2010-2011 Virginia Tech Carilion Application Thread

[DancinSarah]

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Nothing 🙁

 

[UVA2k9]

perhaps its blind desperation, but Im holding out hope that VTC just failed and didnt contact everyone today, because I haven't heard of many acceptances and nobody's received an email saying they're in "active status pool." I think the adage "no news is good news" holds for now.

 

[swimerbear]

I sincerely hope so! Still nothing todayyyyyyy.... 🙁

 

[swimerbear]

Ah. Active Status pool email! A little sad, but it was definitely reassuring to read that they only accepted 25% of the class (which is roughly 11 students) I hope that this bodes well for the December acceptance date. Keepin my fingers crossed!

 

[bige11]

Ah. Active Status pool email! A little sad, but it was definitely reassuring to read that they only accepted 25% of the class (which is roughly 11 students) I hope that this bodes well for the December acceptance date. Keepin my fingers crossed!

Sad here too.... active status pool. From last year's data, they offered over 100, so hopefully we are still looking good.

Here's waiting until December 15.

 

[IDoIt4Love]

It is very possible that of that small group of 11 people that got in, some either don't use SDN or don't want to mention that they got in, because it might give away their identity. My suggestion is to call the admissions office and just check on your status. Also, do have mercy on our admissions office; almost all of the admissions work is done by just one or two staff members, hence why there may sometimes be delays. I was shocked when I first visited the actual admissions office as a student here--it's not large, you guys! We're a new school! And none of us students work in the admissions office to help out! (The school hasn't yet leant us the privilege, though we probably wouldn't have much time to do so, anyway ) The students you met at your interview weekend were just there to address your questions and concerns about what it's like here at VTC. It's an altruistic gesture 🙂

 

[Avoidthetiger]

boo.

 

[crixx]

Sad here too.... active status pool. From last year's data, they offered over 100, so hopefully we are still looking good.

Here's waiting until December 15.

I do wonder, however, how applicable last years stats will be to our app cycle. Might the novelty of a school opening for the first time skew the numbers a bit? I could see more people applying this year knowing they won't be the guinea pig class and would perhaps be more likely to matriculate if given an acceptance? I have no idea of course, just speculation, but I'm curious to see how our final numbers compare to last years.

 

[VTBuc]

Sad here too.... active status pool. From last year's data, they offered over 100, so hopefully we are still looking good.

Here's waiting until December 15.

Where did you get that statistic?

 

[bige11]

Where did you get that statistic?

Don't remember exactly. However, it makes sense. If only 12 of the matriculants were girls and there were more girls offered than males then at a minimum there would have had to be 61 spots offered. I think it is safe to say that every male offered the spot didn't accept, so for every male offered there had to be at least one female offered too. If only 15 males chose other places, then that is over 100 spots.

I will try to dig the actual quote up though!

 

[CCLCMer]

Hi guys,

I was reading an article that mentioned how Carilion was modeled after schools like CCLCM, so I was reading about your curriculum. It sounds like a great program! How are things going, first years?

Also, I can help answer this question:

Any idea why the charter class is predominantly male? I noticed that our August interview group was mostly guys as well and was curious why that might be..How has it been so far being only 12 women out of 42 people?

You may already be aware that there are actually more women than men enrolled in medical school on the whole, and so yeah, it looks weird to see a program having so few women. But gender equity is an issue for other research-oriented programs like MD/PhDs and CCLCM too--it's not something unique to the Carilion program. I think the reason is probably a combination of two things: fewer girls do research in college, and fewer girls plan to have careers as physician scientists (maybe because of a lack of role models?). So research-oriented schools like CCLCM and Carilion that expect students to come in with research experience have to work harder to recruit women.

When CCLCM's first class started in 2004, there was about a 2:1 ratio of males:females. I'm in the third class, and we are perfectly balanced 1:1. The newest class that just started is the first class to be majority female. Based on that experience, we know that putting an emphasis on recruiting women can work. But really, the biggest thing we need to do to increase the representation of women in research-oriented medical school programs is to catch high school and college freshman/sophomore girls early and get them involved with research. It doesn't help if someone is a college senior who is already applying, and she hasn't done any research yet!

Anyway, just want to wish good luck to all of you who are in the new program and who are applying. FWIW, I think going to a research-oriented school is a good decision if you're interested in an academic career. I'm applying for residency right now, and the response has been very positive so far. 🙂

 

[courtnes]

Interview invite for November! Absolutely ecstatic!

