2012-2013 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

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p3anut said:
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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Actually the "further" status reads:

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.

Like the above poster mentioned, the other status is the subcommittee status.
 
p3anut said:
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.
Click to expand...

Nope, what you quoted was the subcommittee status. The way I interpret it is that it does not correspond to a specific priority score but is basically a flag Admissions sets on your file when something is seen that should be given special consideration (e.g., an IA). My guess would be that each such subcommittee meets every few weeks and then makes a recommendation to either release the applicant for further consideration (i.e., may offer interview) or to release the applicant from further consideration (i.e., recommend rejection). Ultimately, though, no one here really knows (including those of us currently at MCV). An M4 working in Admissions might have a bit more knowledge of this but even they would only know their part in the process.
 
Just got the "MAY" status on 12/30 FYI. Do I have a realistic chance of getting an interview at this point?
 
IS or OOS? Seems like the may status is slightly better than the further status. I would imagine you'd get an II!
 
music2doc said:
Nope, what you quoted was the subcommittee status. The way I interpret it is that it does not correspond to a specific priority score but is basically a flag Admissions sets on your file when something is seen that should be given special consideration (e.g., an IA). My guess would be that each such subcommittee meets every few weeks and then makes a recommendation to either release the applicant for further consideration (i.e., may offer interview) or to release the applicant from further consideration (i.e., recommend rejection). Ultimately, though, no one here really knows (including those of us currently at MCV). An M4 working in Admissions might have a bit more knowledge of this but even they would only know their part in the process.
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Hey guys,

I also received "The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview" status, and Music2Doc mentioned that there isn't much I can do in terms of sending in a LOI. But my question is: what about an update letter?

I submitted my application in late August, and I made some improvements to my "arsenal" of extra circular activities, such as 2 research papers submitted for review and 1 paper almost being accepted as well as shadowing a new doctor. Would it help if I wrote an letter saying, "hey since I submitted 2 papers to these journals (article title, authors, journal name), and here is what I have been doing for clinical exposure"? I figured that since VCU is a heavily research orientated school, I might improve my chances of landing an invite. What do you guys think?

Edit: I didn't mention the exact details of the three papers in the 2ndary app, just said that I plan on publishing two papers by end of 2012 and early 2013.
 
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WhatMD88 said:
Hey guys,

I also received "The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview" status, and Music2Doc mentioned that there isn't much I can do in terms of sending in a LOI. But my question is: what about an update letter?

I submitted my application in late August, and I made some improvements to my "arsenal" of extra circular activities, such as 2 research papers submitted for review and 1 paper almost being accepted as well as shadowing a new doctor. Would it help if I wrote an letter saying, "hey since I submitted 2 papers to these journals (article title, authors, journal name), and here is what I have been doing for clinical exposure"? I figured that since VCU is a heavily research orientated school, I might improve my chances of landing an invite. What do you guys think?

Edit: I didn't mention the exact details of the three papers in the 2ndary app, just said that I plan on publishing two papers by end of 2012 and early 2013.
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During my interview day, they specifically mentioned that although they are not usually receptive to update letters, ones about publications are very welcome. So I'd say go ahead and send it, can't hurt you.
 
Hello guys,
Congratulations to the lucky ones!!!! I am a M1 and very pleased to be a part of VCU!!!! I know it's early but someone should consider starting a fb page. It's a great way to get some guidance from the upper class men/women!!!!!

Good luck to the ones waiting!!!! It is all worth it in the end!!
 
Unforgettable said:
Hello guys,
Congratulations to the lucky ones!!!! I am a M1 and very pleased to be a part of VCU!!!! I know it's early but someone should consider starting a fb page. It's a great way to get some guidance from the upper class men/women!!!!!

Good luck to the ones waiting!!!! It is all worth it in the end!!
Click to expand...

Someone already created the facebook group for 2017.

jregan1 said:
Here is the facebook page for the VCU SOM Class of 2017. Please request to join only if you are an accepted student and fairly certain VCU is where you will be attending in the fall!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/450144398373019/
Click to expand...
 
II last night. OOS, earliest dates available were end of January.
 
WhatMD88 said:
Hey guys,

I also received "The committee's file review indicates that they wish to consider your file over the next several weeks before making a decision about interview" status, and Music2Doc mentioned that there isn't much I can do in terms of sending in a LOI. But my question is: what about an update letter?

I submitted my application in late August, and I made some improvements to my "arsenal" of extra circular activities, such as 2 research papers submitted for review and 1 paper almost being accepted as well as shadowing a new doctor. Would it help if I wrote an letter saying, "hey since I submitted 2 papers to these journals (article title, authors, journal name), and here is what I have been doing for clinical exposure"? I figured that since VCU is a heavily research orientated school, I might improve my chances of landing an invite. What do you guys think?

Edit: I didn't mention the exact details of the three papers in the 2ndary app, just said that I plan on publishing two papers by end of 2012 and early 2013.
Click to expand...

