UC Post Baccs 2011

[inflyingschool]

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I have an interview with UCI in two weeks! Thank God

@ Donchissy, UC Davis called left a message and then emailed me. I was in class when she called, probably would have been too excited to speak if she had caught me. UCI might have called from a blocked/unknown number but I was driving so I will never know, but I got an email today.

@ Medemic My application was complete on the deadline for first-time applicants April 8th although I did have to email them the day before asking them to check if my last LOR was somewhere in there office.

@ Docure, Thanks for the advise I'm all over the previous forums 🙂

 

[interferongamma]

UCI is pretty chill. I was interviewed last year but did not make the final cohort 🙁 I like the fact that Davis provide feedback on your app if not selected so you can address your deficiencies. Irvine does not give that option but I asked them and they were very willing to provide it. UCSF will tell you giving feedbacks is beyond their capacity.

 

[lf87]

I have an interview with UCI in two weeks! Thank God

@ Donchissy, UC Davis called left a message and then emailed me. I was in class when she called, probably would have been too excited to speak if she had caught me. UCI might have called from a blocked/unknown number but I was driving so I will never know, but I got an email today.

@ Medemic My application was complete on the deadline for first-time applicants April 8th although I did have to email them the day before asking them to check if my last LOR was somewhere in there office.

@ Docure, Thanks for the advise I'm all over the previous forums 🙂

Yeyy Congratulations inflyingschool 🙂 best of lucks!! are there any reapplicants to the postbacc in this forum? has anyone heard anything?

 

[medemic]

UCI is pretty chill. I was interviewed last year but did not make the final cohort 🙁 I like the fact that Davis provide feedback on your app if not selected so you can address your deficiencies. Irvine does not give that option but I asked them and they were very willing to provide it. UCSF will tell you giving feedbacks is beyond their capacity.

Would you mind talking about what you learned what to and not to do this time around?

 

[CHERevo]

Congrats!!! Well at least we know they are doing interviews now!!!! I hope I hear from them . My application was completed on April 5th and I'm trying to not thinking of when are they going to call or email me. I will most def post something if i hear anything. Good Luck everyone!!!!

 

[interferongamma]

Would you mind talking about what you learned what to and not to do this time around?

I would have probably brought more confidence in answering their questions. When I was invited for an interview, I only had a day to prepare since most of the options given to me was already booked. Otherwise, there were no surprises in the questions. They ask what you put on your application.
If I had to pick the hardest question, it would be the one when they ask you to tell them about yourself.

 

[ZOTectomy]

Has anyone gotten an interview from UCSF? If so, what should I expect? Any specific questions that they asked? My interview is May 5th 🙂.

 

[alexpostbac22]

I saw in posts that UCI and UCSF started calling for interviews. What about UCSD? has anybody got a call yet? If you guys are ok sharing, what is your gpa, particularly to those getting interviews. I have great gpa for my last 2 years, but I got a crappy one for my second year 🙁 that is pulling me down.
Also, what school are you going to as an undergraduate? 🙂

 

[alexpostbac22]

inflyingschool: when was your application complete?
Also, do you mind sharing your stats to see where I stand as an applicant?

thanks 😉

 

[lf87]

I have my interview in a week for Irvine!! does anyone have any experiences with their interview? any recommendations?

 

[inflyingschool]

@alexpostbac22- My application was complete April 8,2011.
My states are Cell & Molecular Biology Major @ SFSU
Science cum gpa 3.01 and my overall gpa is a little over that. Although I also have a clear increasing pattern in gpa
Community College Transfer Student
2 year clinical volunteer experience for underserved populations
Worked Part-time throughout undergraduate
Science Tutor for underrepresented population
Currently Volunteer as Child Mentor
First Time applicant
Need to Retake MCAT due to low score
Classes currently enrolled in Medical Terminology, Health Microbiology and EMT class

@If87 Good Luck on your UCI interview, I have my UCI interview next week too, I'll post my experience after 🙂. YAY...

