Questions or advice about UCSF?

[UCSFgirl]

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Hi everyone!

Last year I was messaging on board as the pre-med "moongirl." =) I interviewed at a mess of places, and finally got into the school of my dreams =) It's been better than I could imagine!!

If anyone else is interested in coming to UCSF and/or wants more information/advice about the application process, student life, what makes UCSF different than other places, I'll try my best to help!! If you're coming up here for an interview, I can tell you about my experiences, etc. Remember they take 50% of interviewees!!!

I went to UCLA undergrad, and have a lot of close friends in the program so may be able to help with that too.

Best of luck!

Bien-Aimee Vu

 

[The Chronic MD]

UCSFGal-

I will be in touch if I get in, but for now, I have one question for you...How do they notify people of acceptances? Does anything show up on the status check website, or do you just keep looking in the ol' mailbox? I have interviewed there and loved it, much like everyone else. Have you ever been to a place called Kennedy's? I highly recommend, especially if you like the hippie crowd...

Le Chronique

 

[The Chronic MD]

I guess anyone could answer those questions if ya know da answer! For now, though, I am not gonna worry, b/c I don't expect to hear anytime soon...(Mid Nov. interview)

 

[paean]

Bien,

You were Moongirl? I should have guessed that you were an SDNer. I'm the one who won't see you on Thursday because I'm helping my parents, although I still post anonymously.

Chronic, they mail acceptance letters until summer, when they start calling people on the waiting list to speed things up sometime in June.

 

[gogiants]

The Chronic MD
"Have you ever been to a place called Kennedy's? I highly recommend, especially if you like the hippie crowd.."

It's funny that you should mention Kennedy's. I live right around the block from that bar and we go there all the time when we need a cheap beer or some pool. definately worth checking out for others.

 

[lola]

where is kennedy's?

 

[alphabeta53]

Originally posted by lola
where is kennedy's?

Lola, if you pulled your head out of your a@#, you would know.

On a slightly less negative note, when does UCSF stop extending interview invites?

Thanks

 

[The Chronic MD]

Kennedy's is dank! I love that place...I posted in an earlier thread, that it is one of the best places to sit back and listen to Marley while inhaling an ice cold Hemp Ale...I am from LA, and when entering the bar, I was already somewhat "impaired." So, unfortunately, I cannot tell you where it is located. But please, find out and go there! I just hope you don't mind the smell of dreadlocks and hippies who haven't showered in quite some time...

 

[lola]

Originally posted by alphabeta53
Lola, if you pulled your head out of your a@#, you would know.

excuse me? 🙁

maybe if you pulled your head out of your ass you would know when they stop extending interview invites. i for one won't be sharing that information with you even though i know.

 

[STi555]

Originally posted by alphabeta53
Lola, if you pulled your head out of your a@#, you would know.

Is there any reason for such a rude reply?

UCSFGirl thanks for offering to share your knowledge of UCSF with us. I have an interview there in January; is there anything advice that you would give to people heading there for an interview? I am glad they accept 50% of those that interview but on the other hand they reject 50%.

 

[lola]

STi555,
he's just a bit of a wanker, that's all.

 

[indianboy]

Aimee,
Do you feel the lack of an undergraduate campus - or other non-biomedical discplines? Furthermore, will the split of campuses to mission bay from parnassus pose and problems for med students?

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi everyone!!

ACCEPTANCES
To add to my classmate Paean, acceptances start in December and roll until August. The number of acceptance are a tiny tiny trickle now, and will increase with time until May 15 after which the numbers will start to decline again. After interview, most people are put on the "high priority" list--UCSF's way of wanting to compare those who interview early with those that interview later. At a later time, by May 15, all the people on this list are ranked and then the top part is accepted, the middle is wait-listed, and then the bottom is rejected.

**The good news is that until May 15, YOU have the power to change the course of how your application is received... If UCSF is your first choice, let the school know in writing. Updates are helpful too (not too often and make sure what you say is worth them reading) =) My file was really thick by the time I got in--maybe a little too thick. Easy to over do it =)

INTERVIEW INVITES
Until late in the spring. I really wouldn't worry about it. I don't think there is a set date yet. If you ask me in a few months, I can let you know more... People were being invited in April last year (beginning in OCtober as they did this year too).

