2023-2024 UC San Diego

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
For those who interviewed, is the interview open or closed file? I've never done an MMI before so don't know what to expect...
 
For those who interviewed, is the interview open or closed file? I've never done an MMI before so don't know what to expect...
It is closed file! You are presented with a scenario or question to discuss with each interviewer that doesn't have to do with your application. But you can still tie in things about yourself in your answer if it applies.
 
It is closed file! You are presented with a scenario or question to discuss with each interviewer that doesn't have to do with your application. But you can still tie in things about yourself in your answer if it applies.
I see, thank you so much!!
 
Did anyone else have a really bad experience with one of the MMI station's interviewers yesterday (or maybe at a previous date)? Without too many specifics about the station, it was the Greek faculty member who was super combative and antagonistic. Just wanted to gauge if only I got destroyed by that station or if others also had a bad experience.
 
Did anyone else have a really bad experience with one of the MMI station's interviewers yesterday (or maybe at a previous date)? Without too many specifics about the station, it was the Greek faculty member who was super combative and antagonistic. Just wanted to gauge if only I got destroyed by that station or if others also had a bad experience.
I dont remember much about specific faculty but I did come out of my interview kind of feeling like wtf just happened. One of the interviewers gave me a weird look while I was talking (perhaps to throw me off??) and in general I just felt like they were unimpressed with me lol. But I’ve heard they give you a bit of a hard time on purpose so I wouldn’t get too too worried.
 
I dont remember much about specific faculty but I did come out of my interview kind of feeling like wtf just happened. One of the interviewers gave me a weird look while I was talking (perhaps to throw me off??) and in general I just felt like they were unimpressed with me lol. But I’ve heard they give you a bit of a hard time on purpose so I wouldn’t get too too worried.
Yeah the dude literally yawned and stared off into space while I was talking and then interrupted me later/asked me some super weird follow ups. Kept my cool so hopefully it was a stress test that I passed lol. Thank you!
 
they said “by Nov 3” for those of us who interviewed 9/20 but they didn’t specify how soon before then we’d hear back 🙁 wondering if any other applicants have better insight 😂
They also said this for those who interviewed 10/4. I think after Nov 3 people will hear much more quickly though, my friend who interviewed last year said they heard back in 1-2 weeks
 
They also said this for those who interviewed 10/4. I think after Nov 3 people will hear much more quickly though, my friend who interviewed last year said they heard back in 1-2 weeks
BTW I interviewed 10/12 and they said they'd let us know ON 11/10 (not earlier). Possible that the same logic applies here so you may hear back on 11/3 but not earlier.

And also thanks all for the reassurance!! It was only one station anyway so hoping it works out
 
Do y’all know what the post II A rate is? Or any further info on what the school is looking for? I know they are big on underserved populations and health equity but I feel like every school is. Any current students here that can elaborate?
 
Do y’all know what the post II A rate is? Or any further info on what the school is looking for? I know they are big on underserved populations and health equity but I feel like every school is. Any current students here that can elaborate?
Two sources I've seen (2021 and 2022 data) have it at about 1/3 with maybe 2-3% higher for IS vs OOS. Can't speak to what they're looking for though
 
Two sources I've seen (2021 and 2022 data) have it at about 1/3 with maybe 2-3% higher for IS vs OOS. Can't speak to what they're looking for though
That's what confuses me about the whole MMI thing. Is that really what they're using to say no to 2/3 of folks???
 
That's what confuses me about the whole MMI thing. Is that really what they're using to say no to 2/3 of folks???
It's super school dependent and some schools make offers based on interviews scores/evals alone, but I believe for most schools this is how it works: after your interview, you go to committee where your whole application is scored and/or ranked using your interview evals/scores + the rest of your app. That score/rank is then used to determine post-interview A/WL/R. Idk how UCSD does it and it's very school dependent so there might be a secret other method/some combo of what I mentioned

Edit: Also look up LizzyM staircase analogy for more info on how decisions might be made post-interview
 
They also said this for those who interviewed 10/4. I think after Nov 3 people will hear much more quickly though, my friend who interviewed last year said they heard back in 1-2 weeks
yeah idk but I will probably just be anxious 24/7 from oct 15 to nov 3 I guess lol
 
Hi all, has anyone else heard about UCSDs current incoming M1 class no longer being in a pass fail grading system? I heard this from a trusted source, a current UCSD med student but not M1. I can’t find anything online about this, and if true, I think is something important to know for next years class. Any current M1s, or anyone else on here who can corroborate?
 
Hi all, has anyone else heard about UCSDs current incoming M1 class no longer being in a pass fail grading system? I heard this from a trusted source, a current UCSD med student but not M1. I can’t find anything online about this, and if true, I think is something important to know for next years class. Any current M1s, or anyone else on here who can corroborate?

