2014-2015 University of Southern California (Keck) Application Thread

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Waitlisted today. 🙁 Any idea how much movement there is for the wait list in the summer?
 
mightymongoose said:
Waitlisted today. 🙁 Any idea how much movement there is for the wait list in the summer?
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Unless a miracle happens and they throw some scholarship money, I will most likely withdraw. I know 3 other people that were accepted this cycle that will probably withdraw as well because of $$$
 
C@lidoc said:
Unless a miracle happens and they throw some scholarship money, I will most likely withdraw. I know 3 other people that were accepted this cycle that will probably withdraw as well because of $$$
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I'm sorry for you and your friends, but thanks for also trying to cheer me up. 🙂 Best of luck to wherever life takes you, and I do hope that a scholarship comes your way!

Supremely disappointed, but at the same time, the news today was a much needed push for me to make some miracles happen in the upcoming months. Not just going to spend my time waiting!
 
C@lidoc said:
Unless a miracle happens and they throw some scholarship money, I will most likely withdraw. I know 3 other people that were accepted this cycle that will probably withdraw as well because of $$$
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I definitely think USC is worth the cost if you loved it here, especially considering the 52k tuition is equivalent to the price of most other private schools and substantially cheaper than attending some OOS public schools!

The cost of living in LA is highly exaggerated. It's no different than living in any other city: gas prices are low, grocery prices are actually some of the lowest in the country as a result of local agriculture, and there are many restaurants geared for students/young adults who want affordable eating! Not to mention there is cheap fast food EVERYWHERE if you're into that sort of thing. Rent is nowhere near places like New York, and if you really hunt around you can find amazing deals on apartments ranging from 400-600/month (that's what I'm paying).

If your heart is set on another school, like UCSF which I must say I would probably never ever turn down, then your choice is easy. But if you're debating over going to USC because of money, I don't think it's wise to assume that the school's price point is out of reach. I would argue that it's actually extremely reasonable and doable!
 
mightymongoose said:
I'm sorry for you and your friends, but thanks for also trying to cheer me up. 🙂 Best of luck to wherever life takes you, and I do hope that a scholarship comes your way!

Supremely disappointed, but at the same time, the news today was a much needed push for me to make some miracles happen in the upcoming months. Not just going to spend my time waiting!
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When April 15th comes around, you should definitely send a heartfelt LOI/update letter to really show them how much you want to be here! I was talking to Dr. Arias on campus last week and she said she weighs those heavily when making those final acceptance decisions.
 
DirkN said:
I definitely think USC is worth the cost if you loved it here, especially considering the 52k tuition is equivalent to the price of most other private schools and substantially cheaper than attending some OOS public schools!

The cost of living in LA is highly exaggerated. It's no different than living in any other city: gas prices are low, grocery prices are actually some of the lowest in the country as a result of local agriculture, and there are many restaurants geared for students/young adults who want affordable eating! Not to mention there is cheap fast food EVERYWHERE if you're into that sort of thing. Rent is nowhere near places like New York, and if you really hunt around you can find amazing deals on apartments ranging from 400-600/month (that's what I'm paying).

If your heart is set on another school, like UCSF which I must say I would probably never ever turn down, then your choice is easy. But if you're debating over going to USC because of money, I don't think it's wise to assume that the school's price point is out of reach. I would argue that it's actually extremely reasonable and doable!
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I'm actually from LA and live within 20min of USC. It's not actually the cost that make it so unaffordable, but rather the amount of néed based scholarships they give compared to other schools like Dartmouth, emory, NYU, sinai, etc. Id like to stay in CA so I think I'm going to go with UCSF that will probably be cheaper even with more expensive housing. USC is actually the only school that I've been accepted to that doesn't give need based scholarships. It makes it extremely unaffordable for people that come from low income families or those without any parental support. If I remember correctly, USC has an average indebtedness of 200k. Compare that to UCSF at around 100k and schools like sinai/nyu at 140k. I just can't justify paying that much more for usc.
 
