Ucsd??

[Messerschmitts]

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I just spoke with Brian Zeglen (the guys who sent out this e-mail) and he told me that next Monday (6/19) they will do another assessment of the acceptable pool. At this point, four things can happen: 1) accepted, 2) high-waitlist 3) low-waitlist 4) rejected.

He also told me there are 5 spots left and that they anticipate 5 people to leave for another school...so guys, this basically means that 10 spots are potentially available...WAITING SUCKS!

10 spots maximum? (Some of those 5 may not leave) That is not a lot of spots!

 

[iriechic14]

10 spots maximum? (Some of those 5 may not leave) That is not a lot of spots!

I just withdrew from ucsd.

 

[drpac]

I just withdrew from ucsd.

Thanks! That's one more spot for one of us waitlisters...

 

[md mayhem]

I just got a call from Dean Kelly today offering me an acceptance, I am absolutely stunned because I thought I had no chance of one (after a not so great interview and the fact that I'm an OOSer).

There's a chance I wont be holding onto this one though... Good luck to all of you tho!

 

[jsnuka]

I just got a call from Dean Kelly today offering me an acceptance, I am absolutely stunned because I thought I had no chance of one (after a not so great interview and the fact that I'm an OOSer).

There's a chance I wont be holding onto this one though... Good luck to all of you tho!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 👍

Why won't you "hold on to it " though?

 

[Mutt]

There's a chance I wont be holding onto this one though... Good luck to all of you tho!

So, for those of us that are curious - did you write any letters, updates, etc. to UCSD?

Also, do you mind if I ask approx. when you interviewed?

 

[EpiCam]

hmmm i'll try bringing the thread back to the original post... so I too am debating whether to go to UCSD and was really put off by how stressed out and depressed the students were when I interviewed. Apparently, the med school is a complete meat grinder. Comparing how much the students study with those of other schools I visited (11 in total), SD kids have much less free time because of the work load. And apparently are not happy with the fact they have to learn things at such a level of detail that will not be a benefit to them on the Step I or later as a doctor. It seems like the faculty is so old school that they take pride in the lashing the students get. Not to mention if the students are really competitive...

Seems like a glum place, anyone have a different angle?

From what I've heard (I have a couple of friends at UCSD med right now)-- this isn't too far from the truth. Apparently each year 1/4 or more of the class decides or must (for one reason or another) de-cellerate (take an extra year). I'm thinking this is due to burn out? Dunno

It also seems like the curriculum is very old school. They haven't revised their 1st and 2nd year curriculums for years. Little changes have been made, but it seems really out of date. They spend their entire first quarter doing cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry... probably because their research faculty has an obligation to teach and also because they've stubbornly decided that UCSD is (going to be) THE Research school on this side of the mississippi.

From what my friends tell me, the administration is NOT the most helpful. You kinda have to know how to work the system (or keep track of opportunities yourself and go for them if they interest you). There isn't a lot of hand holding or suggestions from the admin on how to make it more easily through all their extra requirements (ie. 20 elective units, or mandatory research (ISP) project). And you kinda have to know which academic advisor or which student to talk to-- to know what's really the scoop on certain classes or professors. But then again, this is probably the experience at most schools.

On a more positive note, as with any medical school, you will find the more competitive people and the less competitive people. There tend to be a lot of competitive people at UCSD, but you can find those who just want to make it through, and have a good time while their at it.

 

[lord_jeebus]

From what I've heard (I have a couple of friends at UCSD med right now)-- this isn't too far from the truth. Apparently each year 1/4 or more of the class decides or must (for one reason or another) de-cellerate (take an extra year). I'm thinking this is due to burn out? Dunno

Simply not true. 25%? No way. Not close. People do decelerate but it is not nearly that common. And people decelerate at every school that offers it as an option.

It also seems like the curriculum is very old school. They haven't revised their 1st and 2nd year curriculums for years. Little changes have been made, but it seems really out of date. They spend their entire first quarter doing cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry... probably because their research faculty has an obligation to teach and also because they've stubbornly decided that UCSD is (going to be) THE Research school on this side of the mississippi.

