2020-2021 UC San Diego

[wpneuro]

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For those who have received II, on holds, and rejections - how well did UCSD stick to their 6 week turnaround time for an initial response? It will be 6 weeks for me this week and I am anxiously awaiting any news, positive or negative.
Also has anyone been rejected yet?

It just passed a full 8 weeks for me (complete 7/19) and I've yet to hear anything - hold, II, or rejection. They did mention the 6-week turnaround in their "complete" email, but the cycle overall can be up to almost a month delayed depending on school :/ I'd try to stop worrying and settle in for the long ride haha

 

[houseplantaficionado]

this is the first i've heard of a 6 week turnaround. complete 7/13 and haven't heard anything

Ya it says "Depending on the time of year, it can take 2-6 weeks for your file to be reviewed. After the file has been reviewed, you will be notified of one of three possible decisions" then it says II, "on hold", and "not invited to interview" as the three choices.
But as was said above, I think they're more delayed. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one thinking about it.

 

[drtn]

Anyone else antsy about when we will receive the ability to schedule our interview?!

 

[Thriftygal]

I found a few errors in mine going through it after submission and I thought I was a goner. I had pretty much made my peace with UCSD but the invite says otherwise lol. Other than those errors the actual content I felt is what really saved me.

Very little of my P.S. was in my secondary. My P.S. focused mainly on things I experienced in college and my secondary here focused on my path leading up to college and a very brief description of college. I think the best thing to keep in mind when you're writing your secondary is that it is an opportunity to showcase more about who you are. I'm sure your whole life story didn't fit into the P.S. Maybe it also helps to think that the autobiographical sketch doesn't have to be a "why I want to be a doctor" focus and more of "this is me and who I am" focus.

Stylistically, did you write yours in a more straight-forward kind of way (essay format) or do you think you could be a little more descriptive with this? I like writing and want to be a little more creative (of course, without getting TOO flowery), but I was wondering if this might work against me.

 

[7summers]

Stylistically, did you write yours in a more straight-forward kind of way (essay format) or do you think you could be a little more descriptive with this? I like writing and want to be a little more creative (of course, without getting TOO flowery), but I was wondering if this might work against me.

I personally enjoy getting creative too! I think I spent 1-2 paragraphs in both my PS and auto bio going into vivid detail about a specific experience. the rest of it was dedicated more so to what I had to say in Straight forward way but still tying it into my specific story! I would get feedback from maybe 2 people to make sure you’re still getting across the important points though 🙂

 

[Thriftygal]

I personally enjoy getting creative too! I think I spent 1-2 paragraphs in both my PS and auto bio going into vivid detail about a specific experience. the rest of it was dedicated more so to what I had to say in Straight forward way but still tying it into my specific story! I would get feedback from maybe 2 people to make sure you’re still getting across the important points though 🙂

Awesome, thank you for your thoughts!

 

[SpreadKindness20]

Re: making IIs without considering MCAT, a number of other schools have previously announced they are doing the same including Stanford. What perplexes me though is those schools announced that several weeks ago.

If UCSD is first now saying they will make IIs without consideration for MCAT scores, wouldn't that mean they must not have started reviewing applications yet?

 

[deleted776417]

Do you guys know if they care about the “2 week turnaround”? I work full time and have been working on other secondaries/moving so I’m a little over 2 weeks now.... saved this massive secondary for last tbh even though it’s one of my top.

I am in the same boat as you! Working full time and applying is unbelievably hard....

Anyways, I emailed admissions and they said you can submit whenever

 

[wpneuro]

It just passed a full 8 weeks for me (complete 7/19) and I've yet to hear anything - hold, II, or rejection. They did mention the 6-week turnaround in their "complete" email, but the cycle overall can be up to almost a month delayed depending on school :/ I'd try to stop worrying and settle in for the long ride haha

Not to quote myself unnecessarily lmao but just after 8 weeks, I've heard back! (Complete 7/19, stats in signature) Rejected 🤣 Since I applied MSTP my app's now supposedly getting redirected to the MD side of things, but we won't be holding our breaths hah

 

[kittensneezes]

MSTP rejection as well 🙁

 

[fishberry]

Ugh I'm just so annoyed with their admissions staff, this place is probably my top choice so it is doubly annoying

I paid $160 to them between primary and secondary fees. Ostensibly, that $160 is paid in exchange for a "product," and that "product" is a review by their admissions staff adhering to the criteria laid out on their website at the time of application (ECs, MCAT, GPA, etc). But they just changed their minds halfway through.

As a very low GPA and very high MCAT applicant, I would never have applied here if they had been forthcoming about their plans to go MCAT-blind *before* the cycle began, since with GPA being the only number they will now see I have quite literally a 0% chance. It just feels super scummy to give people false hope when they're still hoping to get $160 out of you, and then after you pay up they change their process so the $160 was a waste of money.

