UCSD Class of 2008

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What is a Triton?

:contemplates changing screen name again:

;)

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Originally posted by Eraserhead
CONGRATS ALEXANDER :clap: :clap: :clap:

All it takes is a few very cool, well-rounded people to make this thread come alive, and the class come alive in the Fall. We can double the size of the USC and UCLA threads man. :)

WHO FREAKIN' EXCITED ABOUT SAN DIEGO?

I am :) :)

Are you going to second look?

Hell yes! USC and UCLA threads, we're coming after you! I'm stoked about UCSD. The only disadvantage I can think of is the 30 hours of lectures per week but I heard you don't have to attend if you don't want to (professional lecture notes.)

Yeah, I'll be there for 2nd look. It's not much of a drive for me afterall.

To answer your other question, technically, a triton is a 3-pronged fork but it also happens to be our school mascot. Funny how our mascot is an inanimate object.

Alex
 
30 hours, nah... I plan on sleeping in through the useless lectures. I'm a machine with lecture notes, I can memorize them on my own (lots of flashcards and lots of colored pens!). If I remember correctly there are notes given out in lecture, and then another set typed up by a student or maybe for sale? Not exactly sure, but at least one set of complete notes is available. I expect to attend about half of the lectures, and probably choose one course a quarter to try to get honors in. Or maybe not.

Cool, I didn't think a mascot could be a fork that's unique. Almost as unique as the banana slug, but much cooler because its metallic not fruity and slimy.

2nd look... I'll be the tall skinny white guy with glasses!
 
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Hell. We can reach USC and UCLA's post count with just the two of us. Another reason why UCSD rocks: I'll be there. :laugh:
 
Hey Alex, Its a good thing UCLA thought we bit the big one or we wouldn't have this cool thread to contribute to.
 
count me in! i'm going to second look, and bringing cool people from my undergrad with me :) yeah, we're going to have an AWESOME class. so look out!
 
Originally posted by hoping2004
count me in! i'm going to second look, and bringing cool people from my undergrad with me :) yeah, we're going to have an AWESOME class. so look out!

what was your undergrad?
 
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2004
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAM


ABEDI, BABAK
Anesthesiology
New York Presbyterian Hospital - Cornell
New York, New York

AMIRNOVIN, RAMBOD
Pediatrics
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

BAHINIPATY, KEERAN
Internal Medicine
University of Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Anesthesiology
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

BARKDULL, GREGORY
General Surgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California
Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

BECKETT, MILES
Plastic Surgery
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California

BENEDICT, JENNIFER
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California




BHAYANI, RITESH
Emergency Medicine
McGaw Medical Center-
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois

BOISOT, SASKIA
General Surgery
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California

CASILLAS, OSCAR
Emergency Medicine
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California

CATO, JENNIFER
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Santa Clara, California

CHANG, CECILIA
Pediatrics
Children?s Hospital of Orange County
Orange, California

CHEUNG, DIANNE
Internal Medicine
White Memorial Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

CHILLAR, P. PAUL
Emergency Medicine
University of Florida College of Medicine
Jacksonville, Florida




CHOI, OCTAVIO
Psychiatry
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute
Los Angeles, California

COOPER, JASON
Psychiatry
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

CUMMINGS, RONNIE
Psychiatry
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, California

DADFARIN, SHAHROUZ
General Surgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

DERGUN, MARINA
Internal Medicine
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
San Jose, California

DINISE, THERESA
Obstetrics and Gynecology
St. Francis Hospital
Evanston, Illinois

EMMERSON, BRYAN
Orthopaedic Surgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

ESMAEILI-TEHRANI, RAHA
Pediatrics
University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals
Salt Lake City, Utah



FARAHMAND, NAVID
Internal Medicine
Berkshire Medical Center
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Anesthesiology
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia

FARID, NIKDOKHT
Internal Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

FIRESTONE, DANIEL
Transitional
Scripps Mercy Hospital
San Diego, California
Emergency Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

FITZPATRICK, MATTHEW
Psychiatry
UC San Francisco Medical Center
San Francisco, California

FORTUNE, ERIN
Pediatrics
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

GANGULY, KARUNESH
Internal Medicine and Neurology
UC San Francisco Medical Center
San Francisco, California

GARCIA, BARBARA
Transitional
Scripps Mercy Hospital
San Diego, California
Dermatology
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

GETTELMAN, REBECCA
Internal Medicine Primary Care/Boise
University of Washington Affiliated
Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

GHAUSI, OMAR
Internal Medicine
UC San Francisco
Fresno Medical Education Program
Fresno, California
Neurology
UC San Diego Medial Center
San Diego, California

