2006 VCU Central

[chattkis]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Well UMiami also has a status page thingy and they are letting there students know prior to the 15th. I think VCU should follow suite 😛 . They could just update our status without sending us an email so that way if we check and find good news, it'll just be a coincedence! Although this would only further our compulsive nature... 😀

MCV/VCU is my top choice too ShyRem, but I gotta be realistic here... 😳

Hey ShyRem and jj08, just curious as to your reasons why VCU is your first choice. Im kind of naive when it comes to one VA school vs. another.

 

[bsteves4]

so what does it mean if you interviewd, and then you get the e-mail status update that asks to fill out a survey, and then thats it?

or is this what most people got post interview?

for VCU being very open about thier admissions procedure, im still very confused.. i must be a dumb@$$

thanks!

 

[jj08]

so what does it mean if you interviewd, and then you get the e-mail status update that asks to fill out a survey, and then thats it?

or is this what most people got post interview?

After your interview, you will get a interview survey and also a status update, once the committee has reviewed your file. Your status update will probably say that they've put your file on hold for a later action (i.e. possible acceptance come Oct. 15., Dec. 15, or at the end of Jan.). 🙂

Hey ShyRem and jj08, just curious as to your reasons why VCU is your first choice. Im kind of naive when it comes to one VA school vs. another.

Chattkis-

I surely can't help enlighten you in anyway when it comes to the VA schools since I do not know much about UVa or EVMS but I can tell you why I like MCV/VCU so much 🙂 . A have a few close friends that are current med students there (MSI-MSIV) and whenever I've visted them, I've attended lectures with them and what not (they wanted to give me a feel for why they love their school). The biggest factor that impressed me about MCV was the atmosphere. It was extrememly laid back (not to be understood as easy, mind you) but the students study hard for exams (which explains the high averages).

Another factor about MCV was the nature of the professors. Everybody loves Dr. Costanzo. She's the author of the student favorite step I study guide, Physiology Review. And when I attended lecture, I could see why! She is awesome. I loved her lecture style- clean and precise. I also met Dr. Pittman. He is this kind, warm-hearted man that reminds me very much of a loving grandfather. When I was intorduced to both professors, they were very warm and cordial (although people, in general, won't come off as a prick the first time you meet them).

The students at MCV are happy to be where they are and the majority of them seemed very thankful for the opportunity to study medicine. Seeing the school through the eyes of the typical med student definitely sold me. 🙂

 

[ShyRem]

Whether one school becomes your top choice or not is a purely personal decision based on the atmosphere observed, the curriculum, the interview experience, the area, and a variety of non-tangible things. It's hard to say... and like jj, I have no experience with other VA schools, sorry. Personally, the early exposure to patient care is totally awesome. The students love that school, the atmosphere is a cooperative one rather than cut-throat, the staff I have met (and not just on inteview day) have been absolutely fabulous to me, and my interviewer was wonderful. Also the most open about the application and acceptance process, in spite of the 'cryptic' messages many get during the process (hey, at least it's not a black hole of non-communication).

 

[dmtang]

and virginia girls are hot.

 

[crazy_cavalier]

The students love that school, the atmosphere is a cooperative one rather than cut-throat, the staff I have met (and not just on inteview day) have been absolutely fabulous to me, and my interviewer was wonderful.

Ya, I liked my interviewer a lot too!

Also, at VCU you're not graded based on a class distribution - as a result, there isn't a huge push for cutthroat, me vs. rest of the class studying. It's more like: me vs. the best that I can do.

Btw, I still don't have this mysterious "review and hold for future action" status update (that shy and jj got). However, I have completed the survey. 🙂

 

[drmota]

can someone explain to me why everyone and their mother applies to VCU?
thanks
-mota

 

[Orth2006]

can someone explain to me why everyone and their mother applies to VCU?
thanks
-mota

Same reason why everyone and their great grandmother apply to harvard, drexel, temple, jefferson, Tufts, NYMC etc.

Tufts 8368/881/169
NYMC 8824/1310/185
Harvard 5394/711/165
Drexel 7934/1729/226
VCU 4314/670/184

 

[chattkis]

and virginia girls are hot.

thanks

 

[ShyRem]

DaMota, one of the nicest things about applying to VCU is that the secondary is screened. So if you pass the first screening you know you're doing allright.

 

[scneuro]

Question, I know the VCU ADCOM meets on Mondays and that they are behind in reviewing files of people who have been interviewed, but how long was it between the Monday after your interview and that you got the status update if you put on hold for consideration in the next batch of applicants? Also when do you receive this survey that some of talked about?

 

[ShyRem]

I got the survey the same day of my interview (9/26). I got my status update for 'put on hold for further action' on 10/5.

 

[jj08]

scneuro & crazy_cavalier

I interviewed on 9/20 and received the interview survey on 9/22. I received the "hold for a later action" notice same day as ShyRem, 10/5. In fact, many of the other applicants also received the notice at the same time (chattkis, blee).

