2006 VCU Central

[cfdavid]

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Yes, but if I'm not mistaken the Adcom meets every Monday to review files and assign priority scores. So today, they should have completed their work and everybody that had an interview has a score. Now, depending on your rank, it's up to them when they send out accepted/waitlisted/rejected notices!! It's all up to the secretaries now!!

So they know, and everbody is in the dark until tomorrow or Wednesday, even Chuck Norris.

edit: check that out, I didn't even see that post above this one before I posted. It was just too much of an effort to scroll down!

Well, that may be true. Chuck Norris MAY be in the dark, but I'll bet 100 bucks that Steven Seagal knows EXACTLY what's up.

 

[jbone]

Wow, wake up and come to work and everyone has torn through 2 pages already! Must be an acceptance comming up. I can't beleive it is here...again. What is this #3 or #4? Damn.

I've accepted the fact that I'll be on hold until I die, or even BETTER, rejected. No biggie. Just part of life. Got a couple more interview invites and I have put money down at DMU (fantastic school), so I won't be left out in the cold. How about ya'll? Where will you go if you get rejected this time from VCU? Forget that talk...I've gotta have faith baby!! Sorry.

Anyway, no matter what happens, we'll always have Paris (VCU central thread). 👍 Keep it real folks and good luck to ya'll tommorow or Wednesday. Now back to hematology, I have a CSF I need to read.

I hate these damn games, I feel like I'm playing that dumb game show: "come on...no wammies no wammies...OH SH#!T, a wammie!" 😀

 

[Vizsla]

I've accepted the fact that I'll be on hold until I die, or even BETTER, rejected. No biggie. Just part of life. Got a couple more interview invites and I have put money down at DMU (fantastic school), so I won't be left out in the cold. How about ya'll? Where will you go if you get rejected this time from VCU? Forget that talk...I've gotta have faith baby!! Sorry.

Anyway, no matter what happens, we'll always have Paris (VCU central thread). 👍 Keep it real folks and good luck to ya'll tommorow or Wednesday. Now back to hematology, I have a CSF I need to read.

I have close friend that goes to DMU, she says its really intense but she seems like like it. Im waiting on decisions from gw and vcu...i really really dont feel like applying again dammit. I looked at the thread from last yr that was posted previously and it seems like lots of out of staters get in off the waitlist in May so I guess my personal countdown has about 50 days added to it...eh, ive never been an optimist

 

[goinverted]

Wow, wake up and come to work and everyone has torn through 2 pages already! Must be an acceptance comming up. I can't beleive it is here...again. What is this #3 or #4? Damn.

I've accepted the fact that I'll be on hold until I die, or even BETTER, rejected. No biggie. Just part of life. Got a couple more interview invites and I have put money down at DMU (fantastic school), so I won't be left out in the cold. How about ya'll? Where will you go if you get rejected this time from VCU? Forget that talk...I've gotta have faith baby!! Sorry.

Anyway, no matter what happens, we'll always have Paris (VCU central thread). 👍 Keep it real folks and good luck to ya'll tommorow or Wednesday. Now back to hematology, I have a CSF I need to read.

I hate these damn games, I feel like I'm playing that dumb game show: "come on...no wammies no wammies...OH SH#!T, a wammie!" 😀

Hey Bone head, where else did you get interviews from recently??

 

[jbone]

Hey Bone head, where else did you get interviews from recently??

Drexel and Meharry. But their classes are already full so why interview for the waitlist? I won't be able to go for two reasons: Too late in their cycle to waste the money. Second, I will be down and out w/ my knee all jacked up. It doesn't matter because VCU is my #1 choice and I will be so freakin pumped up if accepted.

I'm keeping the faith alive. And if I'm not fortunate enough to go to VCU, DMU is a fantastic alternative. The students won't be as cool though. 😉

BTW, what the hell are you doing up so late inverted? Isn't it past your bedtime?

 

[jbone]

BTW, first person to hear anything (post time, status changes etc) you must LET US KNOW!! 👍

 

[FDoRoML]

Well, I am pretending not to work. Nothing new posted on the VCU site, not that I expected anything at 8:30 in the morning! Heck, they are probably not even thinking about loging in over there yet... still wondering when the coffee will hit and they'll be able to enter those final priority scores into the computer. Well, OK, not they... I get the impression Dr. H does it all solo after the AdCom creates the numbers. So, here's to Dr. H (lifts imaginary glass of bourbon... no, tequila!). Yeah, drinking and research don't mix. Mmmm-K?

