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

[cougalum]

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I am OOS. I remember on interview day they basically said don't count on getting VA residency. So I am a little confused, then, on who actually does get in-state residency coming from OOS.

This is what my situation looks like. I am married, and my wife would be working in Richmond (probably as a school teacher). We would have VA residency for all intents and purposes. Since she is working and paying taxes to VA, and we are not dependents of anybody, wouldn't she qualify as a bona-fide VA resident after a year, thus making me a resident by marriage? Wouldn't that make me a VA resident eligible for in-state tuition for my remaining years there?

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

I am OOS. I remember on interview day they basically said don't count on getting VA residency. So I am a little confused, then, on who actually does get in-state residency coming from OOS.

This is what my situation looks like. I am married, and my wife would be working in Richmond (probably as a school teacher). We would have VA residency for all intents and purposes. Since she is working and paying taxes to VA, and we are not dependents of anybody, wouldn't she qualify as a bona-fide VA resident after a year, thus making me a resident by marriage? Wouldn't that make me a VA resident eligible for in-state tuition for my remaining years there?

Nobody coming from out of state gets in-state residency by school requirements (there's the key) or tuition. You and your wife would be Virginia state residents, but as you were not a resident for tuition purposes prior to coming to Virginia, you would not be able to qualify for state tuition for all four years of your medical school training. Being married is not relevant.

 

[nka1985]

I am OOS. I remember on interview day they basically said don't count on getting VA residency. So I am a little confused, then, on who actually does get in-state residency coming from OOS.

This is what my situation looks like. I am married, and my wife would be working in Richmond (probably as a school teacher). We would have VA residency for all intents and purposes. Since she is working and paying taxes to VA, and we are not dependents of anybody, wouldn't she qualify as a bona-fide VA resident after a year, thus making me a resident by marriage? Wouldn't that make me a VA resident eligible for in-state tuition for my remaining years there?

I have essentially the same situation-my husband lives and works in this state as well. The key to being a resident for tuition purposes is that you must live and work here for 2 years WITHOUT being here for school. If you're enrolled in school here they assume that you only moved here for school and therefore you are never eligible for in-state tuition.

 

[ej37]

Hey all, I interviewed at VCU two weeks ago. I sent an update letter the friday I interviewed, but I didn't get the "a decision has been made" message the following Monday. I did, however, get one of those interview survery messages...

Anyway, I was just wondering if it would be worth it to send another update message before Monday? I don't have big news to report, but just really want to show my interest in VCU here... I am without an acceptance at this point and getting kind of desperate.

Is there any reason to do this? I mean, would this be advisabel to send two update messages in just over a weeks time? Has my file already been decided upon? Sorry for all the questions... thanks again for the help!

(crossing my fingers for March 15th!)

 

[virusgirl]

Hey all, I interviewed at VCU two weeks ago. I sent an update letter the friday I interviewed, but I didn't get the "a decision has been made" message the following Monday. I did, however, get one of those interview survery messages...

Anyway, I was just wondering if it would be worth it to send another update message before Monday? I don't have big news to report, but just really want to show my interest in VCU here... I am without an acceptance at this point and getting kind of desperate.

Is there any reason to do this? I mean, would this be advisabel to send two update messages in just over a weeks time? Has my file already been decided upon? Sorry for all the questions... thanks again for the help!

(crossing my fingers for March 15th!)

I would not send another update just now, partly because it's overkill and partly because I don't think it will help, at least in this stage of the game. Dr. W-C should have gone over this with your interview group, but VCU's admissions decisions are highly mathematical. You get a "priority score," which is a function of your on-paper qualifications and your interview performance. This score, which determines whether you will be accepted in one of the up-front acceptance dates (as opposed to being wait-listed or rejected), does not (I believe) take into account demonstrated interest, so I don't believe that sending a letter will actually accomplish anything. Wait until March 15th and see what happens. If you're accepted, then great! If you're wait-listed, that is probably the time to send any updates and tell them how much you liked the school -- and that you'd go there if accepted (if that is a true statement for you). I don't know how much the priority score comes into play once the wait list starts moving, but it is the dominating factor right now.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

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?

