2012-2013 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

[GreenSky1957]

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I have decent GPA and MCAT score without leadership experience. Is leadership experience mandatory for admission to Virginia Commonwealth University's MD program?

 

[accmd]

I have decent GPA and MCAT score without leadership experience. Is leadership experience mandatory for admission to Virginia Commonwealth University's MD program?

Seriously are you going to post this on EVERY thread? Just apply and see what happens, nobody is a perfect applicant.

 

[virtuoso735]

I have decent GPA and MCAT score without leadership experience. Is leadership experience mandatory for admission to Virginia Commonwealth University's MD program?

I don't have leadership experience but I still have an interview. Even if you don't have concrete leadership, I'm sure there are times when you have led a group, so talk about that.

 

[music2doc]

I have decent GPA and MCAT score without leadership experience. Is leadership experience mandatory for admission to Virginia Commonwealth University's MD program?

If you haven't yet submitted, I'd wait 'til next year.

If you lack leadership experience, well, it depends upon the rest of your app. If your ECs are weak overall, MCV is probably not the place for you... but it's all relative so just figure things out for yourself.

 

[virtuoso735]

For current students, what would you say are the best qualities/aspects of VCU? In preparing for the "Why VCU?" question, I have three things I will emphasize: 1) The new curriculum, 2) Great clinical experiences (the hospitals associated with VCU right on campus, FCM), and 3) ability to work with underserved and disadvantaged populations. Anything else I should add?

 

[drowsy]

For current students, what would you say are the best qualities/aspects of VCU? In preparing for the "Why VCU?" question, I have three things I will emphasize: 1) The new curriculum, 2) Great clinical experiences (the hospitals associated with VCU right on campus, FCM), and 3) ability to work with underserved and disadvantaged populations. Anything else I should add?

Those are fine. However, remember to make the answer about you. The why is more important. Tie in your experiences or something.

 

[SoVaDr]

I know the committee process and how they vote and assign you a priority score, with 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest. From what I've heard from Dr. W-C, anything in the 1-3 range is likely an acceptance, depending on where you are on the list. I also know they send out updates/acceptances four times before forming a wait list in March.

My questions is, if you are going to be rejected (your priority is very low; say a 4 or 5) then do they just reject you or do they wait until the same day they send out acceptances. We've seen people be rejected post-secondary at this point, but I haven't heard anyone claim to be rejected post-interview before the first round of acceptances coming up next week.

In other words, in no news good news.

 

[music2doc]

I know the committee process and how they vote and assign you a priority score, with 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest. From what I've heard from Dr. W-C, anything in the 1-3 range is likely an acceptance, depending on where you are on the list. I also know they send out updates/acceptances four times before forming a wait list in March.

My questions is, if you are going to be rejected (your priority is very low; say a 4 or 5) then do they just reject you or do they wait until the same day they send out acceptances. We've seen people be rejected post-secondary at this point, but I haven't heard anyone claim to be rejected post-interview before the first round of acceptances coming up next week.

In other words, in no news good news.

Same day as acceptances I believe (but I didn't have this experience, so can't really say for sure...). I also would not assume "a 3 is a likely acceptance." More like 1-2 is a likely interview, 3 is a possible interview. 4-5 not likely. The pre-inteview priority scores have nothing to do with your acceptance.

Most schools do not reject post-interview until March.

 

[Twink]

Is the 150 character limit of the question about your qualifications a typo? How am I suppose to explain my qualifications in 1-2 sentences?

 

[hizziaips]

VCU doesn't care about stats like some other schools do, they truly have a holistic approach. Even if you have slightly low stats but have wonderful life experiences, ECs, amazing LORs and an application that truly shows you want to be a physician for the "right reason" they will not only give you a chance but also give you priority over others. For you to get an early interview as an OOS applicant especially from California is a very good sign. Like I said stay positive and show them that you really are a good fit not just for the school but most importantly the city of Richmond. A lot of folks in Virginia especially Central, Southern Virginia rely on VCU for it's strong academic and medical support so VCU is huge on community service/serving the people. Any way best of luck 👍

Case and point: I'm IS, non-trad w/ high stats and received a "we would like to consider your file further" status from VCU. Not what I was hoping for, but I'm guessing that they don't view me as a great fit. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to interview, although it looks like that may take place several months in the future, if at all.

 

[jhuskp]

Also got the further status a week and a half ago. I'm assuming, this late in the season, as an OOS applicant, this is essentially a rejection.

 

[hizziaips]

Also got the further status a week and a half ago. I'm assuming, this late in the season, as an OOS applicant, this is essentially a rejection.

From reading this thread, this status doesn't seem like a rejection so much as a "possible, late interview".

Anyway, what happens now depends on the breakdown among priorities 1-5. Maybe we're fine where we are, or maybe not.

 

[Dreamer29]

I received the "further" status exactly a week ago (IS), and got an II today. Don't be debbie downers, cause there' still hope!

