2007 MCV Central

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nope, ooS 🙁 ..called them up, they said they release every 15th of the month.. so we'll have to see.

The 15th of every month? I thought the next time was December??!!

😕

 

[emaj1n]

The 15th of every month? I thought the next time was December??!!

😕

The next acceptance, I understand, will be December 15. I'm still at a lost as to why we haven't heard of any in-state acceptances on Monday evening. I guess everyone doesn't use SDN--who would have thunk it?

 

[nolamd2b]

Anyone gotten an update recently? An interview invite? Starting to wonder if they've forgotten about me...I've been complete for about a month. And patience is not one of my virtues, despite having gone through this process last year😀

 

[Richspiders07]

I know of a couple in-staters who were accepted this past week... so they are out there!

 

[iheartcheerios]

for those of you who really want to go to VCU or for those of you who got in...what exactly about the campus reeled you in? when i interviewed i liked it too, but just wondering other people's thoughts. thanks! also, if anyone has comments on the social life at VCU that would be great.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Well there are a bunch of great thing about MCV (VCU).

First the Living Situation
Rent is cheap in Richmond and there is little traffic. There is a decent night life with bars and a few clubs plus DC is close if clubbing is really your thing.
While Richmond has traditionally been touted as dangerous (technically ranked higher than Compton) because of the per capita murder rate, it is not dangerous. The per capita statistics are skewed b/c very few people actually live in the city of Richmond and the surrounding areas are not included when they calculate the Richmond population. VCU also does a great job making their students feel safe. They have their own police department for the campus which is a pain in the as$ if you double park but great in terms of keeping the campus safe.

The education here is excellent. Traditionally MCV has been known for excellent clinicals and has many very famous docs (this can really help for residency match). The basic science years are no slouch either. Linda Costanzo teaches the physiology course and the board review. This is great since she writes board questions and is the phys Guru when it comes to the boards. Equate her teaching the board reveiw with having Jesus teach your sunday school class. Board pass rate is 94-99% depending on year.
MCV is also the fourth largest university hospital complex in the country only behind UCLA, Michigan and Minesota. It is known as the foremost Kidney transplant center in the world and their team does more heart transplants than any other team. In addition, cancer research and care are top notch at MCV with the massey cancer center and its designation as a 'Cancer Center' by the NCI. There are about a million other superlatives that can be doled out.

The Class and Social Life
Most students at MCV are as laid back as you will find med students can be. Therefore everyone gets along. There is no cut-throat attitude between the students that you will find so many other places. This is made easier by the fact that there is a standard grading scale for every class. If you get above a certain level, you get a certain grade. There is no sliding scale or curve. If everyone in the class gets a 90, everyone gets a 'high pass.' You dont have to worry that the person next to you is going to screw up the curve.

The social scene is decent. Very few people study all the time and thus far in my class there don't seem to be any gunners (which is great). MCV also gives its med students a $1500 bar tab every few weeks and everyone goes to a bar and mingles. This allows you to meet people from other classes which is nice. I was actually surprised how social everyone was. I was expecting everyone to study all the time and have no life. At MCV that seems to not be the case.

Not gonna lie, the campus itself isnt bad but not great either. Nothing against the campus itself but I don't like urban campuses.

The last thing is that since MCV agreed to be called VCU, VCU is pumping ridiculous money into the MCV campus and into research.
They are building a bunch of new buildings including a new critical care hospital, a new nursing building and a new west hospital (soon), not to mention the newly opened Goodwin Research Building. All in all, VCU will spend 200 million in buildings in the next few years.

 

[Bolo]

MCV also gives its med students a $1500 bar tab every few weeks and everyone goes to a bar and mingles. This allows you to meet people from other classes which is nice.

Do you mind elaborating on this? How is this tab divided amongst the students?

 

[Instatewaiter]

There is a certain bar that is announced. At a certain time, say 5:30pm drinks at that bar become free for MCV students. Each drink you get is put against the tab. When the tab runs out, no more free drinks. It's first come first served and every year, 1st through 4th is invited.

 

[Bolo]

Sweet...Thanks for the info!

