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

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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VanessaC said:
Funkmonk: I looked at your profile. I went to school in Texas (Baylor) and I'm shocked you didn't get accepted by UTSA. UTSW and UTMB are GREAT schools. Have a few friends there who love it. And P.S. there are a lot of Californians in Texas and the ones I know love it... although disappointed with the beach.
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Thanks! Yah, I have no idea what schools are looking for either...

VanessaC said:
I'll be there Thursday teaching the breast exam to either M1s or M2s...
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Oh, then you might be teaching my sister. She is an M1.
 
Honestly, my hope is beginning to fade. I have another interview at EVMS (where I work teaching med students, but didn't get an interview invite until this week) but I'm sure that it's just for a waitlist slot anyway. And I have a ton of schools who've said nothing. February and nothing? What the heck?
 
funkydrmonkey said:
Thanks! Yah, I have no idea what schools are looking for either...



Oh, then you might be teaching my sister. She is an M1.
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What's her name if you don't mind my asking? That would be nice if you were both at the same med school, but I'm guessing VCU isn't at the top of your list (what with your stats).
 
I am also on the post-interview hold. This is probably a dumb question, but is there any way we can email the dean and find out our priority score or is it not released to students?
 
I interviewed the second week in September at VCU, and I'm still waiting. Anyone top that length of time?
 
ncb said:
I am also on the post-interview hold. This is probably a dumb question, but is there any way we can email the dean and find out our priority score or is it not released to students?
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Definitely not released to students, and even if they told you, it wouldn't help much. The thresholds between acceptance, hold, and rejection change with each new group of people they interview.
 
ncb said:
I am also on the post-interview hold. This is probably a dumb question, but is there any way we can email the dean and find out our priority score or is it not released to students?
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no it is not released
 
Withdrew my application for a March 3rd interview slot. Hope it goes to someone else who's dying to go to VCU. :luck:
 
Thanks Chad. I did know that, I was thinking you guys new something I didn't.
 
ncb said:
I am also on the post-interview hold. This is probably a dumb question, but is there any way we can email the dean and find out our priority score or is it not released to students?
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Actually, it depends on who answers the phone. I know there's one person in the office who may not tell you your exact number but will give you some good hints.
 
I got in yesterday off the waitlist. I interviewed in early nov. and got WL'd in December. I'm IS, stats: 3.65 cGPA, 3.57 sGPA, 12/13/12 PS/VR/BS. GL to those on the WL 👍.
 
VanessaC said:
Actually, it depends on who answers the phone. I know there's one person in the office who may not tell you your exact number but will give you some good hints.
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May I ask what kind of hints? I interviewed about 3 months ago and am still trying to cope with not knowing. I'm thinking about emailing the dean, but I don't really know what to say. I mean I can't just be like, "Will I be admitted in March or waitlisted, and if so will I get off the waitlist?" So yeah...uggghhhh.
 
singularity2012 said:
May I ask what kind of hints? I interviewed about 3 months ago and am still trying to cope with not knowing. I'm thinking about emailing the dean, but I don't really know what to say. I mean I can't just be like, "Will I be admitted in March or waitlisted, and if so will I get off the waitlist?" So yeah...uggghhhh.
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Well, what I would recommend is to call rather than email Whitehurst-Cook. That way you'll most likely get a receptionist and your can test the waters before you jump in. About the hints: Friends have said that when they asked the receptionist she would give them a "don't worry, you're in good shape" type of hint. No promises on that, but it's worth a try I think. Just be nice and cheerful and maybe you'll get a hit. You may just ask about the specs of the March 15th offers, such as if there are only waitlist spots or still some open slots. I was planning on doing just that later in the week (I figured they'd be plagued with calls today so I thought I'd wait a few days).
 
anyone accepted know where they are living yet? not many posts on the class of 2013 thread, or a facebook group, and i'm definitely not gonna be the one to start it!
 
