2008 VCU/MCV Central

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I really wish my premed committee could've cranked out my LOR quicker. I may have received an interview in September in that case, and could've potentially been part of the Oct. 15th acceptances.

In VCU's case, it really pays to be early with the way they score/rank you, since you're competing against fewer people for that "top ~50" spot to gain the acceptance. Although those early people are all probably very very well qualified so you're still facing stiff competition....
 
waterbuffalo said:
It seems like there are no more interview slots open for the rest of the year! Dr. WC is trying to petition for more slots to interview candidates. Goodluck to all of you waiting for an interview. I've been waiting for so long that I'm starting to lose hope...🙁
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I'm going to ask an obvious question here:

How the hell do you know this?

Does it make sense to you that they'd run out of interview spots this early in the game? It doesn't make sense to me.
 
that is crazy....I got an invite in sept and am interviewing early dec....but I saw some ppl get invites later and get earlier interviews, so I think slots open up in between.
 
whateva07 said:
that is crazy....I got an invite in sept and am interviewing early dec....but I saw some ppl get invites later and get earlier interviews, so I think slots open up in between.
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Same here! When I got my invite, the earliest day available was December 5th, with any other slots starting in February and going through March.

Later invite, earlier interview. Yeah, that's fair!
 
So after waiting for more than 2 months, I got this message today: "The committee's file review indicates that they are interested in your candidacy..." Yay! I hope an interview invite comes soon. I've been reading up on VCU and would love the chance to come visit.
 
That's the way the scheduling system works at VCU. Initially they schedule through March for early applicants. If a slot opens up when a person withdraws new applicants gets dibs. It would be difficult to move everyone already on the schedule to earlier dates because that is literally hundreds of interviews. Considering the number of spots that open up periodically it would cause havoc on people's schedules.
 
does anyone know what the cutoff is for dec 15 acceptances? I have my interview the first week of december and would LOVE to find out then...
 
strawberry84 said:
does anyone know what the cutoff is for dec 15 acceptances? I have my interview the first week of december and would LOVE to find out then...
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Yea Ive heard that for dec 15th that early dec is too late, and thats when i interview....but thats speculation. I dont know for sure.
 
i interviewed at VCU mid-october (after the oct 15 decisions). great school, great facilities, great faculty. for those of you who haven't received an interview yet, there is still a lot of time left. i have a friend at VCU SOM who interviewed in feb and was accepted in march. keep up the hope!

on my interview day there were 14 other applicants interviewing. i find it really hard to believe that they are completely out of interview slots. VCU interviews every day of the week except for friday and they start in september and end in feb.

maybe they are out of interview slots for the time being- meaning that they still have dates that they are going to open up in jan and feb but are waiting to see how everything pans out. kind of like how they do acceptances- they wait until a specific date (oct 15, dec 15, feb 15, etc) to release acceptance letters. not meaning that there are no acceptances available but that they are waiting until they review a certain # of interviewees before granting acceptances to higher ranked candidates.

they might be out of out of state interview slots or vice versa. for instate residents, dr.wc said that they make an extra effort to review all va residents.

or maybe i am completely wrong and they ran out of interviews. a lot of schools are getting an overwhelming increase in applicants but most of those schools are private ie. tulane, gwu.

i think interview dates are a toss up. i know that they try to interview better (or instate) applicants earlier but some people may get lucky to find an interview spot due to a last minute cancellation.

i don't think people who interview at the beginning of december will hear on the 15th. from what i heard and last years thread, it usually takes more than 2 weeks for the adcomm to get to your file- esp. since they are really busy this time of year. but who knows, maybe you will get a christmas miracle!
 
i'm still curious as to where waterbuffalo got his information from. this is a really stressful time for all of us and it's just cruel to start a mass panic like that without anything to back it up with.
 
does anyone know when the next acceptance notice day is after 12/15?
 
strawberry84 said:
does anyone know what the cutoff is for dec 15 acceptances? I have my interview the first week of december and would LOVE to find out then...
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That will, in all likelihood, be too late for the December batch. Depending on the time of year, the amt of time till you can get an offer varies from 1-4 weeks.


luckycharms08 said:
i'm still curious as to where waterbuffalo got his information from. this is a really stressful time for all of us and it's just cruel to start a mass panic like that without anything to back it up with.
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I seriously doubt that they are out of interview slots. John Kenyon, Agnes Mack and Dr WC have given no indication to me that they are out of slots.

