Should I avoid applying to CA schools altogether next time around?

[tesladr]

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I am a white CA resident and will be a reapplicant for the 2014-2015 cycle. This cycle I didn't receive one II from any of the CA med schools (most likely due to my 29 MCAT). I plan to retake the MCAT while reapplying, but am not expecting anything above a 33...my undergrad was at a UC, sGPA was 3.73, cGPA 3.76, average ECs (shadowing, "medical mission" abroad, etc.).

I'm wondering if I have a better chance avoiding the CA schools altogether given how competetive they are and only applying OOS? Are CA schools more friendly to their in state applicants?

 

[crimsonkid85]

Are CA schools more friendly to their in state applicants?

Um, hugely so?

 

[gyngyn]

I'm wondering if I have a better chance avoiding the CA schools altogether given how competetive they are and only applying OOS? Are CA schools more friendly to their in state applicants?

Your chances this cycle and next cycle are greater OOS. 2/3's of CA matriculates must leave the golden state for medical school.

 

[gyngyn]

Um, hugely so?

It doesn't matter, though. There are way more qualified candidates than we have seats for. Applicants like OP will fare better OOS.

 

[NontradCA]

It doesn't matter, though. There are way more qualified candidates than we have seats for. Applicants like OP will fare better OOS.

Still doesn't hurt to apply anyway, especially if the MCAT improved to a 33. OP just make sure you apply broadly and to a lot of OOS.

 

[gyngyn]

Still doesn't hurt to apply anyway, especially if the MCAT improved to a 33. OP just make sure you apply broadly and to a lot of OOS.

All donations are appreciated! And a few get lucky...

If the OP applies with current stats (or a better MCAT) he still has a better chance OOS. If he chooses to apply IS there needs to be something about the application that appeals to a specific CA school. Think religion (LL), ties to Riverside (UCR) or rural health/central CA (UCD).

 

[NontradCA]

All donations are appreciated! And a few get lucky...

If the OP applies with current stats (or a better MCAT) he still has a better chance OOS. If chooses to apply IS there needs to be something about the application that appeals to a specific CA school. Think religion (LL), ties to Riverside (UCR) or rural health/central CA (UCD).

I don't like to divulge much info but I got into a CA MD with lower GPA, but similar MCAT, although I'm URM and a veteran. But from what I've researched CA doesn't have AA in its med schools. I'm not saying there's a good chance, just that there's a chance.

 

[gyngyn]

I don't like to divulge much info but I got into a CA MD with lower GPA, but similar MCAT, although I'm URM and a veteran. But from what I've researched CA doesn't have AA in its med schools. I'm not saying there's a good chance, just that there's a chance.

Congratulations. You have proven my point. One needs to fulfill a specific need in a particular school's portfolio of matriculates to have a good chance in a highly competitive environment. OP hasn't revealed any such qualities. Perhaps he has them. They aren't evident, though. He is perfectly fine OOS, though.

 

[NontradCA]

Congratulations. You have proven my point. One needs to fulfill a specific need in a particular school's portfolio of matriculates to have a good chance in a highly competitive environment. OP hasn't revealed any such qualities. Perhaps he has them. They aren't evident, though. He is perfectly fine OOS, though.

Is that all we are is a portfolio?

 

[tesladr]

All donations are appreciated! And a few get lucky...

If the OP applies with current stats (or a better MCAT) he still has a better chance OOS. If chooses to apply IS there needs to be something about the application that appeals to a specific CA school. Think religion (LL), ties to Riverside (UCR) or rural health/central CA (UCD).

Thanks for the advice. This seems to be true (generally) from my experience. I have had just a couple interviews OOS and am still waiting on decisions from those. I think ditching (at least most of) the CA schools next cycle and applying more broadly across the country is the better plan here...

Thanks all !

 

[gyngyn]

Is that all we are is a portfolio?

Of course not! You are each individuals. But to advise OP, I have to let him know the context in which his application is likely to to be viewed.

 

[ruedjgtc]

I think it's been covered pretty well by Gyngyn, but apply out of state to improve your chances. I won't go into my scores, but I applied to several California schools and was rejected from all. On the other hand, I was accepted into multiple programs. I'm still in the cycle, so still receiving rejections from not getting an interview invite (including California).

Anyways, apply out of state, just make sure your really target schools where your application aligns well. Be ready to leave, it's healthy!

Good luck!

 

[NontradCA]

Of course not! You are each individuals. But to advise OP, I have to let him know the context in which his application is likely to to be viewed.

Maybe I'm underestimating CA. Thanks

 

[TreadLightly]

Um, hugely so?

Well, kinda.

Does the School of Medicine give preference to California residents?
No. The Admissions Committee uses the same criteria to evaluate applicants whether they are in-state or out-of-state residents. Preference is given to applicants who are US citizens, Permanent Residents with a Green Card, or approved under DACA with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

http://www.meded.uci.edu/admissions/faqs.asp

I don't know exactly what this means, but there it is.

 

[gyngyn]

Well, kinda.



http://www.meded.uci.edu/admissions/faqs.asp

I don't know exactly what this means, but there it is.

UCI does not prefer IS applicants. There is such an abundance of overqualified IS applicants that only a modest interest in OOS applicants is observed, though. Each of the UC's has an independent review process and mission.

 

[SilentSoldier]

I really really wish I could make sense of the whole Cali applicant thing. I should have had the complete opposite turnout in terms of my app season, or at least thats what I thought would end up happening. I'm also a CA reapplicant, but I had a much better turnout this time with my application to CA schools. I did take two years between apps to change EVERYTHING in my app though, so unless you want to take some gap years to make sure you'll have a better shot in CA, then I guess you should heed the advice of GynGyn and apply broadly next time.

 

[Goro]

Yup. I call them "packets" With >5000 applicants for 100 seats, what can do? Going only on GPA and MCAT will still leave tons of people competitive for our school. Ditto all the others. It's a seller's market.

At interviews, then yes, you're real people with hopes and dreams. We take our jobs VERY seriously because we are dealing with people's careers and aspirations.


Is that all we are is a portfolio?[/quote]

I'd also like to remind OP that Touro-CA and Western will snap you up readily.