Hang in there! I know it's irritating, but they still require an MCAT score prior to being accepted. My thinking is that they will be interviewing more applicants to account for the change. It kinda puts the school in a tough spot too, because high GPA does not necessarily mean high MCAT. So being blinded to one of those criteria makes it more challenging to find strong candidates. I would imagine that to account for this, they'd have to be even more holistic in their evaluation.

Just a fellow applicant, but again, hang in there!!! It'll work out 🙂

 

[SpreadKindness20]

Ugh I'm just so annoyed with their admissions staff, this place is probably my top choice so it is doubly annoying

I paid $160 to them between primary and secondary fees. Ostensibly, that $160 is paid in exchange for a "product," and that "product" is a review by their admissions staff adhering to the criteria laid out on their website at the time of application (ECs, MCAT, GPA, etc). But they just changed their minds halfway through.

As a very low GPA and very high MCAT applicant, I would never have applied here if they had been forthcoming about their plans to go MCAT-blind *before* the cycle began, since with GPA being the only number they will now see I have quite literally a 0% chance. It just feels super scummy to give people false hope when they're still hoping to get $160 out of you, and then after you pay up they change their process so the $160 was a waste of money.

I hear what you are saying and I hear your frustration. But this is not their first rodeo. They know there are people like yourself every cycle with lower GPAs who end up getting high MCAT scores. Even if they are blinded to MCAT when deciding who to interview, they are still going to know that the same is possible.

They are also going to do holistic review looking at your personal statement, ECs, LORs, and secondary essays. If they like what they read, then presumably they would extend an II. Even with an MCAT score, the same would be true. They'll also look at your coursework. If your overall GPA is low but you have an upward trend, they'll see that. Or, if your low GPA was attributable to some personal circumstance you had to overcome, presumably you wrote about that somewhere in your application. If neither of those are the case, and you have a very low GPA that is neither upward nor explained by something else, then I'm not sure that a high MCAT alone would be enough to get you an interview anyway. In sum, have faith in their holistic review to give you a fair shake, and if you are still not at ease, you can always reach out to their admission office to express your concern.

 

[phrasse]

On Hold (3.94, 524, OOS, Complete 7/27)

 

[4573890]

hold also... complete 7/13

 

[17xapplicant]

Just received a hold email (3.96, 522, in state, submitted 7/21)

 

[lopsidedegg]

On Hold (3.94, 524, OOS, Complete 7/27)

+1 OOS Complete 7/24

 

[shuning26]

on hold too. got this notice 6 weeks later (3.85, 512, OOS, complete 8/4)

anyone know the likelihood of getting an II after being placed on hold?

 

[babygreenbeans]

on hold too. got this notice 6 weeks later (3.85, 512, OOS, complete 8/4)

anyone know the likelihood of getting an II after being placed on hold?

historically it has led to rejection. not like GW's hold where a bunch of ppl later get II.

 

[GoneDriving]

If they're sending out holds does that mean they're readying to send IIs out soon?

 

[7summers]

Ugh I'm just so annoyed with their admissions staff, this place is probably my top choice so it is doubly annoying

I paid $160 to them between primary and secondary fees. Ostensibly, that $160 is paid in exchange for a "product," and that "product" is a review by their admissions staff adhering to the criteria laid out on their website at the time of application (ECs, MCAT, GPA, etc). But they just changed their minds halfway through.

As a very low GPA and very high MCAT applicant, I would never have applied here if they had been forthcoming about their plans to go MCAT-blind *before* the cycle began, since with GPA being the only number they will now see I have quite literally a 0% chance. It just feels super scummy to give people false hope when they're still hoping to get $160 out of you, and then after you pay up they change their process so the $160 was a waste of money.

im sorry I’m kind of confused. Did you guys receive and email or something stating UCSD was going MCAT blind? I’m unclear where all the stress is coming from. I know the CA MD schools released a joint statement earlier this year about COVID-19 related issues and admissions but Why is everyone freaking out now? I feel very out of the loop rn.

 

[medemac]

2nd bullet.

 

[7summers]

2nd bullet.
View attachment 318441

Thank you! I feel much more in the loop...

 

[cap_2]

Are any other schools going mcat blind as well?

 

[eartharte]

So does no hold yet mean a good sign if I submitted late July (within 2 weeks deadline)

 

[crossstr]

So does no hold yet mean a good sign if I submitted late July (within 2 weeks deadline)

+1

 

[katty213]

historically it has led to rejection. not like GW's hold where a bunch of ppl later get II.

Disappointing, as I was pretty excited about this school. On hold, complete 7/11.

 

[spottedcory]

Has anyone applying to PRIME heard

Are any other schools going mcat blind as well?

