official CA POST BAC 2010

[jslo85]

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If I don't get in...
... I might need to find a job that will finance Extension (Science) courses either in UCLA or UCBerkeley... while studying for the MCAT. Will take at least 1 humanities course at a Community College.

I read somewhere and was told that upper division undergraduate coursework are highly recommended by MedSchool AdComs than masters level science courses since the grades are often inflated on the latter.

I will be submitting other postbac programs (SMPs) that accepts a huge cohort i.e. Virginia Commonwealth University (~70), Boston U (~100?). Please correct me if the numbers are incorrect. I would hope that financial aid would cover majority of expenses for SMPs.

That is not true. Upper division UG coursework is not "favored" over that of Masters level coursework. This is in itself subjective, as you have plenty of "Masters" programs to choose from but to do a traditional Masters when you require AE for medical school admissions is for all conventional purposes, a waste of time. If medical school is your aim and you academic competence is in question from your troubled GPA, the only Masters level courses you should be taking is from a SMP or MBS style program. At that point you are being offered medical school courses or medical school equivalent courses graded against the medical student average. If "Masters coursework" were looked poorly on as compared to UG, then Tufts MBS and Gtown SMP would not be able to boast numbers of 80%+ for their students to matriculate into medical school, nor would people be paying 35-45K to enter.

BU MAMS has about 200+ students. I'm not sure about VCU, you are probably around the rough ballpark on that number. BU MAMS is about 40,000 for tuition alone for 2010-2011 with about 20,000 per semester. Financial aids for SMPs would be Graduate Stafford Loans (20,000), Perkins Loans (up to 20,000), Directplus or FFEL loans. This may be less depending on which program you wish to attend.

 

[Santose]

Is anyone aware as to what type of interview questions will be asked of us?

 

[interferongamma]

That is not true. Upper division UG coursework is not "favored" over that of Masters level coursework. This is in itself subjective, as you have plenty of "Masters" programs to choose from but to do a traditional Masters when you require AE for medical school admissions is for all conventional purposes, a waste of time. If medical school is your aim and you academic competence is in question from your troubled GPA, the only Masters level courses you should be taking is from a SMP or MBS style program. At that point you are being offered medical school courses or medical school equivalent courses graded against the medical student average. If "Masters coursework" were looked poorly on as compared to UG, then Tufts MBS and Gtown SMP would not be able to boast numbers of 80%+ for their students to matriculate into medical school, nor would people be paying 35-45K to enter.

BU MAMS has about 200+ students. I'm not sure about VCU, you are probably around the rough ballpark on that number. BU MAMS is about 40,000 for tuition alone for 2010-2011 with about 20,000 per semester. Financial aids for SMPs would be Graduate Stafford Loans (20,000), Perkins Loans (up to 20,000), Directplus or FFEL loans. This may be less depending on which program you wish to attend.

YES you are right! I forgot about SMP's. I was directing it to taking master courses taken as an extension or open u student. of course, there are heavily lecture based master courses. i guess for some of them, i was referring to seminar courses.

 

[interferongamma]

(deleted)

 

[DocOpotamus]

guys... i would like to share this with you so we can all have an idea of app timelines by other applicants. i hope i won't jinx any possible positive outcome.


Applied as: First time applicant
Application submitted on: April 10
Marked COMPLETE: April 15

Your title was UCI Interview? This may be terribly unnecessary, but did you post your info bc you got one? Thank you so much.

 

[Donchissy]

There are plenty of reasons why someone wouldn't be able to travel to a school for an interview (ie. they're out of the state, don't have a car/license, etc.). Just thought you should know...

Thanks Stephaine for clearing that out, but I just thought that if you were called for a medical schl interview, i doubt if you will turn that down for the reasons you state (such as out-of-state residence, or don't have license)

 

[Donchissy]

Is anyone aware as to what type of interview questions will be asked of us?

Because the program is focused on serving in underserved population, prepare to explain your passion for the underserved and/or which underserved population you grew up in/ served.
Also, I hear they ask about 'health care in the US' question, so know the basis facts of healthcare issues. A good one is what is your most pressing health issue, and how will you address it.

