Please share with us your thoughts on specialties and how you plan to choose yours (limit of 250 words).

The admissions committee requests that you write another essay that provides us with some insight into you as a person. The content should NOT repeat anything that we can learn from the AMCAS essay. However, other than that you may discuss any topic you choose. The essay has a limited length, so be certain that you know your material will fit in the allotted space (approximately 500-600 words).

If I get screened out, I'm seriously going to cry...

According to my status page my application hasn't been screened yet.

If I get screened out, I'm seriously going to cry...

According to my status page my application hasn't been screened yet.
dont worry about it...they said that it may take several weeks for the initial review of the application, my bet is you hear something the middle of next week.

Does anyone know what percentage of applications do they usually screen out before secondaries? Thanks

Does anyone know what percentage of applications do they usually screen out before secondaries? Thanks

Last year roughly 50% were screened; I believe about 5,500 applied, and 2,500 were offered secondaries.

Last year roughly 50% were screened; I believe about 5,500 applied, and 2,500 were offered secondaries.

Thanks :)

VCU has graciously granted me access to their secondary now. In it they want you to click on classes that fullfill their requirements. Now, I have bio classes in which I got a lot better grades than those in the basic series. Can I use those or should I just use the basic series ones?

VCU has graciously granted me access to their secondary now. In it they want you to click on classes that fullfill their requirements. Now, I have bio classes in which I got a lot better grades than those in the basic series. Can I use those or should I just use the basic series ones?

Most schools that ask you to prove that you have fulfilled their requirements have a disclaimer explaining that you are not judged based on these classes. I think that the schools are more interested in know if you have taken enough courses to meet their requirements than the grades that you got in them. Therefore I would just use the most basic courses that you have that fulfill the requirements and go from there.

Is anyone else also not sure what to write for the second essay? I wish they were a little bit more specific...

anyone know VCU's outlook on multiple MCATs? Do they take the latest, average, highest from each section?

have many people heard back form vcu? do they email you? do they tell you either way?

have many people heard back form vcu? do they email you? do they tell you either way?

I received an email at 6pm, stating to log onto the application page for an update. I was given permission to work on and submit the secondary application. Unsure what they sent/say if you are rejected. I think this process began today, but I could be wrong on that.

Can someone tell me the exact LOR requirements for VCU???

Thanks!

I received an email at 6pm, stating to log onto the application page for an update. I was given permission to work on and submit the secondary application. Unsure what they sent/say if you are rejected. I think this process began today, but I could be wrong on that.

On a federal holiday? Man, they're dedicated...

so I got a secondary....I guess that means someone is atleast somewhat interested,.

Seems like maybe they are still working on that first batch of applications they received on the 24th... I know ChubbyChaser was in that batch, what about the other guys who have received secondaries, when were you verified?

Seems like maybe they are still working on that first batch of applications they received on the 24th... I know ChubbyChaser was in that batch, what about the other guys who have received secondaries, when were you verified?

I was verified 6/9. I think that puts me in the first batch.

Oh God, the memories. Do they still make you do a handwritten essay? For some reason I can still remember writing mine in the kitchen where I was housesitting. It involved a pediatric autopsy that I witnessed on a kid who died from complications relating to a house fire. Somebody must have liked it.

Anyone else painfully afraid they're going to accidentally hit the "Withdraw Application" button on VCU's status page? :eek:

I'm sure you'd have to verify your decision, but it's quite ominous looking.

Anyone else painfully afraid they're going to accidentally hit the "Withdraw Application" button on VCU's status page? :eek:

I'm sure you'd have to verify your decision, but it's quite ominous looking.hahah you have to type some code to verify it....I already trieditout.

hahah you have to type some code to verify it....I already trieditout.

Thanks for nearly taking one for the team!:laugh:

Thanks for nearly taking one for the team!:laugh:
No prob...

And since some ppl are already getting rejections...does that mean itis now time to start the dreaded *official "I have been rejected from..." 2008-2009 thread????

No prob...

And since some ppl are already getting rejections...does that mean itis now time to start the dreaded *official "I have been rejected from..." 2008-2009 thread????

You are a brave one....

I was verified late June, I got the status page from VCU, but also do not have a secondary...

that cant count as a rejection already....can it:confused:?

You are a brave one....

I was verified late June, I got the status page from VCU, but also do not have a secondary...

that cant count as a rejection already....can it:confused:?

No, it's waaaay to early to count a non-response as a rejection. They'll tell you if they're rejecting you at this stage.

You are a brave one....

I was verified late June, I got the status page from VCU, but also do not have a secondary...

that cant count as a rejection already....can it:confused:?
no...someone earlier posted that they got a rejection


PS. they wont screen out a 32/3.9 unless you killed someone of course.

Can someone tell me the exact LOR requirements for VCU???

Thanks!

On a federal holiday? Man, they're dedicated...

yeah, i'm surprised you guys got secondaries sent out on july 4th.

no...someone earlier posted that they got a rejection


PS. they wont screen out a 32/3.9 unless you killed someone of course.

Thanks mate, I needed that. Sounds weird but going through MDapps and seeing so many great people, scores, and random rejections, really makes a man get hard on himself. I've been cursing this entire week for not getting at least an 11 in bio....and i took my test MONTHS ago. I am really hoping for some good news from somebody.

Your not an ADCOM, but you did make me feel a little better. :o

....just glad I didnt kill that guy a few years back.....

So someone in the AMCAS Secondaries thread already got screened out and rejected w/ a ~3.3 and 33? I'm still waiting for verification to submit my list of schools and now I'm thinking to save $30 if that's cutoff for VCU?

So someone in the AMCAS Secondaries thread already got screened out and rejected w/ a ~3.3 and 33? I'm still waiting for verification to submit my list of schools and now I'm thinking to save $30 if that's cutoff for VCU?

I dont think they have a standard formula, and if they do a 3.3 probably is below the standard, but a 33 is definitely above the standard. However, it makes me wonder when people got secondary invites on a federal holiday.

to someone asking about the MCATs they look at the last one or best one, there's no averaging

I got the secondary even though they don't have my MCAT in yet. Probably because I'm in-state.

I was shocked and a bit offended when it only took a day for VCU to reject my application; especially since I am a virginia resident. I got the first email to sign into their application service and then got a second email the next day for a status update that told me I would not be receiving a secondary application because they felt that I was not competitive enough. It was very disheartening. I think it may have been my mcat (26L) because my gpa is strong (3.55 overall, 3.51 science), but I was expecting them to wait for my new scores from july 18th before kicking me out. It's a rough start to an already rough process, but I still have six schools in the mix.

I was shocked and a bit offended when it only took a day for VCU to reject my application; especially since I am a virginia resident. I got the first email to sign into their application service and then got a second email the next day for a status update that told me I would not be receiving a secondary application because they felt that I was not competitive enough. It was very disheartening. I think it may have been my mcat (26L) because my gpa is strong (3.55 overall, 3.51 science), but I was expecting them to wait for my new scores from july 18th before kicking me out. It's a rough start to an already rough process, but I still have six schools in the mix.

I think it's b/c you go to tech




yeah I'm kidding in case you were wondering

Really it is probably due to a few factors. I say this because each year there are a few people who do get secondaries and interviews to MCV with a 26. I even know of a few acceptances. The fact that they didnt even wait for the new MCAT leads me to believe there was some sort of red flag.

The factors that may have played a part:
1) not enough clinical experience or the clincal experience you had was weak. This is becoming more and more of an issue. You really need to prove that you have experienced what medicine has to offer. If you have very little, even with solid scores you would have been put in the discard pile

2) The MCAT: yeah it was probably a factor.

3) Mediocre PS. VCU/MCV is one of the few schools that really takes a look at your personal statement. If yours came off as arrogant, poorly written or threw up a red flag it could have added insult to injury.

4) Mediocre ECs: not a lot of diverse experiences to speak of (only pre med stuff) is a big turn off

5) Criminal record

Really it is probably due to a few factors. I say this because each year there are a few people who do get secondaries and interviews to MCV with a 26. I even know of a few acceptances. The fact that they didnt even wait for the new MCAT leads me to believe there was some sort of red flag.

The factors that may have played a part:
1) not enough clinical experience or the clincal experience you had was weak. This is becoming more and more of an issue. You really need to prove that you have experienced what medicine has to offer. If you have very little, even with solid scores you would have been put in the discard pile

2) The MCAT: yeah it was probably a factor.

3) Mediocre PS. VCU/MCV is one of the few schools that really takes a look at your personal statement. If yours came off as arrogant, poorly written or threw up a red flag it could have added insult to injury.

4) Mediocre ECs: not a lot of diverse experiences to speak of (only pre med stuff) is a big turn off

5) Criminal record

Informative post - thanks! :thumbup:

I think it's b/c you go to tech




yeah I'm kidding in case you were wondering

I would think that'd be more of an issue with UVA. :O Does VCU have a big thing against the hokies as well??

anyone having trouble with the format of their supplemental essay questions...It seems that no matter what I do...It just bunches my Paragraphs together.

anyone having trouble with the format of their supplemental essay questions...It seems that no matter what I do...It just bunches my Paragraphs together.
UVA's did the same thing. It's annoying, but I think they can tell where new paragraphs start.

anyone having trouble with the format of their supplemental essay questions...It seems that no matter what I do...It just bunches my Paragraphs together.

It says on the application not to worry about the formatting. The formatting you typed in is what the committee will see.

I would think that'd be more of an issue with UVA. :O Does VCU have a big thing against the hokies as well??

He's probably a former Hoo, haha. :)

My primary app still hasn't been reviewed by the committee.

I was verified first day possible by AMCAS...

I'm OOS. Perhaps that's it?

Just wondering. VCU is definitely one of my favorites.

It says on the application not to worry about the formatting. The formatting you typed in is what the committee will see.

My primary app still hasn't been reviewed by the committee.

I was verified first day possible by AMCAS...

I'm OOS. Perhaps that's it?

Just wondering. VCU is definitely one of my favorites.

VCU is a great school and I'm really hoping I'd get in. The new Critical Care Tower is really nice. Richmond is pretty cool, too.

When was your app verified? Mine was verified on 6/30. I think that they review them in the order they were received. I just got an invite for the secondary tonight (6:04 pm). I'm so relieved I wasn't screened out!

VCU is a great school and I'm really hoping I'd get in. The new Critical Care Tower is really nice. Richmond is pretty cool, too.

When was your app verified? Mine was verified on 6/30. I think that they review them in the order they were received. I just got an invite for the secondary tonight (6:04 pm). I'm so relieved I wasn't screened out!