 

[jackjohn]

I interviewed at MCV a week ago or so and recieved an email of a status update today. It got my hopes up but it was only to inform to fill out a survey. Does anyone know if that means the admissions committee has reviewed your file post int? I know they do that every mon so kind of fits. Also, will my status change from that at all like go on hold or anything before Dec 15?

Thanks for your help

 

[Bolo]

After I filled out that survey, I was put 'on hold' until October 16th, which is when I received the 'status update' and subsequently admitted! So don't freak out when your status page says 'on hold,' it could be a good sign, Good Luck!

 

[iheartcheerios]

the vcu website says their average mcat writing score is an "m." is that even possible?! don't the scores run from k-t or something like that? is it a typo? not that it matters...just wondering.

 

[nolamd2b]

the vcu website says their average mcat writing score is an "m." is that even possible?! don't the scores run from k-t or something like that? is it a typo? not that it matters...just wondering.

Yep, it's possible. Humbling as it is to admit, that's what I got. The scores correspond to 1-6 (k=1, m=2, etc.), or so I was given to understand by the guy who taught my Kaplan class.

 

[Robizzle]

the vcu website says their average mcat writing score is an "m." is that even possible?! don't the scores run from k-t or something like that? is it a typo? not that it matters...just wondering.

it runs from J-T and u make it sound like M doesn't lie inbetween those letters lol

 

[Instatewaiter]

That does sound a bit low but honestly, the MCAT writing score means absolutely nothing.

 

[Robizzle]

hey folks for those that flew to Richmond airport and stayed at the radisson how much was the cab fare from airport --> radisson, and VCU --> airport?

reason for this is cuz im broke, like literally.. i have maybe 80 bucks to my name. will this be enough for these 2 rides? lol.

 

[kuangwchang]

I think it was around 30 dollars each way? maybe 25ish

 

[SensAsian]

shup robizzle

The radisson has an agreement with one of the cab companies at the airport that makes it 16$ to go to and from the hotel. I forget the name of the company but if you look at the MCV main application page, there is a link that tells you.

The Radisson also has free morning shuttles to the MCV campus - just call them the morning of and make sure it's available.

 

[RayhanS1282]

Is anyone familiar with the turn around time for VCU from the date of completion to any status updates?

 

[Instatewaiter]

That depends on a few things: When you were complete and how good of an applicant you are.

If you were complete during the busiest time of the app. season (oct-dec) you will have to wait a few weeks longer. If you are a relatively weak applicant it may be a while until you get the nod for the interview.
Expect a few weeks.

 

[DrVanNostran]

Is anyone familiar with the turn around time for VCU from the date of completion to any status updates?

I have been complete since the first week of August and havent heard anything.

 

[RayhanS1282]

Thanks for the responses Dr. V and Instate. I guess I am looking at a couple of months here so, I'll discontinue holding my breath.

 

[spospo]

i've been complete since Aug 11th, had a vague update in mid Sept, and got an interview invite on Nov 9th. Good luck!

 

[drBorat]

Completed secondary in early aug...got this status change on November 9th...any thoughts?

"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."

 

[DrCurious]

Completed secondary in early aug...got this status change on November 9th...any thoughts?

"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."

=preinterview hold, i think.

 

[dochachi]

I have been complete since the first week of August and havent heard anything.

Same here; We're in the same boat Dr.V!! I want that vague message people have been talking about..seems to lead to an interview invite!

 

[nolamd2b]

Just got that vague status update myself. Here's hoping it leads to an interview soon!

Anyone else get an update tonight?

 

[nolamd2b]

Hey all, got the vague update yesterday and an interview invite tonight!!😀

 

[drBorat]

nolamd2b: was your vague message the same as mine (see above)?

 

[Robizzle]

nolamd2b: was your vague message the same as mine (see above)?

i received that msg and received an interview.. like a month and a half later tho 🙂

 

[nolamd2b]

nolamd2b: was your vague message the same as mine (see above)?

Yep.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Wow been a while since anyone has posted here so I think I'll get it started back up.

Anyone get in?
Anyone get waitlisted?
Anyone have to choose between MCV/VCU and some other school?

 

[Robizzle]

Wow been a while since anyone has posted here so I think I'll get it started back up.

Anyone get in?
Anyone get waitlisted?
Anyone have to choose between MCV/VCU and some other school?

Anxiously waiting for December 15th dude!