GOLDLUST, ERIC
Emergency Medicine
University of Michigan Hospitals
And Health Centers
Ann Arbor, Michigan

GUCHEREAU, MICHELLE
Psychiatry
San Antonio Uniformed Services
Health Education Consortium
San Antonio, Texas

HALL, LARA
Family Medicine
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
Lawrence, Massachusetts

HALLOCK, MARILYN
Emergency Medicine
University of Washington
Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

HAMLAT, CHRISTIAN
General Surgery
University of Washington
Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

HASHMI, SHAHID
Internal Medicine
Olive View Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

HAYES, JENNIFER
Transitional
Sound Shore Medical Center
Of Westchester
New Rochelle, New York
Anesthesiology
University of Washington
Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

HEMMINGER, ERIC
Internal Medicine
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California

HODGKISS-HARLOW, KELLEY
General Surgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

HUBBARD, KATHLEEN
Psychiatry
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

HUGHES, SAMUEL
Neurosurgery
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

HUIZAR, BRIAN
Family Medicine
Scripps Memorial Hospital
Chula Vista, California




JENSON, PETER
Family Medicine
Long Beach Memorial
Medical Center
Long Beach, California

KAHEN, TANAZ
Internal Medicine
Scripps Mercy Hospital
San Diego, California

KHODADADI, OMID
Internal Medicine
Alameda County Medical Center
Oakland, California

KOHANZADEH, SOM
General Surgery
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

KRUSE, DAVID
Family Medicine
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Long Beach, California

KUO, YOLANDA
Pediatrics
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

KWOK, SCOTT
Transitional
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Colton, California

LAI, SUSAN
Internal Medicine
VA Greater Los Angeles
Healthcare System
Los Angeles, California



LAM, VINH
Internal Medicine
UC Irvine Medial Center
Irvine, California

LAPSANSKY, JEANNETTE
Internal Medicine
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

LAUFIK, MARTIN
Internal Medicine
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
New York, New York
Radiology
University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals
Tucson, Arizona

LEE, JUNGHO
Dermatology
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit, Michigan

LEWIS, SACHA
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

LI, REGINA
Pediatrics
Children?s Hospital of Orange County
Orange, California

LIEN, WINSTON
Transitional
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Colton, California
Radiation Oncology
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Los Angeles, California



LIN, ALICE
Family Medicine
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Martinez, California

LIN, JEANNETTE
Internal Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

LU, STEPHANIE
Internal Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California
Ophthalmology
UC Irvine Medical Center
Irvine, California

MAK, GARY
Internal Medicine
University of Washington
Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

MARCUS, KAREN
Residency Deferred

MARYANOV, TIMOTHY
Neurosurgery
University of North Carolina Hospital
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

MATUSZAK, JEREMY
Psychiatry
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Reno, Nevada

MERRILL, DAVID
Psychiatry
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute
Los Angeles, California


MOHAMMADI, KOUROSH
Transitional
Boston University Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Ophthalmology
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

MORALES, MARIO
General Surgery
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Santa Barbara, California

MORENO, ARMIDA
Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Albuquerque, New Mexico

MUI, STINA
Internal Medicine/Investigative Pathway
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

MULLIN, MICHAEL
Psychiatry
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

NGUYEN, DUNG
General Surgery and Plastic Surgery
USC University Hospital
Los Angeles, California

NGUYEN, HOANG
General Surgery
University of Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts

NGUYEN, HOLLY
Pediatrics
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
ONG, STEPHEN
Internal Medicine
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
San Francisco, California

PARIKH, JANAK
General Surgery
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

PHILLIPS, WILLIAM
Internal Medicine
University of Washington
Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington

PIROCANAC, ELISSA
General Surgery
SUNY University Hospital
Stony Brook, New York

RAPHAEL, DEBORAH
Psychiatry
UC San Francisco Medical Center
San Francisco, California

RODRIGUEZ, GERARDO
General Surgery
SUNY University Hospital
Stony Brook, New York

ROELANDS, JENNIFER
Obstetrics and Gynecology
New York Presbyterian Hospital ? Cornell
New York, New York

SANCHEZ, HUGO
General Surgery
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas


SCHWARTZ, DAFNA
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, Oregon

SHAMSA, KAMRAN
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

SHAW, KEVIN
Internal Medicine
University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals
Salt Lake City, Utah

SHAYYA, RANA
Obstetrics and Gynecology
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

SHIRAZI, AZADEH
Internal Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

SIENGTHAI, BOONCLAIRE
Pediatrics
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

SMITH, JULIAN
Psychiatry
UC San Francisco
Fresno Medical Education Program
Fresno, California

