2012-2013 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

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Just to clarify- the credit report isn't necessary until matriculation to hold our spot, correct? Only the online matriculation form, and deposit payment.
 
Clichebomb said:
Just to clarify- the credit report isn't necessary until matriculation to hold our spot, correct? Only the online matriculation form, and deposit payment.
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That's what I read on the website.
 
Joshturnerfan said:
don't forget me (wink)....I'm in fmstat too (but in the end it is really hard for me to pay $45k a year!, but we'll see)
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If only fmStat=scholarship

Seems we need actual members to start a FB group. Message me if interested...
 
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This means I was priority 4 or 5... I wonder what the red flag was. I think I lacked professionalism. I've never been in a position where it was required, I don't really know what it is, it's this intangible mystical thing I can't seem to grasp, being from a family of free-spirited artists. I also was the only one not wearing a suit - I didn't realize it was a thing (In Canada it's not customary).

I had to check the status page.
 
physiologist said:
This means I was priority 4 or 5... I wonder what the red flag was. I think I lacked professionalism. I've never been in a position where it was required, I don't really know what it is, it's this intangible mystical thing I can't seem to grasp, being from a family of free-spirited artists. I also was the only one not wearing a suit - I didn't realize it was a thing (In Canada it's not customary).

I had to check the status page.
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The professionalism was probably it. The casual attire in and of itself was likely a red flag. If you have other interviews, I'd suggest reading through this site for interview and interview attire advice. If your university offers it, take advantage of any mock interviews or career services available. Best of luck to you.
 
Hey Guys,

I applied late. but I got an email about a status change around the second and it said completed. Yesterday I received another status change email and it still says completed. Does anyone know why this happens?

Thanks
 
physiologist said:
This means I was priority 4 or 5... I wonder what the red flag was. I think I lacked professionalism. I've never been in a position where it was required, I don't really know what it is, it's this intangible mystical thing I can't seem to grasp, being from a family of free-spirited artists. I also was the only one not wearing a suit - I didn't realize it was a thing (In Canada it's not customary).

I had to check the status page.
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Lack of suit would have dropped you to a 5 pretty much from the moment you walked in the door. It demonstrates a general lack of respect for the institution, interviewer, faculty, staff, students, etc. It is also a statement of a lack of awareness of cultural expectations and so forth. Even international students know to where a suit and tie. I would probably suggest wearing one to all future interviews.

This website talks about job interviews in Canada and it sounds like the expectations are identical to those in the States. For casual jobs (think: lifeguard, manual labor, etc.), khakis with a shirt and tie may be acceptable; however, for any corporate environment, a suit is a must. Further, one should always dress above the dress code, NEVER BELOW. As a professional student, you are expected to behave in a manner appropriate for that profession. A physician going into an interview would never wear anything less than a suit (except, perhaps, for a dinner interview or if told to do otherwise, but think in terms of a corporate interview). Certainly, you will not be wearing anything less formal than a suit during your residency interviews and you will be wearing your lab coat as a suit jacket for much of your clinical (and even preclinical) years.
 
How out of place did you feel once you saw everyone wearing a suit?
 
BABSstudent said:
How out of place did you feel once you saw everyone wearing a suit?
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Extremely. I wore a dress shirt and black dress pants. My pants were blackish-grey tweed and my shirt was a blackish-grey pattern that was a bit sheer with a black tank top underneath. It was the most professional thing in my closet and my friends who are M1s at McGill gave me the seal of approval. (If you look on Premed101, you'll see that suits aren't the norm for Canadian schools). Everyone else at the VCU interview was dressed like Hillary Clinton.

I guess I just had no idea what "professional" meant. I thought I knew, but I was wrong. I wore something that resembled what the doctors in my hospital wear. I realize in retrospect that I work at a pretty laid-back hospital. Actually, I realize all the jobs I've worked for have been EXTREMELY laid-back, like, jeans-to-work laid-back.
 
