UCSF Application 2009-2010

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schleima said:
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 (though she does it extremely well in her pre written essays, which she was of course able to polish and perfect). 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.
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schleima,
Don't worry about it. Your wife will be fine. She was accepted to two other schools and that's what matters. Focus on that. If UCSF stresses her language so much then take it for what it is. The school may be great, but it is no altar. It is probably very difficult to look at it this way right now because we want what we want, but this can be a positive too. Perhaps you can draw some inspiration from this. Perhaps you can even try and trust their judgement given their reputation and expertise. Perhaps this will all be for the best. Just look forward to what you have and be happy with your wife's acceptance to the other schools.

I want to go to UCSF. I want to start a new life in California. But I look at it a little differently. Being 30, I'm probably older than most of you young whippersnappers here. I feel that if I don't get accepted, it really is out of my hands. It really wasn't the "right fit." I'll trust them with the decision even if I'll be disappointed. I'm fortunate to have been accepted to a couple of schools too and I can live with that. UB for example seems like a fine choice, even if Buffalo is so dreary when you put it side by side with SF. I know that I've done my best and I'm proud of myself at this point.

It sounds like your wife, schleima, also put a ton of work into this and at the end of the day, she is better for it and should be proud of it. She has become a better person as a result of this struggle and I'm sure she will succeed wherever she will end up.
 
👍 like button

BTW, 30 is flippin young. If you don't think so, then that's an insult to my age.🤣

spinin said:
schleima,
Don't worry about it. Your wife will be fine. She was accepted to two other schools and that's what matters. Focus on that. If UCSF stresses her language so much then take it for what it is. The school may be great, but it is no altar. It is probably very difficult to look at it this way right now because we want what we want, but this can be a positive too. Perhaps you can draw some inspiration from this. Perhaps you can even try and trust their judgement given their reputation and expertise. Perhaps this will all be for the best. Just look forward to what you have and be happy with your wife's acceptance to the other schools.

I want to go to UCSF. I want to start a new life in California. But I look at it a little differently. Being 30, I'm probably older than most of you young whippersnappers here. I feel that if I don't get accepted, it really is out of my hands. It really wasn't the "right fit." I'll trust them with the decision even if I'll be disappointed. I'm fortunate to have been accepted to a couple of schools too and I can live with that. UB for example seems like a fine choice, even if Buffalo is so dreary when you put it side by side with SF. I know that I've done my best and I'm proud of myself at this point.

It sounds like your wife, schleima, also put a ton of work into this and at the end of the day, she is better for it and should be proud of it. She has become a better person as a result of this struggle and I'm sure she will succeed wherever she will end up.
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arrowheadgirl said:
Oh another day... lolz
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Seriously! I feel like I'm either checking SDN or waiting for that afternoon mail to come, only to be both relieved and disappointed when there's nothing there 😕

and I'm already trying to distract myself as much as I can from thinking about it too @_@. it's so hard! hahah

Anyway, time to chill, hopefully.
 
No mail today!

As if to mock me, we had even less mail than usual. One piece of advertisement and one letter from the bank. I don't even get the suspense of flipping through one envelope after another today!
 
no mail for me today - I am safe for now ... it's the ucsf Idol !
 
spinin said:
schleima,
Don't worry about it. Your wife will be fine. She was accepted to two other schools and that's what matters. Focus on that. If UCSF stresses her language so much then take it for what it is. The school may be great, but it is no altar. It is probably very difficult to look at it this way right now because we want what we want, but this can be a positive too. Perhaps you can draw some inspiration from this. Perhaps you can even try and trust their judgement given their reputation and expertise. Perhaps this will all be for the best. Just look forward to what you have and be happy with your wife's acceptance to the other schools.

I want to go to UCSF. I want to start a new life in California. But I look at it a little differently. Being 30, I'm probably older than most of you young whippersnappers here. I feel that if I don't get accepted, it really is out of my hands. It really wasn't the "right fit." I'll trust them with the decision even if I'll be disappointed. I'm fortunate to have been accepted to a couple of schools too and I can live with that. UB for example seems like a fine choice, even if Buffalo is so dreary when you put it side by side with SF. I know that I've done my best and I'm proud of myself at this point.

It sounds like your wife, schleima, also put a ton of work into this and at the end of the day, she is better for it and should be proud of it. She has become a better person as a result of this struggle and I'm sure she will succeed wherever she will end up.
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Thanks for this.... my wife is 28 years old, and I'm 35, so we're no whippersnappers, and I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments, which I tell her regularly. But it's unfair fact of life that this sort of praise goes a lot further when a highly regarded, fully accredited institution of higher learning agrees with my assessment. I so dearly wanted to tell her "I told you so!" when that acceptance letter arrived. So there's a part of me that feels UCSF took something significant away from me as well.