ADVICE ON INTERVIEWS
I know I used to hate hearing this but BE YOURSELF AND BE RELAXED. IF they granted you an interview that means they want you. Be confident that you are smart, intriguing, and awesome "enough" and speak to your interviewer respectfully, professionally, but as a friend. On the more serious side, make sure you can back everything you say up... It's a "blind interview"--your interviewer only knows where you went to school and where you're from so there's less "grilling." Interviewers are also specifically told TO PUT STUDENTS AT EASE as much as possible. It's so chill, reflective of the school.

General advice--if your interviewer does give you a hard time, sometimes it's just to see how you'll react. If this happens at UCSF, it's solely a characteristic of the interviewer. Just stay calm, professional, and it'll be fine!!

Side notes about UCSF--Know about the curriculum, we're damn proud of it, and it's really unique, a real real strength. Know Universal Healthcare, it's big here. If we're you're first choice, let us know directly during the interivew... and BACK IT UP with WHY specifically... helpful if it makes sense with the rest of your interview

NO UNDERGRAD CAMPUS
I wanted to be an artist until I was twelve, and then a high school english teacher for years so I was skeptical of this, espeically. I assure you, though, it is much much better. The diversity of schools here is refreshing, and the fact that we're all here for advanced degrees adds to the commonality that all of us UCSFers have. Without undergrads here, the campus is smaller, more intimate, and focused in good ways... At the same time becuase UCSF is so fixated on older students (many with non-science backgrounds and different careers before applying) and diverse/fascinating students in general, there is so much excitement and diversity within the population. Lsatly, UCSF is in a hip, bustling areas where business peeps and students from nearby university hang out. We even have events iwth UC hastings, the law school nearby, and Stanford.

It's hard to put in words, but I really relaly wouldn't have it any other way, and I consider myself a social person who thrives on diversity of experience. Trust me =)

Kennedy's eh?, when you get in Chronic, you take me.

Take care everyone!! If you're gonna be on campus, I'll try to stop by and say hello. I give tours and host students.
Bien

🙄

 

[UCSFgirl]

Sorry, I realized I forgot to address this. I'm always runinng around!!! Anyhow, mission bay is mostly going to be reasearch. Our lectures and small groups will still me on Parnassus, I'm sure. Besides, the shuttles to the other capus leave frequently and are a nice break sometimes. =)

I'm relaly excited aobut mission bay, actually, it really expands research at an already tip-top research institution, and the fact that it's in a completely area is nice too. =)

😀 Bien

P.S. If I'm giving inaccurate info, please tell me!!

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi everyone!

Hope all is well. To those posting/reading this board or sending me private messages, I'll be out of town until Jan 2nd. I will reply to an questions when I return =)

Bests,
Bien-Aimee Vu

 

[jabroni]

Hello,

I have question for you. When did you inteview, and how much later did you get your acceptance? Were you "on high priority?"

Thanks for your informative posts. UCSF is my 1st choice!

Welcome back, and Happy New Year's!!

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi there,

I hope I don't make too many type-o's. I just got baack from Hawaii so my finger tips are a little colder than usual =P Hehehe.

I got my invitation to interview in October, and interviewed in early November. I got a letter saying I was "high priority" in January, and was waitlisted in May. To my relief, I got a happy happy phone call in June!! =) Tears of joy!!

I do not consider myself typical, though. Some of the people who interviewed when I did got in in December. Most had heard something before I did. On the other hand, some people got in late July. It all depends.

If UCSF is your first choice though, tell them so, and send carefully thought out updates (but not too many!!) =) Until May 15, anything you say to the admissions committee can change your faith!! =)

Another note: I don't know the exact % (I could probably find out), but I know a good chunk of my classmates are also off the waitlist (just from talk). I heard that for the second year class, their class was over 50% off the waitlist (but then again, it was the first year of the new curriculum.. the feedback was very good so less poeple needed to be taken off the waitlist to fill the class this year). In general, I believe that number is between 10-30 people off the waitlist. I'd say 25-50% of the high priorities will get in. Someone please correct me if they know more precisely =)

Good luck, and please don't hesistate to write again =)
Bien-Aimee Vu 😀

 

[KyleLuman]

Regarding the UCSF campus, etc. Since UCSF does not have an undergrad program, it is a rather small school. We have dental, pharmacy, nursing (master's), physical therapy, and medical (possibly some others) schools along with the basic sciences that back up these disciplines. That being said there are many "softer" science type disciplines (health sociology, policy work, etc.) here as well. The 'biggest' drawback is the fact that we do not have athletic teams to root for. The campus is not large and grandiose like UCLA's, but is comfortable and attractive. I personally do not think that either of these is an issue, but each person is different.

