UCLA Geffen part 01

[usdtdc]

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Members do not see this ad.

but you see totoro is working on that. i mean look at him doing cardio!
plus the ladies like huggable haha.

Hey jlee9531,

I just sent you a private message accidently. Do you know how many people get on the "unranked waitlist=1st tier".

 

[jlee9531]

Hey jlee9531,

I just sent you a private message accidently. Do you know how many people get on the "unranked waitlist=1st tier".

just hit ya back.

 

[Luwi25]

Hey jlee9531,

I just sent you a private message accidently. Do you know how many people get on the "unranked waitlist=1st tier".

We'd all like to know Jlee...if you have an answer.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[docmemi]

2 questions:

1. If we know 100% that we're going to UCLA, are we supposed to write them a letter of intent? Or does withdrawing from other schools and not withdrawing from UCLA automatically let them know that we're definitely matriculating there?

2. Has anyone received their username and password to apply for university housing yet?

on 2nd look day they gave us a passowrd to apply for housing. call 310-825-3575 to get the login info.

 

[jlee9531]

We'd all like to know Jlee...if you have an answer.

Thanks! 🙂

haha i can only give you my best guess...my friend hasnt really gotten back to me since its not really posted anywhere at la. 😉.

using my best guesses...lets take the 2002 numbers...613 interviews, 240 acceptances given, 121 matriculated.

613 interviews - 240 acceptances = 373 applicants in the WL/Hold/Post interview rejection list. Assuming they reject a small number post interview...I am going to say 73 for the sake of having easy math to do.

300 applicants in WL/Hold. They could split it down the line and have 150 kids in each. or break it up into 100/200.

Lots of flaws in the way I did this I'm sure, but thats my best guess.

 

[shanddallar]

Hi Jlee, is the hold list at UCLA like that at Irvine (where you are on hold prior to getting an interview) or is it simply those who have interviewed and were not assigned to the unranked waitlist? thanks!

 

[jlee9531]

Hi Jlee, is the hold list at UCLA like that at Irvine (where you are on hold prior to getting an interview) or is it simply those who have interviewed and were not assigned to the unranked waitlist? thanks!

the latter.

 

[igbophysician]

Hey all,
I just called admissions, and someone told me that there are about 100 people on the unranked waitlist. When I asked her how they review those candidates once spots become open, she told me that adcom takes everyones' files from that waitlist and reviews them again.

haha i can only give you my best guess...my friend hasnt really gotten back to me since its not really posted anywhere at la. 😉.

using my best guesses...lets take the 2002 numbers...613 interviews, 240 acceptances given, 121 matriculated.

613 interviews - 240 acceptances = 373 applicants in the WL/Hold/Post interview rejection list. Assuming they reject a small number post interview...I am going to say 73 for the sake of having easy math to do.

300 applicants in WL/Hold. They could split it down the line and have 150 kids in each. or break it up into 100/200.

Lots of flaws in the way I did this I'm sure, but thats my best guess.

 

[dabenxiong]

Another unranked waitlist. Time to start writing my LOI. 😎

 

[kwanny]

Uh... with so many waitlists in the last batch of decision letters, should I feel lucky that they haven't reached a decision on my file yet? Although my interview was all the way back in early February? 😕

 

[usdtdc]

A couple of things about the numbers that have been thrown out on the unranked waitlist.

First, in 2003, 240 acceptances were offered and 121 matriculated. So that means 121 initially were offered (pre-may 15) to fill their class. Then, as people started to move, an additional 120 acceptances had to be offered to fill vacancies after may 15 right? Someone correct my logic if not.

Then, if 100 or so are on the 1st tier wait list this year (as was mentioned) then there is a good chance that that tier might be called up, or at least a good portion of it? hmm....those are good odds for "unranked-waitlisters". Am I wrong? However, someone said that the movement at Geffen is very different from year to year. Have they alway offered twice as many acceptances as they have students matriculate?

An "unranked waitlister" in holding pattern

 

[jlee9531]

no...thats not exactly true.

ucla will offer a lot over 121 spots in the class before may 15th.
when people decline ucla...and it begins to fall under the number of 121...thats when they start taking off people bit by bit.