<1!!!

Good luck to everyone!

FDoRoML

 

[Highclimber]

I feel pathetic that I am sitting here on a beech in the dominical republic reading this thread...

 

[Apparition]

It's a tough call... they are so different and offer different benefits. I might even say they are tied for the different benefits (both have a lab doing research in my future intended specialty, so that's about even!). So I'd look at the aid package, all things being equal.

BUT, I have a sort of special circumstance-- I'm married and if VCU accepts me I will only have ~1.6 months for my husband to find a job, otherwise I would not even consider it anymore. PSU allows us, worst case, to move to York and commute in both directions (he works just north of Baltimore). No, it's not ideal to commute, but it's better than moving to a new place with zero income for 2 people. Actually, correction, with med school borrowing, it would be a negative income!

I liked both schools a lot during the interview and it's tough to compare them. VCU is more like UMD-- more "city" type medicine and living. PSU is more rural and pleasant. I don't mind either way b/c I was raised 1/2 on a farm and 1/2 in the inner city... both worlds are home. I have family in PA and VA, so that makes no difference either. See where I'm going with this reply?? Tough choice except for the whole job thing making the decision for me. I doubt I'll get a great scholarship from either school, so the aid package won't be drastically different either way since I'm OOS for both.

Yep. I have WAY overthought this. I like the people I've met at VCU and everyone I've "met" on this thread. Plus, I have a hard time arguing with the established reputation and pretty darned good boards VCU has... PSU doesn't talk much about this, or about class hours. I had a really wise Dean of Admissions in San Fran tell me that, if a school isn't saying something, it is probably on purpose and a weak point of the school. He is very right... noticed this at all of my interviews.

Wow. That was a long reply! Anyway, either way I will be called "Dr." in 4 years and everything other than that is a bonus. 😀

Your thoughts?

FDoRoML

I really liked PSU when I interviewed (the scenery is so beautiful even though I've never lived in a rural place) but I was waitlisted, which was very disappointing. But in terms of training I think VCU has more to offer if you want to practice in an urban environment. The people at VCU also seemed great, really down to earth. So, like you, I loved both schools. I was just curious what you think because these schools are so extremely different.

 

[madi]

Good luck there madi. I'm pulling for you.

Aww shucks. Thanks, cf.

I'm wishing the best for all of us as the time of the long-awaited offers approaches. I've got a deposit check written out to the Georgetown SMP, and if there's no acceptance from VCU then it's getting mailed on Thursday. Anyone else looking at a master's in DC next year?

 

[ShyRem]

Not me, madi. I'm in the same shoes as jbone. I have an acceptance to UNECOM (DO school in Maine). No Drexel or other interviews for me - I haven't had any recent invites at all. So if my very first choice of VCU doesn't come through for me, I'm going to Maine (which I absolutely loved).

 

[blee]

Aww shucks. Thanks, cf.

I'm wishing the best for all of us as the time of the long-awaited offers approaches. I've got a deposit check written out to the Georgetown SMP, and if there's no acceptance from VCU then it's getting mailed on Thursday. Anyone else looking at a master's in DC next year?

Not me. But if I don't go to Richmond, I'll go to GU. And if I go to GU, then you might end up taking my spot at VCU. Or, we may be classmates. Or, you might end up sitting next to me as an SMP.

Oh, the twisted fates of medical admissions. I think I've just blown my own mind.

 

[FDoRoML]

I really liked PSU when I interviewed (the scenery is so beautiful even though I've never lived in a rural place) but I was waitlisted, which was very disappointing. But in terms of training I think VCU has more to offer if you want to practice in an urban environment. The people at VCU also seemed great, really down to earth. So, like you, I loved both schools. I was just curious what you think because these schools are so extremely different.