The move to Mission Bay is just starting and will take a LOOOONG time. As Bien stated, it will only affect the research labs for the next few years and by the time it might impact us, we will be long gone or attendings here 🙂

I believe interviews were almost finished if not completed by mid to late April last year. As some of you know, you can get an interview date soon after you are notified of getting a interview, so there is much time for hope and patience. 🙂

 

[dr kevin40]

where are the good clubs near the school? well it doesn't have to be near, butat least in SF...? thanks

(when i say good, i mean if they play hiphop)

 

[paean]

One of the weekly newspapers usually has good entertainment listings, including clubs.

http://www.sfweekly.com/

There's some pubs near the school, but if you want to dance, you'll probably want to look in SOMA, the mission, the tenderloin or the castro.

 

[fonzy]

Hey UCSFgirl,

Do you see older people there? Any around 40??? How is the interaction between older and younger students?
I really like UCSF from the info' I have.

Thanks 🙂

 

[LoneCoyote]

Another question for you along these lines... I ran into an old high school classmate the other day who told me her best friend goes to UCSF and really did not like it because she felt that even though the class was very diverse, people formed cliques based on their ethnicity, race, age, etc. I must admit I was surprised because I had not heard anything like this from the UCSF students I had spoken to. Have you found this to be true? Thanks!

 

[souljah1]

There are a good handful of students that range between 30 and 40. I think the oldest is 37. There are a lot more students that range between 25 and 30 as well. Everyone talks to everyone on campus, and you will see a good range of age at dinner parties, events, etc.

Cliques will form regardless of where you go. They are not exclusive parties. It is very natural for people with similar interests to spend more time with one another than those with different interests. people do not hang out together based on race or ethnicity. I think our class is very diverse, and I think we celebrate that as much as possible. There are groups of people who tend to hang out a lot together, but our class is fantastic in terms of extending its warmth to everyone. Similar interests are more of a determining factor in who clicks with each other than does race. Atleast that is the case in our class, imho.

I think you would be hardpressed to find that UCSF is an unfriendly environment. Today was our first day back and I was uplifted once again to sit amongst my peers, even with Kyle 😉

 

[burlypie]

For those who are curious... (lola?...btw I'm sure we had the same mcat prep class at Kaplan -- with Scott? )

Kennedy's rocks and is on the corner of Columbus and Francisco, near the Wharf but still a surprisingly local crowd.

It's a combo irish pub and Indian restaurant, run by a slick dude named Brahma.

 

[shake well]

i just got back from san francisco and I have to say that I am sorry that I didn't apply there. The city is beautiful. Good luck to all who did. And to those who do get it....I wish I could be you!

 

[KyleLuman]

I have to agree with Souljah. There are groups of students that tend to hang out more often, but that occurs anywhere and I do not take offense at them, because they are not trying to be exclusive or rude.

In addition, we are in many, many small groups (anatomy, PBL, discussion grps, foundations of pt care, physical exam, etc.) for different class time interactions (often they are mixed up so we see different people). We get to know quite a wide range of our classmates in those times which helps out a lot (I think).

Just like in any new experience (not knowing anyone, moving to a new city, etc.), many of us go through times of loneliness or discouragement, I hope (and think) your friend's best friend might change their mind as the year goes on.

 

[Random Access]

Originally posted by burlypie
Kennedy's rocks and is on the corner of Columbus and Francisco, near the Wharf but still a surprisingly local crowd.

It's a combo irish pub and Indian restaurant, run by a slick dude named Brahma.

Wait...so I can get my chicken tikka masala with a Guiness? I need to move to SF.

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi everyone,
Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply. I started to, but my computer froze when I was trying to submit. Luckily I have souljah and Kyle to back me up!!

