UCLA vs UCSD

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Tripping

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Can med students give me the pros/cons of these respective schools. Specifically what I care about is:

curriculum (ie is it taught to the boards? is there a bunch of useless minutia I am forced to memorize and never use etc)

clinical rotations (is grading fair? A lot of scut? Are there enough opportunities to figure out what you want to do? Do you feel like you are getting a maximal learning experience?).

A distant third would be COLA (how much is your rent/utilities a month assuming you live off campus) as well as how receptive research opportunities are (eg is it possible to find a group that will actually help you get published).

Thanks in advance! (sorry for duplicate thread, meant to post it here)

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UCLA has hotter undergrads to hit on.
 
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About UCSD:

Firstly, we have a bunch of hot girls who go to the beach all the time. Great shape, great tan.

Curriculum
Lecture-based with some PBL components. First quarter is meh (basic science) but it gets way better after that. Lecturers are generally good, enthusiastic, and well-organized (not everyone agrees, but you know how it goes). A lot of board-heavy info like microbio is taught towards the end of second year so that it'll be fresh in your mind. I hear that people feel well-prepared for the boards.

Lots and lots of academic support (including professional tutoring service at your beck and call). Awesome freedom to manage your time as you wish (i.e. don't have to go to lecture in order to master the material). Ask me if you need more details.

No info on rotations, sorry.

Living in San Diego
AWESOME. On-campus housing is anywhere from $450-600/month, and off-campus is probably $700-800 but with a lot of variation. Beautiful area in general, but a ton of variety (downtown, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, etc.). Relaxed feel but still lots of things to do for recreation.

Research opportunities
Ample and super easy to get involved. I emailed just one doctor and was met with "sure, here's a project that you can first author - don't worry about funding". We also have several grants to apply for; I think like 50 people were funded by an NIH summer grant last year, and other grants were awarded as well. Tons and tons of research opportunities on the med campus as well as at affiliated institutes for cancer, neuroscience, ophthalmology, etc.
 
About UCSD:

Firstly, we have a bunch of hot girls who go to the beach all the time. Great shape, great tan.

Curriculum
Lecture-based with some PBL components. First quarter is meh (basic science) but it gets way better after that. Lecturers are generally good, enthusiastic, and well-organized (not everyone agrees, but you know how it goes). A lot of board-heavy info like microbio is taught towards the end of second year so that it'll be fresh in your mind. I hear that people feel well-prepared for the boards.

Lots and lots of academic support (including professional tutoring service at your beck and call). Awesome freedom to manage your time as you wish (i.e. don't have to go to lecture in order to master the material). Ask me if you need more details.

No info on rotations, sorry.

Living in San Diego
AWESOME. On-campus housing is anywhere from $450-600/month, and off-campus is probably $700-800 but with a lot of variation. Beautiful area in general, but a ton of variety (downtown, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, etc.). Relaxed feel but still lots of things to do for recreation.

Research opportunities
Ample and super easy to get involved. I emailed just one doctor and was met with "sure, here's a project that you can first author - don't worry about funding". We also have several grants to apply for; I think like 50 people were funded by an NIH summer grant last year, and other grants were awarded as well. Tons and tons of research opportunities on the med campus as well as at affiliated institutes for cancer, neuroscience, ophthalmology, etc.

Okay so you had to go and get all detailed on me. Tell them keep tanning and keep me in business. I graduated 2 years ago so somethings could of changed.

2 hours of lecture a day that's it class starts at 10 am, some labs in the afternoon and out by 3ish tues-thursday. PBL on Monday and friday start 8 am then lecture at 10 and out by 12 noon on monday and friday. Class is pass/fail no bs honors/pass/fail (which is still grades). They say no ranking. 8 weeks off to study for step 1. Clincial years lots of variety: county hospital free to do almost whatever, VA, and fancy private hospital the new one (best in the west per usnews), cedars where the rich and famous go and don't want to be touched by a med student.

Now I'm just going to cut and past what the SD guy said about his school cause it would also apply for LA:

"Lecturers are generally good, enthusiastic, and well-organized (not everyone agrees, but you know how it goes). A lot of board-heavy info like microbio is taught towards the end of second year so that it'll be fresh in your mind. I hear that people feel well-prepared for the boards.