I was verified 6/9 and still hoping.

I was verified 6/9 and still hoping.

It could possibly be that IS students are given a preference during the screening process and are expedited through.

As a side note, they have a deadline! It's 60 days from receiving the secondary (although they state in the instructions that it's only 45 days). My deadline is 9/5/2007, but I should have it completed by the end of this week.

VCU LOR Requirements

When you have completed the online application, please have your letters of recommendation sent to us. Name and AAMC ID are required on all letters of
recommendation.

a. If your school has an established premedical committee, your letter must come from them. The Admissions Committee policy is that students who attend schools that have formal premed advisors or premed committees must have a letter from that advisor or committee. Failure to provide this letter can be considered grounds for not pursuing the file further or for evaluating the candidate as less competitive than others. The committee believes those students whose undergraduate institution provides such a service is better able to evaluate the candidate in the context of that schools entire applicant pool. They also believe that students who have not availed themselves of the service may be less well prepared for medical education than those who have participated.

b. If you are not using a premedical committee, we require three letters of recommendation: two from faculty who have taught you in the sciences who can speak of your academic abilities and one in an ancillary (minor) field. The third letter may also come from someone who has worked with you, preferably in a healthcare related area. The purpose of submitting letters from science professors is to give the committee some sense about your academic ability and performance in the sciences. The Committee is interested in comments about your academics, about your skills as a participating member of the class and about your personal interactions with faculty. Letters are therefore reviewed by staff in the Admissions Office to be certain that the committee will find them useful. If you are notified that we have judged a letter as "nonscience" it is usually because the writer did not address issues of your academic skills and abilities in scientific subject matter.

You are welcome to appeal decisions by the office about whether or not a letter is "science" but keep in mind that granting this appeal will not bind the committee in any way and they will make their decision without regard to the waiver. Committee members may decide against an interview based upon their inability to judge your scientific prowess. The purpose of the "nonscience" letters is to give the Admissions Committee the assessment of someone outside the sciences who may have excellent knowledge about you. Their letter should discuss your personal attributes. Nonscience letters are most frequently from faculty outside the sciences, former employers, research mentors and academic advisors.

c. Information for NonTraditional
Candidates: If you have done graduate work since graduating from undergraduate school, it is extremely important to include a letter from either the program director, your advisor or a faculty member who taught you in your graduate program. If you have been out of undergraduate school long enough that you do not know faculty or the premed advisor, you may request a waiver of the requirement to have a committee letter. Under those circumstances the committee is comfortable with letters from those who have taught you recently as you prepared for your medical school application.

d. Information for MD/PhD Candidates: In addition to the three letters of recommendation or premedical committee packet requirement, the
MD/PhD candidates must also submit an MD/PHD Reference Letter using the format provided on the Instructions/Forms page. The form must be completed by a person who is familiar with your research background and experience.

Any correspondence sent to this office should include your name and AAMC ID # and be addressed as follows:

Admissions Office
School of Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University
1101 East Marshall Street
P.O. Box 980565
Richmond, Virginia 232980565

So I was rejected today, blah! One down, lol :)

So I was rejected today, blah! One down, lol :)

:eek: Boo!!!

VCU LOR Requirements

When you have completed the online application, please have your letters of recommendation sent to us. Name and AAMC ID are required on all letters of
recommendation.

a. If your school has an established premedical committee, your letter must come from them. The Admissions Committee policy is that students who attend schools that have formal premed advisors or premed committees must have a letter from that advisor or committee. Failure to provide this letter can be considered grounds for not pursuing the file further or for evaluating the candidate as less competitive than others. The committee believes those students whose undergraduate institution provides such a service is better able to evaluate the candidate in the context of that schools entire applicant pool. They also believe that students who have not availed themselves of the service may be less well prepared for medical education than those who have participated.

b. If you are not using a premedical committee, we require three letters of recommendation: two from faculty who have taught you in the sciences who can speak of your academic abilities and one in an ancillary (minor) field. The third letter may also come from someone who has worked with you, preferably in a healthcare related area. The purpose of submitting letters from science professors is to give the committee some sense about your academic ability and performance in the sciences. The Committee is interested in comments about your academics, about your skills as a participating member of the class and about your personal interactions with faculty. Letters are therefore reviewed by staff in the Admissions Office to be certain that the committee will find them useful. If you are notified that we have judged a letter as "nonscience" it is usually because the writer did not address issues of your academic skills and abilities in scientific subject matter.

You are welcome to appeal decisions by the office about whether or not a letter is "science" but keep in mind that granting this appeal will not bind the committee in any way and they will make their decision without regard to the waiver. Committee members may decide against an interview based upon their inability to judge your scientific prowess. The purpose of the "nonscience" letters is to give the Admissions Committee the assessment of someone outside the sciences who may have excellent knowledge about you. Their letter should discuss your personal attributes. Nonscience letters are most frequently from faculty outside the sciences, former employers, research mentors and academic advisors.

c. Information for NonTraditional
Candidates: If you have done graduate work since graduating from undergraduate school, it is extremely important to include a letter from either the program director, your advisor or a faculty member who taught you in your graduate program. If you have been out of undergraduate school long enough that you do not know faculty or the premed advisor, you may request a waiver of the requirement to have a committee letter. Under those circumstances the committee is comfortable with letters from those who have taught you recently as you prepared for your medical school application.

d. Information for MD/PhD Candidates: In addition to the three letters of recommendation or premedical committee packet requirement, the
MD/PhD candidates must also submit an MD/PHD Reference Letter using the format provided on the Instructions/Forms page. The form must be completed by a person who is familiar with your research background and experience.

Any correspondence sent to this office should include your name and AAMC ID # and be addressed as follows:

Admissions Office
School of Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University
1101 East Marshall Street
P.O. Box 980565
Richmond, Virginia 232980565

Thanks for the post!!! :love:

So I was rejected today, blah! One down, lol :)

wow...that sucks mate. goodluck with other schools.

Seems like they are finally looking at OOS. I was verified mid june; i am also still hoping....

Verified on 6/13, but I think they actually sent em out on the 24th, so that's sort of irrelevant I suppose.

I get a bad feeling about my chances at VCU after having seen some of the accounts of rejections posted by other people from California.

I suppose I'll hope for a secondary invite, but be ready for an outright rejection.

Thanks for the response.

VCU is a great school and I'm really hoping I'd get in. The new Critical Care Tower is really nice. Richmond is pretty cool, too.

When was your app verified? Mine was verified on 6/30. I think that they review them in the order they were received. I just got an invite for the secondary tonight (6:04 pm). I'm so relieved I wasn't screened out!

I was screened out last year, but I got a secondary invite this year.
My stats are not stellar either. I am OOS.

I would think that'd be more of an issue with UVA. :O Does VCU have a big thing against the hokies as well??

Yeah I went to UVA if you couldnt tell. That's where the jab came from. Old rivalries die hard. VCU doesn't have anything against the Hokies. That said, there are 29 Cavaliers and 3 Hokies in my class. At least we can win at something.


As a side note, they have a deadline! It's 60 days from receiving the secondary (although they state in the instructions that it's only 45 days). My deadline is 9/5/2007, but I should have it completed by the end of this week.

They will give you an extension if you ask for it- in case anyone needs it.

I get a bad feeling about my chances at VCU after having seen some of the accounts of rejections posted by other people from California.

Traditionally at VCU, California is the best represented state of the OOS group. In my class they make up a quarter of the OOS group. Of all the universities represented in my class, both IS and OOS, Berkley and UCI make the top 7. Note that Va Tech does not make the top 7 even though they are instate (sorry couldnt help it).

So I was rejected today, blah! One down, lol :)
Wow. Sorry about that, man. Looks like they're putting a bigger emphasis on numbers this year. Being OOS and that low GPA must have hurt your app. Good luck at the rest of of your schools!

Anybody else complete yet? I'm quite pleased that they didn't even put me on hold because I don't have my MCAT yet (it says right on the front page that they will put you on hold w/o an MCAT score). Maybe they know something I don't. :D

Anyone know if you can submit more than the 3 required LORs??

Anyone know if you can submit more than the 3 required LORs??
I submitted five.

Im complete....pretty quick since i Only sent them in sunday night/monday morning.

Im complete....pretty quick since i Only sent them in sunday night/monday morning.

The VCU admissions office is pretty much always on top of things. It definitely speaks well for the school. :D

About how many days passed between the email notifying they received your AMCAS and an invitation for a secondary or rejection?

About how many days passed between the email notifying they received your AMCAS and an invitation for a secondary or rejection?
I think just two days for me. I'm IS though.

About how many days passed between the email notifying they received your AMCAS and an invitation for a secondary or rejection?

I was verified in mid-June and in the first batch of applications, yet I have still not been reviewed - I think that I got the VCU email on 7/2/2008. I am OOS though.

Hmm...it's been three days since they've received my AMCAS, i'm IS, and still no progress...

I was verified in mid-June and in the first batch of applications, yet I have still not been reviewed - I think that I got the VCU email on 7/2/2008. I am OOS though.

Yea, I am OOS as well and heard from them 7/2 as well. I guess we are in similar boats. I was just getting a bit worried since it looked like I was going to receive a pre-secondary rejection. Hopefully not though!

FYI.. Im an OOS (Cali) and I just got a secondary 5 min ago..

Stats

3.0 CHem Eng GPA
3.85 Masters in Science

34S (13p/12b/9v)

About how many days passed between the email notifying they received your AMCAS and an invitation for a secondary or rejection?

On 7/2/08 they give me
"The School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University on the Medical College of Virginia Campus has received your preliminary application from AMCAS. Your application will be reviewed by a subcommittee. Decisions are made at that point as to which candidates will be granted supplemental application from us. It has always been our committee's policy to grant supplemental applications only to those candidates who are deemed competitive within our applicant pool.

Depending on the volume of applications coming from AMCAS it may take several weeks to complete the initial review of your application. Thank you for your interest in our school and best of luck with the application process."

since then nothing.

On 7/2/08 they give me
"The School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University on the Medical College of Virginia Campus has received your preliminary application from AMCAS. Your application will be reviewed by a subcommittee. Decisions are made at that point as to which candidates will be granted supplemental application from us. It has always been our committee's policy to grant supplemental applications only to those candidates who are deemed competitive within our applicant pool.

Depending on the volume of applications coming from AMCAS it may take several weeks to complete the initial review of your application. Thank you for your interest in our school and best of luck with the application process."

since then nothing.