I don't think the adcom would throw out your app simply because you didn't wear a suit. There were girls at my other interviews that were dressed in professional clothes, but not all were in suits (in fact, the ones with suits looked weird). I think you (physiologist) should contact VCU and ask them directly about the red-flag in your application. Its an opportunity for you to get some very important feedback. It may not have been your attire.
 
SIGINT said:
I don't think the adcom would throw out your app simply because you didn't wear a suit. There were girls at my other interviews that were dressed in professional clothes, but not all were in suits (in fact, the ones with suits looked weird). I think you (physiologist) should contact VCU and ask them directly about the red-flag in your application. Its an opportunity for you to get some very important feedback. It may not have been your attire.
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I don't think it was the outfit that was THE dealbreaker. My lack of suit probably brought me down several notches, but my below-average GPA and OOS status were likely the nails in the coffin. Plus I have a bit of a rambling problem when I'm nervous, and this was my first interview ever.
 
physiologist said:
I don't think it was the outfit that was THE dealbreaker. My lack of suit probably brought me down several notches, but my below-average GPA and OOS status were likely the nails in the coffin. Plus I have a bit of a rambling problem when I'm nervous, and this was my first interview ever.
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I had the same problem 3 years ago at my first interview. You'll only get better from this. Good luck with your applications.
 
SIGINT said:
I had the same problem 3 years ago at my first interview. You'll only get better from this. Good luck with your applications.
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It's a shame this "test drive" had to be my first choice school. Ugh, I'm so upset, this was my only chance of going to medical school in North America and I blew it 🙁
 
virtuoso735 said:
Is it really the case that the bar is lowered for each subsequent date? I don't understand why that would be.
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mwall003 said:
Yes the bar is lowered which makes sense. The committee ranks your candidacy from 1-5 with 1 the best and 5 the worst. People on here say 4&5 is rejection. Each offer date that number supposedly increases from say 1.5 yesterday to 1.75 feb 1 the next offer date.
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The highest priority scores are accepted on earlier dates and lower priority scores later down the road either way the individual priority score never changes.
 
physiologist said:
I don't think it was the outfit that was THE dealbreaker.
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I don't know about that--my adviser (med school admissions director for 20+ years at a high-ranked school) gave me *very* specific advise about attire. At many schools, the wrong clothes can break you. They once rejected a guy (who was wearing a suit) because he was wearing sneakers. Apparently the rest of his application was stellar. They took his shoes as a sign of poor judgment. Not kidding.

I spent too much money on suit, blouse, nice shoes (dressy but comfortable enough for walking), everything down to the earrings. It's a bit silly, but it's worth it in the end.

You're not re-applying next year?
 
physiologist said:
It's a shame this "test drive" had to be my first choice school. Ugh, I'm so upset, this was my only chance of going to medical school in North America and I blew it 🙁
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Sorry to hear this 🙁 I'm from Canada too and I know how hard it is to get into the medical schools here. Did you not apply to any of them?
Where else did you apply? Best of luck!



I interviewed Dec 4th, but my status still is on the survey thing. Getting really scared now...
 
physiologist said:
Extremely. I wore a dress shirt and black dress pants. My pants were blackish-grey tweed and my shirt was a blackish-grey pattern that was a bit sheer with a black tank top underneath. It was the most professional thing in my closet and my friends who are M1s at McGill gave me the seal of approval. (If you look on Premed101, you'll see that suits aren't the norm for Canadian schools). Everyone else at the VCU interview was dressed like Hillary Clinton.

I guess I just had no idea what "professional" meant. I thought I knew, but I was wrong. I wore something that resembled what the doctors in my hospital wear. I realize in retrospect that I work at a pretty laid-back hospital. Actually, I realize all the jobs I've worked for have been EXTREMELY laid-back, like, jeans-to-work laid-back.
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Black jeans and a shear button down are in no way "dress shirt and dress pants". If you're unsure about this, you should definitely go to any retail store that sells suits and talk to the sales associates so you can have a better understanding of clothing. If you had an older interviewer, who was particularly conservative, I could definitely see your outfit as a major factor in your low priority score.

