Official UCSD Countdown Thread, former "I'm in, UCSD,.."

Applying to Med School? Get In Or Your Money Back
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When I interviewed, one of my interviews told me that the reason UCSD has such a reputation for difficult coursework is because of the very first class MS1s take. He said that this is a very difficult and time consuming class, and a lot of the most vociferous UCSD complainers have not even completed it yet. He assured me that by the end of your first year everything is much easier and more relaxed.
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I really want to chime in on this topic of UCSD's reputed "hard-core" curriculum as well as how the school compares to others because I think it gets to the heart of my particular situation. As many of you know, I was placed in UCSD's "Acceptable Pool" approximately one month ago. Although I have already been accepted to NUMS, I still find myself wanting to go to UCSD even more and feeling quite depressed as the opportunity dwindles away. I don't know why this is! My visit to NUMS was so much better. I found NUMS students to be more relaxed and kind. The curriculum seems to be well-balanced, albeit with a greater emphasis on problem-based learning than lecture. I felt a greater level of *stress* at UCSD when talking to the students and finding more about the curriculum, which is undeniably difficult. (The class hours are long, the workload is enormous, and the beach is nearby.) This isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I think a tougher curriculum will better prepare me to become a physician. I really value this.

I know, I know...many of you think UCSD is by far better than NUMS as well as UCI. (Sorry, if it seems I just threw UCI into my discussion...it seems so many of us here are deciding between UCI and UCSD.) But, for me, I think NUMS might be a better fit. Honestly, though, I do not think there is a chance in hell I would pass up the opportunity to go to UCSD (or even UCI) if I was taken off the "Acceptable Pool" (or Alternate List). So, in a way, NOT being accepted to UCSD (or UCI) would be better. I think that is the only way I would go to NUMS.

I think a prestige factor also plays an important role. For this reason, many here are choosing UCSD over UCI. I know this to be true although many of you will certainly disagree. UCI is arguably more friendly than UCSD and a nicer place to live. In fact, UCI students are a very *tight* group. I, personally, want to go into academic medicine. With this in mind, I think NUMS would best serve me. But, for whatever reason, I feel so disappointed in myself. I feel like I failed by not earning an acceptance to UCSD or UCI. I know I still have a chance; however, I can only have a certain level of optimism for so long. I guess I should just be happy I'm going to an okay medical school no matter what.

I hope my story helps someone out there, especially someone who is in my kind of situation. Good luck to everyone. Also, I hope I come across as genuine here...I'm trying to talk from my heart. Tone sometimes gets lost on SDN!

Also, let me end by saying, if I am so fortunate to be accepted to UCSD, I think I would have a great time with people like you. Darwin, Hawkeyes, Matthew, and everyone who has posted here seem so NICE. And, of course, those on the alternate list-Sammy, SSD, El Jefe, and UC Lover-would be great people to study medicine with. I think, together and as classmates, the reputation of UCSD will certainly change. MY TWO CENTS.
 
California,

To make you feel better, I got into both UCSD and UCI, but NUMS didn't even give me an interview. Honestly, I think you just get home sick when you think about the possiblility of going to NUMS (at least that's how I was everytime I went to an out of state interview, no matter how great the place was). I really hope you get into UCSD and decide to go and all of us will be just as "tight" as UCI students. It's all what we make of it...he1l, after our class is through, people will be wanting to go to UCSD for the "great atmosphere".
Everyone else,
Have you guys started thinking about housing? I really like Darwin's idea about going to SD and checking out potential apartments/housing situation. So whenever you guys would like to set the date...I am down. How about some time in the end of June, by then we should know if we are going to UCSD for sure (over some of the waitlists that are still pending). Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! Have fun partying, I am off to Vegas
 
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I feel kind of like California in that I just turned down an offer from a high-powered school (which I know in my heart is a better fit for my personality) because I just could not bring myself to the idea of declining UCSD :( I guess I have to take a plunge of faith.
 
Hey California,
Just keep the hope!!! Maybe you and I will hear good news soon from either UCSD or UCI. We'll be classmates!!with other SDNers, and I know we will ROCK!!!
 
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum but I've also been placed on the UCSD acceptable pool and am ripping hairs out because I want to stay in California so badly. I recently called the admissions office and they told me that they were making up the wait-list right now and they would put about 150-200 people on it. There are 300 people in the acceptable pool so they're going to reject the others. I had no idea that the acceptable pool was even that big!
 
