Since this is double posted thought it was appropriate for postbacc and re-app threads...
After getting tons of PM's from your fellow applicants, here is what I've sent to some of you, which I hope will be helpful...
Good luck on your coming interview!! I did the entire RAP program and submitted all applications and in fact, I'm ecstatic to say I got into UCLA Med, my eternal dream school!!
This program is definitely life changing if you put all your heart and energy into it... My friend Rosemary who was also in my RAP class (2004) just got into UCLA Med as well.
I recommend you know your application backwards and forwards and really understand and be able to communicate about activities you have chosen and reasons the prior app was not successful. Be able to communicate your disadvantage (minority, educational or financial). Importantly, be able to communicate why you are going into medicine, how you became interested and what makes you passionate about it...
Other questions: where you grew up, about undergraduate experiences, also about family. I think a few characteristics you may want to emphasize/demonstrate in your interviews are personal confidence, dedication, compassion, leadership qualities, and respect. Just relax, and answer each question without the preconceived notion that everything you say has to be perfect, because it doesn't.
Some other questions I have also rec'd:
Actually interviews are hard to come by, during my year they had quite a few applicants, but did not interview all. So, yes, it is a big deal to get the interview, Congrats!!!
Also be prepared to retake your MCAT if your numbers were not as hot as you'd like them to be. I took them a third time and improved even more! Most people need help with a little of everything, GPA, MCAT, extracurric. activities, volunteering, study skills/time management, etc...
In reapplication, in my case I had to improve on my GPA and MCAT (had tons of clinical exp already)... Most people have things to improve on, so one would gain nothing by applying the next cycle. We all sat out one cycle while doing our one year of full time academic course work, which is also called a "gap" or "glide" year, which makes the whole thing 2 years from the start of RAP to starting med school if youre lucky enough to get in. From what I understand, RAP has nearly a 100% success rate of acceptance into a med school, though not necessarily UCLA.
In 2004, everyone happened to be from California, but not sure about this year in terms of out of staters.
In terms of number of students that got in, in my year there was 4 of us and 2005 there was 8. Not sure how many they are aiming for in 2006, though..
Hope this helps and all the best of luck!!
Kathy
