2023-2024 CA University of Science and Medicine

[chilly_md]

2023-2024 CA University of Science and Medicine Secondary Prompts

Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. What did you do? 1500 characters

Provide us with a specific example of something you did which helped build enthusiasm in others. 1500 characters

How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? 1500 characters

Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? 1500 characters

What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent? How have you effectively used your skills in emotional intelligence in the past? 1500 characters

Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person? 1500 characters

What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? 1500 characters

If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? 1500 characters

Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? 1500 characters

If you were enrolled in fewer than 12 units/credits for more than 1 semester/2 quarters during your undergraduate education, please provide a brief explanation below. Optional (500 characters)

Good luck to everyone applying!

Interview feedback:

California University of Science and Medicine Interview Feedback

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[chillsauz]

can anyone tell me the data for OOS students interviewed/accepted from m sar? can DM

 

[chilly_md]

can anyone tell me the data for OOS students interviewed/accepted from m sar? can DM

This is not a school I suggest you apply to as an OOS student unless you previously lived in the same area (Inland Empire) and just changed your residency in college.

 

[bwxxy]

Anyone receive any secondaries yet?

 

[Dr_Pediatrics]

can anyone tell me the data for OOS students interviewed/accepted from m sar? can DM

Last year 100% of matriculated students were from in-state (according to MSAR).

 

[billybob321]

Did anyone get a secondary yet?

 

[NocturnalSir3n]

Did anyone get a secondary yet?

Nope

 

[chazzamd]

bro ngl I straight up forgot i applied here. good to know that no ones gotten secondaries either lol

 

[Apothecary Aquinas]

Anyone receive any secondaries yet?

Did anyone get a secondary yet?

bro ngl I straight up forgot i applied here. good to know that no ones gotten secondaries either lol

They usually send them out late compared to other schools. Last year I believe the first secondaries were sent out August 1st so it'd be reasonable to expect them probably this next week on Monday or Tuesday (July 31st & Aug 1st).

 

[jboi_2025]

Hi new premeds! Current M3 here at CUSM happy to answer any questions you may have about applying, education, IE, etc. Please feel free to message me here or DM if you prefer! Wishing you all the best of luck in this new application cycle!

 

[chazzamd]

Hi new premeds! Current M3 here at CUSM happy to answer any questions you may have about applying, education, IE, etc. Please feel free to message me here or DM if you prefer! Wishing you all the best of luck in this new application cycle!

does this school like nontrads with interesting backgrounds

 

[jboi_2025]

does this school like nontrads with interesting backgrounds

Definitely! I'm also a nontrad and so are many of my classmates so don't be discouraged from applying if you don't have a traditional app!

 

[pandastory]

can someone post the qs

 

[kath00]

Hi new premeds! Current M3 here at CUSM happy to answer any questions you may have about applying, education, IE, etc. Please feel free to message me here or DM if you prefer! Wishing you all the best of luck in this new application cycle!

Hi. Just wondering how your first 2 years experience were? What were the preclinical years like? Did you get clinical exposure early. Was the teaching clear and organized? TY

 

[chazzamd]

Definitely! I'm also a nontrad and so are many of my classmates so don't be discouraged from applying if you don't have a traditional app!

I mean I’m kinda non trad. I did my undergrad and MA in modern history in the UK, then did a PostBac in the states. From California. Have had a few fairly unique jobs (semi pro athlete) but my GPA is on the lower side (3.4-3.5) and my MCAT is average for MD. People always say having unique stuff turns head but I’m not sure how much that’s true

 

[misotope]

Has anyone received secondaries yet? I'm surprised it's taking this long :0 not complaining tho I am so behind

 

[premed913048]

Hi. Just wondering how your first 2 years experience were? What were the preclinical years like? Did you get clinical exposure early. Was the teaching clear and organized? TY

I'm a current M1 so I've only had a few weeks but I can try to help. They've recently changed the preclinical curriculum so it's 18 months of preclinical classes. 2nd semester of M2 you can choose to take your distinction semester to study for Step 1 and do research or whatever else you want or you can start rotations early and take distinction during your 3rd year (most people do it during M2 though). The professors I've met so far are all extremely friendly and happy to answer questions and give feedback.

As for clinical exposure, you start working with standardized patients from week 1. As for working with actual patients that is only built into the curriculum starting 3rd year. There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer at clinics and with street medicine though. Hopefully this helps!

 

[chazzamd]

Has anyone received secondaries yet? I'm surprised it's taking this long :0 not complaining tho I am so behind

no one has I think. thank god

 

[kath00]

I'm a current M1 so I've only had a few weeks but I can try to help. They've recently changed the preclinical curriculum so it's 18 months of preclinical classes. 2nd semester of M2 you can choose to take your distinction semester to study for Step 1 and do research or whatever else you want or you can start rotations early and take distinction during your 3rd year (most people do it during M2 though). The professors I've met so far are all extremely friendly and happy to answer questions and give feedback.

As for clinical exposure, you start working with standardized patients from week 1. As for working with actual patients that is only built into the curriculum starting 3rd year. There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer at clinics and with street medicine though. Hopefully this helps!

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I will be curious as the year goes on if the program seems better put together. I think some comments from prior year applicants was that the program seemed a little bit disorganized somehow. Maybe just testing the waters since it is new. I am hoping they continue to improve!

