2010-2011 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

[sustentacular]

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Interview invite this morning! 😀
I had the "consider your file further" status since early August.
There are a few interview dates left in Oct, more in Nov, even more in Dec/Jan.

Oh wise SDN'ers... I've had the interested status since 8/8. OOS but at a Virginia school with a 31Q and a 3.68 GPA (3.76 sGPA). Good ECs but no word since August. Should I get in touch with VCU and try to see what's up or would that be fruitless? What do you guys think?

I don't think calling will do anything, but you can give it a try... or just wait, it's still early.

Anyone recently invited for an interview? Do you know what dates are available now? Hopefully it isn't booked through Dec like some people claim for Temple

 

[blueberry91]

Interview invite!!!! had the "further" status since 9/18

 

[jjwoo]

got the interview! had the "may" status!

seems like the theme is sending invites on the 1st of each month, at least for me.

 

[jmr86]

Hey guys,

Got this status about an hour ago:

" 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 16, December 15, February 1, and March 16.

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 late-March, or to notify you that the Committee will no longer be considering your file.

We thank you for your interest in our school."

Interviewed mid-September..of course was slightly freaked when I got the status update email b/c I've heard of VCU rejecting post-interview before the scheduled offer dates.

Two weeks to wait (hopefully)!

 

[SMCmedicine]

Interview invite this morning. 😀

High science and overall GPA.
29Q. :/
Lots of volunteering and community service.
Some research and several publications.

Good luck all.

 

[AutumnChild]

Interview invite at 5:07pm! Had the further status since mid-late August I think. Plenty of dates in Nov. through March. Don't know why anyone would want to schedule one in March if they can help it. I'll be there on Nov. 9th, anyone else?

 

[ph8]

I say give it a shot. I graduated from MCV a few years ago and I personally know of 2 people who had lower MCAT scores than you do that got in (and people really don't talk much about MCAT scores in med school). I'm going to be honest, your chances of acceptance aren't all that high, but if you have done some interesting things, you may get a nod for an interview and then it's up to how you interview.

The MCAT averages tend to be right around a 29-30 so that means they have to let in a bunch of people below and above that.

+1 to OP

 

[ph8]

I would call, they are really nice

Bump. Anyone know?

It's a possibility. Does it really matter though? Probably will just cause more anxiety. Just sit tight.

I have had emails from them just about any day of the week and yea does not really matter. they send emails after 6pm anyday your status changes

Hey all, current VCU student here.

Re: phone calls...It's okay to call, though I would use it only in the case where you need to update important things in your file (new course grades, another LOR, etc).

Re: waiting...It sounds like a lot of ya'll have been complete, yet haven't heard anything back. For those who are waiting, your file is actively being reviewed, and was not lost or otherwise misplaced.

Re: update messages...The admission's computer system cycles at about 6pm Eastern time everyday. If there has been an update to your file, then it sends you an email.

Congrats to all those who have received interview invites! We'll look forward to your campus visit

Any other questions, feel free to post to the forum.

 

[iamdo]

Interview invite this morning. 😀

High science and overall GPA.
29Q. :/
Lots of volunteering and community service.
Some research and several publications.

Good luck all.

congrats. Thansk for sharing.

 

[iamdo]

Hey guys,

Got this status about an hour ago:

" 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 16, December 15, February 1, and March 16.

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 late-March, or to notify you that the Committee will no longer be considering your file.

We thank you for your interest in our school."

Interviewed mid-September..of course was slightly freaked when I got the status update email b/c I've heard of VCU rejecting post-interview before the scheduled offer dates.

Two weeks to wait (hopefully)!

hope you will hear good news soon.
all the best

 

[ericflem4286]

How do they go about interviews and acceptances? Website, Email, or snail mail? I know some are still using snail mail for certain things.

 

[Wizard22]

Hey guys, is this the "further" status that everyone's been talking about?

"Your file is complete, and has been forwarded to the Admissions Committee for further decison."

I thought I was complete a month ago when they received my ref letters... any thoughts?

 

[Longshanks]

Got the #3 status tonight. Complete 9/24, so only took a week for them to update my status. Wish I sent this in earlier, since I got the secondary in early August but things kind of got crazy here, and I really like the info on their school website. Maybe I could have gotten the #2 status if I sent it in the "two-week timeframe"? No point second guessing, a hold's a hold, but as people said earlier in the thread, its still viable for a late interview based on year's thread.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Longshanks]

Hey guys, is this the "further" status that everyone's been talking about?

"Your file is complete, and has been forwarded to the Admissions Committee for further decison."

I thought I was complete a month ago when they received my ref letters... any thoughts?

