2008-2009 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Secondary Application Thread

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I haven't received any e-mails from them and I've been complete since 8/16, but OOS

i am also OOS and i have been complete since 8/2. i guess as chad said that they have preference for instate people. there is nothing for us to do but wait. which sucks but we can't do anything now. i really want an interview with VCU because everyone keeps raving about how good the school is. i hope they feel the same way about me!
 
I got this too:

"The Admissions Committee has met to discuss your file. Your application is being placed on hold for action at a later date. We anticipate making offers October 15, December 15, February 1, and March 15.

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.

We thank you for your interest in our school."

The consensus appears to be that this is a NORMAL message and everyone gets it. I missed some of the talk with Dean because my interview went over, so I did not hear her say this. Can anyone give more insight into what she said.
 
I was just wondering...who out there received this message, and then got an interview...Please speak up if this is you! I'm starting to get concerned because I've had this message for a little over a month now I think....

"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 got this too:

"The Admissions Committee has met to discuss your file. Your application is being placed on hold for action at a later date. We anticipate making offers October 15, December 15, February 1, and March 15.

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.

We thank you for your interest in our school."

The consensus appears to be that this is a NORMAL message and everyone gets it. I missed some of the talk with Dean because my interview went over, so I did not hear her say this. Can anyone give more insight into what she said.
I havent gotten this yet, and I interviewed early...I did get a status update but it was about some interview feedback or something.
 
I got this too:

"The Admissions Committee has met to discuss your file. Your application is being placed on hold for action at a later date. We anticipate making offers October 15, December 15, February 1, and March 15.

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.

We thank you for your interest in our school."

The consensus appears to be that this is a NORMAL message and everyone gets it. I missed some of the talk with Dean because my interview went over, so I did not hear her say this. Can anyone give more insight into what she said.

Yes, this is the normal message that everyone gets after the committee meets and discusses your file. Now it's just a waiting game until 10/15.
 
Hi everyone...I'm a non-trad applicant who has used sdn a lot for information (thanks for everyone's help), but haven't had a lot to contribute until yesterday, when...

...I got an interview invite from VCU 10/2 (my first)!!

history:
moved in-state (7/2008); AMCAS verified-8/5; SR-8/6; SS-8/26; SC-8/28; got the "further" message (see below)-9/2; interview invite-10/2; interview date-12/1 (there were still about 3 dates left near the end of Nov as well)

Question for those of you who have already been through the interview process:
Is there "interview invite" etiquette that I should know about...i.e., do people write thank you letters, etc??

This is the message I rec'd after my app was reviewed, for those of you who don't want to look back:
"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."

Best of luck to all of you!
 
Hey All,

I am an OOS applicant and received this update to my status today:

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 was reading through this thread, but it's too long to go through every single post.

Is this a 'meh' and 'your application sucks' update? Can you guys tell me whether I should be continue to feel sad/anxious?

Also, what's the MAY message?
 
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So I'm OOS and got the MAY message about a week ago. Has anyone OOS gotten this message and an invite later on?
 
So I'm OOS and got the MAY message about a week ago. Has anyone OOS gotten this message and an invite later on?

Many oos people got this message and received invites. It seems like "may" = fairly good chance of getting an interview.
 
Hey All,

I am an OOS applicant and received this update to my status today:

I was reading through this thread, but it's too long to go through every single post.

Is this a 'meh' and 'your application sucks' update? Can you guys tell me whether I should be continue to feel sad/anxious?

Also, what's the MAY message?

Got the same message as you 2 weeks ago. Still waiting, also OOS. I think its a little worse than the MAY message, but definitely not the worst.
 
Thanks chessodoc. Best of luck to the both of us 😳
 
i am also OOS and i have been complete since 8/2. i guess as chad said that they have preference for instate people. there is nothing for us to do but wait. which sucks but we can't do anything now. i really want an interview with VCU because everyone keeps raving about how good the school is. i hope they feel the same way about me!

Me too! Since 8/5. What is going on? Did they drop my application in the trash can by accident? We get the oh-so-desirable MAY message and then nothing? I think VCU's playing hard-to-get 😉.
 
To those of you who have interviewed already - did your status change to a hold message after the committee reviewed your application on the Monday after your interview? That is what the dean told us would happen, but I interviewed almost two weeks ago and my status page still has the interview survey message:

"We at the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University are conducting a survey that will allow us to evaluate our interview process. We welcome your feedback from your interview experience with us. You can access the survey by clicking on The Interview Survey button on the navigation bar located just above this text. This survey will have no impact on admissions decisions.