According to "US News & World Report," there was a total of 4,255 (3,119 In-State/1,136 Out-of-State) applicants for the 2001 Entering Class. Among these applicants, exactly 522 (470 In-State/52 Out-of-State) were selected for an interview and a total of 312 (290 In-State/22 Out-of-State) were eventually offered an acceptance. The total enrollment last year was 121.

I do not want to pass judgement on these figures; however, it seems that more than 50% of those who interviewed last year were eventually accepted. I think the predicament for those in the "Acceptable Pool" is not so bad. Good luck to all those who are waiting!
 
I don't understand why people fret about the difficulty of UCSD. If UCSD is competitive and hard-core, that is fine with me. I mean most of us here had to endure the competitive mentality and environment during our premed years anyway. Another 4 years won't hurt. I've come so far and I won't be stopped by another hurdle of friendly competition. It's just part of the game no matter what medical school you go to. If UCSD is more competitive then so be it.

For those of you who are going to UCSD this fall for sure, I'll see you guys there. Together, we will prove the UCSD rumor wrong.

For those of you still on the waitlist, I wish you the best of luck. You are all truly wonderful individuals and I would be glad to be your fellow classmate.
 
Out of curiousity, is anyone here participating in the Pre-Entry Program that UCSD offers to accepted students? I believe the program, like the one UCI offers, places emphasis on the more difficult topics you will encounter during the first two years of medical school.

Does anyone know when the program begins and/or ends? How long is it? If I am accepted from the "Acceptable Pool," I would love to partake in the program. Thanks in advance for the information.
 
hehe...have you ever met a gunner that admitted they were? Everybody on this board will state they're not a gunner...over 50% probably are. Dude, in my opinion, some of the finest things in life are made by Anheiser-Busch, and the best of times are spent watching those who achieved my all-time dream - professional athletes. I don't consider myself a gunner by any stretch of the means. Seriously, I could give a rat's ass how well you do on an exam. As long as I live up to my potential I'm square. Pretty funny stuff.
 
when i was at the welcome day in april, my student host mentioned that the first year class was going to organize another "second look visit" for those who were accepted late. if you guys are interested, call the admissions office and ask them for more info.
 
Hi California,

The UCSD Summer program starts June 16, and ends about 2 weeks before orientation begins.

I was considering the Summer program, but eventually decided that I really need to relax before med school begins! Instead, I will be having fun in the old World... However, the program sounds very good!

Keep in mind that 50% of all applicants that interviewed get accepted, so keep your faith!
I will keep my fingers crossed as well...

Good luck to you,

Chnobli
:D
 
Hey ya'll! keep posting re: the 2nd 2nd look.. I'm travelling right now, and can't call.. thought interestingly... I can post!
California, NUMS isn't an "okay" school... it's a GREAT school. :clap: I was on my knees giving thanks when I got in.. it was at the time my dream school. However, understandably, .. its tough to choose over a UC. Thanks for the feedback, Anteater (soon to be "Triton"?)..perhaps I'll see you in the fall. I am still deciding and dialoguing with my parents re: UCI vs UCSD. Keep the hope alive! Good luck to everyone!
 
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•••quote:•••Originally posted by hawkeyes:
•Hey ya'll! keep posting re: the 2nd 2nd look.. I'm travelling right now, and can't call.. thought interestingly... I can post!
California, NUMS isn't an "okay" school... it's a GREAT school. :clap: I was on my knees giving thanks when I got in.. it was at the time my dream school. However, understandably, .. its tough to choose over a UC. Thanks for the feedback, Anteater (soon to be "Triton"?)..perhaps I'll see you in the fall. I am still deciding and dialoguing with my parents re: UCI vs UCSD. Keep the hope alive! Good luck to everyone!•••••does this mean u gave up on u of michigan and georgetown? :) wait so u also withdrew from northwestern?
 
One small question, does the acceptance number include the MSTP students or not?
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't UCSD going with a completely new curriculum starting this coming year? I thought I heard this during my interview.
 
California, your post is killing me!

You are not a freaking failure if you didn't get accepted to a california school, YET.
The process is so random to get into medical school. Just the fact that there are so many great applicants to the UC's, means that they are going to miss out on some great candidates. And the fact that your in the "acceptable pool", means that your chances of getting in are really good. Keep hope, and don't stress out about it.
NUMS is a fantastic school as well, so at least you have a high-caliber school as a back-up.
The best of luck to you California, i have a feeling you'll get in off the wait list for at least on of those schools anyways.

:clap:
 
First off, before I forget, anteater, rexlax, and anyone else I forgot, I'm so glad you picked UCSD and I can't wait to meet all of you. Congrats!