SPIESS, JAMES
Internal Medicine Primary Care/Boise
University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals
Seattle, Washington


STRUNK, ADAM
Internal Medicine
University of Colorado
School of Medicine
Denver, Colorado

SUYDAM, STEVEN
Internal Medicine
University of Nevada Affiliated Hospitals
Las Vegas, Nevada
Anesthesiology
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda, California

SYKES, DAVID
Internal Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

TAIREH, ROULA
Psychiatry
Harbor- UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California

TAM, STEVEN
Internal Medicine
Scripps Clinic-Scripps Green Hospital
La Jolla, California
 
TANG, LISA
Family Medicine
UC San Francisco Medial Center
San Francisco, California

TRAN, ELIZA-JASMINE
General Surgery
UC San Francisco
Fresno Medical Education Program
Fresno, California




TSAI, HUGH
Pediatrics
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

VASNARUNGRUENGKUL, CHALIT
Internal Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

VU, COLLIN
Internal Medicine
UC Irvine Medical Center
Irvine, California

VU, YVONNE
Pediatrics
Children?s Hospital of Orange County
Orange, California

WANG, KATHLEEN
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Baystate Medical Center
Springfield, Massachusetts

WELCH, JOHN
Internal Medicine
Barnes Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, Missouri

WILLIAMS, KATHRYN
Psychiatry and Family Medicine
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

WILLIS, SCOTT
Internal Medicine
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, DC




WISE, CAITLIN
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
UC San Diego Medical Center
San Diego, California

WONG, JEREMY
Internal Medicine
UC Irvine Medical Center
Irvine, California
Anesthesiology
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California

YEH, PATRICIA
Internal Medicine
California Pacific Medical Center
San Francisco, California

ZHIROFF, KATRINE
Internal Medicine
Harbor- UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
Hey Alex, Its a good thing UCLA thought we bit the big one or we wouldn't have this cool thread to contribute to.

Fo shizzle my dizzle. As a matter of fact, I'm kind of proud of my elite status on the UCLA post-interview rejection club. How many people are a member besides you and me? No one that I know of. All the mediocre interviewees get on the hold list. Us? No, we go above and beyond the hold list.
 
1. The main concern that I have is how good is financial aid? Of course, it is a UC and it beats private schools in costs, but I am wondering what kind of package can I expect from the school.

the FA at UCSD is actually really good. Since most students have no source of income, our expected contributions are $0 dollars. Personally for my package I received $12,000 in grants and scholarships and $14,000 in loans (mostly subsidized). Not a bad deal for med school at all! Most of my classmates have this same breakdown, so unless you are filthy rich on your own, I wouldn't be surprised if you received pretty much the same package.

2. I was looking for a list of student groups but could not it online nor in the catalog.

As for the student groups, I couldn't find a link on line. We have this little black booklet titled "student survival guide: for students by students" that has a bunch of info on classes, fun things to do, clubs etc. try calling the admissions office or the Office of student affairs at (858) 534-3700 to see if they would send you one.

3. I'm wondering if you know if Sprint PCS has decent reception at the la jolla area/UCSD?

The cell phone plans that work best around here are sprint, verizon, and ATT. Do NOT get cingular or T-mobile b/c you can't get reception at any of the nearby apartments or on campus. I personally have ATT and have never had any problems with getting reception.

4. How do you like it at UCSD in general?

Personally I really like it here. my classmates are really nice, most of the faculty are approachable and really like teaching, and the administration and staff are really helpful. Compared to undergrad at Berkeley, i really like it here b/c contrary to all the rumors, people here are really friendly and are not even close to being as competitive as they are in undergrad. That's not to say of course that there are no competitive people in my class; there are bound to be a few in each school. However, no matter how competitive they are they are still willing to help one another out. We have several people in our class who regularly and graciously share their study notes with the rest of the class.

5. What kind of study abroad/clinical opportunities are there?

There are actually quite a few study abroad and clinical opportunities available. There are several programs where medical students go to South America for the summer and provide the underserved there with basic medical care such as vitamins and immunizations. Quite a few of my classmates are going to participate in these programs and there are really excited. Of course there is always the free clinic that you should have heard about during your interview. You basically get to be the "doctor" and decide what treatment to provide...of course you also have the help of an attending and a fourth year medical student. There are also a lot of clinical electives that you can do. There are preceptorships in pediatrics, reproductive medicine, surgery, etc. this is not "shadowing" and you actually get to do stuff like patient histories and basic physical examinations (we don't actually learn that stuff till the spring quarter, so if you do a preceptorship you can get earlier experience.)