No, that status means you haven't been scored yet. The "further" status people refer to is #3 out of the 5 possible status updates. The "further" status states:

"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."

Put in "status" in search this thread and go to last page. You should be able to find five status messages on the last or second to last page.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[AutumnChild]

How do they go about interviews and acceptances? Website, Email, or snail mail? I know some are still using snail mail for certain things.

Interview invitations are sent out via e-mail status update. Anytime your status changes on their portal you get an automatic e-mail after 6pm EST notifying you of a change to your status and to check your status page.

 

[Wizard22]

No, that status means you haven't been scored yet. The "further" status people refer to is #3 out of the 5 possible status updates. The "further" status states:

"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."

Put in "status" in search this thread and go to last page. You should be able to find five status messages on the last or second to last page.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Thanks!

 

[sustentacular]

Got the #3 status tonight. Complete 9/24, so only took a week for them to update my status. Wish I sent this in earlier, since I got the secondary in early August but things kind of got crazy here, and I really like the info on their school website. Maybe I could have gotten the #2 status if I sent it in the "two-week timeframe"? No point second guessing, a hold's a hold, but as people said earlier in the thread, its still viable for a late interview based on year's thread.

Good luck to everyone!

I honestly don't think there is a difference between the "#2" and "#3" statuses. I am a reapplicant and had the #2 status from September all the way to March without an interview. This year I had #3 for about a month before being invited to interview. So don't stress out about how you could have gotten a better status because, really, it seems arbitrary.

 

[MyPseudonym]

Hey, everyone! I figured it was about time that I joined SDN after obsessively reading these threads over the past few weeks. VCU is my top choice so I'm really hoping for an interview! I got the "further" message today which was kind of disappointing, but at least I know that there's still a chance that I'll get an interview.

I completed my secondary on 9/17.
IS, cGPA 3.68, sGPA 3.47, 30 (all 10s)

 

[HolySmokes]

I interviewed here on Monday. My interviewer was a psychiatrist and it was pretty laid back and conversational for the first half, then the second half was him asking questions that he has to ask everyone which was more of a Q&A session than a conversation, but it wasn't terrible. I was really impressed with the city, it was beautiful. I'll post interview feedback soon.

 

[StarryNights]

I honestly don't think there is a difference between the "#2" and "#3" statuses. I am a reapplicant and had the #2 status from September all the way to March without an interview. This year I had #3 for about a month before being invited to interview. So don't stress out about how you could have gotten a better status because, really, it seems arbitrary.

qft, I've been sitting on the "#2" status for almost two months now but a bunch of "#3"s get invites before me. I think it's kind of random...although the reservations ranking (or #4) seems to really be bad news

 

[monsieur]

i interviewed last week here.
did anyone have an interviewer whose last name started with "W" and first "C"
because I had him.
Just thought to get some opinion on what kinds of questions were asked to people who had this person.as i was asked some very unusual questions.😕

 

[Longshanks]

I honestly don't think there is a difference between the "#2" and "#3" statuses. I am a reapplicant and had the #2 status from September all the way to March without an interview. This year I had #3 for about a month before being invited to interview. So don't stress out about how you could have gotten a better status because, really, it seems arbitrary.

Thanks for the support. Good luck, and definitely respect the perseverance to do this process again, and congrats on the interview. The "#2"/"#3" do seem worded very similar, and I think either at the beginning of this thread or maybe it last year's people were debating which was actually better. But that's all academic, what matters if we ultimately cross the finish line, right?

I'm not stressed about it. I'm hoping for the best. I initially applied just because my numbers matched better here, and my advisor recommended it, but after reading about the school, hearing some more about it, and writing my secondary essay, I've grown to really like their philosophy and the opportunities available, so I'm just hoping I am lucky enough to interview there.

qft, I've been sitting on the "#2" status for almost two months now but a bunch of "#3"s get invites before me. I think it's kind of random...although the reservations ranking (or #4) seems to really be bad news

Definitely true. That wording is not good at all. I'm believing less and less the process is random, but since individual schools or even individual adcom members tend to look for such specific things or have their own ideals that it makes the process look random to us, since there are so many qualified candidates. Like as an example, though it may actually be evidence the process is random, but comparing myself to another poster on SDN that I've spoken with who has nearly identical stats, I got an interview to his IS school as an OOS while he's on hold, and the same situation happened at my IS school but in his favor, so I just think there's something in maybe our PS, LORs, ECs, that fell more in line with that specific school and caused the rather seeming arbitrary/random course of events going against IS bias.

Good luck, Starry. Hopefully you get some good news soon since you've been so patient.