 

[jboi_2025]

I mean I’m kinda non trad. I did my undergrad and MA in modern history in the UK, then did a PostBac in the states. From California. Have had a few fairly unique jobs (semi pro athlete) but my GPA is on the lower side (3.4-3.5) and my MCAT is average for MD. People always say having unique stuff turns head but I’m not sure how much that’s true

If you can talk about your interesting points on your application and explain how they make you a better applicant then it can definitely help! I wouldn't make them the main focus of your apps but it can definitely be a great source for conversation during your interviews

 

[jboi_2025]

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I will be curious as the year goes on if the program seems better put together. I think some comments from prior year applicants was that the program seemed a little bit disorganized somehow. Maybe just testing the waters since it is new. I am hoping they continue to improve!

I agree with what @premed913048 said and would add that the new 18 month curriculum is on its third year, meaning that by now they'e made good progress working out the kinks. No curriculum can be perfect to every student but the good thing about attending a newer school is that the faculty and staff are eager to listen and implement student feedback. Definitely not something you'll find at older schools that are more set in their ways.

 

[deleted1157965]

Hi new premeds! Current M3 here at CUSM happy to answer any questions you may have about applying, education, IE, etc. Please feel free to message me here or DM if you prefer! Wishing you all the best of luck in this new application cycle!

how is life in colton/the IE?

 

[jboi_2025]

how is life in colton/the IE?

Asking a tough question lol. Not gonna sugar-coat it it can be pretty rough in some areas, but that's why the med school is here - to serve a severely underserved community. If you have a heart for serving the underserved then the opportunities here are many and this is the school for you

 

[Apothecary Aquinas]

how is life in colton/the IE?

Just to add a little, the area immediately around campus can be rough but there are some nicer areas around the IE to live in if you don't mind a commute. Riverside, Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga are a few that come to mind that have some nicer neighborhoods you can find. There are a couple of okay neighborhoods nearby the school like 'Wildrose' but you still occasionally here about car break-ins, etc.

As far as things to do (restaurant, bars, etc.), again, Riverside and Redlands are probably your closest and best options. If you're willing to drive then you've got OC and LA within an hour or so.

Other than that, there are beaches, vineyards, mountains and places to ski/snowboard within a 60-90 min drive.

 

[Aberjo]

Anyone get secondaries

 

[monkeym8]

Anyone get secondaries

nope… do they prescreen?

 

[billybob321]

I think they have a 506 mcat screen.

 

[monkeym8]

I think they have a 506 mcat screen.

hmmm it says preferred… idk if its a hard cutoff tho

 

[amoxicillin_resistant]

is this school known for switching up their secondary prompts?

 

[boulderbro12]

FINALLY secondary received

 

[HeyBabyBoy72]

FINALLY secondary received

Omg the first one I’ve heard of!

 

[billybob321]

Congrats! Are the prompts the same as last year?

 

[boulderbro12]

Congrats! Are the prompts the same as last year?

Yup exactly the same!

 

[postmix]

secondary received just now! IS

 

[tuntun]

Anyone know if they waive the app fee for applicants with FAP?

 

[HeyBabyBoy72]

Just got the secondary, IS, kind of ties?

 

[deleted1157965]

Anyone know if they waive the app fee for applicants with FAP?

their website says they do. otherwise it's $100

 

[Storming]

+1 IS secondary.

I read something that CUSM lost accreditation, is that true?

 

[deleted1157965]

+1 IS secondary.

I read something that CUSM lost accreditation, is that true?

Home

www.cusm.org

they're in between preliminary and provisional accreditation, which are both needed before full accreditation.

 

[pandastory]

What are the prompts

 

[HeyBabyBoy72]

+1 IS secondary.

I read something that CUSM lost accreditation, is that true?

I think they have to wait for their first class to graduate?

 

[Storming]

Home

www.cusm.org

they're in between preliminary and provisional accreditation, which are both needed before full accreditation.

Does that mean there’s a risk of graduating from the med school without being able to get your MD?

 

[jcoleslaw]

their website says they do. otherwise it's $100

I had that same question. I qualify for FAP and had all secondary fees waived except for this school. I think it might be worth sending an email to them for a fee waiver! Not sure why it doesn't show up automatically.

 

[chazzamd]

does anyone know if they send them all out at once or in waves?

 

[billybob321]

I still haven't gotten anything yet...

 

[deleted1157965]

Does that mean there’s a risk of graduating from the med school without being able to get your MD?

no. News | CUSM
they matched 100% of their class this year.

 

[Storming]

no. News | CUSM
they matched 100% of their class this year.

Thanks for this! I was nervous it would impede the ability for me to get licensure.

 

[deleted1157965]

Prompts:
Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. What did you do? 1500 characters

Provide us with a specific example of something you did which helped build enthusiasm in others. 1500 characters

How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? 1500 characters

Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? 1500 characters

What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent? How have you effectively used your skills in emotional intelligence in the past? 1500 characters

Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person? 1500 characters

What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? 1500 characters

If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? 1500 characters

Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? 1500 characters

If you were enrolled in fewer than 12 units/credits for more than 1 semester/2 quarters during your undergraduate education, please provide a brief explanation below. Optional (500 characters)
edit: @wysdoc tag!

 

[amoxicillin_resistant]

I still haven't gotten anything yet...

same

 

[huiyiung]

IS received. Yikes at these questions, and also wondering why the secondary fee waiver isn't applying!