Happened to me too. Good to know it is normal. Interviewed two weeks ago and just updated today.

Go VCU!

 

[chessodoc]

Its bad, interviewed 1 month ago 🙁

 

[qtMD]

just a question -- how long does VCU interview for? i was put on hold pre-interview and haven't heard anything

 

[call me x]

just a question -- how long does VCU interview for? i was put on hold pre-interview and haven't heard anything

the status page says there are no more interview spots available, and there will be another posting if new ones open up

i have had a hold message for months...what i find funny is that in the message it states something like "we wish to view your file further over the next COUPLE OF WEEKS before deciding on an interview"

so much for that.....just reject us and put us out of our misery already
sigh : (

 

[qtMD]

so much for that.....just reject us and put us out of our misery already
sigh : (

agreed😕

 

[cuppy]

I've had the same message on my status page since the 1st of january--we have deemed you worthy of an interview, however we may not be able to give you one due to an increase in applicants blah blah blah.....
are they going to offer interview spots to those of us on hold in the event of a cancellation? or are they trying to decide whether or not to hold more interviews? the wording is so misleading.....

 

[nka1985]

I've had the same message on my status page since the 1st of january--we have deemed you worthy of an interview, however we may not be able to give you one due to an increase in applicants blah blah blah.....
are they going to offer interview spots to those of us on hold in the event of a cancellation? or are they trying to decide whether or not to hold more interviews? the wording is so misleading.....

They might offer interviews if they get cancellations, but they should be almost done with interviews for the year. I think they only interviewed until ~March 5 or so last year. They always finish in time to take the last people to the admissions committee before the March 15th offer date.

 

[JaDud6PG]

Does anyone know the next acceptance date and time?

Is it going to be March 15 at 6PM? Or are they going to push it forward to Monday like they did in February?

 

[bluesmd]

Does anyone know the next acceptance date and time?

Is it going to be March 15 at 6PM? Or are they going to push it forward to Monday like they did in February?

yeah, probably. hope i get an update!

 

[sabai sabai]

yeah, probably. hope i get an update!

Doesn't everyone get an update on March 15th, whether it be Acceptance, Rejection, Waitlist?!

 

[ATrim7]

From what I can remember last year....you will only receive a status update on March 15th if you are accepted. In the days following March 15th, the committee will form the waitlists and will send out another status with either a notification of waitlist or rejection.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[JaDud6PG]

From what I can remember last year....you will only receive a status update on March 15th if you are accepted. In the days following March 15th, the committee will form the waitlists and will send out another status with either a notification of waitlist or rejection.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Right, but what I really need to know is if they're going to announce everything on March 15th? And if so, at what time?

The Feb 1 announcement wasn't made until 6-7 pm Feb 2. So I wanted to know if March 15th would be official, or if they're going to change it to the Monday after.

 

[dr. dreigh]

Right, but what I really need to know is if they're going to announce everything on March 15th? And if so, at what time?

The Feb 1 announcement wasn't made until 6-7 pm Feb 2. So I wanted to know if March 15th would be official, or if they're going to change it to the Monday after.

As quoted from an email I received from VCU admissions:

"The class will be filled by the March 15 offers. The waitlist will then be developed and rejections will occur in late March. The waitlist will stay active until school begins in August and those remaining on the waitlist will be released due to lack of space."

So, to answer your question: no, "everything" won't be announced on the March 15th/16th- just an acceptance. As to the exact time, I don't know.

 

[seizethedee]

Right, but what I really need to know is if they're going to announce everything on March 15th? And if so, at what time?

The Feb 1 announcement wasn't made until 6-7 pm Feb 2. So I wanted to know if March 15th would be official, or if they're going to change it to the Monday after.

At my interview, someone actually asked this question... we were told that it would probably the the 16th. I'm expecting the 16th, at around 6 pm (when the computers are updated).