 

[MedReckoning]

After realizing my application was in limbo because my Bio-inorganic chem research advisor's letter was labeled as "Non-Science" for the better part of my 60 day secondary app window, I called and had that letter status changed (and sent a somewhat indignant email, quoting their own LOR policy, which clearly states that research advisors in the hard sciences count).

Almost immediately they emailed me because they were missing required classes. I couldn't enter all the AP credits into their Sec. App. due to to the format, so I explained that and told them my college transcript should have those required credits.

I was then placed in the Kafka-esque status of "reservations." When I asked, I was told they didn't have enough evidence of participation in extracurricular activities that build "communication skills". I did theaterin high school (debate, forensics too); I chaired Model Congress committees in college; I did a couple poster presentations on research; I interned; I work as a Medical Assistant...

IS, 38R - Not a whiff from other schools. Am I doomed?

 

[lakers MD]

So I have gotten multiple emails marking my file complete. Submitted my secondary on 9/1. Got a status update on 9/20, which said I was complete. I got another one on 9/22, which had the same exact message and I got a third one on 10/1 (same exact message). I was kind of confused about why this was happening (I have not been adding anything to my file like letters, which could cause multiple complete emails) so I decided to call the admissions office. The secretary pulled up my file and said my application was complete and actually underwent sub-committee review and was assigned a priority score yesterday. After hearing this, I told her that I did not receive a notification of priority score assignment and I was calling regarding the first 3 emails I got, but she said that it would not be expected for me to here about my priority scoring. At this point, I was thoroughly confused and thanked her for her help. Should I expect a status update on my priority score? Not really sure what's going on here...


Edit: I just noticed that all my status updates occurred at 6:07 PM EST. Perhaps, I will receive an update in a little over an hour. I hope it is good news haha.

 

[sphun65]

So I have gotten multiple emails marking my file complete. Submitted my secondary on 9/1. Got a status update on 9/20, which said I was complete. I got another one on 9/22, which had the same exact message and I got a third one on 10/1 (same exact message). I was kind of confused about why this was happening (I have not been adding anything to my file like letters, which could cause multiple complete emails) so I decided to call the admissions office. The secretary pulled up my file and said my application was complete and actually underwent sub-committee review and was assigned a priority score yesterday. After hearing this, I told her that I did not receive a notification of priority score assignment and I was calling regarding the first 3 emails I got, but she said that it would not be expected for me to here about my priority scoring. At this point, I was thoroughly confused and thanked her for her help. Should I expect a status update on my priority score? Not really sure what's going on here...


Edit: I just noticed that all my status updates occurred at 6:07 PM EST. Perhaps, I will receive an update in a little over an hour. I hope it is good news haha.

The school doesn't tell you your priority score... explicitly stated somewhere.

 

[obuckseyesu1]

"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 unable to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail in March."

So...I'm out?

 

[Nessy]

.

 

[Nessy]

.

 

[AtTheBeach]

"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 unable to grant an interview you will be notified by e-mail in March."

So...I'm out?

This is the classic "MAY" status (the #2 status) we've been talking about for pages and pages of thread. You're fine. You have a very good chance for an interview, though it may take a month or longer before you get the invitation.

 

[Nessy]

.

 

[brooksie442]

My file has been complete and under review since 9/9 and I still haven't heard anything...is this weird? It seems like other people have gone from compete to a priority status in a lot less time...

 

[deleted248403]

I got an interview 13 days after getting the "May" status - so all is definitely not lost

OOS too

 

[obuckseyesu1]

This is the classic "MAY" status (the #2 status) we've been talking about for pages and pages of thread. You're fine. You have a very good chance for an interview, though it may take a month or longer before you get the invitation.

Yeah, after I posted I went back and looked through previous pages. I am still confused with this number priority ranking...can anyone fill me in on this? I feel much better seeing that people are getting interviews after getting the "May" update.

 

[Cyguy]

I've been stuck at the "may" status for 2 months now. No word since early August. I guess all I can do is wait, nothing could come from giving them a call right? Any thoughts? 😕😕

 

[StarryNights]

I've been stuck at the "may" status for 2 months now. No word since early August. I guess all I can do is wait, nothing could come from giving them a call right? Any thoughts? 😕😕

I'm in the same boat. I really don't know whether to call...it might be good to show interest, but it might also reflect badly upon me as impatient. But seriously? 2 months of "May" and still no word makes me worry that they lost my file or something cause it really seems excessively long at this point.

 

[Cyguy]

I'm in the same boat. I really don't know whether to call...it might be good to show interest, but it might also reflect badly upon me as impatient. But seriously? 2 months of "May" and still no word makes me worry that they lost my file or something cause it really seems excessively long at this point.

