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UCLA Med Ctr-CA

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA

NRMP
1956080A0
ACGME
0800521017

Applicant sentiment — from 132 anonymous posts, 2017–2027

5.3 / 10

What anonymous posters said

Several posts described frustration with delayed and unpredictable interview invite timing. Commenters offered mixed views on program quality, with some describing solid clinical and surgical training and competitive pay, while others called it lower or middle tier and mentioned faculty turnover.

AI-generated summary of opinions expressed in anonymous, unverified posts. It describes what posters wrote, not verified facts about this program. Based on these 132 posts · Updated Aug 2026 · Contest or respond to this entry · Takedown & right of reply

Match terms
david geffendavid geffen dermlos angeles dermuc los angelesuclaucla dermucla med ctr

Fame & Shame

2025–2026 Derm

1 entry

💬1. Interview was relatively conversational and nice compared to other interviews. Nice faculty, seem to be getting several new attendings who just completed residency (good culture?). Residents seem chill and nice. Amazing place to live, but high COL. > residents cold and awkward

Page 1 of 18

0

Does harbor-UCLA interview applicants who didn't do an away?

#5892026-2027 Derm3d ago

Yes, many. The comment below about only interviewing away rotators is false.

3d ago
0
0

is there any point in applying to UCLA Harbor and UCLA?

#5852026-2027 Derm4d ago

Does anyone know what their interview rate is for gold signals? No data on residency explorer

4d ago
0

harbor no, UCLA yes if you are a strong applicant and have ties to the west coast

4d ago
0

why no for harbor? is it a wasted signal

4d ago
0

Worth sending a gold vs a silver to UCLA?

4d ago
0

harbor has 2 residents per year i think.

4d ago
0

Harbor only interviews their aways. UCLA if you are a strong applicant with west coast ties -> yes.

4d ago
0

how do you explain west coast ties if home address no longer in LA

3d ago
0

personalize your personal statement

1d ago
0
0

For LA prelims/TY, plz rank Harbor UCLA, Olive View, USC over the rest. Or don't even consider the rest of the LA prelim/TY. You'll thank me later.

#5782026-2027 Derm4d ago

What about UCLA TY?

4d ago
0

UCLA Reagan doesn't have a TY (unless there's a new one that opened this year..?). Harbor UCLA and UCLA Olive View have prelim years. Culture at Olive view is more friendly than Harbor

4d ago
0
0

What schools only take research fellows? I've heard Mount Sinai and Mayo Arizona but are there others? Same with away rotators only (basically which programs to avoid signalling unless you rotated at)

#4752026-2027 DermAug 14

I think most small programs 2 or fewer reisdents/class tend to take primarily away rotators/fellows not just Mayo AZ, however mayo AZ especially isnt worth it unless you did a research fellowship with them. Sinai also as you said, but they are a big program just with tons of fellows that are essentially guaranteed a spot. UCLA also past years has also taken primarily research fellows. Programs that heavily favor away rotators tend to be NYC programs, especially cornell. Texas programs tend to primarily recruit from texas schools or away rotators with texas connections. USF primarily takes those with regional connections. CWRU usually takes home students and their own research fellows. Wouldnt even bother with the Larkin programs unless you have no other choice and can pay for a spot. Hopefully this is helpful, will try to add more if I think of any

Aug 15
0

i think this is all good info but if your mentor has connecs and advocates for u, can still get interview w/o rotating/RY

Aug 16
0

Texas programs will take Texans that went to medical school outside of the state (got interviews at every Texas school I applied to and did medical school in another state - am Texan)

Aug 26
0
0

Is UCLA or UCI or UCSD better for cosmetics?

#3872026-2027 DermJun 30

ucsd

Jun 30
0

ucla or uci for sure

Jul 1
0

UCI has very strong cosmetics

Jul 1
0

uci!!

Jul 6
0

If you're looking at the UCs, would also mention Davis. Get significant cosmetic exposure.

Jul 30
0
0

Any programs that are known to be more open to resident rotators (MD Applicant)?

#3782026-2027 DermJun 26

Harbor UCLA, USC, UCLA (if research fellow)

Jun 26
0

USC is trash

Jun 27
0

for rotating*

Jun 28
0
0

What non-ivory tower / community programs historically take T20 med students without RYs?