 

[VD-MD]

Wow been a while since anyone has posted here so I think I'll get it started back up.

Anyone get in?
Anyone get waitlisted?
Anyone have to choose between MCV/VCU and some other school?

Hey Instate,

I'm still deciding between Creighton and VCU/MCV. I PM'd you previously about your thoughts/experiences. I know one other person in the same boat. VCU is absolutely awesome. I don't think anyone that I interviewed with left unimpressed (hope that makes sense).

 

[Snowboarder]

Anxiously waiting for December 15th dude!

I've already told myself that I'm not going to hear anything until the March 15th date. I feel confident that I have a decent chance of getting in, but I also think that the number I get from the committee will be further down the list and so I won't hear from them until they select their final group to fill the class. Fingers crossed!!

 

[Instatewaiter]

One thing about VCU/MCV is that they traditionally have a lot of movement off the waitlist so that people end up getting in during June and July. So even if you don't hear by March 15th there is still hope.

 

[PugMD]

Wow been a while since anyone has posted here so I think I'll get it started back up.

Anyone get in?
Anyone get waitlisted?
Anyone have to choose between MCV/VCU and some other school?

Also waiting for Dec. 15th... I was under the impression that the waitlist was made official March 15th?

I just yesterday got my first acceptance EVER *(EVMS)* and hopefully MCV will offer the second. If they do, I'll have a tough decision to make because I love both schools and would be happy at either of the two.

... Oct. 15th was soooo long ago. If only I lived in South Park, CO I would consider freezing myself til the next offer date. Svvveeeeeeet 😀

 

[redair]

I have been accepted to VCU/MCV and am deciding between VCU/MCV and Creighton. I really liked VCU/MCV and think it would be a great place to attend.

Pug MD: I am a fellow pug owner. Yours looks good. Is it a male or female?
Ours is a 1 year old male. Good luck with VCU/MCV and congrats on EVMS.

 

[Instatewaiter]

From what I remember they make the waitlist official around march 15th (i think they were delayed a day or 2 last year) but there is almost no movement until the date where students can only be holding 1 acceptance (I think may 15th). So basically if your score from the committee is decent but not stellar you could be dragged on for months.

Last year a few people were interviewed in september and had to wait until march to find out they were on the waitlist and were going to have to wait another few months. That must have been frustrating.

Anyone else find it funny that the final normal acceptance/waitlist date is on the ides of march? 2 years ago, when I first applied, I got flat out rejected on March 15th. I really wanted to write an e-mail to Dr H (old dean) and respond only with "Et Tu brute" but I held myself back. Prolly for the best although I think they would have gotten a kick out of it.

Welp, back to studying...

 

[BQ24]

Got into VCU October and Drexel last week...waiting to hear about the rest. I think my heart belongs to VCU though....I really think I'd be happy there.

Anyone know about reputations of these schools(vcu,drexel)? I'm from the northeast and there are people who just seem unimpressed with vcu - it's frustrating.

 

[MCVPharm]

When did MCV offer the first time? Was it Oct 15? I thought the first offer would be Dec 15 ....... some one fill me in pls

 

[iheartcheerios]

yea first batch was oct. 15. next is december 15.

 

[Tatowedges]

I will be declining my interview for Jan 8. A spot should open up toward the end of this week. Good luck you guys!!

 

[TMB M.D.]

Finally got an interview invite yesterday... I have been complete since 9/19.

 

[madi]

Hi everyone!

If you read the VCU Central thread from last year you'll see that I was a frequent poster. I made it onto the waitlist in October and sat there (not very patiently) until June, when I finally received the Great Status Change and was accepted into the Class of 2010.

I'll admit that VCU was not my first choice, but I love the school, I adore my class, and I'd be happy to answer ANY questions that any of you might have (feel free to PM me).

I know this process is a painful one, but in the end I think most of us who have gotten through it will say that you can carve out a good niche for yourself anywhere, whether it be at this medical school or another one, allopathic or osteopathic, or maybe even another part of the medical field entirely. Keep your chin up and enjoy the holidays!

Cheers,

madi

 

[re-member]

Hi everyone!

If you read the VCU Central thread from last year you'll see that I was a frequent poster. I made it onto the waitlist in October and sat there (not very patiently) until June, when I finally received the Great Status Change and was accepted into the Class of 2010.

