Usc

[khentoog182]

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Is it a good thing if you get a "passed the preliminary review" paper, or does everyone in the application cycle get it?

 

[hausee]

Is it a good thing if you get a "passed the preliminary review" paper, or does everyone in the application cycle get it?

I got the snail mail today and interview scheduled on 23th.

 

[minoh87]

damn i just got the continuing review letter today. my day was going well until i got that letter.....

 

[khentoog182]

Is that a bad thing to get a letter saying that you passed their preliminary review? I don't understand why that's upsetting...

 

[crooked castle]

what mailing batches were you guys that got an interview? i hope i gets me one!

 

[imlyndon88]

Does it matter whether we go in september or october?

is there an advantage to one or the other?

i want to go in early october but I'm afraid spots will be filled up or i won't be showing initiative'


any help? insight?

 

[jrobb220]

Just got letter saying i passed preliminary view. I see a few others got this too. Any idea if this means I am getting an interview or not?

When I saw the small letter in the mail I was sure it was a rejection - haha.

 

[Huskk]

I just called and talked with someone in their admissions office. I asked if it was some sort of a deferred status and she said yes, and that your application would be held and only reviewed after all other applications are considered.

 

[jrobb220]

well, that is definitely not the best news i have heard all day!

thank you though.

 

[dentaldore]

I just called USC admissions as well and I can confirm that the letter basically means that you're wait-listed until initial acceptances/rejections have been made.

 

[txlonghorn]

I searched through the forum to find out about scholarships offered at USC and did not find much info. Does anyone know the amount that gets offered? Having looked into the school, I like it. However, it is so much more that my instate school and other private schools. Do they offer any 1/2 tuition scholarships like UPenn? Are they merit based?

 

[321931]

I just called and talked with someone in their admissions office. I asked if it was some sort of a deferred status and she said yes, and that your application would be held and only reviewed after all other applications are considered.

I guess this confirms that dental school is a crapshoot and not all about numbers. I got interviews at schools that I wouldn't think I would get, and I get rejected at some that I think I would be competitive at. Ah well! I can only hope for luck at this point.

 

[quillow]

what mailing batches were you guys that got an interview? i hope i gets me one!

My app was mailed 8/6 (8/20 with DAT). Not super early, so I was kinda surprised (but happy) that I got the invite for what seems to be the first batch of USC interviews.

 

[jrobb220]

I guess this confirms that dental school is a crapshoot and not all about numbers. I got interviews at schools that I wouldn't think I would get, and I get rejected at some that I think I would be competitive at. Ah well! I can only hope for luck at this point.

yeah, no kidding. i got an interview at the most selective school i applied to and haven't heard anything from anywhere else.

 

[dctim211]

Did anyone who has an interview scheduled with USC hear from the person they spoke to that they'd be receiving a snail mail packet? I didn't hear anything like that but someone in another topic posted that the person they scheduled their appointment with mentioned a "packet". Thinking I should probably call and dbl check...

 

[park1378]

I just called USC admissions as well and I can confirm that the letter basically means that you're wait-listed until initial acceptances/rejections have been made.

hmm but some people got the letter(postmarked 14th) AND got an interiew invite (like on the 17th)?

I got a letter too postmarked on the 14th.. but haven't got an interview invite yet.. I REALLLY hope I do.. USC is one of my dream schools..

 

[Danny289]

hmm but some people got the letter(postmarked 14th) AND got an interiew invite (like on the 17th)?

I got a letter too postmarked on the 14th.. but haven't got an interview invite yet.. I REALLLY hope I do.. USC is one of my dream schools..

lol, I am glad you mentioned that. 👍

 

[dentaldore]

hmm but some people got the letter(postmarked 14th) AND got an interiew invite (like on the 17th)?

I got a letter too postmarked on the 14th.. but haven't got an interview invite yet.. I REALLLY hope I do.. USC is one of my dream schools..

Right, and I explained that to her as well, but she said that those were the initial interview batch (pretty much for pre-Dec) and that all who did not receive an email for interview are deferred...😎 so we'll see. I really hope I do too!

 

[JBieber]

Right, and I explained that to her as well, but she said that those were the initial interview batch (pretty much for pre-Dec) and that all who did not receive an email for interview are deferred...😎 so we'll see. I really hope I do too!

Huh? U mean usc is done with pre-dec invites?

 

[dentaldore]

Yea apparently, or close to it, because when I asked her around what time would everyone else would be contacted who received that letter, but didn't get an email Friday for an invite, she said the rest will be contacted on a rolling basis after initial acceptances/withdraws/rejections, aka after Dec 1. 👎

 

[shahinc]

Yea apparently, or close to it, because when I asked her around what time would everyone else would be contacted who received that letter, but didn't get an email Friday for an invite, she said the rest will be contacted on a rolling basis after initial acceptances/withdraws/rejections, aka after Dec 1. 👎

I don't think that is true and you may have misunderstood her.
I just called USC and they said they are not finished giving out PRE-DEC interviews YET.