While pubs are great and MCV does like them, we are not "a heavily research-oriented" school, not even close. At most, we are an even balance of research and clinical but I would say we are more clinically oriented than research oriented. Our research is solid but it's definitely underemphasized compared to clinical training, IMO. (Honestly, this is great for future clinicians, though, and research is definitely there if you want it and required for many of the honors programs, etc.)


Also, I am headed over the Admissions Office right now. Any urgent, general questions I should toss their way?
 
Does anyone know how much of their class they have filled already?
 
MDread said:
Does anyone know how much of their class they have filled already?
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I'd estimate it's half full since they've done two of their four acceptance dates, but they may have details on all that somewhere on the Admissions website (or cover it during interviews). I really don't recall... (This does not mean they have made half their invites, however. More like they are to fill the entire class by the end of March per AMCAS guidelines but there will be withdrawals and a waitlist and they may make more offers than they have actual seats for as well.)
 
I wonder how promising the "further" status is at this point in the cycle. Not getting my hopes up 😳
 
sbuxaddict said:
I wonder how promising the "further" status is at this point in the cycle. Not getting my hopes up 😳
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Well, I changed my analysis of the statuses.... You might want to check that. That said, I wouldn't see it as likely at this point. It's a blind hold of sorts. Neither Further nor May is very promising after Dec 31. Sorry. But there's always the possibility!
 
music2doc said:
Well, I changed my analysis of the statuses.... You might want to check that. That said, I wouldn't see it as likely at this point. It's a blind hold of sorts. Neither Further nor May is very promising after Dec 31. Sorry. But there's always the possibility!
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hey music2doc, i was wondering if sending a LOI (post-interview) would make a difference? I interviewed octoboer and did not hear back in december.

thanks!
 
Huskies88 said:
Hmm, I had the "further" status I think. I was complete at some point in September
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Thanks for the info. Do you remember when you were given the "further" status? I was given it about a week ago and am wondering what my chances are for an interview.
 
Finally got an update to my status post-interview after being there in early December and am greeted with the interview day survey. Time to wait for that Feb release date!
 
Deetss said:
hey music2doc, i was wondering if sending a LOI (post-interview) would make a difference? I interviewed octoboer and did not hear back in december.

thanks!
Click to expand...

Not likely. Once waitlisted, an LOI can be helpful but until then, it's a waiting game and your LOI will only effect (at most) your order of review within your already assigned priority level.

Robalo said:
Thanks for the info. Do you remember when you were given the "further" status? I was given it about a week ago and am wondering what my chances are for an interview.
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Further is a hold, nothing more. It has no indication of level of competitiveness (unlike the "May" status).
 
music2doc said:
Not likely. Once waitlisted, an LOI can be helpful but until then, it's a waiting game and your LOI will only effect (at most) your order of review within your already assigned priority level.



Further is a hold, nothing more. It has no indication of level of competitiveness (unlike the "May" status).
Click to expand...

What is the competitiveness of the may status??
 
music2doc said:
Not likely. Once waitlisted, an LOI can be helpful but until then, it's a waiting game and your LOI will only effect (at most) your order of review within your already assigned priority level.


got it, thanks!
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Just got an II here. Could schedule for January but I have an interview the day before that one so I'll probably schedule for February.

May status 12/26 sent in secondary around September, forgot completion date.
 
Just got the "your file has been discussed by the committee" and my decision is on hold until a later date (hopefully 2/1/13!). Interviewed early Dec
 
CholeCystems said:
Just got the "your file has been discussed by the committee" and my decision is on hold until a later date (hopefully 2/1/13!). Interviewed early Dec
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Same 🙂 also interviewed early Dec. Congrats!
 
Hey everyone,
Congrats to those who have been accepted so far! I have a quick question about a post-interview status update that VCU just sent - the "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. Only offers of admission will be made on the dates above."

Any advice about what this message could mean? Thank you!!!
 
sb213 said:
Hey everyone,
Congrats to those who have been accepted so far! I have a quick question about a post-interview status update that VCU just sent - the "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. Only offers of admission will be made on the dates above."

Any advice about what this message could mean? Thank you!!!
Click to expand...

Either you have been accepted or not good enough of a score to be accepted yet. It also means you were not reject! Congrats. February 1 is not that far away!
 
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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I realize this is WAY after the fact but I felt like commenting. I interviewed last year at VCU. When I left my home city to travel to Richmond I had my suit in my baggage which was originally carry on. Along the way the airlines made me check it because they ran out of space in the overhead bins. The suitcase never showed up in Richmond and because of the timing I couldn't even go out and buy other clothes before the interview so I ended wearing jeans and a sports jacket to interview day. Ended up getting accepted.
 
mwall003 said:
In your opinion and experience, does the May status lead to more eventual acceptances than the further status?
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I'm not an adcom member. Also, check my analysis from earlier. It's basically verbatim from a very reliable inside source. (Yes, I asked for all of you.)
 