By the way, I grew up in central NJ... 18 years there, so I definitely understand the allure of CA. I've been in California over 13 years now, and it is as magnificent a place as you think it is 🙂 Good luck with your application!
 
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schleima said:
Thanks for this.... my wife is 28 years old, and I'm 35, so we're no whippersnappers, and I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments, which I tell her regularly. But it's unfair fact of life that this sort of praise goes a lot further when a highly regarded, fully accredited institution of higher learning agrees with my assessment. I so dearly wanted to tell her "I told you so!" when that acceptance letter arrived. So there's a part of me that feels UCSF took something significant away from me as well.

By the way, I grew up in central NJ... 18 years there, so I definitely understand the allure of CA. I've been in California over 13 years now, and it is as magnificent a place as you think it is 🙂 Good luck with your application!
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Did you also apply to UCSF?
 
i was interviewed on 2/6 and I still have not received anything from UCSF. I guess that is normal. I would appreciate if someone that had an interview on the same day or after have received something form them would let me know😕
thanks!
i'm just nervous
 
cHicAli13 said:
i was interviewed on 2/6 and I still have not received anything from UCSF. I guess that is normal. I would appreciate if someone that had an interview on the same day or after have received something form them would let me know😕
thanks!
i'm just nervous
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anything as in nothing at all? No 'Thank you' or 'Financial aid' letter?
 
i received a letter saying that my application was undergoing the review process and that's it, no finaid letter yet
 
Good luck guys the letters start being shipped out tomorrow. That means we all get letters on Thursday. Can't wait.
 
cheburashka said:
We had a few people in the same situation last year, including myself. Yes, they do and they are very serious about it. You have to fill it out a form and write a short paragraph explaining why you want to drop those classes. Once Joel approves you dropping those classes, you can withdraw from them. The form can be found on UCSF website.

This is not to freak you out by any means 🙂, but just so you take it seriously. Hope this helps. 🙂
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This reply has got me worried now. So I graduated from college last year, and this semester I was taking Microbio, Anatomy, and English. But since I already got accepted to UCSD, and also since UCSF doesnt require Microbio and Anatomy, I've already "withdrew" from those classes. Im still taking English because it is a requirement. So will I be affected even though UCSF doesnt require those classes I withdrew from? Help!!!
 
tickytac said:
Good luck guys the letters start being shipped out tomorrow. That means we all get letters on Thursday. Can't wait.
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Where'd you hear that from?

i received a letter saying that my application was undergoing the review process and that's it, no finaid letter yet
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I never got this kind of letter....
 
tickytac said:
Good luck guys the letters start being shipped out tomorrow. That means we all get letters on Thursday. Can't wait.
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I'm just curious, how do you know this?
 
Thanks god. I'm glad to get it by tomorrow so I can get over it. Just got a rejection from Western, another one won't hurt 🙂
 
I am going out of town tomorrow til Sunday, so I guess I won't find out until later.
 
missHuynh07 said:
Thanks god. I'm glad to get it by tomorrow so I can get over it. Just got a rejection from Western, another one won't hurt 🙂
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Hi missHuynh07, do you mean a "hold" letter right and not straight out rejection letter like ucsd?
 
busyizzy said:
Where'd you hear that from?

[/I]

I never got this kind of letter....
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Just an educated assumption. This was also what cheb who went through last years process experienced and that's also exactly how ucsd does it as well.
 
April Lee said:
This reply has got me worried now. So I graduated from college last year, and this semester I was taking Microbio, Anatomy, and English. But since I already got accepted to UCSD, and also since UCSF doesnt require Microbio and Anatomy, I've already "withdrew" from those classes. Im still taking English because it is a requirement. So will I be affected even though UCSF doesnt require those classes I withdrew from? Help!!!
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Maybe ask them directly and if they actually require it maybe just take it in the summer or at a school on the quarter system since classes haven't started for spring yet. I've asked Joel many questions before and he's really nice about answering.
 
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tickytac said:
Good luck guys the letters start being shipped out tomorrow. That means we all get letters on Thursday. Can't wait.
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You state this as if it's fact, not an "educated assumption". Please be mindful of what you say considering the state of mind everyone is in. It would be much appreciated.