AGES
Our class is "older" with the mean age being 25, I believe, and the oldest student being 37 at matriculation. A mean age of 25 may not sound too different than a mean age of 23 or 24, but it reflects itself in the fact that about 65% of us took one or more years off... so UCSF definately have an experienced class =) If you think about it, you take two kids coming straight out of college versus two that went to college and had a few years off, it's a world of difference... and I really feel that's the beauty of our class. To have a former sheriff to one side of you and a girl that already has two children on the other side of you... surrounded by people who have travelled all over the world and have done things that you read about in the papers =) I'm still amazed to be here.

To more directly answer your question, UCSF seems to favor "experienced" students, regardless of age, and we all get along wonderfully.

CLIQUES
It is true that older students may tend to have more in common so may talk to each other more, but definately not on the intention of avoiding or excluding younger folk and vice versa. Like my classmates have already alluded to, some sort of clique is inevitable, especially since there are only 141 students in the class. If you think about it, this class size is probably smaller than your high school class (which hopefully was the peak of clique-ness!!). However, the difference is that we're older, more experienced, and have this unspoken respect for one another so there's definately no feeling of "exclusive-ness" that I have seen. The respect, I've noticed, is key. We're also so so nice... It's so wonderful!! (you can tell that I love hugs!)

At the beginning of the year, I think we all tried to hang out with each other as much as possible. Students were always mass-meeting info on bar hoppings, clubbing, parties, etc. etc. But with how busy we tend to keep ourselves (with not just the curriculum but the fifty million things each and evey one of us wants to do), it's impossible to keep this up for long (sigh, I still try tho). Therefore, what happens is people start having smaller parties, and not wanting to bombard classmates who may be busy or not interested with mass emails, will just tell whoever they see, saying (or implying) that they can invite/tell whoever may be interested.

As souljah and Kyle talked about, in class, we're still all happy sitting with whoever, talking to whoever during break, and often just grab lunch with whoever is around.

**It's a whole big happy family. That's really what was so striking about this school when I visited... The noncompetitive is so extreme that UCSF has really got a warm family environment... Warmer than any family environment I've been with =)!!

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi there,

I was looking over what Kyle said about there not being sports teams at UCSF... I guess I never really cared too much because I'm not a big sports fan... but I do have classmates that are! =) Anyhow, I just wanted to comment. UCSF has intermural sports that the inexperienced and the experienced get involved with. Personally, I know people on volleyball, basketball, and soccer. For basketball, for instance, the different med classes all play each other--the MS II's won this year, but you know it's only because we had better things to do while they were practicing (sorry Alan). =) The guys also seem to have pick-up basketball games oftne (everyday? I just recall lots of guys telling me at differnet ocassions that they're going to go play ball in the gym) in the late afternoon, and I'm sure there's other sports too. Someone fill me in.

With Kezar stadium and Golden Gate park just a couple of blocks away as well as a stocked up gym (with GREAT VIEWS may I add), people at UCSF are always workin' out, even during finals. I was really shocked how fit, atheletic, and in shape my busy busy classmates are!! Going to the gym in the afternoon is like going to small group, I recognize so many faces!! It is refreshing how well-balanced people are.

And with the rich surrounding.. one of my classmates has a golf team, people are always going snowboarding, hiking, biking... it's really a wonderful place to be with tons and tons of stuff to do.

Good luck!!! and keep those questions coming in. =)

Bien

🙂

 

[yodi]

Hello UCSFgirl,

Thank you for all your insights...!

For those of us who are thinking about updating
UCSF after our interviews, could you say what kinds of updates are appropriate/not? i.e. things that are more concrete like having a new job, new award...or things not so tangible like recent travel experience, or maybe even new comments to add to a job you already mentioned at your interviews, etc.

Thanks!

Yodi

 

[souljah1]

yodi,

i'll take a stab at this one..and maybe bien can chime in to let me know how right on i am (since it is her thread 😉. i don't think there are specific reasons for writing an update. if you feel that updating them about a job, an award, or travel experiences will contribute toward your application, then by all means do so. since we only interview 500 people, those that are interviewed would do well by making it known that ucsf is a place where they would love to attend. they tell us over and over that they go through great pains to accept a very diverse group in terms of interests and experiences. if you have recently done something that adds to your interests and experiences, i would write them an update. it cannot hurt.

fyi, i wrote an update letter that was also a letter of intent. i thanked them for an excellent interview experience, wrote a little on any updated info, and expressed a strong interest in attending their program. i basically wrote that i would withdraw all of my applications at other programs if i were offerred an acceptance. if you truly feel that ucsf is your number one choice, don't be hesitant to let it be known.

best of luck to you all. bien hit it right on. this place is really special.