DNAdude120 said:
I realize this is WAY after the fact but I felt like commenting. I interviewed last year at VCU. When I left my home city to travel to Richmond I had my suit in my baggage which was originally carry on. Along the way the airlines made me check it because they ran out of space in the overhead bins. The suitcase never showed up in Richmond and because of the timing I couldn't even go out and buy other clothes before the interview so I ended wearing jeans and a sports jacket to interview day. Ended up getting accepted.
Click to expand...


Congrats, man! (And I'm glad.) I think I may recall hearing this story at some point, actually. (Whether on SDN or in person I'm not sure...may have happened to someone else even.) I'm guessing you told your interviewer what happened, though?
 
DNAdude120 said:
I realize this is WAY after the fact but I felt like commenting. I interviewed last year at VCU. When I left my home city to travel to Richmond I had my suit in my baggage which was originally carry on. Along the way the airlines made me check it because they ran out of space in the overhead bins. The suitcase never showed up in Richmond and because of the timing I couldn't even go out and buy other clothes before the interview so I ended wearing jeans and a sports jacket to interview day. Ended up getting accepted.
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This happens pretty often actually. This happened to a girl at one of my interviews this year. It happened to me too, except I carried my suit but didn't have dress shoes or a tie which were stowed.
 
MuAgonist said:
This happens pretty often actually. This happened to a girl at one of my interviews this year. It happened to me too, except I carried my suit but didn't have dress shoes or a tie which were stowed.
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That's why it's best to carry-on everything. A good garment bag is really useful during interview season.
 
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music2doc said:
Congrats, man! (And I'm glad.) I think I may recall hearing this story at some point, actually. (Whether on SDN or in person I'm not sure...may have happened to someone else even.) I'm guessing you told your interviewer what happened, though?
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Definitely explained it to my interviewer however when we met with the dean I wasn't able to. Anyway, I'm sure it helps you stand out.

:luck:to everyone this cycle
 
music2doc said:
I'm not an adcom member. Also, check my analysis from earlier. It's basically verbatim from a very reliable inside source. (Yes, I asked for all of you.)
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what was your analysis from earlier about the status? I am very much interested
 
Deetss said:
what was your analysis from earlier about the status? I am very much interested
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music2doc said:
The OFFICIAL answer on 2 & 3 you have all been waiting for (but are going to hate):

#2 ("May" status) -- You are a great applicant and we want to interview you but you are not yet in the "Interview Now" zone. Your priority score has been assigned. This is a favorable hold status -- basically a pre-interview "waitlist."

#3 ("Further" status) -- We haven't finished reviewing your application yet. We might be distracted by other candidates, research, or teaching duties, but we will get back to you soon. Sorry about that. This is basically a wait list for #2 with the possibility of going directly to #0 (i.e., an interview invite)

I would consider #2 to be the better of the two since it indicates you have been given a positive review and they are waiting to invite you for an interview. #3 is a blind hold, whereas #2 is a hold with a favorable score (just not quite favorable enough for an immediate or promised interview invite).
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I looked through some of the earlier pages and here's what I found. I get that May is believed to be better in terms of getting an II, but I was just wondering what stats were out there or if you could shed some light on between the break down of those that get admitted post-interview (May vs. Further statuses).
 
mwall003 said:
I looked through some of the earlier pages and here's what I found. I get that May is believed to be better in terms of getting an II, but I was just wondering what stats were out there or if you could shed some light on between the break down of those that get admitted post-interview (May vs. Further statuses).
Click to expand...

Being as that is actually what the holds mean, I'm not so sure any stats are going to tell you anything about significant trends. The fact is that the two are simply different points on a path. All further means is that they are looking at other applicants before coming back to you for further consideration and assigning you a priority score. In Admissions' opinion, "You are taking what we say too literally and reading too much into this. Unfortunately, there really is nothing else we can tell you at this time and you just need to be patient and see what happens." That was their advice to all of you -- just wait and see because they aren't communicating anything special through those statuses. There are no hidden messages and any hidden agenda isn't going to show up on your status page...
 
mwall003 said:
I looked through some of the earlier pages and here's what I found. I get that May is believed to be better in terms of getting an II, but I was just wondering what stats were out there or if you could shed some light on between the break down of those that get admitted post-interview (May vs. Further statuses).
Click to expand...

interesting
 
Does anyone know how VCU is with in the area emails? I have had the further status for about a week now and will be on the east coast in Feb
 
I don't think it would hurt to send it. What do you have to lose?
 
Sooner1 said:
Does anyone know how VCU is with in the area emails? I have had the further status for about a week now and will be on the east coast in Feb
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Doing so netted me an interview. I would do it.
 
I emailed both Miss Agnes Mack and Dr. WC about an update fall transcript and no reply 🙁
 
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