#3522026-2027 DermJun 14

what do you mean by non-ivory tower programs... it's derm.

Jun 14
0

not op, but I strongly dislike this sentiment that some people have. As much as derm is competitive, there ARE ivory programs and non-ivory programs. Harvard, Yale, Penn, UCSF. An example of a non-ivory program: MCW. There will always be stratifications even in the most competitive of things, and these stratifications are always worth keeping in mind when you can only apply to 28 programs

Jun 14
0

ivory tower is a meaningless label, the earlier you learn that the better off you'll be

Jun 14
0

ivory tower is a meaningless label, the earlier you learn that the better off you'll be>>> yeah a ton of harvard/penn/ucsf grades end up going into private practice...

Jun 14
0

umm, yes ivory tower doesn't mean better training, but it is considered prestigious and harder to match. OP isn't asking about ivory tower programs, they're asking about non-ivory programs, so your "the earlier you learn" comment comes off as not helpful and condescending

Jun 15
1

this whole let's not talk about the T10 things is weird and comes off as gatekeepy. These programs exist and people will still be applying to them. Besides, I agree with the previous commenter, OP is asking about non-ivory tower/community programs. No need to step up on y'all's soapbox

Jun 15
1

When I rotated at Orange Park they had MD residents from UMiami and UCLA. But I know at least the UMiami grad rotated there and they seem to highly prefer their rotators.

Jun 28
0
0

As a final parting message from a matched re-applicant - the application cycle starts the moment VSLO opens. Right now is the key moment that will lay the foundation of your cycle. People may disagree with me, but I will personally advise anyone reading this to aggressively apply for aways right now. You need, at a minimum, to strive to get 2-3 aways. The more aways you get the better your chance at matching. Keep applying for aways, you may not always get your top choices but something is better than nothing. And use your mentors to help you get aways if you still aren't getting any despite applying to a good # of aways, or if you just want a specific away. Please please please listen to what I am saying to give yourself the best chance at matching.

#682026-2027 DermApr 1

Can someone elaborate on this "2-3" aways advice? Many times in the other spreadsheet people said to only do 2 due to the APD recommendations.. How enforced/risky is it to do 3?

Apr 1
0

ask your program leadership to see how much they care about following the rules. If you have no home program however, you can do 3 aways safely. But at a minimum do your 2 aways. I'm seeing people underapplying and ending up with 0-1 aways because they were too picky. And stop rotating at places you have no shot at (rotation mills, harvard/penn tier if you're a regular applicant)

Apr 1
0

How would you define a not regular applicant?

Apr 1
0

having just 260+ and RY alone doesn't make you a stand out candidate. these days you need an X factor (wow factor) like being an olympic athlete, MD-PhD published in lancet, started a company or non-profit, etc. it's a lot more competitive than people think and unfortunately people find this out too late.

Apr 1
0

I'm gonna throw up

Apr 1
4

Is there any danger in over-applying and then having to turn down programs? Does that disadvantage you in trying to get an interview there?

Apr 1
0

false you dont need wow factors you just need them to like you, programs pick people they like once basic competence is fulfilled as simple as that sounds

Apr 2
0

im just answering the original question, not saying that's what you need to match derm. You can match derm in general with a much more average app

Apr 2
0

each derm program is already oversaturated with increasing internal numbers, research fellows, away rotators, reapps, so getting an interview w/o an away is extremely hard unless you have killer scores. my two cents are to apply and do as many aways as you can, rather than burning any meager bridges you had to begin with by withdrawing from an away. worse case APD guidelines say applicants shouldn't be penalized for withdrawing from aways if they chose to "adhere to the guidelines of 2/3 aways"

Apr 2
0

APD trying to normalize and abnormal process. You follow the rules and do 2 aways while someone else does 5. Or you do 2 aways and someone else follows the rules with you but secretly has nepo connections with a guaranteed seat somewhere while you're stressing over not matching. Stop handicapping yourself to appease some socially inept out of touch group of nerds

Apr 2
0

each derm program is already oversaturated with increasing internal numbers, research fellows, away rotators, reapps, so getting an interview w/o an away is extremely hard unless you have killer scores. my two cents are to apply and do as many aways as you can, rather than worry about burning any meager bridges you had to begin with by withdrawing from an away. worse case APD guidelines say applicants shouldn't be penalized for withdrawing from aways if they chose to "adhere to the guidelines of 2/3 aways"

