanks!
 
Also, I saw someone mention in UCI thread that UCD requires individual letters instead of letter packets. Is it true? I cannot find this information on my email nor the secondary I received. Somewhat worrying if true because I am getting a committee letter from my university rather than individual letters.
 
I was complete 7/9 and haven't heard anything since then. Should I be worried? It seems like Davis has had a fast turn around time between when people are complete and when they get IIs. Judging from last year's thread it seems like no news is bad news 🙁
 
I was complete 7/9 and haven't heard anything since then. Should I be worried? It seems like Davis has had a fast turn around time between when people are complete and when they get IIs. Judging from last year's thread it seems like no news is bad news 🙁

it's still really early haha, take it easy.
 
do we need to convert AMCAS semester hours to quarter units when listing our courses or just list the number of units as AMCAS has shown? Also for the total hours on the experiences section, do we include expected hours if our end date is in the future (similar to AMCAS) or just hours completed so far? Finally one more question, anyone with FAP have their fee automatically waived? I'm not sure if UC Davis accepts FAP but I don't see anything on there website about it.
 
Do you think receiving one 'C+' is concerning enough to talk about? It was in a Physics class. I have a 3.7 overall GPA though.
 
Hi everyone, I received an Interview yesterday. (IS) Davis is one of my top choices for medical school, even though I personally considered it a reach school. I never expected to hear back from Davis given that my stats are a little bit on the lower side (3.6-3.7) and lower MCAT score. I really just want to use this post to encourage others to not give up on their dreams of attending medical school. I worked very hard on the Davis secondaries and spent a lot of time reading into the school's mission and different programs. My best advice is to write about your specific interest in the school's opportunities and what you hope to accomplish at UC Davis. For the discussion about concerning parts of your application, I think the ADCOM really appreciates honesty and I would recommend using that section to write about something personal to you. I am so excited to visit this campus!
 
Hi everyone, I received an Interview yesterday. (IS) Davis is one of my top choices for medical school, even though I personally considered it a reach school. I never expected to hear back from Davis given that my stats are a little bit on the lower side (3.6-3.7) and lower MCAT score. I really just want to use this post to encourage others to not give up on their dreams of attending medical school. I worked very hard on the Davis secondaries and spent a lot of time reading into the school's mission and different programs. My best advice is to write about your specific interest in the school's opportunities and what you hope to accomplish at UC Davis. For the discussion about concerning parts of your application, I think the ADCOM really appreciates honesty and I would recommend using that section to write about something personal to you. I am so excited to visit this campus!

Congratulations! Best of luck at the interview, and thank you for the words of encouragement. Davis is one of my top schools so I'm really crossing my fingers for an II.

Would you mind telling us when you were complete?
 
Basically before 7/10. Hope that helps. Seriously did not expect to get an interview, especially from a California school so I feel extremely fortunate. I wish all the best of luck to those applying! The ADCOM really takes everything into consideration, despite a lower MCAT score and GPA. I hope this is the trend at other schools as well.
 
Basically before 7/10. Hope that helps. Seriously did not expect to get an interview, especially from a California school so I feel extremely fortunate. I wish all the best of luck to those applying! The ADCOM really takes everything into consideration, despite a lower MCAT score and GPA. I hope this is the trend at other schools as well.

do you mind telling what your mcat score range (not the exact score)? If you don't want to, its ok...anyways GOOD LUCK!! and congratulations!
 
hi all! quick question about the dates for the "experiences" section. If stuff is ongoing, what should the end date be? they won't let me put current (and Im not sure how long Ill continue doing them, probably into the year). or should I just put the date of submission? thank u!
 
do we need to convert AMCAS semester hours to quarter units when listing our courses or just list the number of units as AMCAS has shown? Also for the total hours on the experiences section, do we include expected hours if our end date is in the future (similar to AMCAS) or just hours completed so far? Finally one more question, anyone with FAP have their fee automatically waived? I'm not sure if UC Davis accepts FAP but I don't see anything on there website about it.

If the secondary website is like how it was when I applied, they should give you a conversion for semester hours to quarter hours ( semester hours times 1.5)
For the experience hours, you can do both. Either place hours completed so far and in the description section you can say that you are continuing to participate in the experience or you can estimate the total amount of hours that you will have done by the time you finish the experience (which is what I did).
The secondary fee should be automatically waived if you received a fee waiver and yes, UC Davis does accept FAP 🙂
 
I know others have asked similar questions, but is a C in ochem something I should talk about for the first essay or would it be better to leave it blank?
 
@FutureMD33 , would you mind sharing your September interview date? I'm really crossing my fingers for an interview here and am neurotically trying to keep potential interview dates free of conflicts. 🙂
 
Haven't received secondary🙁 come on D!!

I received the "We have received your primary application from AMCAS and are reviewing it to decide whether to send a secondary..." email 12 days ago on 7/12, and I still haven't received a secondary.

Does anyone know what the turnaround time has been between the primary verification email and notification about a secondary?
 
I received the "We have received your primary application from AMCAS and are reviewing it to decide whether to send a secondary..." email 12 days ago on 7/12, and I still haven't received a secondary.

Does anyone know what the turnaround time has been between the primary verification email and notification about a secondary?

For the people I saw on this site and myself it was pretty much minutes within each other. I'm assuming that our applications were not read, but screened by numbers of some sort. Not entirely sure though
 
Can't believe they are already granting interviews! I submitted my secondary yesterday, fingers crossed!!! and good luck to all!
 
Interview scheduled! 08/15
I'm assuming they are going to tell me at what time they want me to be there? :soexcited:
 
does anyone know how to update information after submitting secondary?
 
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