2015-2016 University of California - Riverside Application Thread

Med School Insiders
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Mine says two weeks... Unfortunate, because I am leaving for a week and a half vacation tomorrow, hah.
 
For those who haven't gotten a secondary yet, you're not out of the game.

I submitted primary 6/3, verified 6/14 and received my secondary TODAY.

Most other UC's gave me their secondaries early-mid July and I just assumed UCR wasn't considering me, but there is hope yet!
 
For those worried about receiving a secondary do not sweat! It takes time!

Last year I received my secondary in mid-September and I didn't interview until February.

UCR usually interviews up until March.
 
For this prompt:
What has been the single MOST unique leadership, entrepreneurial, or creative activity in which you participated? (250 words)

I'm soooo stuck! I haven't had any really unique leadership or entrepreneurial activity... I can't think of anything really creative. Any tips?

Thanks!
 
UCSDMember said:
For this prompt:
What has been the single MOST unique leadership, entrepreneurial, or creative activity in which you participated? (250 words)

I'm soooo stuck! I haven't had any really unique leadership or entrepreneurial activity... I can't think of anything really creative. Any tips?

Thanks!
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Hmmm here are a few examples (some are from my own experience so they might seem a bit too specific, but hopefully it'll spark something for you!):
-unique leadership: Sunday school teacher or camp leader, online forum or group moderator, mission trip role, any activity where you were tasked with a specific role that not everyone had, volunteering in a non-clinical activity (I say 'non-clinical' because most people will have some kind of clinical volunteering), taught a workshop, etc.
-entrepreneurial: having a Storenvy or Etsy, selling something at a convention, participating in buying and selling stocks, investing time/money in making a product/service (ie. mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, lemonade stand, car wash, etc.), if you take commissions for something (ie. arts and crafts), etc.
-creative activity: participating in a DIY project, have a creative work published, on tour, or in a museum (I have a sketchbook that permanently resides at the Brooklyn Art Library so I know this suggestion isn't too far-fetched), if you have a Youtube channel where you sing, make art, or host tutorials, a hobby that may involve anything of the fine arts or building something, photography, etc.

Hope this helps generate some ideas! Best of luck! 🙂
 
rukia013 said:
Hmmm here are a few examples (some are from my own experience so they might seem a bit too specific, but hopefully it'll spark something for you!):
-unique leadership: Sunday school teacher or camp leader, online forum or group moderator, mission trip role, any activity where you were tasked with a specific role that not everyone had, volunteering in a non-clinical activity (I say 'non-clinical' because most people will have some kind of clinical volunteering), taught a workshop, etc.
-entrepreneurial: having a Storenvy or Etsy, selling something at a convention, participating in buying and selling stocks, investing time/money in making a product/service (ie. mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, lemonade stand, car wash, etc.), if you take commissions for something (ie. arts and crafts), etc.
-creative activity: participating in a DIY project, have a creative work published, on tour, or in a museum (I have a sketchbook that permanently resides at the Brooklyn Art Library so I know this suggestion isn't too far-fetched), if you have a Youtube channel where you sing, make art, or host tutorials, a hobby that may involve anything of the fine arts or building something, photography, etc.

Hope this helps generate some ideas! Best of luck! 🙂
Click to expand...

Thank you sooo much for that!! That has DEFINITELY sparked some ideas. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
 
KungFuPanda123 said:
Yea, that was a doozy
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I really hope surpassing the two week deadline doesn't destroy my chances. 🙁 I made the wrong decision to apply to 20 schools in one go while working full time.. so I got swamped and didn't realize how important it was to submit within 2 weeks until reading these forums 🙁

Do you guys think it's a real disadvantage to submit after 2 weeks? (But in less than 1 month)
 
UCSDMember said:
I really hope surpassing the two week deadline doesn't destroy my chances. 🙁 I made the wrong decision to apply to 20 schools in one go while working full time.. so I got swamped and didn't realize how important it was to submit within 2 weeks until reading these forums 🙁

Do you guys think it's a real disadvantage to submit after 2 weeks? (But in less than 1 month)
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I've read that for some schools, applications that are submitted within a given time frame are reviewed first before "late" applications are considered, but if you feel that your application is solid and the fee won't break your bank, then I'd say go for it. If you're still worried, it doesn't hurt to call the admissions office and check whether there is a penalty for a late submission.
 
