UC Postbaccalaureate Consortium 2020-2021 Cycle

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Hey guys, I just received a primary interview invitation for UCD. They sent it a little early for some reason but just to give you guys a heads up.

P.S. My application was considered complete/verified with all LOR and transcripts on 1/13 so it could be due to my really early submission
 
Pioleen said:
Hey guys, I just received a primary interview invitation for UCD. They sent it a little early for some reason but just to give you guys a heads up.

P.S. My application was considered complete/verified with all LOR and transcripts on 1/13 so it could be due to my really early submission
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Congrats! Wishing you the best of luck! Were you able to gauge how many others there were with you for the UC Davis primary?
 
time4pi said:
Anyone else have updates? Still checking my emails constantly for a message!
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double check to make sure you got an email saying your transcripts and LORs went through and your app is ready for review
 
Based on last year's forum, March 11th was the date that UCD sent out interview invites. Can't help but feel anxious. Just gotta trust the process
 
speakerknockerz said:
Based on last year's forum, March 11th was the date that UCD sent out interview invites. Can't help but feel anxious. Just gotta trust the process
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It might be due to when your application was complete. I got an interview invite early (2/27) but the general trend is around 3/11-3/13. Just be on the lookout! Best of luck to you!
 
Do ya'll think the "rolling admissions" aspect of the application process is dependent on the date you submitted or the date your application was verified? Asking because my application wasn't considered verified for about 1.5 weeks after I sent everything in because there was a delay in uploading transcripts.

Congrats to everyone on their achievements!! Hope to be in a cohort with some of ya'll!! 😉
 
AppleGeekz said:
Do ya'll think the "rolling admissions" aspect of the application process is dependent on the date you submitted or the date your application was verified? Asking because my application wasn't considered verified for about 1.5 weeks after I sent everything in because there was a delay in uploading transcripts.

Congrats to everyone on their achievements!! Hope to be in a cohort with some of ya'll!! 😉
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Verified
 
Pioleen said:
double check to make sure you got an email saying your transcripts and LORs went through and your app is ready for review
Click to expand...

Hi Hi, sorry for the bother but a quick question about this.
When you say app is ready for review, are we suppose to see each campus's status as "under review" because the status on the home page for me is just "application complete" for UCI, UCD, and UCSF

I probably just be overreacting and stressing for no reason but I just wanted to double-check if we're supposed to see "under review" under the status or "application complete" for each school
 
UCISS said:
Hi Hi, sorry for the bother but a quick question about this.
When you say app is ready for review, are we suppose to see each campus's status as "under review" because the status on the home page for me is just "application complete" for UCI, UCD, and UCSF

I probably just be overreacting and stressing for no reason but I just wanted to double-check if we're supposed to see "under review" under the status or "application complete" for each school
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Mine just says "application complete". I did not apply to UCSF so I'm not sure if they have anything different under their tab. To ensure that your application is eligible to be read by the schools you applied to, you should have received an email saying the following:

This email is to confirm that we have received all of your letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Your application to the University of California Postbaccalaureate Consortium is now considered complete.
Your application has been advanced to the review process by each campus to which you have applied. You will be notified by each campus separately about the status of your application to their specific program.
If you are offered an interview at one or more campuses, you will be notified by email from that campus and this information will appear on your Applicant Portal.

Hope this helps and Goodluck to everyone!
 
UCISS said:
Hi Hi, sorry for the bother but a quick question about this.
When you say app is ready for review, are we suppose to see each campus's status as "under review" because the status on the home page for me is just "application complete" for UCI, UCD, and UCSF

I probably just be overreacting and stressing for no reason but I just wanted to double-check if we're supposed to see "under review" under the status or "application complete" for each school
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Also don't feel bad for asking lol. I'm sure we are all happy to help each other through this process
 
An interview I have for another program (not UC PB) closed their campus and are having everyone do Skype interviews instead. Kind of disappointed, I always prefer in person interviews. I wonder if UC Post bacc will do the same with interviews. If so, it definitely save travel money, but I feel like it puts anyone doing this at a disadvantage.
 
I also want to speculate this as a reason to why interview invites are not being sent out , but this doesn't make any sense considering some had theirs already. But realistically and based off last years thread, this week is supposed to be invite week
 
Just an update: both UCD and UCI confirmed that their deadlines have been pushed back a week (and a half) to March 20th.
I got confirmation for UCI from the x5388 UCI number. UCD states this on their website that UCD deadline is postponed. I have no confirmation for UCSF.