I wouldn't be concerned since the staff there seems to be on top of things. You will get the updates in time. 🙂

 

[JTHURMA]

can someone explain to me why everyone and their mother applies to VCU?
thanks
-mota

Their class size is 184, which means they accept far more than that. Plus, of those 184, the last class was only 55% In-State so there's a chance for OOS applicants.

The screening is also a big plus, because at least you feel they aren't pulling you along needlessly.

 

[scneuro]

Their class size is 184, which means they accept far more than that. Plus, of those 184, the last class was only 55% In-State so there's a chance for OOS applicants.

The screening is also a big plus, because at least you feel they aren't pulling you along needlessly.

Just want to clarify. They don't accept more than 184 initially. The Dean of Admissions said that they only offer 184 acceptances and then as people decline then they start to pull people off the wait-list. That way they prevent from overbooking the class and messing up the instate to oos ratio.

 

[JTHURMA]

Just want to clarify. They don't accept more than 184 initially. The Dean of Admissions said that they only offer 184 acceptances and then as people decline then they start to pull people off the wait-list. That way they prevent from overbooking the class and messing up the instate to oos ratio.

Yeah.. I when I was writing I was wondering how they kept that number so exact!

 

[chattkis]

Whether one school becomes your top choice or not is a purely personal decision based on the atmosphere observed, the curriculum, the interview experience, the area, and a variety of non-tangible things. It's hard to say... and like jj, I have no experience with other VA schools, sorry. Personally, the early exposure to patient care is totally awesome. The students love that school, the atmosphere is a cooperative one rather than cut-throat, the staff I have met (and not just on inteview day) have been absolutely fabulous to me, and my interviewer was wonderful. Also the most open about the application and acceptance process, in spite of the 'cryptic' messages many get during the process (hey, at least it's not a black hole of non-communication).

Its just so hard since the schools ive been to all seem great to me, you know? Each school seems to have the same amount of pluses and minuses. I have no idea where I would have a better experience and that freaks me out slightly because what if I pick the wrong one. (all assuming I will have a choice!)

 

[jj08]

Its just so hard since the schools ive been to all seem great to me, you know? Each school seems to have the same amount of pluses and minuses. I have no idea where I would have a better experience and that freaks me out slightly because what if I pick the wrong one. (all assuming I will have a choice!)

Pick the school that you feel most comfortable and at ease with. If you need to, go back for a second look. 🙂

 

[blee]

Its just so hard since the schools ive been to all seem great to me, you know? Each school seems to have the same amount of pluses and minuses. I have no idea where I would have a better experience and that freaks me out slightly because what if I pick the wrong one. (all assuming I will have a choice!)

I totally agree w/ this. I've found some things about every school that really appeal to me, and I've also found things that aren't so hot. If I'm lucky enough to choose, I'm going to have a really hard time picking "the one.

I mean, damn, it wasn't this hard to find my wife.

 

[chattkis]

I mean, damn, it wasn't this hard to find my wife.

totally agree!... edit:husband 😉

 

[jj08]

chattkis-

Another thing about MCV/VCU that I forgot to mention- I love their testing style. Every two weeks you take an exam and you are given all the info in a fat fat packet. All exams are multiple choice except the anatomy practical (which is fill in). That's my kind of studying environment 🙂

 

[cfdavid]

chattkis-

Another thing about MCV/VCU that I forgot to mention- I love their testing style. Every two weeks you take an exam and you are given all the info in a fat fat packet. All exams are multiple choice except the anatomy practical (which is fill in). That's my kind of studying environment 🙂

Agreed. Their block system is also the way to go IMO. I really like that aspect of their curriculum.

 

[blee]

The block system is a good thing. I'm a little unclear on their curriculum structure, though. THe website mentions small group sessions twice a week, but I can't tell whether that's a major part of the curriculum or whether they're somewhat less emphasized.

 

[cfdavid]

The block system is a good thing. I'm a little unclear on their curriculum structure, though. THe website mentions small group sessions twice a week, but I can't tell whether that's a major part of the curriculum or whether they're somewhat less emphasized.

From what I remember, something like twice per month, for a full afternoon each, you will work with a primary care doctor. Then, I THINK the group discussions pertain to those experiences or specific cases etc.

This all happens in the 1st year.

 

[Orth2006]

i just received a status update from VCU and made myself really nervous to find out they wanted me to fill out a survey. poop. 😳

This status update for the survey does everyone recieve it after the interview?

 

[chattkis]

This status update for the survey does everyone recieve it after the interview?

I think so. It took about 2 weeks for them to update it for me though!

 

[blee]

I just wish it were Saturday, or tomorrow, or Monday, or whenever they decide to post their first round of acceptees.

 

[dmtang]

lucky u guys. i didnt even get a VCU interview yet.

 

[jj08]

I just wish it were Saturday, or tomorrow, or Monday, or whenever they decide to post their first round of acceptees.

