UCSD A Pool

[curandero]

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Last Friday afternoon I rec'd a email asking me if I am still interested in the school. I told them I would like to w/d. They responsed within a minute. Hope this will speed up the process. Wish you all luck

On behalf of all those on the waitlist for this school without any acceptances I say "Thank You."

Sincerely,

Curandero

 

[BananaSplit]

Last Friday afternoon I rec'd a email asking me if I am still interested in the school. I told them I would like to w/d. They responsed within a minute. Hope this will speed up the process. Wish you all luck

I bet they were contacting you to offer you a spot. Or else, they knew that UCSF had sent you an acceptance. In any case, thanks for withdrawing. We're all waiting on pins and needles.

 

[mikeyboy]

Bump!

Any news anyone?

 

[ElDaverino]

I got in off the Acceptable pool about a week ago. I got a call on my cell phone and didn't get an email or anything. I've been in San Diego since junior high, and it looks like I'm staying in town another four years. Good luck to those of you still in the pool.

 

[qwerty one]

Bump....I'm guessing very soon that most of us will either be let loose or told to wait some more...

 

[Mr Reddly]

Bump....I'm guessing very soon that most of us will either be let loose or told to wait some more...

Why do you think UCSD would let some of you off the hook when none of the other cali schools seem to do that. When does SD start? Anyone? Is it september too?

 

[mikeyboy]

End of August, if I recall correctly. I think they are doing what is logical - cut off the bottom half that doesn't have a chance of getting in rather than leaving them (us? I hope not...) hanging for the whole summer.

 

[Mr Reddly]

OH shoot! Guess I should have done some reading before posting!!!! *slaps wrist*
Lucky MoFos! Wish the other schools would do that... so that at least we don't have our hopes up all summer long. 🙁

 

[lolli]

Hey everyone,
I just talked to Yvonne in the admissions office - she said that they are making the decisions about who will get booted from the A Pool today, and that we should hear today or tomorrow.
Hang in there all y'all. It's either end the suffering now, or wait some more. What will it be? The anticipation is eating me alive!!

 

[Buddha]

I just withdrew from UCSD today. Best of luck to you all.

 

[BananaSplit]

Hey everyone,
I just talked to Yvonne in the admissions office - she said that they are making the decisions about who will get booted from the A Pool today, and that we should hear today or tomorrow.
Hang in there all y'all. It's either end the suffering now, or wait some more. What will it be? The anticipation is eating me alive!!

Scary! But any news is good news, I'm tired of walking around in a daze, waiting for something to happen.

 

[BananaSplit]

Will they be notifying by email? I never understood those schools that insist on mailing a snail mail letter as the sole notification. Why? Just so you can torture people longer? The only thing I can think of is security reasons, but who in the world would care about their decision emails being read and what kind of hacker would care about someone's decision email?

 

[BananaSplit]

Mr Reddly,
Are you a big fan of Bruce Campbell and Army of Darkness?

 

[lolli]

I'm pretty sure UCSD notifies us of acceptances by email. Some people have gotten acceptance phone calls, but I think that is only if you are local, in SD.
Rejections come in the mail though.

 

[Mr Reddly]

Mr Reddly,
Are you a big fan of Bruce Campbell and Army of Darkness?

Well, who isn't? That sarcastic SOB is what all little boys aspire to be like when they grow up

 

[BananaSplit]

Well, who isn't? That sarcastic SOB is what all little boys aspire to be like when they grow up

I saw that movie every two weeks during my senior year in HS. I even have a Evil Dead poster somewhere in my garage. My favorite part is when the chainsaw fits itself on Ash's severed arm. (I apologize for the thread hijacking).

 

[Newquagmire]

so i got an email today entitled "SOM Admissions" and was fearful of opening because I expected it to be "regretfully we inform you" blah blah blah or "we are happy to inform you" blah blah blah from school X, Y, or Z, but I was entirely unprepared to get an email from UCSD about being put on the waitlist--I thought they did that to me back in December. thank you SDN for being one day ahead of me =)

 

[qwerty one]

I also got put on the alternate list today. Still alive!!