6. What about student involvement in community service?

As for community service, my classmates do a lot of outreach and educational programs. There are also several student run organizations that organize blood drives and the such. Several of my classmates are also involved in outside community work. For example, several students are going to be volunteering at a camp for children with cancer this summer. if you are interested in a community service activity and it is not available, all you have to do is take the initiative and organize it and I'm sure you will get a lot of your classmates to help you out.


7. Also, when do you guys take the boards? Does everyone take it together or is the timing flexible?

As for the boards, I am only a first year so I have not really thought about it all too much. my second year friends are currently studying for them though and they are scheduled to take it in June. I'm pretty sure that all second year medical students have to take it in june of their second year b/c that is the only time that they offer it.


8. What do people do outside of class/studying?

In our spare time my classmates basically do the same things that everyone else does. a ton of people went to see matrix together weds night when it first cam out. Also, last week was one of my classmates' b-days and we had a beach bbq and watched the lunar eclipse. Just this weekend a bunch of people went clubbing and to the zoo. We have a forum and whenever someone has something planned they will put it on the forum and invite the whole class. That?s pretty nice b/c everyone is invited to everything and we get to socialize with people who are not in our usual circle of friends.


9. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of SD's program?

Personally, I think that the strength of the school is definitely the faculty and staff. There are some absolutely amazing professors here who really do care about the students. Unfortunately, we do have our share of bad professors just like any other school might have. The one thing that really impressed me when I interviewed here and still impresses me now is the fact that the school truly does want you to succeed and will do anything to help you. They have an absolutely fabulous tutorial program where the tutors give us regular review sessions, private tutoring, and study aids. Out of all the schools I interviewed at there was not one that had a tutoring program. If you are interested in research, one of the strengths of the school is definitely the research that takes place here. The only thing that I really don?t like about the school is that we have to do a senior thesis to graduate. It?s not really a lot of work b/c you can do anything from a community service project, to clinical research, or to basic science research. I personally don?t like the thesis requirement b/c I would rather do something else with my free time. Honestly though, it?s really easy to complete and is not a big deal.

11. Are the UCSD housing (dorms) better than apts in the area for the price...btw, how much are ucsd's dorm costs?

the UCSD on-campus dorms (single graduate housing) is actually not that great. you have a 4 bedroom apartment that you share with 3 other graduate students. there is a common bathroom and a kitchen. i don't know about you, but that seems a little crowded. also, i've seen the rooms and they are TINY. the plus side is that they are extremely inexpensive with rent ranging from 200-250 a month. the university also has off-campus apartments at Coast and Mesa. These apartments are such a great deal. you can get a one bedroom for 500-600 dollars a month or a 2 bed/1 bath for 600-700 a month for the entire apartment--- that means your share will only be 300-350 if you had a roommate for the other room. unfortunately the waiting list for these apartments is very long and can be up to two-three years. that's why i suggested that you turn in an application even if you are not sure about wanting to live in university affiliated housing. by the time you even get offered an apartment you might be in your third year and by then the option of having your own place for 500-600 might be appealing to you. there's no penalty for not taking an apartment if it is offered to you, so you might as well turn in an application. The last option for university housing is La Jolla Del Sol, which is the subsidized apartments located about 3 miles from campus. These apartments are pure luxury! very clean with a gym, two swimming pools, and tennis courts. the singles range from 900-1000 there and 2 bed/2 bath range from 1100-1300. Not as cheap as Mesa or Coast apartments, but a great deal nonetheless. BTW, the best thing about these apartments is that there is a washer and dryer right in your apartment, so no more searching for quarters! for more info go to http://hds.ucsd.edu/hsgaffil/index.html.

12. What is the average number of hours of lecture a week?

The average number of lecture hours varies each quarter/block. for this quarter we have:
Monday--8 hours
Tuesday--4 hours + elective if you have one on this day
wednesday--8 hours
thursday--4 hours + elective if you have one on this day
Friday--8 hours.

Pretty scary...but most of the class only shows up for half of the lactures b/c we get all the lecture notes and we have class note takers. personally, i attend half of the lectures and am doing prefectly fine. I have some friends who don't show up for a single class and only come to take the test. as far as i can tell they are doing really well still.

The schedule is not always this crazy though. for instance for the mini block during fall, we only had 3 hours of class per day for about a month.

