Well, sadly my dear wife was rejected on 3/5 from UCSF, for the second year in a row. The reason stated in the letter was that her oral/written english was not up to their standard. She immigrated to this country 3 years ago from Taiwan, and as such was clearly at a disadvantage in this regard. (This was after traveling around the world twice, once alone for 6 months and again with me for about 9).
I have to say, I'm disappointed because for two years I honestly and truly held on to this almost religious belief that UCSF would eventually see that what she lacked in native fluency, she would make up for with her broad international perspective, drive, compassion and enthusiasm for the profession (and life). For two years I held on to the belief that UCSF would see that her ability to articulate in English was already very good, and would only get better during the course of her education and her life in the United States. (Certainly her communication ability was good enough for two other pharmacy schools to accept her.) I had faith that UCSF would understand the cultural factor, that Chinese society all but forbids bragging about one's accomplishments, and that this is one of the hardest things for my wife to do. And I really though this time, the second application and the second interview, they would know her well enough to see what I see in her... that she has massive potential to reach the greatest heights in this profession-- she just needs to be given a chance. I really thought that UCSF would be the one to identify her spark and offer her that opportunity. It's a sad thing to wake up one day and realize that your perceptions are wrong, that you've been praying at the wrong altar, that you've built up an idea about something that may never have really existed.
Anyway, I suppose that's all from me-- take care, everyone and good luck to all the rest of you in achieving your dreams.