 

[curandero]

so i got an email today entitled "SOM Admissions" and was fearful of opening because I expected it to be "regretfully we inform you" blah blah blah or "we are happy to inform you" blah blah blah from school X, Y, or Z, but I was entirely unprepared to get an email from UCSD about being put on the waitlist--I thought they did that to me back in December. thank you SDN for being one day ahead of me =)

Hey peeps I feel like I just got the wind knocked out of me. I'm a fallen soldier on the application battlefield. Let me be the first of the unchosen to post my sorrows. I recieved no such waitlist e-mail but after checking the UCSD website I see that the final decision letter has been sent. I guess it wasn't meant to be. 1 down 3 to go.

Waitlisted at: Drew/UCLA, UC Davis, USC - (but no longer UCSD 🙁 ) I'm out!

 

[mikeyboy]

Hey peeps I feel like I just got the wind knocked out of me. I'm a fallen soldier on the application battlefield. Let me be the first of the unchosen to post my sorrows. I recieved no such waitlist e-mail but after checking the UCSD website I see that the final decision letter has been sent. I guess it wasn't meant to be. 1 down 3 to go.

Waitlisted at: Drew/UCLA, UC Davis, USC - (but no longer UCSD 🙁 ) I'm out!

Sorry to hear that curandero; but you've still got Davis and UCLA to hope for! I didn't even get interviews there...but I am still on the UCSD alternate list, I wonder how many people they expect to take from it...

 

[curandero]

Sorry to hear that curandero; but you've still got Davis and UCLA to hope for! I didn't even get interviews there...but I am still on the UCSD alternate list, I wonder how many people they expect to take from it...

Thanks mikeyboy. It sucks that I was cut but you can count on me getting up off the mat, dusting myself off, and getting ready for the next round. I'm planning to do whatever it takes to get in and although I hope I get called up from 1 of the other 3 waitlists I'm also preparing to apply again and am currently studying for the MCAT (just in case). Well it was good hanging with you guys and I'm sure I'll see you guys on other threads. Good luck to you all. Later. 😎

 

[qwerty one]

Hey peeps I feel like I just got the wind knocked out of me. I'm a fallen soldier on the application battlefield. Let me be the first of the unchosen to post my sorrows. I recieved no such waitlist e-mail but after checking the UCSD website I see that the final decision letter has been sent. I guess it wasn't meant to be. 1 down 3 to go.

Waitlisted at: Drew/UCLA, UC Davis, USC - (but no longer UCSD 🙁 ) I'm out!

That's a bummer dude....but you've got some other options still. Keep hope alive.

 

[deeznuts]

I got to the alternate list too. I've been waiting for moths in this Acceptable Pool.... Damit... How many people are there on this list? Is there a ranking?
I hope there are people out there who are better informed then me. 👍

 

[mikeyboy]

I think it is about half the acceptable pool is cut and half gets on the alternate list. Or that's what people were told last year. I'm guessing about 50-100 people are left? Just a shot in the dark though. I hope it's not that high.

 

[zephyr_97]

As a former A-pool swimmer last year, I want to encourage y'all not to lose faith. Some of my classmates got off the pool all the way to the end of June. Good luck y'all. Ok, back to studying now...

Z.

 

[Newquagmire]

As a former A-pool swimmer last year, I want to encourage y'all not to lose faith. Some of my classmates got off the pool all the way to the end of June. Good luck y'all. Ok, back to studying now...

Z.

i'd be interested to know approximately how many people ucsd takes on average from the waitlist if anybody knows...

also, what is the in-state tuition with the recent price hikes?