California -- You know, whatever happens, you're in great shape right? NUMS is a rockin place to be. I'm sure you'll do great wherever you go :) . But I'm pulling for you, man. Of all people, I think you deserve to get in. So hopefully the waitlist starts to move soon! You and every1 else just need to keep looking at that stat that you posted about # of interviewees accepted and keep the faith!

As for the gunner reputation. Screw it, guys. Whether it's true or not, I agree with ya. Let's prove them wrong. Everyone I know on this thread seems so fantastic, as well as the people I met during my interview. Who cares about the classes of 2002,3,4,5,7,8,9... :D . We'll make 2006 the ultimate chill-out and cooperative bunch ever.

I'll see ya guys in September. By the way, I'm back down here in southern calif. now (drove down yesterday), and boy, is it GOOD to be back! :D :D :D
 
Hey Matthew - I'm with you on that one man. Good post.
 
Ditto Matthew! Reading posts like that make me feel a whole lot better! How can a class has that rep if the people in that class refuse it!? :clap:
Watcha - I sent you a PM
 
Cali-- NUMS is awesome! While I'm stilling pull for you for UCSD, what you have with NUMS is incredible. And you should be proud of that feat. As for the summer program, I'll definitely be going. Nora Laiken said that this year's program will start 6/24 and last 8 weeks.

About the competitive-gunner mentality, I hope to prove it wrong.

So I'll bite first; to anyone who wants the full details, notes, problems, and questions from the summer program, let me know. I'll be more than happy to help. :) We're learning for our future patients' sake, and I truly believe that's the important thing here.

Matthew and all, thanks for the congrats. Look forward to seeing you all soon!

To all those waitings still, good luck! I'm sending you all my good fortune vibes to you...
 
nums is good, just damn expensive compared to UCs...

and just make sure you don't go to their surgery department...they had a probation thingie :D oh and I heard the winter is really brutal there....I personally think ur way better off going to UCSD!

otherwise ur fine....
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Bamboozeled:
•nums is good, just damn expensive compared to UCs...

and just make sure you don't go to their surgery department...they had a probation thingie :D oh and I heard the winter is really brutal there....I personally think ur way better off going to UCSD!

otherwise ur fine....•••••and yale's surgery department is under probation...does that mean i shouldnt go to yale either?

come on. a surgery residency program probation isn't a big deal. most of it has less to do with training, and more with administrative issues.

if you think that should play in a factor to why ucsd is better than nums, then you are misguided.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Nuclearrabbit:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by Bamboozeled:
•nums is good, just damn expensive compared to UCs...

and just make sure you don't go to their surgery department...they had a probation thingie :D oh and I heard the winter is really brutal there....I personally think ur way better off going to UCSD!

otherwise ur fine....•••••and yale's surgery department is under probation...does that mean i shouldnt go to yale either?

come on. a surgery residency program probation isn't a big deal. most of it has less to do with training, and more with administrative issues.

if you think that should play in a factor to why ucsd is better than nums, then you are misguided.•••••umm yah..I would also think then yale is facing a problem...listen...georgetown had a problem with debt and accredation couple of years ago, and guess what happened? they no longer have a dental school?

while I am not implying that NUMS is facing financial problems...although there have been rumors floating around...UCSD is 24th, and Nums 20th...any fool knows that that 120k is not worth the difference....

I don't mean to dis your school...I am going to a private med school myself, but had I been given the option of a UC school...well then, let's just say my mother raised no fool :cool:
 
I was wondering if anyone knows if the Admissions Office is now willing to let applicants know where they stand in the "Acceptable Pool"? I know a couple of applicants here have already known for quite a while; but, it seems when I called a couple weeks ago (as well as others) they were unwilling to disperse this valuable information. I guess, over the last few weeks, it just depended on who answered the phone.

Nevertheless, can anyone attest to whether the Admissions Office is now willing to give out such information? As always, thank you for taking the time to respond.

Oh, also, I want to thank Matthew, Rexlex, Darwin, and Hawkeyes (Hawk, check your profile-I PM'ed you) for their continuing support. You guys are great and I have no doubt you will be able to change the reputation of UCSD. I hope I get to help as well! I really do.