I got the same email on 7/2 as well. However at about 6:00EST I received the permission to complete the secondary. I am OOS, therefore you should be getting reviewed soon enough. Good luck!!

I was verified on July 2nd, and got the e-mail that same day. It sounds like everyone who was verified on or before July 2nd got the standard e-mail on July 2nd. Am I right?

If that's true, then I don't understand how they're reviewing all the primaries. Some OOS people have already received a secondary, while some IS haven't heard anything. hmm...

I was verified on July 2nd, and got the e-mail that same day. It sounds like everyone who was verified on or before July 2nd got the standard e-mail on July 2nd. Am I right?

If that's true, then I don't understand how they're reviewing all the primaries. Some OOS people have already received a secondary, while some IS haven't heard anything. hmm...

you ever go shopping, like something, and decided you want to buy it. Some things you don like, and you dont buy them....

some things your not to sure on, and put them in the "maybe pile"

we my friend, are in the "maybe pile". I believe it hurts our chances for interviewing too, but that remains to be seen. The last OOS who posted had a better MCAT/GPA + really good EC's and even reading through a little bit of his mdapps he seemed like a generally nice guy. we'll see what they think of us soon i hope :o

About how many days passed between the email notifying they received your AMCAS and an invitation for a secondary or rejection?
One or two days for me....and then one business day after I submitted they verified me.

i got my secondary today, oos and not amazing stats (see my mdapps)...i got one last year as well. it sure seems random.

you ever go shopping, like something, and decided you want to buy it. Some things you don like, and you dont buy them....

some things your not to sure on, and put them in the "maybe pile"

we my friend, are in the "maybe pile". I believe it hurts our chances for interviewing too, but that remains to be seen. The last OOS who posted had a better MCAT/GPA + really good EC's and even reading through a little bit of his mdapps he seemed like a generally nice guy. we'll see what they think of us soon i hope :o

If you were referring to me, I appreciate the compliment. I am sure that you will be fine, you have a solid app. as well. Good luck!:)

Yeah, still no word from them for me. I don't have 'stellar' stats myself as well.

So I was rejected today, blah! One down, lol :)
Wow, bummer man! At least you didn't have to pony up for a secondary though, I guess. I'm still waiting, so who knows.

Good luck with the rest of them.

I got their email about reviewing the apps before sending out secondary invites on 7/7 and haven't heard back about a secondary. I'm OOS as well. I would also rather be rejected outright then jerked around and allowed to give them money.:D

I was verified on July 2nd, and got the e-mail that same day. It sounds like everyone who was verified on or before July 2nd got the standard e-mail on July 2nd. Am I right?

If that's true, then I don't understand how they're reviewing all the primaries. Some OOS people have already received a secondary, while some IS haven't heard anything. hmm...

Primaries are reviewed by a 'file reviewer' who is on the Adcom. All adcom members have actual jobs- deans, doctors etc. Depending on their work load it may take one file reviewer longer than it takes another.

each app is reviewed by a seperate person? Wow, that's goign to take a long time.

Anyone have any ideas on what to write for their supplemental essay? What exactly are they looking for? Its so open ended!

each app is reviewed by a seperate person? Wow, that's goign to take a long time.

Anyone have any ideas on what to write for their supplemental essay? What exactly are they looking for? Its so open ended!
I wrote about things I do outside of academics, volunteer, medical related, etc.

just got my secondary from vcu a few minutes ago.. stats are not stellar also, and i'm oos from CA. 3.34 science 3.62 cum 30 mcat 10, 10, 10 with probably above average extracurriculars (emt 2.5 years, volunteer cpr instructor 2 years, 6 months emt/bls instructor, and started up my own fraternity to name the big ones...)

If you were referring to me, I appreciate the compliment. I am sure that you will be fine, you have a solid app. as well. Good luck!:)

yeah i was referring to you:). I saw that you were married at 22 and really happy about it and were looking for a place so your wife can move with you.

Im in the same boat acutally, I've been dating my gf for two and half years now, we get along very well, and plan to get married summer of next year. So i am hoping to get into medical school in Southern California, that way she has the most options in graduate school when she's finished. Or else shes gona finish school and move where ever i move. Goodluck with your secondary, i do hope i get one soon....the process is kind of dragging with them.

Finally got a secondary...YES YES YES YES YES! very exciting. I feel wanted :D While the luck is still fresh, an interview would be wonderful...

no secondary here- it wasn't really one i was feeling anyways though... I was OOS with a lower BCPM and no MCAT score yet. I have really good EC's too... thanks for saving me time and money!

Got my secondary and sent it in earlier today! woo!!

Stats are on my MDApps profile if you want to comment. (Going MD/PhD)

Finally got a secondary...YES YES YES YES YES! very exciting. I feel wanted :D While the luck is still fresh, an interview would be wonderful...

:meanie: hurrray! your off the maybe pile! they wanted to buy you!! :) Goodluck on your essay!

I'm still waiting....:o

no secondary here- it wasn't really one i was feeling anyways though... I was OOS with a lower BCPM and no MCAT score yet. I have really good EC's too... thanks for saving me time and money!

They rejected you before they got your MCAT scores? That's pretty weird. Sorry.

Got one! Probably shouldn't feel so great about that, but I am just glad I wasn't rejected.

Does anyone know what they are looking for with regards to the specialty question? Any VCU students?

Also, will they take AP credit to fill a prereq (English)? Checked the website and couldn't find anything, which I am thinking means yes.

is it just me or does anyone else find writing another "insightful essay about ourself" incredibly difficult? I'm thinking over this secondary as if it were another personal statement! am i making too big a deal over this?

:meanie: hurrray! your off the maybe pile! they wanted to buy you!! :) Goodluck on your essay!

I'm still waiting....:o

Good luck to you too:luck: -- let us know if you get that secondary!

wait a minute.....what is that little face before "hurray"....? that's not very nice :mad: But i understand...It was pretty funny

is it just me or does anyone else find writing another "insightful essay about ourself" incredibly difficult? I'm thinking over this secondary as if it were another personal statement! am i making too big a deal over this?


I know....I thought my PS was pretty insightful...I don't know how much more insight I can give!

do u think ad com will mind if we're well short of 500 words? i didn't notice how much that was until i started this essay and recently checked word count. I've been working on this for a while and think i've already said all i can, but i'm quite short of that 500 word mark.

Good luck to you too:luck: -- let us know if you get that secondary!

wait a minute.....what is that little face before "hurray"....? that's not very nice :mad: But i understand...It was pretty funny

:meanie:<-just always wanted to use that. I like the big smile at the end!


:scared:<-getting tired of using this one!

still nothing.

For those of you who submitted the VCU secondary.

How long was your second essay? The prompt says it has a limited space, but I copied over 5000 charachters and there didn't seem to be any problems.

What are you guys thinking for the specialty question?

:meanie:<-just always wanted to use that. I like the big smile at the end!


:scared:<-getting tired of using this one!

still nothing.

I haven't heard anything either!!! I'm getting so frustrated. Since you lost your "haven't heard anything yet" buddy a few days ago, I figured I'd let you know that you're not alone in waiting!!

P.S. And since I'm from Merced...even more reason to be friends! Central Valley folks have to stick together :laugh:

I haven't heard yet either, everytime I open my email I keep expecting to see that rejection email...:( Hopefully we all hear soon!

I submitted my app and LOR's last night and got a message this afternoon that said I was complete.

The essay I wrote was only about 250 words, half the max. I don't like to just fill in space because it's there. I figure quality > quantity. Also, I wrote about something non-medical. Just something that was interesting about me.

As far as specialty question. I answered truthfully. I don't have my mind made up yet, but am most interested at this point in primary care or EM.

in regards to the question that asks about lapses in education, does this only refer to slips in our grades while we were undergrads? I've already graduated and i have this whole year, off, so i was wondering whetherthis question refers also to what i'll be doing this next year?

I haven't heard anything either!!! I'm getting so frustrated. Since you lost your "haven't heard anything yet" buddy a few days ago, I figured I'd let you know that you're not alone in waiting!!

P.S. And since I'm from Merced...even more reason to be friends! Central Valley folks have to stick together :laugh:

Merced! :)

Wasn't it nice today? only 102 degrees. Man I was loving it!

Hope you hear something soon....something positive I hope! Goodluck with your apps, message me on MDAPPS if you want so we "stick together"!

:scared:<- anyone else see tweak from South Park?

Still haven't heard anything from VCU. They are apparently still reviewing my application. I would have thought I would have either been rejected or given the secondary by now. Anybody else in the same boat?

Still haven't heard anything from VCU. They are apparently still reviewing my application. I would have thought I would have either been rejected or given the secondary by now. Anybody else in the same boat?

yeah i have been for a while. I checked my status this morning and there was no change. I called the office and they said they reviewed my application today, and i should receive an email to complete a secondary at 6pm tonight. :D:D:D:D:D

pretty happy about that. Maybe you should call as well? I'm starting to think they do it in alphabetical order, using the last name. Mine starts with a "S" so maybe thats why?!?

Does anyone know if I can talk about my research work more in-depth for the supplemental essay?

I submitted my app and LOR's last night and got a message this afternoon that said I was complete.

The essay I wrote was only about 250 words, half the max. I don't like to just fill in space because it's there. I figure quality > quantity. Also, I wrote about something non-medical. Just something that was interesting about me.

As far as specialty question. I answered truthfully. I don't have my mind made up yet, but am most interested at this point in primary care or EM.


Yeah, but a greater quantity of quality is better than less quantity of quality, right?

still haven't heard anything either.

yeah i have been for a while. I checked my status this morning and there was no change. I called the office and they said they reviewed my application today, and i should receive an email to complete a secondary at 6pm tonight. :D:D:D:D:D

pretty happy about that. Maybe you should call as well? I'm starting to think they do it in alphabetical order, using the last name. Mine starts with a "S" so maybe thats why?!?

still haven't heard anything either.
same here. still "under review".

I called the office and they said they reviewed my application today, and i should receive an email to complete a secondary at 6pm tonight. :D:D:D:D:D

Congratulations!!

I am still waiting for mine, but I submitted my app around July 1 so I think I'm at the back of the pack.

My application was sent to schools on very first day possible (6/24) and I haven't heard anything... so not sure how much date of submission has to do with it. I'm sure there's a relationship, but not sure how direct or useful it is.

Congratulations!!

I am still waiting for mine, but I submitted my app around July 1 so I think I'm at the back of the pack.

add me to the crew still waiting...also in the 6/24 group

Congratulations!!