 

[mwilson]

I'm another first year at UCSF (hey Bien, Jason and Kyle!), and I wanted to comment on something that initially made me pause about coming here when I was trying to decide what school fit me best. Maybe it's something some people looking at the school now are wondering about as well.

I was a philosophy major in college and had been out of school for 4 years. Though I have a good background in science and really enjoy it, I wanted to go somewhere where I could have access to the wider trappings of a university that would help me explore my interests in the humanities, etc. I wasn't sure if UCSF could satisfy that as well. I was wrong. Not only do you have Berkeley across the Bay, but UCSF has its own Anthropology, History and Social Medicine Department along with a very active Institute of Health Policy Studies. Those resources, combined with the bad ass collection of knowledge our classmates carry around with them, makes for plenty of opportunities to take electives and to find people interested in starting one with you.

Another thing on the lack of an undergraduate program. It's super cool because when a professor wants to show off what he/she does and/or get someone to help them out with their research, you are the only game in town. Much like I'd imagine it is at Mayo, you really feel like people are excited to work with you or even just show you how cool what they do is. That particularly applies to some of the most senior and prominent physicians you come into contact with. It's been an educational experience like no other.

Good luck to everyone with their applications this year!

 

[LoneCoyote]

Hi mwilson,

I'm curious about your mention of a Medical History Department since I was a history major and focused a lot on American Medical History. I was not aware that UCSF had this type of department... I thought it was only anthropology. Anyway, is it possible to take a medical history class or to even do research in this area? That would be very cool. Thanks!

 

[mwilson]

Hey azpremed,

The department website is www.ucsf.edu/dahsm and they do have a sizable history department that offers a PhD. in the History of Health Sciences. It's apparently one of the first programs to specialize in the history of medicine (back in 1930).

Yes, you can take classes in the department. I haven't yet but plan to next year. As with any department here, working with a professor is usually only a phone call away. There is also a doctor that runs the student research office whose sole purpose is to hook you up with faculty members that best suit your interests. We have one classmate who is already doing independent work with an anthro prof and is applying for MSTP in that area.

Hope that helps!

 

[souljah1]

and in case any of you ladies are wondering...mwilson is a fox.

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi there,

First of all, thanks to all for writing!! I certainly enjoy discussions! =)

Update letters are great and are taken seriously until May 15 (when the waitlist is ranked)... so until then, THE decision is still partially in your hands. I wrote this for another Sdner "Of course, a letter to admissions stating your contiual interest (and that it's your top choice with concrete reasons, better if they relate to your intersts shown on your app, why... rather than, I like UCSF's curriculum, something like, because I designed my own major as an undergrad, UCSF's emphasis on indepedent learning is attractive and compatible with me). Just as important, update your app with admissions. Send them a letter clearly and concisely stating the important awards, accomplishments, new jobs, etc. since your AMCAS."

To more specifically address your question, comments about a new job you mentioned to at an interview are more appropriate if what you have to say about it is concrete... "got a promotion, got an award, was assigned this new very cool project..." If you got the job after the AMCAS was sent out, tho, it may not be too bad of an idea just to include the job and a few points about it on an update just in case your interviewer didn't say anything about it.

Travel experiences I'd include if they were work, volunteer-related. These updates should read more like resumes than personal statements.

Again, I personally think that the most important thing is the show UCSF why they're your top choice (Letter of Intent, as Kyle said. I did one of those too). The admissions office always used to remind me to send in new grades too. In addition, unique and compelling letters of rec may help.

** a helpful word of caution, try to keep your updates as easy to read, down-to-earth, and infrequent. a useful rule of thumb is to send one in whenever you get grades and perhaps whenever you hear from the admissions office (if you get waitlisted, for instance).

Hope this helps !!