Hey all,

I am interviewing at VCU on very short notice (i guess someone called to cancel), and due to some family events in the coming days, am not going to be able to spend as much time as I would like to looking into the school. Regardless, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to cross the mason-dixon line and come to Richmond for an interview!!

That being said, I am starting to panic a little bit here because I am not nearly as prepared as I would like to be. I have done my best to skim through the 27 pages of this thread, the interview feedback thread, and of course the school's site, but perhaps someone could give me a cliff notes version on some of the keys things to know about VCU? I would really appreciate it!

Are there are any special programs which VCU is known for, what makes VCU unique from other schools? Is the focus more on research or clinician training?

Also, I see this new information on the "curriculum under construction," it sounds like the curric is changing but wont be implimented right away? What is the general consensus on the current curriculum?

Thanks a lot to anyone patient enough to read this message, I truly apprecate your help!
 
Application Status

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.

***************************************************************
Is this normal, or is this bad?
 
Normal. Happens to every applicant post-interview.
 
Hey all, I'm scheduled for an interview next week but am questioning whether or not I should go to this interview or not. The reasons I'm considering not going are 1)Already hold acceptances, 2)Flying from Cali to the east coast is costly and this is my 7th OOS interview, 3) Not sure if I'd choose to live in Richmond over Philly. I'd like to make my decision ASAP to open a spot for someone else early enough to plan it. Can someone tell me what the school's best aspects are?
 
droshan said:
Hey all, I'm scheduled for an interview next week but am questioning whether or not I should go to this interview or not. The reasons I'm considering not going are 1)Already hold acceptances, 2)Flying from Cali to the east coast is costly and this is my 7th OOS interview, 3) Not sure if I'd choose to live in Richmond over Philly. I'd like to make my decision ASAP to open a spot for someone else early enough to plan it. Can someone tell me what the school's best aspects are?
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What did you like about Drexel / Jefferson? Have you chosen between those two?
 
I liked both but I'm leaning towards Jefferson. Location (which is important to me) is better as its actually in the city whereas drexel is in a suburb kind of area. Drexel's selling point really only was the PIL program which I'm not sure I will actually do. They also have some interesting tracks like humanities. But from what i hear these aren't a big deal. Jefferson has some awesome new facilities, a huge alumni network, some great extracurricular volunteering, a good sized gym, and I just really got a great vibe overall.
 
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droshan said:
I liked both but I'm leaning towards Jefferson. Location (which is important to me) is better as its actually in the city whereas drexel is in a suburb kind of area. Drexel's selling point really only was the PIL program which I'm not sure I will actually do. They also have some interesting tracks like humanities. But from what i hear these aren't a big deal. Jefferson has some awesome new facilities, a huge alumni network, some great extracurricular volunteering, a good sized gym, and I just really got a great vibe overall.
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From what I've heard of PBL, I have to say I'm glad to be in a place that has a traditional curriculum. To each his own, though, of course!

I would say that based on the things you liked about Jefferson, unless you are dead set on going there for school already, it would be worth coming out to MCV to check it out. We have some excellent new facilities (one more coming online very soon), a number of excellent volunteer opportunities, a huge alumni network (school's been around since the 19th century and has a relatively large class size), and almost everyone that interviews at multiple places talks about how the vibe here beats out a lot of places.

I didn't know what I'd think of Richmond, but I have to say it is a very cool small city, and it's growing. Cost of living is very reasonable here compared to many other places, and you can live within walking distance of the school if you so desire. My folks are from New York City, and even they find this a fun place to visit!

Let me know if you have any specific questions - happy to help.
 
I interviewed at Jeff last year and MCV/VCU this year. I would say both are very similar in feel. So you will probably like VCU, but there is a primacy effect, so you might be too much in love with Jeff 🙂
 
given that march 15 seems to be the last decision day (?), if we interview in the middle of February is it for a waitlist?
 