Submitted 9/14
Complete 9/27
34, lowish GPA, lots of research experience

 

[curlytop]

For those who attended the reception the night before your interview:

How "casual" was it? Nice jeans and a nice top? Or blouse and dress pants?

Thanks!

 

[crixx]

Interview invite for November! Absolutely ecstatic!

Submitted 9/14
Complete 9/27
34, lowish GPA, lots of research experience

congrats on the invite! That's strange though, I thought most of the other invites went out on Fridays?

 

[courtnes]

congrats on the invite! That's strange though, I thought most of the other invites went out on Fridays?

I don't care when it went out, I'm just happy to have it!

I'm trying not to read into this too much, but here are some possible options:
-They figured out how awesome I am because of the LOI I sent them recently and invited me on the spot. =D (obviously kidding)
-Others may have declined their interview invites, since at this point people may be sitting on acceptances from schools they prefer to VTC.

 

[curlytop]

Just got done with the interview here; I'm definitely much more interested than I was previously!

 

[VTBuc]

To all those who I met last night at the banquet: good luck and I really hope your interviews went well today!

 

[eveangel6]

interviewing in November, super excited!!!

i have the same question as curlytop, how casual should we dress for the banquet? jeans casual?

 

[jmr86]

interviewing in November, super excited!!!

i have the same question as curlytop, how casual should we dress for the banquet? jeans casual?

From what I remember from the August date, most girls were in casual dresses, skirts, or dress pants and khakis. It's essentially a "casual" cocktail hour. I wouldn't wear jeans.

 

[curlytop]

interviewing in November, super excited!!!

i have the same question as curlytop, how casual should we dress for the banquet? jeans casual?

I wore dress pants and my short sleeved interview blouse, most everyone dressed similarly. I wouldn't recommend jeans but VTC really should be a little more specific other than "casual."

 

[courtnes]

Thanks for the input on the reception! No jeans, noted.

 

[courtnes]

Does anyone have any general advice for the MMI format?

This thread has gotten really quiet...

 

[Dr Pepp3r]

Does anyone have any general advice for the MMI format?

This thread has gotten really quiet...

The MMI style sounds very stressful, but it's actually a lot of fun. Trust me, I was stressing about the VTC interview for weeks because it broke from the traditional interview style, but I really enjoyed it. I would recommend reading up on the article about MMI by McMaster University (they're the ones who came up with this style of interview). I think that the MMI is a great way of assessing the potential of future doctors because it requires you to think on the spot and 10 interviewers assess your personality, psychology, and behavior . Also note that not all of the interviewers are medical doctors, a lot of them are townspeople from the Roanoke area. The scenarios are really fun and interesting. Out of the 7 interviews I attended, I would say I enjoyed my interview at VTC the most. The only advice I can give you is get 8 hrs of sleep and be yourself. There is really no way to prepare for this type of interview, but who cares, it means less work on your part 🙂. Good luck and if you have any other questions, you can PM me or ask on this thread. Best wishes!

 

[Dr Pepp3r]

Oh I almost forgot, but there is really no right or wrong answer to the scenarios. Just carefully think and assess the situation and try to come up with an answer that addresses both sides/perspectives.

 

[courtnes]

Oh I almost forgot, but there is really no right or wrong answer to the scenarios. Just carefully think and assess the situation and try to come up with an answer that addresses both sides/perspectives.

Thanks, Dr Pepp3r!

I didn't realize all the interviewers wouldn't be faculty, that's really interesting. Do any students interview as well? I know there's only one class worth of students and they do a lot for the rest of the interview weekend with the reception and student panel.

I've been looking at the MMI so I feel a bit better, but it's so unusual. I kind of like it, actually. 🙂 I am thinking it'll be akin to doing Drexel's essay on the day of the interview several times over in verbal form.

Also, congrats on your SEVEN interviews! That's awesome. =)

 

[msabet]

Hey Everyone!

I'm really looking forward to meeting you all this Friday and Saturday! Congratulations to all on your interviews!

I was wondering if anyone knew what the reception on Friday would be like... I'm driving down with a friend and wasn't sure if guests were allowed to attend as well?

 

[curlytop]

Thanks, Dr Pepp3r!

I didn't realize all the interviewers wouldn't be faculty, that's really interesting. Do any students interview as well? I know there's only one class worth of students and they do a lot for the rest of the interview weekend with the reception and student panel.

I've been looking at the MMI so I feel a bit better, but it's so unusual. I kind of like it, actually. 🙂 I am thinking it'll be akin to doing Drexel's essay on the day of the interview several times over in verbal form.