So I decided to shoot VCU a quick email. I basically said I don't mean to sound impatient but I'd like to reiterate my interest in the school (after being stuck at the interested status for 2 months) and gave them a couple of updates on things I'm doing (research abstract & publication on the way, new job with a local fire department), trying to be polite and succinct while also being persuasive. I got a reply back from admissions within a couple of hours saying that my email would be forwarded to the associate dean of admissions and they'd add this to my file. At least I can be sure they haven't lost anything and it seems like they are receptive to communication. I hope this helps people.

 

[curlytop]

Anyone know how receptive they are to "in the area" emails? I'll be at VTC and have the "may" status at VCU currently (since 9/22). OOS, good (but not phenomenal) stats.

Thanks!

 

[ungu]

Anyone know how receptive they are to "in the area" emails? I'll be at VTC and have the "may" status at VCU currently (since 9/22). OOS, good (but not phenomenal) stats.

Thanks!

I wouldn't because the status update page specifically states, "Please do not call the office requesting special dates." I think it'd be worth it to spend a couple extra hundred dollars and go to VA twice rather than risk asking. Good luck!

 

[curlytop]

I wouldn't because the status update page specifically states, "Please do not call the office requesting special dates." I think it'd be worth it to spend a couple extra hundred dollars and go to VA twice rather than risk asking. Good luck!

Ooh, I knew I remembered reading that "don't request dates" thing somewhere! Of course it would be VCU 🙄.

You're right, though, not worth antagonizing them!

 

[TFS]

Will anyone be flying from Atlanta to Richmond on Delta 2119?

 

[BiochemGuy]

Is this bad news? Or does it just mean a decision has been made?

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 16, December 15, February 1, and March 16.

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 late-March, or to notify you that the Committee will no longer be considering your file.

We thank you for your interest in our school.

I'll go look at last year's thread..

 

[buttercup07]

Hey,

Did everyone received a "complete" email before hearing anything else?

I am asking because as of Thursday, I still wasn't complete yet as they were missing my LORs. I didn't check my status Friday/Saturday as I figured they would email me with a "file complete email"

But I just received a rejection email. I'm bummed out, but was wondering if they even looked at my application or was there some kind of error since I never got a complete email.

thanks

 

[girlinthegarden]

Just got the "very interested" status! I think this is the same as what others have been getting:

The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible if we have an adequate number of interview slots. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date.

Hopefully I will get an interview soon! I love this school and am ready to head south for some warmer weather 🙂

 

[BiochemGuy]

Is this bad news? Or does it just mean a decision has been made?



I'll go look at last year's thread..

Ok.. looks like its neither good nor bad news..
More info here:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=625518&page=24

 

[ungu]

Hey,

Did everyone received a "complete" email before hearing anything else?

I am asking because as of Thursday, I still wasn't complete yet as they were missing my LORs. I didn't check my status Friday/Saturday as I figured they would email me with a "file complete email"

But I just received a rejection email. I'm bummed out, but was wondering if they even looked at my application or was there some kind of error since I never got a complete email.

thanks

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure you'll have better luck at other schools. When did you submit your secondary?

 

[vinnitsa90]

what kind of questions were you asked if you don't mind me asking?

 

[OrangeandMaroon]

Is this bad news? Or does it just mean a decision has been made?

From what I understand VCU releases pre-oct15th post-interview rejections. Seeing as you received the hold status post interview, it 'likely' means you will either be offered a seat on one of the listed dates or placed on the wait list towards the end of the cycle.

Best of luck!

 

[CaptainDrew]

From what I understand VCU releases pre-oct15th post-interview rejections. Seeing as you received the hold status post interview, it 'likely' means you will either be offered a seat on one of the listed dates or placed on the wait list towards the end of the cycle.

Best of luck!

From talking with their admissions office last week this was the information I obtained as well.

 

[ungu]

Just got the "very interested" status! I think this is the same as what others have been getting:

The Committee's file review indicates that they are very interested in your candidacy. There is another increase in the applicant pool this year, but we are trying to get all candidates at your priority score interviewed as soon as possible if we have an adequate number of interview slots. Please watch for an e-mail from us regarding a possible interview date.

Hopefully I will get an interview soon! I love this school and am ready to head south for some warmer weather 🙂

Congrats! May I ask when you were complete? I turned in my secondary a week ago and am wondering what the typical turnaround time is. Thanks!

 

[Insulinshock]

Congrats! May I ask when you were complete? I turned in my secondary a week ago and am wondering what the typical turnaround time is. Thanks!

I think for most ppl turnaround time has been a little bit over a month, although this is highly variable.