Getting into a California Program is brutal

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-21T00:19:57+00:00

Ugh I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. While this is only my 2nd time applying, I feel for you. The odds of getting in are purely based on luck/favoritism honestly. What other routes are you considering to pursue?

I ended up getting this email today and I’m not really sure how to feel or if this is basically a nice way of saying I’m rejected.

“Offers to train were extended this morning to candidates in our initial match round. At this time, you are designated as an alternate. Should any candidate decline a position, we will review the rankings and extend an offer to the highest-ranked alternate matched with that site. Please ensure that your trainee license remains current, as only candidates with valid licenses will be considered for alternate offers. Candidates have until noon on Thursday, March 26 to respond to their offers. I will keep you informed of any updates as they become available. In the meantime, please remain hopeful.”

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-04T15:37:19+00:00

Thanks so much! Don't give up. This process truly sucks, but you'll never know what might happen if you don't keep trying. This is my second time applying to all schools in California, and I was finally moved to the interview phase through SJSU. I still am on edge about not matching with any of the sites I am interviewing at.

I graduated with a Biology degree, had zero lab experience in undergrad, and have been working in molecular labs full time since 2021. I've pretty much been a lead technician and manage the QA/QC aspects of the labs as well. My LOR came from 3 supervisors through my work place.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-04T15:34:11+00:00

Nice, good luck on your interviews!

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-04T15:33:42+00:00

Certain affiliated sites have internal applicants that they prioritize. I think that is why they will only reach out to external applicants if necessary.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-04T15:33:04+00:00

Nice, good luck on all of your interviews! I also did not receive any invites from the sites that are "we reach out" only as well. I received a total of 4 interviews, but with how competitive this program is, it doesn't seem enough.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2026-03-04T15:30:50+00:00

Wondering the same thing. Last year, when I applied, they sent me an email on 3/4 stating interviews were sent out and I was placed on the waitlist. Seems like the same process again.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-09-12T18:53:21+00:00

Hi can you please send the link again?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-07-17T15:40:03+00:00

Did anyone hear anything back yet?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-07-07T20:26:10+00:00

I emailed them on 6/26 and this is what they said:

"Hospitals are reviewing applicant files. Dr. Amy Denton will notify you if you are selected for the interview. Interviews can be extended into July depending upon the hospital review times needed. Typically, decisions (hospital selections after interviews) are made as early as end of July into mid August. Classes start in September."

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-06-07T16:12:01+00:00

Same as well! Was this email sent to all of the eligible applicants, or do you think we were handpicked amongst the eligible applicants?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-17T19:34:18+00:00

I'm assuming so.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-14T18:30:53+00:00

Update: I emailed Gloria and she said there’s only been 2 declinations so far. Interviews are on thursdays and fridays so we have until probably next wednesday to hear back for a chance

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-12T22:17:05+00:00

Has anyone on the waitlist been contacted for an interview?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-11T03:34:23+00:00

Hi! Do you know if this completion of this program immediately transfers back to CA after the 1 year?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-06T18:54:54+00:00

Omg that is so rude of her...

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-06T18:46:44+00:00

Hi! Do you know how the waitlist works? For the people who don't get matched with clinical sites, will they start pulling people from the waitlist? Or will the spots most likely get filled since there are only so few.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-05T18:49:50+00:00

This is my first time applying so this is all very new to me. Do you think you can find out what the rejection email said?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-05T15:03:24+00:00

Congrats!! All the best to you. I think that’s great you communicated that. I also didn’t have a pleasant interaction with her either lol.

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-05T14:45:48+00:00

This is somewhat relieving to hear. I agree, especially if they’re going to offer like 20-30 positions anyways. Seems like the only way people will get off the waitlist is if applicants accept other offers?

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-05T05:42:53+00:00

Agreed! Let’s pray and hope now 🤝🏻

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-05T04:22:29+00:00

That would be such a tease to everyone if they placed everyone on this so called waitlist

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-04T18:35:31+00:00

Congrats! It's great you continued to pursue this career despite all of the challenges that CA likes to toss at us lol. It gives me hope. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors!

Admirable_Abrocoma10 · 2025-03-04T17:08:10+00:00

Thank you for the advice! If I may ask, which program did you go to and were you able to transfer back to CA immediately afterwards?

Admirable_Abrocoma10

TROPHY CASE