Good Luck everyone, doors can open when you least expect it. If you have a calling for the underrepresented population it will show. Those with not the best stats, like myself, still have hope.

 

[postbac87]

To anybody interested in entering the UC Post-Baccs and its effectiveness, look up the article "Effectiveness of University of California Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs in Increasing Medical School Matriculation for Minority and Disadvantaged Students."
This paper concluded that 82% of those who completed the program successfully matriculated into medical school. That's a darn good number.

This is true. But like I stated before, they accept highly qualified applicants. most of these applicants could have gotten in, or if they did not, needed minor improvements.

Just keep on trucking no matter what!

 

[alexpostbac22]

I'm also a transfer student, molecular, Cell, and Developmental major at UCSC. 3.2 gpa and similar extracurricular, except that I have research experience instead of clinical experience. This gives me a little hope. My application was marked as completed until April 12.

I have a question to all, I was born in Mexico and lived there until I was 16, and I am a resident (not a citizen). Do you know if this could influence negatively my application 🙁 ? I am in the process of becoming a citizen 🙂

 

[inflyingschool]

As long as your a legal resident, it should not affect your application. Good Luck!!! Also, UCD has also started offering interviews. I have one next week April 28

 

[medemic]

This is true. But like I stated before, they accept highly qualified applicants. most of these applicants could have gotten in, or if they did not, needed minor improvements.

Just keep on trucking no matter what!

If I remember correctly, the average GPA of the students in the study was 3.01.

 

[medemic]

I saw in posts that UCI and UCSF started calling for interviews. What about UCSD? has anybody got a call yet? If you guys are ok sharing, what is your gpa, particularly to those getting interviews. I have great gpa for my last 2 years, but I got a crappy one for my second year 🙁 that is pulling me down.
Also, what school are you going to as an undergraduate? 🙂

I've been contacted by UCSD via email for an interview. Supposedly interviewing starts next Monday April 25th. Here are my stats:

3.25 cumGPA, Sci3.11
Biology major chemistry minor
1+ year of research experience, in vivo and in vitro
Presented research at two conferences, one oral and one poster
150+ volunteer hours in different departments
Worked full-time in hospital setting as intern and shadowed during clinic
President and Founder of URM Pre Health organization
VP of social fraternity

They give the option of phone or in person but I'm going to do in F2F. I'm scheduling my interview for next Thursday.

 

[docure]

I've been contacted by UCSD via email for an interview. Supposedly interviewing starts next Monday April 25th. Here are my stats:

3.25 cumGPA, Sci3.11
Biology major chemistry minor
1+ year of research experience, in vivo and in vitro
Presented research at two conferences, one oral and one poster
150+ volunteer hours in different departments
Worked full-time in hospital setting as intern and shadowed during clinic
President and Founder of URM Pre Health organization
VP of social fraternity

They give the option of phone or in person but I'm going to do in F2F. I'm scheduling my interview for next Thursday.

Thank you medemic. You are always so helpful and sweet. I also have an interview there. I think we should wear what we would to a medical school interview.

Your stats look very impressive. Im sure you ll shine at the interview. Good luck to both of us! : D

 

[agill786]

This is true. But like I stated before, they accept highly qualified applicants. most of these applicants could have gotten in, or if they did not, needed minor improvements.

Just keep on trucking no matter what!

Agreed.

I believe I had read that some people thought that they had been accepted into a particular postbac (UCSF) believe that it is almost an outright acceptance into UCSF Med School. However, the sole purpose of these programs is to find individuals who are economically/educationally disadvantaged or those who have a commitment to working with underserved areas and help them improve their application to Med School in general (not necessarily allopathic, or osteopathic, or even a UC med school).

 

[medemic]

Thank you medemic. You are always so helpful and sweet. I also have an interview there. I think we should wear what we would to a medical school interview.

