2010-2011 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

[SeekingTheDream]

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Hey all, I have an appointment with Dr. Whitehurst-Cook in a few weeks and would like to leave a good impression as I'm really interested in attending medical school at VCU. Does anyone know about her personality or manner with students? Is her style more laid-back and warm, or stern and blunt? If anyone has been interviewed by her or has spoken with her before, I would appreciate any helpful details. Thank you.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Hey all, I have an appointment with Dr. Whitehurst-Cook in a few weeks and would like to leave a good impression as I'm really interested in attending medical school at VCU. Does anyone know about her personality or manner with students? Is her style more laid-back and warm, or stern and blunt? If anyone has been interviewed by her or has spoken with her before, I would appreciate any helpful details. Thank you.

Laid back and warm

 

[themailman]

..

 

[Ceasar]

Hey all, I have an appointment with Dr. Whitehurst-Cook in a few weeks and would like to leave a good impression as I'm really interested in attending medical school at VCU. Does anyone know about her personality or manner with students? Is her style more laid-back and warm, or stern and blunt? If anyone has been interviewed by her or has spoken with her before, I would appreciate any helpful details. Thank you.

I just interviewed yesterday. She is very sweet, soft spoken, and smiley. You'll be fine🙂

 

[ShameFame]

Just got an interview invite... on a saturday 🙂

I've been on re-review status for a long time

Pretty excited! January 10th for me.

 

[DoctaFuture]

Before someone selects an interview date, what does the homepage say? Anyone wanna copy and paste it?

 

[lovemed1c1ne]

Before someone selects an interview date, what does the homepage say? Anyone wanna copy and paste it?

The Admissions Committee review of your file indicates that they are interested in scheduling you for an interview. You now have access to the Interview Scheduling program. Please click on the button at the top of the page for Interview Scheduling. You will see the dates and times that are currently available for interview. Keep in mind that once you schedule, your name will appear on the interviewer's calendar so you should be certain that you will be able to attend on the date you select. This is a live, interactive system and it is possible that you will decide on a date and someone else will be online at the same time and select that date and time before you complete your process. In that case, the system will tell you that it is no longer available and will ask you to select another date and time. Please plan to be on our campus until 3:30 PM.

You have seven days to schedule your interview from the time you received e-mail notification regarding this change in application status. A reminder message will be sent to you two days prior to interview scheduling deadline. Failure to schedule your interview before the deadline will result in withdrawal of your application.

We look forward to seeing you here on interview day. More details with directions, schedule for the day etc. will be available to you after you have selected your interview date and time.


Just got the invite today, not sure if I'm gonna go because I got into my top choice, Jefferson. I don't know much about how the two schools compare though, anyone have any thoughts?

and for those interested, I've had the "may" status since like September.

 

[DoctaFuture]

Thanks Love. Congrats on Jefferson too!

 

[lovemed1c1ne]

thanks, I'm pretty excited 🙂

 

[Doctoberfest]

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.


Is this the normal status for being put into the pool?

Thanks.

 

[sustentacular]

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.


Is this the normal status for being put into the pool?

Thanks.

The statuses go like this:

1. we are very interested in interviewing
2. we may be able to interview
3. would like to further review for interview
4. have reservations, sub-committee review.
5. rejection

From what people are posting 2 and 3 are interchangeable it seems

 

[DoctaFuture]

The statuses go like this:

1. we are very interested in interviewing
2. we may be able to interview
3. would like to further review for interview
4. have reservations, sub-committee review.
5. rejection

From what people are posting 2 and 3 are interchangeable it seems

I think "may" might be slightly better. I believe "further" people get reviewed/interviewed until February and "may" people have until March or May.

 

[Longshanks]

I think "may" might be slightly better. I believe "further" people get reviewed/interviewed until February and "may" people have until March or May.

That's what it sounds like, and I always felt the "may" status was slightly better, but earlier in the thread some people who had the "further" status received interviews sooner than some who had "may", so there may be some interchangeability. I'm currently under the "further" status since September.

Has anyone noticed if the "may" or "further" status leans one way or the other towards IS vs OOS applicants? I was just curious if more OOS'ers ended up in "further", just because some people in the thread were complete for a long time before receiving a status update. I got put in the "further" category just a day or two after being complete, and I'm OOS, so just interested in investigating this hypothesis, ha.