...good luck.

 

[Steph1NeeNee]

Is anyone aware as to what type of interview questions will be asked of us?

My friend's friend got an interview at UCI and she said they asked her about a random genetic disorder. She happened to know about the condition, thanks to a Discovery Health tv show. For things like this, it's not common knowledge, so I wouldn't worry about it that much. She was also asked about the healthcare reform bill, why underserved/underprivileged communities (and why do you consider yourself underserved/underprivileged) etc.

 

[Medimed]

Is anyone aware as to what type of interview questions will be asked of us?

you can check last year posts to get some idea. Few people posted the interview questions.

 

[postbac87]

This just may be a hunch.

Or maybe a pessimistic view.

But I talked to UCI and they said if you are selected for an interview, you have been contacted directly by the UCI office.

and then at the end she said that they are still reviewing applications. but she hinted at it was on rolling basis, so I think the only applicants they are still reviewing are probably the ones in late April/2nd deadline for reapplicants (sometime in May I think)

So she just basically kind of hinted saying if you did not get a interview, you were not notified and June 1st is basically when they will send out the "final notices"

I felt my heart breaking during that conversation.

 

[PostbaccNK]

This just may be a hunch.

Or maybe a pessimistic view.

But I talked to UCI and they said if you are selected for an interview, you have been contacted directly by the UCI office.

and then at the end she said that they are still reviewing applications. but she hinted at it was on rolling basis, so I think the only applicants they are still reviewing are probably the ones in late April/2nd deadline for reapplicants (sometime in May I think)

So she just basically kind of hinted saying if you did not get a interview, you were not notified and June 1st is basically when they will send out the "final notices"

I felt my heart breaking during that conversation.

I know the feeling. Everyday, I get more and more depressed thinking that I've probably been rejected.

 

[postbac87]

I know the feeling. Everyday, I get more and more depressed thinking that I've probably been rejected.

Yeah...

I mean it makes sense considering how it went last year too.

I mean people already heard from UCI/UCD/UCSD and UCSF.

And you get a interview, and if you get accepted they tell you within 2 weeks.
They do this with their top applicants until the amount of acceptances actually "reserve their spot" and the schools will stop interviewing.

And since it is only 8-10 spots for most schools, it is understandable.

And we have to consider that most of the applicants are not replying to this thread...lol. So each school probably sent out dozens of interviews already.

Yeah, I am looking for jobs now -_____-;;

 

[jslo85]

Well I don't think it's totally out of the question because it seems from skimming this thread that people have a pattern of applying to several UCs thus the ones who receive interviews at one may have also interviewed at others, thus making multiple acceptances possible, ultimately requiring them to reject the others and only pick one. Do they have a certain waitlist or notify you if you're on the alternate list? If so I would expect some substantial movement from here till the "deadline" of the end of the cycle.

Also if you didn't get in this cycle, applying next cycle with the same stats may not be the most constructive thing to do. I understand that there are financial issues that must be taken care of, but there are many other options available such as taking classes at SFSU, or the berkeley extension, more clinical work research, take the MCAT/prep for it, etc. Just saying if you haven't lost your aim towards medical school, looking elsewhere at other options including other programs and boosting your application in different ways would probably be a smart decision.

 

[DocOpotamus]

Yeah...

I mean it makes sense considering how it went last year too.

I mean people already heard from UCI/UCD/UCSD and UCSF.

And you get a interview, and if you get accepted they tell you within 2 weeks.
They do this with their top applicants until the amount of acceptances actually "reserve their spot" and the schools will stop interviewing.

And since it is only 8-10 spots for most schools, it is understandable.

And we have to consider that most of the applicants are not replying to this thread...lol. So each school probably sent out dozens of interviews already.

Yeah, I am looking for jobs now -_____-;;

Be optimistic and check out this link. Someone got an interview invite in 2006 on May 15th from UCD. It's not over just yet. Plus, why would there be priority deadlines if the spots fill up before that date? Think about it ; ) That is not priority consideration.