C@lidoc said:
I'm actually from LA and live within 20min of USC. It's not actually the cost that make it so unaffordable, but rather the amount of néed based scholarships they give compared to other schools like Dartmouth, emory, NYU, sinai, etc. Id like to stay in CA so I think I'm going to go with UCSF that will probably be cheaper even with more expensive housing. USC is actually the only school that I've been accepted to that doesn't give need based scholarships. It makes it extremely unaffordable for people that come from low income families or those without any parental support. If I remember correctly, USC has an average indebtedness of 200k. Compare that to UCSF at around 100k and schools like sinai/nyu at 140k. I just can't justify paying that much more for usc.
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They do
C@lidoc said:
I'm actually from LA and live within 20min of USC. It's not actually the cost that make it so unaffordable, but rather the amount of néed based scholarships they give compared to other schools like Dartmouth, emory, NYU, sinai, etc. Id like to stay in CA so I think I'm going to go with UCSF that will probably be cheaper even with more expensive housing. USC is actually the only school that I've been accepted to that doesn't give need based scholarships. It makes it extremely unaffordable for people that come from low income families or those without any parental support. If I remember correctly, USC has an average indebtedness of 200k. Compare that to UCSF at around 100k and schools like sinai/nyu at 140k. I just can't justify paying that much more for usc.
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It's true that USC doesn't finance students using the unit loan method as some other schools, but it does offer some need-based aid and a good amount of merit-based scholarships. I would definitely keep waiting to hear about any scholarships before withdrawing, unless you are set on UCSF.

Otherwise, USC also gives you the chance to apply to scholarships through your time at Keck. Here's a list of some of their scholarships, if you're interested:

http://keck.usc.edu/Education/~/media/25A8505A25524891BAB3FAEA9CA568C0.pdf
 
Does it matter when I apply for aid, as long as it's before the FA deadline? Do they give out all the financial aid around the same time? I'm not expecting to get anything besides loans, but on the off-chance, I want to be ready.
 
DirkN said:
They do


It's true that USC doesn't finance students using the unit loan method as some other schools, but it does offer some need-based aid and a good amount of merit-based scholarships. I would definitely keep waiting to hear about any scholarships before withdrawing, unless you are set on UCSF.

Otherwise, USC also gives you the chance to apply to scholarships through your time at Keck. Here's a list of some of their scholarships, if you're interested:

http://keck.usc.edu/Education/~/media/25A8505A25524891BAB3FAEA9CA568C0.pdf
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Yep, I saw those scholarships. I'm not going to withdraw until I actually have my FA offer since that's my biggest con for usc.
 
DirkN said:
When April 15th comes around, you should definitely send a heartfelt LOI/update letter to really show them how much you want to be here! I was talking to Dr. Arias on campus last week and she said she weighs those heavily when making those final acceptance decisions.
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Hi DirkN! Thank you for all of your comments. I have a question. When I met with Dr. Arias, she said that she preferred "the shortest LOI". It seemed to me that she did not cared much about LOI. She only wanted to know that you would still love to go to USC eventhough you have been accepted elsewhere. Do you have any thoughts on that?
 
C@lidoc said:
Yep, I saw those scholarships. I'm not going to withdraw until I actually have my FA offer since that's my biggest con for usc.
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Makes sense. Good luck with your decision and congrats on all of the amazing schools you've been accepted to! Remember that pretty much every premed in the country wishes they were in your shoes 🙂

Waitingwaitingwaiting said:
Hi DirkN! Thank you for all of your comments. I have a question. When I met with Dr. Arias, she said that she preferred "the shortest LOI". It seemed to me that she did not cared much about LOI. She only wanted to know that you would still love to go to USC eventhough you have been accepted elsewhere. Do you have any thoughts on that?
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I think you should definitely lean on the shorter side (3/4 page or less), but if it were me I wouldn't hold back from using that space to say exactly how much I want to attend Keck and why they should accept me/what I can bring to the class. Basically, I wouldn't just say "I'm still interested."

I know it's not much, but as it gets closer to the time you need to send it, feel free to pm me your letter and I would be happy to look it over. Good luck!!!
 
Does USC really give out need-based aid other than loans? Do we have to have our parental info on Fafsa to be considered?
 
DirkN said:
Makes sense. Good luck with your decision and congrats on all of the amazing schools you've been accepted to! Remember that pretty much every premed in the country wishes they were in your shoes 🙂



I think you should definitely lean on the shorter side (3/4 page or less), but if it were me I wouldn't hold back from using that space to say exactly how much I want to attend Keck and why they should accept me/what I can bring to the class. Basically, I wouldn't just say "I'm still interested."

I know it's not much, but as it gets closer to the time you need to send it, feel free to pm me your letter and I would be happy to look it over. Good luck!!!
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3 to 4 pages?
 
cactusinmyhead said:
Hello DirkN- If I have no other acceptances and am the waitlist at USC does it still make sense for me to write a LOI? I really want to get accepted of course!!!
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Ugh personally I would absolutely want to write one, but I think Dr. Arias said that they specifically do not want a letter if you have no other acceptances (as they would assume that you would take their admissions offer). I'd imagine that's very frustrating to hear, but I think the point is that they're going to give your file (and other files without acceptances) very serious consideration already because they know that your stakes are higher and you would come without hesitation.