All in all though, i must admit that we do have quite a bit of lecture hours.
 
my last post was too long, so here are the remaining questions:

13. About the mean, GOOD LORD, you guys are really smart. Are the tests fair and do-able if you put in the time or is just that you guys are geniuses?

i think that our means are high b/c many people in our class are extremely bright. it is actually quite scary at times when you realize the brilliance of your classmates. However, though our means are still high, the passing grade on a test is still doable and ranges between 50-65% on each test. unlike berkeley, the professors goal is not to fail a set number of people. if you look at the grade distribution, the people who fail really are 10% or more off the bell curve. even if you fail it is not the end of the world. you get an opportunity to take a make up class during the summer and retake the final. if you pass then, you will continue along with your classmates. even if you don't pass that second time around, you merely "deaccelerate" your studies and graduate a year later. really no biggie considering that for your remaining time at med school you have half the work load of your classmates.

14. I see that UCSD sends about 66% to primary care which speaks loudly about the training UCSD offers in primary care. Do you have this years match list (2003) or any ideas on how i can see it online?

i guess we do send a lot of people into primary care....that's not to say that all those students stay in primary care though. many of them will go on to do a fellowship and subspecialize in fields such as cardiology and neurology. as for the match list, i'm having trouble accessing it for some reason. e-mail the admissions office and i'm sure they'll be more than happy to send it to you.

15. Just from looking at the daily schedule, it seems really intense in lecture hours. Are there any imminent changes in the curriculum?

As for your questions, the lecture hours are quite intense b/c we are primarily lecture based. the problem with the schedule on-line is that that that is not actually our real schedule. they are merely timeblocks that the different classes have "available" for lecture hours and quite often they do not use up all the hours. also, the timeblocks shown for tuesday and thursday afternoon are for electives from 1-4 in the afternoon. in reality, you only have one elective once a week, either on tuesday or thurdsday (NOT both days), depending on which elective you take. also, your elective does not neccessairly take up that much time. thus, you are guaranteed at least one free afternoon a week. all in all, we have much less class time than shown on the schedules you see on-line. As far as i can tell, there are no big plans to change the curriculum and lecture hours unless we completely revamp the curriculum style. besides, there are several classes you don't even need to attend to do well. if you handled undergrad lecture hours, you would have no prob here at all.

16. From talking to many first year students, is the spring quarter the busiest out of all quarters?

the spring schedule is not neccesarily the busiest. It's usually the quarter that most people find most difficult b/c we take organ physiology.

17. When do we get information on how to login the computers and forums at ucsd med school?

i don't think you can actually log in to the computer system till late august when they have the finalized student class list. you won't be missing anything though.

18. How do you compare the intensity of the med school atmosphere to that of berkeley's premed atmosphere?

it's definitely a lot better. in my opinion berkeley was absoultely brutal with conniving premeds who were unwilling to help one another out. my classmates are completely opposite of the berkeley premeds. they share notes with one another and study together. There, is however some 1-2 individuals who are so called gunners here. But that is to be expected at every school. The good news i guess is that they are not outright mean and still work with other people; they're just a little more "hard-core" than most.

19. Where are some areas to look for housing? i hear that mira mesa is an alternative to la jolla, any feedback would be much appreciated.

you really do not want to live in mira mesa. it's kind of far and with traffic it will take you 20 minutes to get to campus. if possible live in la jolla. the prices are not actually that bad compared to berkeley. you'll be paying about the same price but get to live in luxury: nice clean apartments, gyms, etc. But do send in your housing application ASAP so that you might get housing with UCSD next year.

20. Do the administration listen to the needs and concerns of the students?

The administration is absolutely wonderful here. Whenever you have a problem you can talk to almost anyone from your faculty advisor to your OSA advisor to the faulty and to the dean. If possible they will help you with your problems and concerns. But please keep in mind that they cannot work miracles and it might take some time to see "big" changes.

21. I would love to learn more about UCSD - the atmosphere, the competition (why is there so much negative energy surrounding this school?).

the atmosphere at UCSD is pretty much like any other med school (I am coming to this conclusion from what my other friends at other schools have told me). Regarding the students, there are all the usual types: the partiers, the bookworms, the slackers, etc. of course you are probably wondering about the competition and so-called gunners at the school. Well?I would be lying through my teeth if I told you that there were no gunners or competition within my class. There?s bound to be a few at EVERY medical school in the country. I think the difference between the few ?gunners? that we do have and those that you see in undergrad is that the few in my class are not ?real? gunners in the sense that they are not mean and conniving. They are genuinely nice people who care a little more about their grades. As I mentioned before, people here are really nice and even the so-called gunners share their study notes with the rest of the class and go to social functions. About the competition?.of course there is some competition. However, I like to think that the competition here is against one?s own self and not against a classmate. I haven?t really seen any of my classmates compete with one another. More often than not, it is a classmate who strives to work better and push their OWN limits so that they may b/c a better doctor. As for the rumors, I have no idea why there are so many. I personally think that its urban legends that just got more exaggerated each year. I have personally not seen anything here that is even close to what I have heard through the grapevine when I was applying. I guess you guys will just have to come here and see for yourselves if those rumors are true.