Having just taken the boards, I am damn appreciative of the fact that we spent that much time on those subjects. It was at least 1/6 of the test. And first quarter also has Immunology, Genetics, and a course on Physican-Patient relationship. Plus labs, basic science reading group, and "clinical correlates" where patients come in each week to discuss their experiences with a variety of common and not so common disorders (One week they even found a guy who lost his sympathetic autonomic nervous system!).

What do you mean when you say the curriculum is out of date? That we don't learn about new diseases? 🙄 Or that we don't use much PBL? (I hate PBL -- we have a tiny bit -- and although it is good for some people it is not the best method for everybody.)

From what my friends tell me, the administration is NOT the most helpful. You kinda have to know how to work the system (or keep track of opportunities yourself and go for them if they interest you). There isn't a lot of hand holding or suggestions from the admin on how to make it more easily through all their extra requirements (ie. 20 elective units, or mandatory research (ISP) project). And you kinda have to know which academic advisor or which student to talk to-- to know what's really the scoop on certain classes or professors. But then again, this is probably the experience at most schools.

Because of input like that, they're probably going to change the ISP so that you get small courses with professors in your field of interest. And they've already put in so much flexibility that you can even do a community service project in lieu of "research." I've had no problem finding out what the good electives are or who to talk to to persue research in my field of interest. That info is everywhere.

On a more positive note, as with any medical school, you will find the more competitive people and the less competitive people. There tend to be a lot of competitive people at UCSD, but you can find those who just want to make it through, and have a good time while their at it.

Have you or anyone you know attended multiple medical schools? How do you know that UCSD hass "a lot of competitive people"? Because that's common wisdom on SDN?

I hate to rant but this post hit a nerve for me. Two years ago I was a premed deciding between UCSD and some other schools when people started posting this same crap. "My friend at UCSD said ____." "UCSD students are cut-throat and never cooperate and the matchlist is terrible and they're all depressed and it's not a good system for learning and everyone hates it." Thanks to BS like that at least one SDN user who was excited about UCSD ended up withdrawing and going somewhere else. I know I almost did myself.

Having attended UCSD for 2 years, I am still pissed that I almost missed out on some truly great educational and personal experiences b/c of rumors started by a few disgruntled UCSD med students (yes we have disgruntled students, if someone tells you that X school has 100% happy people they are lying) that got perpetuated and blown out of proportion by people repeating what they heard someone else say. The strangest thing is that the things you're saying don't even match the complaints that the most unhappy UCSD students have. I can get into those if you are interested -- I recognize that our school is not perfect and people should know what needs improvement.

I don't know who your friends are, and perhaps they did tell you these things, but much of it is untrue and most of the rest of it is not a view shared by my friends here.

 

[FutureDoc2005]

Simply not true. 25%? No way. Not close. People do decelerate but it is not nearly that common. And people decelerate at every school that offers it as an option.



Having just taken the boards, I am damn appreciative of the fact that we spent that much time on those subjects. It was at least 1/6 of the test. And first quarter also has Immunology, Genetics, and a course on Physican-Patient relationship. Plus labs, basic science reading group, and "clinical correlates" where patients come in each week to discuss their experiences with a variety of common and not so common disorders (One week they even found a guy who lost his sympathetic autonomic nervous system!).

What do you mean when you say the curriculum is out of date? That we don't learn about new diseases? 🙄 Or that we don't use much PBL? (I hate PBL -- we have a tiny bit -- and although it is good for some people it is not the best method for everybody.)



Because of input like that, they're probably going to change the ISP so that you get small courses with professors in your field of interest. And they've already put in so much flexibility that you can even do a community service project in lieu of "research." I've had no problem finding out what the good electives are or who to talk to to persue research in my field of interest. That info is everywhere.



Have you or anyone you know attended multiple medical schools? How do you know that UCSD hass "a lot of competitive people"? Because that's common wisdom on SDN?