 

[DocOpotamus]

Well I don't think it's totally out of the question because it seems from skimming this thread that people have a pattern of applying to several UCs thus the ones who receive interviews at one may have also interviewed at others, thus making multiple acceptances possible, ultimately requiring them to reject the others and only pick one. Do they have a certain waitlist or notify you if you're on the alternate list? If so I would expect some substantial movement from here till the "deadline" of the end of the cycle.

Also if you didn't get in this cycle, applying next cycle with the same stats may not be the most constructive thing to do. I understand that there are financial issues that must be taken care of, but there are many other options available such as taking classes at SFSU, or the berkeley extension, more clinical work research, take the MCAT/prep for it, etc. Just saying if you haven't lost your aim towards medical school, looking elsewhere at other options including other programs and boosting your application in different ways would probably be a smart decision.

I could not agree more. This is no time to "go postal".

 

[interferongamma]

I could not agree more. This is no time to "go postal".

Just one quick question:

For the incoming 2010-2011 cohort of 8-10 students, is it going to consist of First-time and Re-applicants?

 

[eatadandelion]

Have any of you guys applied to USC?

 

[jslo85]

Have any of you guys applied to USC?

Mmm.. this is a CA post-bacc thread haha so I'm not sure if this would be the most appropriate thread to ask this.

Not to mention I think most of the SDN members who have participated in applying to the UC programs have completed most if not all of their pre-reqs.

I was strongly under the impression that the USC post-bacc is a pre-med post-bacc catering to non-traditionals who have completed none of the medical school pre-reqs. It is also a rather expensive program whereas the CA consortium caters primarily towards underserved and troubled socioeconomic applicants.

If you're asking about other programs that fit a certain criteria I might be able to help.

 

[DocOpotamus]

Just one quick question:

For the incoming 2010-2011 cohort of 8-10 students, is it going to consist of First-time and Re-applicants?

I assume so given that it is open to both first-time applicants and reapplicants. Whether the program favors one over the other, I'm not sure.

 

[dashak]

UCLA RAP is for reapplicants only. All the other ones are for both.

 

[Santose]

Has anyone that completed the application on April 9th received word from any of the UC's??? Arg! What is taking so long.

 

[PostBacc2010]

@Santose: I completed my application April 9th and I'm still getting the silent treatment.

 

[Steph1NeeNee]

Has anyone that completed the application on April 9th received word from any of the UC's??? Arg! What is taking so long.

Most of us are still waiting.

 

[postbac87]

Most of us are still waiting.

Ditto

 

[dashak]

Has anyone considered the Drexel IMS program in Sacramento? You take med school classes, but there is no MCAT prep. But I think they offer a guaranteed interview with a 3.0 GPA, at least they do at the one actually in Drexel.

 

[Donchissy]

Has anyone considered the Drexel IMS program in Sacramento? You take med school classes, but there is no MCAT prep. But I think they offer a guaranteed interview with a 3.0 GPA, at least they do at the one actually in Drexel.

What is the drexel program like? just curious

 

[dashak]

I am just applying, so I can't tell you first hand what it is like, I can only tell you what I have read. You take medical school classes with the Drexel M1 students. The lectures are simulcast with the med school and apparently you can still ask questions. The lectures are also video-cast on the internet for your studying pleasure. If you meet the 3.0 GPA and 27 mcat minimum, after the first semester, you are granted an interview with the medical school.

The take home message is that the curriculum consists of medical school classes. This is an opportunity to show that you can succeed in that environment, and gives medical schools an example of your ability.

 

[Steph1NeeNee]

I am just applying, so I can't tell you first hand what it is like, I can only tell you what I have read. You take medical school classes with the Drexel M1 students. The lectures are simulcast with the med school and apparently you can still ask questions. The lectures are also video-cast on the internet for your studying pleasure. If you meet the 3.0 GPA and 27 mcat minimum, after the first semester, you are granted an interview with the medical school.