 

[CalBeE]

It sounds to me that UCLA handed out 200+ intial acceptances. When people withdrew and the number fell below 120, then they start pulling people off the waitlist. I think even 30-40 acceptances off the waitlist will be quite high for UCLA.

 

[docmemi]

It sounds to me that UCLA handed out 200+ intial acceptances. When people withdrew and the number fell below 120, then they start pulling people off the waitlist. I think even 30-40 acceptances off the waitlist will be quite high for UCLA.

yeahhh.. 30-40 is pretty good! (usc gets like 25/100)

 

[jlee9531]

It sounds to me that UCLA handed out 200+ intial acceptances. When people withdrew and the number fell below 120, then they start pulling people off the waitlist. I think even 30-40 acceptances off the waitlist will be quite high for UCLA.

yeah thats what i was thinking as well.

 

[Paris167]

Yeah but if 30-40 off of the waitlist is good, then why would they have 100 in a tier 1 waitlist and then ANOTHER 100 in a 2nd tier one. That makes no sense to em' at all...then why not just have one waitlist with 100?

I personally know a chair on the UCLA admissions committee who has been there for decades. I'm actually not "suppose" to disclose this info, but since it is among us SDNers...I will (but don't let it spread). He told me that they have 2 waitlists because generally they get to only Tier 1 but in the past they have definitely offered positions to Tier 2s and so this is why they have a Tier 2 waitlist. And so, although he couldn't specify, there might be LESS than 100 on Tier 1's waitlist. Also, even though they tell YOU that it's an "unranked" waitlist..it is actually already ranked on a point system that they vote on. So everyone on the "unranked waitlist" has a rank order in which they offer opening spots. Do you really think that they'll RE-review all waitlisted files...no way! They have better things to do with their time.

Hope this clarifies some of the debating.

 

[docmemi]

Yeah but if 30-40 off of the waitlist is good, then why would they have 100 in a tier 1 waitlist and then ANOTHER 100 in a 2nd tier one. That makes no sense to em' at all...then why not just have one waitlist with 100?

I personally know a chair on the UCLA admissions committee who has been there for decades. I'm actually not "suppose" to disclose this info, but since it is among us SDNers...I will (but don't let it spread). He told me that they have 2 waitlists because generally they get to only Tier 1 but in the past they have definitely offered positions to Tier 2s and so this is why they have a Tier 2 waitlist. And so, although he couldn't specify, there might be LESS than 100 on Tier 1's waitlist. Also, even though they tell YOU that it's an "unranked" waitlist..it is actually already ranked on a point system that they vote on. So everyone on the "unranked waitlist" has a rank order in which they offer opening spots. Do you really think that they'll RE-review all waitlisted files...no way! They have better things to do with their time.

Hope this clarifies some of the debating.

yeah. many schools say unranked but some for example you are ranked accd to how many votes you got post-interview from the committee members (like usc). im sure its similar at uci too, but i dont know based on what.

not surprising.

 

[CalBeE]

Yeah but if 30-40 off of the waitlist is good, then why would they have 100 in a tier 1 waitlist and then ANOTHER 100 in a 2nd tier one. That makes no sense to em' at all...then why not just have one waitlist with 100?

I personally know a chair on the UCLA admissions committee who has been there for decades. I'm actually not "suppose" to disclose this info, but since it is among us SDNers...I will (but don't let it spread). He told me that they have 2 waitlists because generally they get to only Tier 1 but in the past they have definitely offered positions to Tier 2s and so this is why they have a Tier 2 waitlist. And so, although he couldn't specify, there might be LESS than 100 on Tier 1's waitlist. Also, even though they tell YOU that it's an "unranked" waitlist..it is actually already ranked on a point system that they vote on. So everyone on the "unranked waitlist" has a rank order in which they offer opening spots. Do you really think that they'll RE-review all waitlisted files...no way! They have better things to do with their time.

Hope this clarifies some of the debating.

No surprises here regarding the point-system. However, if someone updates the file with very important info (Publication, big awards, etc.), it may change things a bit.

As for the two tier waitlists...remember that although they offer 100 people on Tier 1 waitlist, people are going to withdraw over time b/c they want settlement elsewhere or they get into a school they prefer more...that's why it's possible for the school to dig into Tier 2.