Also, congrats on your SEVEN interviews! That's awesome. =)

Hey, there! Also interviewed at VTC (and UC, which also does the MMI). Faculty or physicians from the clinic are possible interviewers.

The MMI is truly a blast. The best part is if you feel like you really blew a question or one of the interviews - you have nine others! Good luck.

 

[curlytop]

Hey Everyone!

I'm really looking forward to meeting you all this Friday and Saturday! Congratulations to all on your interviews!

I was wondering if anyone knew what the reception on Friday would be like... I'm driving down with a friend and wasn't sure if guests were allowed to attend as well?

The reception is really exactly what they say. Just students and faculty and fellow applicants chatting over food and drinks. I dressed business casual (black dress pants with my interview blouse tucked in, no jacket, and my interview heels). My attire fit perfectly, if you're worried about that. It's a nice opportunity to meet faculty and students and ask questions. Your interviewers won't be present. The way it's set up I don't think it would be awkward if you had a guest. But they have prepared name tags so everyone would know your friend wasn't affiliated with the interview day. That said, I don't think it would be a problem. If it is, your friend can stay in the hotel room and watch one of the two flat screens. 🙂

Good luck.

 

[PandaP9]

Hey Everyone!
Sorry that I haven't been on in a while, VTC keeps us pretty busy lately! Anyway, students do not interview. The people who do the interviews are actually either doctors from the clinic or faculty, but part time faculty. For instance, my one-on-one interview last year was with our biochemistry professor [I didn't know that at the time but when I said I wanted to be a pediatric endocrinologist, I think I scored kudos points]. Lol.
As for the MMI, it is a very relaxed setting and as long as you think out your answers and are prepared for follow-up questions to your points, you should be fine. All in all, be yourself! Also, be flexible with your answers. Don't be stuck on one side of the fence on ethical issues, but be sure to touch on both sides. Flex your knowledge muscles!
I will also see you guys at lunch on Saturday so come with questions. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me here 🙂
Well, good luck guys! I'm very excited for all of you

 

[msabet]

The reception is really exactly what they say. Just students and faculty and fellow applicants chatting over food and drinks. I dressed business casual (black dress pants with my interview blouse tucked in, no jacket, and my interview heels). My attire fit perfectly, if you're worried about that. It's a nice opportunity to meet faculty and students and ask questions. Your interviewers won't be present. The way it's set up I don't think it would be awkward if you had a guest. But they have prepared name tags so everyone would know your friend wasn't affiliated with the interview day. That said, I don't think it would be a problem. If it is, your friend can stay in the hotel room and watch one of the two flat screens. 🙂

Good luck.

Thanks so much! Yeah, I think he'll be better suited to movie-watching in the hotel room lol

 

[courtnes]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I think he'll be better suited to movie-watching in the hotel room lol

LOL, same for mine. I figured that would be the case. 🙂

See you this weekend msabet, and look forward to meeting you, Panda!

 

[tiedyeddog]

Just submitted my primary here.. 3.77/33 OOS, do I have a chance for the secondary or an interview?!

 

[courtnes]

Just submitted my primary here.. 3.77/33 OOS, do I have a chance for the secondary or an interview?!

There's only one interview day left after this Saturday. You can get a secondary with those numbers, I'm sure, but odds are not great for an interview with only ~40 interviews left to offer.

Why did you add VTC so late, if I may ask?

 

[tiedyeddog]

Why did you add VTC so late, if I may ask?

One day left in the whole cycle?! Is awhile from now?

Out of the 12 schools I originally applied to I only have a waitlist to show... I'm starting to get super worried.

 

[courtnes]

One day left in the whole cycle?! Is awhile from now?

Out of the 12 schools I originally applied to I only have a waitlist to show... I'm starting to get super worried.

Oh! Just checked the website. Either they added another date or I completely glossed over it.

Feb. 5th
Mar. 5th

Sorry for the misinformation - always check your sources!

http://www.vtc.vt.edu/education/admissions/interview_day.html

That makes your chances a little better. 🙂 Good luck! I applied later too, but that's because I found out about the program after I submitted my AMCAS.

 

[tiedyeddog]

That makes your chances a little better. 🙂 Good luck! I applied later too, but that's because I found out about the program after I submitted my AMCAS.

Thanks!!! Hopefully they will hurry up with the secondary. I'm calling this addition and my other recent ones my "desperation three point shot attempt"....haha.

 

[crixx]

Oh! Just checked the website. Either they added another date or I completely glossed over it.