The letter simply means they have reviewed your application and you passed the minimum requirements and ...

However, they still need to go through the applicatin in more detail and that review will decide if you get an interview or not.

Since they have influx of applications now, it may take little longer.

This is what they told me this morning.

 

[destinedsirius]

I got a letter dated Sept 14. It goes something like... "your application passed initial review, but cannot continue until we receive your offical DAT scores, if you haven't done so, ask AADSAS to foward it" They didn't outright say "we didn't get your DAT scores." Is everyone talking about this letter?? or did it have no mention about the DATs?

I've called USC and everytime they transfer me to a phone line with an answering machine. So I leave a message, but no one has replied. I've done this for about 2 times.

I checked the status update online and it says "we have no official DAT scores at this time."

 

[beee444]

Hello..
I am so depressed that I don't hear anything from USC and other dent schools. My app status said received and did not change anything. My mailing date is 8/27. Should I be waiting more??

 

[jenbruin]

I got the snail mail letter saying they were looking at my app and then an interview invite through email two days later so the letter doesn't really mean anything.

Also, when I was trying to push back my interview date the person on the phone said they hadn't started planning November dates yet, so the pre-Dec interviews are definitely not filled up.

 

[chitah831]

I got a letter dated Sept 14. It goes something like... "your application passed initial review, but cannot continue until we receive your offical DAT scores, if you haven't done so, ask AADSAS to foward it" They didn't outright say "we didn't get your DAT scores." Is everyone talking about this letter?? or did it have no mention about the DATs?

I've called USC and everytime they transfer me to a phone line with an answering machine. So I leave a message, but no one has replied. I've done this for about 2 times.

I checked the status update online and it says "we have no official DAT scores at this time."

I've got the same letter stating they didn't receive my DAT score, but online it does say it has been received. It said it was received online a long time ago, but then I get this letter. It seems the letter was written up long before it was sent out. I don't think we have anything to worry about. 🙂

 

[Veloce]

I got the same letter too. I have no news at all from USC on aadsas.

I hope this letter means something, or does everyone get the letter?

 

[khentoog182]

By the looks of it, it seems like everyone got the same letter. I haven't heard anyone say they've been rejected from USC yet...

 

[dramashok]

Like you, I received a letter from USC telling me that they have not got my DAT scores as well when in fact for the last month and a half on their school website it says that they have had them. When I call all I keep getting told is don't worry about it. Although that doesn't make me feel any better

 

[jlbeck3]

Got the same letter postmarked the 14th, but I did not receive an interview invite email. I feel that my app is probably on hold at USC until further notice.

 

[oae]

It seems to be a general trend with a lot of the schools.

I think most of the pre-dec interviews end up going to like the TOP applicants, cause all the schools are pretty much fighting to fill up there classes with these students.

Then once the top students have made their decisions, the schools then become more willing to start considering the rest of the applicant with lower stats.

Just my feelings?

 

[dctim211]

It seems to be a general trend with a lot of the schools.

I think most of the pre-dec interviews end up going to like the TOP applicants, cause all the schools are pretty much fighting to fill up there classes with these students.

Then once the top students have made their decisions, the schools then become more willing to start considering the rest of the applicant with lower stats.

Just my feelings?

While this definitely makes sense, I just wanted to give you guys a counterexample. My stats (shown on my predents profile page - link to the left) are not those of a "TOP applicant" by any means and I've received a few interview invites. I was in the first batch so clearly applying early helped me. The reason I'm sharing this is because I think a lot of times, it's easy to overanalyze why you aren't getting interviews and I think a lot of the time, it may just be luck of the draw (for the lack of a better term), meaning It's possible you havne't gotten an invite just because they haven't reviewed your app yet? I have no inside info to confirm this but just wanted to say that everyone that hasn't gotten an invite yet should just try to relax and let the chips fall where they may. Stressing about it right now isn't going to help your situation at all so just give it some time. We are still a LONG ways away from schools finalizing their incoming class so keep the faith!!

 

[JBieber]

For those who have a USC interview, did you receive anything in the mail? any form of confirmation?

 

[darkwalk]

For those who have a USC interview, did you receive anything in the mail? any form of confirmation?

I received the, "passed the preliminary review" letter, but not until I got back from the interview.

 

[JBieber]

I received the, "passed the preliminary review" letter, but not until I got back from the interview.

ooooo. How'd the interview go? And what format was it? Is the interview feedback accurate in that it is solely a PBL mock session?

 

[darkwalk]

ooooo. How'd the interview go? And what format was it? Is the interview feedback accurate in that it is solely a PBL mock session?

They changed it up a little. There was a writing sample, one random question asked per person in a group setting, and then the PBL.