As far as whether you will know at that date and time if you are waitlisted, I have no idea. I imagine it will be pretty torturous if I don't get anything, especially because no matter how many times I tell my spammarshal that I want to receive emails from VCU, the stupid thing still blocks all of them. Horrible.

 

[JaDud6PG]

Hey, seizethedee

I remember a few pages back you posted that you were on your way to a vcu interview. How did that go?

And thanks for the answer here. It's exactly what I was looking for .. and March 16 was exactly what I had predicted.

 

[nka1985]

At my interview, someone actually asked this question... we were told that it would probably the the 16th. I'm expecting the 16th, at around 6 pm (when the computers are updated).

As far as whether you will know at that date and time if you are waitlisted, I have no idea. I imagine it will be pretty torturous if I don't get anything, especially because no matter how many times I tell my spammarshal that I want to receive emails from VCU, the stupid thing still blocks all of them. Horrible.

Yep, the computers update at ~603pm ET, and the acceptances should go out March 16th because they never send updates on Sundays.

Holy cow time goes by quickly in med school. I can't believe its been 2 years since I sat around waiting for the March 15th update.

In case I'm too busy to tell you guys later, good luck everyone.

 

[seizethedee]

Hey, seizethedee

I remember a few pages back you posted that you were on your way to a vcu interview. How did that go?

And thanks for the answer here. It's exactly what I was looking for .. and March 16 was exactly what I had predicted.

Pretty good, thanks! There were a few tongue-tied moments, and I won't be surprised if I get waitlisted (just the feeling I had when I left) but I'll be thrilled if I get accepted. I absolutely loved the school.

you heading to MCV this fall?

 

[JaDud6PG]

Pretty good, thanks! There were a few tongue-tied moments, and I won't be surprised if I get waitlisted (just the feeling I had when I left) but I'll be thrilled if I get accepted. I absolutely loved the school.

you heading to MCV this fall?

I hear ya. I'm in pretty much the same situation. The Feb 1/2 date passed without any news, so I'll be waiting for the March 15/16 date as well. I'm hoping I get in as well, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Best of luck to you.

 

[bluesmd]

Yep, the computers update at ~603pm ET, and the acceptances should go out March 16th because they never send updates on Sundays.

Holy cow time goes by quickly in med school. I can't believe its been 2 years since I sat around waiting for the March 15th update.

In case I'm too busy to tell you guys later, good luck everyone.

i'm sure you're right and they send it out at 6:03. but for you neurotic pre-meds chad says they always receive updates at 6:04. so people in the midwest its 5:04 and cali is 3:04 🙂

 

[ej37]

Hey all.

I interviewed 2 weeks ago, and just go the:

The Admissions Committee has met to discuss your file. Your application is being placed on hold for action at a later date...

message.


From what I can tell, this is pretty normal. I was one of those people who got called last minute for an interview (I guess someone else must have canceled), so I think its safe to say that as far as my numerical ranking goes, I am probably towards the bottom of the list.

I am preparing myself for a waitlist/rejection, but I was just wondering if there was anyone in years past that was accepted after receiving a last minute interview.

The only reason I ask is because as has been mentioned on this thread, I know the admissions decisions are highly mathematical, and im just wondering even if I did (hypothetically) receive the maximum "ratings" on my interview day, is that enough to move up enough in the rank list, or was I interviewing solely for a waitlist spot?

Sorry to be so neurotic, VCU is my top choice, and on top of which, I am currently without an acceptance. Thanks again all, good luck to everyone else waiting for March 15! (or 16...)

 

[bluesmd]

Sorry to be so neurotic, VCU is my top choice, and on top of which, I am currently without an acceptance. Thanks again all, good luck to everyone else waiting for March 15! (or 16...)

i don't know. i am pretty sure they space out their acceptances, but i think if VCU is your top choice you should write an LOI. good luck

 

[JaDud6PG]

The only reason I ask is because as has been mentioned on this thread, I know the admissions decisions are highly mathematical, and im just wondering even if I did (hypothetically) receive the maximum "ratings" on my interview day, is that enough to move up enough in the rank list, or was I interviewing solely for a waitlist spot?