Please take a few moments to complete this evaluation and tell us your thoughts and opinions about our interview. All surveys will remain anonymous and will not be reviewed and analyzed until after our admission process is completed and all committee decisions are finalized. We will use these results to continually improve our interview process and give our admissions committee valuable feedback.

Thank you in advance for your time. "

I completed the survey right after my interview, so I'm confused as to why this is still displaying. I have gotten no indication that they actually discussed my application or have come to a decision and I would really would like to hear something on the 15th or at least know they considered me. So yea, is anyone in the same boat, or have you gotten the post-interview hold?
 
To those of you who have interviewed already - did your status change to a hold message after the committee reviewed your application on the Monday after your interview? That is what the dean told us would happen, but I interviewed almost two weeks ago and my status page still has the interview survey message:

"We at the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University are conducting a survey that will allow us to evaluate our interview process. We welcome your feedback from your interview experience with us. You can access the survey by clicking on The Interview Survey button on the navigation bar located just above this text. This survey will have no impact on admissions decisions.

Please take a few moments to complete this evaluation and tell us your thoughts and opinions about our interview. All surveys will remain anonymous and will not be reviewed and analyzed until after our admission process is completed and all committee decisions are finalized. We will use these results to continually improve our interview process and give our admissions committee valuable feedback.

Thank you in advance for your time. "

I completed the survey right after my interview, so I'm confused as to why this is still displaying. I have gotten no indication that they actually discussed my application or have come to a decision and I would really would like to hear something on the 15th or at least know they considered me. So yea, is anyone in the same boat, or have you gotten the post-interview hold?

I interviewed last week and haven't gotten the survey or hold message. I'm assuming that they met as scheduled, but maybe haven't updated the online system...?
 
To those of you who have interviewed already - did your status change to a hold message after the committee reviewed your application on the Monday after your interview? That is what the dean told us would happen, but I interviewed almost two weeks ago and my status page still has the interview survey message:

"We at the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University are conducting a survey that will allow us to evaluate our interview process. We welcome your feedback from your interview experience with us. You can access the survey by clicking on The Interview Survey button on the navigation bar located just above this text. This survey will have no impact on admissions decisions.

Please take a few moments to complete this evaluation and tell us your thoughts and opinions about our interview. All surveys will remain anonymous and will not be reviewed and analyzed until after our admission process is completed and all committee decisions are finalized. We will use these results to continually improve our interview process and give our admissions committee valuable feedback.

Thank you in advance for your time. "

I completed the survey right after my interview, so I'm confused as to why this is still displaying. I have gotten no indication that they actually discussed my application or have come to a decision and I would really would like to hear something on the 15th or at least know they considered me. So yea, is anyone in the same boat, or have you gotten the post-interview hold?

I interviewed on 9/2 and I got the post-interview hold about a week ago. Before that, I had the survey message.
 
I interviewed on 9/2 and I got the post-interview hold about a week ago. Before that, I had the survey message.
I got my post-interview hold message exactly a week after the adcoms met to "discuss" about me...
AhH!!!! 😱
Quick turnaround = good or bad!! 😕
 
To those of you who have interviewed already - did your status change to a hold message after the committee reviewed your application on the Monday after your interview? That is what the dean told us would happen, but I interviewed almost two weeks ago and my status page still has the interview survey message:

"We at the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University are conducting a survey that will allow us to evaluate our interview process. We welcome your feedback from your interview experience with us. You can access the survey by clicking on The Interview Survey button on the navigation bar located just above this text. This survey will have no impact on admissions decisions.

Please take a few moments to complete this evaluation and tell us your thoughts and opinions about our interview. All surveys will remain anonymous and will not be reviewed and analyzed until after our admission process is completed and all committee decisions are finalized. We will use these results to continually improve our interview process and give our admissions committee valuable feedback.

Thank you in advance for your time. "

I completed the survey right after my interview, so I'm confused as to why this is still displaying. I have gotten no indication that they actually discussed my application or have come to a decision and I would really would like to hear something on the 15th or at least know they considered me. So yea, is anyone in the same boat, or have you gotten the post-interview hold?

I got the post interview hold message, but you are in the same boat as chubby. both of you have great stats and interviewed a while ago....

you seem to be in a good boat👍
 
I got the post interview hold message, but you are in the same boat as chubby. both of you have great stats and interviewed a while ago....

you seem to be in a good boat👍

I hope I'm in the good boat...my committee review should have been yesterday and... :scared:

hold me!
 
how long does it take to receive ANY email at all from VCU after completion? I've been complete since September 2nd and still no word. Even the "bad" email would suffice for me. I just want to hear something back!
 
how long does it take to receive ANY email at all from VCU after completion? I've been complete since September 2nd and still no word. Even the "bad" email would suffice for me. I just want to hear something back!