I haven't heard back post interview on 12/15 AND 2/2. Is there any reason to hope that I will hear with good news on 3/15? 🙁 also, I emailed a loi/update letter to Dr. WC about a month ago, but I never got a confirmation... Should I check back by email or phone?!
 
luckyducky87 said:
I haven't heard back post interview on 12/15 AND 2/2. Is there any reason to hope that I will hear with good news on 3/15? 🙁 also, I emailed a loi/update letter to Dr. WC about a month ago, but I never got a confirmation... Should I check back by email or phone?!
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You've been assigned a score, so if your score is in the range they start accepting on 3/15, you could get in.

Calling by Phone is probably a good idea. They don't seem like the type of office that gets upset when showing interest.
 
luckyducky87 said:
I haven't heard back post interview on 12/15 AND 2/2. Is there any reason to hope that I will hear with good news on 3/15? 🙁 also, I emailed a loi/update letter to Dr. WC about a month ago, but I never got a confirmation... Should I check back by email or phone?!
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Yes, you have a chance because it all depends on your score and how far down you are on the list. Quite a few people every year wait through the early acceptance dates and are accepted on March 15th.🙂

And Dr. WC generally won't respond to an update letter unless you ask her a direct question; she'll just add the note to your file. Call the admissions office if you want to make sure they got it.
 
i really like vcu, but i don't know if i can wait on the waitlist. i'm leaving the country and need to decide by the end of march. can we call to get an indication?
 
When I went for my interview, I remember hearing about a group program in which students meet with each other to discuss issues related to being a med student or just to talk about life. What is that group called? I think it was something like Heart-to-Heart?
 
skydancing said:
When I went for my interview, I remember hearing about a group program in which students meet with each other to discuss issues related to being a med student or just to talk about life. What is that group called? I think it was something like Heart-to-Heart?
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I think it is just called Project Heart (Healing with E A R iNtegrity.... forget the E A and the R...)
 
bluesmd said:
i really like vcu, but i don't know if i can wait on the waitlist. i'm leaving the country and need to decide by the end of march. can we call to get an indication?
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Probably not 🙁 Dr. WC made it pretty clear to our group that she was not going to give out information regarding priority score to people who call, and I would imagine they'll be similarly quiet about the wait-list. I am also on the wait list, and will be in Israel for part of the summer, so I feel your pain! (sort of... I don't have a March deadline) Have you considered getting an international cell phone, in case the decision is made after you leave?
 
skydancing said:
When I went for my interview, I remember hearing about a group program in which students meet with each other to discuss issues related to being a med student or just to talk about life. What is that group called? I think it was something like Heart-to-Heart?
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Yes, it's Project HEART. It stands for Healing with Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, and Integrity. It focuses on remembering why we want to become doctors in the first place, and dealing with stresses that we face now or will face in the future. As an M2 we focus on preparing mentally and emotionally for M3.

In general it's a positive experience and often fun. The group leaders are faculty and staff at MCV. Mine is a Dean/MD at the SOM. You typically get together about once a month at a location that the group decides. My group leader usually makes us dinner at his house, and I know a lot of people meet off campus at restaurants, etc.
 
nka1985 said:
Yes, it's Project HEART. It stands for Healing with Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, and Integrity. It focuses on remembering why we want to become doctors in the first place, and dealing with stresses that we face now or will face in the future. As an M2 we focus on preparing mentally and emotionally for M3.