On the bright side, VCU gave you an interview, so it is unlikely that your low GPA caused your rejection. If you can work on your outfit, professionalism, and interviewing skills (which are all easy and possible to do), I think you definitely have a shot at any of your future interviews this cycle, as well as a shot at VCU next cycle should you decide to reapply. Good luck!
 
Withdrawing acceptance here. Hope it goes to one of you guys! Best of luck and happy holidays!
 
GrabSlamBoot said:
Withdrawing acceptance here. Hope it goes to one of you guys! Best of luck and happy holidays!
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I just did the same, and it looks like there's a whole host of extremely qualified applicants who will snap up the spot in a heartbeat. Warm wishes and best of luck to each of you!
 
I was "complete" for 3-ish months.

Sent in a SHORT email stating I just finished a course (as scheduled) and got an A. The next day, my status changed. Now I'm officially "MAY" status. Bummer no II.

I think the update definitely helped expedite getting moved from "complete" to "reviewed."
 
AlltheAbove said:
Black jeans and a shear button down are in no way "dress shirt and dress pants". If you're unsure about this, you should definitely go to any retail store that sells suits and talk to the sales associates so you can have a better understanding of clothing. If you had an older interviewer, who was particularly conservative, I could definitely see your outfit as a major factor in your low priority score.

On the bright side, VCU gave you an interview, so it is unlikely that your low GPA caused your rejection. If you can work on your outfit, professionalism, and interviewing skills (which are all easy and possible to do), I think you definitely have a shot at any of your future interviews this cycle, as well as a shot at VCU next cycle should you decide to reapply. Good luck!
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Just when I thought I had lost all hope I got an interview invite today at a top 20 school that I like better than VCU but never thought I actually had a shot at.

I'm buying myself a suit today and plan to dress to the nines. So glad I have a second chance!
 
Should we send official transcripts directly to VCU from our school? Or will a pdf of an unofficial transcript sent by email work? My interviewer emailed me back after I sent her a thank you email, she stated that I should send in my transcript as soon as I can. Do guys think my acceptance hinges on how I performed this semester?
 
Just got an interview invite at 6:15 today!!! Looks like they are working late tonight!
 
physiologist said:
Just when I thought I had lost all hope I got an interview invite today at a top 20 school that I like better than VCU but never thought I actually had a shot at.

I'm buying myself a suit today and plan to dress to the nines. So glad I have a second chance!
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Way to go! practice interviewing with your friends. Post a picture of a your attire if you want. VCU was my first interview (and got in somehow) even though there was other interviewees with me who wanted this school far more yet didn't get in. One of the things they don't like to see is someone gushy and overexpressive. That's not a respresentation of real life.
I was just myself, nervous enough during the first few minutes enough to look at the wall a few times, but then warmed up. Nothing you've never heard before, but they look for answers that sound artificial. I Did not send thankyou cards (nor will I to any school - my second school forbid it even) and honestly, didn't spend my time blowing up VCU and they still let me in.
I'm a guy, and I spent days beforehand doing all the suit homework cause that was new territory for me, yet I forgot and had my bottom suit button shut (no-no). Nice hair helps too.I got my teeth whitened while in Central America beforehand. All of that is paramount to an honest, well thought out character who comes in a sits down and has a clear understanding of who they are and where they want to go life.
 
