Questions or advice about UCSF?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
Has anyone seen the new hospital at UCLA? Supposedly construction is under-budget and ahead of schedule and will be finished in time for our class (2007) when we hit the wards. This hospital is dubbed to be the most technologically advanced medical center in the world. UCSF used to be my top choice, but now with the new curriculum & new hospital, I'm starting to lean toward los angeles. I'm native to SoCAL, and being away this year I'm starting to really miss the weather.

The other thing is that I'm accepted to UCLA and wait-listed at UCSF. I suppose that makes me biased. :laugh: But you know, UCSF is definitely not my first choice any more, so I never wrote them a first-choice letter of intent. And since my family is in SoCAL and my best friend from college just got accepted into UCLA (and is going), I may withdraw from UCSF pretty soon. We'll see what happens, they should be cherry-picking from the wait-list any day now.

I don't post so often, but I've really enjoyed reading all the posts on these message boards. I look forward to meeting my fellow SDN'ers next year at medical school (wherever that may be...!)
 
Originally posted by mkmk
can anyone else verify this...90 people off the waitlist??!! sounds unreal, but god i hope it is true. i thought my position on the 2nd half of the waitlist was basically a rejection in disguise. anybody know anybody that got in off the 2nd half? please post a ray of hope for me and nefertari.
Click to expand...

i think the original poster mentioned that the 90 people taken off the waitlist were for the class of 2005. that is definitely a high number and i have never heard anyone else say that this many people were taken off. if it is true, i'd think the major reason would be b/c a lot of people did not want to be part of the test-run for the new curriculum. i'm pretty sure that our class took about 30 or so people off the waitlist, but i am not certain of this. for those on the waitlist, i would just keep showing interest. i wish you all the best of luck.

peace.
 
that I am on the top half of the alternate list, but they said they would give no other details about my position or my chances. God, I hate waiting. Now, I have more, UCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone's letter give more detail than mine. By the way, it was post marked on the 9th.
 
for current ucsf students, i was just wondering if you or anyone you know got in off "the second half of the waitlist". if so, please let us know and approximately when you got off to give us any ounce of hope. thanks. 🙁
 
Hey Zonata, just got word of me being on the top half of the alternate list as well!!!!

I'm pretty happy about it, since the UCSFers have told us that those on the top half have a good shot of getting in!

I'm a worry wort, and I really want to go to this school, so I've already started thinking of the worst. What if I'm at the bottom of the top half and don't get in? How long will I have to wait, if UCLA starts prologue in July?

Can any UCSFers give any more info? Would you say that we have a "great" chance, or just a "pretty good shot?"

I know that seems really picky, but I just WANT TO KNOW ALREADY!!!

Thanks a lot guys, and thank God I'm on the top half!!!!
 
Zonata: You mentioned that you are on the top half of the "alternate list." Does this mean that everyone on the waitlist is considered an "alternate?" I thought that if you are in the top half of the waitlist, this is better than being an alternate. Can anyone please clarify? Maybe I have my terms mixed up.

Good luck to everyone waiting to hear news!
 
Hey UCSBPre-Med1,

Top half of the waitlist: That's great news! Congrats! So everyone IS considered an alternate after all, I guess. I'm from Cali, and I still haven't heard anything. The worrying continues....
 
I guess crazy premeds think alike. Now I am wondering when do people start hearing and if anyone on the high priority list was accepted out right. UCH, there killing me.

And Jabroni, I think the two terms are synonomous.
 
jabroni, I had the same worries.

I'm pretty sure that "alternate" and "waitlist" are synonomous, at least as far as UCSF is concerned.

UCSFers: How long do you think that we will have to wait to hear any news?

Also, *important* question. If they are notifying people of acceptances by phone for those on the top half of the list, how would I go about changing my phone number since I no longer have the number I gave them? (cell phone--stupid idea, I know)
 
UCSBPre-Med1-
question is this your first time hearing back from UCSF...i guess i am just confused about this whole top...bottom...alternate...waitlist stuff...i got a letter a while back for high priority...are they sending out the new letters for the ranking of the high priority list already...thanks
 
The letter indicating placement was post High Priority List. Now, the waiting starts for a third time.