Lots and lots of academic support (including professional tutoring service at your beck and call). Awesome freedom to manage your time as you wish (i.e. don't have to go to lecture in order to master the material). Ask me if you need more details.

Ample and super easy to get involved. I emailed just one doctor and was met with "sure, here's a project that you can first author - don't worry about funding". We also have several grants to apply for; I think like 50 people were funded by an NIH summer grant last year, and other grants were awarded as well. Tons and tons of research opportunities on the med campus as well as at affiliated institutes for cancer, neuroscience, ophthalmology, etc"

As for cost of living, who cares your in L.A. Been to clubs seen Paris, Nikkie, Lyndsey, Tara reid, Tara Patrick. Oh did I tell you UCLA has the hottiest undergrads to hit on.
 
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I seem to be the only one in the world who was unimpressed with the attractiveness of ucla undergrads. I don't get it
 
Dont UCSD students only get like 3 weeks to study for Step 1? Is that even doable without /wrists?
You have 5 weeks off between second and third year. However, 3rd and 4th years say that 5 weeks is wayyy more than enough time; the majority of people study for 2 or 3 weeks during that break, take the boards, and then spend the rest of the time vacationing. I haven't heard complaints about time to study, and they seem satisfied with how well the curriculum prepared them.
 
i would like to know what ucla med students' opinions are about the "2x through the material" curriculum style and the pbl?!

Anyone?

And is it possible to hate Paris, Nikkie, Lyndsey, Tara reid, Tara Patrick with every ounce of one's being and still like living in LA and being a UCLA student?
 
Also, UCSD is the only med school in the vicinity, so all the hospitals in this area are for us. Sweet.

I think the PBL/less PBL issue is a big one to consider. I think it's a matter of personal preference, not one being better than the other. I like having limited mandatory time. We're also not 8-5 like the rumors say... usually more like 9-2. As short as 9-12 (twice a week), as long as 8-5 but that's super rare. The long days involve lab or patient interviewing or some other non-lecture thing.
 
Also, UCSD is the only med school in the vicinity, so all the hospitals in this area are for us. Sweet.

I think the PBL/less PBL issue is a big one to consider. I think it's a matter of personal preference, not one being better than the other. I like having limited mandatory time. We're also not 8-5 like the rumors say... usually more like 9-2. As short as 9-12 (twice a week), as long as 8-5 but that's super rare. The long days involve lab or patient interviewing or some other non-lecture thing.

Yea I agree, mandatory class time=suck.

I too am curious about UCSD clinical stuff, too bad very few M3+ people come by here (I dont blame them).
 
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Both schools are very solid academically.

I guess the advantages of UCLA would be a slightly better name, less hours of lecture, a lot of clinical integration into the first 2 years, p/f (not sure what SD has), super variety of hospitals and one of the best in the world right across the street from the med school, being in an awesome part of LA.
 
Both schools are very solid academically.

I guess the advantages of UCLA would be a slightly better name, less hours of lecture, a lot of clinical integration into the first 2 years, p/f (not sure what SD has), super variety of hospitals and one of the best in the world right across the street from the med school, being in an awesome part of LA.
P/F the first quarter and mostly H/P/F after that. People don't seem to stress terribly about that, and it definitely doesn't affect how much we help each other out. No AOA, which is more competitive to get than honors.

Well... some people think that part of LA is awesome. Again, personal preference. For example, I don't like SF but I love SD. I also like SD better than LA. Some people love LA. I think location should at least factor in a little bit because relaxation, unwinding, and support are super important, and being in an area you don't like would probably suck for your overall well-being.
 
I graduated UCSD in 2008.

I think it's hard to generalize about the UCSD clinical experience - it depends on your team's attendings and residents and so it can be unpredictable. I'm sure that is true everywhere.

However, on the whole, I think the clinical years are rigorous, but our graduates come out better prepared for residency because of it. I'm an intern at UCI now and the med students here are coddled compared to what I went through - but I think the consequence is weaker clinical skill.

I don't know how it is at UCLA so I can't make a useful comparison.
 