Feb. 5th
Mar. 5th

Sorry for the misinformation - always check your sources!

That March date was definitely not there a week ago. That seems sort of strange that they would add another date so late in the season. But I can't complain! This gives me a (slightly) better chance at receiving an invite! 😀

 

[courtnes]

Yes, I went back in this thread and someone else posted the interview day list without the March date.

Weird.

 

[bencasey]

Will VTC's failure to achieve accreditation make it difficult for its students to obtain loans or scholarships after the free tuition goes away? And will its graduates be able to participate in the ERAS/NIRMP match program?

http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/266786

 

[courtnes]

Will VTC's failure to achieve accreditation make it difficult for its students to obtain loans or scholarships after the free tuition goes away? And will its graduates be able to participate in the ERAS/NIRMP match program?

http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/266786

Valid questions both, and hopefully they'll address this at the interviews. We know it's a new program and a new type of partnership for a medical school so there will be issues to iron out, including regarding accreditation. The question is, as a resident and self-proclaimed expert, why you care so much about what is going on at VTC. Between this and your previous posts, it sounds more like you have a vendetta against the program than you're trying to help current applicants navigate the challenge of evaluating it.

 

[curlytop]

That March date was definitely not there a week ago. That seems sort of strange that they would add another date so late in the season. But I can't complain! This gives me a (slightly) better chance at receiving an invite! 😀

They addressed this at my interview in October. Basically, they said they were thinking of adding a March date and hadn't decided. Obviously, they've now decided. Good luck!

They also address the issue of accreditation...aggressively, actually.

 

[atu7]

Just submitted my primary here.. 3.77/33 OOS, do I have a chance for the secondary or an interview?!

Yeah, I'm in the same boat... only 1 interview so far. When I applied to VTC, they were pretty fast with the secondary (I think w/i two weeks). I'm still waiting for an interview though...

 

[PandaP9]

Will VTC's failure to achieve accreditation make it difficult for its students to obtain loans or scholarships after the free tuition goes away? And will its graduates be able to participate in the ERAS/NIRMP match program?

http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/266786

I think it odd that a resident would be so keen on watching what is happening at our school but let me clarify something for you and for all the other people who have seen this article. The accreditation process has been going on for a long time now and the most difficult part of the process is over [being able to accept students to a four year MD program]. This school can't be fully accredited until it graduates its first class (like any other school going through accreditation). Pretty much, our class saw this article and we all had a pretty good laugh at the expense of Sarah Jones. We all know that the school does not have its SACS accreditation which is why our loans offered to us by the school are exactly the same as the federal loans (just goes through VTC instead) and we all knew about this at our interviews as well. None of the students at this school are concerned. As far as the "denial factor" in giving us scholarships; if you look at every school that has just opened you will find that all of them offer either the first year free or all four years free. This is an extra incentive, not a pity gift.

In all, don't always believe what the media is telling you, but do some research on your own. If you (sir bencasey) or any of the other applicants are concerned by this article, please get the facts by calling our office or any school that has just gotten through its initial accreditation [Texas Tech, FIU, UCF, Commonwealth, Hofstra, Long Island Jewish Health Center] to understand the process better (or maybe read from more reliable sources).


And for people that I saw on Saturday, good luck with all your endeavors and I hope you all get good news soon! I was asked at lunch "What do you wish you had known before coming to VTC" and I said immunology [lol] but I really wish I knew how to study better and allocate my time appropriately. It was a big change for me coming to a school with a lot of self study and less time in a classroom. It forces you to be very efficient (and I was not a poster child of efficiency) so this process has really helped me take more control over my education, which I like, and with a lot less time being talked at (which I also like). It is going to be a big change from undergraduate studies no matter where you go, so just be prepared for it 😀 and again, good luck!
Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

 

[courtnes]

I think it odd that a resident would be so keen on watching what is happening at our school but let me clarify something for you and for all the other people who have seen this article. The accreditation process has been going on for a long time now and the most difficult part of the process is over [being able to accept students to a four year MD program]. This school can't be fully accredited until it graduates its first class (like any other school going through accreditation). Pretty much, our class saw this article and we all had a pretty good laugh at the expense of Sarah Jones. We all know that the school does not have its SACS accreditation which is why our loans offered to us by the school are exactly the same as the federal loans (just goes through VTC instead) and we all knew about this at our interviews as well. None of the students at this school are concerned. As far as the "denial factor" in giving us scholarships; if you look at every school that has just opened you will find that all of them offer either the first year free or all four years free. This is an extra incentive, not a pity gift.