You make this sound like Vegas.

 

[heronumber1one1]

The only reason I ask is because as has been mentioned on this thread, I know the admissions decisions are highly mathematical, and im just wondering even if I did (hypothetically) receive the maximum "ratings" on my interview day, is that enough to move up enough in the rank list, or was I interviewing solely for a waitlist spot?
(or 16...)

I think the interview can make a big difference; at least I think it played a role in my case. As they mentioned during the interview day, your interviewer is your champion, and his/her ability to convince the rest of the committee could make a difference. I seemed to have gotten along very well with my interviewer, and he sent me a personal email after my acceptance. I interviewed in third week of Jan and am IS. Best of luck.

bluesmd: is that an allblack player i see in your avatar? i was in sydney during the 2003 rugby world cup, and i must admit that i still bleed wallaby green and gold

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

Hey all.

I interviewed 2 weeks ago, and just go the:

The Admissions Committee has met to discuss your file. Your application is being placed on hold for action at a later date...

message.


From what I can tell, this is pretty normal. I was one of those people who got called last minute for an interview (I guess someone else must have canceled), so I think its safe to say that as far as my numerical ranking goes, I am probably towards the bottom of the list.

I am preparing myself for a waitlist/rejection, but I was just wondering if there was anyone in years past that was accepted after receiving a last minute interview.

The only reason I ask is because as has been mentioned on this thread, I know the admissions decisions are highly mathematical, and im just wondering even if I did (hypothetically) receive the maximum "ratings" on my interview day, is that enough to move up enough in the rank list, or was I interviewing solely for a waitlist spot?

Sorry to be so neurotic, VCU is my top choice, and on top of which, I am currently without an acceptance. Thanks again all, good luck to everyone else waiting for March 15! (or 16...)

If you'd read the thread, you'd see that once you interview, your priority score that is determined when the adcom meets has nothing to do with how you were ranked pre-interview. Once you're in for an interview, you have a clean slate, and the priority score is formed solely based on how the admissions committee views your overall application, with no input from the file score that determined if you would receive an interview. There is no "interviewing for wait list spots" at MCV.

 

[bluesmd]

I think the interview can make a big difference; at least I think it played a role in my case. As they mentioned during the interview day, your interviewer is your champion, and his/her ability to convince the rest of the committee could make a difference. I seemed to have gotten along very well with my interviewer, and he sent me a personal email after my acceptance. I interviewed in third week of Jan and am IS. Best of luck.

bluesmd: is that an allblack player i see in your avatar? i was in sydney during the 2003 rugby world cup, and i must admit that i still bleed wallaby green and gold

it is a former all blacks. his name is carlos spencer. i am sorry that you choose the wallabies and not the great all blacks 😛 cheers

 

[ej37]

I think the interview can make a big difference; at least I think it played a role in my case. As they mentioned during the interview day, your interviewer is your champion, and his/her ability to convince the rest of the committee could make a difference. I seemed to have gotten along very well with my interviewer, and he sent me a personal email after my acceptance. I interviewed in third week of Jan and am IS. Best of luck.

bluesmd: is that an allblack player i see in your avatar? i was in sydney during the 2003 rugby world cup, and i must admit that i still bleed wallaby green and gold

Hmmm, ok, well thats good to hear that the interview can make a big difference. I also got along well with my interviewer, and had what I know was a good interview. The only downside is that my interviewer was a student member of the admissions comittee, not a faculuty, member, who I'm sure would carry more weight...

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

Hmmm, ok, well thats good to hear that the interview can make a big difference. I also got along well with my interviewer, and had what I know was a good interview. The only downside is that my interviewer was a student member of the admissions comittee, not a faculuty, member, who I'm sure would carry more weight...

That is not true either.

 

[ej37]

That is not true either.