Apr 2
0

you right my b

Apr 2
0

I just want to say I didn't have any real problems with securing my aways because I asked my mentors in november if I could rotate the following year. Don't be afraid to ask people who can help you to help you early, because VSLO can be super unpredictable. I think the real race starts even before VSLO lol

Apr 2
0

Pick your aways carefully

Apr 2
0

word

Apr 2
0

I know there’s a list of rotation mills, but it’s also important to consider which programs primarily take their own RY fellows, doing an away rotation there and signaling them is a complete waste

Apr 2
0

How many aways should we have right now to feel comfortable and not an impending sense of doom

Apr 2
0

Has anyone heard back from UCLA

Apr 2
0

matched applicant this cycle here, completely agree with OP. apply aggressively and do as many aways as you can, even if that is 5 or 6 one-month long rotations. It will be exhuasting but Do them, they will yield interviews and while quality> quanitity it is also a numbers game and more interviews = more chances

Apr 2
0

As a final parting message from a matched re-applicant - the application cycle starts the moment VSLO opens. Right now is the key moment that will lay the foundation of your cycle. People may disagree with me, but I will personally advise anyone reading this to aggressively apply for aways right now. You need, at a minimum, to strive to get 2-3 aways. The more aways you get the better your chance at matching. Keep applying for aways, you may not always get your top choices but something is better than nothing. And use your mentors to help you get aways if you still aren't getting any despite applying to a good # of aways, or if you just want a specific away. Please please please listen to what I am saying to give yourself the best chance at matching.> second this as another matched applicant

Apr 2
0

Can someone elaborate on this "2-3" aways advice? Many times in the other spreadsheet people said to only do 2 due to the APD recommendations.. How enforced/risky is it to do 3?

Apr 2
0

ask your program leadership to see how much they care about following the rules. If you have no home program however, you can do 3 aways safely. But at a minimum do your 2 aways. I'm seeing people underapplying and ending up with 0-1 aways because they were too picky. And stop rotating at places you have no shot at (rotation mills, harvard/penn tier if you're a regular applicant)

Apr 2
0

matched applicant this cycle here, completely agree with OP. apply aggressively and do as many aways as you can, even if that is 5 or 6 one-month long rotations. It will be exhuasting but Do them, they will yield interviews and while quality> quanitity it is also a numbers game and more interviews = more chances

Apr 2
0

How would you define a not regular applicant?

Apr 2
0

having just 260+ and RY alone doesn't make you a stand out candidate. these days you need an X factor (wow factor) like being an olympic athlete, MD-PhD published in lancet, started a company or non-profit, etc. it's a lot more competitive than people think and unfortunately people find this out too late.

Apr 2
0

false you dont need wow factors you just need them to like you, programs pick people they like once basic competence is fulfilled as simple as that sounds

Apr 2
0

im just answering the original question, not saying that's what you need to match derm. You can match derm in general with a much more average app

Apr 2
0

you right my b

Apr 2
0

I'm gonna throw up

Apr 2
4

Is there any danger in over-applying and then having to turn down programs? Does that disadvantage you in trying to get an interview there?

Apr 2
0

each derm program is already oversaturated with increasing internal numbers, research fellows, away rotators, reapps, so getting an interview w/o an away is extremely hard unless you have killer scores. my two cents are to apply and do as many aways as you can, rather than worry about burning any meager bridges you had to begin with by withdrawing from an away. worse case APD guidelines say applicants shouldn't be penalized for withdrawing from aways if they chose to "adhere to the guidelines of 2/3 aways"

Apr 2
0

I just want to say I didn't have any real problems with securing my aways because I asked my mentors in november if I could rotate the following year. Don't be afraid to ask people who can help you to help you early, because VSLO can be super unpredictable. I think the real race starts even before VSLO lol

Apr 2
0

Pick your aways carefully

Apr 2
0

word

Apr 2
0

I know there’s a list of rotation mills, but it’s also important to consider which programs primarily take their own RY fellows, doing an away rotation there and signaling them is a complete waste

Apr 2
0

How many aways should we have right now to feel comfortable and not an impending sense of doom

Apr 2
0

Has anyone heard back from UCLA

Apr 2
0

this made me lol but same

Apr 3
0

third this 100000x

Apr 7
0

agree with the prior comment- for every "adhere to APD guidelines" comment there is a response comment saying "they are just guidelines, i did not follow" etc.