 

[toothbrushpjs]

For those of you with, interviews...
What kind of work did you put into the "group learning experiences" and "independent study projects"

I'm not really sure what they mean so just some examples to explain would be amazing THANKS

 

[rickblas]

For those of you with, interviews...
What kind of work did you put into the "group learning experiences" and "independent study projects"

I'm not really sure what they mean so just some examples to explain would be amazing THANKS

I had a few classes I took termed "Independent study in _____" and I just elaborated on them. For example I had an independent study in biology where I worked in a lab to learn biological lab techniques and talked about that. I also had an independent study in dance where I explored dance outside from my undergraduate institution by taking dance classes in outside dance studios. If you did not take an independent study course I am sure you could write about a time when you learned something in a group setting such as any independent projects you did outside of class (maybe working with a group in a research project, or learning about an extracurricular topic on your own such as exploring Byzantine art in a museum or something i dunno lol).

 

[toothbrushpjs]

Thanks rickblas. I notice you will be at the interview with me on Wednesday. What have you been doing to prepare?

 

[JBieber]

For the secondary, would it be better to type onto the form directly (using a PDF editor) or write up answers seperately and attach them?

 

[rickblas]

Thanks rickblas. I notice you will be at the interview with me on Wednesday. What have you been doing to prepare?

Hey Ill see you there then. Also, I looked at interview feedback from USC and it was completely not helpful since they didnt talk about any individual question (however darkwalk mentioned there will be one). So ya...thats all i've done...I haven't prepared really at all since I have been so busy with school and doing their applicant survey. I'll just wing it and hope it works 🙄 since there will only be one individual question. The PBL and essay i think i can handle without preparation...

Jbeiber- I think typing directly on the pdf is better because it is less paper for them to sift through to get to your answers and it looks professional rather than stapling extra pages. But thats just opinion!

 

[kingcon9]

They changed it up a little. There was a writing sample, one random question asked per person in a group setting, and then the PBL.

Were the random questions after breaking up into PBL groups?

 

[Linden00]

Hey for those who are interviewing on Wed. 29th, are you renting car, taking cab or shuttle???

 

[quillow]

Hey for those who are interviewing on Wed. 29th, are you renting car, taking cab or shuttle???

I'm taking the shuttle to/from the airport and hotel. I'm staying within walking distance of the school so the shuttle was cheaper (and easier) than renting a car. Are you flying in and staying at a hotel? The USC info included with the email has info on getting a discount for the shuttle. I think you can have the shuttle drop you off somewhere other than USC too (they're dropping me off at the hotel near USC).

 

[prsndwg]

Are you all hand writing the survey or typing it up? pdf wont let you type? are you using an editor?

 

[prsndwg]

bump

 

[dctim211]

Are you all hand writing the survey or typing it up? pdf wont let you type? are you using an editor?

Just left the interview and a lot of people I spoke to used editors. Personally, I took the tedious (but effective) route and measured the gaps and used them to make a form in word and then just fed the paper they sent into my printer (after typing the answers in, of course).

As for interview prep, the PBL session and essay really doesn't require any preparation and the verbal response questions (we had 2 for each person in our 9 or 10 person group) were pretty much basic interview questions that you see listed throughout the interview feedback of other schools.

 

[shahinc]

Just left the interview and a lot of people I spoke to used editors. Personally, I took the tedious (but effective) route and measured the gaps and used them to make a form in word and then just fed the paper they sent into my printer (after typing the answers in, of course).

As for interview prep, the PBL session and essay really doesn't require any preparation and the verbal response questions (we had 2 for each person in our 9 or 10 person group) were pretty much basic interview questions that you see listed throughout the interview feedback of other schools.

Thanks for the information ...

Do you know what days are the interviews and how many people do they interview each day?

Are all the Pre-Dec dates Full now?

 

[dctim211]

Thanks for the information ...

Do you know what days are the interviews and how many people do they interview each day?

Are all the Pre-Dec dates Full now?

I believe the current slate of interviews (atleast in terms of the dates they made available to me to choose) included 3 september dates and 3 october dates. I'd be surprised if they didn't play on interviewing more in late october, and november. I wouldn't stress if I were you. They also said that they were NOT going to accept a lot of people on Dec 1st and were going to do small groups/waves of acceptances from Dec to April

 

[prsndwg]

Just left the interview and a lot of people I spoke to used editors. Personally, I took the tedious (but effective) route and measured the gaps and used them to make a form in word and then just fed the paper they sent into my printer (after typing the answers in, of course).

As for interview prep, the PBL session and essay really doesn't require any preparation and the verbal response questions (we had 2 for each person in our 9 or 10 person group) were pretty much basic interview questions that you see listed throughout the interview feedback of other schools.

Thanks for the info, how do you think you did?

 

[shahinc]

I believe the current slate of interviews (atleast in terms of the dates they made available to me to choose) included 3 september dates and 3 october dates. I'd be surprised if they didn't play on interviewing more in late october, and november. I wouldn't stress if I were you. They also said that they were NOT going to accept a lot of people on Dec 1st and were going to do small groups/waves of acceptances from Dec to April

Perfect. Thank you for the information.