2014-2015 University of California - Riverside Application Thread

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Secondary submitted! Gimme some SoCal love!
 
"Describe the manner in which your experiences demonstrate your understanding of, and commitment to, underserved communities . Please limit your response to 250 words"
Does the term "experiences" refer to my extracurricular experiences or experiences as a disadvantaged candidate?

I think it is your personal experience as a disadvantaged candidate (since its in the disadvantage form 1 section). However, you probably could support your answer with experiences working in those communities (If you have some, of course).
 
For the scholastic section, where it asks about honors in college, are you guys also listing stuff like Dean's List, President's List, etc.? Seems like everyone gets these anyway, so they're not all that special. However, I don't think I have anything besides that to add to the list. lol
 
I wouldn't worry about any of the small stuff at this point.

Yes, I agree. I couldn't remember exact dates for some of my activities and just estimated. I think this will be ok.
 
The order of my activities list changed to chronological order after I submitted. It is not based on how I originally prioritized it according to importance.....Did this happen to anyone else!? 🙁
 
I was not stoked at first when I saw how long this secondary was. But now that Ive worked through most of it, I like it alot. Great opportunity to show who you are. Kinda makes me wish the Davis app dove a little deeper (assuming you didn't apply to any of the concentration programs).

Should also come in handy since UCLA uses many of the same prompts.
 
I was not stoked at first when I saw how long this secondary was. But now that Ive worked through most of it, I like it alot. Great opportunity to show who you are. Kinda makes me wish the Davis app dove a little deeper (assuming you didn't apply to any of the concentration programs).
Agreed about the Davis thing. I feel like I didn't get the opportunity to show my personality enough in the Davis one because it was pretty short. Long secondaries are kind of intimidating at first, but in the long run I think they're good.
 
I found these links about the Thomas Haider UCR/UCLA program

Can I still apply there??

http://medschool.ucr.edu/admissions/haider_program.html
http://www.fiatlux.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/display.cgi?id=231

No you can't

Applications are no longer being accepted to the UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program in Biomedical Sciences. Students currently enrolled in this program will complete Year 1 and Year 2 of their medical education at UCR, then transfer to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA for Years 3 and 4 and earn their M.D. degree from UCLA.
 
Under Application Status, does anyone else have something that says "Interview Not scheduled yet"? I don't remember seeing it before.
 
Under Application Status, does anyone else have something that says "Interview Not scheduled yet"? I don't remember seeing it before.

Yep, said that since I submitted
 
Does anyone have problems connecting to the payment service?
 
Does anyone have problems connecting to the payment service?
Yes, same here. No biggie I assume. Just going to submit tomorrow. If it's still down day after tomorrow, someone should probs contact them...
 
How strict is UCR with its 2-week timeline? Is it a hard deadline, or a recommendation/suggestion?

It is going to take me 3 weeks to submit my secondary (OOS), so I am wondering if it is worth it?
 
Good luck everyone! I was just surfing the web and somehow ended up reading through this thread. I'm going through orientation right now as a MS1 and so far, the vibe is awesome.
 
Good luck everyone! I was just surfing the web and somehow ended up reading through this thread. I'm going through orientation right now as a MS1 and so far, the vibe is awesome.
I agree! The vibe and the people are amazing. Good luck to everyone applying
 
I agree! The vibe and the people are amazing. Good luck to everyone applying
Good luck everyone! I was just surfing the web and somehow ended up reading through this thread. I'm going through orientation right now as a MS1 and so far, the vibe is awesome.
Thank you you two... Do any of you know how many official seats they have for next year?
 
I'm pretty sure it will still be 50 seats. I believe one of dean Old's goals is to increase the number of seats, but I don't think it will be implemented any time soon.
 
for the question regarding honors received, does it exclusively mean things like dean's list, cum laude, phi beta kappa, or can it also include awards such as employee of the week/month, abstract acceptance?

EDIT: thanks for the reply @AndyQC ! much appreciated
 
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for the question regarding honors received, does it exclusively mean things like dean's list, cum laude, phi beta kappa, or can it also include awards such as employee of the week/month, abstract acceptance?

I asked this question yesterday in the Geffen thread. The consensus is that any award that is meaningful to you is just fine.

Hope that helps!
 
So I am currently filling out the secondary and I do not believe myself to be a disadvantaged candidate. I entered the no, but after clicking on the definition of a disadvantaged student, I see that the program receives scholarship funds from the state who meet the disadvantage criteria.

Can any current medical students or individuals familiar with this process enlighten me as to whether it will enhance chances of an II or acceptance should I enter that I am disadvantaged? (There is criteria that I fall under, although I feel it is relatively minor).
 
Any one know about UCR's policy for in the area e-mails?
 
Any one know about UCR's policy for in the area e-mails?

Local emails seem like a nice touch, and I have one, but I didn't see this mentioned anywhere. Where did you see or hear about this policy?
 
Did not know if they have a policy so wanted to see if anyone has had prior experience doing this.
 
Did not know if they have a policy so wanted to see if anyone has had prior experience doing this.

I think that by ties to inland Southern California they want to see employment, college attendance, a local address as your childhood residence, etc.
 
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What's the deal with the non mando Personal Statement at the end of their secondary? If we feel like our Personal Statement and answers to their questions are thorough is it going to hurt my chances if I leave this blank?

And what are somethings that people have used this prompt for? Explaining poor grade or a new experience?
 
What's the deal with the non mando Personal Statement at the end of their secondary? If we feel like our Personal Statement and answers to their questions are thorough is it going to hurt my chances if I leave this blank?

And what are somethings that people have used this prompt for? Explaining poor grade or a new experience?
I used it as an opportunity to briefly explain how my past experiences and my goals make me a great match for UC Riverside and their mission. Also, I included my future plans and desires to stay in the area, and how I have family ties in the region.
 
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