2011-2012 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

[docbrill]

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Does anyone know the average stats of the people who were accepted in December?

No.... Being as we don't know who all of them were. That said, mine were 3.8+/32Q with some several years full-time clinical experience (5000+ hours), a lot of years of volunteering across multiple organizations and fields of interest (at least 1000 hours; have never really done a thorough count), lots of leadership (including building a pre-health professions university program with a current staff of 15 and some 200 students involved, as well as several management positions), multiple research projects (psych, music, and medical/clinical disciplines), several 1st author presentations, a variety of hobbies (martial artist, avid climber, etc.), a little bit of shadowing (my one checkbox activity... everything else just sort of happened)....

I can assure you that your priority scores are not solely based on stats. For example, I have much lower stats than music2doc (not URM), yet was accepted on the first date. So you can't really predict your chances based on accepted people' stats. The best thing is to stay positive and hopeful that you will be accepted at one of the upcoming dates.


Edit: I also know of people with 39 MCATs and close to 4.0 who were accepted on the first date - so the point is you cannot determine your chances based on stats alone...

 

[empowmd]

Lllll

 

[deleted261193]

you can check my mdapplicants. i was accepted on dec. but i have lower stats than a few people i know who never even heard back about II's. so it's definitely not numbers. i felt like i clicked very well with my interviewer (as in all of the things i wanted to do and cared about at VCU, he did too so we were able to talk a lottttttttt about his experiences) and that probably was what got me in this early.

 

[treemeowmeow]

I was told at my interview that acceptance was a total crap-shoot. People with outstanding stats get rejected and people with not-so-outstanding stats get in (and vice-versa)

 

[music2doc]

I was told at my interview that acceptance was a total crap-shoot. People with outstanding stats get rejected and people with not-so-outstanding stats get in (and vice-versa)

Which really doesn't make it a crap shoot at all. It simply means you're looking at the wrong things. Many schools care less about the raw stats than SDNers like to believe. This may have to do with all the research that keeps showing people with ridiculous numbers don't usually make the best doctors.... But who am I to question the great SDN Pre-Allo Mindset?

 

[flodhi1]

which really doesn't make it a crap shoot at all. It simply means you're looking at the wrong things. Many schools care less about the raw stats than sdners like to believe. This may have to do with all the research that keeps showing people with ridiculous numbers don't usually make the best doctors.... But who am i to question the great sdn pre-allo mindset?

+1

 

[empowmd]

Hey everyone...I'm an Instate person in Virginia although i go to OU, long story. I interviewed on 10/6/11 and i have a 30 MCAT, 3.92 GPA...but my interview wasn't reviewed and complete until 10/31. I was not accepted on 12/15 (way to ruin christmas huh) and i have yet to receive even an INTERVIEW at EVMS (i only say that because people were comparing the schools above). I called EVMS about a month ago and found out that they actually thought i was an a OOS and so i had to send in tax returns to prove i'm IS. They called me back about 3 weeks ago to tell me that they had switched my status to an in state applicant, but do you think at this point they are done interviewing? I mean...no offense, but i assumed i would have bagged an interview at EVMS a while ago, so when i found out that they had me in the wrong pile it helped relieve my stress A LOT. But now...seeing that everyone who gets double acceptance to VCU and EVMS will probably go to VCU, I'm freaking again because I haven't heard a thing since the call!!! ahhh, how i wish to have the relief of knowing what's going to happen!

 

[catchme]

Anybody know what percentage of their class VCU has accepted so far?

 

[deleted261193]

awwwww vcu sent me a holiday card today!!! ^_________^ and my interviewer congratulated me, yay!

 

[flodhi1]

anybody know what percentage of their class vcu has accepted so far?

< 40 %

 

[edge of desire]

how do you know this, flodhi?

 

[aalmario]

II just now. Previously had the "may" status (9/26). I just updated the google doc.

 

[flodhi1]

how do you know this, flodhi?

VCU sends out close to 400 acceptances a year stated by the Associate Dean of Admissions. She also stated that each acceptance date there are roughly 70 acceptances issued. So far we have had 2 acceptance dates 1) October 2) December. Therefore, 70+70 = 140 now 140 / 400 x 100 = 35 % which is < 40 %

So I received the "hold" email [post-interview].

Am I interpreting this action correctly as that it's most likely either an acceptance or a waitlist coming my way?

...or is the option for a rejection still on the table?

Rejection even though unlikely is still possible.

 

[schwabejr]

II today. Scheduled for 1/11

 

[empowmd]

Hey everyone...I'm an Instate person in Virginia although i go to OU, long story. I interviewed on 10/6/11 and i have a 30 MCAT, 3.92 GPA...but my interview wasn't reviewed and complete until 10/31. I was not accepted on 12/15 (way to ruin christmas huh) and i have yet to receive even an INTERVIEW at EVMS (i only say that because people were comparing the schools above). I called EVMS about a month ago and found out that they actually thought i was an a OOS and so i had to send in tax returns to prove i'm IS. They called me back about 3 weeks ago to tell me that they had switched my status to an in state applicant, but do you think at this point they are done interviewing? I mean...no offense, but i assumed i would have bagged an interview at EVMS a while ago, so when i found out that they had me in the wrong pile it helped relieve my stress A LOT. But now...seeing that everyone who gets double acceptance to VCU and EVMS will probably go to VCU, I'm freaking again because I haven't heard a thing since the call!!! ahhh, how i wish to have the relief of knowing what's going to happen!