The take home message is that the curriculum consists of medical school classes. This is an opportunity to show that you can succeed in that environment, and gives medical schools a tangible example of your ability.

I went to their site and it says it's a program for non-sciene majors. The curriculum says you take general chemistry and other gen ed classes. Is there another program that you're talking about?

 

[dashak]

http://sacramento.drexel.edu/programs/interdepartmental-medical-science/

Did you visit this one?

 

[jslo85]

I went to their site and it says it's a program for non-sciene majors. The curriculum says you take general chemistry and other gen ed classes. Is there another program that you're talking about?

You're looking at Drexel DPMS or MSP probably, they're referring to Drexel IMS which has the location at their original campus and the Sac campus that they recently opened for the purpose of this program as well.

To be honest, I've heard mixed reviews on Drexel's IMS program and it works out for some and not so much for others. You take a large amount of medical school courses compared to most SMPs but at the same time, the guaranteed interview doesn't mean as much as strong linkage SMPS such as EVMS and UCinn. I'm assuming they do the same live telecast system they have at their original campus where IMS students enter their video booths/room and listen to the live broadcast that is going on in Queen's lane.

 

[interferongamma]

am i the only one who checks email a bazillion times a day?

 

[Mandanesss]

Not at all. I do that too 🙁

 

[Santose]

am i the only one who checks email a bazillion times a day?

Nope, I have been checking for the past month. Still no luck!

 

[DocOpotamus]

am i the only one who checks email a bazillion times a day?

No, me too...Plus, I check this site a billion times a day to see if people are getting interviews. Anyways, you're not alone if that helps. Just knowing we are in this together helps me get through the day : )

 

[ricexeater]

so iv given up and now im asking when do rejection notifications get sent out QQ

 

[postbac87]

so iv given up and now im asking when do rejection notifications get sent out QQ

Me too.

Because I talked to my friend who got interviews (ucla first applicant) and she is a non science major with a high GPA. Her extra curricular does not show much about serving the under served!!!! Same with her personal statements (I proof read them all) and the only thing it really showed was her being Hispanic and receiving financial aid. She even doubted about applying because she knew she was not considered under served.

But she got interviews from THREE places a month and a half ago! And I talked to a person who got into UCLA program two years ago. And basically, they are taking people who already have a pretty good chance of getting in. It is to maintain their high acceptance rates because thats how they got their funding.

I think it is very misleading because the statements make it sound like they are focusing on those who are under privileged and did not have the same opportunity as others to meet their full potential.

I don't know as soon as I heard that I was really disappointed because I really though this program cared for those who were under privledged. I feel I was betrayed. But then again, my sources are just from people.

 

[jslo85]

Sorry to hear that about the UC post-baccs.

If you guys are looking for formal programs to enhance your existing application credentials there are a few whose deadlines have not passed yet. If you've already completed all the pre-reqs and have a standardized test score (MCAT or GRE), I'd try and rush out an application if that is something you are interested in.

 

[klmnop]

am i the only one who checks email a bazillion times a day?

i get mildly reprimanded at work for this on a daily basis. i'm only at a computer for a total of 20min out of a 10hr day but apparently thats too much.

 

[PostbaccNK]

Me too.

Because I talked to my friend who got interviews (ucla first applicant) and she is a non science major with a high GPA. Her extra curricular does not show much about serving the under served!!!! Same with her personal statements (I proof read them all) and the only thing it really showed was her being Hispanic and receiving financial aid. She even doubted about applying because she knew she was not considered under served.

But she got interviews from THREE places a month and a half ago! And I talked to a person who got into UCLA program two years ago. And basically, they are taking people who already have a pretty good chance of getting in. It is to maintain their high acceptance rates because thats how they got their funding.

I think it is very misleading because the statements make it sound like they are focusing on those who are under privileged and did not have the same opportunity as others to meet their full potential.

I don't know as soon as I heard that I was really disappointed because I really though this program cared for those who were under privileged. I feel I was betrayed. But then again, my sources are just from people.