In general it's a positive experience and often fun. The group leaders are faculty and staff at MCV. Mine is a Dean/MD at the SOM. You typically get together about once a month at a location that the group decides. My group leader usually makes us dinner at his house, and I know a lot of people meet off campus at restaurants, etc.
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Haha, my sister's Project HEART leader interviewed me at VCU😎
 
virusgirl said:
Probably not 🙁 Dr. WC made it pretty clear to our group that she was not going to give out information regarding priority score to people who call, and I would imagine they'll be similarly quiet about the wait-list. I am also on the wait list, and will be in Israel for part of the summer, so I feel your pain! (sort of... I don't have a March deadline) Have you considered getting an international cell phone, in case the decision is made after you leave?
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that's what i thought too but someone said that if you call, they give you an indication i thought it was pretty weird
 
bluesmd said:
that's what i thought too but someone said that if you call, they give you an indication i thought it was pretty weird
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It's more like if you are close, they give you something like (Oh, you're good). At least that's what they did re: Interviews info for me. But they don't give you an exact specification.
 
I called today, and i didn't get an "indication" or vibe that ppl have been talking about. The response was very neutral, and the lady i spoke to refrained from spilling any beans. Also, someone mentioned above that Dr. WC will not tell u anything either, so im starting to believe that this school will not leak out/give hints to any candidate prior to March 15th....may be they will after the waitlist is formed, who knows....
 
Made a new account today... couldn't log into my old one, anyways...

I was invited for interview, but there aren't any dates available at this moment... So I would still get a chance for an interview or am I waiting on someone else to cancel ?

My worst fear would be no chance to interview before, March 15. I hope some date opens up quick. I am refreshing every 2 minutes... to see if any date opens up...

Thanks

Sigh...
 
vcu said:
Made a new account today... couldn't log into my old one, anyways...

I was invited for interview, but there aren't any dates available at this moment... So I would still get a chance for an interview or am I waiting on someone else to cancel ?

My worst fear would be no chance to interview before, March 15. I hope some date opens up quick. I am refreshing every 2 minutes... to see if any date opens up...

Thanks

Sigh...
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If you got an interview invite then call them to try to schedule a date. I've never heard of them making an interview offer but not having any slots available.
 
That does seem like a really weird situation, but I got the impression from my interviewer that they're experiencing much more of a crunch w/r/t interviews than they were expecting (i.e. want to interview far more than they have slots for). I would also recommend calling to try to set up a date.
 
Hey vcu, I'm going to withdraw from my interview, if you want we can correspond so that you can take my spot, its for next week. Send me a pm.
 
nka1985 said:
If you got an interview invite then call them to try to schedule a date. I've never heard of them making an interview offer but not having any slots available.
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virusgirl said:
That does seem like a really weird situation, but I got the impression from my interviewer that they're experiencing much more of a crunch w/r/t interviews than they were expecting (i.e. want to interview far more than they have slots for). I would also recommend calling to try to set up a date.
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droshan said:
Hey vcu, I'm going to withdraw from my interview, if you want we can correspond so that you can take my spot, its for next week. Send me a pm.
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Thanks a lot everyone, turns out they had a spot open on the 3rd of march. Got scheduled in, now for the interview jitters.

And Droshan, thanks, hope you enjoy Philly(from MDapplicants).

GL
 
hey guys - I am one of those who are really dying to go to VCU SOM, but placed on hold since Dec.

I am aware that I've been already given out with my priority score since I did my interview in Nov. But, I'm just really tired of waiting and am thinking of writing a letter of interest to the VCU SOM Admission Committee or to the Dean.

Will it significantly affect my priority score/odd of getting acceptance or will it be simply added to my application file?

Does anyone know if sending a letter of interest is worth of trying? Thanks so much!!
 
funtakim said:
hey guys - I am one of those who are really dying to go to VCU SOM, but placed on hold since Dec.

I am aware that I've been already given out with my priority score since I did my interview in Nov. But, I'm just really tired of waiting and am thinking of writing a letter of interest to the VCU SOM Admission Committee or to the Dean.

Will it significantly affect my priority score/odd of getting acceptance or will it be simply added to my application file?

Does anyone know if sending a letter of interest is worth of trying? Thanks so much!!
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Will it affect your priority score? No, that's set. It might help if you priority score is tied with somebody else though.
 
My heart raced when I got a status update today... online to find that stupid survey!
 
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