2009-2010 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Application Thread

[francisco84]

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I guess I should read my email a little more thoroughly.

 

[medmannamdem]

Did you guys have a week of exams before the holiday break? If so, how many exams and when did they start and end if you don't mind me asking...

 

[francisco84]

Did you guys have a week of exams before the holiday break? If so, how many exams and when did they start and end if you don't mind me asking...

We do block scheduling. Just one exam on the 18th. Got back the 4th and started a new block. Block scheduling is WAY better than regular school scheduling IMO. Exam weeks are a thing of the past. But we have a test every three or 4 weeks. So it's different.

 

[cho15]

I interviewed last year at VCU and was waitlisted. I have decided to apply again but now I'm waitlisted for an interview 🙁

According to who I talked to in admissions, all their interview spots are already filled and I will only get an interview if people withdraw from theirs...so that being said, has anyone withdrew??

 

[surgeonhands]

Anyone else from the Tuesday, January 12 interview group?

Everyone in the group seemed down to earth and nice, imo.

 

[PhDtoMD2010]

I just withdrew my application and opened up my interview slot for someone else. Good luck to everyone.

 

[nka1985]

We do block scheduling. Just one exam on the 18th. Got back the 4th and started a new block. Block scheduling is WAY better than regular school scheduling IMO. Exam weeks are a thing of the past. But we have a test every three or 4 weeks. So it's different.

Yeah, the exams are frequent enough that you don't want to get behind but it's way better than having finals week like in undergrad.

 

[Ilovewater]

What's the chance of getting in from the waitlist for OOS?

 

[metallica81788]

What's the chance of getting in from the waitlist for OOS?

It's pretty good come May 15th. Plus, they have a separate OOS waitlist and that's the one that moves a lot.

 

[bowlin123]

Finally got the "hold" status which was totally unexpected. Anyway, Feb 1st here I come!

 

[Go Sens Go]

Status #4 from 11/23 and counting. I think I will write this one off.

 

[OneMCATAway]

Finally got the "hold" status which was totally unexpected. Anyway, Feb 1st here I come!

woooooooooohh i feel like i was waiting there with you 😛

i have a good feeling you'll hear good news on feb 1st 😉

 

[bowlin123]

woooooooooohh i feel like i was waiting there with you 😛

i have a good feeling you'll hear good news on feb 1st 😉

Thanks, I highly doubt that I will be accepted at VCU n feb 1st considering my stats and the most I can hope for is acceptance off waitlist sometimes in May/June/July. I hope you get accepted too and I think you will.

 

[Ilovewater]

It's pretty good come May 15th. Plus, they have a separate OOS waitlist and that's the one that moves a lot.

That's good to hear. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be waitlisted. I just hope for a good position on the list.

 

[francisco84]

Thanks, I highly doubt that I will be accepted at VCU n feb 1st considering my stats and the most I can hope for is acceptance off waitlist sometimes in May/June/July. I hope you get accepted too and I think you will.

That's good to hear. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be waitlisted. I just hope for a good position on the list.

Just to quote a previous post by... well, me:

A LARGE portion of the class is accepted off of the waitlist. In fact, I don't know of (but I'm sure there are some, I haven't asked everyone I know when they were accepted) ANYONE in my class who was accepted before New Years other than myself. Keep hope alive!

Water, looking at your stats alone, I would tend to think that you would have a VERY good shot at getting in. But then again, your essays and interview ARE important and I don't know what those look like. They aren't looking just to screen out serial killers. They will definitely want to see maturity, composure, direction and a well balanced person, etc.

Also patient care experience plays a HUGE roll in the MCV application from what I understand and for many can be the difference maker. From what I can tell, a 33/3.8 with no patient experience will get in after the 30/3.6 with plenty patient care experience.

 

[IDoIt4Love]

Thanks, I highly doubt that I will be accepted at VCU n feb 1st considering my stats and the most I can hope for is acceptance off waitlist sometimes in May/June/July. I hope you get accepted too and I think you will.

Bowlin, if you don't mind my asking, what are your stats like? Because I'm starting to feel the same way, myself🙁 (PM me if you dont wanna put it on here)

 

[bowlin123]

Bowlin, if you don't mind my asking, what are your stats like? Because I'm starting to feel the same way, myself🙁 (PM me if you dont wanna put it on here)

I will PM you

 

[Ilovewater]

Just to quote a previous post by... well, me:



Water, looking at your stats alone, I would tend to think that you would have a VERY good shot at getting in. But then again, your essays and interview ARE important and I don't know what those look like. They aren't looking just to screen out serial killers. They will definitely want to see maturity, composure, direction and a well balanced person, etc.

Also patient care experience plays a HUGE roll in the MCV application from what I understand and for many can be the difference maker. From what I can tell, a 33/3.8 with no patient experience will get in after the 30/3.6 with plenty patient care experience.

Thanks for the insights! It was my first or second interview, so I didn't do too well. It wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't my best interview. Gonna keep my fingers crossed!