In all, don't always believe what the media is telling you, but do some research on your own. If you (sir bencasey) or any of the other applicants are concerned by this article, please get the facts by calling our office or any school that has just gotten through its initial accreditation [Texas Tech, FIU, UCF, Commonwealth, Hofstra, Long Island Jewish Health Center] to understand the process better (or maybe read from more reliable sources).


And for people that I saw on Saturday, good luck with all your endeavors and I hope you all get good news soon! I was asked at lunch "What do you wish you had known before coming to VTC" and I said immunology [lol] but I really wish I knew how to study better and allocate my time appropriately. It was a big change for me coming to a school with a lot of self study and less time in a classroom. It forces you to be very efficient (and I was not a poster child of efficiency) so this process has really helped me take more control over my education, which I like, and with a lot less time being talked at (which I also like). It is going to be a big change from undergraduate studies no matter where you go, so just be prepared for it 😀 and again, good luck!
Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Thanks for your post, panda! I was at your table yesterday at lunch. Made me seriously glad I've taken immuno. 😉 I really appreciated you talking with us. And I agree, the admissions team did a great job of explaining the accreditation process. It's hard to believe someone who's already a resident is worried about spending time trolling on SDN.

I have to say, I loved the day at VTC yesterday and it's still at the top of my list, though I am a bit worried about the outcome of the MMI... it was not my cup of tea, but I did have some fun with it at least.

 

[PandaP9]

Thanks for your post, panda! I was at your table yesterday at lunch. Made me seriously glad I've taken immuno. 😉 I really appreciated you talking with us. And I agree, the admissions team did a great job of explaining the accreditation process. It's hard to believe someone who's already a resident is worried about spending time trolling on SDN.

I have to say, I loved the day at VTC yesterday and it's still at the top of my list, though I am a bit worried about the outcome of the MMI... it was not my cup of tea, but I did have some fun with it at least.

I'm glad you had a good time! I'm sorry you guys couldn't come into the library but Dr. V didn't us to be "distracted" from studying lol. There were about five of us in the Library and we all welcome such distractions away from histology, immuno, and the likes hahaha. Don't worry too much about the MMI. If you can solve difficult situations and you have a great personality that fits the rest of the incoming class then I think you will be ok!

And, if I remember correctly, this bencasey person actually isn't a resident [just signed up on SDN as one] but a disgruntled person with a vendetta against VTC. He has been posting since two years ago against this program all the way down to that the building wasn't built properly. Freezer (another student) knows who this person is I believe, and I wouldn't take what he has to say too seriously. His hate mongering against the school should not deter you from actually checking on the things that concern you though; please look for the facts yourself.

 

[deleted325218]

Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed meeting you all that were here this weekend. Regardless of where you're at in the interview cycle, let me know if there's anything else we can answer for you.

 

[northwestlocal]

Will VTC's failure to achieve accreditation make it difficult for its students to obtain loans or scholarships after the free tuition goes away? And will its graduates be able to participate in the ERAS/NIRMP match program?

http://www.roanoke.com/business/wb/266786

Hi Guys,

I just did a search through our entire directory and I am fairly sure this person is just trolling. I can't figure out why anybody would want to tear down our school, but they seem bent on doing such.

If you have serious questions about the school hit up the following class members:

PandaP9
Freezer
VtBuc
IDoit4love
Northwestlocal

Much Love and Good luck with your decision making. 🙂

 

[psychicoctopus]

*resolved*

 

[TobiasFunkeMDFACS]

has anyone found it nearly impossible to get in contact with admissions? My file was incomplete after I submitted it because an essay I had attached somehow did not go through. I've tried calling many times and e-mailing to figure out if the essay was received or if my application was complete but could never get a reply. I recently received an e-mail stating
"Your VTCSOM application is being reviewed for our 2011 interviews" and I'm not sure if that means my application is just now complete or if my application has been complete and has just begun review.

I got the same email, and I thought it was their round-about way of saying I actually got the interview. But I'm probably wrong. I don't exactly know where in their online interface I can check my status. If anyone already found out from the admissions office, let me know. If I didn't actually get the interview, why would they send out the email? If I wasn't being considered, wouldn't they have already rejected me?

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

I got an email today from VT saying that they received my secondary and I'm under review when I submitted my application several months ago. Very, very confused and a little shocked that it took them this many months to get to my app. 😱

Guess the admissions office has been ridiculously busy this cycle...