If anyone is worried about why they have not been able to call or email UCD Admin is I'm guessing they are working on scanning and receiving our official transcripts and what not.
 
speakerknockerz said:
An interview I have for another program (not UC PB) closed their campus and are having everyone do Skype interviews instead. Kind of disappointed, I always prefer in person interviews. I wonder if UC Post bacc will do the same with interviews. If so, it definitely save travel money, but I feel like it puts anyone doing this at a disadvantage.
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As far as I know, my interview for UCI is still going to be in person. My UCD interview is just the primary interview so it is a skype call but it has always been that way.
 
Hello Everyone!!

I was apart of the UCI postbacc cohort 2018-2019. It has been some time since I applied but, I know how stressful this time can be and if I can be of any help with anything please let me know 🙂
Good luck !
 
tostilokos said:
Hello Everyone!!

I was apart of the UCI postbacc cohort 2018-2019. It has been some time since I applied but, I know how stressful this time can be and if I can be of any help with anything please let me know 🙂
Good luck !
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I think most of us are just stressing due to the waiting process. Do you recall when you received an invite, and when you submitted your application? Also, where are you now (I am assuming you completed the program). Thank you!
 
I know!!! I was VERY stressed too. Luckily, I posted this exact thing when I first applied so I can give you exact dates 😉
Apparently, I submitted my application on 2/28 and most of my LOR's were delivered by March 3rd. However, my app was not completed and verified until the 8th of March which really concerned me because UCI's final deadline was March 14 at the time. Not sure what it is now....
Yes aha I did graduate from the program. I will begin UCI's PRIME-LC program this Summer 🙂
 
tostilokos said:
I know!!! I was VERY stressed too. Luckily, I posted this exact thing when I first applied so I can give you exact dates 😉
Apparently, I submitted my application on 2/28 and most of my LOR's were delivered by March 3rd. However, my app was not completed and verified until the 8th of March which really concerned me because UCI's final deadline was March 14 at the time. Not sure what it is now....
Yes aha I did graduate from the program. I will begin UCI's PRIME-LC program this Summer 🙂
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Thats awesome. I have a lot of questions about the program (both PRIME-LC and the PB program) but I will wait until interviews are said and done.
One question I have been curious about was how well does the UC PB prepare you for the MCAT? I know some have a summer prep program, just wanted to see if you saw any benefit to their own MCAT prep. Thank you.
 
speakerknockerz said:
Thats awesome. I have a lot of questions about the program (both PRIME-LC and the PB program) but I will wait until interviews are said and done.
One question I have been curious about was how well does the UC PB prepare you for the MCAT? I know some have a summer prep program, just wanted to see if you saw any benefit to their own MCAT prep. Thank you.
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Oh yes absolutely! There are two major points to this question. 1. Is the timing of dedicated study for the MCAT. So in our program, you don't take the MCAT until AFTER you complete the academic coursework. For me this was crucial since it helped me develop a very solid biology/biochemistry foundation and allowed me time to practice better study habits and improve my overall test taking skills. Secondly , UCI PB is unique in the sense that it has both a CARS Kaplan directed course in Fall AND an intensive Kaplan directed general course in Spring. So I definitely felt like I got double exposure to MCAT prep and it was nice to have that soft introduction in fall. I hope that makes sense?
 
tostilokos said:
Oh yes absolutely! There are two major points to this question. 1. Is the timing of dedicated study for the MCAT. So in our program, you don't take the MCAT until AFTER you complete the academic coursework. For me this was crucial since it helped me develop a very solid biology/biochemistry foundation and allowed me time to practice better study habits and improve my overall test taking skills. Secondly , UCI PB is unique in the sense that it has both a CARS Kaplan directed course in Fall AND an intensive Kaplan directed general course in Spring. So I definitely felt like I got double exposure to MCAT prep and it was nice to have that soft introduction in fall. I hope that makes sense?
Click to expand...

I see. So you did not apply to medical school after you completed the program, since you didn't take the MCAT until after the program was completed? Also, how was the course load in addition to the Kaplan MCAT course? Thanks again, I really appreciate your insight. My goal was to take the MCAT next March or April, and apply to medical school after completing the program. But at the end, I just want to put myself in the best position to succeed, and you definitely have an insight as to how to approach this situation appropriately.
 
All UCs deadline confirmed to be postponed to March 20th.

