2008 VCU/MCV Central

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Do they take ones undergrad school into consideration in that tie-breaker where GPA reigns supreme?
 
Deseo said:
Do they take ones undergrad school into consideration in that tie-breaker where GPA reigns supreme?
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I've heard that it's GPA first, then MCAT. If they're still tied...well...it's probably fair game. But I imagine that undergrad was already weighed as part of the priority score to begin with.

rahooligan said:
i think i'll wait till after 6 before completely throwing in the towel, but it doesn't look good
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I'm considering the towel thrown in at this point. lame......
 
does that mean a rejection is out of the question too?

yes. you are on the waitlist.
 
I don't know, but I am pretty bummed at this point...So many people on hold. Damn.
 
Maybe they forgot to hit the send button or something?
 
ATrim7 said:
does that mean a rejection is out of the question too?

yes. you are on the waitlist.
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are you sure about this? I'm pretty sure we can still hear that we have been rejected. I hope your right though. not being accepted sucks, but getting a rejection would be even worse.
 
ATrim7 said:
Maybe they forgot to hit the send button or something?
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:laugh:

Wouldn't surprise me...but...

A couple people got in yesterday. It would seem that the few acceptances that were given out, were given out yesterday...

Oh well, at least the waitlists move...hmmm :scared:
 
From the status page: 03/11/2008
The wait list for the VCU School of Medicine class entering in August 2008 will be formulated over the next 10 days. If you do not gain acceptance on March 15 and have not been notified of your application being no longer considered, please monitor your status on the website.


I'm interpreting this to mean that if you do not hear on March 15th of an acceptance or rejection, you are on the waitlist.
 
So, they only take into account undergraduate GPA? does anyone know if they would look at an SMP GPA in a tie breaker situation?
 
ATrim7 said:
From the status page: 03/11/2008
The wait list for the VCU School of Medicine class entering in August 2008 will be formulated over the next 10 days. If you do not gain acceptance on March 15 and have not been notified of your application being no longer considered, please monitor your status on the website.


I'm interpreting this to mean that if you do not hear on March 15th of an acceptance or rejection, you are on the waitlist.
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Nope. It means that they are working on making the waitlist and if you don't make it over the next 10 days or so you will get a rejection. Good luck.:luck:
 
I'm pretty sure we're all wait-listed. Better than being rejected, right? 😳
 
Hey Instatewaiter or any of the other current VCU students who have been really cool and awesome on this forum -- I have a few questions about being a VCU med student that hopefully are also of interest to people thinking about coming to VCU.

1. What can you tell me about the ICRP? Have you or any of your colleagues at VCU participated in the program and what did they have to say about it?

2. As far as the dual degree options (MPH or MHA) and/or the Year-Out Program in Biomedical Research how common is it that you have VCU med students pursuing one of these options?

3. As an in state student I think it would be awesome to stay in Virginia for my residency. Do many VCU Med School grads get matched to VCU and UVA?

4. Ok, last question, I promise. As far as the VCU Inova Campus for 3rd and 4th year. I think this would be really great for me since I live in Nova, but is it very selective/random as to who is allowed/selected to participate at that campus?

Thanks a lot and I hope these questions help others reading this thread too. For those still waiting to hear I wish you the best of luck.
 
Aurah said:
Hey Instatewaiter or any of the other current VCU students who have been really cool and awesome on this forum -- I have a few questions about being a VCU med student that hopefully are also of interest to people thinking about coming to VCU.

1. What can you tell me about the ICRP? Have you or any of your colleagues at VCU participated in the program and what did they have to say about it?

2. As far as the dual degree options (MPH or MHA) and/or the Year-Out Program in Biomedical Research how common is it that you have VCU med students pursuing one of these options?

3. As an in state student I think it would be awesome to stay in Virginia for my residency. Do many VCU Med School grads get matched to VCU and UVA?

4. Ok, last question, I promise. As far as the VCU Inova Campus for 3rd and 4th year. I think this would be really great for me since I live in Nova, but is it very selective/random as to who is allowed/selected to participate at that campus?

Thanks a lot and I hope these questions help others reading this thread too. For those still waiting to hear I wish you the best of luck.
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1) Yeah there are a bunch of people who do it. Most seem pretty happy with it. Besides not hearing any complaints from people, I dont know too many specifics mainly because I knew I didnt want to do it so I never looked into it.