Joshturnerfan said:
Way to go! practice interviewing with your friends. Post a picture of a your attire if you want. VCU was my first interview (and got in somehow) even though there was other interviewees with me who wanted this school far more yet didn't get in. One of the things they don't like to see is someone gushy and overexpressive. That's not a respresentation of real life.
I was just myself, nervous enough during the first few minutes enough to look at the wall a few times, but then warmed up. Nothing you've never heard before, but they look for answers that sound artificial. I Did not send thankyou cards (nor will I to any school - my second school forbid it even) and honestly, didn't spend my time blowing up VCU and they still let me in.
I'm a guy, and I spent days beforehand doing all the suit homework cause that was new territory for me, yet I forgot and had my bottom suit button shut (no-no). Nice hair helps too.I got my teeth whitened while in Central America beforehand. All of that is paramount to an honest, well thought out character who comes in a sits down and has a clear understanding of who they are and where they want to go life.
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Thanks for the advice. Next time I'll be changing a few things:

1) I just bought a suit today at Banana Republic. It looks exactly like this but in black: http://www.lordandtaylor.com/_static/webUpload/731/58860_58860_501_3.jpg. Ironically, that black dress shirt with a black tank top underneath (to get rid of any sheer-ness whatsoever) looks GREAT under that suit. I also bought pretty black ballet flats.

2) I'm going to be more calm and collected and curb my enthusiasm (lol). I keep being given conflicting info - be yourself! Show enthusiasm about the school!

3) I'm not going to have ANY contact with the school after the interview unless I get on the waitlist, in which case I'll write an LOI if that is allowed.

4) I'll do my best to avoid rambling (I'm a nervous rambler) and stick to answering the question as concisely as possible.

5) I'll hire an interview coach because apparently my school's mock interview just wasn't good enough.

6) Call VCU on Monday for advice on where I messed up.

Sigh.
 
physiologist said:
Thanks for the advice. Next time I'll be changing a few things:

1) I just bought a suit today at Banana Republic. It looks exactly like this but in black: http://www.lordandtaylor.com/_static/webUpload/731/58860_58860_501_3.jpg. Ironically, that black dress shirt with a black tank top underneath (to get rid of any sheer-ness whatsoever) looks GREAT under that suit. I also bought pretty black ballet flats.

2) I'm going to be more calm and collected and curb my enthusiasm (lol). I keep being given conflicting info - be yourself! Show enthusiasm about the school!

3) I'm not going to have ANY contact with the school after the interview unless I get on the waitlist, in which case I'll write an LOI if that is allowed.

4) I'll do my best to avoid rambling (I'm a nervous rambler) and stick to answering the question as concisely as possible.

5) I'll hire an interview coach because apparently my school's mock interview just wasn't good enough.

6) Call VCU on Monday for advice on where I messed up.

Sigh.
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Advice:
Light-colored shirt, not dark. Make sure that the neckline is modest so you don't flash everyone if you drop your pen. Small, simple earrings or none. Light makeup--not heavy or dark. Neat hair.
You'll do great 🙂
 
p3anut said:
Advice:
Light-colored shirt, not dark. Make sure that the neckline is modest so you don't flash everyone if you drop your pen. Small, simple earrings or none. Light makeup--not heavy or dark. Neat hair.
You'll do great 🙂
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Fair. I'll wear my white oxford button-down that I wore as part of my school uniform in high school. It fits just fine (and doesn't have any writing on it - it's plain.)
 
physiologist said:
Fair. I'll wear my white oxford button-down that I wore as part of my school uniform in high school. It fits just fine (and doesn't have any writing on it - it's plain.)
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Forgot a big one--no perfume. Good luck!!
 
p3anut said:
Forgot a big one--no perfume. Good luck!!
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Perfume and scented deodorant are pet peeves of mine. You can guarantee that although I would be freshly showered, hair blowdried, I will not be wearing perfume or scented deodorant of any kind.
 
physiologist said:
Perfume and scented deodorant are pet peeves of mine. You can guarantee that although I would be freshly showered, hair blowdried, I will not be wearing perfume or scented deodorant of any kind.
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I would contact Vcu asap ab why they rejected you. That is absolutely the most important thing, bc maybe it was something else you were completely unaware that you did.