 

[DoctaFuture]

That's what it sounds like, and I always felt the "may" status was slightly better, but earlier in the thread some people who had the "further" status received interviews sooner than some who had "may", so there may be some interchangeability. I'm currently under the "further" status since September.

Has anyone noticed if the "may" or "further" status leans one way or the other towards IS vs OOS applicants? I was just curious if more OOS'ers ended up in "further", just because some people in the thread were complete for a long time before receiving a status update. I got put in the "further" category just a day or two after being complete, and I'm OOS, so just interested in investigating this hypothesis, ha.

Recently received an invite. Had the "further" status for awhile. lol I wouldn't think too much about this. But hey "furthers" do get invites.

 

[curlytop]

That's what it sounds like, and I always felt the "may" status was slightly better, but earlier in the thread some people who had the "further" status received interviews sooner than some who had "may", so there may be some interchangeability. I'm currently under the "further" status since September.

Has anyone noticed if the "may" or "further" status leans one way or the other towards IS vs OOS applicants? I was just curious if more OOS'ers ended up in "further", just because some people in the thread were complete for a long time before receiving a status update. I got put in the "further" category just a day or two after being complete, and I'm OOS, so just interested in investigating this hypothesis, ha.

I'm a "may" status, since 9/22, and OOS (if that helps). No change since that status and complete 9/1.

 

[lovemed1c1ne]

That's what it sounds like, and I always felt the "may" status was slightly better, but earlier in the thread some people who had the "further" status received interviews sooner than some who had "may", so there may be some interchangeability. I'm currently under the "further" status since September.

Has anyone noticed if the "may" or "further" status leans one way or the other towards IS vs OOS applicants? I was just curious if more OOS'ers ended up in "further", just because some people in the thread were complete for a long time before receiving a status update. I got put in the "further" category just a day or two after being complete, and I'm OOS, so just interested in investigating this hypothesis, ha.

I'm OOS and I had the may status until I got the interview invite on Saturday. I don't think there's a correlation hah but interesting hypothesis. I don't think anyone has entirely figured out the difference between may and further.

 

[sustentacular]

I think "may" might be slightly better. I believe "further" people get reviewed/interviewed until February and "may" people have until March or May.

The wording makes it sound better, but I'm quite sure they're interchangeable. It was discussed a few pages back but I am a re-applicant and had the "may" status for the entire application season last year without an interview invite. This year I had "further" for about a month and was invited for an interview.

 

[kachan0]

interview invite!
OOS & had the further status since early August.
fingers crossed~

 

[Longshanks]

I'm OOS and I had the may status until I got the interview invite on Saturday. I don't think there's a correlation hah but interesting hypothesis. I don't think anyone has entirely figured out the difference between may and further.

I didn't think there would be, I was just curious. Good luck on your interview.

 

[Vant]

I just realized I've been complete for 2 months with no statuses or priority given. I get the message:

Your M.D. file is now complete. The Admissions Committee will now do a comprehensive review of your application. Once the review is complete, your file will be prioritized, and interviews will be granted based on your priority score and the date your file was completed.

Should I be concerned or call the office?

 

[DoctaFuture]

I just realized I've been complete for 2 months with no statuses or priority given. I get the message:

Your M.D. file is now complete. The Admissions Committee will now do a comprehensive review of your application. Once the review is complete, your file will be prioritized, and interviews will be granted based on your priority score and the date your file was completed.

Should I be concerned or call the office?

It took me two months to be complete. Yea VCU has an interesting system. If you're concerned, give them a call and just ask, I don't think it can hurt.

 

[rpgdude21]

Does VCU accept in the area emails?

 

[curlytop]

Does VCU accept in the area emails?

Since I think in the area notices are roundabout ways of asking for an interview invite (and in a specific time period, no less), I'm going to say no. Because they explicitly say no requesting specific dates for interviews. But I guess you could try.

 

[concernedP]

Since I think in the area notices are roundabout ways of asking for an interview invite (and in a specific time period, no less), I'm going to say no. Because they explicitly say no requesting specific dates for interviews. But I guess you could try.