 

[BananaSplit]

Hi Folks,
So, I checked my email today...nothing, except a welcome note from MS1 class president at OHSU (how can we have a president, who elected him?). Anyhow, I was sort of bummed, but then I checked my status website and no date in the final decision box...so basically, I'm right back where I started...I know nothing. I'm feeling and and the same time. How come there isn't a smiley for a nervous chuckle?

BananaSplit

 

[LvlyBlkPreMed]

Hi Folks,
So, I checked my email today...nothing, except a welcome note from MS1 class president at OHSU (how can we have a president, who elected him?). Anyhow, I was sort of bummed, but then I checked my status website and no date in the final decision box...so basically, I'm right back where I started...I know nothing. I'm feeling and and the same time. How come there isn't a smiley for a nervous chuckle?

BananaSplit

I also have no status change and no email from UCSD...maybe today isn't the magical day after all 😱 I need to know soon...gotta start planning to go to Chicago if I get the boot...

 

[stressedout]

i would call the admissions office to check your status...i think you should talk to linda whitson...

 

[BananaSplit]

Maybe they're not done reviewing our files yet?

 

[mystic_b]

Hey everyone, the same thing happened with the acceptable pool--> alternate list last year. Mid-late May, some people started getting emails telling them they were moving to the alternate list, and this happened over a span of a week or two. There didn't appear to be any correlation with the timing of this notification and later offers of acceptance. I was not one of the first people onto the alternate list, but I was eventually offered an acceptance a few weeks later. So, no worries. G'luck! It's a great place to be.

 

[LvlyBlkPreMed]

Well I just got off of the phone with the admissions office and they told me that no decision has been made on my application. How do you guys get up the gumption to ask to speak to the Dean or the Director of Admissions? I mean I've sent them letters but I think it's being a little forward to ask to speak to the head honcho...maybe that's just me being too shy... 😳

 

[mikeyboy]

Personally I only e-mail the deans, and speak to the people in the office. I don't want to take time out of the person's day. Maybe you can e-mail them and ask if you can set up a phone conversation; that's what I would do if I wanted to speak directly with one of them.

 

[Newquagmire]

is it necessary to contact ucsd again if i already told them i really wanted to come way back when they waitlisted me in decemberish?

 

[mikeyboy]

I think it's still necessary to respond to their e-mail to stay on the alternate list, if that's what you're asking.

 

[mikeyboy]

Why do you guys want to go to ucsd? To get 2 weeks to study for Step 1? To be forced to take step 2 in Sept of 4th year (so it shows up on residency apps)? To be forced to do research (whether you want to or not)? Or to spend 35 hours a week in lecture?

Long class hours have never been a problem for me, I can figure out which lectures I need to go to fairly quickly and accurately. I don't plan on cramming in the 2 weeks for Step 1. I know it's got a bad rep, but I love the area and would really consider the MD/MS to do some research with their top-notch bioengineering program.

I really just want to go somewhere. UCSD is my top choice because of its location and available research with the BioE department.

 

[Newquagmire]

I think it's still necessary to respond to their e-mail to stay on the alternate list, if that's what you're asking.

nah, i mean to send a "i really wanna come here please please please" email or something. to elaborate: i was waitlisted for md/phd at ucsd so basically i have never communicated with the md program before replying to that waitlist email.

gluck mikeyboy, i really hope you get in somewhere.

 

[Alexander99]

Why do you guys want to go to ucsd? To get 2 weeks to study for Step 1? To be forced to take step 2 in Sept of 4th year (so it shows up on residency apps)? To be forced to do research (whether you want to or not)? Or to spend 35 hours a week in lecture?

Man. You've bought into the negative rumors concerning UCSD so much that you're all out of money. It might be for the better though cause then we don't have to deal with students that will come to UCSD looking for something to complain about.

Why do I want to go to UCSD? It's got a great reputation, it's cheap ($20k/yr tuition), and you can't beat the location. I also don't mind studying hard and learning more vs having a "chill med school experience" and just barely passing like many people on here seem intent on doing. It's med school man! It's supposed to be demanding.