 

[deleted261193]

what exactly is your question?

i doubt evms is done interviewing. you should probably post this on that forum.

as for vcu, a lot of people haven't gotten in yet who've interviewed. as we've said numerous times, they only take people they want the most in the earlier dates. and so far they've admitted less than half of the class so there's plenty of slots available. also, it's possible your interview didn't go amazingly. based on your attitude in this post, it sounds like that's a possibility worth looking into.

 

[shinbeats]

Hey everyone...I'm an Instate person in Virginia although i go to OU, long story. I interviewed on 10/6/11 and i have a 30 MCAT, 3.92 GPA...but my interview wasn't reviewed and complete until 10/31. I was not accepted on 12/15 (way to ruin christmas huh) and i have yet to receive even an INTERVIEW at EVMS (i only say that because people were comparing the schools above). I called EVMS about a month ago and found out that they actually thought i was an a OOS and so i had to send in tax returns to prove i'm IS. They called me back about 3 weeks ago to tell me that they had switched my status to an in state applicant, but do you think at this point they are done interviewing? I mean...no offense, but i assumed i would have bagged an interview at EVMS a while ago, so when i found out that they had me in the wrong pile it helped relieve my stress A LOT. But now...seeing that everyone who gets double acceptance to VCU and EVMS will probably go to VCU, I'm freaking again because I haven't heard a thing since the call!!! ahhh, how i wish to have the relief of knowing what's going to happen!

Vcu thoroughly reviews applicants and stats dont gurantee anything be it evms or vcu. Patience is a virtue and tells a lot about a person.

 

[jdudemed]

I just turned in my supplemental application. The fee and the LORs have been received since late october. I didn't know about the 60 day period to submit all of the requirements. the deadline for completing the file is today. I have submitted everything they require but my status still says INCOMPLETE. Will my application be rejected? I just email admissions but they are out until Jan 3.

 

[tantacles]

I just turned in my supplemental application. The fee and the LORs have been received since late october. I didn't know about the 60 day period to submit all of the requirements. the deadline for completing the file is today. I have submitted everything they require but my status still says INCOMPLETE. Will my application be rejected? I just email admissions but they are out until Jan 3.

It sounds like it's going to be rejected. Maybe you should call them on the 3rd and ask for a refund if it's not going to work out.

 

[nicemsp]

Anyone know if an update such as getting a first author paper in a respected journal is welcomed/encouraged by VCU post-interview?

 

[ywlke]

Anyone know if an update such as getting a first author paper in a respected journal is welcomed/encouraged by VCU post-interview?

I don't know, but wow! Congratulations!

 

[amity]

Anyone know if an update such as getting a first author paper in a respected journal is welcomed/encouraged by VCU post-interview?

You could include this update in the letter of intent to re-confirm your interests in the school.

 

[amity]

I just turned in my supplemental application. The fee and the LORs have been received since late october. I didn't know about the 60 day period to submit all of the requirements. the deadline for completing the file is today. I have submitted everything they require but my status still says INCOMPLETE. Will my application be rejected? I just email admissions but they are out until Jan 3.

Humh, if my aging memory is of any help, I remember when I got my secondary invitation on 10/19, the website stated Dec 1 would be the deadline to turn in all secondary applications (primary application deadline was 10/15). In general, yes, you would have 60 days to complete the secondary, but for late applicants, I thought Dec 1 was the deadline.

But if the website allowed you to submit, then it's likely that you were on time.
It's good to call them to ask.

 

[MrLahey]

Hey does anybody know when the second look is?

 

[SDapplicant]

I got an II yesterday. I had the may status since Aug

 

[edge of desire]

congrats, when'd you schedule yours for?

 

[Nessy]

So I received the "hold" email [post-interview].

Am I interpreting this action correctly as that it's most likely either an acceptance or a waitlist coming my way?

...or is the option for a rejection still on the table?

Hey Frazier, I was in your shoes last year. I was on hold, but not accepted. I ultimately got wait listed and then accepted! I'm in Richmond now and MCV is a wonderful school! Hang in there, because I think your chances are strong

 

[PltEnthusiast]

Anybody interviewed on 12/14/11 recieved a status update yet? They said we should receive an update within 8-10 days...

 

[hydrogen1]

Anybody interviewed on 12/14/11 recieved a status update yet? They said we should receive an update within 8-10 days...

I interviewed in middle of december also and was told that I would not hear until the beginning of February so I'm a little confused now. Might be worth a phone call to the school....I think that with the holidays and all things slowed down a lot....Love this school. The wait is killing me Hang in there!!