Dude I've been complete since August 8th. No word as well. I'm OOS and I think they put me at the very bottom of the pile!
 
For what it's worth I got the survey message two days after my interview and post interview hold message nine days later.
 
For those of you still waiting for the hold message post-interview...I wouldn't worry too much about it. If your interviewer is unable to make the committee meeting that week, if they get behind a bit and don't get to you at the next meeting...it's no big deal, there is just probably some reason they haven't had a chance to review you yet or they haven't put it in the computer yet. If you've been waiting a few weeks with no word then you can call the admissions office and see if there is some hold up. If nothing else I would want to know if they'll review your file before the 10/15 acceptance so that you aren't waiting around in front of your computer for nothing.:luck:
 
For those of you still waiting for the hold message post-interview...I wouldn't worry too much about it. If your interviewer is unable to make the committee meeting that week, if they get behind a bit and don't get to you at the next meeting...it's no big deal, there is just probably some reason they haven't had a chance to review you yet or they haven't put it in the computer yet. If you've been waiting a few weeks with no word then you can call the admissions office and see if there is some hold up. If nothing else I would want to know if they'll review your file before the 10/15 acceptance so that you aren't waiting around in front of your computer for nothing.:luck:

Thanks a lot for the information! I'm sure you're probably right. Like you said, I'll probably just call to see if I should be waiting on the 15th.

I think waiting is turning out to be harder than actually writing the applications. I feel pretty useless waiting to hear word.
 
Thanks a lot for the information! I'm sure you're probably right. Like you said, I'll probably just call to see if I should be waiting on the 15th.

I think waiting is turning out to be harder than actually writing the applications. I feel pretty useless waiting to hear word.
LOL. I just looked at your MDApps. If you don't get into VCU, it will be because either 1) your social skills are comparable to those of a block of wood or 2) they think there's no chance you'd even go there if accepted. I wouldn't worry.
 
LOL. I just looked at your MDApps. If you don't get into VCU, it will be because either 1) your social skills are comparable to those of a block of wood or 2) they think there's no chance you'd even go there if accepted. I wouldn't worry.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. But if there's one thing I've learned about the medical school application process, you really can't take anything for granted. I know a bunch of people who looked brilliant on paper, have decent social skills, applied to reasonable schools, and still didn't get into medical school for one reason or another. It's just so random. So I'd be really happy to get into VCU so at least I know I'm going to medical school somewhere next year. Anything beyond that would be icing on the cake.
 
I got the post interview hold message, but you are in the same boat as chubby. both of you have great stats and interviewed a while ago....

you seem to be in a good boat👍

how many days after you interviewed did you receive this message?
 
I was just wondering...who out there received this message, and then got an interview...Please speak up if this is you! I'm starting to get concerned because I've had this message for a little over a month now I think....

"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 received this message and then got an interview invitation about a month later. I just interviewed yesterday 10/7/08. Good luck, I am just praying for everyone. I know that if we get in then we will take it seriously and make GREAT doctors. Hopefully this gives you hope.

GOOD LUCK!!!
 
Here's a new one:

"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."
 
Actually, it's not a new message. It's the same message I had back in August. I was invited for an interview shortly after. It's definitely a good message to have!

Good luck:luck:
 
I interviewed on 9/30. I still haven't gotten the "your file has been reviewed at committee" message. I'm guessing it takes them about a week to input all of the priority scores into the system. My application was supposed to go up in front of the admissions committee on Monday (10/6).
 
how many days after you interviewed did you receive this message?

I interviewed on 9/24 and got the update on 10/03. I think it was about 5 days later than they said it would be, see as how the committee meets on Mondays and I got the update on a Friday. idk, we will know on the 15th whats going to happen.

goodluck all =)
 
I talked to a friend who had on interview on Tuesday (10/7) and she was told that they would go up before the committee on Monday and their priority scores would be in before the October 15th acceptances went out. So if you've interviewed this week or before, you have a chance to receive an acceptance on Wednesday. 👍
 
Hey guys I just set-up an interview at VCU and I am really excited. I just have a few questions for anyone who has already interviewed and is familiar with Richmond, VA.

Does anyone know what time the interview day is over? My interview time is at 10:00 to 11:00. It looks like from the VCU website that the day ends around 1:45. Is this actually the time you can leave, for anyone who has already interviewed?

My other question is how long does it take to get from VCU to the Richmond airport? My flight for home is at 3:50. Assuming the day ends at 1:45 is this enough time for me to get to the airport? I plan to take a bus or cab from campus to the airport, looking at Google map it is about 10 miles, but what is the traffic like?
 
