INTERVIEWED AT UCLA? this is your thread!

[cipher]

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mfleur--

I interviewed on 2/27, so be sure to let me know when you hear something, and I'll do the same. I'm not really expecting to hear anything for another month or so, though.

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by CCHieb's
That is so weird, I called UCLA about my "decision" and they said under no circumstances could they tell me their decision over the phone. I hadn't even given my name, so it can't be that they didn't want to tell me bad news or anything...

The admissions office is highly selective on who they talk to.

Yeah, I'm wondering @ that too.

Skeptic, would you mind to tell us who you spoke w/ there and by what miracle you got them to divulge anything. Don't mean to doubt you, but you're a newbie w/ a screenname of "Skeptic", and it's getting close to April's Fool. Thanks. 😉

 

[mystic_b]

Gosh, I'm really wondering what's in store for all you 3/14ers. Reading this thread is like watching a soap opera or something..what's gonna happen next? I interviewed in early Dec. and my final letter sent box is STILL empty. Best of luck to all.

 

[Skeptic]

No problem Nefertari. And believe me, this isn't a joke. No need to try and "flush out the troll here." To me, this whole medical school process is a big April Fool's joke, but that's conversation for another forum. Anyhow, I called Tuesday at approx. 4:30 ish. I live in Westwood, and I think the lady I spoke with (she sounded completely different than whoever picks up the phone normally) was surprised I hadn't received my letter yet. I think that is the reason she was not hesitant to divulge any information. I, too, was a bit surprised considering she only asked for my AMCAS ID and then said, "oh, so you haven't heard from us yet? We wailed a letter recently..." So that's what happened. I called again today, to try and pick up some info about LA's waitlist, and got the normal person. She seemed less likely to have given me the info I wanted, especially if I hadn't told her I already received my waitlist notice.

In case some of you were wondering, from what I gathered today, UCLA uses a non-ranked waitlist system. From what the secretary also told me today, they have two separate priorities for people who did not get accepted or rejected. First priority (and this first vs second has no correlation to when the letter was sent...i believe it says in the letter you receive whether you are on a waitlist or on hold) is called the waitlist/alternante while second priority is considered a hold. She informed me that sometimes they rarely ever get to the hold list and advise those who receive that notification to make sounds judgements. For the actual waitlist, she said they normally draw many students off of it...more than normal.

Hope this helps. If anyone has any more questions, I'll be at some bar, trying to pass the time. Damned waitlists...

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by mystic_b
Gosh, I'm really wondering what's in store for all you 3/14ers. Reading this thread is like watching a soap opera or something..what's gonna happen next? I interviewed in early Dec. and my final letter sent box is STILL empty. Best of luck to all.

Hi mystic! How've you been? Yeah, it's been entertaining here--a little bit of everything (false claims, AA bickering, intrigue, speculation, anxiety, waiting). We're fumbling around in this thread, like the blind leading the blind.

Skeptic, thanks for passing on the info. No worries! We're a bit guarded recently due to all the troll action, as you've seen.

 

[CCHieb's]

Has anyone checked their mail yet today? If you count friday, and today, it is the official 5-day marker...but we all know that is BS anyway, huh??

Anyway...off subject, does anyone else question the time thing in SDN? I am always confused about when people are actually posting, and why my post always are off my like 9-hours?😕

If this is a stupid question, please don't attack, just be nice and explain it to me like I'm a 5 year old!😀

 

[cbpremed]

Checked my mail and got NOTHING from UCLA...again. I called and the lady said that the letters were actually sent monday..with a mean vioce. She just rushed me off the phone. This pisses me off. I hope I'm not getting my panties in a bunch over a waitlist.🙄 UCLA...why don't you love me???😕

 

[cipher]

Originally posted by CCHieb's
I am always confused about when people are actually posting, and why my post always are off my like 9-hours?😕

At the bottom of the last post for every thread it states "All times are GMT. The time now is ____." GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is 5 hours later than Eastern time and 8 hours later than Pacific. Greenwich was chosen because of it's location on the Prime Meridian, which is zero degrees longitude. If you want to know exactly what GMT is, check out this site:

http://greenwichmeantime.com/

It'll also tell you how accurate your computer's clock is, relative to GMT.

 

[CCHieb's]

Originally posted by cipher
At the bottom of the last post for every thread it states "All times are GMT. The time now is ____." GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is 5 hours later than Eastern time and 8 hours later than Pacific. Greenwich was chosen because of it's location on the Prime Meridian, which is zero degrees longitude. If you want to know exactly what GMT is, check out this site:

http://greenwichmeantime.com/

It'll also tell you how accurate your computer's clock is, relative to GMT.