I hate to rant but this post hit a nerve for me. Two years ago I was a premed deciding between UCSD and some other schools when people started posting this same crap. "My friend at UCSD said ____." "UCSD students are cut-throat and never cooperate and the matchlist is terrible and they're all depressed and it's not a good system for learning and everyone hates it." Thanks to BS like that at least one SDN user who was excited about UCSD ended up withdrawing and going somewhere else. I know I almost did myself.

Having attended UCSD for 2 years, I am still pissed that I almost missed out on some truly great educational and personal experiences b/c of rumors started by a few disgruntled UCSD med students (yes we have disgruntled students, if someone tells you that X school has 100% happy people they are lying) that got perpetuated and blown out of proportion by people repeating what they heard someone else say. The strangest thing is that the things you're saying don't even match the complaints that the most unhappy UCSD students have. I can get into those if you are interested -- I recognize that our school is not perfect and people should know what needs improvement.

I don't know who your friends are, and perhaps they did tell you these things, but much of it is untrue and most of the rest of it is not a view shared by my friends here.

Yikes! If the school or its reputation are good, it doesn't need an essay to prove it. Besides, you're speaking from the perspective of someone who doesn't like PBL...which is the up and coming trend amongst most US medical schools.

 

[zzyzx]

From what my friends tell me, the administration is NOT the most helpful. You kinda have to know how to work the system (or keep track of opportunities yourself and go for them if they interest you). There isn't a lot of hand holding or suggestions from the admin on how to make it more easily through all their extra requirements (ie. 20 elective units, or mandatory research (ISP) project). And you kinda have to know which academic advisor or which student to talk to-- to know what's really the scoop on certain classes or professors.

I'm not yet a student at UCSD but I know this part isn't true. When you are about to matriculate, they ask you to fill out pretty detailed surveys to match you up with a faculty mentor as well as an older student "big sib" if you want. They make an effort to match you with people who have similar academic/research or social interests. It seems like it will be pretty helpful to me

 

[md mayhem]

So, for those of us that are curious - did you write any letters, updates, etc. to UCSD?

Also, do you mind if I ask approx. when you interviewed?

interview dec 15, acceptable pool jan 18

updates: one a few wks before interview invite, a thank you and update right after interview, another update in late february, and final update in april.

my reasons for not really being sure about the school revolve around not liking the location, not feeling comfortable at the school when I interviewed, and thinking it will be too much work for me to handle. if that makes sense. I have no doubt this is a great school adn that most students do really well and love it, I have doubts if this is right for me.

 

[Mutt]

interview dec 15, acceptable pool jan 18

updates: one a few wks before interview invite, a thank you and update right after interview, another update in late february, and final update in april.

my reasons for not really being sure about the school revolve around not liking the location, not feeling comfortable at the school when I interviewed, and thinking it will be too much work for me to handle. if that makes sense. I have no doubt this is a great school adn that most students do really well and love it, I have doubts if this is right for me.

That's what I suspected. From what I gather regarding UCSD's methodology it seems as though they interview in the order of preference that they have for their applicants - which in turn is their order for waitlisting. This is likely because they give "stronger" applicants earlier interviews and this "strength" (i.e. high numbers) is also reflected in the waitlist rank.

Of course, there exist some exceptions but for the most part earlier interviewees will be called up before later ones.

 

[caelum7]

That's what I suspected. From what I gather regarding UCSD's methodology it seems as though they interview in the order of preference that they have for their applicants - which in turn is their order for waitlisting. This is likely because they give "stronger" applicants earlier interviews and this "strength" (i.e. high numbers) is also reflected in the waitlist rank.

Of course, there exist some exceptions but for the most part earlier interviewees will be called up before later ones.

this is my first post 🙂 i just wanted to say that i was interviewed on 4/4, waitlisted in late april, and offered acceptance on 5/12. maybe this will give hope to other late interview people!

anyways, i'm super excited to be at ucsd this fall, but i am also having a hard time separating fact from fiction about the ucsd workload. i'm apprehensive to the extent that i would strongly consider keck/usc if i got in off their waitlist. any thoughts?

good luck to all those waiting on ucsd!