Your stats look very impressive. Im sure you ll shine at the interview. Good luck to both of us! : D

Thanks. Are you interviewing after me?

 

[docure]

Thanks. Are you interviewing after me?

Hi Medemic,

I have my interview before you. I will definitely post up my experience afterward for you and others on this forum. : D

 

[medemic]

Hi Medemic,

I have my interview before you. I will definitely post up my experience afterward for you and others on this forum. : D

Awesome. +1 Good Luck

 

[lf87]

@alexpostbac22- My application was complete April 8,2011.
My states are Cell & Molecular Biology Major @ SFSU
Science cum gpa 3.01 and my overall gpa is a little over that. Although I also have a clear increasing pattern in gpa
Community College Transfer Student
2 year clinical volunteer experience for underserved populations
Worked Part-time throughout undergraduate
Science Tutor for underrepresented population
Currently Volunteer as Child Mentor
First Time applicant
Need to Retake MCAT due to low score
Classes currently enrolled in Medical Terminology, Health Microbiology and EMT class

@If87 Good Luck on your UCI interview, I have my UCI interview next week too, I'll post my experience after 🙂. YAY...

Good Luck everyone, doors can open when you least expect it. If you have a calling for the underrepresented population it will show. Those with not the best stats, like myself, still have hope.

Thank you! Good luck to everyone who is interviewing this week!!

 

[docure]

Saundra Kirk is AMAZING! She is sweet and caring. If you are intimidated about the interview, please don't be. Some of the interview questions that I remember are why medicine, tell me about your background, where did you attend undergraduate and how was it, why postbac, what do you look forward to in the program. The questions were much more relaxed than medical school interview questions so have fun with them.

 

[medemic]

Saundra Kirk is AMAZING! She is sweet and caring. If you are intimidated about the interview, please don't be. Some of the interview questions that I remember are why medicine, tell me about your background, where did you attend undergraduate and how was it, why postbac, what do you look forward to in the program. The questions were much more relaxed than medical school interview questions so have fun with them.

Thank you. My interview is now next Thursday. I feel quite relieved about this. Do you happen to know how many spots are open for first-time applicants at the UCSD program?

 

[inflyingschool]

Hi everyone,

Here are some interview questions I remember?

-why medicine? why this postbac? where do you see yourself in 10 yrs? what are your short-term/long-term goals?
-What are your strength/weaknesses?
-What is your motivation?
-How will you finance your postbac, since they don't pay for the classes?
-What are you gonna bring to the program?

I hope I did okay, although I felt like i said too much if that is possible. LOL, and I consider myself a quite person. The nerves got to me :{ yikes

GOOD LUCK to everyone in there interviews!!!

 

[docure]

Thank you. My interview is now next Thursday. I feel quite relieved about this. Do you happen to know how many spots are open for first-time applicants at the UCSD program?

I remember she said they will take 10 students total. She also mentioned that this program might cease in future due to lack of funding. 🙁 As for how many first-time applicants, I didn't ask but that'll be a great question to ask her at the interview.

Medemic, do you know when is the last interview? I accidentally deleted my e-mail.

@inflyingschool: thank you 🙂

 

[supermashdoc]

.

 

[citipark]

Has anyone gotten an interview from UCSF? If so, what should I expect? Any specific questions that they asked? My interview is May 5th 🙂.

Congrats on the interview My interview is on the 9th! Im so nervous..but Im pretty sure they will ask some of the questions posted up already (Tell me about yourself..why medicine? why postbach? strengths weaknesses)

 

[citipark]

I'm also a transfer student, molecular, Cell, and Developmental major at UCSC. 3.2 gpa and similar extracurricular, except that I have research experience instead of clinical experience. This gives me a little hope. My application was marked as completed until April 12.