Thanks!! Wow, it all comes together now...

 

[Nefertari]

hey guys-

I called wed afternoon & talked to someone who sounded like the younger receptionist. She admitted that the 3/14 letters weren't actually mailed til Mon. I doubt they actually got out of their bulk mail system til Wed (yesterday). If it's any consolation, the woman I talked to sounded like she commiserated w/ our agony, but their policy's hush-hush (you'd think they would learn after being berated by anxious apps year after year). 🙄

CCHieb, your computer clock may be off. That happened to me for a while til I fixed the time (go to your SDN CP and reset to your time zone). Hope that works. Btw, it's great to have some SDN company while waiting--it's hard for folks from real life to empathize w/ what we're going through (even my b/f). 🙂

 

[Dr. Don]

NOTHING YET WTF!!!

anyways, I think you are right Nefertari about the letters not being out until yesterday, maybe even today. My mailman knows that I'm expecting this very important letter from med school, so we had a nice little chat about healthcare, HMOs, the war, etc. Anyways, he has been a mailman for about 10 years and he told me that mail from UCLA to my area, gets here within one day! So, he was like, are you sure they sent it friday? and I was like, well that's what it says on my online status 😕 , so he said he'll look out for my letter, but as the days keep passing, I must say I'm not really optimistic about it.....

 

[dr. deez]

i called the office yesterday (wed) and asked when the latest batch of acceptances went out and the woman said "we sent out different notices and i cant tell you what they are"... still waiting😕

 

[XENON-RAMZ]

i cant believe that the street fights lost focus from actual decision outcomes to mail service. ppl just chill. 90% that letters from the 14th are waitlists.

 

[Waitlistee]

Hey guys, if you want to know how UCLA writes their letter stating that you are waitlisted.....then let me explain. I kept my letter from last year when I was wailisted. Here it goes:

Dear Applicant(Actually they personalize your letter with your last name, how nice!!?!)
Your application to the UCLA School of Medicine is complete and has been acted upon.
The committee on Admissions considers you to be a qualified candidate for medical school. We have thus assigned you to a waitling list without ranking. Candidates from the waitling list may be selected 😱 for vacancies in the class if they become available.
...................................Please keep us up to date by submitting any additional credentials which might be important for your record.

Sincerely,
Neil H. Parker

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by Waitlistee
Hey guys, if you want to know how UCLA writes their letter stating that you are waitlisted.....then let me explain. I kept my letter from last year when I was wailisted.

Hi, I remember you mentioning earlier that last year before you received your waitlist letter, your online status was blank. The other day though, someone here was informed of waitlist status who had a final decision date (3/14) on the online status. Could you please clarify? Thanks.

 

[Waitlistee]

I think last year they considered a waiting list letter as not a final letter....that's my assumption but I could be wrong. Maybe thay changed it this year.

 

[djwdv]

Originally posted by XENON-RAMZ
i cant believe that the street fights lost focus from actual decision outcomes to mail service. ppl just chill. 90% that letters from the 14th are waitlists.

Probably most are.. but if it's true that someone did interview fairly recently - i think they said within the last 6 weeks or knew someone who did - who also had their status page change, then that's probably an acceptance, unless UCLA is suddenly on the ball with things, but judging from their past history with being slow, I don't think they'd send that person a waitlist or rejection so soon. So some of those letters must be acceptances - we hope, at least!

 

[geromine]

Originally posted by Nefertari
Hi, I remember you mentioning earlier that last year before you received your waitlist letter, your online status was blank. The other day though, someone here was informed of waitlist status who had a final decision date (3/14) on the online status. Could you please clarify? Thanks.

No, last year a bunch of people had final decision box checked off and then they got waitlisted. I read that on last year's UCLA thread. Just do a search for UCLA, there's a thread that started in march 2002 that's more or less being repeated this year. We'll all probably get the letters saturday or monday. But, I'm personally not to eager to get it.