I am still waiting for mine, but I submitted my app around July 1 so I think I'm at the back of the pack.

Hey i really hope you (and everyone else) hears something soon! But i wouldn't worry too much about the wait. I was almost sure that the wait meant rejection, but i guess it didnt?! (I still havn't actually got the secondary...just basing it of what the lady told me over the phone today "you will get information on how to fill the secondary soon...you made the screening process"....now im thinking maybe i miss heard.


Anyways, i suggest you guys call. They do screen well, i think they only give out 2000 secondaries. Perhaps they give each candidate much consideration. I can offer this note of information: the lady who answered the phone was very, VERY NICE!

gluck:luck:

Got this "status update" in the e-mail earlier today. Just a heads up that some people may have been scheduled for interviews (!) at VCU already.

Application Status

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

Just got an update today. From old threads, I'm guessing this means absolutely nothing this early in the game.......but........:

The committee's file review indicates that they are interested in your candidacy. However, due to the increase in the applicant pool this year, it is clear we MAY be unable to interview all the candidates at your priority score. If we do find that we are able to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail.

Any VCUers out there that can interpret this?

Hi Gators239. I got the same update message from VCU. I am not sure what it means this early in the cycle.

Hi Gators239. I got the same update message from VCU. I am not sure what it means this early in the cycle.

Yeah, it makes me curious. You don't seem like you'll have to worry too much with that killer MCAT, though! :thumbup:

Got this "status update" in the e-mail earlier today. Just a heads up that some people may have been scheduled for interviews (!) at VCU already.
Application Status

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

Hmmm...Mine hasnt changed and I got my secondary and was complete ASAP.

Not sure if thats a good or bad thing....probably bad.

Last year I remember status updates sometimes changed very quickly from one vague message to the next. But I do believe that MCV/VCU started giving out interviews relatively early.

haha, oh you folks worrying about interviews, i'll take getting my secondary today...

haha, oh you folks worrying about interviews, i'll take getting my secondary today...

Going on 6 days now from the initial AMCAS-receipt notification...and still waiting on a secondary decision. I do hope they decide soon!

Crap, I better get rolling on this secondary. My LORs won't be sent until Thursday so I'll just try to submit by then.

For those of you with the "priority score" email - what are your stats if you don't mind me asking? IS or OOS?

I'm really excited about VCU. I think I have a good chance to interview there. I won't be an early interview, but hopefully sometime before the new year.

Crap, I better get rolling on this secondary. My LORs won't be sent until Thursday so I'll just try to submit by then.

For those of you with the "priority score" email - what are your stats if you don't mind me asking? IS or OOS?
I am also curious about this...

I have GOT to get going on this essay. I still don't really know what to write about for either one. This one has been the hardest one yet - probably because they screened, and now I'm scared to screw it up, lol.

Yeah, but a greater quantity of quality is better than less quantity of quality, right?

Gah! You caught me. With only 5/20 or so secondaries filled out I am already suffering from minor burn out. I guess I had nothing more to say. Hopefully they like em short and sweet! :laugh:

finally through the review..and i got an invite to the secondary :)

anybody else out there who got the first email on 7/2, hang in.....;)

finally through the review..and i got an invite to the secondary :)

anybody else out there who got the first email on 7/2, hang in.....;)

Same here and I am OOS with average stats

in regards to the question that asks about lapses in education, does this only refer to slips in our grades while we were undergrads? I've already graduated and i have this whole year, off, so i was wondering whetherthis question refers also to what i'll be doing this next year?

I could use the answer to this question as well.

Yea, I am OOS as well and heard from them 7/2 as well. I guess we are in similar boats. I was just getting a bit worried since it looked like I was going to receive a pre-secondary rejection. Hopefully not though!

Same boat ... it's been almost 2 week, hope they send out soon.

What about the lapses in your education question? Does this mean explain your slightly lower gpa from Semester X? Or does it mean if you took a year off?

I would be extremely suprised if they meant anything other than taking time off between year 1 and year 4 (or year 5 for my fellow former super-seniors, hehe) by "lapse."

I left it blank, accordingly.

If they mean anything else, you'll have to question their use of the English language, let alone ability to teach medicine...

That being said, VCU has been the most impressive school so far in my mind, in terms of how they run their admissions process. Ethical people, over there.

What about the lapses in your education question? Does this mean explain your slightly lower gpa from Semester X? Or does it mean if you took a year off?

I would be extremely suprised if they meant anything other than taking time off between year 1 and year 4 (or year 5 for my fellow former super-seniors, hehe) by "lapse."

I left it blank, accordingly.

If they mean anything else, you'll have to question their use of the English language, let alone ability to teach medicine...

That being said, VCU has been the most impressive school so far in my mind, in terms of how they run their admissions process. Ethical people, over there.

What about if you are a reapplicant, but not to VCU?

That being said, VCU has been the most impressive school so far in my mind, in terms of how they run their admissions process. Ethical people, over there.

I agree. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the admissions office at VCU really speaks well for the school. I wish all admissions offices were like this.

I agree. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the admissions office at VCU really speaks well for the school. I wish all admissions offices were like this.
Yep. I just called and the woman who answered was incredibly nice.

Rejected :( My low BCPM is killing me. Good luck to all of you still in the running!!

Rejected :( My low BCPM is killing me. Good luck to all of you still in the running!!

Sorry Nina7123 :(

I got through for Wake Forest, I'm hoping I get through for VCU as well.

OOS applicant with good stats and decent ECs.

I just got an email a few hours ago


"The committee's file review indicates that they are interested in your candidacy. However, due to the increase in the applicant pool this year, it is clear we MAY be unable to interview all the candidates at your priority score. If we do find that we are able to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail"



Good, bad??? Who knows?

O and they bolded that MAY, not me

And so begins the over-analyzing of VCU's status messages.

I'm feeling way lazy now, but I'm sure one of you can dig it up: Instatewaiter posted in the VCU thread from last cycle what each status message means. There's three or four post-secondary tiers, with the top getting first priority for interviews.

I got the "may interview you" message last year and was invited for interview in Oct.

I haven't gotten a secondary yet this year, but my AMCAS has yet to be verified. It would be pretty terrible to not get one after interviewing last year, no?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=446625


^^^some info about the status'

So it looks like the messages a few ppl have been posting..

MAY be unable to interview your...or we schedule interviews to february.....are good signs, especially this early in the application seasion, but dont guarantee anything..

Good luck everyone

Still haven't heard from them...no rejection though so that is good...my status still says they are reviewing my primary...I am pretty suprised that I haven't been rejected yet because I'm OOS and have a low BCMP...but a high grad gpa...I don't think that is going to help me out though...does anyone know how they look at grad gpa vs undergrad...I know ug is more important, but do they give any weight to grad gpa's?

Ok it says years reapplied...if applied last year is it 2008 for entering class or the year I actually applied???

and what about just using the same secondary, will that look bad...bc I like my seondary the way it is????

Ok it says years reapplied...if applied last year is it 2008 for entering class or the year I actually applied???

and what about just using the same secondary, will that look bad...bc I like my seondary the way it is????

If you're a reapplicant DO NOT use the same PS or secondary. I've heard a rumor that some schools compare, and (and I hope this doesn't sound mean, because I don't mean it to be) if you didn't get in the first time, you obviously didn't blow them out of the water the first time. They liked you, because they waitlisted you, but now you have a second chance to WOW them. That being said, some questions will have similar answers simply because some things in life don't change (ex: reason why you want to be a doctor, etc.) but try to give them a new spin, a fresh outlook. Good luck. I always cheer on former waitlisters since I was almost a reapplicant myself.:luck:

I got the secondary after being screened out last year! I'm so excited (even though this is only step 1). :) :) :)

What about the lapses in your education question? Does this mean explain your slightly lower gpa from Semester X? Or does it mean if you took a year off?

pretty sure it means time away from school either in the middle of your education or if you've already graduated and took year off

Does anyone know if I can talk about my research work more in-depth for the supplemental essay?

yeah, why not? it sounds like they just want to know more about us that's not a repeat of our PSs. so if you really enjoyed your research and find it meaningful or can relate it back to medicine then write about it =)

Yay! Got a secondary!

Just got the "we MAY interview you" message today. I'll take this as a good sign.

Just got the "we MAY interview you" message today. I'll take this as a good sign.
If you don't mind my asking, when did you send in your secondary? I am just wondering when I will get a message from them... I think that is a good sign, so you should be happy!

Off-topic- my aunt went to Madison. cool place.

REEEEEEEEEEEEJECTEEEED (in the nba jam voice)

sucks. 25 more to go. gluck to the rest of you!

REEEEEEEEEEEEJECTEEEED (in the nba jam voice)

sucks. 25 more to go. gluck to the rest of you!
Pre or post secondary? Sorry, bummer... good luck with your other schools.

If you don't mind my asking, when did you send in your secondary? I am just wondering when I will get a message from them... I think that is a good sign, so you should be happy!

Off-topic- my aunt went to Madison. cool place.

I sent in my secondary 7-6.

Yea, I'm enjoying it here. Hiking in the Shenandoah park never gets old :)

i'm drawing a blank with this no-specific-topic essay. what kinds of stuff are people writing about?

I just got the status update that my application is being sent to a subcommittee for evaluation to determine about an interview. At least it is not a rejection, as I would really like to attend VCU.

Good luck everyone!

Sweet, I got the "interested in pursuing your file further" one. Feels great! Good luck to everyone still waiting.

So when do people start hearing about interview dates? Anyone know?

pretty sure it means time away from school either in the middle of your education or if you've already graduated and took year off



Regarding the "Lapse" prompt: I emailed VCU last year about this very issue and Michelle Whitehurst-Cook herself emailed me back this reply:

"Lapse refers mostly to time out of school either between college years or after. It also is a chance to explain any shortcomings that you may want to cover."


There you go.

i'm drawing a blank with this no-specific-topic essay. what kinds of stuff are people writing about?



The poster "The Remix" here on SDN submitted this as his/her essay for VCU/MCV and was interviewed and accepted:

"Concerning Weathermen
I wonder, as I take a break from reading Lord of the Rings, what’s it like being a weatherman? Let’s ponder for a second. Can you think of another profession where you get to dress like a mafia don, play with incredibly expensive equipment, even say neat words like “cumulonimbus,” and yet, have almost no accountability for what you say? Weathermen have it good, and they do a fantastic job of keeping the details of their operation in the dark. However, there is a downside. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, yet the topic of their toil never emerges amongst laymen unless there is nothing else to talk about. I wonder if there is a “National Weathermen’s Convention” – an event where fellow climate brethren journey from all walks of the land, gather in a luxurious hotel, and discuss…the weather — intentionally. If there is, by gale-force, I’m going to go one day! I’ll stand and give our valiant meteorological soothsayers an intense round of applause. O wise weatherman, bravo for warning your flock of the approach of the angry neon green radar splotches, we heed. Duly shall our umbrellas cast asunder thy watery projectiles!
Thank you."