Really? I certainly hope you are right! One of my friends who is a current student said that while your "fate" is not predetermined by whom you interview with (unlike some schools), the current students generally don't lobby quite as hard faculty members for people that interviewed well.

I wrote a LOI immediately following the interview, and sent a letter to my interviewer as well... I guess there isn't a whole lot more I can do at this point besides wait for the 15th (Other than annoy ChimanzeeMinky and the other posters who have been generous enough to put up with my annoying questions).

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

Really? I certainly hope you are right! One of my friends who is a current student said that while your "fate" is not predetermined by whom you interview with (unlike some schools), the current students generally don't lobby quite as hard faculty members for people that interviewed well.

I wrote a LOI immediately following the interview, and sent a letter to my interviewer as well... I guess there isn't a whole lot more I can do at this point besides wait for the 15th (Other than annoy ChimanzeeMinky and the other posters who have been generous enough to put up with my annoying questions).

Is that current student a member of the admissions committee? My (admittedly anecdotal) experience with fellow classmembers has seemed to indicate that the M4 interviewers lobby quite substantially, as many of my classmates also had an M4 interviewer. I think, since being on the adcom as an M4 is something you have to want to do, the self-selection leads to those individuals being likely to state your case pretty emphatically.

I'm easily annoyed - we have 3 exams tomorrow because of our ill-timed snow day this Monday. Sorry if it seems I don't want to help. 😎

 

[ej37]

Is that current student a member of the admissions committee? My (admittedly anecdotal) experience with fellow classmembers has seemed to indicate that the M4 interviewers lobby quite substantially, as many of my classmates also had an M4 interviewer. I think, since being on the adcom as an M4 is something you have to want to do, the self-selection leads to those individuals being likely to state your case pretty emphatically.

I'm easily annoyed - we have 3 exams tomorrow because of our ill-timed snow day this Monday. Sorry if it seems I don't want to help. 😎

I was being sarcastic, thank you very much for your insight!👍

Good luck on your exams, and thanks again for all the help and information you've provided!

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

I was being sarcastic, thank you very much for your insight!👍

Good luck on your exams, and thanks again for all the help and information you've provided!

Thanks, and no problem. I hope you get good news on the 15th!

 

[bluesmd]

Thanks, and no problem. I hope you get good news on the 15th!

you mean the 16th hehe 😛

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

you mean the 16th hehe 😛

heh yeah, my bad.

 

[JaDud6PG]

I wrote a LOI immediately following the interview, and sent a letter to my interviewer as well... I guess there isn't a whole lot more I can do at this point besides wait for the 15th (Other than annoy ChimanzeeMinky and the other posters who have been generous enough to put up with my annoying questions).

It's good that you got along well with your interviewer. Wish you the best of luck.

As for the LOI's .. I'm still not sold that they're a good idea. I spoke to a physician who happened to be an admissions official who visited my lab about a month ago, and he said that he and other admissions officials at their school actually frown upon LOI's. He said that they are "nothing but flattery-filled desperation moves."

IMHO, he may be right. I mean, these officials know that you can send the LOI's to every school that interviewed you. So how do LOI's help?

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

It's good that you got along well with your interviewer. Wish you the best of luck.

As for the LOI's .. I'm still not sold that they're a good idea. I spoke to a physician who happened to be an admissions official who visited my lab about a month ago, and he said that he and other admissions officials at their school actually frown upon LOI's. He said that they are "nothing but flattery-filled desperation moves."

IMHO, he may be right. I mean, these officials know that you can send the LOI's to every school that interviewed you. So how do LOI's help?

They show dedication. They have to be done properly to be helpful, though. If they are nothing but "flattery-filled desperation moves," then he's probably right - they may even hurt. If they articulate one's desires for attending that school specifically, and help make the case why the student would be a good addition to the school, they may help, and at the very worst may not do anything at all. I suspect that the adcom here is referring to those LOIs that are filled with nothing but platitudes.

It's the same thing as when you're looking for a job. If you can articulate why you feel the job is a good fit for you, and more importantly, how you'll help bring success to the employer, it can help in landing the position. This process is not much unlike a job search in that respect.