 

[BjOrKnRaDiOhEaD]

Here is my question,

Well right now i have no acceptances, but I am on 2 waitlists (ucla's unranked, ucsd, and pittsburgh).

I wanted to know if writing a letter of intent helps out? I have already writtern 3, and i plan to write another to ucla for this week, do you think this really helps?

Also, i wanted to know if getting a letter of recommendation from my HIV clinic supervisor would help? Also, i wanted to get another letter because I started a workshop at ucla that helps with homophobia, do you guys think this might help me?

thanks

 

[CalBeE]

Here is my question,

Well right now i have no acceptances, but I am on 2 waitlists (ucla's unranked, ucsd, and pittsburgh).

I wanted to know if writing a letter of intent helps out? I have already writtern 3, and i plan to write another to ucla for this week, do you think this really helps?

Also, i wanted to know if getting a letter of recommendation from my HIV clinic supervisor would help? Also, i wanted to get another letter because I started a workshop at ucla that helps with homophobia, do you guys think this might help me?

thanks

Be selective about your letter of rec...the unofficial word I heard is that even if a school mentions a limit on the number of rec, it'll probably still read the extra ones...however you don't wanna overwhelm admissions, and too many LOR is not neccesarily good.

Space out the letters to about 4 weeks or more...

 

[blueberry]

Here is my question,



I wanted to know if writing a letter of intent helps out? I have already writtern 3, and i plan to write another to ucla for this week, do you think this really helps?

Aren't you not supposed to send more than one letter of intent?

 

[CaliBoy]

Good luck to those of you on the wait lists!! I can tell you that there are probably 20-30 people in my class that were accepted off the waitlist if that gives you some idea. Also, don't expect to see any movement until May 15 because people are squatting acceptances so the class is currently "full," but as you know the class will definitely NOT be full come May 15 (as is the case at most med schools). Also, movement on the waitlist is active throughout the summer as people's plans change, and people have been known to be accepted at UCLA well into July and even August. In fact, a friend of mine was accepted DURING orientation week and moved down to LA from the bay area in a day's notice. Needless to say, it's unpredictable but definitely worth keeping your hopes up.

I don't know anything about the two-tiered waitlist, unfortunately. But logically they wouldn't have two lists if one of them was never used.

IMHO a letter of intent could either help you or do nothing, so if it makes you feel better, go for it. I'd be weary of sending multiple LOIs to multiple schools-- probably not a problem, but why risk it?

 

[BjOrKnRaDiOhEaD]

opps sorry guys

i sent a letter of intent to ucla, and letter of interests to ucsd and pitts. I ve sent a letter of intent 3 times though to ucla, each one a bit different.

I had another question,some people say to call the admissions office, but who do u talk to and what do you say, i would never think of doing this just because they are so busy

 

[Jalby]

I've met a few people who have gotten into UCLA the day before (2), and writing letters/harassing does help a lot.

 

[docmemi]

opps sorry guys

i sent a letter of intent to ucla, and letter of interests to ucsd and pitts. I ve sent a letter of intent 3 times though to ucla, each one a bit different.

I had another question,some people say to call the admissions office, but who do u talk to and what do you say, i would never think of doing this just because they are so busy

talk to lilli fobert. she is the director. although she may deny it, i think shes in charge. you could also try hunting down dr. neil parker, dean. just do it...from my experience they like confident and daring applicants who really really want to go there and dont give up. 🙂
hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Paris167]

True..persistence is good. But when you call/ write letters, it better be of significance such as..you have a grade update or published work to report etc. To just continuously tell them you're interested is good to a point (which is until they GET the point). After that, you tend to become an annoyance and that can very well work against you.

So be cautious when continuosly sending LOI's/update letters. And I would DEFINITELY be cautious about contacting Dr. Parker because he's the BIG BOSS and one thing he doesn't like can cause your chances of getting into UCLA all go down hill.

By the way, Lilli Fobert is a good persona to talk to at admissions. I'd advice you to contact her rather than Dr. Parker.

 

[uclalee]

Just to clarify something about the unranked waitlist... My interviewer told me that we all do, in fact, have a rank. They call it unranked because we are all constantly moving up and down ..... for example you may be #3. But then they get an applicant a little better than you. So that applicant becomes #3 and you become #4. For their own sanity, they don't dish out numbers since we are all on a sliding scale of sorts. But I would think by now that most files have been reviewed and that the list is fairly set. Now we all just have to wait.