Good luck,
Bien

P.S. mwilson is a fox, but so is souljah!!! =)

 

[lola]

Originally posted by burlypie
For those who are curious... (lola?...btw I'm sure we had the same mcat prep class at Kaplan -- with Scott? )

Kennedy's rocks and is on the corner of Columbus and Francisco, near the Wharf but still a surprisingly local crowd.

It's a combo irish pub and Indian restaurant, run by a slick dude named Brahma.

thanks, burlypie! i might check it out one of these days.
yeah, i did have the kaplan class with scott and i think i know who you are too! hope all is going well 🙂

 

[goldenbears18]

I have been accepted to UCSF and am incredibly excited!!!!! I know that a lot has already been said in this thread about the "older" age of the entering class, but I was wondering if any current UCSF students who went straight to med school after undergrad can comment on their experiences (esp. social), since it seems as if non-traditional applicants are in the majority. I won't be graduating until May, and I'm slightly in awe of the fact that my classmates will have so much more life experience than I will. At the same time, I know that it will be an incredible chance to meet some really cool people, and I can't wait! Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[paean]

Congratulations goldenbears18. There are a number of students in our class who were straight out of school and many within 2 years of graduation. The new "traditional" student seems to have morphed to include those within 2 years of graduation.

I agree with Bien that having the majority not come straight from college gives the class a wider perspective on life, but functionally, I don't see much of a difference between me (I was 24 at matriculation) and a 22 year old who just graduated. The more interesting life experiences seem to come from classmates for whom medicine will be a second or third career. A year or two off gives you a great chance to see a non-academic side of life, but may not be enough time to get non-student, non-medical knowlegde bases from which to draw. This is turning out to be harder to articulate than I thought, so think of it this way. There are no age/experience based distinct lines that can be drawn in the class, because the continuum from one person to the next is far more distinct.

As for social stuff, I don't drink and am a dinner party, not house party kind of person. So I'm not the best person to talk about the party/bar side of our class' social life, except that people tell me stories so I know that it exists. There's other stuff people do outside of class too, and it really depends on your interests.

 

[paisley1]

Wow! So many UCSF MS1s on SDN....I just had to add to the love fest. 🙂

Goldenbear, I was in pretty much the same situation as you last year. I graduated from Cal in May of 2002 and began med school here at UCSF this past fall. It was and still is a bit awe-inspiring having classmates such as the ones I have here, particularly since I feel that my life experiences are more limited (and less adventurous!).

In terms of age differences and relating to classmates socially, age doesn't really matter (from my perspective, at least). The shared experience of being students together and having our minds set on a common goal does a lot in terms of making factors such as age seem less important. There's no awkwardness or groups of same-aged people keeping to themselves.

I must say that the caliber of students that UCSF picks is one of its biggest drawing factors. I have never met a more diverse, intelligent, humble and compassionate group of people.
UCSF picks a good crowd, that's for sure!

Paisley

P.S. Souljah, paean, mwilson, Kyle, and UCSFgirl are all hotties! 😉

 

[newt]

Hey everyone,

I had interviewed at UCSF a while ago and know I did not do my best and was wondering how much you guys think a bad interview is a definite rejection?

 

[souljah1]

newt,

First off, I'd like to say that sometimes you think that an interview went badly..but maybe you did just fine from the interviewers perspective. SWhy do you think it went badly? Just try and be patient and see what happens. I'd also like to remind everyone that about 25% or so of our class got in off the waitlist. I don't know too much about how long most people waited, or when the actual tiering occurs, but I do know that a waitlist gives you somewhere between a 20-40% chance of acceptance. They give outright acceptances to about 190 or so interviewees, and then wind up accepting anywhere from 20 to 40 people (I'm sure this fluctuates a little from year to year).

Interviews definitely are very important at UCSF. I have heard that they factor into about a third of the decision. Supposedly, after your interview the interviewer writes up a summary report of your interview and assesses you for certain characteristics. Your two interviews are given numerical values (I've heard anywhere from 0-4). You have to average a 3.5 to be considered for an outright acceptance. They really put a lot of emphasis on the interview. If you are interviewing they think you can do just fine academically. The interview is a way of finding out more about your character, commitment, life experience, empathy, etc. They really put a lot of energy into building a class dynamic that, like paisley mentioned above, is centered around compassion and humility. I mean..look how much love we have in our class!! mwilson, paisley, kyleluman, bien, and paean all are wonderfully generous people..as I'm sure you can easily see.