I didn't write thank you notes to the first 3 schools I interviewed at, got WL at all three, and then wrote thank yous to the rest. I got into 3 that j wrote thank yous to and waiting on the rest. Thus, in my case it seems that the thank you notes correspond to acceptances, although I. Not so naive think it really made that much of a difference. The point is that it def doesn't hurt and in fact is probably a nice touch.
 
So my status changed today to:
"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 in order to learn when further action has been taken."

I'm just happy I wasn't rejected right now. Does anybody have any advice about how to express my continued interest in the school? I would love to go to VCU, truly, and believe I have so much to offer to the school. I am a fringe applicant so to speak; and I just want to convince them to give me an II. What's the best to method of communication? Have students tried letters of intent? Do you guys advise writing letters about what I have to offer to the school? Or what opportunities the school affords its students that I really am interested in? Congrats to all those accepted!! And hang in there to all those rejected...I'm on my second app cycle; you gotta keep your head up and in the fight and you gotta bounce back harder!

Also, what does fmStat mean?

Thanks, guys!!
 
Has anyone else received a status update like this:

"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."

What exactly does it mean...is it a polite rejection?
 
skyazim said:
So my status changed today to:
"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 in order to learn when further action has been taken."

I'm just happy I wasn't rejected right now. Does anybody have any advice about how to express my continued interest in the school? I would love to go to VCU, truly, and believe I have so much to offer to the school. I am a fringe applicant so to speak; and I just want to convince them to give me an II. What's the best to method of communication? Have students tried letters of intent? Do you guys advise writing letters about what I have to offer to the school? Or what opportunities the school affords its students that I really am interested in? Congrats to all those accepted!! And hang in there to all those rejected...I'm on my second app cycle; you gotta keep your head up and in the fight and you gotta bounce back harder!

Also, what does fmStat mean?

Thanks, guys!!
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I'd suggest waiting. You can write them a letter of interest but they've already determined your priority score and had reservations. A subcommittee will evaluate you before making a final decision. In other words, you get to wait. I wouldn't rely on MCV offering an interview at this point, although it is always possible. Letters of interest pre-interview are really only helpful if they're already on the verge of inviting you -- in the case of MCV, this would mean if your priority score is 2.9 and they just finished invites for all 2.8s. If they got your LOI at just the right time, Momma Mack might just decide to invite you first out of all the 2.9s. That would make a difference in the specific case that she ran out of interview slots midway through the 2.9s (i.e., never made it to the 3.0s). As you might guess, this isn't likely to be a common occurrence at any school.... I mean, in essence, it requires that your letter is timed perfectly and that you are one of X number of applicants in the category that is about to be considered for an invite (or being pulled off a waitlist).

fmSTAT is a competitive program at MCV for students interested in family medicine. My friends in it seem to like it and there is some (very minor) crossover b/w it and i2crp, although they are entirely separate programs.

paperaeroplane said:
Has anyone else received a status update like this:

"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."

What exactly does it mean...is it a polite rejection?
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It's exactly what it sounds like. They likely won't have an interview spot for you soon but some people at your priority level are interviewed, so don't lose hope (but also don't count on an interview).
 
skyazim said:
So my status changed today to:
"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 in order to learn when further action has been taken."

I'm just happy I wasn't rejected right now. Does anybody have any advice about how to express my continued interest in the school? I would love to go to VCU, truly, and believe I have so much to offer to the school. I am a fringe applicant so to speak; and I just want to convince them to give me an II. What's the best to method of communication? Have students tried letters of intent? Do you guys advise writing letters about what I have to offer to the school? Or what opportunities the school affords its students that I really am interested in? Congrats to all those accepted!! And hang in there to all those rejected...I'm on my second app cycle; you gotta keep your head up and in the fight and you gotta bounce back harder!

Also, what does fmStat mean?

Thanks, guys!!
Click to expand...

That's the "further" status talked about earlier in the thread. I had it, and I was just accepted.

Fmstat is a special program for students committed to Family Medicine.
 
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