2) For my year, they just sprang the MS on us in the fall (it's apparently pretty new, the PhD has been around a while), so not too many people are doing it. I would guess that about 15% of my class has an advanced degree of some sort already- whether a PhD, MS or MPH. Many more in the class below us are doing the MS. The MPH is more common although I cant tell you exact numbers. The thing to remember about these is that you will not be doing rotations with your class and the people you already know but rather with the class below you. I know that was a major consideration for the people in my class (who weren't going to do the MPH already) when considering the MS program.

3) Well it depends. Remember that a good portion of the class is from OOS (~40%). Those that want to match VCU, UVA or any of the other residency locations in Va have pretty good success. If I can find it I will post last years match list. Of the most competitive fields we had
3 Ophtho
3 Uro
7 Rads
1 Vascular surg
3 ENT
2 Neurosurg
2 Ortho
3 Plastics (<80 slots nationally, remember 126 schools)
3 Derm

www.medschool.vcu.edu/alumni/documents/Match07M-IVs.doc

About 40 people matched to MCV although a lot of those are doing a medicine or surgery preliminary year and then moving on to other sites to do Rads, Gas, PM&R etc. I glanced and only saw 1 UVA surprising enough. I have no idea what that is about but probably has to do with where students wanted to end up.

4) INOVA program is done by those who sign up. The first 24 go up there. There is a wait list formed and some people end up dropping off of it and stay in Richmond. MCV will send you a form where you designate your preference. You can change at anytime. For instance my roommate recently changed and actually was chosen to go, so you dont have to decide right away.
 
Question for those of you who have met with Dr. WC:

So I was thinking of going down to VCU and meeting with her to discuss my application, but I never know what to say/ask at those types of meetings. I want to ask her about my chances on the waitlist and what I can do to make myself a more competitive applicant, but that takes like maybe 5 minutes to discuss. What else do y'all recommend I talk to her about? How to beg my way in off the waitlist? :laugh: I just feel like if I'm going to make the (long) trip to Richmond I should have some more to talk about.
 
Ask her about:

1)what she foresees about WL movement
2) Your chances
3) Where you stand on the WL (she prolly wont give you much here)
4) Where your weaknesses lie on your application
5) Where you strengths lie
6) How you can improve yourself
7) If you dont get in, what would she recommend you do to improve your app in the next year
8) Bribes people have successfully used in the past to get into the school (kidding)
9) What a successful applicant this year looks like
10) How the WL movement works (good filler and may bridge successfully into her telling you a bit more about where you stand)

These are all good choices. I met with the old dean 3 times and each time she talked much more than I did, which is one of the reasons I know a lot about the process. Dr WC will probably do the same and will give you some good insight into you as an applicant. You will be surprised with how quickly the time goes, but even if it doesnt fill the entire apt slot you will come out with a clearer understanding of where you stand.
 
To Instatewaiter:

I am on the waitlist. i already wrote a letter of interest. do you think i will be at disadvantage if i don't go to richmond to personally speak with the dean? maybe i should go?
 
to the people that are waitlisted. what do you all have planned if things dont fall through. research? volunteer?post bac programs?

i am also waitlisted and now trying to think what to do if i end up applying again for next year's cycle.
 
goodluckcharm said:
To Instatewaiter:

I am on the waitlist. i already wrote a letter of interest. do you think i will be at disadvantage if i don't go to richmond to personally speak with the dean? maybe i should go?
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Hey goodluckcharm - I also wanted to send a letter of interest - to whom did you send it? Dr. WC? thanks!
 
JSB235 said:
Who is Dr. WC and what is her title?
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Dr. Whitehurst-Cook. I think she's Dean of Admissions. It's on the website.

To whoever asked about plans: I plan to go elsewhere if I don't get into MCV.
 
goodluckcharm said:
To Instatewaiter:

I am on the waitlist. i already wrote a letter of interest. do you think i will be at disadvantage if i don't go to richmond to personally speak with the dean? maybe i should go?
Click to expand...

Most people on the waitlist will not have the opportunity to have a meeting with Dr Whitehurst-Cook because they are either too far away, cannot get time off or b/c Dr WC has a limited amt of time for meetings.

Meeting with her can only be to your benefit. When I was applying I know that the amt of time I spent in Dr H's (old dean of admissions) office was time well spent. She and the people in the admissions office knew me and she knew my application and qualifications well. I feel that it helped me get in. How much it will do after you have gone to committee and after you have been waitlisted I cannot tell you. What I can tell you is that it shows dedication and it shows interest. So, if you happen not to get in, you will be in better shape for next year.

davez713 said:
to the people that are waitlisted. what do you all have planned if things dont fall through. research? volunteer?post bac programs?

i am also waitlisted and now trying to think what to do if i end up applying again for next year's cycle.
Click to expand...

