2017-2018 University of Southern California (Keck)

Applying to Med School? Get In Or Your Money Back
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
So is the optional essay actually optional? or is it like the TMDSAS one where it's implied you have to do it...
 
Members don't see this ad :)
pre-medgal said:
So is the optional essay actually optional? or is it like the TMDSAS one where it's implied you have to do it...
Click to expand...

Ah, yes, this is something I'm wondering as well...
 
pre-medgal said:
So is the optional essay actually optional? or is it like the TMDSAS one where it's implied you have to do it...
Click to expand...


The way I always approach an "optional" essay is this: if I've got something to say that could impart some additional information or give me a modicum of a better chance of receiving an II, I answer the question. If not, then I skip it. That being said, I fill out most of those essays unless it truly does not apply to me.
 
hemobrobin said:
The way I always approach an "optional" essay is this: if I've got something to say that could impart some additional information or give me a modicum of a better chance of receiving an II, I answer the question. If not, then I skip it. That being said, I fill out most of those essays unless it truly does not apply to me.
Click to expand...
Yeah, for me it depends. If the application itself includes the diversity statement and has allowed me to say everything I wanted to say, I don't do any optional essays. I already feel like I've given most of the schools more information about me than anyone could possibly want to know.
 
TheBiologist said:
while I"m not saying you are wrong I am somewhat skeptical considering MSAR says USC starts handing out interviews in August
Click to expand...
Pretty sure they mean start giving interviews in August. At least they did last year. I know people who interviewed there in late August.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Toutie said:
Pretty sure they mean start giving interviews in August. At least they did last year. I know people who interviewed there in late August.
Click to expand...
it says "interview invitations sent:"

MSAR says Georgetown is July 15th and I don't think they actually interviewed anyone on July 15th, that's when they send them out
 
TheBiologist said:
while I"m not saying you are wrong I am somewhat skeptical considering MSAR says USC starts handing out interviews in August
Click to expand...

The first II from last year's thread was mid-July and last year's cycle started a few weeks before ours, so I believe it.
 
bae2017 said:
The first II from last year's thread was mid-July and last year's cycle started a few weeks before ours, so I believe it.
Click to expand...
they also sent secondaries out a week or two later this year, though

EDIT: oh nvm.. misunderstood your post
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Members don't see this ad :)
When did those with a II submit your secondary?
 
Until I see more reported II's, I remain skeptical
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
On the secondary it asks "Are you a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine?"

Is there a strict category of applicants that are considered "under-represented"? Would being a first generation college graduate count or are they looking for race?
 
hk94 said:
On the secondary it asks "Are you a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine?"

Is there a strict category of applicants that are considered "under-represented"? Would being a first generation college graduate count or are they looking for race?
Click to expand...

I believe it says something more like, "do you believe you are a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine?"


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
med2018ihope said:
does Keck accept updates to activities?
Click to expand...

I wish. They specifically are against it, as in it will definitely hurt you. You can add additional activities to the secondary additional info section but after the secondary is in it's best to keep shut.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Should i bother sending my secondary if i have a 512 MCAT? I would really like to go to this school but don't know if its possible
 
lexwehb said:
Should i bother sending my secondary if i have a 512 MCAT? I would really like to go to this school but don't know if its possible
Click to expand...
a 512? that was their median matriculant last year.. so yes lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
-
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
II just now! Completed 7/22, LizzyM 71, IS
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 users
1203xx said:
But that's also because he's a URM.
Click to expand...

Something about your comment just throws me off.

Edit: @pramsotingz I should also congratulate you on a job well done so far. Someone's ignorant attempt to downplay your qualifications won't hold up against those 5 IIs.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 9 users
Albanian24 said:
Something about your comment just throws me off.

Edit: @pramsotingz I should also congratulate you on a job well done so far. Someone's ignorant attempt to downplay your qualifications won't hold up against those 5 IIs.
Click to expand...
This x10000000000.
 
Congrats to those with interviews! Keck is one of my top schools so I'm hoping for some love too haha :) Quick question, did you guys use the optional essay as a diversity or Why USC essay? Or just leave it blank?
 
for the record everyone, IS/OOS does not matter for USC (Keck) admissions
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
It looks like they've jumped around regarding dates of completion. Some people got an II today that were complete 7/11- 7/22, while others got an II last week that were complete 7/16. Just to give y'all and myself a bit of hope.
I was complete 7/19- hoping for good news soon
 
Albanian24 said:
Something about your comment just throws me off.

Edit: @pramsotingz I should also congratulate you on a job well done so far. Someone's ignorant attempt to downplay your qualifications won't hold up against those 5 IIs.
Click to expand...

Thanks maedae! I wasn't expecting these many interviews this early to be honest and would hope they are due to the quality of my application and not just my URM status!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Albanian24 said:
Something about your comment just throws me off.

Edit: @pramsotingz I should also congratulate you on a job well done so far. Someone's ignorant attempt to downplay your qualifications won't hold up against those 5 IIs.
Click to expand...

Agreed
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
pramsotingz said:
Thanks maedae! I wasn't expecting these many interviews this early to be honest and would hope they are due to the quality of my application and not just my URM status!
Click to expand...

The thanks goes to @Albanian24! Congratulations on all of your IIs so far!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
OiMama said:
Congrats! BTW- I love Stromae too.
Click to expand...


Got to see him live in concert 2 years ago and had my world rocked. PSA: To whoever is reading this and doesn't know who Stromae is, please do yourself a favor and look up Stromae.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users
pauscsjh said:
Congrats to those with interviews! Keck is one of my top schools so I'm hoping for some love too haha :) Quick question, did you guys use the optional essay as a diversity or Why USC essay? Or just leave it blank?
Click to expand...
I left it blank. However, I felt like my personal statement covered a good amount of diversity and didn't think to write a blurb on "why USC." If you feel like there's something you need to say, I'd go for it!
 
pramsotingz said:
Got to see him live in concert 2 years ago and had my world rocked. PSA: To whoever is reading this and doesn't know who Stromae is, please do yourself a favor and look up Stromae.
Click to expand...
What a dream to see him play live!

I was just reading through the messages above regarding your impressive number of II. I hope you don't let other people's insecurities become your own. Highly recommend the book "black man in a white coat" if you haven't read it yet.

Good luck in this cycle- seems like you are gonna rock it!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

wysdoc
2022-2023 University of Southern California (Keck)
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
751
Views
207K
deleted1087189
D
wysdoc
2021-2022 University of Southern California (Keck)
14 15 16 17 18
Replies
868
Views
290K
patekzonrocks
P
TheDataKing
2020-2021 University of Southern California (Keck)
26 27 28 29 30
Replies
1K
Views
460K
CG2150
C
PapaGuava
2019-2020 University of Southern California (Keck)
28 29 30 31 32
Replies
2K
Views
415K
proudofmykids
P
wysdoc
2022-2023 Southern Illinois
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
269
Views
43K
sarif24
S
Top