As far as the age thing goes, I don't even notice it. Maybe that is b/c I don't act my age, but I don't think that is the case. Paisley and Paean have said is well. As far as going out and having fun...that sort of thing is always going on. We go out dancing sometimes, go out for dinners, go to bars, go on hikes, trips, napa, etc. San Francisco is a great place, and I think the majority of us try to not take that for granted.

A note to my classmates..it is pretty funny to see you all posting on this thread. It makes me think back to the days of uncertainty. I used to want to be your classmates so badly..and now I am. Now I ask myself what was I thinking!! 😉 I still find myself so honored to be in your presence..except for maybe mwilson. No, but seriously, I must of done something right in life to be able to learn the Art of Medicine with you all.

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi!

Didn't realize when I wrote this response, I didn't continue it onto the expected thread. Keep questions rollin'

January 7th

Hi there,

First of all, thanks to all for writing!! I certainly enjoy discussions! =)

Update letters are great and are taken seriously until May 15 (when the waitlist is ranked)... so until then, THE decision is still partially in your hands. I wrote this for another Sdner "Of course, a letter to admissions stating your contiual interest (and that it's your top choice with concrete reasons, better if they relate to your intersts shown on your app, why... rather than, I like UCSF's curriculum, something like, because I designed my own major as an undergrad, UCSF's emphasis on indepedent learning is attractive and compatible with me). Just as important, update your app with admissions. Send them a letter clearly and concisely stating the important awards, accomplishments, new jobs, etc. since your AMCAS."

To more specifically address your question, comments about a new job you mentioned to at an interview are more appropriate if what you have to say about it is concrete... "got a promotion, got an award, was assigned this new very cool project..." If you got the job after the AMCAS was sent out, tho, it may not be too bad of an idea just to include the job and a few points about it on an update just in case your interviewer didn't say anything about it.

Travel experiences I'd include if they were work, volunteer-related. These updates should read more like resumes than personal statements.

Again, I personally think that the most important thing is the show UCSF why they're your top choice (Letter of Intent, as Kyle said. I did one of those too). The admissions office always used to remind me to send in new grades too. In addition, unique and compelling letters of rec may help.

** a helpful word of caution, try to keep your updates as easy to read, down-to-earth, and infrequent. a useful rule of thumb is to send one in whenever you get grades and perhaps whenever you hear from the admissions office (if you get waitlisted, for instance).

Hope this helps !!

Good luck,
Bien

P.S. mwilson is a fox, but so is souljah!!! =)

 

[UCSFgirl]

Hi all,

First of all, I want to extend my warmest welcome to those newly admitted (goldenbears, yay!!). =) I also want to thank my beautiful classmates for supporting this discussion board.

FOR THOSE COMING STRAIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL
Goldenbears, I, too, shared your trepidations about coming to a place like UCSF directly from undergraduate, espeically since it seems that UCSF favors "experienced" students. Admittedly, these feelings peaked the two or third week of school for me when I realized how truly diverse and amazing each and every one of my classmates are... but really--my classmates who have just graduated are just as incredible as those that have taken time off. Each one of us was picked for the class because we add something to the class that no other person does--when you come here, you'll see that no one is like you... even close!! If you observe the dynamics of small group (which are randomly assigned), you'll sense this further!! We learn so much from each other intellectually, academically, and socially!! I really wouldn't have it any other way.

Socially, San Francisco is such a rich paradise of stuff that any age would find solace and excitement here. There's bars, clubs (for clubbing, comedy clubs, swing dancin', salsa... There's always mass emails about people going swing or salsa dancin' almost every week. A lot of people in our class go clubbing as well, but to me, it seems like the second years go more.. depends on the personality of your class), places to enjoy nature (totally totally endless. you can go hiking to and fro, kaying, camping... or just up to the anatomy lab--the awesome views!!), shopping, culture (haight-ashbury just blocks away.. castro, the mission)... I feel like I'm always going somewhere everyday, and if I'm not, I kick it with some classmates (even if while studying or on breaks)... I really think I've been more social now than an college!! The curriculum is flexbile, the people amazing (yet so so fun and itneresting and intriguing), and the city marvelous!!!