The way that the SOM schedules interviews is that the faculty sign up for the dates that they are available. Then those slots are put into the computer and students can sign up for them. If they in fact don't have anymore interview slots open right now, that doesn't mean that they wont have any in the future.

I was given my interview in December. The first time I went to schedule it the pull down bar said late February. The next time it said mid-January because a professor had put in an available date. Just relax guys, you'll be fine.
 
Hey guys please try not to stress. I know this sounds easy (its not), I was in your shoes last year and waitlisted at 3 different schools and ended getting in all three, but not until May. Just stay in touch with your school choices and let them know that you are very interested in them. I called and emailed about every 2 weeks until they knew me by my first name. 😳 You are all the best and have worked so hard to get to this spot. It will happen, you will get the call👍 If you have any questions, or just need a pat on the back, let me know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
boundthapn said:
Hey guys please try not to stress. I know this sounds easy (its not), I was in your shoes last year and waitlisted at 3 different schools and ended getting in all three, but not until May. Just stay in touch with your school choices and let them know that you are very interested in them. I called and emailed about every 2 weeks until they knew me by my first name. 😳 You are all the best and have worked so hard to get to this spot. It will happen, you will get the call👍 If you have any questions, or just need a pat on the back, let me know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...



Did you email the schools elaborate formal letters of update/interest? Or just a "hey, it's boundthapn, just wanted to say I'm still interested. Talk to you later!" ?
 
I just got this message:

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.

It seems as though some people did get offered invites after receiving this message. I was wondering how fast the turnaround time has been for this year's application cycle. Thanks!
 
luckycharms08 said:
i'm still curious as to where waterbuffalo got his information from. this is a really stressful time for all of us and it's just cruel to start a mass panic like that without anything to back it up with.
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Hey guys, sorry to alarm all of you, and not return to SDN for a few days.. (I usually don't come on SDN everyday) But to answer your questions:

I recently spoke with "Momma" Mack and Dr WC in person. They told me about the increase in applicants this year and the lack of interview spots. No need to panick, though. Dr. WC told me that she was working on getting more interview dates - she just needs to get it approved by the committee/board. Dr. WC is usually very good about following through with what she says.

Once again, sorry to worry some of you! I know what it's like. I was waitlisted at VCU last year, and it is a painful process... my experience with VCU was especially painful because I really wanted to go there, but the thought that I won't even get an interview this year is frightening!

I got this message this year:
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.

However, I'm not losing hope!! We can get in, IT"S ONLY NOVEMBER!!!! (I think I interviewed in January last year) I really believe that spots will open up soon.

Also, I would really trust whatever Instatewaiter says. By the way, Instatewaiter, have you gotten a chance to talk to Dr WC or Mrs. Mack recently?? You mentioned that you didn't think that the slots were full yet, but I spoke with Dr WC in early November. She said this year was really crazy. Give us all some more info when you get some time! Thanks Instatewaiter..

~HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone ~
 
Yeah this year has been really crazy. There have already been about 1000 more applicants this year than we had all of last year.

Even if the slots were full, the Dr WC is not going to leave the rest of you guys high and dry. That said she probably wont be able to expand the slots significantly. The most I have ever heard of them expanding it to is 900 (instead of ~650) a few years ago. In most likelihood only those with high priority scores will get interviews but that could be all of you guys. Don't loose hope people it is still very early (especially you waterbuffalo).