Actually, you'd be surprised... VCU does some really great rural medicine in the Appalachian region. My interviewer there happened to be in charge of this program and I had asked her about the school's programs within the city and around the state for the underserved populations. So, it's more of a downfall of PSU for not having great urban medicine (as you mentioned). If I wanted to do EM, I'd definitely choose VCU first b/c PSU gets mostly traffic accidents for major trauma. I want to do surgery, so they are both pretty good for that.

The scary thing is that *if* I actually get an acceptance, I will be torn because I'd really like to go to VCU-- but I've already discussed the whole plan with my husband and we both agreed that the job thing is going to have to be a deciding factor (unless they offer me major "free" money-- yeah right!!).

But, well, for the benefit of all of the people here waiting for spots, rest assured I will relinquish a spot very promptly if we get no job... and I will drop off the waitlist pretty much right away (can't afford to wait it out with the family factor). You are all so awesome-- and I wish you could all get in... but I will do my part with at least one spot if I get the chance!

 

[Vizsla]

Not me. But if I don't go to Richmond, I'll go to GU. And if I go to GU, then you might end up taking my spot at VCU. Or, we may be classmates. Or, you might end up sitting next to me as an SMP.

Oh, the twisted fates of medical admissions. I think I've just blown my own mind.

😀

Madi, arent you still waiting on EVMS? youre in-state there so you definitely have a good chance.

 

[madi]

😀

Madi, arent you still waiting on EVMS? youre in-state there so you definitely have a good chance.

I am. Unfortunately, when I called last week I found out that I had dropped from the top 1/3 of their waitlist (where I was at from October through January) to the middle 1/3. That doesn't bode well for me.

Either way, I want to secure my back-up plan, even if I will continue to watch the waitlist movement at EVMS and VCU with eager anticipation.

 

[madi]

Actually, you'd be surprised... VCU does some really great rural medicine in the Appalachian region. My interviewer there happened to be in charge of this program and I had asked her about the school's programs within the city and around the state for the underserved populations.

FDoRoML, did you interview with Dr. Michelle Whitehust Cook?

 

[madi]

Not me. But if I don't go to Richmond, I'll go to GU. And if I go to GU, then you might end up taking my spot at VCU. Or, we may be classmates. Or, you might end up sitting next to me as an SMP.

Oh, the twisted fates of medical admissions. I think I've just blown my own mind.

It would be awesome to attend school with you, blee, whether it be in Richmond or DC. How did you like the SMP program? Any advice?

 

[blee]

It would be awesome to attend school with you, blee, whether it be in Richmond or DC. How did you like the SMP program? Any advice?

I didn't go through SMP, I was a regular post-bacc student last year. There seems to be a decent number of people around here who went through GU's SMP, though. Some of them claim they wouldn't want to go to Georgetown for med school afterwards :O but I disagree with them.

 

[FDoRoML]

FDoRoML, did you interview with Dr. Michelle Whitehust Cook?

madi,

Hey, you did your homework (or you also interviewed with her)??!! Or you are just psychic.
🙂

Yeah, she was REALLY nice... and we talked a lot about VA and how it is so underserved in most areas (I have family in Southern/Southwestern VA-- so I have seen firsthand how limited care can be).

 

[madi]

madi,

Hey, you did your homework (or you also interviewed with her)??!! Or you are just psychic.
🙂

Yeah, she was REALLY nice... and we talked a lot about VA and how it is so underserved in most areas (I have family in Southern/Southwestern VA-- so I have seen firsthand how limited care can be).

😛

I also interviewed with Dr. Cook. I've had a lot of experience working with the underserved, so the two of us spent a lot of time talking about VCU's Rural and Inner City Preceptorship program. If only my interviewers at EVMS had been that easy to converse with!

 

[FDoRoML]

😛

I also interviewed with Dr. Cook. I've had a lot of experience working with the underserved, so the two of us spent a lot of time talking about VCU's Rural and Inner City Preceptorship program. If only my interviewers at EVMS had been that easy to converse with!

It's funny... I didn't get a good feeling from EVMS like I did from VCU and PSU... I turned down the interview so someone else could take it. Of course, I *never* thought I'd have the chance to be this selective. I do know some people who will interview at every single school and hold every acceptance until they are forced to drop them... but I like things more well defined. 😛

Dr. Cook was really cool to talk to. I know what you mean-- so easy to hold a normal conversation with, AND still find out about the school and make sure she is finding out things about you. I wish my interviewer at a to-remain-unnamed top-tier school was that cool. Yeah, that was the only bad interview I had... makes me happy to know ahead of time that I probably wold not have liked to be a student there anyway!