 

[hizziaips]

I received the "further" status exactly a week ago (IS), and got an II today. Don't be debbie downers, cause there' still hope!

Wow, that's great to hear, and congrats on the II!

I promise to be more optimistic from now on. 🙂

 

[kvetch1]

I received the "further" status exactly a week ago (IS), and got an II today. Don't be debbie downers, cause there' still hope!

Do you mind sharing what date you scheduled your interview for? I'm just trying to get a feel for their openings at this point. Thanks

 

[Dreamer29]

I scheduled mine for the week of Oct. 22, and from what I recall they had another opening on Nov 6th, and several in December and January.

 

[music2doc]

Do you mind sharing what date you scheduled your interview for? I'm just trying to get a feel for their openings at this point. Thanks

Openings depend upon priority score. I've gotten a number of calls recently from applicants who apparently just scheduled their interviews in mid-October. Admittedly, you're probably going to find getting a host that last-minute more difficult, so expect to stay in a hotel if you can't give your potential hosts at least a couple of weeks' notice.

On the other hand, some here have reported no openings until Feb or March. To me, that confirms what I was told about MCV's process (i.e., that interview offer dates depend upon priority score and date of secondary submission and that they do reserve some spots on earlier dates for later applications that are particularly appealing to the adcom).

 

[mca9889]

Also got the further status a week and a half ago. I'm assuming, this late in the season, as an OOS applicant, this is essentially a rejection.

no reason to assume this! im oos and had further status and received interview invite a week or 2 later. i dont think the further status is as bad as some people are making it seem

 

[virtuoso735]

Is there any place to store luggage during interview day? I want to go directly to the airport afterwards so I want to make sure there is a place to store luggage.

Also, any recommendations for a taxi service in Richmond? I've been reading terrible reviews about the taxis in Richmond. I don't want to miss my interview because my taxi driver doesn't show up on time. 🙁

 

[GoBriightly]

Is there any place to store luggage during interview day? I want to go directly to the airport afterwards so I want to make sure there is a place to store luggage.

Also, any recommendations for a taxi service in Richmond? I've been reading terrible reviews about the taxis in Richmond. I don't want to miss my interview because my taxi driver doesn't show up on time. 🙁

The admissions office will let you leave your luggage in the office (there's a room where all the applicants wait in between their interview and lunch/tour, so most people during my day left their stuff in that room).

 

[hokie2012]

How long does it usually take to become complete after submission of the secondary? I just want to make sure that I don't have anything else to do. IS/3.9/31

 

[Munoob]

edit

 

[CholeCystems]

Interview invite but no dates available. Guess ill keep checking

 

[brosephlol]

Secondary/Complete: (Forgot, my CC says 8/20)
Further Status : 10/9 (today)

OOS

 

[music2doc]

Interview invite but no dates available. Guess ill keep checking

That sounds like a cruel joke.... Maybe try another browser. If still nothing, give them a call. I doubt they would have extended you an invite without having at least one date in mind for you. Probably, they simply didn't click a button or something on your applicant account.

 

[CholeCystems]

Yeah I emailed them about it. Will let you guys know what they say. Experiencing this after they couldn't find my letters for a month.... C'mon VCU!

 

[unhistoried]

I'm withdrawing from my 10/22 interview date if anyone would like to try to pick it up.

 

[CholeCystems]

Ms Dundee called me this morning and I'm scheduled for 12/3 now. Good luck all!

 

[flodhi1]

It's going to be a big day for some of you in less than 1 week. I hope all of you get an acceptance, best of luck!! 👍

 

[SoVaDr]

It's going to be a big day for some of you in less than 1 week. I hope all of you get an acceptance, best of luck!! 👍

If I remember correctly, I think you said you had the further status last year. (Sorry if that's wrong, I'm too lazy to wade through the previous comments) Anyways, did you get in on the first round? I'm IS and interviewed 9/11/12. Had further status before that.

Thanks for the encouragement throughout this cycle!

 

[williamiv4]

I still have not heard anything from VCU in 2 months in terms of a priority score or status update since I've been complete. If I call, what do I say? I don't want to ask if they lost my app, but I do want to see where I'm at in terms of being at least evaluated preliminarily.

 

[Bumbl3b33]

It's going to be a big day for some of you in less than 1 week. I hope all of you get an acceptance, best of luck!! 👍

How are people informed? E-mail, phone call, both?

 

[flodhi1]

If I remember correctly, I think you said you had the further status last year. (Sorry if that's wrong, I'm too lazy to wade through the previous comments) Anyways, did you get in on the first round? I'm IS and interviewed 9/11/12. Had further status before that.

Thanks for the encouragement throughout this cycle!

Yes, I had the further status and interviewed around mid-September so we're in the same scenario. If you interviewed that early that meant that your base score was pretty high and if you did a moderately okay job on the interview you should be hearing back with some good news 🙂

How are people informed? E-mail, phone call, both?