Happy Thanksgiving
-instate
 
Hey guys,

I know this is a painful process and I understand what you guys are going thru. I am a first year med student at MCV and absolutely love it. I chose this place over a few others and couldn't be happier right now. There have been lot more applications this year though so that is why they are going a little slower on the int invites. If any of you have any questions about life in school or Richmond feel free to PM me. I don't check this that often but I will try and get back to you. Good luck and just be patient. I know a lot of people in my class got in after may 15 and many on that date. So even if you do not hear anything after interviewing there is still a good chance. good luck and happy turkey day.
 
buffettfan said:
Hey guys,

I know this is a painful process and I understand what you guys are going thru. I am a first year med student at MCV and absolutely love it. I chose this place over a few others and couldn't be happier right now. There have been lot more applications this year though so that is why they are going a little slower on the int invites. If any of you have any questions about life in school or Richmond feel free to PM me. I don't check this that often but I will try and get back to you. Good luck and just be patient. I know a lot of people in my class got in after may 15 and many on that date. So even if you do not hear anything after interviewing there is still a good chance. good luck and happy turkey day.
Click to expand...


I can second that-I too, am a first year at MCV and love it. Last year was a really stressful year to apply, and it sounds like this year isn't any easier. Don't give up hope guys-I didn't get accepted until JULY 18th, but a miracle happened for me. Good luck everyone.
 
tomorrow will be exactly 6 weeks since i got my hold message 🙁
 
I too was put on hold about 6 weeks ago. I want to call them this week and ask if there have been any updates to my file, are there any recommendations about how to go about asking this?
 
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.
 
That message sounds better than the "we MAY interview" message I got.
 
Does anyone know which message has received the most invites in the past? I got the "committee would like to consider your file further" message, too 😕
 
It seems as though some people did get offered invites after receiving this message. I was wondering how fast the turnaround time has been for this year's application cycle. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I had the other message in early november, then an invite 10 days later... There have a lot of posts about whether or not the two message are hierarchical - but it seems people with both messages have received invites. I think it is a good sign to get the message.

Hang in there

edit: to clarify I got the "consider your file further message"
 
Cataract said:
Does anyone know which message has received the most invites in the past? I got the "committee would like to consider your file further" message, too 😕
Click to expand...

I think, to date, the message that says, "Congratulations we would like to schedule you for an interview" has the most invites but I may be wrong.

Sorry I had to... :laugh:
 
good gosh how many interviews do they schedule? i got the "consider your file further" message too!
 
I got the old "hold" message before I got an interview. It seems pretty hard to tell really what you're going to get.
 
I got a hold for grades from them. Not surprising, since my BCPM is weak, and I'm in school FT now. Now I have to wait till my grades are all up in like mid-January.
 
just to clarify, the status messages on the first post on this thread marked 2a and 2b have both been indicators of an upcoming interview. People reported hearing news within two weeks to 2 months so just hang in there!

for those with the on hold, make sure to update them with any relevant grades periodically, you do not need to wait for an official transcript, it helps.
 
Great. So after these messages, do I have to keep checking the status page or will they send an email as always?
 
Cataract said:
Great. So after these messages, do I have to keep checking the status page or will they send an email as always?
Click to expand...

Any time your status changes on the status page, whether interview invite, acceptance, rejection, etc. the computer sends out an email telling you to check the status page. It always goes out at ~603pm ET on weekdays, or before noon on Saturdays.

Sadly, I spent many afternoons over the summer checking my email at these times...

Good luck all. I really should be studying for anatomy test 2, ha.
 
nka1985 said:
Any time your status changes on the status page, whether interview invite, acceptance, rejection, etc. the computer sends out an email telling you to check the status page. It always goes out at ~603pm ET on weekdays, or before noon on Saturdays.

Sadly, I spent many afternoons over the summer checking my email at these times...

Good luck all. I really should be studying for anatomy test 2, ha.
Click to expand...

i was just placed on hold after having my interview on oct. 18th...does that mean i won't hear anything on dec. 15th..is post-interview hold better than waiting list? who knows....this is upsetting
 
bostampa2007 said:
i was just placed on hold after having my interview on oct. 18th...does that mean i won't hear anything on dec. 15th..is post-interview hold better than waiting list? who knows....this is upsetting
Click to expand...