Also, UCSD is the only med school in the vicinity, so all the hospitals in this area are for us. Sweet.

True, but UCLA doesn't exactly have a shortage of hospitals - UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, Olive View, Harbor, Cedars, and the VA.
 
Someone asked about UCLA's curricular redundancy. Basically, we have a systems based curriculum where we learn the physiology, anatomy, and histology of an organ system all at the same time. This is good because it makes sense to learn things as they are treated in real medicine. There are no strictly "anatomical" or "pharmacological" diseases. Also, what sense does it make to learn the anatomy of the GI system without knowing what it does.

Then second year, the study of the organ systems is repeated. It is done with more depth and emphasis on disease. It also serves as a good review for the boards since it is likely you have forgotten stuff from the 1st year.

Also, I think anyone who goes to a p/f school will agree that it really makes med school a lot better experience. Don't be fooled by schools that mask grades by calling it honors or high pass.
 
P/F the first quarter and mostly H/P/F after that. People don't seem to stress terribly about that, and it definitely doesn't affect how much we help each other out. No AOA, which is more competitive to get than honors.
Quoting this to make sure it gets noticed...

Also, I think anyone who goes to a p/f school will agree that it really makes med school a lot better experience. Don't be fooled by schools that mask grades by calling it honors or high pass.
I definitely can't comment on pure P/F, but again I want to emphasize that we are not saying "OMG LIFE WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER WITH NO HONORS". Is pure P/F better? Maybe, I don't know. But is H/P/F at UCSD bad? I'd say no. I also want to re-highlight what my upperclass friend said - honors is less competitive to get than AOA, so one might even argue that the arrangement at UCSD is less stressful. Something to think about (but of course take with several grains of salt).

I apologize - I'm really sensitive about UCSD because 1) I love it here and 2) I was originally not excited about UCSD because I was so, so underinformed about everything it has to offer. That's why I spend so much time on SDN (and hosting and giving tours) - I want people to better understand why UCSD is so great.

If you all learn about life at both schools and still decide that LA is the best place for you, awesome. However, hearing UCLA > UCSD (as opposed to UCLA =/= UCSD) is, I believe, inaccurate, and therefore somewhat hurtful. =p So ask away about everything, and I'll be happy to talk about my experiences and what I've heard from my big sibs!
 
How do you stand out if your school does not have AOA? Correct me if I'm wrong, but even UCLA, with its true P/F system, has AOA.
 
Quoting this to make sure it gets noticed...


I definitely can't comment on pure P/F, but again I want to emphasize that we are not saying "OMG LIFE WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER WITH NO HONORS". Is pure P/F better? Maybe, I don't know. But is H/P/F at UCSD bad? I'd say no. I also want to re-highlight what my upperclass friend said - honors is less competitive to get than AOA, so one might even argue that the arrangement at UCSD is less stressful. Something to think about (but of course take with several grains of salt).

I apologize - I'm really sensitive about UCSD because 1) I love it here and 2) I was originally not excited about UCSD because I was so, so underinformed about everything it has to offer. That's why I spend so much time on SDN (and hosting and giving tours) - I want people to better understand why UCSD is so great.

If you all learn about life at both schools and still decide that LA is the best place for you, awesome. However, hearing UCLA > UCSD (as opposed to UCLA =/= UCSD) is, I believe, inaccurate, and therefore somewhat hurtful. =p So ask away about everything, and I'll be happy to talk about my experiences and what I've heard from my big sibs!

I've heard that UCSD may switch to P/F next year (or possibly the year after). Is this true?
 
How do you stand out if your school does not have AOA? Correct me if I'm wrong, but even UCLA, with its true P/F system, has AOA.
Honors and dean's letter. In the clinical years I think the grading scheme is High Honors/Near Honors/Pass/Low Pass/No Pass. UCSD is one of like 4 schools in the nation without AOA. I'm no real critic of match lists, but ours seems just fine... if you want to see ours for the past couple years, it's posted in the match lists thread.
I've heard that UCSD may switch to P/F next year (or possibly the year after). Is this true?
UCSD actually is in the process of transitioning to an organ-based, more PBL-heavy curriculum that will be P/F. I guess it's the "thing to do". While there seem to be many benefits to the new style, many of my classmates have been expressing, "Thank goodness we don't have to go through all that PBL." The curriculum is going through votes right now and is projected to be implemented for the class entering in 2010.
 