It does suck to think that this is all really a sham. The programs boast about not shunning academic "ugly ducklings", but does it really seem like they judge applications based on perceived potential and desire to help underserved communities? Or do they cherrypick certain minorities with adequate stats for admission to medical school? It's a cheap way to increase diversity. Don't get me wrong; I'm certainly not discounting the fundamental disadvantages associated with being hispanic, but I'm a minority too. Just because I'm not hispanic or black doesn't mean society doesn't s**t all over me too. It just means that nobody cares whether or not I get into med school.

 

[dashak]

You guys are being really dramatic. People last year didn't get interviews until late May, so chill out.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606428&page=6

 

[Steph1NeeNee]

You guys are being really dramatic. People last year didn't get interviews until late May, so chill out.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606428&page=6

I agree. Defeatist attitudes never got anybody anywhere. On the other hand, it's interesting to read last year's forum and see that around the end of April-middle of May, people felt the same way. The topic of conversation was negative also.

I hope we all hear soon. Otherwise, we can look for jobs (if we're lucky enough to be part of that 40% of college graduates who are employed) and study.

Last year, one kid was accepted to UCD. It was his third time applying. If at one you don't succeed, try try again!

 

[aidama]

I am taking courses at UCB Extension this summer and intend to keep taking courses through the Post-Bac program if I am not admitted to Drexel IMS in Sacramento. If anyone is taking courses this summer at UCBx please let me know. As to everyone else here, good luck!

 

[interferongamma]

Me too.

Because I talked to my friend who got interviews (ucla first applicant) and she is a non science major with a high GPA. Her extra curricular does not show much about serving the under served!!!! Same with her personal statements (I proof read them all) and the only thing it really showed was her being Hispanic and receiving financial aid. She even doubted about applying because she knew she was not considered under served.

But she got interviews from THREE places a month and a half ago! And I talked to a person who got into UCLA program two years ago. And basically, they are taking people who already have a pretty good chance of getting in. It is to maintain their high acceptance rates because thats how they got their funding.

I think it is very misleading because the statements make it sound like they are focusing on those who are under privileged and did not have the same opportunity as others to meet their full potential.

I don't know as soon as I heard that I was really disappointed because I really though this program cared for those who were under privledged. I feel I was betrayed. But then again, my sources are just from people.

Did you mean to say she was a RE-APPLICANT (UCLA being the only UC campus that does not accept first time applicants), meaning has already applied to med school and did not get in? If that is the case, then I guess the UC's do accept those who somehow have a chance to get into med but did not make it the first time around. and the first time applicants (who's yet to show that they too can equally perform well and are able to handle a rigorous med curriculum) has to compete with re-applicants for a mere few postbac spots. 🙁

 

[interferongamma]

I agree. Defeatist attitudes never got anybody anywhere. On the other hand, it's interesting to read last year's forum and see that around the end of April-middle of May, people felt the same way. The topic of conversation was negative also.

I hope we all hear soon. Otherwise, we can look for jobs (if we're lucky enough to be part of that 40% of college graduates who are employed) and study.

Last year, one kid was accepted to UCD. It was his third time applying. If at one you don't succeed, try try again!

The feeling can't be helped. But, programs do want Winners not whiners. NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS. Fingers crossed you guys!

 

[interferongamma]

I agree. Defeatist attitudes never got anybody anywhere. On the other hand, it's interesting to read last year's forum and see that around the end of April-middle of May, people felt the same way. The topic of conversation was negative also.

I hope we all hear soon. Otherwise, we can look for jobs (if we're lucky enough to be part of that 40% of college graduates who are employed) and study.

Last year, one kid was accepted to UCD. It was his third time applying. If at one you don't succeed, try try again!

with regards to finding a job, start sending out CV's and resumes BECAUSE we will have to fight, yet again, against the class of 2010... and i don't think there are jobs that primarily caters to the stipulations set my the UC postbacs, being underserved and what not.