Nope, that just means that the committee has met and ranked you. You probably were not flat out rejected, because they would have just sent a rejection email. It means that either you'll be accepted on Dec. 15th, or continue to hang out and wait until a later offer date. The waitlist is not formed until after the March 15th acceptances.

Believe me, I know a lot about waiting post-interview. Relax, because it doesn't mean anything bad at this point.
 
nka1985 said:
Nope, that just means that the committee has met and ranked you. You probably were not flat out rejected, because they would have just sent a rejection email. It means that either you'll be accepted on Dec. 15th, or continue to hang out and wait until a later offer date. The waitlist is not formed until after the March 15th acceptances.

Believe me, I know a lot about waiting post-interview. Relax, because it doesn't mean anything bad at this point.
Click to expand...

after my interview on oct. 18th, i sent them an additional letter of recommendation, and a letter of interest....was that a sign of desperation? should i do anything until dec. 15th?
 
bostampa2007 said:
after my interview on oct. 18th, i sent them an additional letter of recommendation, and a letter of interest....was that a sign of desperation? should i do anything until dec. 15th?
Click to expand...

Nope, not desperation, just interest. Now that you've received the email though, it means that the committee has decided on your score. That means that anything you send at this point probably won't affect your chances unless you are waitlisted in March. And even then, since they simply score you and put you in order on the list it probably won't make a huge difference.

So at this point, just relax, and wait. Hard to do, I know, but try to keep busy till Dec 15th.
 
so what is VCU's typical turnaround time in terms of the committee meeting and voting on you? as in, if I were to theoretically interview in early Jan would that be too late for the Feb 1st cutoff? just curious...I really hope I'm not in limbo until March. :scared:
 
beachblonde said:
so what is VCU's typical turnaround time in terms of the committee meeting and voting on you? as in, if I were to theoretically interview in early Jan would that be too late for the Feb 1st cutoff? just curious...I really hope I'm not in limbo until March. :scared:
Click to expand...

If they manage not to get behind, they should get to you. Last year I interviewed early January, and I had to wait because the offer date was Jan 15th last year. I didn't even get the status update until about a week after that.
 
beachblonde said:
so what is VCU's typical turnaround time in terms of the committee meeting and voting on you? as in, if I were to theoretically interview in early Jan would that be too late for the Feb 1st cutoff? just curious...I really hope I'm not in limbo until March. :scared:
Click to expand...
i doubt the turn around time will be less than a month- however, if you have an interview the first week of jan (you stated early jan, so hopefully that means 1st week) it might be feasible to hear on feb 1. i interviewed in mid oct and still have not recieved a message stating that my application was reviewed by the adcom. i know there is a lot of variability due to interviewer's schedule, holidays, an increase in applicants from last year, etc.

let the waiting game begin!
 
is a Saturday. I know they've sent updates on Saturdays before, but does anyone know if they plan to send them on the 15th this year?
 
Did you guys get any reminders about your upcoming interviews?
 
No, I dont think I got a reminder.
 
To the current med students,
What is the studying atmosphere like? Are there a lot of places to study? Do people mostly shy away and stay to themselves and at home?
 
caliboy07 said:
To the current med students,
What is the studying atmosphere like? Are there a lot of places to study? Do people mostly shy away and stay to themselves and at home?
Click to expand...

It's really about 50:50 from what I've seen. I feel like I study better at home, but a lot of my friends stay at the school. There are a lot of places to study-from the med student lounge, to Hunton Hall, to the 6th floor study lounge, you have your choice of very quiet, private study desks to noiser areas where you can discuss things with classmates, etc.
 
Anybody know specifically who to send updates to? I'll be moving right around the time they'll be offering their next round of acceptances.

Should we send them updated transcripts or wait until they ask for them?
 
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