I seem to be the only one in the world who was unimpressed with the attractiveness of ucla undergrads. I don't get it
Maybe it's because you are so hot and everyone else is pales in comparision to you. Maybe not do medicine and become Americas next top model would be a better career move.

You have 5 weeks off between second and third year. However, 3rd and 4th years say that 5 weeks is wayyy more than enough time; the majority of people study for 2 or 3 weeks during that break, take the boards, and then spend the rest of the time vacationing. I haven't heard complaints about time to study, and they seem satisfied with how well the curriculum prepared them.

Well for me I spent 8 weeks dedicated board studying and if my school would've given me more I would of spent more time to squeeze out every point that I could.

And is it possible to hate Paris, Nikkie, Lyndsey, Tara reid, Tara Patrick with every ounce of one's being and still like living in LA and being a UCLA student?
Easy don't go to clubs in hollywood, stick around westwood and you'll hang with the college crowd, hang around santa monica blvd/west hollywood and you'll hang with the gay/lesbian crowd, hang around venice and you'll see gang bangers and body builders, hang around the valley and you'll be in porn capital of the world, hang around malibu and you'll see alot of surfers. Get my drift there are all kinds of niches. I just mention paris, and lyndsey cause I'm trying to get in with that crowd so I can take care of there skin needs.:D
Also, I think anyone who goes to a p/f school will agree that it really makes med school a lot better experience. Don't be fooled by schools that mask grades by calling it honors or high pass.
Yes don't be fooled by this if there is honors to be had, trust me there well always be some gunner no matter what school you goto who will be cut throat for that honors. Why because they want plastics or derm more then life.

How do you stand out if your school does not have AOA? Correct me if I'm wrong, but even UCLA, with its true P/F system, has AOA.

Yes ucla still has AOA based mainly on clinical years.
 
Easy don't go to clubs in hollywood, stick around westwood and you'll hang with the college crowd, hang around santa monica blvd/west hollywood and you'll hang with the gay/lesbian crowd, hang around venice and you'll see gang bangers and body builders, hang around the valley and you'll be in porn capital of the world, hang around malibu and you'll see alot of surfers. Get my drift there are all kinds of niches. I just mention paris, and lyndsey cause I'm trying to get in with that crowd so I can take care of there skin needs.:D

this is probably one of the greatest set of characterizations i've ever read
 
Also, I think anyone who goes to a p/f school will agree that it really makes med school a lot better experience. Don't be fooled by schools that mask grades by calling it honors or high pass.

Is it anything to worry about that UCLA is p/f for clinical rotations when applying to residency? It seems like even the most gung-ho p/f schools (e.g. Yale) have grades for clerkships. Isn't honors during the clinical years something that program directors look for?
 
Yes don't be fooled by this if there is honors to be had, trust me there well always be some gunner no matter what school you goto who will be cut throat for that honors. Why because they want plastics or derm more then life.
There very well may be ubergunners in my class, but I sure as hell don't know who they are. If they want to stress out, that's their own business. However, I'm still incredibly impressed by my class' willingness to form study groups, create practice tests for each other, post study guides to share, and answer each others' questions on the forum. Striving for honors may add to an individual's stress, but it does not seem to be detrimental to the supportive network we've got. I haven't met anyone who hasn't been willing to answer a question or anything like that.

What do you mean UCSD makes you stand out in the Dean's letter? Doesnt every school have this? Why is UCSD's different?
I don't know for sure, but I would think every school has a Dean's letter. But... all schools, I would think, use the Dean's letter to point out specific qualities of an applicant and comment on their performance, thereby making certain individuals stand out. I didn't say that UCSD was unique in using a Dean's letter.
 
I don't know for sure, but I would think every school has a Dean's letter. But... all schools, I would think, use the Dean's letter to point out specific qualities of an applicant and comment on their performance, thereby making certain individuals stand out. I didn't say that UCSD was unique in using a Dean's letter.