One last thing, which are undoubtedly my two cents. It was my understanding that the surgery departments at Yale and NUMS (as well as other schools) were put on "probation" because of the long hours that residents were forced to work (i.e., working conditions). In fact, I think this issue is tied to the class-action lawsuit regarding residency hours and pay. So, in a way, Yale and NUMS are just the tip of the iceberg. The problems they face are those that most medical schools are currently facing. However, I could be wrong. I also do not think the issues Yale and NUMS are currently facing will EVER lead to their demise. NUMS and Yale are both regional powerhouses. If both medical schools came to end, then their would be great implicants for the people of Chicago and New Haven, respectively. The people of both cities depend on these medical schools and, believe me, "probation" for the surgery departments of these institutions will not leave these people without the hospitals they need. By the way, let's move this to another thread. This is The Official UCSD Countdown Thread. Let's leave it that way!
 
california -

i was told today that dr. resnick would be making the final decisions on who stays on the waitlist and who is rejected by tomorrow. final decision letters (rejections) and alternate list letters will go out by the end of the week. i was told to call/email linda whitson on friday to find out where i stand.

also, keep in mind that they are all gone next week, so don't forget to call on friday. linda is there from 6:00 - 2:30. good luck to everyone!!
 
ssd!
thanks for the very very useful info!!! do you know her direct phone # or do we have to call directly to the admissions office? she's there at 6 a.m. ...i think i'll have a very early morning wake up on friday (and will hopefully here some good news) thanx :) :) :)
 
thanks for the info ssd!!

Ms. Whitson's number is
858-534-1515

Hope this works, I found it on UCSD's site.
 
thanx for the info hero :)
also, i hope you hear some good news too! i have been reading many of your post and see that you too have been placed on waitlists. i hope everything works out for you.

stephanie
 
aww... thank you sjordan :)

ssd: I think on Friday, they will only tell you if you are waitlisted or rejected. I say this because they aren't sure who will accept a position on the waitlist.

I'm going to be prepared to be rejected... so that I can convince them to put me on the waitlist :)

This is what the waitlist might look: 125-150 applicants, not ranked
 
hey hero and ssd, i hope you guys get in! i'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! :)
 
here is the info i was given in regards to contacting linda: "Linda's email is
[email protected] or you can call her at (858) 534-3880".

hero: the waitlist will definitely be ranked when/if you call on friday. the trick will be trying to get linda to divulge that info.

make sure that you squeeze out as much info as possible when you all call in on friday, and then promptly report back to everyone here that is waiting :p I'll be sure to do the same.
 
Thanks for the info SSD...

The waitlist is going to be ranked, but I don't think they will tell you your position. They may just say whether you're on upper half or lower half. I think about 30 - 50 people may come off of the waitlist...? Anyone know?

The office did say that they will try to be helpful and give you the "probability" of an acceptance based on your position.

Goodluck guys.
 
I've actually heard from a UCSD personnel that the waitlist will not be ranked. Again, conflicting information.. but it doesn't matter. things should be clearer in the next few days.

I'd hate to be in Linda Whitson's shoes come Friday morning!

Let's work on a list of questions (feel free to add and edit questions). Edit them to sound nice so that we will maximize cooperation :p :D

What is my status?

Suggest questions to ask by waitlisted applicants:
1.) If waitlisted, where am I on the list?
2.) How many people are getting waitlist positions offers?
3.) How many are expected to accept those positions?
4.) Is the waitlist ranked?

Rejected applicants
How many people from the a-pool got rejected like dirty rags?

:p
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Sammmeyeam:
•Thanks for the info SSD...

The waitlist is going to be ranked, but I don't think they will tell you your position. They may just say whether you're on upper half or lower half. I think about 30 - 50 people may come off of the waitlist...? Anyone know?

The office did say that they will try to be helpful and give you the "probability" of an acceptance based on your position.

Goodluck guys.•••••I think the list is ranked hero....sam is usually right about everything :D

prayin for you hero...I know how much you want it this school....same for you sam...you guys are both awesome and I wish you both the best :cool:
 
hero -

in regards to your questions:

1) i guarantee that you won't be given an absolute number as your waitlist position. i think the best information you can get is linda's honest opinion, based on her past experience, of what your chances are of getting in based on your waitlist position. i'm just hoping that they don't break the waitlist into halves or thirds and then tell you which stratification that you fall into...

2) and 3) again there is no way that she can even estimate these numbers, and if she could, i don't think that she would give out that information. i'll bet anything that she already has hundreds of answers in her head that evade those questions.

i think a good piece of information would be to try to get the number of applicants that are still on the waitlist.

let's keep suggestions coming for potential questions....
 
So am I the only one on this board who has heard about my position in the A-Pool? If that's the case, I hope it means the person I talked to didn't know what they were talking about, and by being at the "bottom" of the pool, they meant literally on the computer since my last name is at the end of the alphabet :) .

Anyway, I've pretty much accepted that I won't make the waitlist, so I probably won't even bother calling on Friday. I'd much rather get rejected by mail than over the phone. But for everyone else calling on Friday, I wish you the best of luck :D .
 