 

[dr. dreigh]

They show dedication. They have to be done properly to be helpful, though. If they are nothing but "flattery-filled desperation moves," then he's probably right - they may even hurt. If they articulate one's desires for attending that school specifically, and help make the case why the student would be a good addition to the school, they may help, and at the very worst may not do anything at all. I suspect that the adcom here is referring to those LOIs that are filled with nothing but platitudes.

It's the same thing as when you're looking for a job. If you can articulate why you feel the job is a good fit for you, and more importantly, how you'll help bring success to the employer, it can help in landing the position. This process is not much unlike a job search in that respect.

It is possible that some people on the admissions side of things have different thoughts about letters of interest/intent. In my experience with VCU, I have been put on hold. I emailed my interviewer to see if he could offer me any advice on what to expect in the coming weeks. By the way, he is an M4 and was so genuinely supportive of me. He told me that if I wanted to, it is always helpful to send a letter of interest to Dr. Whitehurst-Cook. According to my interviewer, she does have some say in acceptances when it comes to applicants with the same priority score.

That being said, I realize a letter is not a guarantee to increased priority, and my comment is based on the opinion of one interviewer. Good luck to everyone!

 

[bluesmd]

It is possible that some people on the admissions side of things have different thoughts about letters of interest/intent. In my experience with VCU, I have been put on hold. I emailed my interviewer to see if he could offer me any advice on what to expect in the coming weeks. By the way, he is an M4 and was so genuinely supportive of me. He told me that if I wanted to, it is always helpful to send a letter of interest to Dr. Whitehurst-Cook. According to my interviewer, she does have some say in acceptances when it comes to applicants with the same priority score.

That being said, I realize a letter is not a guarantee to increased priority, and my comment is based on the opinion of one interviewer. Good luck to everyone!

i heard differently. i heard that your priority score determines if you will be accepted on the dates like feb 2 and march 15. but Dr. WC can affect which candidate is taken from the waitlist if there is more than one candidate at the same priority score. so she can only help pull you from the waitlist.

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

It is possible that some people on the admissions side of things have different thoughts about letters of interest/intent. In my experience with VCU, I have been put on hold. I emailed my interviewer to see if he could offer me any advice on what to expect in the coming weeks. By the way, he is an M4 and was so genuinely supportive of me. He told me that if I wanted to, it is always helpful to send a letter of interest to Dr. Whitehurst-Cook. According to my interviewer, she does have some say in acceptances when it comes to applicants with the same priority score.

That being said, I realize a letter is not a guarantee to increased priority, and my comment is based on the opinion of one interviewer. Good luck to everyone!

The key is to get the LOI read before your file goes before the ADCOM. Then it may make a difference in the priority score. Once that bad boy is set, it's hard and fast.

 

[ATrim7]

Has anyone heard anything about when the VCU Second Look weekend will be this year?

 

[bluesmd]

Has anyone heard anything about when the VCU Second Look weekend will be this year?

there is no second look. it is virtual.

 

[umass_md]

one more week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nka1985]

there is no second look. it is virtual.

Unless they canceled it for some reason, there is a second look. Last year was the first year. Sorry, I'm not sure about the date though.

 

[ATrim7]

Unless they canceled it for some reason, there is a second look. Last year was the first year. Sorry, I'm not sure about the date though.

Thanks. Last app cycle I believe the second look was offered to approximately the top 10% of the waitlisted along with all accepted applicants. I think an invite to second look is probably a good measure of your chances at VCU and I was wondering when invites would be sent....just another date to wait for.

 

[bluesmd]

Unless they canceled it for some reason, there is a second look. Last year was the first year. Sorry, I'm not sure about the date though.

they told us there is no second look due to the bad economy

 

[nka1985]

they told us there is no second look due to the bad economy

That must be a fairly recent change. When I talked to a tour guide about it last month it was still scheduled, but then I am losing touch with the world as Step 1 gets closer.