UCSF. Stanford/UW are MCAT optional IF you have not already taken it. I don't think UCSD is completely blind though, the screenshot seems like they use it for admissions

 

[cap_2]

since it is mcat blind, would submitting a MCAT hardship have any impact?

 

[gbmedschool]

So does no hold yet mean a good sign if I submitted late July (within 2 weeks deadline)

I'm in the same boat - my app was complete on 7/31 and I haven't heard anything. Also our stats are really similar. Finger's crossed for us both

 

[SpreadKindness20]

since it is mcat blind, would submitting a MCAT hardship have any impact?

They're still using the MCAT to make final admission decisions.

 

[KWGTP]

I'm in the same boat - my app was complete on 7/31 and I haven't heard anything. Also our stats are really similar. Finger's crossed for us both

+1 submitted 7/27. I'm assuming no news is good news lol

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

historically it has led to rejection. not like GW's hold where a bunch of ppl later get II.

I don't think that's true. Holds will be reviewed late December or Jan and they offer IIs to some. I know one such case from last cycle, Hold->II->WL->A. However with virtual interviews there may be few withdrawals early this cycle. Hang in there.

 

[boulderdoc1]

Complete 7/21 and have not heard anything (R, hold, II). I am a PRIME applicant, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. Does anyone have an idea of when they extend PRIME IIs?

 

[sheeeeesh]

Does anyone know when we’ll have the option of scheduling the interview?

 

[lovepickles]

Does anyone know when we’ll have the option of scheduling the interview?

I was about to ask this question too!

 

[Thunderduck44]

Anyone else antsy about when we will receive the ability to schedule our interview?!

Yes! I check my email and portal multiple times a day, haha

 

[sfdoctor96]

Admissions

"For all applicants, we will make decisions regarding interviews without consideration of the MCAT score, and will mask the MCAT scores of applicants who do have them from review."

Real nice of them to tell me this (sub 3.6, 520+) AFTER I wasted $120 on their secondary 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

rip... i just wasted $120 too (sub 3.6, 514). Also, I'm a reapplicant and this was interesting, I got their secondary on 9/21 even though i was just verified last week on 9/18(last year it took about a month to get their secondary?). For people who haven't heard anything back yet by the way, last year I submitted in early August and didn't get put on hold until January *shrug* so they have the 6-8 week guideline but for a few people they just can't decide for some reason or another *shrug*

 

[vociferousllama]

Hi all, I'm an MS2 at UCSD. With appreciation to how tumultuous this cycle might be and how many questions you might have, I thought I'd post on here and try to make myself a resource in regards to answer any questions you might have. I am an MS2 so I can't promise super prompt responses, but I'll try my best. I interviewed September, got in off the waitlist in June (that was a long wait). I also wanted to share with you a podcast made by the UC San Diego School of Medicine Media interest group, the main audience of which is really applicants and pre-meds interested in UCSD SOM. If you're so inclined, you can listen to the podcast (it's called Student Doctors in San Diego) and maybe it'll give you an idea of what's going on here and what it's like. Disclaimer, I don't know that much about the admissions process!!

 

[ducks_are _the best]

Do you guys know if you get a separate email if you file is in for review? I got a complete email around 7/23 and no news. Also if you apply to PRIME or GHAC, will that change how long you hear back?

 

[houseplantaficionado]

Do you guys know if you get a separate email if you file is in for review? I got a complete email around 7/23 and no news. Also if you apply to PRIME or GHAC, will that change how long you hear back?

I did not receive a second email. The complete email is all you get, as far as I know, prior to a decision being made (on hold, R, II)

 

[spiritcat13]

Still no secondary received...what kind of sign is this? I can't tell anymore based on the early R's and everything else 🙁

 

[spiritcat13]

I have yet to receive a secondary. Anyone on the same boat?

Yup

 

[onelysosome]

For those that got II, email was just sent to schedule for them!

 

[GoneDriving]

Just received a II!

 

[JB96]

II received today LM 73.2 WARS 94 IS 2º submitted/complete 8/10

 

[therealodder]

Omg hooooly f*** I just got an II!!!! This is one of my top choices, Im shaking!!!
522 MCAT/ GPA 3.90
Complete August 8

 

[bagoftrailmix]

II!! 523, 3.91, ORM, CA, Complete 7/19

 

[mrmystery112358]

II!! 523, 3.91, ORM, CA, Complete 7/19

Congrats! Seems like almost all the IIs are IS?

 

[gbmedschool]

II!! 523, 3.91, ORM, CA, Complete 7/19

What time did everyone who got an II get the email? I'm trying to figure out if they were all sent out at the same time and I should give up hope for tonight, or if they're rolling out the emails throughout the night.

 

[bagoftrailmix]

What time did everyone who got an II get the email? I'm trying to figure out if they were all sent out at the same time and I should give up hope for tonight, or if they're rolling out the emails throughout the night.

5:06 pm