Get super pumped, alrighty!!! I kno you are already, but trust me, it's so much better than one can ever imagine!! =)

INTERVIEWS
I'm sorry you didn't think your interview at UCSF went well, Newt. But as souljah was saying, it is very likely that it just "seemed bad." I interviewed at a whole bunch of places, and although the interview is a huge factor in admissions, my own ability to predict how well the interview went sucked. I got outright rejected at the school I thought I interviewed best at, and accepted within a week at my worse interview (I was crying after it). Like souljah asked, it is very important to ask in what way you thought it was bad. If you're interviewer was grilling you, making you feel uncomfortable--s/he may just be looking for a reaction.

A story for you--My student interviewer at **** never cracked a smile--when we shook hands, when I tried to slip something funny in, nothing. He proceeded to shoot question after question at me (while I'm trying to eat lunch too, stressful!)--very specific questions (for instance, what solution did I usse for a certain step of an experiment for the research project I was working on... and why I used it..), some accusatory... Often, I felt he was trying to trap me. Definately not friendly, conversation, or west-coasty... After a little while, he finally smiled and said, "Bien, I give up!" He proceeded to explain that when he was reading my appilcation last night he could not imagine someone as free-spirited and enthusiasic as I was (and he read from my letters) could have done what was written on my app. He was testing--weird. I have a bunch of other horror interview stories if you want!!!

Point is--there is no way you can tell. I had one guy (who I later found out rated me extremly high) outright insult me.. If UCSF is your first choice, just keep your hopes up, keep updating your file, tell UCSF that you love them and way... la-de-da. I think there are a couple posting on this thread about updates. Take a look.. and please don't hesistate to ask any questions!! If you want to share your situation with us in more detail, please post.. or you can message me privately as well.

Thanks everyone and good luck!!!
Bien-Aimee Vu =)😍 😍

 

[yodi]

Hey everyone,

Good luck to y'all out there! It's been 8 weeks now and I haven't heard from them after my interview, so i am guessing i am on their high priority or reject list? Bien, thanks again for your insight on these final steps .... can i clarify your earlier emails? if we get high priority status, can we still potentially receive a decision before May 15....or will we have to wait until then for accept/reject/waitlist? thanks!!!

btw, Bien mentioned salsa dancing in SF...i've heard there's no better place right now in the nation to find a salsa crowd than right here in the bay area!

yodi

 

[souljah1]

I'll let Bien get into all the details, but I just wanted to say that waiting more than 8 weeks definitely does NOT necessarily mean that you are going to be rejected or placed on high priority. I waited 15 or so weeks for an outright acceptance. Sometimes your file takes a while to complete b/c there are many things that go into a complete file. You just have to sit tight and be optimistic. If it gets past 12 weeks I'd give the admin office a call and make sure that they didn't send something that you never received.

 

[sdnsdn]

Reading this thread is making me so UCSF crazy. EEK! I interviewed in mid-november and I am hoping to hear something this week. I had one great interview and one not so great interview. December was so disappointing. If you do not have any new breakthroughs or grades, can you still send them a letter of intent? It seems that in this case it would be better to not write a letter saying "everything is going as planned and there are no new awards. "
Thanks to all for the info.

 

[jtheater]

Good luck to everyone for January's deadline. I know how crazy I felt around this time last month... checking SDN everday to see if someone had received any word from UC. Although I am no expert on the UCSF admissions process, any school likes to hear that they are your first choice. But only say it if you really mean it. In my interview, I said that unless something changes in my life that I can't predict now, if I got into UCSF, I would go. I also told them that I hadn't said that any other schools. I am sure a letter would be welcomed and included in your admissions file.

I don't know if it helped me, but I am sure it can't hurt especially probably since I was totally candid. Things can change in your life in a matter of months that you can't predict. I was set to go to college in the East Coast until a week before that May 1 deadline my father had a heart attack. After that, I decided to stay West. Anyway, good luck to all. Look forward to hearing good news from all.

 

[ginbg]

does anybody know if the january acceptances have been mailed yet, or has anyone heard from UCSF this month?
thanks

 

[UCSBMed1]

So UCSFgirl, your name is Bien?!

I met you yesterday at UCSF. I was the guy with Byron at the end of the tour, the one you gave the sticker to. 😀

It was nice meeting you, and I loved UCSF.