 

[LT2]

this is my first post 🙂 i just wanted to say that i was interviewed on 4/4, waitlisted in late april, and offered acceptance on 5/12. maybe this will give hope to other late interview people!

anyways, i'm super excited to be at ucsd this fall, but i am also having a hard time separating fact from fiction about the ucsd workload. i'm apprehensive to the extent that i would strongly consider keck/usc if i got in off their waitlist. any thoughts?

good luck to all those waiting on ucsd!

congrats on UCSD and good luck with USC! i think the main point regarding the curriculum is that UCSD does tend to teach things very traditionally and in excruciating detail (even according to dean kelly). whether or not this fits your (or anyones) learning style is completely your decision. if you feel you need detail to do well on the boards, it might suit you well. if you feel you can do well on the boards without the detail, maybe you'd be best off at another school. my suggestion to everyone here debating curriculum/atmosphere is to make a list of pros and cons of the curriculum of all the schools they are considering and make a decision based on what best suits YOU, not the population of SDN! people will be happy and unhappy wherever you go. make the best choice to fit your specific needs. good luck!!

 

[md mayhem]

people will be happy and unhappy wherever you go. make the best choice to fit your specific needs. good luck!!

I hear this a lot, but is it just me, or do students at UCSD seem to have a lot more to complain about than students at other med schools? I dont disagree with whats being said, its completely unrealistic to assume a med school has a 100% satisfaction rate among its students, but to me it seems that there are a greater deal of problems at UCSD than other schools I've gotten to know.

I guess the best way to go about deciding on UCSD is to know what you are getting yourself into before you go. If you can handle the things you hear other students complain about, then you'll be fine.

 

[discus]

I hear this a lot, but is it just me, or do students at UCSD seem to have a lot more to complain about than students at other med schools? I dont disagree with whats being said, its completely unrealistic to assume a med school has a 100% satisfaction rate among its students, but to me it seems that there are a greater deal of problems at UCSD than other schools I've gotten to know.

I guess the best way to go about deciding on UCSD is to know what you are getting yourself into before you go. If you can handle the things you hear other students complain about, then you'll be fine.

I heard that long ago, students WERE really discontent w/ the curriculum, but NOW, it's not like that at all. My tour guide said she couldn't be happier, and things are definitely much better now. Bottom line is, you should all be super happy that you got into such a fabulous school! Congrats!

 

[Mutt]

I heard that long ago, students WERE really discontent w/ the curriculum, but NOW, it's not like that at all. My tour guide said she couldn't be happier, and things are definitely much better now. Bottom line is, you should all be super happy that you got into such a fabulous school! Congrats!

The number one question I asked every student I talked to when I interviewed was: "what don't you like about the school?"

Every single one said that they hated how the curriculum was setup up (in one way or another).

Granted, I only talked to about 6-7 students but they were not all tour guides or all from the same social groups, they were a pretty random sampling - which made it somewhat disconcerting seeing as how one's life revolved around the curriculum structure....

 

[roo425]

I guess the best way to go about deciding on UCSD is to know what you are getting yourself into before you go. If you can handle the things you hear other students complain about, then you'll be fine.

Thank all of you for bringing this thread back to the front page. I thought this thread ahd disappeared long time ago.

Anyhow, I totally second to mayhem's comments. Wherever you go, there must be something that you don't like about the school. You just need to know your priority when you decide which school you will go. For me, there's no comparison to UCSD due to my family situation. I don't care if I have to study extra hours or the curriculum is not "up-to-date." Our previous generations have been doing great with old education system so there's no reason to worry about that we will become not-so-good doctors becuse the school doesn't have the up-to-date curriculum. It's nice to have the most mordern stuff, but after all, it will just work fine. When you really think about it, it's not that difficult to decide. If you don't like the school, you don't have to go. Life is short. Think simply. It's all upto how you take it. 😎

 

[monami]

I've heard that UCSD follows the old, old Yale Medical System. And that also, they integerated the Yale curriculum, which is everybody is on their own while at med school, meaning that there won't be any pushing from faculty, and that students are to fend for themselves. I don't if it is true, but something i've heard.