I have a question to all, I was born in Mexico and lived there until I was 16, and I am a resident (not a citizen). Do you know if this could influence negatively my application 🙁 ? I am in the process of becoming a citizen 🙂

Im a transfer to UCSC as well 🙂 what a small world, I'm a health science major.
I don't think your citizenship status will affect your application at all

 

[Roberto84]

• Be confident and humble at the same time.
• Be completely familiar with your application
• Why medicine? why postbac? why disadvantaged?
• Stenght/weakness?
• Make sure you answer the question. Listen! Don't go overboard. Don't say too little.
• State your answers in a clear, chronological fashion.
• Smile, smile, smile!
• Use body language and make eye contact to engage your interviewer.
• Always ask a question at the end. Show your interest! Look at ther website before your interview.

 

[Roberto84]

Im a transfer to UCSC as well 🙂 what a small world, I'm a health science major.
I don't think your citizenship status will affect your application at all

Resident status will not have an effect.

 

[citipark]

• Be confident and humble at the same time.
• Be completely familiar with your application
• Why medicine? why postbac? why disadvantaged?
• Stenght/weakness?
• Make sure you answer the question. Listen! Don't go overboard. Don't say too little.
• State your answers in a clear, chronological fashion.
• Smile, smile, smile!
• Use body language and make eye contact to engage your interviewer.
• Always ask a question at the end. Show your interest! Look at ther website before your interview.

Thanks for the tips 🙂

 

[holmes57]

All my application materials was turned in on March 17 2011 to UCD, UCSD, UCSF, and UCI. I haven't heard any news back. Should I be concerned???

 

[medemic]

I remember she said they will take 10 students total. She also mentioned that this program might cease in future due to lack of funding. 🙁 As for how many first-time applicants, I didn't ask but that'll be a great question to ask her at the interview.

Medemic, do you know when is the last interview? I accidentally deleted my e-mail.

@inflyingschool: thank you 🙂

docure, this is really interesting that she felt the need to mention this. This makes me think this just might be the last year they have this program, or second to last. 10 students isn't too many, considering the interviewing lasts from April 25th to May 20th and there are two slots per day in those. That's a pretty low acceptance rate. I believe this time around is going to be pretty competitive for all of us, so, to those that haven't interviewed, be prepared! My interview is this Thursday. Thank you to all those who gave input on their interviews - karma has a way of coming back around 👍

 

[Idia]

Some other important questions to take note of:

What are your short/long term goals?

Where do you hope to be in ~10 years?

Do you plan to work in a Hospital, Clinic - Rural or Urban?

What do you hope to accomplish with this post bacc? (Think carefully about this, even though the answer seems obvious)

Describe your involvement with your community

Make your answers Postbacc specific, the different schools have different strengths.

Answer confidently and with a good attitude.

Good luck all!

 

[docure]

docure, this is really interesting that she felt the need to mention this. This makes me think this just might be the last year they have this program, or second to last. 10 students isn't too many, considering the interviewing lasts from April 25th to May 20th and there are two slots per day in those. That's a pretty low acceptance rate. I believe this time around is going to be pretty competitive for all of us, so, to those that haven't interviewed, be prepared! My interview is this Thursday. Thank you to all those who gave input on their interviews - karma has a way of coming back around 👍

Good luck tomorrow Medemic!

 

[docure]

Don't lose hope they're still giving out interviews!

 

[medemic]

That's good news. I'm still waiting back to here from all of the UCs. My interview with Saundra Kirk was great. From the time I spent with her, I could tell she is an amazing person and full of energy. She really wants her students to succeed and goes to great lengths to have them do so.

 

[fr00tie]

All my application materials was turned in on March 17 2011 to UCD, UCSD, UCSF, and UCI. I haven't heard any news back. Should I be concerned???

Sounds like we are in the same boat! My app was completed maybe 2-3 weeks before yours and I sent it to the same schools (first time app) but I still haven't heard anything either...

Good luck to all those who have been invited to interview! It is so exciting to read about the progression of things, and of course the tips are very helpful as well. On the other hand, does anyone know of any news that may be useful for those of us who have not heard back yet? I'm still hoping for a miracle!