Are you still waiting to hear back from other schools/waitlisted elsewhere?
 
cactusinmyhead said:
Yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking. I might just send a very brief email?
I'm not wait-listed anywhere else... Still waiting to hear from UC Irvine, Tufts, Stanford, Emory and UCLA. Here's a link to a thread about my situation!
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...ly-what-are-my-chances.1122778/#post-16225229
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Wow, you have an incredible app. Extremely competitive for USC. I don't work for admissions so I obviously can't guarantee anything but I imagine you'll be one of the first people they'll call off the list since your stats are so high AND they'd be your only acceptance. Sounds like someone they should admit.

I'm not sure about sending an email though, USC was pretty insistent about not wanting any further communication other than what they asked for. I know it's frustrating 🙁 Maybe ask your school's advisor about what they would do?
 
nm825 said:
Does USC really give out need-based aid other than loans? Do we have to have our parental info on Fafsa to be considered?
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They give out some need-based aid, especially if you filed for FAP.


And I think your FAFSA needs to simply be completed and submitted. The parental info can be estimated based or your parent's tax forms from the previous year (that's what I did) and then updated whenever you file this year's taxes
 
cactusinmyhead said:
Thanks for taking the time to read my post! Thank you for the kind words. I really hope they take me, but I am so nervous that I'll have to reapply.

You're probably right about the email.. I'll try to get in touch with an advisor. Thanks for your advice! 🙂
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No problem, I hope you get in! Just glancing at last year's admission stats from their website, you're at or above both the average GPA and MCAT. Everything will work out, and if worst case you don't get in this year, with your stats and added experiences from this year there's nothing holding you from being accepted to USC or even top 10 schools next year. Best of luck!
 
For those coming here next year, have you started looking at apartments? I'm trying to determine how realistic it would be to live in Brentwood/Beverly Hills. I found an amazing place but I don't know if the drive would be too far.
 
DirkN said:
For those coming here next year, have you started looking at apartments? I'm trying to determine how realistic it would be to live in Brentwood/Beverly Hills. I found an amazing place but I don't know if the drive would be too far.
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o______o Why would you ever do the east/west LA commute? The 10 is made of pure evil.
 
DirkN said:
For those coming here next year, have you started looking at apartments? I'm trying to determine how realistic it would be to live in Brentwood/Beverly Hills. I found an amazing place but I don't know if the drive would be too far.
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Yeah I'm searching right now. The commute from West LA sounds horrible, especially if you wanna make it to 8am classes/rotations. I commuted all 4 years of undergrad with a 30-45 min drive, and I can firmly tell you it was not fun.

Any current students that can give me info about City View apartments? Are the apartments in good condition and bug-free? Are the staff helpful? Is parking a problem at City View?
 
hellanutella said:
o______o Why would you ever do the east/west LA commute? The 10 is made of pure evil.
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Haha my SO works for WME and wants to live in West LA. Honestly the area is so much nicer too :/
 
For those of you hoping for better fin aid.. I don't see it happening. There are so many applicants, they can easily fill out their class at sticker prices. Only a few very lucky people will get merit aid and a few others will get need based aid but not many.
 
Halfmed said:
For those of you hoping for better fin aid.. I don't see it happening. There are so many applicants, they can easily fill out their class at sticker prices. Only a few very lucky people will get merit aid and a few others will get need based aid but not many.
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While much of this is true, SDN typically has very well qualified applicants as users. I'd imagine that if anybody does get these awards it would be someone on this website!
 
Last edited:
Anyone have the link to the FB site? Not accepted but would like to see.
 
Halfmed said:
Anyone have the link to the FB site? Not accepted but would like to see.
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I believe its a private group and we cant invite anyone that wasn't invited by the admissions committee :/
 
DirkN said:
I believe its a private group and we cant invite anyone that wasn't invited by the admissions committee :/
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I ask this out of ignorance, so sorry if it is a stupid question. But do only students who are for sure attending join the FB group? Or do all admitted students join regardless on whether they plan on attending at the moment.

I have been invited, but I am unsure whether I will be attending (most likely will). I don't want to be rude and join, but I also don't want to miss out on important information that might be given through the page. Hence my question.
 
SDcharge said:
I ask this out of ignorance, so sorry if it is a stupid question. But do only students who are for sure attending join the FB group? Or do all admitted students join regardless on whether they plan on attending at the moment.

I have been invited, but I am unsure whether I will be attending (most likely will). I don't want to be rude and join, but I also don't want to miss out on important information that might be given through the page. Hence my question.
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Everyone pretty much joins and people can leave later. I know several people in multiple FB groups, including myself.
 
