2015-2016 University of California - Riverside Application Thread

[bmy]

---

Members don't see this ad.

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?

Hey don't worry too much for now. Just keep focusing on your MCAT, and that will be rather important. UCR takes a while to send out secondaries, I got mine like 6 wks after verification. And no one will be able to tell you on this forum their cutoff, but your MCAT score will be of great importance. So just focus on that and worry about their cutoffs later.

And I won't apply that late if you haven't submitted your primary by now. A friend of mine got great stats, and he submitted late August last cycle and thankfully managed to get into one med school. But now it's already September, and if you are not in a master's program with an affiliated med school, I suggest you wait because it will be a tough late cycle. B/c when your MCAT score comes out, it's October. When it comes to med school, they look at your numbers first and then your extracurricular, so make sure you do well on MCAT!

 

[HSR]

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?

Do you have ties to the IE? I've heard how important it is. I think you'll receive a secondary if you're from around here, had a friend about the same stats receive one (if I remember correctly).

 

[Dolly96]

.

 

[HSR]

Thank you. I really appreciate your input! I just can't help but to worry about apps because I really don't want 2 gap years.


Yes, I've been in the IE basically my whole life. I've also done volunteer activities with ucr som and was a part of their fpl program 2 summers ago. When did your friend apply?

Early in the cycle. Probably mid-June.

 

[Pleides]

.

 

[HSR]

I also second waiting until next cycle to apply if you can. With the timeline given above your primary won't be reviewed until mid-october and it is likely you won't be complete until november or december depending on how fast the secondary turn-around is. So it is entirely possible that your complete application won't be reviewed until well into next year.

With that being said, you never really know as medical school admissions are very much a roll of the dice. It's entirely possible for you to be admitted this cycle. Just your odds are probably better if you apply early next cycle. How much better you ask? Honestly, hard to say really. Could be significant, could be marginal. Just general consensus on this forum is that applying earlier is better.

Pretty good advice, I agree. I'd only consider applying if you are planning to do some pretty stellar EC's during your time off during this cycle. (Because, if you apply now, wait for who knows how long till they'll send II or rejection and you didn't do anything big, it'll nearly be time to start submitting for next year)

As in if you apply now, don't expect to take major time off, etc. Because if you don't get accepted this cycle, you'll want something to show you worked hard during the off-cycle.

 

[wagonwheel23]

I received a secondary with zero apparent connections to the IE in my AMCAS, and my stats aren't crazy high (LizzyM 70).

Luckily, my partner's family lives in the IE, so I'll be able to discuss that in the secondary!

 

[mexdoc91]

Best of luck to those interviewing tomorrow!

 

[musicalfeet]

Does UCR accept pre-interview updates? Just curious..I haven't got an II but this one of my top 2 choices for school! I talked about my desire to stay and reside in the IE in the secondary (everything and everyone I know is here...and so is my SO and his family), but didn't really talk about my desire to attend UCR. Also didn't talk about personal connections to the area either but totally wish I could have!

Although as of now, there isn't much updating to do besides a new grade coming in for a class

 

[Pleides]

Does UCR accept pre-interview updates? Just curious..I haven't got an II but this one of my top 2 choices for school! I talked about my desire to stay and reside in the IE in the secondary (everything and everyone I know is here...and so is my SO and his family), but didn't really talk about my desire to attend UCR. Also didn't talk about personal connections to the area either but totally wish I could have!

Although as of now, there isn't much updating to do besides a new grade coming in for a class

Doesn't hurt to email or call admissions to ask. Though I would advise not sending an update letter unless you have something substantial to share. Interviews here are just getting started as well so you still have plenty of time!

 

[general987]

Does UCR accept pre-interview updates? Just curious..I haven't got an II but this one of my top 2 choices for school! I talked about my desire to stay and reside in the IE in the secondary (everything and everyone I know is here...and so is my SO and his family), but didn't really talk about my desire to attend UCR. Also didn't talk about personal connections to the area either but totally wish I could have!

Although as of now, there isn't much updating to do besides a new grade coming in for a class

I agree with Pleides. I took a gap year to do an incredible research opportunity. Because we were advancing quickly on the project I was able to update other schools (not UCR because the II came a day prior to sending it out to them) with substantial information. If your only new addition is a grade I would advice to get involved in an organization and volunteer. Or you can join a lab. But these update letters may be crucial. My advice is to work quite hard in impressing them until the white coat ceremony occurs.

 

[general987]

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?