22. Do you think it is hard to do well there b/c people are competitive?

It all depends on what you mean to do well. Do you mean honors? BTW, only 10% of the class get honors, so it?ll help you keep your sanity to just strive to pass. Do you mean passing? It?s not difficult to pass. Unlike undergrad where the professors HAD to fail a certain percentage of students, they really don?t do that here. True, there are a few people who fail each class, but that number is quite small and comparable to what I heard is at other schools. BTW, if you don?t pass the first time around you get a second chance during the summer and a third chance if you need it. I personally think that the reason it?s a little harder to score above the mean is b/c everyone here is so extremely bright. There is gonna be those people at any school, so stop focusing on them and just put all your energy into you PASSING the course. Trust me, it?s time better spent.


23. I have heard of lots of people turning down UCSD for UCI and I just dont get that - could the atmospheres be THAT different?

I have no idea why people are turning down UCSD for UCI. Optimistically, I hope that there was a personal factor involved such as costs, location, etc. However, there are bound to be a few who chose UCI strictly b/c of the rumors. This is very unfortunate and I hope you all will make the effort to unravel those rumors for yourselves. UCSD is an awesome school and I love it here!

24. UCSD seems like such a wonderful place to go to school - i love sunny weather and living in san diego seems easy.

Yes it is.

25. Also, does it seem like lots of people stay at ucsd for their residency? Would it be difficult to come back up to LA?

I glanced at the match list this year and it seemed that there were at least 10 people who stayed in san diego for their residency. However, there were quite a few in LA. At a glance I would say that >90% stayed in CA for residency and 10% scattered here and there in the Midwest and new york. UCSD is an awesome school and I really see no reason why it wouldn?t be realistically possible for you to stay in CA for your residency.
 
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Hey I found a good map of San Diego for those looking for housing:

http://www.sannet.gov/neighborhoods-map/

Where are the best areas to live in terms of having lots of things to do nearby? Such as a 24 hr fitness, coffee shops, cheap restaurants, young people, etc.?
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
Hey I found a good map of San Diego for those looking for housing:

http://www.sannet.gov/neighborhoods-map/

Where are the best areas to live in terms of having lots of things to do nearby? Such as a 24 hr fitness, coffee shops, cheap restaurants, young people, etc.?

PB (Pacific Beach) is a popular area to live cause it's cheap and that's where a lot of college kids live (UCSD and State.) They also have clubs, restaurants, etc.

They have several 24 hr fitnesses around San Diego but you get to use the UCSD gym (RIMAC) as a med student so it's kind of pointless. I think RIMAC is better than most of the 24 hr fitnesses anyway (unless you get the all-club membership which is pretty expensive.)
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
PB (Pacific Beach) is a popular area to live cause it's cheap and that's where a lot of college kids live (UCSD and State.) They also have clubs, restaurants, etc.

They have several 24 hr fitnesses around San Diego but you get to use the UCSD gym (RIMAC) as a med student so it's kind of pointless. I think RIMAC is better than most of the 24 hr fitnesses anyway (unless you get the all-club membership which is pretty expensive.)

how long is a drive from downtown to la jolla at like 7:30 am?
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
how long is a drive from downtown to la jolla at like 7:30 am?

Downtown to La Jolla? Are you referring to UCSD from downtown? Which way are you going? GOING to downtown from UCSD will probably take you anywhere from 30 - 60 min., depending on how bad traffic is, I assume. You might be able to get there in like 15-20 min. if there's light traffic. :hungover:unno
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
how long is a drive from downtown to la jolla at like 7:30 am?

Not too long I'd imagine. The traffic doesn't really get too bad until closer to 8. With no traffic, the drive is probably about 10 minutes. Not sure how long with.

Why do you want to go to downtown La Jolla? You're not planning on living over there, are you? I have no idea how much it costs for an apartment there but I'd imagine it's big time money.
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
Not too long I'd imagine. The traffic doesn't really get too bad until closer to 8. With no traffic, the drive is probably about 10 minutes. Not sure how long with.

Why do you want to go to downtown La Jolla? You're not planning on living over there, are you? I have no idea how much it costs for an apartment there but I'd imagine it's big time money.

It looks like 700ish for a studio or 1BR. Not that bad. I can't handle roomates so wherever I go its going to be pricey.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
It looks like 700ish for a studio or 1BR. Not that bad. I can't handle roomates so wherever I go its going to be pricey.