DirkN said:
I believe its a private group and we cant invite anyone that wasn't invited by the admissions committee :/
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The group also fluctuates between "public" and "secret" several times a week for unknown reasons. :laugh:

Anyone have any idea on when finaid packages will come out? Last year was April 30th, which obviously cannot happen this year... (at least one should hope). Let's hope this year's FA is not as dismal as last year's flood of loans... 🙁
 
hellanutella said:
The group also fluctuates between "public" and "secret" several times a week for unknown reasons. :laugh:

Anyone have any idea on when finaid packages will come out? Last year was April 30th, which obviously cannot happen this year... (at least one should hope). Let's hope this year's FA is not as dismal as last year's flood of loans... 🙁
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When I spoke to admissions last week in person they said they still haven't given out any (is this really true though?) of their full or half tuition scholarships yet and will begin doing so in late March/April. I still need to look back in the thread and see if many people have reported getting these awards already.
 
DirkN said:
When I spoke to admissions last week in person they said they still haven't given out any (is this really true though?) of their full or half tuition scholarships yet and will begin doing so in late March/April. I still need to look back in the thread and see if many people have reported getting these awards already.
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That's odd. I've seen recent threads where people said they've received full tuition scholarships from USC already
 
DirkN said:
When I spoke to admissions last week in person they said they still haven't given out any (is this really true though?) of their full or half tuition scholarships yet and will begin doing so in late March/April. I still need to look back in the thread and see if many people have reported getting these awards already.
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giraffesuptop said:
That's odd. I've seen recent threads where people said they've received full tuition scholarships from USC already
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Ditto to Giraffe! I know one person personally who got a full-tuition scholarship (MD/MPH) back in December and I believe I've seen 2-3 MDapps from this cycle reporting scholarships.
 
hellanutella said:
Ditto to Giraffe! I know one person personally who got a full-tuition scholarship (MD/MPH) back in December and I believe I've seen 2-3 MDapps from this cycle reporting scholarships.
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I'm not sure why I was told that no scholarship offers have come out yet then... Maybe they sent a few, but not all of them? And perhaps these are MPH-only scholarships and not the MD-only ones..

In any case, I think the majority will come out in a few weeks!
 
This is probably insignificant/unimportant, but The Office of Admissions mentioned that I would be receiving an email invite for the Facebook group back on February 10th. I still haven't received it, but I got the invite for the social they're having on April 3rd. Is it worth asking them about the Facebook invite?
 
crd775 said:
This is probably insignificant/unimportant, but The Office of Admissions mentioned that I would be receiving an email invite for the Facebook group back on February 10th. I still haven't received it, but I got the invite for the social they're having on April 3rd. Is it worth asking them about the Facebook invite?
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I'm in the same boat. I'm definitely going to email them and ask to receive an invite, I think they're going to start/already have begun posting important updates and information on that group! Maybe @hellanutella can comment on this?
 
DirkN said:
I'm in the same boat. I'm definitely going to email them and ask to receive an invite, I think they're going to start/already have begun posting important updates and information on that group! Maybe @hellanutella can comment on this?
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My invite went to spam. Have you checked there?
 
giraffesuptop said:
That's odd. I've seen recent threads where people said they've received full tuition scholarships from USC already
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I know 1 applicant that received a full tuition scholarship already. I don't know how many have been handed out, but that is one scholarship that is accounted for.
 
atone5511 said:
I know 1 applicant that received a full tuition scholarship already. I don't know how many have been handed out, but that is one scholarship that is accounted for.
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+2 people from my undergad that gone full tuition scholarships. I received an MPH one, but no MD scholarship.
 
C@lidoc said:
+2 people from my undergad that gone full tuition scholarships. I received an MPH one, but no MD scholarship.
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Okay that's interesting! How soon after your acceptance did you receive your scholarship?
 
giraffesuptop said:
@skittles1, @Swartzlehman, or any other current students: how is the health sciences campus gym? what range of dumbbells do they have? Are there real bench presses (not smith machines)? How many squat racks?
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So I actually decided to go check out the gym now that you asked this (I'm an avid lifter myself 😉). There are 2 benches and 2 inclines, dumbells go from 5-100 (no 120's ugh), there's a squat rack, a smith machine, and lots of cables and other machines. The gym overall looks very nice. It's really spacious and there were a lot of people when I went. There were also outdoor basketball courts and rooms for spinning and yoga. Plus it's sitting in beautiful building with a cafe and areally nice courtyard too!
 
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