Apr 7
0
0

Thoughts on UCSD? Seems the previous spreadsheet had a lot of fame/shame or why didnt rank higher comments deleted.

#562026-2027 DermMar 27

Fantastic program in an ideal location. People anonymously rag on it likely to get others to rank it lower. Amazing benefits and strong UC union (make 90-100k). Great work/life balance. They do get a lot of NIH research funding hence the research reputation, but there is only one required research project for residents. Previous comments recommended doing the gen derm away instead of peds derm

Mar 27
0

the research rep also comes from them matching a lot of MD PhDs but it seems like that trend is going away based of this years list and prior

Mar 27
0

How do you know who they matchd this year?

Mar 27
0

list is up. Last year they matched seemingly research heavy people though (one of them only had basic science pubs, no clinical research whatsoever!!)

Mar 28
0

What about UCLA?

Mar 28
0

my school (MD OOS) has an affilitation disagreement with them so we can't even rotate there

Mar 31
0

googling everyone who matched this year to figure out the secret sauce

Mar 31
0
0

Anyone hear from UCLA away?

#692026-2027 DermApr 1
0

Anyone previously confirmed for UCLA away receive an email today stating that they weren't scheduled? (assuming it was a mistake)

#2812026-2027 DermMay 15
0

Hello all, passing along an advertisement for a position as a research fellow/sub-investigator in a Southern California community research site and busy dermatology office. Research fellow gains exposure to clinical trials for various dermatologic diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Includes exposure to clinical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and dermatopathology as well. Full-time, paid position (40 hrs/week). MD and intern year experience preferred but not required. 1-year position is available to start July 2026. If interested, please contact with CV to Dr. Howard Sofen at hsofen@ucla.edu.

#762026-2027 DermApr 2

Clinical Research Opportunity for dermatology applicants! For those who are heading into a gap year, I wanted to share about a clinical research opportunity as a research fellow/sub-investigator in a Southern California community research site and busy dermatology office. Research fellow gains exposure to clinical trials for various dermatologic diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Includes exposure to clinical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and dermatopathology as well. Full-time, paid position (40 hrs/week). MD and intern year experience preferred but not required. 1-year position is available to start July 2026! If interested, please contact with CV to Dr. Howard Sofen at hsofen@ucla.edu.

May 10
0
0

Are Sinai med students not strong? Their match list for derm always surprises me. I thought they had a good school name, but they barely ever have any ever matches to programs outside of Sinai.

#35002025–2026 DermMar 25

might be bc since they only take their own research years its less reciprocal for other schools to take them

Mar 25
0

they literally matched 1 person to Harvard and 1 person to UCLA outside of the 2 students at Sinai. not sure what this person is talking about

Mar 25
0

they literally matched 1 person to Harvard and 1 person to UCLA outside of the 2 students at Sinai. not sure what this person is talking about >Harvard Match was Md/Phd and UCLA match did RY with UCLA PD

Aug 13
0
0

How do people at the LA programs survive on those salaries? Rent is just as high as SD/Bay. Very concerned about this, should this be a huge consideration? I have no familial financial support.

#31632025–2026 DermMar 2

i mean if cost of living is a major decider for you then yes

Mar 7
0

it's rough

Mar 7
0

UCLA and kaiser residents make 100k+ with housing stipend, more than enough to live in LA

Mar 7
0
0

Still stuck on UC Davis vs UCLA vs USC. Any thoughts?

#31192025–2026 DermFeb 26

UC Davis!

Mar 7
0

why?> More protected time/chill than others, more personalized mentorship, less commuting between sites

Mar 7
0

don't listen to this wild advice 😂😂😂 southern Cali >>>>>> Sacramento

Mar 7
0

lol yeah this is an odd take unless you have fam/connections out in sacramento.

Mar 7
0

this is 100% someone trying to get you to rank the LA programs lower lmao. UC davis def does not have more 'protected time' and does have quite a bit commuting between sites?

Mar 7
0

yea Davis and Sac sucks ass

Mar 7
0

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