VCU rocks!!

OK... should probably go back to work now. Boooooo, hisssssss.

 

[Vizsla]

I didn't go through SMP, I was a regular post-bacc student last year. There seems to be a decent number of people around here who went through GU's SMP, though. Some of them claim they wouldn't want to go to Georgetown for med school afterwards :O but I disagree with them.

Im definitely one of those people, but its all up to you and how comfortable you feel at the school. I thought the school was good, I just didnt like the atmosphere/students there...

 

[Vizsla]

just called admissions office, offers will go out "no later than tomorrow"...so I guess this means they could be sent tonight also....

 

[madi]

just called admissions office, offers will go out "no later than tomorrow"...so I guess this means they could be sent tonight also....

Thanks for the update, Vizsla!

 

[Apparition]

Thanks for the update, Vizsla!

Yup, thanks!

 

[ShyRem]

Vizsla, I read that and my stomach turned over. 🙁

Yoiks. Funny - I could tell which schools were really for me when my stomach started flipflopping the closer to decisions I got. There were a few schools that I saw the email or stared at the letter and really couldn't care less (some I got accepted to, some I got rejected from). But every VCU decision day I've been excited, nervous, jittery (no, that's not too much coffee), and about ready to puke. Damn, I want this.

Ok folks. Time to stay positive. 🙂 🙂 🙂 good thoughts.. good thoughts.. good thoughts..

 

[blee]

Im definitely one of those people, but its all up to you and how comfortable you feel at the school. I thought the school was good, I just didnt like the atmosphere/students there...

I knew there was at least one of you here. 🙂 Isn't Tacrum (of the now world-famous Tacrum's Syndrome, soon to be published in Annals of the Student Doctor Network 2006:03) another SMPer?

It sounds like decisions are all done at this point. Be sure to post once your status is updated -- I'm pulling for you all.

 

[FDoRoML]

Ohmigosh! I am so ashamed of us... dropping low on Page 1. 😡



OK, just kidding. I think everyon is holding their breath and crossing their fingers... makes it tough to login and type (except to that oh so overly-visited VCU-run site!). Hey, wouldn't we all just collapse if everyone trying to check their status crashed VCU's server?!?

Oh, no. I shouldn't have said that. Forget I said that. No, it won't happen. We will all be able to login and we will all find out good news. Right?

 

[Apparition]

Ohmigosh! I am so ashamed of us... dropping low on Page 1. 😡



OK, just kidding. I think everyon is holding their breath and crossing their fingers... makes it tough to login and type (except to that oh so overly-visited VCU-run site!). Hey, wouldn't we all just collapse if everyone trying to check their status crashed VCU's server?!?

Oh, no. I shouldn't have said that. Forget I said that. No, it won't happen. We will all be able to login and we will all find out good news. Right?

Waiting for VCU decision is sickingly reminiscent of waiting for MCAT scores.

 

[Em1]

Waiting for VCU decision is sickingly reminiscent of waiting for MCAT scores.

Ugh. I'd really rather not be on my computer all evening hitting refresh over and over again....

 

[FDoRoML]

Yeah, you know what's really sad? If you are exhausted, constantly refreshing your screen and just blankly staring and your brain is searching for a few "key words" (same thing when you open "decision letters"... scan scan scan... until you hit the "we regret" line!!)... you see things funny sometimes.

So, here's my moment of plaques and tangles. I login and quickly read this:
"You will receive no further communication from us concerning your hold status. The next status change will be to offer you a position in the class, to notify you that you have been placed on the alternate list in mid-March, or to notify you that the committee will no longer be considering your file. However, this page will have a message at the top indicating each time offers are made."

as this:
"You will receive no further communication from us... the committee will no longer be considering your file... "

And my heart skips a beat.

Am I sad? Or what?!?

 

[FDoRoML]

Here goes...