 

[postbac87]

Did you mean to say she was a RE-APPLICANT (UCLA being the only UC campus that does not accept first time applicants), meaning has already applied to med school and did not get in? If that is the case, then I guess the UC's do accept those who somehow have a chance to get into med but did not make it the first time around. and the first time applicants (who's yet to show that they too can equally perform well and are able to handle a rigorous med curriculum) has to compete with re-applicants for a mere few postbac spots. 🙁

No she is a first applicant. No mcat.

And don't get me wrong, I didn't think this way until I talk to people who graduated in the program + got an interview from them. Their extra curricular activities showed no concrete evidence of serving the under served or did they have any "experiences" to make them considered under served.

The graduate I spoke to state she fit under the category of "under represented." I think this is where I was mislead. I assumed they were focusing on those who were under served not so much under represented. But it seems they are focusing more on those who are under represented, which is not a bad thing. I was just nice try and misinformed. I should have looked into it more.

Also my friend who got interviewed told me that UCSF is not doing it through San Francisco state this year. They will be doing it through UC Berkeley. So I suggest you guys add that school to your financial aid if UCSF is your number one choice. They are starting it this year (They should have told us 😕).

In addition, some of them are group interviews and some were solo's. And I guess they didn't ask any questions on why you want to go into postbac program.

I hope that helps

 

[interferongamma]

No she is a first applicant. No mcat.

And don't get me wrong, I didn't think this way until I talk to people who graduated in the program + got an interview from them. Their extra curricular activities showed no concrete evidence of serving the under served or did they have any "experiences" to make them considered under served.

The graduate I spoke to state she fit under the category of "under represented." I think this is where I was mislead. I assumed they were focusing on those who were under served not so much under represented. But it seems they are focusing more on those who are under represented, which is not a bad thing. I was just nice try and misinformed. I should have looked into it more.

Also my friend who got interviewed told me that UCSF is not doing it through San Francisco state this year. They will be doing it through UC Berkeley. So I suggest you guys add that school to your financial aid if UCSF is your number one choice. They are starting it this year (They should have told us 😕).

In addition, some of them are group interviews and some were solo's. And I guess they didn't ask any questions on why you want to go into postbac program.

I hope that helps

So her case is just for UCLA or is it representative of all UC postbacs?

The consortium info explicitly states that the program is for those who are disadvantaged at a socio-economic level or other disadvantaged factors in general. i guess being under-represented falls within that category which may differ per UC's prerogative.

thanks for the berkeley info. i just added it to my fafsa list.

 

[interferongamma]

Any PLAN Z you guys?














Not sure if anyone was up or in a mood for some humor in this postbac drama we are going through...

 

[postbac87]

So her case is just for UCLA or is it representative of all UC postbacs?

The consortium info explicitly states that the program is for those who are disadvantaged at a socio-economic level or other disadvantaged factors in general. i guess being under-represented falls within that category which may differ per UC's prerogative.

thanks for the berkeley info. i just added it to my fafsa list.

Just UCI, UCSD, UCSF, UCD.

Not ucr since its only for UCR students
and not UCLA since its only reapplicants.

 

[xsonixs]

No news for me either 🙁. Applied close to the deadline for first time applicants. Haven't gotten any info from any of the UCs. Its getting really depressing 🙁.
Started looking for a job now....there really aren't that many jobs in the science field for bio sci undergrads unfortunately 🙁.
Hope I'm not SOL...

Here were my stats:
- First time applicant (UCI, UCSD, UCD, UCSF)
- Current UC (UCI) GPA: 3.08
- Have done research for 2 years (almost) with some papers coming out with my name on them. Got a UROP (research) grant and 'fellowship' and I'm giving a talk in about 2 weeks.
- Involved with a club from its inception (currently the president)
- founder of a pre-health council
- Resident Advisor for two years and have had numerous other leadership experiences
- did some volunteering for different causes (MS, orphanages, underprivileged schools etc)
- strong LOR (at least from what I know)

Good luck guys! I'll be stalking this thread for the next 2 weeks or so. If by the end of May I don't get an answer (any answer) I'm just gonna assume its a lost cause 🙁

On a side note, what kind of jobs are you guys looking at for applying?