For those who got interview invites, when are you going? I just received an invitation for UCI. No word yet from UCD. Also has anyone received an invitation for UCSF? Did any of you first time applicants take the MCAT yet (I know it is not required, but we can).
 
tostilokos said:
Oh yes absolutely! There are two major points to this question. 1. Is the timing of dedicated study for the MCAT. So in our program, you don't take the MCAT until AFTER you complete the academic coursework. For me this was crucial since it helped me develop a very solid biology/biochemistry foundation and allowed me time to practice better study habits and improve my overall test taking skills. Secondly , UCI PB is unique in the sense that it has both a CARS Kaplan directed course in Fall AND an intensive Kaplan directed general course in Spring. So I definitely felt like I got double exposure to MCAT prep and it was nice to have that soft introduction in fall. I hope that makes sense?
Click to expand...

If you do not mind me asking, approximately where have your cohort gone to after graduating? Med schools, masters, gap? Thank you for chiming in your opinions. Really excited about the year
 
speakerknockerz said:
I see. So you did not apply to medical school after you completed the program, since you didn't take the MCAT until after the program was completed? Also, how was the course load in addition to the Kaplan MCAT course? Thanks again, I really appreciate your insight. My goal was to take the MCAT next March or April, and apply to medical school after completing the program. But at the end, I just want to put myself in the best position to succeed, and you definitely have an insight as to how to approach this situation appropriately.
Click to expand...
Some PB students at UCI have had the ability to directly matriculate following the PB. These occur under a very specific set of stipulations and ultimately it is Admissions choice on whether or not they deem a PB suitable to transition directly into medical school. However, I want to emphasize this is not a guarantee by any means merely a possible opportunity if it is presented.
Our program director was very mindful of how the CARS Kaplan course would affect us in the Fall. So even though at times it was stressful, I found it very manageable. Especially since I did research which was 4 units and took only two additional classes to bring my total unit count to 12.
As far as when to take the MCAT, you are right on the money. You SHOULD NOT take the MCAT if you are ill prepared. If you do not get a competitive score that could realllllly hurt you in the long run. Our program director who works in admissions advised us that different committees at different schools asses MCAT scores differently. Some will take a composite score ,or look at the most recent, or look at your best score more. So if you are not prepared and you dont excel this could really hurt your chances in the long run. However, this is not to say a "bad" score eliminates your chances to get into medical school. It just can create another obstacle for yourself. I remember when asked in my interview if I was taking it, I told her I was considering on studying and taking a practice one before the PB. She said NOOOOO and advised me to wait and do the program if I were accepted.
Your head is in the right place. In my personal opinion, it is far more realistic to go into the program with the intention of becoming a stronger more competitive medical school applicant. The relationships and connections you build are invaluable. At the end of the day, if you work hard and excel it will pay off in the end and many "PB friendly" medical schools will take your PB year strongly into consideration.
 
esteralmed said:
If you do not mind me asking, approximately where have your cohort gone to after graduating? Med schools, masters, gap? Thank you for chiming in your opinions. Really excited about the year
Click to expand...
In previous PB cohorts, they have matriculated into UCI,UCLA, University of Washington I believe and others. I do not believe anyone in my cohort is pursuing a Masters. With the exception of some SMP's that grant you guaranteed interviews if you participate in their program, a Masters WILL NOT affect your undergrad gpa and therefore, will do little to make you a stronger applicant. A few are applying and interviewing at different medical schools right now. Some are taking a highly deserved gap year since they had directly entered the PB from undergrad and a couple of us were deferred for Spring 🙂
 
tostilokos said:
Some PB students at UCI have had the ability to directly matriculate following the PB. These occur under a very specific set of stipulations and ultimately it is Admissions choice on whether or not they deem a PB suitable to transition directly into medical school. However, I want to emphasize this is not a guarantee by any means merely a possible opportunity if it is presented.
Our program director was very mindful of how the CARS Kaplan course would affect us in the Fall. So even though at times it was stressful, I found it very manageable. Especially since I did research which was 4 units and took only two additional classes to bring my total unit count to 12.
As far as when to take the MCAT, you are right on the money. You SHOULD NOT take the MCAT if you are ill prepared. If you do not get a competitive score that could realllllly hurt you in the long run. Our program director who works in admissions advised us that different committees at different schools asses MCAT scores differently. Some will take a composite score ,or look at the most recent, or look at your best score more. So if you are not prepared and you dont excel this could really hurt your chances in the long run. However, this is not to say a "bad" score eliminates your chances to get into medical school. It just can create another obstacle for yourself. I remember when asked in my interview if I was taking it, I told her I was considering on studying and taking a practice one before the PB. She said NOOOOO and advised me to wait and do the program if I were accepted.
Your head is in the right place. In my personal opinion, it is far more realistic to go into the program with the intention of becoming a stronger more competitive medical school applicant. The relationships and connections you build are invaluable. At the end of the day, if you work hard and excel it will pay off in the end and many "PB friendly" medical schools will take your PB year strongly into consideration.
Click to expand...