Do they consider update letter? Did anyone try?

 

[AutumnChild]

Do they consider update letter? Did anyone try?

I think they told us during the interview that they do accept updates. You can always call and ask though. They're pretty nice over there.

 

[kachan0]

Hmmm...has anyone called a student host yet? 😀 I'm trying to gage when to call since it's nearing the holidays...

 

[curlytop]

Do they consider update letter? Did anyone try?

I'm sure they do. That's very different from an in the area email. 🙂

 

[blueberry91]

Ok so I interviewed there the first week of November and still didn't get the hold message? Should I be concerned?

 

[doremi2010]

Ok so I interviewed there the first week of November and still didn't get the hold message? Should I be concerned?

Did your status change to the survey yet? Maybe they haven't updated your status or your interviewer hasn't made it to the meetings.

 

[Ras Tafari]

Has anyone else encountered getting multiple e-mails (on different days) saying there has been a change of status in the last 24 hours but it when following the link it appears the same as it has been? I have been complete since the beginning of October and my status is "complete" but I've gotten two emails saying to check my status and of course get excited hoping to get an interview but nothing is different. :-\

 

[Ceasar]

Just got this. I thought they weren't saying anything until December 15th anyway. If I had gotten in, would they have told me today, or is this just what they write after they review my file. My interview was earlier this moth. Confused. . .

"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."

 

[Ceasar]

Well, looked back at previous posts, seems like it's just to let us know that we've 1. been looked at, and 2. we're not rejected outright! Guess I'll keep waiting til December 15th.

 

[tima]

"The committee's file review indicates that they would like to consider your file further."

I have this status for some time. This is still better than a rejection. Is this a good time to send an update or interest letter?

 

[blueberry91]

Did your status change to the survey yet? Maybe they haven't updated your status or your interviewer hasn't made it to the meetings.

Yea, I have the survey page right now. I guess I will just have to wait and see then.

 

[hallwd]

Interview invitation yesterday. Was complete and "further" on Oct 27.

 

[skdzhd]

Interview invitation yesterday. Was complete and "further" on Oct 27.

Congrats!!!

Do you mind sharing your interview dates and GPA/MCAT scores?

Thanks in advance..!👍

 

[kachan0]

Some help from fellow interviewees who have already interviewed...? THANK YOU!

1) Have you stayed with a student host? I've contacted mine but just in case that falls through I was wondering if you guys/gals had any suggestions on cheap but decent hotels near the interview bldg?

2) I have an entire day free before my interview. Are there any places to visit? Places to avoid?

3) Are we able to find out who our interviewer is before the interview?

4) Any other suggestions on how to prep for the interview? I've been using the interview feedback page.

 

[DancinSarah]

Some help from fellow interviewees who have already interviewed...? THANK YOU!

1) Have you stayed with a student host? I've contacted mine but just in case that falls through I was wondering if you guys/gals had any suggestions on cheap but decent hotels near the interview bldg?

2) I have an entire day free before my interview. Are there any places to visit? Places to avoid?

3) Are we able to find out who our interviewer is before the interview?

4) Any other suggestions on how to prep for the interview? I've been using the interview feedback page.

1) I did. Very good experience that I would recommend as I found out much more about the school from my student host than I did from the school presentation and tour. There is also a hotel just two blocks from the school (Commonwealth Park Suites) that I had a reservation at before I decided to stay with the student host instead. It was $100 for the night had I decided to stay.

2) Downtown Richmond is a pretty nice, quaint place. Lot of nice restaurants, shops and the like. Just make sure you don't go EAST of downtown, that place looked pretty bad 🙁 Although, the east part looked far enough away, past a freeway etc so you wouldn't really end up there by accident.

3) I don't think so. I only found out who my interviewer was when she came to pick me up.

4) The interview feedback page hit all the numbers for me. I interviewed with a 4th year and I had a few questions about my app, activities, hobbies, and then a few generic medical school ones like "name a situation where you were stressed and how you dealt with it".

Hope that helps, good luck on your interview!

 

[Chemdude]

Got the "may" status today. I know this has been discussed extensively, but what's the probability of getting an interview invite after receiving the "may" status?

 

[DoctaFuture]

Got the "may" status today. I know this has been discussed extensively, but what's the probability of getting an interview invite after receiving the "may" status?