 

[LT2]

I hear this a lot, but is it just me, or do students at UCSD seem to have a lot more to complain about than students at other med schools? I dont disagree with whats being said, its completely unrealistic to assume a med school has a 100% satisfaction rate among its students, but to me it seems that there are a greater deal of problems at UCSD than other schools I've gotten to know.

when i interviewed, i did notice that the students did not seem as happy, and the ones i spoke to said that it was tons of work and they wished they had more free time. it definitely was different from all of the other schools i interviewed at. i know it will be a lot of work (if i ever get in) but it's home and to me, the good outweighs the bad. this won't be true for everyone. in any case, at least you'd have an idea of what was going on when you got to school if it did seem overwhelming...

I guess the best way to go about deciding on UCSD is to know what you are getting yourself into before you go. If you can handle the things you hear other students complain about, then you'll be fine.

EXACTLY!! 🙂 good luck!

 

[Graat]

I have a really good friend that just finished his first year, and another really good friend that just graduated.

Friend that just finished first year: Loves it. Yeah, he says there are a lot of people with glum faces but its because they are stress-cases and will most likely be grumpy or dissatisfied anywhere they would have ended up. He's a "pick yourself up by your own bootstraps" kind of guy and doesn't expect much from the administration, and has nothing bad to say about them.

Friend that just graduated: Has love/hate relationship with it. To make a long story short, he didn't like it and had a stressful four years, but that ultimately it got him exactly what he wanted: a spot in a competitive residency in California.

 

[Messerschmitts]

Bump...next week, my fellow waitlistees. Next week.

 

[firebird69guy]

anyone accepted at UC Davis but waiting for UCSD (on the waitlist?)

 

[Messerschmitts]

anyone accepted at UC Davis but waiting for UCSD (on the waitlist?)

I guess just you, lucky bastard! 😛 You get to stay in Cali no matter what then.

 

[LT2]

I guess just you, lucky bastard! 😛 You get to stay in Cali no matter what then.

i don't think he's in at ucsd. i think he's waitlisted at davis and hoping someone will leave davis for ucsd to open space for him... good luck!

i wish our "waitlist" decisions were here... when will it all finally be over?!? 😳

 

[LT2]

happy june 19th. 😳

 

[firebird69guy]

i don't think he's in at ucsd. i think he's waitlisted at davis and hoping someone will leave davis for ucsd to open space for him... good luck!

i wish our "waitlist" decisions were here... when will it all finally be over?!? 😳

correctomundo!!!!!


isn't it sad that I get excited when monday rolls around... because the admission office comes back to work?

=)

 

[roo425]

It's fianlly Monday June 19th. Any good news? Come on!

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

Has anybody from out of state recently been accepted to UCSD?

 

[Messerschmitts]

It's fianlly Monday June 19th. Any good news? Come on!

Seeing as I just came home from work and it's 1:26AM, Tuesday the 20th (I'm an ambulance EMT, that's why it's so late), I'm guessing no.

 

[JohnyWalker]

Hey Guys,

I just got a call from Dr. Kelly and she offered me an accpetance to UCSD. Good luck to those who are still waiting and hopefully more good news will come out of there soon. However, before I got the call from Dr. Kelly I called the admissions office myself asking them if they have assigned ranking to the waitlist like they said they would. It turns out that they had planned to do so by the 19th but they have not and probably will not until the end of June.

Once again, good luck to all of you!

 

[Mutt]

Hey Guys,

I just got a call from Dr. Kelly and she offered me an accpetance to UCSD. Good luck to those who are still waiting and hopefully more good news will come out of there soon. However, before I got the call from Dr. Kelly I called the admissions office myself asking them if they have assigned ranking to the waitlist like they said they would. It turns out that they had planned to do so by the 19th but they have not and probably will not until the end of June.

Once again, good luck to all of you!

When did you interview?

 

[M.D.2010]

That's what I suspected. From what I gather regarding UCSD's methodology it seems as though they interview in the order of preference that they have for their applicants - which in turn is their order for waitlisting. This is likely because they give "stronger" applicants earlier interviews and this "strength" (i.e. high numbers) is also reflected in the waitlist rank.