That's not too bad. That's actually cheaper than right around UCSD. The off-campus apartments will probably run you at least $900 for a closet-sized studio while a 1BR will probably be closer to $1000-1100.

Make sure you apply for the ultra-cheap on campus grad apartments if you haven't already. I have the link if you need it.
 
You know the way the anatomy labs are open 24 hours a day? To save money, I'm going to make the lab my apartment and I'm going to sleep on a dissection tray. I'll be paying $0/month and I'll be living on campus! What do you think of that idea?
 
I think your smell will kill your sex life.

Otherwise, a great idea.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
I think your smell will kill your sex life.

Otherwise, a great idea.

I intend to use the powerful emergency wash stations to shower every morning so it shouldn't be a problem. I hear the water that comes out is pretty cold but I'm sure I can get used to it. I'll be saving almost $12,000 per year this way!
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
I intend to use the powerful emergency wash stations to shower every morning so it shouldn't be a problem. I hear the water that comes out is pretty cold but I'm sure I can get used to it. I'll be saving almost $12,000 per year this way!

You can probably deal with the cold but what about all the cadavers staring you down?
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
You can probably deal with the cold but what about all the cadavers staring you down?

I've watched every zombie movie in existence so in the unlikely possibility that we have a Dawn of the Dead episode at UCSD med, I'll know exactly what to do.
 
For those of you whose cell phone contracts are up and are trying to find out which service to use in San Diego (especially near UCSD), make sure you get Verizon. I use it and have had perfect reception all throughout the UCSD campus. It's also really good throughout San Diego as well. I've heard Cingular and AT&T are pretty bad so try to stay away from those two if possible while you're in SD.
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
For those of you whose cell phone contracts are up and are trying to find out which service to use in San Diego (especially near UCSD), make sure you get Verizon. I use it and have had perfect reception all throughout the UCSD campus. It's also really good throughout San Diego as well. I've heard Cingular and AT&T are pretty bad so try to stay away from those two if possible while you're in SD.

Sprint is good right? I'm unwilling to give up my easy to memorize number.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
Sprint is good right? I'm unwilling to give up my easy to memorize number.

I think it's decent at UCSD but the coverage can be spotty. For example, in the mall a mile or two away from UCSD, you can't really make calls with Sprint for the most part.

I think cell phone companies nowadays allow you to carry your old number over to the new service. You can call and inquire about it if you come down and realize that Sprint sucks where you live. The most important places for your cell phone to work are at school and your apartment anyway.
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
I think it's decent at UCSD but the coverage can be spotty. For example, in the mall a mile or two away from UCSD, you can't really make calls with Sprint for the most part.

I think cell phone companies nowadays allow you to carry your old number over to the new service. You can call and inquire about it if you come down and realize that Sprint sucks where you live. The most important places for your cell phone to work are at school and your apartment anyway.

cool, thanks.
 
OK finally got a map: I'm planning to live in Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, or worst case scenario North Park.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
OK finally got a map: I'm planning to live in Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, or worst case scenario North Park.

Those all seem like pretty far locations. What about Clairemont Mesa? Mira Mesa? Rancho Penasquitos? I really don't remember anymore (I moved out of there in 2000 or 2001). They DO have some affordable living (I know since I always have lived in affordable housing with my own room and no subsidized anything). There's a whole bunch of units near UTC (University Towne Center - the mall) that are pretty cheap.

You don't need to live THAt far for affordable housing. Mira Mesa is where I lived during some summers (really hot) but it was super cheap.

Good luck! :)
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
OK finally got a map: I'm planning to live in Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, or worst case scenario North Park.

I agree with clumpymold. Those places are somewhat far from UCSD. You don't want to live in North Park either. I think it's somewhat ghetto there (as ghetto as Diego can be.)
 
Are they really that far? Its really important to me that I'm near a hip, urban scene versus a fratty, beachy scene. I don't mind ghetto so long as its not dangerous. I've near parts of North Park are like near Hillcrest but cheaper.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
Are they really that far? Its really important to me that I'm near a hip, urban scene versus a fratty, beachy scene. I don't mind ghetto so long as its not dangerous. I've near parts of North Park are like near Hillcrest but cheaper.