Hey guys I just set-up an interview at VCU and I am really excited. I just have a few questions for anyone who has already interviewed and is familiar with Richmond, VA.

Does anyone know what time the interview day is over? My interview time is at 10:00 to 11:00. It looks like from the VCU website that the day ends around 1:45. Is this actually the time you can leave, for anyone who has already interviewed?

My other question is how long does it take to get from VCU to the Richmond airport? My flight for home is at 3:50. Assuming the day ends at 1:45 is this enough time for me to get to the airport? I plan to take a bus or cab from campus to the airport, looking at Google map it is about 10 miles, but what is the traffic like?

Congrats on your interview! I also interviewed at 10 and I was done around 1. After the interview you meet with Dr. WC and get the financial aid presentation. Then you go on the tour and eat lunch. That's it!

There was absolutely no traffic when I went to the airport at about 3:30...NONE! Also, Richmond's airport is very small so you will not need much time once you get there to find your gate. Don't worry, especially if you leave straight from the interview for the airport you will have plenty of time.
 
Just an FYI to anyone waiting to hear back about an interview, all the interview dates in NOVEMBER are gone. You're looking at a December interview date at this point.

Crazy how fast those interview dates fly. I was so surprised when I tried to find a date and the only reasonable date I could find was December 18th.
 
Just an FYI to anyone waiting to hear back about an interview, all the interview dates in NOVEMBER are gone. You're looking at a December interview date at this point.

Crazy how fast those interview dates fly. I was so surprised when I tried to find a date and the only reasonable date I could find was December 18th.

Yeah... I think NYMC is already into January. Just goes to show you how much it helps to get your application in early!
 
Yeah... I think NYMC is already into January. Just goes to show you how much it helps to get your application in early!

...and I got mine in before August. No kidding.
 
Just an FYI to anyone waiting to hear back about an interview, all the interview dates in NOVEMBER are gone. You're looking at a December interview date at this point.

Crazy how fast those interview dates fly. I was so surprised when I tried to find a date and the only reasonable date I could find was December 18th.

Yeah it is crazy. I got an interview invite on Thursday and the earliest date I could select was the start of January. The good thing about that is that with something that far in advance the plane tickets are cheaper.
 
I checked last year's acceptance thread and it looks like we'll be getting a status page update on the 15th. Not the 16th like some were speculating, and no phone calls (which is good for me because I don't get good service at work). I wish tomorrow was Wednesday...
 
I checked last year's acceptance thread and it looks like we'll be getting a status page update on the 15th. Not the 16th like some were speculating, and no phone calls (which is good for me because I don't get good service at work). I wish tomorrow was Wednesday...

I was looking at the thread too...it also appears that acceptances will come at the usual status update time in the evening.
 
Hello,

I want to know if anyone (OOS) has gotten any kind of update on the status page. I was complete on 8/25 and it still stays file is being reviewed. what the heck. As far as interview invite thread is concerned, I didn't see anyone get an interview invite near or after 8/25 date. Anyone have any idea on where my application might be in the process?

my stats are below:
 
Hello,

I want to know if anyone (OOS) has gotten any kind of update on the status page. I was complete on 8/25 and it still stays file is being reviewed. what the heck. As far as interview invite thread is concerned, I didn't see anyone get an interview invite near or after 8/25 date. Anyone have any idea on where my application might be in the process?

my stats are below:

Your stats are great and as long as you have decent EC's and essays, you should get an interview. You probably just have a slower file reviewer and they're probably backed up right now anyway. You can always call the admissions office to check on the status. They're very friendly and helpful.

And by the way, has anyone who interviewed since 9/30 gotten the "post-interview" status update. My status still has the Interview Survey message. Supposedly my file went before the committee on 10/6, but I haven't gotten any updates yet. I really hope that my priority score is input into the system before Wednesday... Dr. WC said we would be eligible for the first batch of acceptances.
 
Your stats are great and as long as you have decent EC's and essays, you should get an interview. You probably just have a slower file reviewer and they're probably backed up right now anyway. You can always call the admissions office to check on the status. They're very friendly and helpful.

And by the way, has anyone who interviewed since 9/30 gotten the "post-interview" status update. My status still has the Interview Survey message. Supposedly my file went before the committee on 10/6, but I haven't gotten any updates yet. I really hope that my priority score is input into the system before Wednesday... Dr. WC said we would be eligible for the first batch of acceptances.

I interviewed 10/2 and still have the survey. I am considering calling the office. I want to be up for consideration tomorrow!

EDIT: Nooooo! I called and they said my file has not gone to committee (unless they reviewed me yesterday and my score hasn't been updated into the system)!!!!
 
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