Of course, there exist some exceptions but for the most part earlier interviewees will be called up before later ones.

Hey Mutt,

I think everyone who is granted an interview is on level playing field regardless of when the interview was. People who applied late or had taken the August MCAT don't usually get interviews until at least January. I think all applicants are completely 're-graded' after an interview the way I understand it. Either way, just to add to your tally... I interviewed January 31st and was accepted May 30th. I know of two people in different years spanning the spectrum. One person interviewed in early October and was accepted on June 2nd and another person interviewed in mid-April and was accepted right around May 15th. So, I don't think interview date really matters all that much.

Good luck everyone! I think it's horrible that they haven't put out the ranking yet.

 

[JohnyWalker]

When did you interview?

I interviewed in december, it was actually my first medical school interview.

 

[Messerschmitts]

Bump. This thread fell to the 7th page. And I guess I'm not getting in, this was supposed to be the "magic/last-chance week", wasn't it? 🙁

 

[drpac]

Bump. This thread fell to the 7th page. And I guess I'm not getting in, this was supposed to be the "magic/last-chance week", wasn't it? 🙁

It was the magic week for two students who got admitted on Monday...that's what they told me when I called...

I think I'm not getting in either... 🙁

I wish they would at least send rejection letters 😡 😡

 

[LT2]

Bump. This thread fell to the 7th page. And I guess I'm not getting in, this was supposed to be the "magic/last-chance week", wasn't it? 🙁

i think actually, next week is the possible "magic last chance" week. i was told most acceptances will be given out before july... i wonder if they will ever tell us if we are on a waitlist... oh well.

 

[Messerschmitts]

i think actually, next week is the possible "magic last chance" week. i was told most acceptances will be given out before july... i wonder if they will ever tell us if we are on a waitlist... oh well.

Uh...sure, why not? One last week before July 🙁

 

[LT2]

roll call for the alternate list email, i'll start:

LT2

 

[jack.bauer]

received alternate list email too.

 

[drpac]

roll call for the alternate list email, i'll start:

LT2

I got it also - do you think they've actually narrowed the acceptable pool to an alternate list?? Arg...I wish they would rank us or something already!! 😡

 

[LT2]

I got it also - do you think they've actually narrowed the acceptable pool to an alternate list??

that's what i was wondering. you'd think they'd finally start rejecting people now but who knows. it sounds like most of us have moved from the pool to the list... 😕


so much for the "high" and "low" waitlist, huh? 🙁

 

[Mutt]

that's what i was wondering. you'd think they'd finally start rejecting people now but who knows. it sounds like most of us have moved from the pool to the list... 😕


so much for the "high" and "low" waitlist, huh? 🙁

I would guess that those of us that didn't get the e-mail are probably in the rejection pile, then?


....ugh.

 

[drpac]

that's what i was wondering. you'd think they'd finally start rejecting people now but who knows. it sounds like most of us have moved from the pool to the list... 😕

I want to call and ask about this list, but I know that they won't give me any information: "I'm sorry, at this time all I can tell you is that you are on our new alternate list which is just another name for the acceptable pool. You'll know if you are rejected when everyone else is in school and you are not." 😡

Man...I sound bitter!

 

[LT2]

Argh. So those of us that didn't get the e-mail are probably in the rejection pile, huh?

Wow.....that sucks.

maybe you're in the acceptance pile and they just haven't called yet... 🙂

waitlisters:
LT2
jack.bauer
dr. pac

 

[LT2]

You'll know if you are rejected when everyone else is in school and you are not." 😡

so true...

 

[drpac]

I would guess that those of us that didn't get the e-mail are probably in the rejection pile, then?


....ugh.

Don't get sad yet...maybe they are sending another set of e-mails...clearly, their admissions process is NOT the most straightforward

 

[Mutt]

"You'll know if you are rejected when everyone else is in school and you are not."

Is this verbatim?

 

[drpac]

so true...

it's a little funny how cynical this whole process is making us...

 

[drpac]

Is this verbatim?

No no...just a rather sarcastic prediction of what the admissions office would say if i call right now to inquire about this most recent of e-mails 🙄