That is funny

I know most people in this thread are applying now, but does anyone know how lenient VCU is if I can't meet the LOR requirements? I'm a nontrad and most schools will accept non-academic letters, but I just called and spoke with someone at VCU admissions office and was told that I need two science faculty letters. So, should I go ahead and apply just in case without 2science letters, or is there no point? (just fyi, i do have 1 science letter plus i've been working in healthcare for the past couple of years so my letters are healthcare oriented). What do you guys think?

I know most people in this thread are applying now, but does anyone know how lenient VCU is if I can't meet the LOR requirements? I'm a nontrad and most schools will accept non-academic letters, but I just called and spoke with someone at VCU admissions office and was told that I need two science faculty letters. So, should I go ahead and apply just in case without 2science letters, or is there no point? (just fyi, i do have 1 science letter plus i've been working in healthcare for the past couple of years so my letters are healthcare oriented). What do you guys think?

If you explained your situation to the admissions office and were still told that you "need" two sci letters....I wouldn't waste my time applying and not sending what they require.

If you explained your situation to the admissions office and were still told that you "need" two sci letters....I wouldn't waste my time applying and not sending what they require.

Well, if the application fee isn't too heavy a load, why not? You've already spent your $30 AMCAS fee, I assume. You really don't have anything to lose (except time you could spend writing other secondaries).

But yeah, it's up to you. Like RockDoc says, it might be a waste of time. So it's up to you to decide.

so for that filling in the years for when I reapplied....I'm confused do put in 2008 for entering class or 2007 for when I applied???????? I'm thinking 2008 but I need someone to confirm this for me. Thanks!!!

What are the opinions of people re: Inova Fairfax hospital vs. VCU hospital? I'm still thinking about it.

The poster "The Remix" here on SDN submitted this as his/her essay for VCU/MCV and was interviewed and accepted:

"Concerning Weathermen
I wonder, as I take a break from reading Lord of the Rings, what’s it like being a weatherman? Let’s ponder for a second. Can you think of another profession where you get to dress like a mafia don, play with incredibly expensive equipment, even say neat words like “cumulonimbus,” and yet, have almost no accountability for what you say? Weathermen have it good, and they do a fantastic job of keeping the details of their operation in the dark. However, there is a downside. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, yet the topic of their toil never emerges amongst laymen unless there is nothing else to talk about. I wonder if there is a “National Weathermen’s Convention” – an event where fellow climate brethren journey from all walks of the land, gather in a luxurious hotel, and discuss…the weather — intentionally. If there is, by gale-force, I’m going to go one day! I’ll stand and give our valiant meteorological soothsayers an intense round of applause. O wise weatherman, bravo for warning your flock of the approach of the angry neon green radar splotches, we heed. Duly shall our umbrellas cast asunder thy watery projectiles!
Thank you."


LOL, Thanks for sharing. Of course now I feel stupid for writing a "safe" and generic essay for that question.

What are the opinions of people re: Inova Fairfax hospital vs. VCU hospital? I'm still thinking about it.

Don't stress too much about it. You can change your mind when you get to VCU.

INVOA is in northern VA, which is a very different part of the state. Personally, I think I'd stay in Richmond because that's where all of your friends are, but if you want to be closer to DC then pick INVOA. It's a great hospital-giant cardiac center, they're building a children's hospital, always full of the top doctors from the area-but you do have to move. At INVOA you'll be doing rotations with students from VCU, UVa, GW, and Georgetown, so if you want to meet new people that works. But it's very much in the suburbs-it's not urban-so it's a different vibe than VCU's location.

Suburbs, yes, but less than 20 minutes from D.C.

Suburbs, yes, but less than 20 minutes from D.C.

Which you won't have time to, and won't be able to afford to, visit.

Haha...so then I guess it wouldn't really matter where you do your last 2 years...

Haha...so then I guess it wouldn't really matter where you do your last 2 years...

Your concern should be the patient population you will see and the opportunities you will have at whatever institution you do your last 2 years. Having DC that close will affect your pt population, but people shouldn't be fooled into thinking they will have the opportunity to live an "urban" life by rotating at Fairfax. They'll be at Fairfax. In the suburbs. And if they're cool with that, then by all means consider it, as there is plenty to see and do there.

Your concern should be the patient population you will see and the opportunities you will have at whatever institution you do your last 2 years. Having DC that close will affect your pt population, but people shouldn't be fooled into thinking they will have the opportunity to live an "urban" life by rotating at Fairfax. They'll be at Fairfax. In the suburbs. And if they're cool with that, then by all means consider it, as there is plenty to see and do there.

There is a variety of people who come to INVOA, but it will be different than the population at VCU. There are a lot of immigrants in the area (speaking Spanish is a huge help), but of course there's the typical upper-middle class suburbia population as well. I'm not super familiar with the patient population VCU sees, so I won't even pretend that I know anything about it (although I'm sure that it's wide and diverse).

I agree with you about the patient population-I think having a variety of opportunities is perhaps more important that living in a really nice area (at least for med school). You can also go to the suburbs as a resident.

Suburbs, yes, but less than 20 minutes from D.C.

20 minutes? Maybe in the middle of the night. Traffic in the area is a nightmare!

Hmm...interesting. I guess maybe I'll just say "either location". I should talk with my dad first because I know he lived in Richmond for quite a while before I was born.

[Incidentally, I'm guessing VCU doesn't care so much about "ties to the state"?]

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses (esp. beachblonde --very helpful).

Also cost of living and expenses will be higher in northern va vs richmond, not to mention traffic. So that is also something to consider.

Also cost of living and expenses will be higher in northern va vs richmond, not to mention traffic. So that is also something to consider.

Ah, yes, very good point.

I believe VCU does have some sort of housing arrangement set up for their students, but regardless rent will be much higher in Falls Church than it is down in Richmond. You'll also have to have a car-the public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. I would say anybody considering moving to the area needs to have a lot of patience when it comes to driving; if you cannot stand sitting in traffic, northern VA is not the place for you.

Ah, yes, very good point.

I believe VCU does have some sort of housing arrangement set up for their students, but regardless rent will be much higher in Falls Church than it is down in Richmond. You'll also have to have a car-the public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. I would say anybody considering moving to the area needs to have a lot of patience when it comes to driving; if you cannot stand sitting in traffic, northern VA is not the place for you.

Hmm. Well, fortunately, since I live in Florida it wouldn't be an impossibility to bring my car (I went to undergrad in CA and driving was an impossibility for me). I actually really like driving and the thought of being in the suburbs. :)

Good to know the VCU does help with housing in some way! That was one of the things I started wondering as I posted the last message. Do you happen to know if the housing is anywhere close to the hospital or if it's rather a long drive?

Thanks a million times for your help. Maybe I'll have the good luck to meet you guys in person in interviews :)

does anyone know how their priority score system works?

so for that filling in the years for when I reapplied....I'm confused do put in 2008 for entering class or 2007 for when I applied???????? I'm thinking 2008 but I need someone to confirm this for me. Thanks!!!

I also applied for to VCU the previous year for the 2008 entering class. I put in 2008 for the year of my previous application.

After I submitted my secondary, the university emailed me asking for a clarification on my past application year. I told them that I put in 2008 for the entering class year. The university emailed me back saying everything was fine.

Unfortunately, I'm not completely sure if VCU wants you to put down the year you actually applied during (which would be 2007) because I also withdrew pre-secondary last year, so VCU may have contacted me for that reason.

Either way, if there is a problem, VCU will email you about it and they are quick to pick up your response. Good luck!

Hmm. Well, fortunately, since I live in Florida it wouldn't be an impossibility to bring my car (I went to undergrad in CA and driving was an impossibility for me). I actually really like driving and the thought of being in the suburbs. :)

Good to know the VCU does help with housing in some way! That was one of the things I started wondering as I posted the last message. Do you happen to know if the housing is anywhere close to the hospital or if it's rather a long drive?

Thanks a million times for your help. Maybe I'll have the good luck to meet you guys in person in interviews :)

I believe that there's an apartment complex nearby that gives a discounted rated to VCU students. I don't think it's a very long drive (I'm not quite sure where it is, but I can't imagine that it's very far). VCU's website doesn't have a lot of info about this (I looked, not much luck) so I'm just trying to remember what I heard at my interview last year. Even if you did have to find your own housing, there are plenty of apartments nearby. But no promises that any of them will be remotely affordable! I would say it's reasonable to expect rent to be double what you'd pay in Richmond.

OOS applicant with good stats and decent ECs.

I just got an email a few hours ago


"The committee's file review indicates that they are interested in your candidacy. However, due to the increase in the applicant pool this year, it is clear we MAY be unable to interview all the candidates at your priority score. If we do find that we are able to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail"



Good, bad??? Who knows?

O and they bolded that MAY, not me

Consider the diction of the two statements. I received the same one you did today, after I submitted my secondary last night. Our statement seems to indicate that the file has been completely and positively reviewed, thus the statement "interested in your candidacy." The other statement says the admissions committee "would like to consider your file further," indicating a necessary further review of the file. It seems like the second statement is saying that the initial review was not sufficient for granting interest in a candidate, and must be looked at further. If I had to bet, I would guess that the "MAY" statement is a more positive indicator of an interview.

Good luck everyone!

Just a word of advice about the secondary (and honestly, I don't even remember what I wrote, except that I was careful to not discuss anything from AMCAS): be prepared to be asked about it in your interview. So write about something you want to talk about.

Instatewaiter has posted a lot of good tips on SDN : )

To those asking about INOVA: there is a whole bunch of chit chat about this over on the allo class thread. Personally, I don't exactly think of Richmond or DC the way I think of Manhattan, so this whole urban/suburban thing I don't get. If you live right next to the hospital, it will be suburban (little rows of homes, older strip malls, falls church and fairfax are "cute" old towns. But Alexandria, Arlington (I'm thinking of Shirlington) and Tysons Corner all have their high rises and walkable communities, and they're 15 min from the hospital (remember, you'll be going in before 7 most days, traffic is fine then -maybe it will take you a little longer to get home!)