For the most scholarly project question, do you think it is better to write about a research experience, or writing a literature review type paper for a class? I feel like I learned more from the latter, since I did more learning about the topic, a public health/disease issue. It's just topics with clearer relevance (like public health) are easier to resonate with than basic research topics. I feel this may be a better fit for UCR's mission, anyone has thoughts?
 
qwertysdn said:
For the most scholarly project question, do you think it is better to write about a research experience, or writing a literature review type paper for a class? I feel like I learned more from the latter, since I did more learning about the topic, a public health/disease issue. It's just topics with clearer relevance (like public health) are easier to resonate with than basic research topics. I feel this may be a better fit for UCR's mission, anyone has thoughts?
Click to expand...

Go with that then! It's always good to appear in line with a school's mission + it sounds like you genuinely enjoyed it more 🙂
 
Did you guys receive a complete email? I sent my secondary a few weeks ago and have not heard from UCR since.
 
Congrats to all that have received an interview. Still waiting on a secondary. I have a better MCAT score coming in on the 9/22. Hopefully I will get a secondary after that! :clap: On the other hand, when would you know if you are rejected?:eyebrow:
 
Could those that have received interviews mind sharing their complete date and if they went to UCR for undergrad? 🙂 anxiously awaiting to hear back from UCR!!
 
Complete 7/17. Grew up in inland empire and graduated from high school in the area
 
Awww I just got that rejection hammer pre-secondary. Fit their mission but didn't have ties to the area. Not super bummed. Good luck to you all!
 
parachichi said:
Awww I just got that rejection hammer pre-secondary. Fit their mission but didn't have ties to the area. Not super bummed. Good luck to you all!
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+1 except I do live in the area and I am bummed out
 
i don't have ties to the area, but i have a huge commitment to underserved populations.

3.9 / 29, completed in mid july problem i don't remember exactly

for me, only sep 26 is available. it might be an error, i emailed them recently ill let you know what they say
 
Wait, you guys all got an email saying you were complete? My status said submitted 8/15 and app is ready for review, but never got a complete email... :eyebrow:
 
udynani said:
+1 except I do live in the area and I am bummed out
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+1 I am not bummed but I a little confused as to what this means in comparison to the other UCs that I applied too. For example, is there an admission ranking, "easier to harder", of UC med schools?
 
2016Applicant-Stanford said:
+1 I am not bummed but I a little confused as to what this means in comparison to the other UCs that I applied too. For example, is there an admission ranking, "easier to harder", of UC med schools?
Click to expand...

If I had to guess... UCSF>/=UCLA>UCSD>UCD>UCI>UCR (if you're from the area and match their mission, if you're not, then good effing luck).
 
Anomandaris said:
If I had to guess... UCSF>/=UCLA>UCSD>UCD>UCI>UCR (if you're from the area and match their mission, if you're not, then good effing luck).
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UCR is mission driven therefore if you don't match their mission you will not be extended an II. Some stellar applicants don't get an interview here but at the other schools because of their mission focus. I think the above is also misleading because each of those schools have different focuses and drives. Also UCR is completely instate and correct me if I'm wrong but I think UCD is too where a fair amount at UCLA and UCSF are not. Again depends on the focus.
 
Is there a time when a significant flux of II's is extended? Seems only 1 or 2 people have gotten them so far :/
 
xyphr said:
Is there a time when a significant flux of II's is extended? Seems only 1 or 2 people have gotten them so far :/
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It's dependent on committee. Varies. But don't lose hope. You can always send them an update letter.
 
general987 said:
UCR is mission driven therefore if you don't match their mission you will not be extended an II. Some stellar applicants don't get an interview here but at the other schools because of their mission focus. I think the above is also misleading because each of those schools have different focuses and drives. Also UCR is completely instate and correct me if I'm wrong but I think UCD is too where a fair amount at UCLA and UCSF are not. Again depends on the focus.
Click to expand...