Good luck.
 
Yeah, the letter we recieved was telling us our ranking on the High Priority List (Top half, or bottom half).
 
Oh well you guys, I suck. I just found out I'm on the second half of the list. Chances don't seem too hot, but I'm sure it's working out the way it should. Oh well, gotta suck it up and get ready to go to Davis. Good luck everyone.
 
for ucsf students, do you of people who got off "the second half of the waitlist". can you please give us a time frame when they could possible get to that part of the list?
 
Hi everyone,

I just got into UCSF off of the high priority list. I am deciding between here and UCSD with a Dean's scholarship. There is no doubt in my mind that the students are happier and that the program is more progressive at UCSF. But, what I am wondering is what are the living arrangements like at UCSF? When I was there it seemed like housing is a pain to get, single bedrooms are unheard of, and that it is virtually impossible to have a car. Being from southern California I would love to keep my car so that I can go places on the weekends. Have you heard of people living in suburbs outside of the congested areas around the UCSF campus and commuting in? Do students feel confined in such a compact city? How is public transportation (I know BART is not close)? Thanks a bunch for all your help!!
 
Originally posted by Anthony9
Hi everyone,

I just got into UCSF off of the high priority list. I am deciding between here and UCSD with a Dean's scholarship. There is no doubt in my mind that the students are happier and that the program is more progressive at UCSF. But, what I am wondering is what are the living arrangements like at UCSF? When I was there it seemed like housing is a pain to get, single bedrooms are unheard of, and that it is virtually impossible to have a car. Being from southern California I would love to keep my car so that I can go places on the weekends. Have you heard of people living in suburbs outside of the congested areas around the UCSF campus and commuting in? Do students feel confined in such a compact city? How is public transportation (I know BART is not close)? Thanks a bunch for all your help!!
Click to expand...

congrats! a friend of mine was wondering how u got notified of the decision. snailmail/email/or call?

thanks.
 
I recieved a large letter in the mail on the 16th. It was postmarked the 13th. 🙂
 
Hey Anthony,

Congrats on getting into UCSF. I am not a UCSF student but can offer you some advice about housing in San Francisco. Yes, it is expensive, but things are better than they were a few years ago during the .com boom. You should be able to find your own room in a shared apartment for $600 (the low end) - $1000 (max and it would probably be a huge bedroom w/ private bath in a very upscale neighborhood). I would think that in the area around UCSF, the Inner Sunset, you could find something for around $700-$800/month, less if you get lucky or can find a 4 bedroom. And if you moved farther out into the Sunset district you could maybe even find your own in-law unit or studio. The Sunset has a more residential feeling to it if you are concerned about it feeling to "urban." I recommend you get a good map of SF that labels the neighborhoods, and look on Craigslist www.craigslist.org just to get a sense of the prices right now. I think UCSF also has a housing site. Also in terms of public transit remember that there is the Muni, above ground street car, that could drop you off right in front of UCSF if you decided to live a ways out. As for driving, I have always had a car in SF and it has never been a problem. My insurance rate is high, but I'm under 25, and I am not sure how rates compare to SoCal. Parking is a pain in certain neighborhoods but if you live in a more residential area it should not be a problem. I am sure the UCSF students can give you more specific advice about housing and where people tend to live. But don't worry, the housing is very doable, and from what friends have told me not much more than San Diego prices at the moment.
 
anthony9,
how long have they given before you have to decide?
 
For those of you notified @ being in the bottom half of the alternate list, are you sending in another LOI? Seems futile at this point, and I'm running out of steam for this cycle. Anyone have experience from last year?
 
Hey Nefetari,
I just sent another LOI about April 25, so that it would get there in early May....then I got put on the second half, so at this point, I think they have been ignoring my letters. There is nothing more I could say expect UCSF is my 1st choice, but I already wrote a LOI to UCLA saying that. Should I know say UCSF is my 1st choice since that is kinda the case now?? Sorry, I know my post probably didn't help, but I'm in the same boat as you. Good luck.
 