I agree with this statement: If it's your intention to go to a med school where many people aren't studying all that hard and you're basically studying to pass the tests and not learn as much as possible, UCSD is not for you. But then again, what highly ranked med school allows you to slack like that? Every top 20 school is full of smart students so your competition is going to be stiff no matter what. This means that the test averages are going to be high and that you might have to study a little bit to keep up. But who wants to study in med school?

 

[camstah]

and besides, being "required" to do a research project is a good thing..it makes it easier for you to do one, and doing research will be a part of getting a good residency somewhere.....just like it was to get into med school in the first place...
ucsd has a great rep....what's the obsession with the lecture hours? no one goes to them anyway!! plus the area is really nice.......... 🙂
good luck to those going to ucsd....a school with a GREAT reputation.... 😀

 

[camstah]

Why do you guys want to go to ucsd? To get 2 weeks to study for Step 1? To be forced to take step 2 in Sept of 4th year (so it shows up on residency apps)? To be forced to do research (whether you want to or not)?

hell, all of this works because they get some great residency spots.... 🙂

 

[BananaSplit]

Well I just got off of the phone with the admissions office and they told me that no decision has been made on my application.

Did you happen to ask about when they would be finished making a decision?

 

[LvlyBlkPreMed]

Did you happen to ask about when they would be finished making a decision?

No I didn't. She just indicated that this year most of the waitlist movement looks like it's going to be pretty wrapped up by end of june-early july.

 

[Eraserhead]

Why do you guys want to go to ucsd? To get 2 weeks to study for Step 1? To be forced to take step 2 in Sept of 4th year (so it shows up on residency apps)? To be forced to do research (whether you want to or not)? Or to spend 35 hours a week in lecture?

The forcing you to take Step 2 thing... is that true? I didn't know that! Geez, that's horrible.

Alexander- Just because someone is avoiding an unreasonably tough curriculum/admin. does not mean that they will only be studying to pass tests and be a slacker.

 

[Eraserhead]

Sadly, yes its true. You MUST take the sTep 2 in september. My friends who graduated 2 years ago said that sucked (as did 2 weeks to study for step 1). It is fine if you WANT to take it in september, but most people take it in march/april, and it is not a factor in residency matching...why add more stress. As far as slacking,... i am def. not a slacker, I want a competitive residency (maybe ENT/surgery)... but I already double majored at ucsd undergrad..learned stupid stuff that won't help me be a great doctor..and want a 240 on the boards... I'm smart..but 2 weeks to study is a bit little when you'll just be finishing finals first week of june...and doing step 1 by june 27. As far as studying while you go..i'm planning on it..but when you are learning tons of non-board related minutua...you think you'll have that much time to study in your BRS books? Plus... it seems alot of good cali residency programs seem to not like ucsd for some reason...especially ucla..while irvine has a cordial relationship with ucla...where i'll likely do guest rotations no matter what school i'm at. If you're going to ucsd...be sure you have done your research...i have been there..worked there...friends there...and I still think the best word is "rancid". If i hadn't gotten another cali..would i be there..yes..cuz i turned down michigan cuz i like cali...but its not ideal... people go to ucsd because it is a great location...despite the school. How much is 300 million in NIH funding going to help you become a doctor? Do you really think you'll have time to do reseach? Hope if you think that you're mstp...cuz otherwise..you're delusional 🙂 I'll admit..had I not gone there as an undergrad..i would likely go to ucsd (partially out of ignorance, partly because its a nice place to live)..but it'll be hard to enjoy it until your 4th year.

I agree, I noticed the UCLA thing when a student on here pointed that out to me... it seems like they don't like UCSD students. I counted the matches to UCLA from Irvine and from SD and Irvine's were much higher for the past two years at least.

But, we are all delusional just in different ways I think 🙂

 

[Alexander99]

Alexander- Just because someone is avoiding an unreasonably tough curriculum/admin. does not mean that they will only be studying to pass tests and be a slacker.