 

[LuckyCharmed]

For everyone still hoping for an interview: admissions office said very few spots left and that it was unlikely i will be getting one. 👎

Been status #2 since mid October. OOS.

 

[DO_doctor]

what is the probability of having interviewed in october and hearing good news (an acceptance) feb 1??

 

[dadocca]

Just want to bump my favorite thread before I annoy some of you on Monday with the 2 week mark! 😛

what is the probability of having interviewed in october and hearing good news (an acceptance) feb 1??

Probably the same chance as those of us who interview in nov or anytime between mid oct to early dec...
I really hope Feb 1 will be a miracle day for all us desperately waiting on this school

 

[ramzax]

i can't tell if this question has been asked before (this thread is 39 some pages long), but i figure i should ask anyway. i've looked at http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/vcu-som/survey/26, but the number of reported questions seems just as endless as this thread. is there a consensus for which questions appear most often, what things I should look out for the most, etc. during the interview?

 

[iamtami]

So I also interviewed Jan. My status has changed to they have reviewed my file and such. After my interview I called and was told that there was one down side to my application and that is my MCAT I do not know how much this weighs in an acceptance versus waitlist. Any insight?

 

[UAAWolf]

For everyone still hoping for an interview: admissions office said very few spots left and that it was unlikely i will be getting one. 👎

Been status #2 since mid October. OOS.

Ditto. Rolling admissions is a sonofabitch

 

[dadocca]

So I also interviewed Jan. My status has changed to they have reviewed my file and such. After my interview I called and was told that there was one down side to my application and that is my MCAT I do not know how much this weighs in an acceptance versus waitlist. Any insight?

Who exactly told you that when you called? I can't imagine calling and having someone from the admissions office answering the phone telling me something like that.

 

[bowlin123]

So I also interviewed Jan. My status has changed to they have reviewed my file and such. After my interview I called and was told that there was one down side to my application and that is my MCAT I do not know how much this weighs in an acceptance versus waitlist. Any insight?

First, congrats on the "hold" status. As for your question, I am curious as well.

 

[dadocca]

just about a dozen days left!

 

[IDoIt4Love]

So I also interviewed Jan. My status has changed to they have reviewed my file and such. After my interview I called and was told that there was one down side to my application and that is my MCAT I do not know how much this weighs in an acceptance versus waitlist. Any insight?

I had a similar thing happen to me, except it was concerns over my GPA. I really hope that they just give you that healthy dose of constructive criticism because you're asking for it, and not because they're trying to nicely tell you that you're not getting accepted🙁 VCU is pretty much tied with EVMS as my top choice school...*sigh*

 

[dadocca]

I had a similar thing happen to me, except it was concerns over my GPA. I really hope that they just give you that healthy dose of constructive criticism because you're asking for it, and not because they're trying to nicely tell you that you're not getting accepted🙁 VCU is pretty much tied with EVMS as my top choice school...*sigh*

Ok will they really discuss your application and your chances with you over the phone after your interview once you are placed on hold? I am honestly very curious to call in and ask what they say about the pros and cons as they see my app but I feel like that would be asking way to much. Anybody??

 

[francisco84]

Ok will they really discuss your application and your chances with you over the phone after your interview once you are placed on hold? I am honestly very curious to call in and ask what they say about the pros and cons as they see my app but I feel like that would be asking way to much. Anybody??

As they get more and more apps it gets harder for everyone to be accommodated but historically they have done so. I'd wait until you get either waitlisted or rejected to call. Nothing you do now, after the admission committee has ranked your app, will change your chance of getting in. Try to relax, I know it can be hard.

 

[IDoIt4Love]

Ok will they really discuss your application and your chances with you over the phone after your interview once you are placed on hold? I am honestly very curious to call in and ask what they say about the pros and cons as they see my app but I feel like that would be asking way to much. Anybody??

If you make an appointment to speak with the dean she will.

 

[uvavcu2010]

First, I apologize if someone has already answered this.

I interviewed at the beginning of January and haven't had an update other than the post-interview survey page. I haven't received a 'hold status' update. Could this imply that I should be expecting a rejection? (btw, is rejection via snail mail, email?) Does everyone always get a hold status before an acceptance?

I know stressing over these details is pointless, but it would be nice to be in the know.

Thanks.

 

[IDoIt4Love]

Hey guys, I've been going back and trying to find out what "priority" or whatever this status update is (pre-interview):

The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further. We are now in the process of scheduling interviews and will continue to do so through February. Unfortunately, the committee indicates interest in far more candidates than we are able to interview. Since we are dependent on the Committee member's schedules for interview spaces, we are unable to predict when or if we will be able to schedule you this year. Please continue to check this site to learn when further action has been taken.

I've got a bad feeling, especially considering that it's pretty much December now. I think my secondary was complete here late October. Anybody have an idea if I still have a shot at an interview?