Hey guys-

I called the office inquiring about whether the acceptances were gonna be sent out on the 15th or 17th. Kenny, the person I spoke with, said, "the deadline for applying is the 15th." I was thinking ( 😕 ) applying? I'm talking about the october acceptances! He recovered by saying that the acceptances can go out any time after the 15th but not necessarily ON the 15th. Someone want to call and double triple check, please? The conversation was about as clear as mud to me 🙁

 

[medicomel]

I think he means that the earliest that any decision can be sent out is 10/15. It's not like they've made decisions regarding all applicants who have interviewed thus far, hence releasing a slew of acceptances on Saturday. I'm in the same boat with some other schools, so I'm freaked out as well. Hopefully it will fly by. 🙁

 

[dmtang]

Hey guys-

I called the office inquiring about whether the acceptances were gonna be sent out on the 15th or 17th. Kenny, the person I spoke with, said, "the deadline for applying is the 15th." I was thinking ( 😕 ) applying? I'm talking about the october acceptances! He recovered by saying that the acceptances can go out any time after the 15th but not necessarily ON the 15th. Someone want to call and double triple check, please? The conversation was about as clear as mud to me 🙁

from what i understand, acceptances go out by snail mail on or after the 15th. but your status will actually show whether you are accpeted or not. because some finacial aid info is on the status page.

 

[jj08]

from what i understand, acceptances go out by snail mail on or after the 15th. but your status will actually show whether you are accpeted or not. because some finacial aid info is on the status page.

huh-

he made it sound like they were not planning on sending out the acceptances until a week or so after the 15th! I think I am gonna have to call again tomorrow. wait a minute! why am I getting my panties in a bunch?! Only 15-20 acceptances will be going out! arghhhhh... I always have to remind myself of that everytime I get a little too excited.

 

[jj08]

It's not like they've made decisions regarding all applicants who have interviewed thus far, hence releasing a slew of acceptances on Saturday.

well this is true since they don't decide until that day who gets an acceptance. From what I remember from the info session each file that is reviewed gets assigned a score. On that particular day, Dr. H goes before the committee and asks them what scores should they accept. The committee then tells her something like 1.0-1.5. The applicants with scores that fall between 1.0-1.5 get acceptances.

 

[chattkis]

Does the MSAR have school rankings? Does anyone know what VCU ranks compared to other schools?

 

[DrHopeless]

I am sure almost a 100% sure that the very first round of acceptance will be on the 15th (given system delay and everything lastest I would say 17th). I spoke to them in person. And sad news Dr. H is leaving all of us........ She will stay for a while longer but she will not be part of the 2010 Class.

 

[Pewl]

woo hoo! I just got an interview at VCU today! BAHA. Man, I don't wanna fly there, but oh well. I will take every single opportunity I get, at this point.

 

[jj08]

And sad news Dr. H is leaving all of us........ She will stay for a while longer but she will not be part of the 2010 Class.

gasp! When is Dr. H leaving? Who's gonna take over her position? She told you guys this at the info session?!

 

[DrHopeless]

gasp! When is Dr. H leaving? Who's gonna take over her position? She told you guys this at the info session?!

She didn't give us much info all she said was that she is counting down the days She is retiring.

 

[calcrew14]

Does the MSAR have school rankings? Does anyone know what VCU ranks compared to other schools?

The last two rankings that I have, I always look at them up side down because it’s the only way to bring VCU up to the very top.

Only 60 schools participate in each ranking, I believe.

 

[sgrnspc]

I am sure almost a 100% sure that the very first round of acceptance will be on the 15th (given system delay and everything lastest I would say 17th). I spoke to them in person. And sad news Dr. H is leaving all of us........ She will stay for a while longer but she will not be part of the 2010 Class.

Drhopeless is exactly right... Dr. H stated that our status would be changed on the 15th but the computer delay would get them to us around the 17th... as for her leaving--it's really quite sad, she is/was one of the most truthful and straightforward people i've met in this process--and now she's leaving? 👎

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

woo hoo! I just got an interview at VCU today! BAHA. Man, I don't wanna fly there, but oh well. I will take every single opportunity I get, at this point.

Just out of curiousity, when were you complete? And what status email did you get?

 

[tank you]

is the interview invite by email or snail?

 

[deleted77919]

You get an e-mail saying you have a status update on the application status page. Then when you go to the page there's info about scheduling the interview, etc. Best of luck jtank, now you're trying to take away a spot in my state.

 

[ShyRem]

bump. Any news anyone?

 

[jj08]

bump. Any news anyone?

when I saw that you had bumped this thread I thought, crap-- the emails did go out b/c I figured you were posting to tell us that you got good news!

I have squat 🙁 and probably will until at least December.

 

[ShyRem]

I WISH I had good news. I'm sure we both will soon tho, jj!!!

 

[jj08]

I WISH I had good news. I'm sure we both will soon tho, jj!!!

I hope we will too 😀 ! However, going through this process last year I can tell you that getting waitlisted can suck. I dug up last year's thread and there were people who interviewed in September and were wailtlisted. What this means is a possible 6+ month wait!

Here's the link if you would like to plow through it 🙂 .

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=185540&page=1&pp=25&highlight=VCU+update+March

 

[surjski]

if you check your application status, they've handed out the october 15th acceptances. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[blee]

bump. Any news anyone?

YUP 😀 😀 😀

 

[jj08]

YUP 😀 😀 😀

congrats blee! I knew you would be hearing good news!

I'm so envious! 😀