If there is any truth to this, I'm guessing I'll get a letter fairly quickly since I live in SF. If I do get my admit/reject letter I will, in the exact order:

1) Wail/Jump hysterically in my living room
2) Repeat the phrase Oh _____ !!!! over and over again
3) Call my mother
4) Update my facebook/gmail
5) Update fellow-SNDers
6) Have a beer
 
Please, please, please. If anyone get a letter this week, please post and let everybody else know. SF has been the only thing on my mind these past few days.
 
No letter for me today. But I don't live in Cali, so it's not helpful for you guys.
 
April Lee said:
This reply has got me worried now. So I graduated from college last year, and this semester I was taking Microbio, Anatomy, and English. But since I already got accepted to UCSD, and also since UCSF doesnt require Microbio and Anatomy, I've already "withdrew" from those classes. Im still taking English because it is a requirement. So will I be affected even though UCSF doesnt require those classes I withdrew from? Help!!!
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Don't panic 🙂 🙂 🙂

Notify Joel as soon as you can and explain the circumstances. Just explain how you didn't need those courses for graduation since you already graduated and our school didn't require them. That's esentially what I wrote in my essay. It's only a small paragraph with a very straighforward purpose. The actual form can be found on the website.

I'm sure it'll be fine.

For future purposes - those that get accepted should start checking the entering students page - there are a few things you must do during the spring and summer once you are accepted that have deadlines. Besides accepting your acceptance, you also must send in your transcripts by a certain deadline and for those that are graduating this Spring or will be taking summer classes, you may have to actually send in your transcripts three times.

I sent in my transcripts:
-by the initial deadline, I believe it was May 1st
-by the summer deadline since I was graduating in the Spring
-by the fall deadline again since I was taking last pre-req over summer

So definitely keep up with all the paperwork, it's very important. 🙂

As for letters, it's only my speculation, but it just seems like based on dates they were send out on Thusday last year - since most of us got our letters Fridays or Saturdays, but definitely take it as a speculation. 🙂
 
I didn't even apply to UCSF but just periodically popping in on this thread makes me nervous lol

EDIT: I hope you guys find out soon!
 
schleima said:
Thanks for this.... my wife is 28 years old, and I'm 35, so we're no whippersnappers, and I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments, which I tell her regularly. But it's unfair fact of life that this sort of praise goes a lot further when a highly regarded, fully accredited institution of higher learning agrees with my assessment. I so dearly wanted to tell her "I told you so!" when that acceptance letter arrived. So there's a part of me that feels UCSF took something significant away from me as well.

By the way, I grew up in central NJ... 18 years there, so I definitely understand the allure of CA. I've been in California over 13 years now, and it is as magnificent a place as you think it is 🙂 Good luck with your application!
Click to expand...

schleima,
That "young whippersnappers" was not directed at you. I was talking about all the other young ones here who seem to be having a heart attack every time they get a piece of mail. 🙂

Yeah, this was my first trip to California and I feel like I've been missing something and perhaps this is it. It seems like a different America. I hope I'm not looking at it through rose-colored glasses. I hope I'm not wrong. I'm trying to be realistic about it, but it is pulling me in for sure.
 
Muangz said:
👍 like button

BTW, 30 is flippin young. If you don't think so, then that's an insult to my age.🤣
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I just turned 30 so I'm feeling like I'm no child anymore and I just have to make a point of it whenever I can. You're only as old as you feel anyway. Most of the time I feel pretty young, but I do notice that it isn't quite the same as it was when I was doing my bachelors.
 
I interviewed on 2/19, but only received one letter in the mail a few weeks ago. It was the "Thank You" letter. But it seems that people also got another financial aid letter in the mail. I have not received any other letter. The only thing regarding financial aid that I got from UCSF was that paper in the folder they give you in the interview. Is that what you guys are talking about? Or is there another fin aid letter that you guys got?

If so, can you tell me what it says in that letter? I guess I may have to ask them to mail me another one since I did not get any fin aid letter in the mail. Thanks.
 
lakersfanpharmd said:
I interviewed on 2/19, but only received one letter in the mail a few weeks ago. It was the "Thank You" letter. But it seems that people also got another financial aid letter in the mail. I have not received any other letter. The only thing regarding financial aid that I got from UCSF was that paper in the folder they give you in the interview. Is that what you guys are talking about? Or is there another fin aid letter that you guys got?

If so, can you tell me what it says in that letter? I guess I may have to ask them to mail me another one since I did not get any fin aid letter in the mail. Thanks.
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It was basically a letter with an ID and PIN to access part of the school's website.

Dear ...

etc etc etc...

If you submit your financial information now, the Financial Aid Office will be able to provide you with information about estimated scholarship, grant, and loan awards early in the process.

etc etc etc ...