Public transport to INOVA stinks, but there are several metro stations within easy driving distance.

You will have time to play 4th year. And you could certainly make time to get downtown for a concert or a museum trip, esp on the easier rotations.

Strange. I was complete last week (the 17th), and I haven't gotten an e-mail from them (i.e. the "we MAY..." message). Is anyone else complete but did not receive an e-mail??

Strange. I was complete last week (the 17th), and I haven't gotten an e-mail from them (i.e. the "we MAY..." message). Is anyone else complete but did not receive an e-mail??

I received an email simply stating check your status. Then I did, and it shows file complete, we're in the process of reviewing and determining your priority...none of the MAY in bolds stuff...don't know if that's good or bad...or neither?

Yep, that's exactly what I got. I don't know if it's good or bad either...

Just give them some time. It was about a week after I submitted that I got one of those messages; other peoples took longer or shorter. Don't sweat it for a little while longer.

This may be a strange question, but did anyone receive any e-mails from VCU during the day, or were they all after 6 pm?? (VCU time)

This may be a strange question, but did anyone receive any e-mails from VCU during the day, or were they all after 6 pm?? (VCU time)
According to a thread from last year (or a poster who applied last year, I forget) they only send out status messages at 6:30 the day of.

I got mine at 6pm Sunday night :confused:

Not sure how they have their system set up, but it seems to me they automatically send them out at some point in the evening. I just don't see an adcomm hitting send at 8pm EST on a Sunday to let me know I might get an interview, but maybe not, kinda depends on how they feel, or if they have enough spots, or maybe if they just got bored...

They got my primary application July 8th and still no word on a secondary...

This may be a strange question, but did anyone receive any e-mails from VCU during the day, or were they all after 6 pm?? (VCU time)

I used to get all my status updates at 6:03PM. YMMV.

I got mine at 6pm Sunday night :confused:

Not sure how they have their system set up, but it seems to me they automatically send them out at some point in the evening. I just don't see an adcomm hitting send at 8pm EST on a Sunday to let me know I might get an interview, but maybe not, kinda depends on how they feel, or if they have enough spots, or maybe if they just got bored...

They're not. It's pretty clear it's a batch system. From my and everyone else's experiences last year, it seems to work like this:

1. The ADCOM makes changes to the data in the system for those students where there's a change. This could happen any day during the week. Students at this point see no change in their status.
2. During interview season, status updates occur every evening. During offer season, they occur on specific dates. So, in the latter case, even though an update has been made, it won't show up until an official offer date. In the former, the change occurs in the evening.
3. At sometime around 6PM the day the change has been made in the case of secondary offers and interview invites (but not acceptances), the system now reflects the change on the student's page. This means that if you log in, you will see the change, even prior to receiving an update email. I *know* this is how this works for acceptances, and if I remember correctly, it's true for secondaries/interview invites. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
4. Another 24 hours passes, and the system generates an email saying the status has changed, and sends it to the individual. However, that change had been visible during that entire previous 24 hour period - you just had to have logged in arbitrarily and noticed it.

They're not. It's pretty clear it's a batch system. From my and everyone else's experiences last year, it seems to work like this:

1. The ADCOM makes changes to the data in the system for those students where there's a change. This could happen any day during the week. Students at this point see no change in their status.
2. During interview season, status updates occur every evening. During offer season, they occur on specific dates. So, in the latter case, even though an update has been made, it won't show up until an official offer date. In the former, the change occurs in the evening.
3. At sometime around 6PM the day the change has been made in the case of secondary offers and interview invites (but not acceptances), the system now reflects the change on the student's page. This means that if you log in, you will see the change, even prior to receiving an update email. I *know* this is how this works for acceptances, and if I remember correctly, it's true for secondaries/interview invites. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
4. Another 24 hours passes, and the system generates an email saying the status has changed, and sends it to the individual. However, that change had been visible during that entire previous 24 hour period - you just had to have logged in arbitrarily and noticed it.

The system does send emails at 603pm ET saying that you've had a status change, but I'm pretty sure your status does not change online until around the time the system updates. I knew I would be accepted from the waitlist about 12 hours before I got the email saying my status had changed (long story) and my status did not change until right around the time I got the email. Believe me, I checked that day. Often. I couldn't believe it until I had the acceptance notification in front of me.

[/B]

The system does send emails at 603pm ET saying that you've had a status change, but I'm pretty sure your status does not change online until around the time the system updates. I knew I would be accepted from the waitlist about 12 hours before I got the email saying my status had changed (long story) and my status did not change until right around the time I got the email. Believe me, I checked that day. Often. I couldn't believe it until I had the acceptance notification in front of me.

Interesting. Then all I can figure is that it only applies to the batch offer days. If it's one of the things that are done on a daily basis, like secondary offers, interview invites, and waitlist offers, the update on the page doesn't occur until the same time that the email is sent out. But for acceptance offers on the main offer dates (of which there were 4 last year), it definitely changes your status 24 hours in advance. The offer date I received an acceptance was 2/1, and at 6:00 on 2/1, my status had changed. I didn't receive the status email until 6:03 on 2/2.

So, except for admission offers, everyone should just expect the email and the status change to occur almost simultaneously.

They got my primary application July 8th and still no word on a secondary...

No news is better than bad news :)

No news is better than bad news :)

I volunteer at Montgomery General in Olney. :)

Btw, I got my secondary today from VCU at 6:04 PM. I am so awesome I shot myself in the foot (again) like I do in daily life. I submitted the application a short while ago. In one of the essays, I accidentally misspelled their school's name with "Commonweath" hahah. Man I am awesome. $80 just thrown away. :( I will be absolutely shocked if I get an interview invitation. I really dislike Windows Vista with that weird Microsoft Word they now have. :(

About what % of people who submit secondaries are rejected outright after their secondary is evaluated and do not get the "MAY" message, etc.?

I volunteer at Montgomery General in Olney. :)

Btw, I got my secondary today from VCU at 6:04 PM. I am so awesome I shot myself in the foot (again) like I do in daily life. I submitted the application a short while ago. In one of the essays, I accidentally misspelled their school's name with "Commonweath" hahah. Man I am awesome. $80 just thrown away. :( I will be absolutely shocked if I get an interview invitation. I really dislike Windows Vista with that weird Microsoft Word they now have. :(

Whoa, you completed it in under 3 hours? Did you already send your LORs too?

7/8 submit, 7/23 receive.

eh, WilliamsF1 == 49ers? :rolleyes:

eh, WilliamsF1 == 49ers? :rolleyes:

Haha, at least you were right about the 6:03 PM thing. ;) Time to go to bed, 5:15AM wakeup for MARC train to DC work. :(

anyone know if AP credit is okay for pre-reqs? can't seem to find it on the website. thanks!

I bring you a map! http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=4457459718275667306,38.897665,-77.036562&saddr=Inova+Fairfax+Hospital,+United+States&daddr=1600+Pennsylvania+Ave+NW,+Washington,+DC+205 00+(White+House)&mra=pe&mrcr=0&doflg=ptm&sll=38.879176,-77.130587&sspn=0.12615,0.251312&ie=UTF8&ll=38.876869,-77.132263&spn=0.126154,0.251312&t=h&z=12

That being said, INOVA Fairfax is (I believe) the largest hospital in Fairfax County, with about 800 beds and a well-regarded cardiovascular center.

http://www.inova.org/inova_fairfax_hospital/index.jsp

I bring you a map! http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=4457459718275667306,38.897665,-77.036562&saddr=Inova+Fairfax+Hospital,+United+States&daddr=1600+Pennsylvania+Ave+NW,+Washington,+DC+205 00+(White+House)&mra=pe&mrcr=0&doflg=ptm&sll=38.879176,-77.130587&sspn=0.12615,0.251312&ie=UTF8&ll=38.876869,-77.132263&spn=0.126154,0.251312&t=h&z=12

That being said, INOVA Fairfax is (I believe) the largest hospital in Fairfax County, with about 800 beds and a well-regarded cardiovascular center.

http://www.inova.org/inova_fairfax_hospital/index.jsp

Awesome. Good to know, once again.

If they determine your pre-interview priority score after evaluating your secondary, would it make sense to send a "why I like VCU" letter before you get your post-secondary message instead of waiting to send it out after you get placed on the pre-interview hold?

Wow, I just submitted my secondary last night, and tonight I received an email saying my status had changed. I ended up getting the "we MAY be unable to interview applicants at your priority score," which I'll take as a good sign? They're really on the ball, though, less than one day (and a Saturday at that) to review my secondary application. Perhaps I was given priority since I'm in-state (and a VCU alum).

Wow, I just submitted my secondary last night, and tonight I received an email saying my status had changed. I ended up getting the "we MAY be unable to interview applicants at your priority score," which I'll take as a good sign? They're really on the ball, though, less than one day (and a Saturday at that) to review my secondary application. Perhaps I was given priority since I'm in-state (and a VCU alum).

Wow, in less than one day... That is awesome. Congrats! Hopefully it turns into an invite soon.

anyone know if AP credit is okay for pre-reqs? can't seem to find it on the website. thanks!

bump

Anyone else still waiting on VCU to send a secondary? They have been looking at my AMCAS application for a while now... over 3 weeks and I haven't hurd anything....

jeff

Anyone else still waiting on VCU to send a secondary? They have been looking at my AMCAS application for a while now... over 3 weeks and I haven't hurd anything....

jeff

Same boat.

has anyone used the system built into the secondary to ask a question?

if so, how long did it take to get a response? and did they email or send it back through the message system?

i sent a message, and then realized i probably should have just called to ask...and now i don't want to call with a message pending.:o

When submitting the personal essay, it asks you to verify on the last page,

None of my paragraph breaks are showing!!! It's one long mess!! Is this how it is going to be submitted to the committee?

Mine's a little long. It is 700 words even though the thing said only 500-600 words would fit, since it fit, I figured it would be ok.

Did anyone else run into this problem? What did you do?

When submitting the personal essay, it asks you to verify on the last page,

None of my paragraph breaks are showing!!! It's one long mess!! Is this how it is going to be submitted to the committee?

Mine's a little long. It is 700 words even though the thing said only 500-600 words would fit, since it fit, I figured it would be ok.

Did anyone else run into this problem? What did you do?

I'm pretty sure that it tells you that formatting may be weird on the verification screen. I submitted this afternoon and I remember it saying something like that.