I'll admit that VCU was not my first choice, but I love the school, I adore my class, and I'd be happy to answer ANY questions that any of you might have (feel free to PM me).

I know this process is a painful one, but in the end I think most of us who have gotten through it will say that you can carve out a good niche for yourself anywhere, whether it be at this medical school or another one, allopathic or osteopathic, or maybe even another part of the medical field entirely. Keep your chin up and enjoy the holidays!

Cheers,

madi

yes! a couple questions.

1) Does VCU have lectures online?
2) How do you commute between VCU and your apartment? By bus or walk or car? If your walking, isn't that dangerous in Richmond?
3) How would you rate the facilities (i.e. anatomy lab, technology, ...)


Thanks a bunch.

 

[caliboy07]

Waiting till December 15th is killing me, that and finals week

 

[Instatewaiter]

yes! a couple questions.

1) Does VCU have lectures online?
2) How do you commute between VCU and your apartment? By bus or walk or car? If your walking, isn't that dangerous in Richmond?
3) How would you rate the facilities (i.e. anatomy lab, technology, ...)


Thanks a bunch.

MCV does not have online lectures. The syllabus is online as are a lot of the resources but very few classes are via video.

Most people drive or take the bus. A few people live close enough to walk. Richmond, although ranked as a dangerous city, is not really dangerous. Except those couple times I was shot at walking home I have had no problems (just kidding... it was more like a dozen)

The facilities are not spectacular but not bad for the 1st year. You have everything you need. Plenty of computers all over the campus including about in the anatomy lab and a decent library. The anatomy lab is a little old but as soon as we finish up with our upcoming test they are beginning rennovations. So the class of 2011 should have a nice new lab to work in. They are also finishing up the newly rennovated student center too.

Seriously though, the facilities for 1st and second year are meaningless. The facilities you should be worried about is the hospital. MCV has the 4th largest hospital complex in the US with all sorts of innovative gadgets. You would be hardpressed to find any other school that will expose you to as much stuff on the wards.

Hope that helps

 

[re-member]

MCV does not have online lectures. The syllabus is online as are a lot of the resources but very few classes are via video.

Most people drive or take the bus. A few people live close enough to walk. Richmond, although ranked as a dangerous city, is not really dangerous. Except those couple times I was shot at walking home I have had no problems (just kidding... it was more like a dozen)

The facilities are not spectacular but not bad for the 1st year. You have everything you need. Plenty of computers all over the campus including about in the anatomy lab and a decent library. The anatomy lab is a little old but as soon as we finish up with our upcoming test they are beginning rennovations. So the class of 2011 should have a nice new lab to work in. They are also finishing up the newly rennovated student center too.

Seriously though, the facilities for 1st and second year are meaningless. The facilities you should be worried about is the hospital. MCV has the 4th largest hospital complex in the US with all sorts of innovative gadgets. You would be hardpressed to find any other school that will expose you to as much stuff on the wards.

Hope that helps

Yes, it does help indeed.

I was wondering if you could expand the remarks you made about transportation to and from medical school and your apartment. Should your car have an alarm? Also, is parking expensive? Is it hard to search for parking on campus?

THanks, I really appreaciate your input.
👍

 

[Instatewaiter]

Yes, it does help indeed.

I was wondering if you could expand the remarks you made about transportation to and from medical school and your apartment. Should your car have an alarm? Also, is parking expensive? Is it hard to search for parking on campus?

THanks, I really appreaciate your input.
👍

Seriously Richmond is not that bad at all so don't worry about the alarm if you don't already have one on your car. There is a lot of parking either through MCV/VCU or non-university parking lots. You won't have trouble finding a place to park but there is no where to park right on campus (until after 6pm). Parking is about 3 blocks away ('at the bottom of the hill') so its not bad. Where I park is about $35/month but I think if you park with MCV/VCU it is a bit cheaper. A lot of students take the bus, which I think is free w/ your VCU ID card.

You definately need a car since you will have to drive to your preceptor's office for your foundations of clinical medicine course (for those who don't know: each student is paired with a primary care doc so that he/she can practice all the exam skills you with a doc prior to 3rd year).