From the VCU application website:
"03/21/2006
It is done! I know all of you are waiting, some more patiently than others. (I do read StudentDoctor.net).... The offers have been posted, the alternate list created and the news isn't particularly great. We did have to notify some of you that you are no longer being considered. The problem this year was that the committee loved too many of you and the alternate list would have been so lengthy that it was obvious we would not get through it all. We are sorry about that. The alternate list will now take a few weeks to settle down. We anticipate that some of you who are already been accepted elsewhere will withdraw off the list (please do so promptly) and that others will withdraw when they hear from other schools. This means that an individual's spot on the list will continue to change as these withdrawals take place. We will know more about this as things finalize. It is also possible that some of those we have offered at this point will turn us down (can you imagine that!!!!) so we anticipate starting to use the alternate list almost immediately. Thank you all for your patience during this inaugural year with the new system. Generally we are very pleased at how things have worked out and we anticipate that we will make a number of modifications to make it even smoother next year. "
😱
What's up with that? I logged in and my message has not changed--- not even to tell me no thanks, or alternate list. Hmmmm.... maybe I'll give it a minute to refresh and check again. System burps...

 

[FDoRoML]

Boo. Alternate list.

Better than rejected, I suppose!!

G'Luck to everyone else!!!

 

[Nas23]

Boo. Alternate list.

Better than rejected, I suppose!!

G'Luck to everyone else!!!

Same here. I am happy that I made the cut. Just b/c the # of OOS accepted was going to be around 10 out of what, prolly a 100+ candidates. I wonder how many people are on the waitlist, and if Dr. H will let you know on your chances of getting in.

 

[ShyRem]

Waitlisted.

 

[blee]

Hah, so she admits to reading SDN. Is there any doubt that she's at least skimmed through this thread? I hope it was a fast read, because there's a lot of fluff in here... 😛

So c'mon, guys, who will be the first with an acceptance today??

 

[pseudoknot]

Waitlisted here too (CA resident). This is my ninth waitlist of ten interviews, but I can't be depressed because I did get an acceptance to Drexel last week. Good luck to everyone else, and I hope the VCU waitlist moves quickly.

 

[blee]

D'oh. Sorry, FD, Nas, and Shy. 🙁 I know the admissions office won't tell you your exact position in the list, but I wonder if they would be willing to tell you about where you stand...

 

[ShyRem]

So I have a question: if I don't hold an allo school acceptance, but I DO have an osteo school acceptance, is that still "I hold an acceptance at another school" or is that "I have not been accepted elsewhere"? I think it's the first one...

 

[paceac]

Check your mail everyone. The day has arrived.

 

[Em1]

I'm in! 😀

Good luck to all the out of staters!!!!!

 

[BerkeleyMD]

Is having another acceptance going to hurt our chances of getting off the alternate list ??

 

[blee]

I'm in! 😀

Good luck to all the out of staters!!!!!

CONGRATS! 😀

 

[Cashmere]

So I have a question: if I don't hold an allo school acceptance, but I DO have an osteo school acceptance, is that still "I hold an acceptance at another school" or is that "I have not been accepted elsewhere"? I think it's the first one...

Waitlisted as well. CA resident. Accepted to University of Kentucky as of now.

 

[Nas23]

Ok, I'm paranoid. I am just making sure I checked "I want to be on the waitlist" vs I'm withdrawing.

 

[jbone]

Like I said before,
Rejected.

Glad I could spend 7 months of my life waiting for this. Oh well.

"The Admissions Committee has met and we have made our final set of offers. As most of you were told during our morning session, the committee has decided not to have an excessively long alternate list. Consequently, we regret to advise you that despite our interest in you we are unable to offer you a position in the class nor on the alternate list.

As you know, medical school has become increasingly competitive over the past several years. The Committee understands the disappointing nature of their decision and urges you to consult with your pre-med advisor if you are not accepted elsewhere this year.

We wish you the very best of success with your alternate plans."

later. 🙁

 

[Nas23]

Why is there two different choices for waitlist: Accepted elsewhere vs not accepted elsewhere?

 

[Nas23]

I'm so sorry Jbone. Don't give up and keep chasing for that MD Degree

 

[popbirch]

waitlisted, I'm from Utah. Sort of expected it but I wouldn't be surprised if they have a lot of movement in their waitlist.

 

[paceac]

I am out-of-state and on the waitlist.