It's always difficult, actually impossible to predict what the outcome will be. I've had associates at my undergrad with 35+ MCATs, 3.8+ GPAs and amazing ECs get rejected to every single school whereas those with lower stats prevailed. Yes the GPA is on the low side and yes it may be getting you in late with the MCAT. My question is are you a UCR alumni? This is critical. But I don't think any of us can accurately predict what your outcome may be. Many friends of mine did apply late and got nothing. A few applied late and got in comfortably into medical school. Your essays will be absolutely critical - you cannot half fast those. Good luck I think you should do what you feel is right (corny I know).

 

[youngDOve]

Any more II's recently? It seems like very few people have been posting about IIs on this thread!

I received one last week, I sent in my primary app on AMCAS to be verified the very first day it opened....I think it was June 3rd? Seems like they are taking time going over every application make sure applicants really fit their mission.


Edit: sorry! For some reason thought you said secondary lol

 

[acanceh48]

Has there been any news for those who submitted their secondary past the 2 week deadline?
I submitted mine after 3 weeks, so I'm a little anxious that it'll negatively affect my app :-(

 

[HSR]

Has there been any news for those who submitted their secondary past the 2 week deadline?
I submitted mine after 3 weeks, so I'm a little anxious that it'll negatively affect my app :-(

Doubt you'll ever find out if it impacts your app. Don't stress about it, they're probably deep in apps and have other things to worry about than submit date.

 

[toast]

Has there been any news for those who submitted their secondary past the 2 week deadline?
I submitted mine after 3 weeks, so I'm a little anxious that it'll negatively affect my app :-(

Anybody contact and get an official answer on this deadline?

I'm finally getting to this secondary more 3+weeks after the email. I'm feeling pretty foolish for missing that deadline tidbit whenI received the email! I'm hesitant to contact the admissions office and draw attention to the fact that I am late, I figure if it was a hard deadline it would not allow me to log into the portal or something? I don't want to spend time on this application if it won't get read 🙁

 

[Pleides]

Anybody contact and get an official answer on this deadline?

I'm finally getting to this secondary more 3+weeks after the email. I'm feeling pretty foolish for missing that deadline tidbit whenI received the email! I'm hesitant to contact the admissions office and draw attention to the fact that I am late, I figure if it was a hard deadline it would not allow me to log into the portal or something? I don't want to spend time on this application if it won't get read 🙁

I doubt its a hard deadline. The dean stated that they personally review every app, even ones that get screened out initially.

 

[tejas514]

Anybody know if UCR gets back to you soon or do they take up all the time. Im going crazy not hearing anything!!!

 

[musicalfeet]

Does anyone know if they've been giving out II recently, or are they still going over app files?

 

[whitemagic]

Does anyone know if they've been giving out II recently, or are they still going over app files?

I havent seen anyone in this thread post about IIs in forever so I would assume that they're still going over app files

 

[mrbakery]

II! EEP my first interview invite!

 

[whitemagic]

Congratulations @mrbakery 🙂

 

[musicalfeet]

II! EEP my first interview invite!

Nice! Did you get an email or did you just check the portal? *Checks portal obsessively*

 

[whitemagic]

@mrbakery, would you perhaps mind sharing your complete date/what the earliest interview date was?

 

[Pleides]

II! EEP my first interview invite!

Congrats! Just fyi, session A interviews first while session B interviews last. Pick your poison

Nice! Did you get an email or did you just check the portal? *Checks portal obsessively*

They send out an email for II's

 

[vantheman]

II! this is my first MD II and this is in my top 5. Now I am starting to get nervous haha

 

[nerdyjock90]

II! this is my first MD II and this is in my top 5. Now I am starting to get nervous haha

Congrats! When were you complete and what were your stats? Thanks!

 

[whitemagic]

That's awesome @vantheman! Glad things worked out for you here! I'm gonna second the previous question and ask if you wouldnt mind sharing your complete date and if youre from the IE. Good luck on your interview!! Fingers crossed for you

 

[mrbakery]

Congratulations @mrbakery 🙂

Thank you! I was complete on 8/12 (a surprisingly fast turnaround) and the earliest interview date is 9/26

Nice! Did you get an email or did you just check the portal? *Checks portal obsessively*

I received an email 🙂

Congrats! Just fyi, session A interviews first while session B interviews last. Pick your poison

Oh dang thanks for the heads up!

 

[whitemagic]

Thank you! I was complete on 8/12 (a surprisingly fast turnaround) and the earliest interview date is 9/26



I received an email 🙂



Oh dang thanks for the heads up!

Thanks for answering my questions man. Good luck on your interview! Hope you knock it out of the park

 

[musicalfeet]

AHH people complete after me are getting IIs. I hope this doesn't mean I'm passed over....this was probably the one school that I thought fit me perfectly...

 

[vantheman]

Congrats! When were you complete and what were your stats? Thanks!