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by geromine
No, last year a bunch of people had final decision box checked off and then they got waitlisted. I read that on last year's UCLA thread. Just do a search for UCLA, there's a thread that started in march 2002 that's more or less being repeated this year. We'll all probably get the letters saturday or monday. But, I'm personally not to eager to get it.

geromine, I've skimmed through last year's threads, but have been unable to go back to read more since the search function went down (does anybody know what's up w/ that, btw?).

i do remember that @ March last year, I only saw 2 apps posting @ their mid-March decision letters, which turned out to be acceptances. A week after that, the pre-secondary rejections were received. Then most of the waitlist notices in April. But as you mentioned, last year there was a big delay due to amcas, so maybe they're sending out the waitlist earlier this year. However, they seem to be behind this year as well (i.e. mid Jan batch wasn't sent out til beginning Feb). 😕

 

[geromine]

Here's the thread: http://www.studentdoctor.net/forums...2&perpage=20&highlight=UCLA 2002&pagenumber=5

See this is where about 10 different people all get the letters sent on 4/20/02 and most of them were people waiting on decision for a few months. Now before you all start saying that the date is a month ahead or whatever, I should remind you that they were substantially behind in terms of their interviews and acceptances last year so the timeline wasn't exactly the same. Strikingly similar circumstances suggest that the batch sent on 3/14/03 consists entirely of waitlists.

 

[geromine]

Wait, my bad, I think that there might be some rejects too I just saw that but no acceptances.🙁

 

[djwdv]

dang.. oh well.. it looks like the result will be what i thought for myself. Is there a prize for being able to guess correctly the outcomes for all your interviews? I'm at 100% right now.. can someone accept me into psychic school?

 

[Nefertari]

geromine, thanks for digging up that thread (must have been a lot of work w/o the search!). How eerie--it's the exact mirror of this thread. You're right, big batch of waitlists and a few rejections (poor lobster snail 🙁 ).

hey, on the bright side, we're lucky "monotone guy" doesn't work there anymore!

 

[Dr. Don]

It's official people, my friend (34 MCAT, 3.3-3.4 science GPA, URM!!!!) got the waitlist letter today WTF 😕 anyways expecting my letter in 3 more hours...

 

[djwdv]

Did he tell you what waitlist priority group he's in? The person at the admissions office said that your letter should tell you - and that they ARE using the 2 tier waitlist this year.

 

[XENON-RAMZ]

waitlist is ok. rejection post interview is humiliating.

 

[Dr. Don]

well he just said he got placed on an unranked waitlist, which I guess means, waitlist priority 1, seeing that I heard there was also the possibility of being placed "on-hold" right?

 

[djwdv]

Hm. Shoot.. forgot to ask the lady what the groups are called. I did say, "Is there a higher priority waitlist and then a lower priority group - an on-hold group?" or something like that. I definitely used the "hold" phrase.. I'll check my letter today and see what mine says. Hope the sdners get the priority 1 group!!!!!

 

[Waitlistee]

UCLA, give me a break!!!!! I guess I broke the record for having been placed on the waitlist for the second time. Well guys, I got my letter today. They gave me the big fat W.....waitlist without ranking. They didn't have the decency to change a few words from last year's letter. Oh well, I guess I 'm going to UCSD. I had my interview on 1/16....and got the 3/14 letter today. Eight weeks on the dot. I guess I will wait now! This is Waitlistee the Second, at your service.

 

[djwdv]

Waitlistee, did you actively pursue UCLA last year after you got put on the waitlist? Just curious...I find it really interesting they put you on there twice.

 

[Waitlistee]

Yes I did. I gave them two letters of rec and y current transcript, also proof of teaching assistantship by my dean. This year I going to donate my left kidney to UCLA and a millions dollars to get an acceptance. What do you guys think?😕

 

[XENON-RAMZ]

did anyone get a rejection letter? post em ur anonymous!


i have a bad feeling that the next stage of decision making will be lots of rejections!😱

 

[mystic_b]

How long have you been waiting post-interview, XENON? I don't have a final decision sent either, and I don't know what to make of it, but I'm trying not to waste too much energy speculating....haha, yeah right. I'm around four months post-interview now.

 

[Dr. Don]

for us waitlisted people, can you share your interview experience with us and maybe give some reasons as to why you think you were placed on a waitlist instead of outright accepted? I believe I'm going to get waitlisted because my verbal is a little on the low side, so although they decided to offer me an interview, I believe they will place me on the waitlist and see what kind of applicant pool they get, then my fate will be decided.

 

[pocwana]

...waiting list without ranking..... i wait 4 months to wait 4 more months?!? i say forget them, i'm going across town to be a condom (as my b/f puts it)

 

[CCHieb's]

Is everyone who got their letter today from LA, or will my little SF mailbox have a chance to be filled today as well? I guess if it is not today it will be tomorrow....I want to leave work now!!!

 

[XENON-RAMZ]

i interviewed late jan

 

[djwdv]

Alas... left work early and no letter - don't think us NorCal people will get till tomorrow at least....

🙄

 

[T-bruin]

Dang! I've just been waitlisted. I interviewed on 3/5 and the letter was dated 3/14. I can't believe they waitlisted me so fast! Is this is bad sign?