Originally posted by cbpremed
Hey Nefetari,
I just sent another LOI about April 25, so that it would get there in early May....then I got put on the second half, so at this point, I think they have been ignoring my letters. There is nothing more I could say expect UCSF is my 1st choice, but I already wrote a LOI to UCLA saying that. Should I know say UCSF is my 1st choice since that is kinda the case now?? Sorry, I know my post probably didn't help, but I'm in the same boat as you. Good luck.
Click to expand...
cbpremed,

Sounds like we're in the same boat as far as SF & LA except you've got a great UC acceptance in hand! I've also sent in 2 LOI (intent) to SF. I don't think I can in good conscience do the same for LA (esp. if I have to reapply).

But maybe LA might be more receptive to letters, since their waitlist is unranked. Wish you the best @ Davis!
 
Originally posted by Nefertari
cbpremed,

Sounds like we're in the same boat as far as SF & LA except you've got a great UC acceptance in hand! I've also sent in 2 LOI (intent) to SF. I don't think I can in good conscience do the same for LA (esp. if I have to reapply).

But maybe LA might be more receptive to letters, since their waitlist is unranked. Wish you the best @ Davis!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words. It's tough sometimes when you don't get what you want right away, but I've come to a place of acceptance and thankfulness, because UCD is a great school. I'm just worried about getting an apartment up there in the event that I get off the UCLA waitlist. Oh well, the drama continues!:laugh: 😉 Goodluck!
 
anyone know until when the alt list moved last year? also, anyone know how far they went down the list?
 
I'd like to know the answer to that as well.
 
hi sweeties!

I got in off the second round, and I got in about the 20th of June. I should remember the date, but the letter is at home with my folks =) Basically, the school waits until a significant number of people withdraw (May 15th deadline as you well know), and goes down the list to fill the spots. They do "rounds." I do not know how many got off last year, but I would guess about 20. Help me souljah! =) Anyhow, they stop when the class is filled. I know a classmate who got in in August, but I would try to reach a decision by the end of July because I know some schools start in August... and once you enroll in a school, you're out of the waitlist game... but if you wait in the waitlist, you may have no school! don't stress too much! remember it's not where you go but what you do when you get there. we all just want to be doctors!

Thanks for writing and good luck!!
Bien
 
So Bien, you got in off of the second half of the list?

Wow I guess there is a lot of movement. That gives hope to those of you on that half! 😀
 
hi sweetie,
wanted to clarify. I was in the top half, but I got in during the second round of calls. It seems they don't call each person once a spot opens. They wait until there's a few spots and calls them all at once. I was in their second batch, maybe they do it weekly? Would make sense since it seems they start mid Jun, and I got my call around the 20th. =)

Bien
 
Thanks for clarifying, Bien.

I'm on the top half as well, so it seems they don't start calling until early June? Arghh!

More waiting I guess...

At least do they call every week? Do you know how many people they call each time?

Thanks for your help! I'm so close! I can feel it!
 
It's hard to take much stock in a response from an individual with 3 posts.

Obviously, it is entirely possible that it is legit as well. I would love to hear from stlboy123.

Anyway, I'm still waiting like the rest of you.

All the best Z.
 
woo hoo:clap: ...i am so siked...im headed to cali...i was a little worried about the whole waitlist game since stlboy said he got a call and an email...but i didnt get any call or email just the mail...so yes...nothin but west coast love...sweet
 
Congrats, ComplexPuzzle! 😀

Where you on the High Priority list before you got the letter, or were you waiting post-interview?

If High Priority, I assume you were on the top half?
 
i cant say i really understand the whole high priority or alternate list designations...but first i got a letter sayin i was on the high priority list...then i got one say i was in the top half of the alternate list
 
Okay thanks...thats what I wanted to know.

Congrats again. :clap:
 
right on complexpuzz. do your little dance.

here's to the rest of us. send us some love UCSF!
 
The rest of us are praying we are lucky enough to join you.

