2015-2016 Virginia Commonwealth University Application Thread

[thelonelyant]

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Anyone knows what it means or how common it is to be interviewed by an MS4 compared to being interviewed by a faculty member? I felt it was too casual and the questions were too softball.
I was expecting to at least be attacked by a faculty member on some weaknesses of my application but it was only the student for the entire hour.

For others who are interested. The interview I had was straight forward. It lasted 1 hour and ten minutes very very casual. The MS4 was in street clothes. She asked very basic questions Why medicine, Why VCU, 10 Years from now?, and then ridiculously easy personal questions like when someone disagreed with you on a team and they did not go with your decision, vice versa, time you have to apologize. Situation work with a team, etc.

She stated that a number of MS4 students are on the committee. Each of these students has the same voting power as a faculty member. The person who reviewed your application and the person interviewed you - present your application to the committee and write up a summary sheet about your application. Note: essentially two people have read your full application. The rest just read a cliff notes of you. Then they score you from 1-5. Then vote and put you in varying lists. She told me it is pretty straight forward. And each application accept date, I wrote down as 10/16, 12/16, 2/1 and 3/16. They try to fill it up for each "1/4" of the class.

 

[MDWannabe483]

Not worth the effort, honestly. I was complete 7/6, still haven't moved out of the initial review, so I called them...apparently someone has had my application checked out to review it since early August and just hasn't bothered to give an evaluation yet. The admissions staff were nice and all, but it just seemed that they could not care less about the delay and there was nothing they could do anyway.

+1

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Anyone knows what it means or how common it is to be interviewed by an MS4 compared to being interviewed by a faculty member? I felt it was too casual and the questions were too softball.
I was expecting to at least be attacked by a faculty member on some weaknesses of my application but it was only the student for the entire hour.

For others who are interested. The interview I had was straight forward. It lasted 1 hour and ten minutes very very casual. The MS4 was in street clothes. She asked very basic questions Why medicine, Why VCU, 10 Years from now?, and then ridiculously easy personal questions like when someone disagreed with you on a team and they did not go with your decision, vice versa, time you have to apologize. Situation work with a team, etc.

She stated that a number of MS4 students are on the committee. Each of these students has the same voting power as a faculty member. The person who reviewed your application and the person interviewed you - present your application to the committee and write up a summary sheet about your application. Note: essentially two people have read your full application. The rest just read a cliff notes of you. Then they score you from 1-5. Then vote and put you in varying lists. She told me it is pretty straight forward. And each application accept date, I wrote down as 10/16, 12/16, 2/1 and 3/16. They try to fill it up for each "1/4" of the class.

I had an M4, but really an M8, as she was an MSTP. It was a very relaxed interview, but she said the committee had very specific questions on certain aspects of my application. I got accepted, so no worries!!

 

[hopeful418]

To keep the early July submitters updated.....

I submitted July 5, marked complete July 23. Just called, a kind woman said I have made it through subcommittee and am in comprehensive review now, I can expect a more detailed explanation of my status (ie. one of the four pre-II) within SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS....

Moral of the story, us July-ers have already waited 15 weeks since secondary submission, but get comfy because we've got about 7 more to go. At least ~*we're all in this together*~...

 

[Buck Winters]

To keep the early July submitters updated.....

I submitted July 5, marked complete July 23. Just called, a kind woman said I have made it through subcommittee and am in comprehensive review now, I can expect a more detailed explanation of my status (ie. one of the four pre-II) within SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS....

Moral of the story, us July-ers have already waited 15 weeks since secondary submission, but get comfy because we've got about 7 more to go. At least ~*we're all in this together*~...

Are you kidding me? Did she laugh when she said that? I'm impressed if she said it without cracking up. Six to eight weeks (in addition to 15+) is ridiculous with all of these August/September peeps getting action all over the place.

 

[Affiche]

A comprehensive review indicates that I may be interested in this medical school. However, due to the increase in love I'm getting from other schools, I MAY have withdrawn my application from here.

Good luck to all of those still waiting! I hope you hear good news soon!!

 

[mehc012]

A comprehensive review indicates that I may be interested in this medical school. However, due to the increase in love I'm getting from other schools, I MAY have withdrawn my application from here.

Good luck to all of those still waiting! I hope you hear good news soon!!