 

[Caligirldoc]

Hey all. I've been lurking on these boards for awhile now and thought I should finally join in. I am a reapplicant and interviewed on April 28th at UC Davis and just wanted to encourage those who are still waiting for interviews to keep the faith 🙂.

 

[Donchissy]

Hi all, good luck with your post bac apps, please I have a UCSF interview coming up, For those who have been interviewed, how many people interviewed you, was it one person or more, and what does the interview room look like. Thanks

 

[citipark]

Hi all, good luck with your post bac apps, please I have a UCSF interview coming up, For those who have been interviewed, how many people interviewed you, was it one person or more, and what does the interview room look like. Thanks

So basically what past threads have said..two ladies one has read your file the other hasn't. As far as what the room looks like, the actual interview room is a conference room and you will be going to the office of outreach first to check in. Best of Luck to you 🙂

 

[ZOTectomy]

So basically what past threads have said..two ladies one has read your file the other hasn't. As far as what the room looks like, the actual interview room is a conference room and you will be going to the office of outreach first to check in. Best of Luck to you 🙂

😎 ! How'd yours go citipark? Super intimidating at first, but it was definitely tolerable. Now to . Hopefully we hear before June 1?

 

[Caligirldoc]

UCLA is sending out interview invites for those who are reapplicants. I just got the call yesterday. I also know UC Davis has its last interviews scheduled for May 24th so hang in there ( I saw it on there conference room schedule calendar) 🙂

 

[Idia]

Any acceptances? Any feedback from UC Davis? I haven't received an invitation to interview from UCD is it appropriate to call and check in on app status or will this be considered too overbearing?

Please share feedback if you've already interviewed or heard back from UC Davis.

Thank you and good luck to everyone waiting to hear back

 

[supermashdoc]

Any acceptances? Any feedback from UC Davis? I haven't received an invitation to interview from UCD is it appropriate to call and check in on app status or will this be considered too overbearing?

Please share feedback if you've already interviewed or heard back from UC Davis.

Thank you and good luck to everyone waiting to hear back

Hey India. I haven't heard anything from UCI after the interview. Since you are only asking about UCD, does that mean you already got an interview for UCI and heard back?

 

[trangility]

Wooo! I just received the good news from UCI! I interviewed with them April 27th. Reading this thread definitely helped me prepare for that interview, thanks a lot!!

I also interview with UCSD and am still waiting to hear back!

Some interview questions that I remembered from both of my interviews (for those out there who are still in the interview process...goood luck!!):

-Introduce yourself
-What are your strengths and weaknesses
-Where do you see yourself in 10 years
-Are you a team player?
-How can you contribute to this program?
-Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself that we have not covered?
-For UCSD, Saundra Kirk asked what kind of research I would be interested in doing (because the UCSD program has some special research program for their post-bacs).

 

[citipark]

😎 ! How'd yours go citipark? Super intimidating at first, but it was definitely tolerable. Now to . Hopefully we hear before June 1?

I think it went well, I dont know I think im now over analyzing everything I said in my head and pinning out the things I left out haha...but yea it was intimidating at first, Valerie was really nice...but yes now the waiting game
They said we should know by the end of the month 🙂

 

[citipark]

Wooo! I just received the good news from UCI! I interviewed with them April 27th. Reading this thread definitely helped me prepare for that interview, thanks a lot!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That must be exciting!! 😀 Do you know which one you would prefer more UCI or UCSD?

 

[trangility]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That must be exciting!! 😀 Do you know which one you would prefer more UCI or UCSD?

Thanks Citipark! I'm not 100% sure, but I am leaning towards UCSD because I can live at home and they still have the summer MCAT prep (UCI changed theirs to a Spring MCAT prep). Students at the UCI program do have a better record of getting into med school afterwards than the UCSD program (88% vs 83%), but this doesn't matter too much to me.

Any input on this would be much appreciated!