 

[Luwi25]

Just to clarify something about the unranked waitlist... My interviewer told me that we all do, in fact, have a rank. They call it unranked because we are all constantly moving up and down ..... for example you may be #3. But then they get an applicant a little better than you. So that applicant becomes #3 and you become #4. For their own sanity, they don't dish out numbers since we are all on a sliding scale of sorts. But I would think by now that most files have been reviewed and that the list is fairly set. Now we all just have to wait.

Now this makes sense! Thanks for the clarification UCLAlee 🙂

 

[docmemi]

True..persistence is good. But when you call/ write letters, it better be of significance such as..you have a grade update or published work to report etc. To just continuously tell them you're interested is good to a point (which is until they GET the point). After that, you tend to become an annoyance and that can very well work against you.

So be cautious when continuosly sending LOI's/update letters. And I would DEFINITELY be cautious about contacting Dr. Parker because he's the BIG BOSS and one thing he doesn't like can cause your chances of getting into UCLA all go down hill.

By the way, Lilli Fobert is a good persona to talk to at admissions. I'd advice you to contact her rather than Dr. Parker.

yes, please proceed with caution. 🙂

 

[CaliBoy]

About Lilli Fobert---she's a very sweet lady and could probably give you information if you ask for it. She is the director of admissions, but in actuality has no power to admit/reject applicants. Her job is to oversee the admissions process; it is the executive committee headed by Dr. Parker that decides who to admit.

Letters of intent might encourage them to admit you if they can't decide between you and someone else, so send one if UCLA is where you want to go.

Whether or not it's a coincidence, when I applied in 2002 I was admitted within a week of delivering a LOI in person to the admissions office.

 

[twizzlers]

Ok, so with all the talk about being careful when contacting Dr. Parker - does that mean the letter of intent should not be sent to him? 😕 His signature was on the waitlist letter so I figured he'd be who I would address an LOI to. Or maybe, only one letter should be addressed to him, and any future update letters should just be adressed to the Admissions Office in general? (although I don't think I would write more than 2 letters anyway)

Or when you say 'contact,' are you guys just talking about calling him on the phone?

 

[schoolboy]

Whether or not it's a coincidence, when I applied in 2002 I was admitted within a week of delivering a LOI in person to the admissions office.

Hey Caliboy, did you turn in a LOI prior to them reaching a decision on your file or were you already waitlisted (and if so-which tier)? Also did you address the LOI to Dean Parker or just the admissions office?

Thanks.

~schoolboy

 

[Luwi25]

Ok, so with all the talk about being careful when contacting Dr. Parker - does that mean the letter of intent should not be sent to him? 😕 His signature was on the waitlist letter so I figured he'd be who I would address an LOI to. Or maybe, only one letter should be addressed to him, and any future update letters should just be adressed to the Admissions Office in general? (although I don't think I would write more than 2 letters anyway)

Or when you say 'contact,' are you guys just talking about calling him on the phone?

I think addressing a letter of intent to Dr. Parker would be fine as long as you mail the letter to UCLA admissions and NOT his office. But I think that people mean becautious when PHONING or E-MAILING Dr. Parker.

I do research with a physician that is now faculty at Geffen but who also did his residency at UCLA. He knows Dr. Parker very well as his residency director back then. Even now, they are involved in research together so I can confidently say that he would know Dr. Parker's "personality" very well. I asked him today if it would be a good idea for me to e-mail Dr. Parker expressing my interest of going to Geffen and he advised that I NOT do so. He said that although Dr. Parker is a very nice guy, he has so much on his plate where he can be or get easily annoyed by such an act. So he told me that it's preferable for me to send a lOI to admissions instead.

This is what I learned today...so I hope it helps!

 

[twizzlers]

Thanks for your reply, Luwi. That was very helpful. 🙂

 

[Luwi25]

Thanks for your reply, Luwi. That was very helpful. 🙂

your most welcome! Just supportin' my fellow SDNers
🙂

 

[Smile'n'Wink MD]

Can someone explain UCLA's curriculum to me in a nice, consolidated way. It seems like the more I read about it, the more I'm totally confused. Thanks!! 🙂

 

[CaliBoy]

Hey Caliboy, did you turn in a LOI prior to them reaching a decision on your file or were you already waitlisted (and if so-which tier)? Also did you address the LOI to Dean Parker or just the admissions office?