Got the same status message, was complete in late october, and got an interview offer 1-2 months later. I'm guessing this isn't a shabby status message at all. Good luck!

 

[metallica81788]

First, I apologize if someone has already answered this.

I interviewed at the beginning of January and haven't had an update other than the post-interview survey page. I haven't received a 'hold status' update. Could this imply that I should be expecting a rejection? (btw, is rejection via snail mail, email?) Does everyone always get a hold status before an acceptance?

I know stressing over these details is pointless, but it would be nice to be in the know.

Thanks.

You're fine if you haven't been rejected by now.

Once again, I never got a hold message either and was accepted.

Good luck.

 

[drjackbauer]

Does it actually get "easier" to get accepted at each date? E.g. I interviewed in October and did not get a status change in October or December... do I have a better chance of getting an acceptance on Feb 1st than I did on the previous dates?? Seems hard to believe

 

[VBaller12]

Just got the hold status! I'm hoping for good news on Feb. 1

 

[iamtami]

Question: does the IS waitlist move much? Generally, how many students are admitted of the IS waitlist?
Feb 1st seems so far away....😱

 

[iamtami]

Interesting question. I understood that the priority score(1-5, 1 being the best) needed for an acceptance is increases in the later months. I do not know by how much or how fast this happens. Does it depend on how many seats are filled before they change the this score? Does anyone know?

Does it actually get "easier" to get accepted at each date? E.g. I interviewed in October and did not get a status change in October or December... do I have a better chance of getting an acceptance on Feb 1st than I did on the previous dates?? Seems hard to believe

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

Interesting question. I understood that the priority score(1-5, 1 being the best) needed for an acceptance is increases in the later months. I do not know by how much or how fast this happens. Does it depend on how many seats are filled before they change the this score? Does anyone know?

The priority score could increase, or it could decrease. They set the priority score so that about a quarter of the class is accepted on each acceptance date. If that means moving the bar up a little bit, or down a little bit, that's what's done. It depends on the scores of the people who interviewed between the offer dates - if it's a particularly strong group of interviewers, the threshold will shift lower. If it's a relatively weaker group, it shifts up. One may argue that the earliest groups are going to be the strongest groups since the most competitive applicants are offered interviews earliest, but that isn't necessarily the case.

 

[RocknAction]

Have had the "may" be able to interview status for four months. Just withdrew. Good luck guys!

 

[reveille16]

The priority score could increase, or it could decrease. They set the priority score so that about a quarter of the class is accepted on each acceptance date. If that means moving the bar up a little bit, or down a little bit, that's what's done. It depends on the scores of the people who interviewed between the offer dates - if it's a particularly strong group of interviewers, the threshold will shift lower. If it's a relatively weaker group, it shifts up. One may argue that the earliest groups are going to be the strongest groups since the most competitive applicants are offered interviews earliest, but that isn't necessarily the case.

Well said 👍

 

[lawdoc]

I was just wondering... does VCU ever require instate applicants to fill out an application for instate residency? I ask because both UVA and EVMS required the form with the secondary, but I have not filled in one for VCU because they never asked.

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

I was just wondering... does VCU ever require instate applicants to fill out an application for instate residency? I ask because both UVA and EVMS required the form with the secondary, but I have not filled in one for VCU because they never asked.

Nope! Just check the box. You may end up having to fill out more post-acceptance, but I never did!

 

[lawdoc]

Nope! Just check the box. You may end up having to fill out more post-acceptance, but I never did!

Thanks... just wanted to be sure.

 

[dadocca]

Come on now, I know that I am not the only one waiting... 1 more week!

 

[OneMCATAway]

Come on now, I know that I am not the only one waiting... 1 more week!

im right there with ya! not really counting on it this time though..

 

[bowlin123]

I am hoping for an acceptance on Feb 1st from VCU, but I am pretty sure I won't. Hopefully, I will get pulled from the waitlist in May/June/July. I guess being OOS helps in that sense.

 

[Point Break]

I am hoping for an acceptance on Feb 1st from VCU, but I am pretty sure I won't. Hopefully, I will get pulled from the waitlist in May/June/July. I guess being OOS helps in that sense.

I've heard other people say this about being OOS - why exactly would being OOS be better than IS for someone on the waitlist?

 

[Legacy87]

I've heard other people say this about being OOS - why exactly would being OOS be better than IS for someone on the waitlist?

I believe it is because more OOS will turn down VCU as oppose to IS. Thus, there will be more movement on the OOS waitlist.

 

[dadocca]

im right there with ya! not really counting on it this time though..

Good luck! I remember that you and I were the most involved in the dec 16 countdown so it seems like you are also pretty serious about vcu. I was the first to admit that not hearing back in dec meant that we are headed to med school purgatory (i.e. waitlist) but a part of me just does not want to give up hope. i've been invited and interviewed at some amazing schools that I'm sure others would say are "better" and that I would be very honored to attend but honestly I just really 😍 vcu.

So here's to hoping for a miracle in less than a week from now!