Forwarding a message from a current M1: “We are Pass/Fail for the first 2 years. After that we are Pass Fail but with High Pass or Honors for
Clinical rotations. They would like to add Acolades. So it would be Pass/Fail the first 2 years but if you were especially good with communication or a specific course, you could get an accolade on top of passing. But they aren’t sure how to implement that without it being competitive currently. So it’s on hold! 🙂
 
Forwarding a message from a current M1: “We are Pass/Fail for the first 2 years. After that we are Pass Fail but with High Pass or Honors for
Clinical rotations. They would like to add Acolades. So it would be Pass/Fail the first 2 years but if you were especially good with communication or a specific course, you could get an accolade on top of passing. But they aren’t sure how to implement that without it being competitive currently. So it’s on hold! 🙂
Thank you!!!
 
they said “by Nov 3” for those of us who interviewed 9/20 but they didn’t specify how soon before then we’d hear back 🙁 wondering if any other applicants have better insight 😂
yeah idk but I will probably just be anxious 24/7 from oct 15 to nov 3 I guess lol
On my interview day, someone asked the director of admissions if we should be on alert before Nov 3rd for any decisions (aka if it's *by* Nov 3rd or *on* Nov 3rd) and he said that we'd hear from them *on* Nov 3rd so we don't need to worry about incessantly checking our emails before then!
 
can anyone here confirm or deny the statement that interviewing for a PRIME program Does NOT effect your chances at the main MD program? I'm a little confused by this idea, do people get denied at PRIME but accepted at the main program? if you do receive an II for PRIME, how should you interpret the committees current view of your app?
 
can anyone here confirm or deny the statement that interviewing for a PRIME program Does NOT effect your chances at the main MD program?
Yes. For both PRIME and GHAC you first get notified of your MD only acceptance and then the processing for the specific programs begin. For the sub-programs those acceptances happened sometime in March.
I'm a little confused by this idea, do people get denied at PRIME but accepted at the main program?
Yep.
if you do receive an II for PRIME, how should you interpret the committees current view of your app?
imo, it means they understand your motivations and interest in UCSD but first will be evaluating you for the MD program. The interview is the same standard MMI for everyone, regardless of sub-program.
 
Yes. For both PRIME and GHAC you first get notified of your MD only acceptance and then the processing for the specific programs begin. For the sub-programs those acceptances happened sometime in March.

Yep.

imo, it means they understand your motivations and interest in UCSD but first will be evaluating you for the MD program. The interview is the same standard MMI for everyone, regardless of sub-program.
Ah that makes a lot more sense, thanks for clarifying that.
 
Yes. For both PRIME and GHAC you first get notified of your MD only acceptance and then the processing for the specific programs begin. For the sub-programs those acceptances happened sometime in March.

Yep.

imo, it means they understand your motivations and interest in UCSD but first will be evaluating you for the MD program. The interview is the same standard MMI for everyone, regardless of sub-program.
I was just about to ask if the interview is the same for everything since I just got an invite today with GHAC in the subject line (but not mentioned anywhere else). So the sub-programs aren't separate in their interviewing process, at least? Does every sub-program applicant get an interview, or does the adcom cut down those applicants, too?
 
I was just about to ask if the interview is the same for everything since I just got an invite today with GHAC in the subject line (but not mentioned anywhere else). So the sub-programs aren't separate in their interviewing process, at least? Does every sub-program applicant get an interview, or does the adcom cut down those applicants, too?
Yes, standard interviews for everyone to first get accepted in to the school. GHAC interviews will occur separately by invitation after acceptance up till March.
 
I'm not sure.. I feel like some of the stations went better than others but I'm worried none of them were particularly great. I feel like it's really hard to tell with MMIs
Me exactly 🥲 felt like this was my least favorite interview
 
Does getting an interview mean you pass their academic qualifications? My gpa is below their 10th percentile and I don’t want to get my hopes up lol
 
Does getting an interview mean you pass their academic qualifications? My gpa is below their 10th percentile and I don’t want to get my hopes up lol

saw someone on tik tok with a 2.88 GPA and 504 mcat (2 time taker) who is white female (sociodemographic context since everyone always seems to include this) and she is an MS1 at UCSD — don’t lose hope <3
 
Does getting an interview mean you pass their academic qualifications? My gpa is below their 10th percentile and I don’t want to get my hopes up lol
Couldn’t tell ya. I don’t know how any of this works anymore 🙃 and my undergrad gpa is also very low, so I’m right there with you lol
 
damn I havent even received a secondary application yet, do yall think I should just kinda move on from this school or do yall know if they are sending them out still?
It wouldn't hurt to email admissions with a question like this. Just check your spam first and confirm primary submission. Best of luck!!
 
Do any of you who interviewed in the last week of September think we will hear by Friday? I just tracked last 2 years' cycles and many people from first round interviews heard the last Fri of October it seems!
Also can someone who already interviewed at UCSD please PM me. I have a question about my day...
 
Last edited:
Do any of you who interviewed in the last week of September think we will hear by Friday? I just tracked last 2 years' cycles and many people from first round interviews heard the last Fri of October it seems!
Also can someone who already interviewed at UCSD please PM me. I have a question about my day...
I interviewed Sept 12 and they said we will hear on Nov. 3rd exactly.
 
damn I havent even received a secondary application yet, do yall think I should just kinda move on from this school or do yall know if they are sending them out still?
+1 here. Their website says they will circle back on apps and consider people for secondaries in January again, but given the amount of pre-II holds that go out I'm not holding my breath.
 
Top