Good afternoon Captain Eraserhead. Or should I say "Arrrrrggh Matey!" Heh.

Well, what do you mean by "unreasonably tough?" I don't think UCSD's cirriculum is unreasonably tough for a med school. Compared to undergrad maybe. I still think the whole myth about UCSD being way tougher than other med schools started because a few students bitched about it and you know how rumors spread. It probably had to do with Saturday classes many years back (which the administration responded to and got rid of cause students weren't happy.)

The only way to know for sure would be to attend both UCSD and another school like UCI/UCLA/USC etc. but no one will do that. The sad thing is, several students on here seemed to have been talked out of going to UCSD solely based on what anonymous people on an internet forum have said concerning "what they heard."

I know you have your e-mails from friends but I'm sure it wouldn't be that hard to get similar e-mails from any med school in the country. From what it seems, med school is demanding enough that it becomes a love-hate relationship after a while.

 

[mystic_b]

First off, to set the record straight, the last day of class for MSIIs was 5/28, giving them up to four weeks to study for USMLE Step 1 depending on when they choose to take it. This seems reasonable and comparable to me. About USMLE Step 2 timing - I don't know the specifics of it.

I don't know why people keep saying we have an insane competitive atmosphere. I was scared to death of all the rumors I heard last year, but I came anyways, and none of them have been true (so far). I don't feel that they test an excessive amount of detail, especially in comparison to some of friends at other schools. Class hours actually aren't so long either, as I had been warned about. T/TH afternoons are pretty flexible, as they are set aside for electives, and you can spend a lot or a little time doing this.

People say that H/P/F grading makes us competitive? Well, UC Irvine has the same grading system, so that argument doesn't work. I am not aware of people gunning for honors, and in fact, I would guess that some of the most chill people are often doing the best on exams. Anyways, my classmates are in general friendly and outgoing and balanced. For example, finals are next week, but lots of people are going to see Harry Potter this weekend.

And lastly, all the UCs are fine institutions. Just because I chose one over another doesn't mean the other one is no good. It's a sign of insecurity to start bashing a place just because you thought it was not the right place for you. It may be perfect for someone else. I'm not saying that one should never criticize my school or any other school, but only that these criticisms should be more firmly substantiated.

 

[camstah]

How much is 300 million in NIH funding going to help you become a doctor? Do you really think you'll have time to do reseach?

it's actually funny you mention that, since so many people on here pay sooo much attention to us news and their rankings are heavily influenced by NIH funding...so, according to what many people think, having $300 million in NIH funding apparently does make you a good doctor...since everyone thinks the top 10/20 schools are so great...

and will people have time to do research? yes, they in fact do...i LIKE the fact that they require research projects, penn state does this too, and it's a part of the program i really liked...it makes it easier to find a project to do, since the administration requires it they will help you find one...and it looks good for residency...so remind me why is this a bad thing?

and i know several people who have gone to ucsd for undergrad as well as grad/professional school, and never once have i EVER heard anyone call it rancid...i think you had a bad time there for some reason (maybe bad memories of someone?) and it rubbed off into your impression of the school as a whole....i've never seen ANYONE so critical of ucsd in my life!!!! this tells me there's a story here...something you're not telling us about your experience there...am i being nosy again?

 

[Alexander99]

The point isn't that $300 million in NIH funding makes you a better doctor but that $300 million in NIH funding draws the top faculty that helps make you a better doctor. Why is Harvard considered such an elite school? It's the faculty.

 

[camstah]

Haha...wrong this time.. I loved undergrad actually... turned down ucla to go ucsd...dont' regret it at all 🙂 I have seen how the admin are firsthand...and how they have treated friends... it is what it is.

well, the decision seems easy for you then...uci!!!!
besides, think of it this way...you've already had your time at ucsd...time to see some place new....

 

[Jalby]

Wow. Very interesting conversation going on here. I agree with kenshinoro2004 in every way shape or form.