They're good Chemdude. Not guaranteed, but a good chance to of getting an interview.

 

[2050vlsb]

They're good Chemdude. Not guaranteed, but a good chance to of getting an interview.

Can you post what the "may" status is? My status says something about wanting to consider my file further, though I feel like people have had other statuses? Is that the same thing?

 

[Longshanks]

Can you post what the "may" status is? My status says something about wanting to consider my file further, though I feel like people have had other statuses? Is that the same thing?

There are five different statuses. Yours in the "further" status. Which I also have. The five are:
-Interview
-"May"
-"Further"
-"serious reservations/re-review"
-rejected

There's some debate as to what the difference between "may" and "further" are, but "may" sounds more favorable IMHO, but people have gotten interviews from either status in this thread. I've been at "further" for about a month now, for what its worth.

 

[Acp2010]

Got the "may" status today. I know this has been discussed extensively, but what's the probability of getting an interview invite after receiving the "may" status?

for what it's worth, i have had the "may" status since 9/5 and still have not received an interview invite. so i don't know how good the chances really are.

 

[Chemdude]

Well, I hope all of us that are waiting make it!

I will post a video of me dancing to "sandstorm" if I get an interview invite from VCU tomorrow. I promise...

 

[genevieve887]

For those who have interviewed here, what is the interview agenda typically like?

Thank you!

 

[kachan0]

Thank you so much, that was super helpful! Good luck with the rest of the app process. 😀

1) I did. Very good experience that I would recommend as I found out much more about the school from my student host than I did from the school presentation and tour. There is also a hotel just two blocks from the school (Commonwealth Park Suites) that I had a reservation at before I decided to stay with the student host instead. It was $100 for the night had I decided to stay.

2) Downtown Richmond is a pretty nice, quaint place. Lot of nice restaurants, shops and the like. Just make sure you don't go EAST of downtown, that place looked pretty bad 🙁 Although, the east part looked far enough away, past a freeway etc so you wouldn't really end up there by accident.

3) I don't think so. I only found out who my interviewer was when she came to pick me up.

4) The interview feedback page hit all the numbers for me. I interviewed with a 4th year and I had a few questions about my app, activities, hobbies, and then a few generic medical school ones like "name a situation where you were stressed and how you dealt with it".

Hope that helps, good luck on your interview!

 

[curlytop]

for what it's worth, i have had the "may" status since 9/5 and still have not received an interview invite. so i don't know how good the chances really are.

May status since 9/22, no word since.

 

[kickinqt11]

1) I did. Very good experience that I would recommend as I found out much more about the school from my student host than I did from the school presentation and tour. There is also a hotel just two blocks from the school (Commonwealth Park Suites) that I had a reservation at before I decided to stay with the student host instead. It was $100 for the night had I decided to stay.

2) Downtown Richmond is a pretty nice, quaint place. Lot of nice restaurants, shops and the like. Just make sure you don't go EAST of downtown, that place looked pretty bad 🙁 Although, the east part looked far enough away, past a freeway etc so you wouldn't really end up there by accident.

3) I don't think so. I only found out who my interviewer was when she came to pick me up.

4) The interview feedback page hit all the numbers for me. I interviewed with a 4th year and I had a few questions about my app, activities, hobbies, and then a few generic medical school ones like "name a situation where you were stressed and how you dealt with it".

Hope that helps, good luck on your interview!

Actually East past the free way is a neat little area of town called Shokoe Bottom and Church Hill. A lot of students choose to live there or in the Bottom becuase it's really close to school, a lot of young professionals live in the area and it's reasonably priced. I'm doing a masters here and I've lived here for a couple of years now and love it.

 

[kjp010]

Rejected 🙁 3.2 undergrad, 3.5 grad school (taking pharm, anatomy, biochem, physio etc), 32Q, tons of ECs, OOS.. what wrong with me!?

 

[dragon529]

Maybe a bad LOR or not as strong a PS? Have you gotten interviews elsewhere?

Rejected 🙁 3.2 undergrad, 3.5 grad school (taking pharm, anatomy, biochem, physio etc), 32Q, tons of ECs, OOS.. what wrong with me!?