They are quick too--submitted this afternoon and had a status update this evening, about 3 hours later.

wrong place

ok so entering the years for previos years applied....do we have a consensus on that? which year do I put? Year I actually applied or the entering year for which I applied for?

ok so entering the years for previos years applied....do we have a consensus on that? which year do I put? Year I actually applied or the entering year for which I applied for?

I put year I applied (2006), which was for entering 2007 class.

Actually I think I just figured out my own question. Top of the page it says ap yr 2009...so it means I should put 2008 for last yrs app.

I put year I applied (2006), which was for entering 2007 class.

or maybe not...ok now Im confused again

or maybe not...ok now Im confused again

I really don't think it matters that much to be honest. You can put either year and explain it if they ever ask.

I really don't think it matters that much to be honest. You can put either year and explain it if they ever ask.

Yea you're right. Ok cool thanks.

Did anyone manage to format the essays to have breaks between each paragraph (or a tab before each paragraph)?

edit: i read the answer by amp3r5and, but i wanted to make sure everyone else ran into the same thing

Did anyone manage to format the essays to have breaks between each paragraph (or a tab before each paragraph)?

edit: i read the answer by amp3r5and, but i wanted to make sure everyone else ran into the same thing
I called and they said it will be formatted correctly when they see it.

I called and they said it will be formatted correctly when they see it.

thanks, ChubbyChaser!

Has anyone heard of VCU actually offering interviews yet (other than the vague messages), or has any got an interview?

Has anyone heard of VCU actually offering interviews yet (other than the vague messages), or has any got an interview?
Not yet, although I wish. Last year they started offering interviews around July 25th, so I guess they are taking more time or maybe have more applicants? Who knows.

I just got an email saying this:

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I just got an email saying this:

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.
Thats a good sign...ppl that get that one...and the MAY be unable to interview have a good shot at an II.

Thats a good sign...ppl that get that one...and the MAY be unable to interview have a good shot at an II.

Yeah, I got the "MAY" email today, no idea what that means? I'll ::cross fingers::

Yeah, I got the "MAY" email today, no idea what that means? I'll ::cross fingers::

Nice! Hopefully it turns into an interview in the near future.

Can I ask when you were complete?

Nice! Hopefully it turns into an interview in the near future.

Can I ask when you were complete?

Thanks! We'll see, I really have no idea how to interpret this..I'm almost kinda thankful no other schools seem to be so intent on being a big tease.

I was complete 7/21.

Thanks! We'll see, I really have no idea how to interpret this..I'm almost kinda thankful no other schools seem to be so intent on being a big tease.

I was complete 7/21.

It's definitely one of the "good" hold messages.

Thanks for the info!

If they determine your pre-interview priority score after evaluating your secondary, would it make sense to send a "why I like VCU" letter before you get your post-secondary message instead of waiting to send it out after you get placed on the pre-interview hold?

I don't remember all the details about the priority score (someone help me with the link to the old thread) but I'm pretty sure it's not something you can influence much -its mostly gpa, mcat, and then sorted into IS/OOS.

To those of you worried about hearing about interviews, I was complete about a year and a week ago, and I heard nothing for a good month, but interviewed in September. Also check your spam filters! I got no email from MCV forever because it was being marked as spam by my email service.

I don't remember all the details about the priority score (someone help me with the link to the old thread) but I'm pretty sure it's not something you can influence much -its mostly gpa, mcat, and then sorted into IS/OOS.

To those of you worried about hearing about interviews, I was complete about a year and a week ago, and I heard nothing for a good month, but interviewed in September. Also check your spam filters! I got no email from MCV forever because it was being marked as spam by my email service.

Cool, thanks.

Congrats on your acceptance. :thumbup:

I just got an email saying this:

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

Do you guys know if this one is considered to be a "bad" hold?
Thanks

Do you guys know if this one is considered to be a "bad" hold?
Thanks
I dont think so...Lots of ppl got interviews last year

Correct me if im wrong.

I dont think so...Lots of ppl got interviews last year

Correct me if im wrong.

Yeah, you are right. The "bad" one says the committee wants to consider your app further but "they have some reservations about granting an interview." I think (not 100% sure) the MAY one is the best hold though.

Yeah, you are right. The "bad" one says the committee wants to consider your app further but "they have some reservations about granting an interview." I think (not 100% sure) the MAY one is the best hold though.
really?? how did you find out the "MAY" one is the best?

really?? how did you find out the "MAY" one is the best?

I believe that was the consensus reached in last year's thread. The wording is better ("they are interested in your candidacy" vs. "they would like to consider your file further") and I think SDN'ers with the MAY message got more interviews... at least that's what I recall.

I believe that was the consensus reached in last year's thread. The wording is better ("they are interested in your candidacy" vs. "they would like to consider your file further") and I think SDN'ers with the MAY message got more interviews... at least that's what I recall.
thanks:D

"The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken."

That's sort of good I guess.

"The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken."

That's sort of good I guess.

Much better than a rejection for sure.

Can I ask when you were complete?

Much better than a rejection for sure.

Can I ask when you were complete?
I believe July 15.

Yeah, you are right. The "bad" one says the committee wants to consider your app further but "they have some reservations about granting an interview." I think (not 100% sure) the MAY one is the best hold though.

Oh...
CRAP...
I reread the thread. I guess I got the bad one! I thought mine was a bit better since I didn't have the word "unfortunately" and that I'm being reviewed again versus being on hold. DANGIT!

I believe July 15.

Thanks. Hopefully your status turns into an invite soon. :)

Oh...
CRAP...
I reread the thread. I guess I got the bad one! I thought mine was a bit better since I didn't have the word "unfortunately" and that I'm being reviewed again versus being on hold. DANGIT!

Still, some people with that message eventually get interviews and it's much better than the rejection message.

Still, some people with that message eventually get interviews and it's much better than the rejection message.
Yes, definitely better than a rejection. I hope to get an interview. I guess I'll find out by the end of the month.

Hey guys, I got this, what you all think
"The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date."

Wow, I just submitted my secondary last night, and tonight I received an email saying my status had changed. I ended up getting the "we MAY be unable to interview applicants at your priority score," which I'll take as a good sign? They're really on the ball, though, less than one day (and a Saturday at that) to review my secondary application. Perhaps I was given priority since I'm in-state (and a VCU alum).

wait waht? may be UNABLE to interview...

is that at typo or are you guys reading wrong...

Hey guys, I got this, what you all think
"The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date."
Sounds golden to me. They probably plan on reviewing to a certain date before handing out invites. Looks like you'll be in the first batch.

Well I think VCU wins hands down for the most ambiguous responses, thats for sure

wait waht? may be UNABLE to interview...

is that at typo or are you guys reading wrong...

It's copy-pasted directly from the secondary site. Yes, it says we may be UNABLE to interview you...

And supposedly that's the second-best one to get (behind the "we are very interested in your candidacy" message).

It's copy-pasted directly from the secondary site. Yes, it says we may be UNABLE to interview you...

And supposedly that's the second-best one to get (behind the "we are very interested in your candidacy" message).

I should note that very was not underlined in the email...i just wanted people to notice because the message sounds similar for everyone at the beginning.

VCU seems to be sending mixed signals anyways to a lot of people....i guess all we can do is wait....i suspect we should hear something soon. Goodluck:luck:!!

PS: if anyone cares, I submit my application sometime between july 25-july 28. I got that email Aug. 1st.

I should note that very was not underlined in the email...i just wanted people to notice because the message sounds similar for everyone at the beginning.

VCU seems to be sending mixed signals anyways to a lot of people....i guess all we can do is wait....i suspect we should hear something soon. Goodluck:luck:!!

PS: if anyone cares, I submit my application sometime between july 25-july 28. I got that email Aug. 1st.

Good luck to you too! Yes, I expect we will start hearing from them re: interviews within the next two weeks. :thumbup:

My application was complete on July 24th and still no updates other than the complete status notification. :(

My application was complete on July 24th and still no updates other than the complete status notification. :(

Yeah, I was complete on the 23rd and haven't gotten an update either... seems like they get back to the people who receive the best update messages ASAP. :scared:

Naw... they took a WHILE to get back on mine and I got the "MAY" update message...

I wouldn't try to figure out their system quite yet... I say that because i've wasted enough of my own time trying to figure it out already.

best of luck to you.

Yeah, I was complete on the 23rd and haven't gotten an update either... seems like they get back to the people who receive the best update messages ASAP. :scared:

Naw... they took a WHILE to get back on mine and I got the "MAY" update message...

I wouldn't try to figure out their system quite yet... I say that because i've wasted enough of my own time trying to figure it out already.

best of luck to you.

Ha, thanks for the info. And congrats on the MAY message.

Haha... thanks but I don't necessarily know that it's a good sign. I think it's the middle-tier, if I had to guess... maybe 50/50 of the MAYs will be interviewed? who knows. there i go trying to figure out the system again. This rat race has got to end. hehe

Ha, thanks for the info. And congrats on the MAY message.

I got the MAY message as well but I'm applying MD/PhD so I don't know if the system is any different for us. Congrats to those who got the VERY message. I'm quite jealous... although i have absolutely no idea what this all means.

Congrats on the messege. It seems like a high Pri score.
May I ask if you are an In-state student or not?

Hey guys, I got this, what you all think
"The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date."

May I ask if you are a In-state student or not?

I just got this update. Not good? :(

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I just got this update. Not good? :(

It's not the best message you can get, but still good. Congrats.

after looking at your mdapps and based on the few messages i've seen you post on here, if I were an adcom member, you'd get my vote for SURE!

It's not the best message you can get, but still good. Congrats.

after looking at your mdapps and based on the few messages i've seen you post on here, if I were an adcom member, you'd get my vote for SURE!

Thanks :) Hopefully I can get an interview for GU like you did. Congrats to you!

I just got this update. Not good? :(

When was your application complete? I can't imagine that they would give you a less friendly message with a 4.0 32 mcat. Unless, you submitted like yesterday.

yeah. holy crap, your #s are outrageous. If they dont swoop you up, another med school will. dont you worry my friend

I just got this update. Not good? :(

When was your application complete? I can't imagine that they would give you a less friendly message with a 4.0 32 mcat. Unless, you submitted like yesterday.

Complete 7/24 per MDapps :)

Gtown would be the PERFECT place for you, given your background!

Thanks :) Hopefully I can get an interview for GU like you did. Congrats to you!

Gtown would be the PERFECT place for you, given your background!

I was over in Dupont Circle Saturday night. Went to Buffalo Billiards and then Front Page. Nice area DC is. :)

Complete 7/24 per MDapps :)

weird, when did you get the message?

