Applying to UC - Denver for Spring 2014 UCAN Program

lolads85 · Jun 5, 2013

Hey All - I am applying to the UCAN program, Regis and Samuel Merritt University here in the Bay Area. I am not as confident about getting into the UCAN program as my statistics grade was quite low and references aren't required. However, fingers crossed. I just cleaning up my essays now. Best of luck to you all!

Cheezits5744 · Jun 6, 2013

Hi everyone, just wanted to chime in from my experience. I got accepted in the June 2011 cohort right before they implemented interviews for admissions. I didn't get in until my third try, so sometimes it does take that long due to the number of applications they get per application cycle. Don't lose confidence in yourself, you guys are all qualified individuals. You don't have to be a science major to get accepted. I got accepted with an overall GPA of 3.1 with only volunteer experience; while I'm probably an exception, I know some of my classmates in my cohort had pretty average GPA's. One thing to mention though is that I did have a pretty decent prerequisite GPA so that might have helped and have been told that they look at prerequisite GPA's more than overall GPA's; not sure if thats 100% true or not. They do however look very close at the essays and the interviews because thats the only way they get to really know you, so definitely take some time to prepare for those. Don't write the essay overnight. The last two times the faculty did interviews, they were group interviews with two interviewers and 4-5 applicants. It's a great opportunity to make yourself look good by taking the lead during the interviews. Theonly accept a very small number of accelerated students so if you have time to do the traditional program (20 months), I would suggest applying for that as well because they accept a lot more applicants for that program. The application process has changed a lot since I applied so a couple of the things I mentioned may be out of date. Definitely send an e-mail to the faculty if you have anymore answers. Best of luck to you all.

lolads85 · Jun 8, 2013

Thanks Cheezeits5744!

Question about group interviews: I have never had a group interview before. How do you make yourself stand out without looking like you are trying to hard? Do you remember the type of questions they asked you? Tips are always helpful and love the ones you provided. Thanks!!

Cheezits5744 · Jun 8, 2013

Hi lolads85,

I don't remember the specific questions that were asked during the group interview. In terms of making yourself stand out, I would say try to be the more vocal one in the group. Jump in and answer the question first if everyone is hesitant to answer the question and try to make sure the answers you provide to the is more than one word or a short sentence. Elaborate on your answer and provide an example. This may be your first experience of a professional interview so remember to dress professionally. This may seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised by how many people come in jeans or something that looks like they are going out partying later that day. Learn about the institution, make sure you know some facts to impress the interviewer with and if you want, send the interviewers a thank you card or e-mail. Good luck!

lolads85 · Jun 9, 2013

Thanks for your tips! Appreciated :)

Colorado Hopeful · Jun 9, 2013

I found somewhere buried in the FAQs that CU's acceptance rate is about 10%, which does put it on par with many medical schools. I am also planning on applying to Metro State and CU - Pueblo as back ups in the fall in case I don't get in this round or the next. I think that four times applying will be enough for me! I was so disappointed when I got outright rejected last time, after getting wait listed the first time. Good luck to everyone; hopefully some of the individuals reading these posts will be among the lucky few.

Gonzola · Jun 10, 2013

hi there :)

Does anyone who has been through the UCAN interview process remember any of the interview questions? I am wondering if they will pertain to our essay questions- making them vague and general- or if they ask funky specific questions (like what our favorite book is). I would really appreciate any suggestions or tips. I have only been through the interview process once and would greatly appreciate any help

diverse81 · Jun 11, 2013

Hi everybody,

I am applying to accelerated program ( jan 2014), and I was wondering if anybody could if there is an essay that we have to write the day of interview. Thank you so much

elliot237 · Jun 11, 2013

Would they make you write an essay on interview day? I have no idea, I've never heard of any school doing that.

Has anybody been invited yet? They are supposed to do invites by the 15th I thought.

EDIT: Just reread the info on the webpage. I was off by a month. It says: "Program is tentatively scheduled for July 26, 2013. Applicants who are selected for interviews will be notified no later than July 15, 2013. Applicants who are not selected"

Colorado Hopeful · Jun 12, 2013

I have been through the interview process twice. Both times were group interviews. The first time (accelerated only) was two faculty members and a current nursing student with 4 applicants. The second time was 5 applicants and one faculty member and one current student. I think the questions were a little vague and slightly different each time. Some of the ones I remember were: 1. Tell us something unique about yourself 2. What does integrated learning mean to you? 3. How do you prioritize your day/life? 4. Why are you considering this program?. I think each interview session did not last more than an hour, so each applicant didn't really have much time to talk.

diverse81 · Jun 12, 2013

Ok, thank you Colorado Hopeful for the info. I hope we all get in.

Cheezits5744 · Jun 12, 2013

From the past times I've done the interview, there were no additional essays to write on the day of the interview. The faculty interviewer will have a copy of your essay on the day of the interview so they may draw additional questions from those if there is time.