Very interesting, thank you for a very descriptive answer. As mentioned before I have a lot more questions to ask, but I want to get in before I ask them. Thank you again for your insight, and I wish you the best with your medical journey future doctor!
 
Hey guys, I just had my primary interview for UCD. The only advice I can really give is to make sure the person matches the application. They aren’t trying to trick you
 
Pioleen said:
Hey guys, I just had my primary interview for UCD. The only advice I can really give is to make sure the person matches the application. They aren’t trying to trick you
Click to expand...

This is through Skype right? I recall you mentioning that one of the primary's were not in-person, unless I am incorrect
 
tostilokos said:
I know!!! I was VERY stressed too. Luckily, I posted this exact thing when I first applied so I can give you exact dates 😉
Apparently, I submitted my application on 2/28 and most of my LOR's were delivered by March 3rd. However, my app was not completed and verified until the 8th of March which really concerned me because UCI's final deadline was March 14 at the time. Not sure what it is now....
Yes aha I did graduate from the program. I will begin UCI's PRIME-LC program this Summer 🙂
Click to expand...
I remember seeing your posts on the older threads! Thank you for calming my nerves! My application was marked complete around the same time so I'm glad to hear I still stand a chance. Haven't heard back from anyone yet, but fingers crossed!
 
speakerknockerz said:
This is through Skype right? I recall you mentioning that one of the primary's were not in-person, unless I am incorrect
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Yes, it was over zoom. It was really short, about 10-15 min long. They also ran through what the program looks like. Based on programs, I personally did not really like what Davis has to offer compared to UCSD and UCI. The program itself is strong but I believe the other 2 have more to offer. You also do have to find travel to and from Davis as well as find a place to stay. This didn't factor into why I believe the program is weaker but just throwing it out there.
 
time4pi said:
I remember seeing your posts on the older threads! Thank you for calming my nerves! My application was marked complete around the same time so I'm glad to hear I still stand a chance. Haven't heard back from anyone yet, but fingers crossed!
Click to expand...

I think unless your application was verified way early, you are in the waiting game like the majority of us. Hopefully next week or tomorrow we hear something. Deadline was also extended so we'll just have to wait it out
 
Pioleen said:
Yes, it was over zoom. It was really short, about 10-15 min long. They also ran through what the program looks like. Based on programs, I personally did not really like what Davis has to offer compared to UCSD and UCI. The program itself is strong but I believe the other 2 have more to offer. You also do have to find travel to and from Davis as well as find a place to stay. This didn't factor into why I believe the program is weaker but just throwing it out there.
Click to expand...

Do you mind answering if you are from the Bay Area or Southern California? Just curious, because I know the UC Riverside gives preference to those who are from the Riverside area.
 
tostilokos said:
Hello Everyone!!

I was apart of the UCI postbacc cohort 2018-2019. It has been some time since I applied but, I know how stressful this time can be and if I can be of any help with anything please let me know 🙂
Good luck !
Click to expand...

Hi I submitted my app early and only got a Skype interview from Davis. Should I be alarmed thag I haven’t heard any from LA, SF, and Irvine ?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN
 
I called to check in with the UCI program about continuing interviews, since I have yet to hear back from anyone. Essentially, interviews for UCI will be conducted throughout April. There is a lot of uncertainty on the UCI program; for right now, it will still start in July (as the ban for in-person activities on the UCI campus is currently scheduled to be lifted in July), but new policies for the program will be updated on the website at the end of the week!
 
time4pi said:
I called to check in with the UCI program about continuing interviews, since I have yet to hear back from anyone. Essentially, interviews for UCI will be conducted throughout April. There is a lot of uncertainty on the UCI program; for right now, it will still start in July (as the ban for in-person activities on the UCI campus is currently scheduled to be lifted in July), but new policies for the program will be updated on the website at the end of the week!
Click to expand...

I was feeling down that I haven't gotten any invites so far but it's most likely due to the outbreak that happened. We can only focus on what we have control of. For me, that's studying for MCAT in the midst of this. Hope y'all have been okay
 
speakerknockerz said:
I was feeling down that I haven't gotten any invites so far but it's most likely due to the outbreak that happened. We can only focus on what we have control of. For me, that's studying for MCAT in the midst of this. Hope y'all have been okay
Click to expand...
Good to know I’m not alone! I agree, we will have to focus on things we have control over. I hope you are all well!
 
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