This is just my personal guess as I stated, and I also mentioned the mission/location aspect of UCR in the "ranking". UCD has been traditionally very Davis-centric under Ed Dagang (went to UCD and spoke with him many times) but they have a new director now so I'm not particularly qualified to shed light on that anymore.

Ultimately, who these schools like and which school is harder/easier to get into is moot. So much of it is a crapshoot, all we can do as applicants is do the best we can with the variables we can control.
 
Anomandaris said:
This is just my personal guess as I stated, and I also mentioned the mission/location aspect of UCR in the "ranking". UCD has been traditionally very Davis-centric under Ed Dagang (went to UCD and spoke with him many times) but they have a new director now so I'm not particularly qualified to shed light on that anymore.

Ultimately, who these schools like and which school is harder/easier to get into is moot. So much of it is a crapshoot, all we can do as applicants is do the best we can with the variables we can control.
Click to expand...
Sorry wrote my post while driving in traffic on the 91 (aka parking lot) so I didn't mean to sound like I was disqualifying it I was adding to it. That will be interesting to see how UCD goes forward.
 
general987 said:
Sorry wrote my post while driving in traffic on the 91 (aka parking lot) so I didn't mean to sound like I was disqualifying it I was adding to it. That will be interesting to see how UCD goes forward.
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It's all good my man (or woman... eh. buddy). We will always appreciate insight from MS's here. We know you're busy so we're grateful for your input either way.

Yeah. Ed Dagang was... Well, I was always taught not to say anything if I don't have anything positive or constructive to add.. Hopefully the new director is better.
 
xyphr said:
Is there a time when a significant flux of II's is extended? Seems only 1 or 2 people have gotten them so far :/
Click to expand...

Timing of interview invite's varies (as mentioned above!).

Don't lose hope though! First round of interviews are just beginning, it is still very early in the cycle.
 
musicalfeet said:
Are pre-II updates accepted?
Click to expand...

Email the admissions team to verify, but from the past they are very receptive to updates (usually for applicants who have already interviewed).

However, please make sure your update is significant and actually impacts your application. I can not stress that enough!
 
Pleides said:
Could any current MS shed some light about the new Interim Dean and how it'll affect the future? I literally just found out Dean Olds had resigned and I'm shocked to say the least.
Click to expand...
Dean Schiller is amazing and he is the right pick for the job. When I first heard the news I consulted with the other deans and they say this is the norm for deans to come and go. Everything is fine. Dean Schiller has been part of the program since the beginning. The new dean will be appointed within a year.
 
Pleides said:
Could any current MS shed some light about the new Interim Dean and how it'll affect the future? I literally just found out Dean Olds had resigned and I'm shocked to say the least.
Click to expand...
Dean Schiller is amazing and he is the right pick for the job. When I first heard the news I consulted with the other deans and they say this is the norm for deans to come and go. Everything is fine. Dean Schiller has been part of the program since the beginning. The new dean will be appointed within a year.
 
Does anyone know what the gpa cut-off is for UCR? My gpa is pretty low ~3.35 because of my first few years of undergrad but I have an upward trend of earning a 4.0 for the last 4 quarters. I am applying very late as I am taking the 9/12 mcat exam. I'm averaging decent scores on my practice tests, but since it is the new MCAT I'm not sure how much they'll weigh the importance when reviewing primaries. I have great extracurricular activities, leadership, volunteering, numerous awards, clinical experience, shadowing, non-clinical work, and amazing letters of recommendation (including one from the president of my university). However, since they don't really consider the letters until secondaries I doubt it'll help. UCR SOM is my dream school. If you were in my shoes would you apply late this cycle?
 
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