Particularly for a lawyer. Your schmoozing game will be sick. I will have to tag along with you on friday nights, if we both end up there.. hope you dont mind.


I was over in Dupont Circle Saturday night. Went to Buffalo Billards and then Front Page. Nice area DC is. :)

weird, when did you get the message?

Today at 6:04 PM.

Particularly for a lawyer. Your schmoozing game will be sick. I will have to tag along with you on friday nights, if we both end up there.. hope you dont mind.

I'm not a lawyer, but I go out to bars with lawyers. And yes, they're pretty good at what they do, LOL! Adams Morgan is pretty crazy.

wow, you guys weren't kidding about the quick turn-around time at VCU. complete yesterday, just got the status update today

best of luck all

OOPS! I meant CopperDime.

Man, i'm trying to work while doing this. I need to get away from SDN.

Adams Morgan is pretty sick.

I'm not a lawyer, but I go out to bars with lawyers. And yes, they're pretty good at what they do, LOL! Adams Morgan is pretty crazy.

They are a model institution in terms of timing.

wow, you guys weren't kidding about the quick turn-around time at VCU. complete yesterday, just got the status update today

best of luck all

I can't imagine that they would give you a less friendly message with a 4.0 32 mcat. Unless, you submitted like yesterday.

uh
is submitting a secondary in the first week of august late? :[

uh
is submitting a secondary in the first week of august late? :[

No. That's still early imo.

uh
is submitting a secondary in the first week of august late? :[

I submitted mine last year in Sept (I think it might have been late Sept, too) and I got an interview. August is fine.

Now, scheduling interviews with them is another thing entirely. Mine was three months after my invite! That's absurd (talk about dragging out the process).

Does anyone know what advantage does interviewing early--lets say in september--has compared with interviewing later in the year--lets say in January?

Does anyone know what advantage does interviewing early--lets say in september--has compared with interviewing later in the year--lets say in January?

If you don't get an offer right away, there are more opportunities for your application to be reviewed again for an offer. Also, there are more offers you're fighting for earlier rather than later.

Congrats on the messege. It seems like a high Pri score.
May I ask if you are an In-state student or not?

OOS. weird huh? people have way better MCAT scores then me too....

i think it was my letter of rec and my secondary essays. I really nailed both of them. for the specialty, I already know what i want to do, and have a good reason for picking it.

For second essay, where they want to know about you more, i just wrote a story....in a funny way. I wanted them to know that I have a sense of humor. :)

OOS. weird huh? people have way better MCAT scores then me too....

i think it was my letter of rec and my secondary essays. I really nailed both of them. for the specialty, I already know what i want to do, and have a good reason for picking it.

For second essay, where they want to know about you more, i just wrote a story....in a funny way. I wanted them to know that I have a sense of humor. :)

What are you talking about? You have perfect numbers (higher than average for VCU).
I couldn't agree more. People, no matter who they are, would like to feel good and entertained, and apparantly you did it well.

If you don't get an offer right away, there are more opportunities for your application to be reviewed again for an offer. Also, there are more offers you're fighting for earlier rather than later.

Thanks. It does make sense.

Got the "bad" message... not too surprised but still disappointed.

Complete 7/23 for anyone who is still waiting.

I just got the "may" letter too. How many versions of this letter are there? How come the "may" letter doesn't mean waitlisted?

Got the "bad" message... not too surprised but still disappointed.

Complete 7/23 for anyone who is still waiting.


What is the bad message?

What is the bad message?

The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I also have a hold for grades even though I'm not enrolled in school.

The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I also have a hold for grades even though I'm not enrolled in school.

that doesnt sound that bad. I got the unfortunately message lol. Is it even worth trying to rationalize these messages?

The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I also have a hold for grades even though I'm not enrolled in school.

utahjazz, keep the hope alive, I wish you the best of luck!

In a sense... the message is BETTER than the "MAY" message... because he's (supposedly) going to be getting more eyes looking at his application... and in this game, just having the dust wiped off of your app and someone taking a look at it means a heck of a lot.

utahjazz, keep the hope alive, I wish you the best of luck!

In a sense... the message is BETTER than the "MAY" message... because he's (supposedly) going to be getting more eyes looking at his application... and in this game, just having the dust wiped off of your app and someone taking a look at it means a heck of a lot.

Sorry to burst that bubble...but, no. The "very interested" is the best message, with "may interview" being next. The "we have reservations" is at the bottom of the pile...right above the rejections.

VCU uses an obscure tier system that stems from priority scores...the status messages are just reflective of the priority score you have (which they will never tell you, fyi).

I don't recall exactly who got interviews last year, maybe check out the VCU thread...? I got the "may" message and was invited for interview a few weeks later. But I know not everybody who wasn't automatically rejected post-secondary got interviews.

I wonder how many will be interviewed this year? Last year it was 800-ish.

Was trying to put a positive spin on it, but yeah...

Sorry to burst that bubble...but, no. The "very interested" is the best message, with "may interview" being next. The "we have reservations" is at the bottom of the pile...right above the rejections.

VCU uses an obscure tier system that stems from priority scores...the status messages are just reflective of the priority score you have (which they will never tell you, fyi).

I don't recall exactly who got interviews last year, maybe check out the VCU thread...? I got the "may" message and was invited for interview a few weeks later. But I know not everybody who wasn't automatically rejected post-secondary got interviews.

I wonder how many will be interviewed this year? Last year it was 800-ish.

Was trying to put a positive spin on it, but yeah...

sorry...I'm such a debbie downer....

ack, this process makes me all bitter and whatnot...esp. when VCU is concerned. stupid waitlist.

I feel ya completely.

sorry...I'm such a debbie downer....

ack, this process makes me all bitter and whatnot...esp. when VCU is concerned. stupid waitlist.

utahjazz, keep the hope alive, I wish you the best of luck!

Thanks. It's definitely better than a rejection. :) I was happy to just get past the screen... a few people with better GPAs and MCAT scores than I have didn't make it.

Was trying to put a positive spin on it, but yeah...

I definitely appreciated the positive spin!

And congrats on the Georgetown invite... very awesome.

Thanks man. It's only a matter of time for you.

I definitely appreciated the positive spin!

And congrats on the Georgetown invite... very awesome.

Sorry to burst that bubble...but, no. The "very interested" is the best message, with "may interview" being next. The "we have reservations" is at the bottom of the pile...right above the rejections.

VCU uses an obscure tier system that stems from priority scores...the status messages are just reflective of the priority score you have (which they will never tell you, fyi).

I don't recall exactly who got interviews last year, maybe check out the VCU thread...? I got the "may" message and was invited for interview a few weeks later. But I know not everybody who wasn't automatically rejected post-secondary got interviews.

I wonder how many will be interviewed this year? Last year it was 800-ish.

I've never seen a message stating "we have reservations" what does that one look like?

Here are the 5 different messages so far and "order" that I see:

Application Status



"The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date."

"The committee's file review indicates that they are interested in your candidacy. However, due to the increase in the applicant pool this year, it is clear we MAY be unable to interview all the candidates at your priority score. If we do find that we are able to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail."

"The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken."

"The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview. Since they have some reservations about granting an interview, your file will be reviewed again by a small sub-committee before making a final decision. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken."

"REEEEEEEEEEEEJECTEEEED"

nice summary, pjg.

now we just need to start a thread with that info and sticky it so we can forestall the inevitable million threads asking what a certain priority ranking means.

Anybody know if MCV takes letters of interest/intent? I'm obviously not sending one now, but I would like to start crafting one if they'll take it. I just talked about a lot of my interests in the essay, and feel like I should have taken a different approach now. I really would love to go to MCV for a lot of reasons.

I sent them a LOI last year, post-interview.

Can't say it helped my cause much, but it probably didn't hurt. Given the discussions I've had with Dr. WC, they had plenty of other reasons to not accept me :rolleyes:.

I sent them a LOI last year, post-interview.

Can't say it helped my cause much, but it probably didn't hurt. Given the discussions I've had with Dr. WC, they had plenty of other reasons to not accept me :rolleyes:.
Who did you address it to and what form (email, snail mail typed, snail mail written, etc.)? Thanks!

I sent it to Dr. WC, snail mail typed, but signed.

Since they have all of the files on the computer, you could probably just email it because they'll be scanning the snail mail one in anyways.

I saw on the other VCU thread that I've been following that our fellow SDN-er, Irvin, was rejected pre-secondary this year after being interviewed last year.

This happened to me, as well. They had my application from AMCAS for about 24 hours before rejecting me.

I want to give you all a heads up about VCU, because frankly I don't really care now what I write online and if they maybe don't appreciate me repeating what I've been told by people in their admissions office.

I met with the dean several months ago regarding my spot on the waitlist, and how I could improve my application. She told me, in short:
Anything less than a 4.0 is "unacceptable"
My MCAT score shows that I am "clearly intelligent enough" for medical school, but that my undergrad gpa proves that I am "lazy" and that I "have a poor work ethic"

She also then proceeded to tell me than in order to "prove that I am dedicated to medicine" I would need to do the following:
enroll in another graduate program (I am already a masters student) and get a 4.0 in said program
do another 400 hours of shadowing
do a trip to Africa for medical mission work
....and if I do all that, I "may be ready for admission" for the fall of 2010 or 2011

As part of my masters program I am doing research, and she told me that it was a waste of my time and VCU would not look favorably upon it. Nevermind that I am required to do research in order to graduate.

I have friends who have met with the same dean, and they have been told:
"you must enroll in a masters program if you want to be admitted;" of course VCU's own program was recommended. when this student said that she has severe financial hardship and can't pay for more school, the dean said "too bad."

So I wish the rest of you good luck with the app process, but don't expect much from VCU. They apparently wish they were UVa! Talk about unreasonable expectations. The irony here is that of the students I know who attend VCU for medical school (about 20 people spread over several class years) NONE of them fit the above expectations! So there ya go...I think they owe it to students who interviewed in years prior to at least allow them to submit a secondary. But I guess not.

I believe that was the consensus reached in last year's thread. The wording is better ("they are interested in your candidacy" vs. "they would like to consider your file further") and I think SDN'ers with the MAY message got more interviews... at least that's what I recall.

So confused: where do we stand now? Very > MAY > reservations > rejected?

I want to know why they weren't very interested in my candidacy! :mad: I was VERY interested in their school and said as much in their secondary! In great detail, too, I might add. They could at least return the favor. Geez. C'mon now, VCU.

do we have any idea when the first batch of interview invites will be issued?