Thanks.

~schoolboy

I wasn't waitlisted but I might as well have been, because if I remember correctly it was already after May 15 and I hadn't gotten a decision yet.

About contacting Dr. Parker directly, I don't recommend it. The safest thing to do is to just address a letter to the admissions committee.

 

[docmemi]

hey guys. i stopped by ucla today for lunch. i loved it! i really like the fact that the research facilities, hospital, and classrooms are all in the same place...i feel like that way the students are getting much more interaction and networking. i contrast this with usc and uci, for ex....uci is basically a desert-no people around- and usc- the undergrad is separate from the med school and even the county hosp is separate (across the street and a bit of a walk) from the med school. it was sooo busy at ucla, i really liked it. btw, everything was so cheap there to buy (like food)...remember i come from usc, i felt the difference.

(with the new curriculum, location in westwood, sorta cheap tuition, great rep, research opportunties, community involvement among the students...ucla seems great!)

any thoughts? anyone want to pound me or wake me up from my dream? i guess its my only acceptance so im trying to make myself feel better...

 

[Legend123]

Hey Docmemi, I know people pick UCLA over some higher ranked med schools. The new hospital, new research bldgs plus the new housing in Westwood, not to mention with the undergraduate campus..... IT is the place to be. I hope we will be classmates soon .....

 

[CaliBoy]

hey guys. i stopped by ucla today for lunch. i loved it! i really like the fact that the research facilities, hospital, and classrooms are all in the same place...i feel like that way the students are getting much more interaction and networking. i contrast this with usc and uci, for ex....uci is basically a desert-no people around- and usc- the undergrad is separate from the med school and even the county hosp is separate (across the street and a bit of a walk) from the med school. it was sooo busy at ucla, i really liked it. btw, everything was so cheap there to buy (like food)...remember i come from usc, i felt the difference.

(with the new curriculum, location in westwood, sorta cheap tuition, great rep, research opportunties, community involvement among the students...ucla seems great!)

any thoughts? anyone want to pound me or wake me up from my dream? i guess its my only acceptance so im trying to make myself feel better...

Docmemi-- i can tell you from personal experience that you are right about all those things. I don't know much about the new curriculum (I'm part of the old one...) but I hear it's very successful. PLUS--the new hospital is almost open, and you will get to do your rotations there. Personally I chose UCLA over Johns Hopkins and have never regretted my decision.

 

[doctorvenkman]

yup ucla rules.
i'm excited to move out to cali.

 

[Arginine]

Can someone explain UCLA's curriculum to me in a nice, consolidated way. It seems like the more I read about it, the more I'm totally confused. Thanks!! 🙂

Being part of the guinea pig class of the new curriculum, here's my best attempt to describe it:
1. It's based on organ systems. Our curriculum is organized in 8-week blocks, with weekly self-assessment quizzes (via internet) and a final exam at the end of each block that includes a 3-hour computer-based exam (in the style of the USMLE boards), a 15-minute doctoring exam (you are either videotaped interviewing a standardized patient, or you are asked to perform a particular type of exam on a standardized patient), and in some blocks a 30 minute anatomy practical. In Block 1, we focused on genetics, immunology, cell biology, cancer, and some histopathology. In Block 2, it was all about cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems (a mixture of physiology, histopathology, anatomy, pharmacology). Block 3 introduced us to endocrine & reproductive system (a mixture of physiology, histopathology, anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, and lots of clinical correlations). Currently we are in Block 4 (which is 14 weeks long but split into two 7-week intervals), studying neuroanatomy, psychiatry, and musculoskeletal stuff (lots of anatomy, some genetics, some pharmacology, some radiology). We generally have lectures 2 hours a day, and they encompass a broad range of disciplines. Three to four afternoons a week (the schedule varies) we have some type of afternoon lab or a session learning physical exam skills, etc.
2. There is problem-based learning (PBL) and small group interaction. Each block, you are assigned to a PBL group consisting of 8 students and one tutor (could be a PhD or an MD). The group meets 2x/week for 2 hours each session to discuss a clinical case relevant to the theme for the week. You're supposed to discuss differential diagnoses, etc. Each person is assigned a learning issue to research (1-2 pages) and post on a message board. The idea is that you learn more when you do the research yourself and teach it to your classmates. We also have doctoring groups of 8 students and one or two tutors (could be an MD, PhD, LCSW) that meet 1x/week to discuss issues such as how to diagnose headache, abdominal pain, alcoholism, chest pain, and how to interview & educate patients. Each student has an opportunity to interview a standardized patient (an actor pretending to be a patient) in front of the group and receive feedback. We also learn how to write clinic notes about the interview.
3. The general trend is that we're learning to incorporate clinical stuff with the basic sciences, and we're learning to look up medical information from a variety of sources. Once a month, we go to our assigned preceptors and spend an afternoon in that person's office/clinic, practicing our clinical skills. This is designed to prepare us more adequately for clinical rotations in 3rd and 4th year. For instance, we've already learned quite a bit about various lab tests, so now I can read a medical chart and have a decent understanding of what's happening with a patient.