You said that the Dean's letter was how students stood out (instead of AOA) indicating that it must be at least somewhat different from most other AOA-containing schools.

I think I am suffering from what you were, lack of enthusiasm for UCSD because it really isnt talked about in a positive light (or at all really) by anyone besides you. I know it is a good school though, so yay!
 
The honest un-PC answer is that while both schools are great, almost no one who gets into both would choose UCSD over UCLA without some kind of big personal reason such as family proximity.
 
Is it anything to worry about that UCLA is p/f for clinical rotations when applying to residency? It seems like even the most gung-ho p/f schools (e.g. Yale) have grades for clerkships. Isn't honors during the clinical years something that program directors look for?

The grades are p/f but you get written evaluations on your performance. Also, there is AOA which is based on those clinical years.
 
You said that the Dean's letter was how students stood out (instead of AOA) indicating that it must be at least somewhat different from most other AOA-containing schools.

I think I am suffering from what you were, lack of enthusiasm for UCSD because it really isnt talked about in a positive light (or at all really) by anyone besides you. I know it is a good school though, so yay!
I said we have honors + Dean's letter.

Not many med students post super regularly on SDN... but I find that it's not just me being delusional and unreasonably optimistic. My classmates are also very satisfied in general, and they love talking about the school when people come to interview.
The honest un-PC answer is that while both schools are great, almost no one who gets into both would choose UCSD over UCLA without some kind of big personal reason such as family proximity.
Yeah, totally agree with you. However, I don't think this is really in a prospective student's best interest. I don't think UCLA is a better choice for everyone. For some people, absolutely. For others, UCSD may be a better match (again, UCSD is different - it's not "same but worse"), so I'm just trying to put the information out there so people can make a better informed decision.
 
I go to the Haider Program at UCR, but I'd say that UCLA's P/F system is probably the biggest draw. No need to study extra just to get that honors, and more freedom to study what you want to. UCLA's hospitals are some of the best in the West too, so no worries there.

I don't know about how hot the undergrads are at UCLA, but when I was there... not bad ;).

EDIT: PBL isn't that bad. 3-4 hours a week + 1-2 hours for the write-up. I learn a lot from the PBL, especially how to think. I'd rather it be later than 8 in the morning though.
 
I've heard UCLA's clinical years are like ours @ UCI (in that, the students are somewhat pampered). And that UCSD is essentially an eastcoast-style school situated in the west coast, with regards to clinical years. Some people revel in the "harder" training because they feel more competent for residency. ...while others are content with an MD from UCLA.

I have friends @ both schools who definitely love where they are. It's a very fortunate position if the OP is holding acceptances to both.
 
UCSD = More competitive, more rigorous, produces better clinicians.
UCLA = More laid back, more "multicultural-ie", produces better researchers.
 
UCSD = More competitive, more rigorous, produces better clinicians.
UCLA = More laid back, more "multicultural-ie", produces better researchers.
Can you please elaborate on how UCSD is more competitive? If you're referring to first or second year, I can address that.

Hearsay from my 4th year big sib agrees with lord jeebus - the clinical years are rigorous but prepare you very well. My big sib did an away rotation at a prestigious med school on the West Coast and the attending asked him, "You're not from here, are you?" My sib said, "No - how'd you know?" Doctor: "You really know your stuff." Just one anecdote =p
 
I just hear that UCSD students are more academically "driven" than UCLA's on average. Didn't mean it derogatorily at all. They are both fantastic schools. The best doctor I know went to UCSD.

Can you please elaborate on how UCSD is more competitive? If you're referring to first or second year, I can address that.

Hearsay from my 4th year big sib agrees with lord jeebus - the clinical years are rigorous but prepare you very well. My big sib did an away rotation at a prestigious med school on the West Coast and the attending asked him, "You're not from here, are you?" My sib said, "No - how'd you know?" Doctor: "You really know your stuff." Just one anecdote =p
 
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I just hear that UCSD students are more academically "driven" than UCLA's on average. Didn't mean it derogatorily at all. They are both fantastic schools. The best doctor I know went to UCSD.
Hmm, I can't really compare... My boyfriend is in the UCR/UCLA program but I don't think it would make sense to equate that to the UCLA atmosphere.