Email- You will get an email saying your status has been updated around 6 PM on 10/16 or 10/17 (they delay it by one day sometimes) then you obviously sign into your application and check the update however that's only if you have been accepted or rejected. As you might already know If you don't receive any email at all while others have well that means you're going to have to wait till the next acceptance date and that your acceptance is still being considered.

 

[GoatMachine]

Yes, I had the further status and interviewed around mid-September so we're in the same scenario. If you interviewed that early that meant that your base score was pretty high and if you did a moderately okay job on the interview you should be hearing back with some good news 🙂

Same scenario here. Further status, IS, and interviewed on 9/10/12

 

[music2doc]

It's going to be a big day for some of you in less than 1 week. I hope all of you get an acceptance, best of luck!! 👍

Big day for you too in less than a week too, man. Good luck in Anatomy! You check out your group yet?

 

[treemeowmeow]

Do you think an Oct 25th interview is a decent priority score?

 

[flodhi1]

Big day for you too in less than a week too, man. Good luck in Anatomy! You check out your group yet?

Eh, I took Anatomy in the summer in the pre-mat so I'm a little used it. I must say I'm not a huge fan of it but yeah the big day is this Friday. I checked out my group but don't know anyone at all I guess that's what happens when you never go to class

 

[CholeCystems]

If you interview in December is there still a decent shot of acceptance? Heard they have big rolling admissions here.

 

[flodhi1]

Do you think an Oct 25th interview is a decent priority score?

If you interview in December is there still a decent shot of acceptance? Heard they have big rolling admissions here.

Guys chill out no one can answer that question for you except admissions. VCU accepts all the way till the end, matter of fact they accept more individuals from the wait-list than any specific acceptance date.

 

[Bumbl3b33]

Guys chill out no one can answer that question for you except admissions. VCU accepts all the way till the end, matter of fact they accept more individuals from the wait-list than any specific acceptance date.

any word on fmSTAT?

 

[flodhi1]

any word on fmSTAT?

I asked a friend he didn't email me back yet. I'm going to have to contact again.

 

[Tikva]

I'm interviewing at VCU soon, and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the process. What was the interview like? What kind of questions did they ask? In one of my previous interviews at a different school, they gave you a map and you had to run around the city campus to find each of your interviewers on the fly. Does this school make you treasure hunt for your interviewers or is everything in one place? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[virtuoso735]

I'm interviewing at VCU soon, and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the process. What was the interview like? What kind of questions did they ask? In one of my previous interviews at a different school, they gave you a map and you had to run around the city campus to find each of your interviewers on the fly. Does this school make you treasure hunt for your interviewers or is everything in one place? Thanks in advance for your help.

My interview was done by an M4. It was conversational and relaxed for the most part, although be aware your interviewer will have a list of behavioral questions that he/she will be required to ask. For your interview, you sit in a room and your interviewer will come get you when it is time.

I loved VCU when I interviewed there yesterday. I love how it is in downtown Richmond in a bustling area. There are so many hospitals and clinics in a concentrated area, and the surrounding area is also beautiful. They are also building a brand new medical education building that will be done next Fall but already looks amazing. Unfortunately, people who interviewed this week will not hear back until December. 🙁

 

[Rumalum]

I've seen interview groups a lot recently, and every single time you're all just a group of tall men with 1 or 2 females. Are any normal height males or any females applying to this school?

 

[music2doc]

I've seen interview groups a lot recently, and every single time you're all just a group of tall men with 1 or 2 females. Are any normal height males or any females applying to this school?

I sure hope so.... Bring on the ladies!

HYFR, ya feel me, bro?

 

[Tikva]

My interview was done by an M4. It was conversational and relaxed for the most part, although be aware your interviewer will have a list of behavioral questions that he/she will be required to ask. For your interview, you sit in a room and your interviewer will come get you when it is time.

I loved VCU when I interviewed there yesterday. I love how it is in downtown Richmond in a bustling area. There are so many hospitals and clinics in a concentrated area, and the surrounding area is also beautiful. They are also building a brand new medical education building that will be done next Fall but already looks amazing. Unfortunately, people who interviewed this week will not hear back until December. 🙁

Thanks for the info, virtuoso735. It really helps. What kind of behavioral questions do they ask? Thanks again.

 

[virtuoso735]

Thanks for the info, virtuoso735. It really helps. What kind of behavioral questions do they ask? Thanks again.

Stuff you would be expected to answer during a job interview. Like "name a time when you worked in a group or had to deal with a difficult person." Stuff like that.

 

[virtuoso735]

I've seen interview groups a lot recently, and every single time you're all just a group of tall men with 1 or 2 females. Are any normal height males or any females applying to this school?

Define "normal" height.

 

[mwall003]

Has anyone attended the INOVA Fairfax campus visit and can speak to how their day was structured/experiences?

 

[H Y F R]

I sure hope so.... Bring on the ladies!

HYFR, ya feel me, bro?

My dude.. well said.