Hey Jefe - from what everyone is writing the waitlist won't be ranked until later...which leads me to believe the person you spoke with doesn't know what they're talking about. Hey man, I'm hanging in there for you so you do the same...you NEVER know. I had written so many letters to UCSD and heard of so many getting pulled off the A-pool WAY after my interivew that I was POSITIVE...NO...ABOSULUTELY POSITIVE that I wouldn't get accepted. I absolutely BLEW my interviews there (it was my second interview)and really thought I didn't have a chance. At UCSD, in retrospect, I thought I came off cocky. When asked about problems access to health care I went into a diatribe about living in rural communities and not being able to drive to hospitals (never mentioned insurance...knew I was done). At Tulane, was offered an acceptance on the spot and accepted the offer...got the waitlist letter 3 weeks later. My point is, you never know what to expect from these committees so don't give up yet. I'm pulling for you and would love to have you as a classmate. Keep us posted.
 
I think the most important questions to ask are:

1. How many more acceptances they expect to give out.
2. How many people are on the waitlist?
3. Is it ranked?
4. If so, does Dr. Resnik review your file and assign a new ranking to you that may be different from your current A-pool ranking?
5. Does additional information make any difference, or is your ranking set in stone now?

Everyone pick a question to ask... we can take turns calling...heh :)
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Sammmeyeam:
•I think the most important questions to ask are:

1. How many more acceptances they expect to give out.
2. How many people are on the waitlist?
3. Is it ranked?
4. If so, does Dr. Resnik review your file and assign a new ranking to you that may be different from your current A-pool ranking?
5. Does additional information make any difference, or is your ranking set in stone now?

Everyone pick a question to ask... we can take turns calling...heh :) •••••hey, sam do you want me to call and ask them these questions? I am not even on the waitlist, so it's not like they can get pissed at me or anything....I will be more than happy to help you guys out....just give me the number, and let me know when I should call her :) what do you think sam?
 
Does anyone know if it is Resnik (and only Resnik) that decides our fate, or is it the entire committee?
 
Please ask for us, WatchaMaCallit!!!
I think we all appreciate it.
 
i am willing to pick a question or two to ask... how many of us are there that will be calling on friday? we should make sure that all of our questions get answered.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by UC-Lover:
•Please ask for us, WatchaMaCallit!!!
I think we all appreciate it.•••••ok sure, what do you guys want me to ask....sami do you have any particular questions you want me to ask?

what happens if she asks for my AMCAS ID though? :D

happy to help you guys out...so hero, sam, what questions you want to know?

I'm going to ask the ranking thing....what else...
 
is anyone willing to bite the bullet and see if we can get the waitlist info. today?
 
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

okay, just had to let that out.
I swear I'm going to have a massive hernia before the end of the week. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
 
Watcha, you are supremely cool! You'd make SD a happy place for sure. I don't know how you can get around the AMCAS thing. Perhaps you can just start out really generic and ask the questions without referring to "your own file." It's likely that they are fielding so many calls, they won't look you up unless you specifically requested. Good luck to everybody!!! :D
 
just wanted to wish everyone good luck on the very scary phone call we will be making tomorrow.

:wink:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by hawkeyes:
•Watcha, you are supremely cool! You'd make SD a happy place for sure. I don't know how you can get around the AMCAS thing. Perhaps you can just start out really generic and ask the questions without referring to "your own file." It's likely that they are fielding so many calls, they won't look you up unless you specifically requested. Good luck to everybody!!! :D •••••I'm going to get off from school around 3:00 pm tomorrow...can someone give me the phone number, and the person to call...

I am going to start off asking the questions that sam requested....

and then I will ask AGAIN if the waitlist is ranked and as of now how many pple are on the waitlist....

if they ask me for my file...I will just say I have some general questions to ask....I will be diplomatic and change the subject....I hope I don't get into trouble or anything...

just for u guys :D

so please give me the number and the person to call....I hope I dont forget tomorrow...I'm thinking I get off from school and should be home by 3:40 so hopefully, the office doesnt close until 4:00....
 
ok I offer my services...and you guys wont even provide me with the freakin phone number :)

selfish altruism gene run amock!!! :p

hmm...I am going to pull an allnighter today to finish a paper for a history class.....sooo....I might not wake up tomorrow to check sdn....argh....I was hoping I could help u guys out...especially sam and hero :cool:

their kewl Kats :D

oh well....maybe I will have time to check (if I am awake) SDN and then call.....i'm so freakin tired....

yaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwn....
 
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