 

[ywlke]

I interviewed on 12/15 and was told that I would not hear until the beginning of February so I'm a little confused now. Might be worth a phone call to the school....I think that with the holidays and all things slowed down a lot....Love this school. The wait is killing me Hang in there!!

The status should change to

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."

prior to February. February is the decision release date.

 

[treemeowmeow]

Anybody interviewed on 12/14/11 recieved a status update yet? They said we should receive an update within 8-10 days...

I interviewed 12/12 and have not received a Hold/Rejection status change. They probably haven't gotten to them due to the holidays and such. And also, your interviewer needs to be available to present you to the AdCom. Maybe they were just busy? Either way, we should be hearing from them soon.

 

[fastEXcaper]

Has anyone sent an update letter/ letter of interest to VCU? Do they respond that they received it?

 

[nicemsp]

congrats, awesome work. 👍

It obviously can't hurt, but from what the dean told us during my interview day, once the committee meets and designates your "score"...that's it. Your score won't change because of this update.

However, perhaps it might help differentiate you from the other candidates with that same score?

Either way, nice work. If nothing else, it will pay off come time to apply for residency. 😀

Which email address should I send the update to? I couldn't find a general 'admissions' email address. Should I just send it to the Dean (Dr. Whitehurst Cook)?

 

[RummyTummy]

I'm an OOS (3.9, 32R) and received an interview invite today (submitted my secondary waaaay back in august) after being on the MAY status. I already got accepted somewhere else so I'm not stressing out, but VCU is definitely my top choice (other than mayo, who rejected me after like a week lol). Is a February (2/8) interview way too late in the game to get a spot?

 

[rpdnathan]

'Rummy Tummy, How long were you in the MAY status?

 

[RummyTummy]

'Rummy Tummy, How long were you in the MAY status?

10/4 until today

 

[jiminycrickets]

hey congrats to recent those who got accepted and those with interview invites.

is there a facebook created for this class? theres a high chance im going here this fall and interested in meeting some classmates! also, for those who go to vcu, do you have any recommendations for housing i can look into? thanks in advance!

 

[EmmaDoc]

Hello all! Congrats to everyone who's been accepted. Just thought I should chime in that I was also interviewed on the week of dec 12 and I still have yet to hear any updates like they said we would have. I'm hoping to hear something this upcoming week since that's when they come back from break. Counting the days until Feb 1! Good luck to everyone 🙂

 

[flodhi1]

Going from a "Hold" to this...



...is probably a bad sign, isn't it?

Many individuals including myself interviewed and then got accepted off the further status so idk why you would think it's a bad thing?

 

[serenade02]

Does VCU accept update letter? I remember reading somewhere in this post that it should be one page long but cannot find that post or link to website info. now. Is that true? thanks

 

[deleted261193]

to those who've been accepted - are we supposed to get anything in the mail?

 

[Terplove]

For those of you who have already interviewed - any advice for some prep?? Mine's coming up soon! 🙂

 

[deleted261193]

just know your app, know why you want to go to vcu, and prepare to fall in love ^______^

basically don't worry about the interview too much! you try to look at the sdn database for old questions but i didn't feel like i had to prep at all

 

[flodhi1]

to those who've been accepted - are we supposed to get anything in the mail?

You only receive a second look and congratulations letter in the mail.

 

[satellite8]

You only receive a second look and congratulations letter in the mail.

I was accepted back in October, but I didn't receive anything in the mail. Maybe only some people get invited to second look?

 

[deleted261193]

yeah i got accepted on dec 15 and haven't received anything yet in the mail either...

 

[knguye12]

I interviewed at VCU on 1/5/2012. They told us during the interview that the admission would convene the following Monday (1/9/2012) and review the applications. I received an email saying my status has been changed on 1/9/2012 but I don't know what the status is. Does anyone know if a quick turnaround is a good sign?

I'm nervous! VCU is my top choice!

 

[nestea]

I interviewed at VCU on 1/5/2012. They told us during the interview that the admission would convene the following Monday (1/9/2012) and review the applications. I received an email saying my status has been changed on 1/9/2012 but I don't know what the status is. Does anyone know if a quick turnaround is a good sign?

I'm nervous! VCU is my top choice!

I recently interviewed and was told that they review interviewee applications on Mondays. When they have looked over your file they update your status with a value according to a scale of 1 - 5. 1 = great, 2 = pretty good, 3 = acceptable, and so on and so on. Next batch of acceptances should be on February 1st and then I think march 16??

 

[PltEnthusiast]

I was interviewed on Dec 14th. Still no status update.....

 

[serenade02]

Some update letter info is actually on this very page above... are you sure you looked?

I don't remember the dean specifying a page limit...but with that said, I doubt they want to read more than a page and I doubt that an applicant couldn't condense that 2 page update letter down to 1 page.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC

lol. I looked in the old posts. But I remember reading somewhere about a one-page limit and that's what I was trying to confirm. Thanks for the info.