Please use the following SAA user ID and PIN to access http://netpartner.ucsf.edu

etc.
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spinin said:
I just turned 30 so I'm feeling like I'm no child anymore and I just have to make a point of it whenever I can. You're only as old as you feel anyway. Most of the time I feel pretty young, but I do notice that it isn't quite the same as it was when I was doing my bachelors.
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During my interview session, I think most people I met were older and many have been out of school for a couple of years doing research, biotech industry, pharmacy volunteer, other ECs, etc. There were very few that I met who were very young and are still undergrads, but it seems that the majority were a little bit older and have had more life-enriching experiences. But based on previous year stats, the spectrum is broad. Perhaps UCSF knows how to spot these people. I, myself, have been out of undergrad for awhile.

I love California. Have grown up here for the most part of my life. It's really the racial diversity and different life cultures that have influenced and enriched my life; love the different types of food too for that matter. The closest East Coast experience I've had was Philidelphia two years back. The pace changes. Everyone in LA is so rushed. It's nice to slow down and appreciate life sometimes.

P.S. SF is a whole different lifestyle than LA. I can only imagine what changes would occur if I get accepted. Good changes. =P
 
Muangz said:
P.S. SF is a whole different lifestyle than LA. I can only imagine what changes would occur if I get accepted. Good changes. =P
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good changes to come! 👍

SF just feels so different...so vibrant, exciting.... like the possibilities were endless in this city. Being an LA/Orange County native, as much as I love southern california, everything feels so ridiculously spread out down here.

21 days until april 1st!
 
Muangz said:
I love California. Have grown up here for the most part of my life. It's really the racial diversity and different life cultures that have influenced and enriched my life; love the different types of food too for that matter. The closest East Coast experience I've had was Philidelphia two years back. The pace changes. Everyone in LA is so rushed. It's nice to slow down and appreciate life sometimes.

P.S. SF is a whole different lifestyle than LA. I can only imagine what changes would occur if I get accepted. Good changes. =P
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Really nice to hear this. If anyone else can share something great about California or SF in particular, I'd love to hear it. Negative things would be interesting too.
 
Hey everybody, just got my acceptance letter from UCSF. It's dated March 9, I received it today March 11. I live in Oakland (Bay Area Calif). So keep your eyes on the mail! (Like I have to tell you that 🙂 Good luck to everyone! 😀
 
AntiviralsRule said:
Hey everybody, just got my acceptance letter from UCSF. It's dated March 9, I received it today March 11. I live in Oakland (Bay Area Calif). So keep your eyes on the mail! (Like I have to tell you that 🙂 Good luck to everyone! 😀
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Wow Congrats! Now I need to call home and ask if theres any mail.
 
AntiviralsRule said:
Hey everybody, just got my acceptance letter from UCSF. It's dated March 9, I received it today March 11. I live in Oakland (Bay Area Calif). So keep your eyes on the mail! (Like I have to tell you that 🙂 Good luck to everyone! 😀
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Yay, first future P1 here, how awesome, can't wait to meet all the P1s next year !

You should start thinking about setting up a Bay Area get together after 1st so youo can meet/friend all your future classmates. I set up the first one last year and it was a lot of fun, plus it gave us a reason to get together and spend time all summer long waaay before school even started. 🙂
 
Congratulations! Will you be going to UCSF for sure?
 
AntiviralsRule said:
Hey everybody, just got my acceptance letter from UCSF. It's dated March 9, I received it today March 11. I live in Oakland (Bay Area Calif). So keep your eyes on the mail! (Like I have to tell you that 🙂 Good luck to everyone! 😀
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I just received my acceptance letter today too! WOOHOOOOO!!!! :woot:

I live in SF, postmarked 3/10, received 3/11.

Good luck everyone!
 
Skillz18 said:
I just received my acceptance letter today too! WOOHOOOOO!!!! :woot:

I live in SF, postmarked 3/10, received 3/11.

Good luck everyone!
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Wow Congratulations everyone!!!!! When was your interview dates??
 
Just got my acceptance letter today!!!! So excited!!! Congrats to those accepted and good luck to those still waiting.

Interviewed: 1/29/10
Accepted: 3/11/10
Postmarked: 3/10/10
Location: South Bay
 
AntiviralsRule said:
Hey everybody, just got my acceptance letter from UCSF. It's dated March 9, I received it today March 11. I live in Oakland (Bay Area Calif). So keep your eyes on the mail! (Like I have to tell you that 🙂 Good luck to everyone! 😀
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hey, im from oakland too...wonder if i know u by any chance. ahh, but congrats!!
 
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