For those interested VCU/MCV has a graduate level certificate program. I did that program and it got me into MCV. If you are interested either PM me or go to the post-bac forum where there is a thread (something to the effect of "2008 VCU Certificate") already underway.


JSB235 said:
Who is Dr. WC and what is her title?
Click to expand...

Dr WC is Dr Whitehurst-Cook who is the Associate Dean of Admissions.
 
Hey everyone, I am new to these forums following the let down of having nothing updated yesterday. I just spent 2 hours reading the entire forum in order to not ask a question already addressed, but I apologize if these are repeats as I did a lot of skimming. Anyways, I am an instate premed with a 3.45 GPA, 31N MCAT, and I interviewed in mid January. If someone can answer these questions I would greatly appreciate it. Instatewaiter, your posts have such subsistence that I would love for you to help me out, I may even PM you with questions about VCU's post-bacc certificate program....please let me know if you don't mind helping.


Here are my questions:


First, I am assuming that the wait list will come out soon and I will hopefully be on it. There has been a lot of discussion on whether rejections have been sent out and whether the hold status means wait listed or if something is sent out later to clarify. Has there been a consensus to this question, does anyone know for certain? I am also wondering if anyone can confirm about the priority score, GPA, MCAT defining your wait list position. GPA being a tie breaker is only between people with the same priority score right? I am just worried because my GPA can be considered on the low side, and I would rather have my priority score represent me.


People have mentioned sending in letters of interest/update to MCV, but can anyone give insight on what these letters contain? I have brought up my GPA to a 3.5, was accepted into a summer internship at EVMS, and could possibly have a publication this spring...does all this sound okay to put in? I just don't want to come off sounding annoying to the dean. What do you say about interest? Just that you are still interested? Sorry this is a dumb question, I just assumed that one would be taken as still interested if they have not withdrawn.

Thanks in advance for the help, I'll check in later to ask some more questions and give any input that I can.
 
To those of you who are saying you are on the waitlist...are you just assuming that since you didnt receive an offer you are on the waitlist? Also, writing letters of interest will not change the priority score that is absolutely set in stone.
 
i am just assuming that i am on the waitlist when i posted. I geuss there is a possibility that I could be on the reject list.
 
lostboy said:
Here are my questions:


First, I am assuming that the wait list will come out soon and I will hopefully be on it. There has been a lot of discussion on whether rejections have been sent out and whether the hold status means wait listed or if something is sent out later to clarify. Has there been a consensus to this question, does anyone know for certain? I am also wondering if anyone can confirm about the priority score, GPA, MCAT defining your wait list position. GPA being a tie breaker is only between people with the same priority score right? I am just worried because my GPA can be considered on the low side, and I would rather have my priority score represent me.


People have mentioned sending in letters of interest/update to MCV, but can anyone give insight on what these letters contain? I have brought up my GPA to a 3.5, was accepted into a summer internship at EVMS, and could possibly have a publication this spring...does all this sound okay to put in? I just don't want to come off sounding annoying to the dean. What do you say about interest? Just that you are still interested? Sorry this is a dumb question, I just assumed that one would be taken as still interested if they have not withdrawn.

Thanks in advance for the help, I'll check in later to ask some more questions and give any input that I can.
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Priority score is what determines where you sit on your respective waitlist (IS or OOS). That is made up of the score you got from the committee (which already takes into account your GPA, MCAT, interview, PS, ECs etc). You are discussed and everyone gives you a score 1-5 (5=bad). The high and low are thrown out, the rest are averaged. The score is taken to 2 decimal places. That is your score. Ties are pretty rare so that shouldnt be a major concern. If the priority scores of candidates are the same, your GPA will determine who is higher. If those are the same (prolly not going to happen) MCAT will be the 2nd tie breaker.

Letter of interest should contain pertinent updates (academic, research, clincal) and also that you are interested in the school. It could additionally say what you liked about the school and how you would be a good fit.

Letters of Intent are basically the same as letters of interest but where you say that you will go to the school if accepted.

Both are to show that you want to go to the school. Again how much these help is unknown but I thought it would be helpful so I sent one in. The name of the game is to keep them concise. You shouldnt ramble on about useless crap. People send me their LOIs all the time and almost universally they are too long. They basically should follow the format of:

Since my interview I have received grades of X, Y and Z which improves my GPA to X. I am also continuing to do research a X lab studying Y. I expect a publication/poster in X journal/conference. I have continued to pursue my clinical interests by volunteering at X, Y and Z which has ____.
I would like to reaffirm my interest in your school. I really like X about your school/curriculum/campus/office assistant/library. I think I would be a great fit at your school for X reason.