 

[djwdv]

Forgot to mention.. got confirmation today that the 1st priority waitlist is the "unranked waitlist" and the 2nd priority group is called the "hold" group. So T-Bruin, this may not be bad if you're on the unranked waitlist. This is the list they go to first to pull ppl off. Good luck!

 

[Dr. Don]

well, I guess I'm on the waitlist priority 1 list then. T-bruin, that was quick!!! I don't know what to think of it, but hopefully we'll receive some good news later.

 

[Nefertari]

Wow, guys, at least no rejections in that batch. I'm still working right now and enjoying my ignorant limbo before going home and probably having it change to waitlist limbo. 🙁

 

[geromine]

I think I'm going to be waitlisted because at schools like UCLA, they get so many good applicants in terms of numbers that they are forced to come with some other means of deciding who to accept. That usually means that they place a lot of emphasis on creating a diverse student body and most of the people on the first round are either people that have superb credentials or those with extraordinary life experiences. Me, on the other hand, have neither of these two traits. Though, numberwise above school average, I'm by no means exceptional. I'm not a non-trad and I've never climbed mount Everest. So, in retrospect, it is understandable for them to pick other students ahead of me. I'm just hoping that my 3/14 letter is in fact a waitlist(rather than a rejection) and that a good number of the current acceptees will choose stronger programs like UCSF, Stanford and Ivy League schools over UCLA so that I may have a chance to get in.

As for my interview I felt that it went pretty well, although it was unusually short(~30min). Only had one interview and that was with a faculty member.

I think that its important for us to be realistic about our expectations and have solid schools as back ups so that our future isn't dependent on our luck with the waitlists.

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by geromine
most of the people on the first round are either people that have superb credentials or those with extraordinary life experiences. Me, on the other hand, have neither of these two traits. Though, numberwise above school average, I'm by no means exceptional. I'm not a non-trad and I've never climbed mount Everest. So, in retrospect, it is understandable for them to pick other students ahead of me.

geromine, whether or not you end up going there, you don't have to downplay your background or experiences. I'm sure besides the #'s there are aspects of your app that are exceptional. Even though I'm a non-trad and have climbed Everest (j/k 😉 ), I'd say that you don't have to be this or have these experiences to stand out. Unless somebody's a total recluse in suburbia, there are so many things that can stand out in your app on many levels (i.e. socially, culturally, economically).

So whatever that letter says tomorrow (I didn't get it today either), let's try not to attach too much of our self-esteem to it. 🙂

 

[moviefreak]

i also got waitlisted. unfortunately, i already graduated so updating my application is hard. i don't want to get my hopes up this time. i had a good interview w/ a few positive feedback but my mcat score is a tad below their average.
so if the waitlist is not ranked, how do they determine applicants that get pulled out?

 

[Dr. Don]

Originally posted by moviefreak


so if the waitlist is not ranked, how do they determine applicants that get pulled out?

well moviefreak, according to my sources, UCLA Med says the waitlist is not ranked, but in reality it is, they just won't tell us what our ranking is. For those of us waitlisted, send in updated transcrips, letters of rec, and letters of intent to beef up your application. good luck!

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by Dr. Don
for us waitlisted people, can you share your interview experience with us and maybe give some reasons as to why you think you were placed on a waitlist instead of outright accepted? I believe I'm going to get waitlisted because my verbal is a little on the low side, so although they decided to offer me an interview, I believe they will place me on the waitlist and see what kind of applicant pool they get, then my fate will be decided.

Hi Don,

Waitlisted here too--It looks like the waitlist definitely is longer than 30. For a school with such an excellent reputation, you'd think they could make up their minds!! In my 8 months on SDN, I've never used this smilie before . . . . So cruel of them to do this @ 3/15!

Gosh, if I were to speculate on the reasons, I'd have to say my mcat bio and phys, the fact that I could not send them a letter of intent, and perhaps my luck w/ that interviewer--but only God knows why.

 

[dirtybob]

hey guys, i'm so sorry to hear about the bad news for 3/14....but hang in there guys

ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE STILL WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM?

When did you interview? (date)

I'll start

dirtybob 1/31

 

[cipher]

Originally posted by Nefertari

the fact that I could not send them a letter of intent..

Why couldn't you send them a letter of intent? Had you already sent one to another school?

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by cipher
Why couldn't you send them a letter of intent? Had you already sent one to another school?

Yes, it would have been unfaithful to my true love (hope it won't be unrequited). 😉

Though I did send a letter of interest (which in retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have since it doesn't sound so compelling). Anyhow, probably wouldn't have mattered.