Thanks for answering my questions man. Good luck on your interview! Hope you knock it out of the park

I am from the IE, Completed July 14th, Lizzy M= 67-68

 

[musicalfeet]

@musicalfeet You and I both man. I was complete on 8/27. But I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt they go in order considering that the other poster said the earliest interview is still scheduled for next week! They probably just target those from the IE first.

I live in the IE... 🙁

THAT BEING SAID IF ANYONE IS THERE GO TO AFTERS ICE CREAM ITS THE BOMB!!!!!
[Edit: I've been fighting a losing battle in trying not to go and get one of those donut ice-cream sandwiches...it's been a week! Aiming for a month of not going cause that stuff's like crack]

 

[HSR]

I've been complete late July as well, live in IE and still nothing back yet.

I live in the IE... 🙁

THAT BEING SAID IF ANYONE IS THERE GO TO AFTERS ICE CREAM ITS THE BOMB!!!!!
[Edit: I've been fighting a losing battle in trying not to go and get one of those donut ice-cream sandwiches...it's been a week! Aiming for a month of not going cause that stuff's like crack]

Also, will vouch, After's is pretty great. Glad they opened one up in Chino Hills. mmmm that cookie monster ice cream

 

[Pleides]

I live in the IE... 🙁

THAT BEING SAID IF ANYONE IS THERE GO TO AFTERS ICE CREAM ITS THE BOMB!!!!!
[Edit: I've been fighting a losing battle in trying not to go and get one of those donut ice-cream sandwiches...it's been a week! Aiming for a month of not going cause that stuff's like crack]

After's IS crack. Though I was never a fan of their donut ice-cream sandwiches. Their ice cream itself is the shizz though.

If chino hills is too far from campus, I highly recommend La Michoacana on University and Chicago. It's a hole-in-the-wall with delicious and cheap mexican ice cream. It's not as sketchy as it looks. Definitely stop by if you're interviewing.

 

[yoyo502]

II this week! From the IE. LizzyM < 65. Submitted app after 2 week deadline. Hope that helps

 

[acanceh48]

II this week! From the IE. LizzyM < 65. Submitted app after 2 week deadline. Hope that helps

Awesome, thanks for that reassurance! Would you mind telling us when you were complete?

 

[yoyo502]

Late July

 

[HSR]

II this week! From the IE. LizzyM < 65. Submitted app after 2 week deadline. Hope that helps

Congrats man! Do you have stellar ECs/URM?

 

[musicalfeet]

II this week! From the IE. LizzyM < 65. Submitted app after 2 week deadline. Hope that helps

Which interview dates are they up to now?? 🙂

 

[wanderlust91]

Anyone else still not received a secondary? From IE, 30 MCAT, 3.8 GPA. Re-applicant and received secondary from UCR last year with a 26 MCAT.

 

[rukia013]

Anyone else still not received a secondary? From IE, 30 MCAT, 3.8 GPA. Re-applicant and received secondary from UCR last year with a 26 MCAT.

+1, verified 6/12....still waiting on UCR and UCLA but if you're a UC system alum that could be the reason why. It seems that a lot of UC alums have not received UCLA's secondary so I wouldn't be surprised if that's the trend for UCR as well, especially if the screen is mainly based on numbers...

 

[Anomandaris]

+1, verified 6/12....still waiting on UCR and UCLA but if you're a UC system alum that could be the reason why. It seems that a lot of UC alums have not received UCLA's secondary so I wouldn't be surprised if that's the trend for UCR as well, especially if the screen is mainly based on numbers...

Can't speak for UCLA, but I'm a UC alum and got my UCR secondary back in August. Primary was verified 6/30 ish

 

[OTW]

.

 

[wanderlust91]

+1, verified 6/12....still waiting on UCR and UCLA but if you're a UC system alum that could be the reason why. It seems that a lot of UC alums have not received UCLA's secondary so I wouldn't be surprised if that's the trend for UCR as well, especially if the screen is mainly based on numbers...

I'm a UC Davis Alum, haven't received secondaries from UC Davis, UCLA or UCR!

 

[wanderlust91]

If you don't mind me asking, were you rejected post secondary or post interview?

Post secondary!

 

[Anomandaris]

I'm a UC Davis Alum, haven't received secondaries from UC Davis, UCLA or UCR!

Oh... Hiiiii. Fellow UCD alum!

 

[vantheman]

Does anyone know if the class size this year is still going to be 50? And are 24 spots still reserved for UCR alumni?

 

[whitemagic]

Does anyone know if the class size this year is still going to be 50? And are 24 spots still reserved for UCR alumni?

I'm interested in knowing this too! Do you have any knowledge @general987?

 

[general987]

I'm interested in knowing this too! Do you have any knowledge @general987?

I'm not sure if the information is public or confirmed but there is a strong likelihood the class size is increasing this year - but again it's neither confirmed nor denied 😉