All the best,
Z
 
hey complex puzzle,

would you mind telling when your letter was dated for the rest of us and if you know if it was a bulk mailing? i'd really appreciate it. and congrats!

james
 
the date of the letter is may 27th...but i am not sure when it was postmarked...but it came first class so maybe that speed-up delivery
 
Anyone else get any news, or know of anyone else who got in?

Does UCSF accept in bunches, or individually?
 
I heard from bein that they do them in bunches.
 
Is there any chance one could get into UCSF out of state on MD alone?

It is one of my favorite schools, but I've heard it's nearly impossible to get in unless you are a CA resident.
 
Well it is very difficult, but there are a handful of students that UCSF accepts from out of state. In fact, SDN just had a few out of staters accepted recently.

Can I ask you a question though? I don't want to sound harsh when I say this, but why do you want to apply to UCSF?

Yes, I know its one helluva a school, its in beautiful Northern California, and it is SAN FRANCISCO. But, why from out of state?

You may or not know how difficult it is for in-state residents to get into med school in their homes. Some of us want to be near our families, or just want to be able to travel and see them once in a while. If we were out of state, it would be pretty hard to do.

I guess I'm just ranting because I'm on the alternate list and am *anxiously* awaiting an acceptance at UCSF. Don't listen to me, who am I to tell you where to apply? 😛
 
Another friend of mine just got off the waitlist at UCSF. I think she interviewed sometime in Jan...I'm not sure. I have really had to dig deep and pray so that I don't feel inferior or upset. WHY ARE ALL MY FRIENDS GETTING IN WHERE I WANT TO GO????!!!!!
I guess I have to trust that things happen for a reason. Good luck and may the waitlist move for all of you also.
 
Originally posted by UCSBPre-Med1
Can I ask you a question though? I don't want to sound harsh when I say this, but why do you want to apply to UCSF?
Yes, I know its one helluva a school, its in beautiful Northern California, and it is SAN FRANCISCO. But, why from out of state?
Click to expand...

I'm probably going to apply as an out-of state student becasue I'm originally from San Fran (although my parents live in the south now) but as a nontrad, I think the learing environemt would be very supportive. Also as a minority, the school is pleasantly diverse so that's an additional plus. My concern is that if I ever went back to California to quote what my Dad used to say, I'll probably never return to the East Coast where all of my family lives.
 
Originally posted by cbpremed
Another friend of mine just got off the waitlist at UCSF. I think she interviewed sometime in Jan...I'm not sure. I have really had to dig deep and pray so that I don't feel inferior or upset. WHY ARE ALL MY FRIENDS GETTING IN WHERE I WANT TO GO????!!!!!
I guess I have to trust that things happen for a reason. Good luck and may the waitlist move for all of you also.
Click to expand...

Hey cb...it sucks, doesn't it?

You want to be happy for them, but you can't help but be envious.

Can you give some info about it? Was she in-state, how was she notified, and when was she notified? Where does she live?

Thanks. I guess that's good news that they are taking people off of the list. 😀
 
This thread needs to be BUMPED!

Anyone get any news?
 
to the UCSF students on this website...

do you know any of your classmates who are going to sublet their place for the summer?

I'm going to do research there and was wondering if I could sublet a plact close to UCSF or the Veterans hospital...

thanks

please reply back in Private message if you can...🙂
 
Hey I was reading through some of UCSFgirl's comments and in one of them she says that about 1/3 of the High Priority List gets in on May 15.

Does anyone know someone who got in that date?
 
for those waiting for ucsf, a friend of mine got in a few days ago...so there's definitely still some movement.
 
do you know where he/she was on the list (1st half? 2nd half?)? thanks for the info.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Seeking Advice: Post Bacc or SMP or none?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Goro
Goro
B
Advice needed about potential IA
Replies
9
Views
974
LunaOri
LunaOri
L
Questions about Goldwater
Replies
1
Views
923
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
D
Reapp Advice: 1 or 2 gap years?
Replies
4
Views
997
LindaAccepted
LindaAccepted
Topizungochico
Question about secondary
Replies
3
Views
1K
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight
Top