Thank you for your time and consideration- unnamed student.

Now vary it up a bit because I dont want to get blamed for 90 identical LOIs but you get the idea.
 
Thanks so much for the reply, definitly answered my questions.

Im not going to send a letter until after May 15th, hope the waiting list moves fast after that.

Goodluck everyone waiting w/me
 
we'll find out waitlist in a few hours...

03/17/2008 The March 15, 2008 acceptances have been made. You will be notified after 6pm today if you are on the waitlist or not. 03/17/2008 The waitlist is now in effect. You will receive an e-mail notification of your application status. The class was filled on March 15, 2008. After March 15, openings created by students withdrawing from the class will be filled from the waitlist. Please check your status on the website, this wiill remain current until the first day of orientation, August 11, 2008, unless you are notified otherwise by e-mail.
 
I just saw that. Oh my. GL, you guys who're also waiting.
 
waitlisted


"Here is the information that you have been anxiously awaiting. While we regret that we are unable to offer you a place in the class immediately, we are pleased to advise you that you have been placed on our alternate list. We do anticipate withdrawals from the class over the next several months with the peak coming around May 15, when candidates holding multiple acceptances are asked to send their final acceptance to the schools. As you know, we do not give out any details on your rank on the list. Be assured we will notify you immediately when we are able to offer you an acceptance. In the event that we do not have sufficient withdrawals to be able to offer you a seat you will be notified immediately after our orientation, which is mid-August.

We are anxious to assure you that we found you to be a relatively strong candidate and that the large applicant pool is the primary reason that we are unable to make an offer at this time. If you are not accepted elsewhere, you should apply early this next summer even if you still remain on our alternate list. If you wait for final notification from us, it will put you at a disadvantage for the following year.

We would appreciate your completion of the Alternate List Form, which we have provided at the top of this page. It allows us to track your status and interest in our school. If you have been accepted elsewhere and do not wish to remain on the alternate list, you may withdraw your application by following the instructions on the Alternate List Form; it would be of great assistance if we knew which candidates are still interested in our school.

We expect you to use this form even later in the summer should you be accepted elsewhere and no longer wish to be considered. This enables us to treat your fellow applicants better by allowing us to manage the alternate list more fairly. PLEASE REMEMBER to notify us at any time if your interest in our school changes.

We look forward to hearing from you and sincerely hope that you will be accepted here or elsewhere. "
 
So is it true that we never get to find out where we stand on the waitlist? From reading all the previous posts it sounds like we could be #1 on the list or at the very bottom and VCU wouldn't disclose anything before offering an acceptance. Is that about right?
 
Is there a difference between Alternate List and Waitlist?
 
technically we can't all be #1, but basically yes. You might get the call tomorrow or in early August and there seems to be no way to find out either possibility at this point.
 
waitlisted...😱 well better than getting rejected, i guess😀
okay so just curious...does anyone know how many people are on the waitlist??
 
I already can't stand not knowing where I am on the waitlist. They can't even give us a hint? That's just mean. I mean, if you're #200, you just don't have a chance (and frankly I feel that they owe it to us to be honest about our chances).
 
I fully agree. At least, they should let us know which third we're in.
 
Did anybody on the WL get an email about second look? I got one around 2:00 pm today telling me I'm on the WL and inviting me to second look.
 
Hokiestone said:
Did anybody on the WL get an email about second look? I got one around 2:00 pm today telling me I'm on the WL and inviting me to second look.
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i didn't get one, but can you post the text of the email?
 
Waitlisted... I really want to know how many applicants are placed on the waitlist...why can't they just tell us a rough number. Its bad enough to not know where you are ranked but to not even know the size of the waitlist is terrible.
 
has anyone heard of any post-interview rejections from VCU? i know it's possible to get rejected, but i've never heard of anyone posting that they have. does anyone know someone rejected today? or is the waitlist made up of everyone they interviewed but did not accept? (which means... the waitlist is ~600 people?!)

also, did anyone else get this second look email? i know evms invites some of their top third waitlistees to second look, but i've never heard of vcu doing this. it seems odd that vcu would do this, because they are so adamant about not sharing your rank. to me, at least, it seems that the most highly ranked people would be the ones invited, which makes me sad because i wasn't. 🙁
 
Waitlisted.

What are you guys' thoughts on the Alternate List Form? Why do they care if we have another acceptance or not? Do you think this will help or hurt our chances?

I do have another acceptance and was honest about that, but I had no choice since Dr. WC already knows about it.
 
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