I hope this is helpful and not too confusing. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions. 😎

 

[sjrosen9]

If you are waitlisted at two schools, and one moves you off and into acceptance, (post May 15th) but you would rather go to the other school b/c it's your dream school, can you accept the first school and stay on the waitlist at the "dream" school until you, hopefully, get accepted? Do your chances of acceptance at the "dream" school decrease by accepting the first school or does the "dream" school not care? Does anything I said make any sense? It doesn't to me now.
Also, what's the deal with other schools knowing what waitlists you are on after May 15th, do they?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[docmemi]

If you are waitlisted at two schools, and one moves you off and into acceptance, (post May 15th) but you would rather go to the other school b/c it's your dream school, can you accept the first school and stay on the waitlist at the "dream" school until you, hopefully, get accepted? Do your chances of acceptance at the "dream" school decrease by accepting the first school or does the "dream" school not care? Does anything I said make any sense? It doesn't to me now.
Also, what's the deal with other schools knowing what waitlists you are on after May 15th, do they?

Any help would be appreciated

if the schools dont know about other waitlists, then one of your worries are over. and im not sure how much they care bout you getting into another school...perhaps you can take care of that by writing an LOIntent to the dream school. also, depending on how sympathetic they are or how much they care, maybe they will think oh this guy already has an acceptance, lets get someone off the waitlist who has not been accepted yet.

just some thoughts. i hope others here can be helpful. good luck!!

 

[CalBeE]

If you are waitlisted at two schools, and one moves you off and into acceptance, (post May 15th) but you would rather go to the other school b/c it's your dream school, can you accept the first school and stay on the waitlist at the "dream" school until you, hopefully, get accepted? Do your chances of acceptance at the "dream" school decrease by accepting the first school or does the "dream" school not care? Does anything I said make any sense? It doesn't to me now.
Also, what's the deal with other schools knowing what waitlists you are on after May 15th, do they?

Any help would be appreciated

I believe that it's possible for you to accept off the waitlist at two different places during summer. Now I don't know if a particular school you're considering will force you to sign an agreement not to matriculate elsewhere when it accepts you off the waitlist.

 

[docmemi]

If you are waitlisted at two schools, and one moves you off and into acceptance, (post May 15th) but you would rather go to the other school b/c it's your dream school, can you accept the first school and stay on the waitlist at the "dream" school until you, hopefully, get accepted? Do your chances of acceptance at the "dream" school decrease by accepting the first school or does the "dream" school not care? Does anything I said make any sense? It doesn't to me now.
Also, what's the deal with other schools knowing what waitlists you are on after May 15th, do they?

Any help would be appreciated

read this thread... http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=119174

 

[igbophysician]

Does anyone know if those on the unranked waitlist can only expect to hear back from UCLA after may 15th, and not before?

 

[kalak24]

Does anyone actually KNOW how many people are on the unranked UCLA waitlist? Thanks.

 

[CalBeE]

Does anyone know if those on the unranked waitlist can only expect to hear back from UCLA after may 15th, and not before?

I think May 15 will not be a realistic estimate. People don't always withdraw by may 15th, and schools have to hunt them down. Expect waitlist movement like a week after that.

 

[igbophysician]

Thanks CalBeE