They're far enough where if you hit traffic, you can easily spend 20 minutes each way. If you think about it, it doesn't really matter where you live since when you're at home, you'll probably just be sleeping or studying anyway. If you want to have fun and want the "hip, urban" scene, just go to downtown on your free time.
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
They're far enough where if you hit traffic, you can easily spend 20 minutes each way. If you think about it, it doesn't really matter where you live since when you're at home, you'll probably just be sleeping or studying anyway. If you want to have fun and want the "hip, urban" scene, just go to downtown on your free time.

well on campus is not an option for me, i really really want a studio... and pacific beach doesn't sound like my scene and seems expensive. so what to do?
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
well on campus is not an option for me, i really really want a studio... and pacific beach doesn't sound like my scene and seems expensive. so what to do?

I guess you didn't read my posts then. You don't have to live in PB to have a studio. In fact, I think PB is a bit on the "dirty"/grungy side for me.

There are PLENTY of cheap studios NEARBY UCSD. I don't know where you live, exactly (since you didn't post your location) but I'm guessing in Cali somewhere. Why don't you just drive down there and check it out? You'll see EXACTLY what I mean. ;)
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
I guess you didn't read my posts then. You don't have to live in PB to have a studio. In fact, I think PB is a bit on the "dirty"/grungy side for me.

There are PLENTY of cheap studios NEARBY UCSD. I don't know where you live, exactly (since you didn't post your location) but I'm guessing in Cali somewhere. Why don't you just drive down there and check it out? You'll see EXACTLY what I mean. ;)

I don't mind dirty at all. I did read your posts. I live in downtown San Francisco, near Nob Hill. Nearby UCSD was dead dead dead, and despite popular belief, not all med students sleep and study all the time. Some of us wanna party too.

I'm coming down for second look and renting a car so I can check out hoods. I just need to figure out where is worth checking out. So far, I'm going to look at Pacific Beach and areas near Hillcrest.
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
Those all seem like pretty far locations. What about Clairemont Mesa? Mira Mesa? Rancho Penasquitos? I really don't remember anymore (I moved out of there in 2000 or 2001). They DO have some affordable living (I know since I always have lived in affordable housing with my own room and no subsidized anything). There's a whole bunch of units near UTC (University Towne Center - the mall) that are pretty cheap.

You don't need to live THAt far for affordable housing. Mira Mesa is where I lived during some summers (really hot) but it was super cheap.

Good luck! :)

is UTC the mall near UCSD? bleh.
 
I found Clairmont on the map but not the other places you mentioned.
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
is UTC the mall near UCSD? bleh.

Yup. It's about a mile away (maybe less.) I swear the studios near the UTC and UCSD are super expensive ($900+).
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
Yup. It's about a mile away (maybe less.) I swear the studios near the UTC and UCSD are super expensive ($900+).

that's what i thought! see, to me its worth driving 20-30 minutes to live closer to downtown and pay under 700. i found one studio for 495. granted, its probably a shoe box but still.

1 mile away is still a drive...
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
that's what i thought! see, to me its worth driving 20-30 minutes to live closer to downtown and pay under 700. i found one studio for 495. granted, its probably a shoe box but still.

1 mile away is still a drive...

We'll see if you have this view when you're driving 30-60 minutes a day and exams start piling up. :smuggrin:
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
We'll see if you have this view when you're driving 30-60 minutes a day and exams start piling up. :smuggrin:

ok would it really ever be a 60 min drive to hillcrest?
 
oh i c minutes per day gotcha.

hmmm, yeah we have ALOT of exams! like every two weeks right?
 
Originally posted by Eraserhead
ok would it really ever be a 60 min drive to hillcrest?

Just so you know, Hillcrest is the "gay and lesbian" area. LOTS of them there. I found out when I took my gf there for Valentine's a LONG time ago. Pretty funny story. She's a local so she was wondering why I took her there. I was new to SD. Go figure.
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
Just so you know, Hillcrest is the "gay and lesbian" area. LOTS of them there. I found out when I took my gf there for Valentine's a LONG time ago. Pretty funny story. She's a local so she was wondering why I took her there. I was new to SD. Go figure.

uh oh, lots of THEM!

what to do besides have a blast...?
 
We're losing ground folks. Where are the posts?

Anyone else going on the 17th?
 
You're right. We can't lose to USC and UCLA. UCSD rules! For a new topic, how does everyone feel about waiting until the second year to do anatomy lab? Most schools throw you in there starting with the first part of the first year. I guess we're special.
 
Originally posted by Alexander99
You're right. We can't lose to USC and UCLA. UCSD rules! For a new topic, how does everyone feel about waiting until the second year to do anatomy lab? Most schools throw you in there starting with the first part of the first year. I guess we're special.

I think it sounds great. I'm in no hurry to do anatomy lab. I'd rather be overloaded with book-learnin' the first quarter.

I wonder what the rationale is though, maybe it was changed because people complained about the work load first quarter?
 
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