I do think that we're driven to do well, but 1) we cooperate a lot, 2) we have fun and relax together, and 3) many other med schools likely have a similar atmosphere. I'm glad to hear that you didn't mean it derogatorily, though. I know the rumor that UCSD kids are "stressed out gunners who have no fun" is still floating around out there, and THAT for sure is untrue.

Also, I don't know what proportion of our students vs. those at UCLA who end up going into academics/research... but UCSD certainly provides a strong research foundation with many opportunities for participation and for funding. If you put any stock into the research rankings, we're top 15; UCLA is top 10. It seems that we do a good job of training clinicians and researchers (UCLA too); I think there are other schools (not being discussed here) that focus more clearly on one or the other.
 
NO NO NO. Those are the UCSD UNDERGRADS you're talking about there. Hehe. :)

Yeah I have mad respect for UCSD and would have taken an offer to go there in a heartbeat.

I know the rumor that UCSD kids are "stressed out gunners who have no fun" is still floating around out there, and THAT for sure is untrue.
 
NO NO NO. Those are the UCSD UNDERGRADS you're talking about there. Hehe. :)

Yeah I have mad respect for UCSD and would have taken an offer to go there in a heartbeat.
:) I'm sorry it didn't work out for you here, but it looks like you've got some great options! Also, I read your story and was really amazed by what you've been through and achieved. Best of luck to you :)
 
Ahh thanks. That really means a lot!

Yeah, it doesn't really bother me except for when I'm working with Maria Savoia on our End of Life curriculum and I'll just want to be like "WHY COULDN'T YOU SHOW ME ANY LOVE?" ... but, it subsides and I just chilllll. :)

:) I'm sorry it didn't work out for you here, but it looks like you've got some great options! Also, I read your story and was really amazed by what you've been through and achieved. Best of luck to you :)
 
Can you please elaborate on how UCSD is more competitive? If you're referring to first or second year, I can address that.

Hearsay from my 4th year big sib agrees with lord jeebus - the clinical years are rigorous but prepare you very well. My big sib did an away rotation at a prestigious med school on the West Coast and the attending asked him, "You're not from here, are you?" My sib said, "No - how'd you know?" Doctor: "You really know your stuff." Just one anecdote =p

You mean the attending thought the students at his/her own prestigious med school on the West Coast didn't know their stuff? Now I'm curious as to what school this is :hungover: <--I love this face and will use it in any situation, even if it's inappropriate :hungover: I'm not being cheeky!
 
You mean the attending thought the students at his/her own prestigious med school on the West Coast didn't know their stuff? Now I'm curious as to what school this is :hungover: <--I love this face and will use it in any situation, even if it's inappropriate :hungover: I'm not being cheeky!
Hahaha. All I'll say is that it's not UCLA. :)
 
Hey guys UCLA might be P/f grading, BUT the students are still ranked, this ranking is basically the same thing as if you were getting actual grades and ranked upon your grades.

The only thing is that (c's) which are still considered Passing grades would not really show up if your overall rank was high.

You cant slack off and just get a pass with the bare min because it will drop your rank in the class.
 
Hey guys UCLA might be P/f grading, BUT the students are still ranked, this ranking is basically the same thing as if you were getting actual grades and ranked upon your grades.

The only thing is that (c's) which are still considered Passing grades would not really show up if your overall rank was high.

You cant slack off and just get a pass with the bare min because it will drop your rank in the class.

Where are you getting this information from?
 
Hey guys UCLA might be P/f grading, BUT the students are still ranked, this ranking is basically the same thing as if you were getting actual grades and ranked upon your grades.

The only thing is that (c's) which are still considered Passing grades would not really show up if your overall rank was high.

You cant slack off and just get a pass with the bare min because it will drop your rank in the class.

I'm alumni and Yeah where are you getting this information from?
 
Honors and dean's letter. In the clinical years I think the grading scheme is High Honors/Near Honors/Pass/Low Pass/No Pass.

Correction: UCSD Clinical grading is H/P/F. "Near Honors" performance is noted in the MSPE (Dean's Letter) but is not an official grade. There is no "Low Pass."
 
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