I don't even want to go here anymore but I can't make myself withdraw app without satisfying my morbid curiosity about how long one crappy reviewer can really ice your app for. Still not reviewed.
Also I still haven't made it in anywhere yet

 

[studentdocftw]

If I was accepted to my number one choice...I would withdraw my apps everywhere else. Not to somehow spite the schools, but to remove my app from potential review, giving other applicants that opportunity. I encourage others to do the same. Obviously if you aren't dead set on one school, keep your options open and interview everywhere you can!

 

[deleted642188]

A comprehensive review indicates that I may be interested in this medical school. However, due to the increase in love I'm getting from other schools, I MAY have withdrawn my application from here.

Good luck to all of those still waiting! I hope you hear good news soon!!

thank you for (marginally) increasing my chances of being reviewed 😀--> 😍-->

Congratz on your other acceptances though!! Best of luck with your future medical career

 

[deleted642188]

@rachiie01

I am sssoo nervous because i am expecting two post-interview decisions next week. hope I get it....

EDIT: what palces have had accpetances - outta curiosity?

 

[coldcase331]

Just received the further status, submitted 7/6, LizzyM 69

 

[lcm2020]

Just received the further status, submitted 7/6, LizzyM 69

I got an II 2 months after getting that status

 

[coldcase331]

I got an II 2 months after getting that status

That's reassuring, although I've learned that the statuses can mean anything at this point.

 

[iDOliveinMD]

.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Quick question for past interviewees: Is there a place where we can store our luggage for the day if we're flying out afterwards?

Yes, they have a storage place for all your belongings. Good luck on your interview, it is a very nice campus.

 

[Medic5522]

Anyone knows what it means or how common it is to be interviewed by an MS4 compared to being interviewed by a faculty member? I felt it was too casual and the questions were too softball.
I was expecting to at least be attacked by a faculty member on some weaknesses of my application but it was only the student for the entire hour.

For others who are interested. The interview I had was straight forward. It lasted 1 hour and ten minutes very very casual. The MS4 was in street clothes. She asked very basic questions Why medicine, Why VCU, 10 Years from now?, and then ridiculously easy personal questions like when someone disagreed with you on a team and they did not go with your decision, vice versa, time you have to apologize. Situation work with a team, etc.

She stated that a number of MS4 students are on the committee. Each of these students has the same voting power as a faculty member. The person who reviewed your application and the person interviewed you - present your application to the committee and write up a summary sheet about your application. Note: essentially two people have read your full application. The rest just read a cliff notes of you. Then they score you from 1-5. Then vote and put you in varying lists. She told me it is pretty straight forward. And each application accept date, I wrote down as 10/16, 12/16, 2/1 and 3/16. They try to fill it up for each "1/4" of the class.

That "casual" interview style is something VCU likes to take pride in. I worked in the hospital during grad school and can tell you that the "respectfully relaxed" atmosphere extends well beyond med school interviews. That was a big reason that VCU was my first choice.

I was interviewed by an M4 (wearing scrubs after just getting off of a night rotation), and I got asked the same "softball" type questions. My other interviews ended with firm handshakes; my VCU interview ended with a hug. They're really just looking to see if you have the requisite social skills to sit down with a complete stranger for an hour and carry on a conversation. Trust me, there's no difference between being interviewed by an M4 or a faculty member. Good luck!

 

[Affiche]

Don't withdraw! I will turn down interviews but I'm going to make every school I paid a secondary fee to review my application (even if I'm definitely not going to go there)!

Haha but I've already been reviewed here and have received a full scholarship that I will be accepting from another school! So I will definitely not be going here but hopefully my withdrawal opens up an interview spot for one of you!

 

[stemingen]

Haha but I've already been reviewed here and have received a full scholarship that I will be accepting from another school! So I will definitely not be going here but hopefully my withdrawal opens up an interview spot for one of you!

Congrats on the full ride!

 

[Affiche]

Congrats on the full ride!

Thank you, thank you!!

 

[coldcase331]

Thank you, thank you!!

You changed your name

 

[formerphoenix]

Just got "Your profile is currently being reviewed by the Sub-Committee. This review will determine whether or not your profile will be forwarded for File Review." At least someone is looking at it finally after 3 months!

 

[oobie]

Just got "Your profile is currently being reviewed by the Sub-Committee. This review will determine whether or not your profile will be forwarded for File Review." At least someone is looking at it finally after 3 months!

I just got that too. I was complete early August, and was hoping to know a little more about my status... Oh well. The wait continues.

 

[formerphoenix]

I just got that too. I was complete early August, and was hoping to know a little more about my status... Oh well. The wait continues.

Same. I was so excited to get an email but I felt like I only went forward an inch. Not even.

 

[deleted642188]

I just got that too. I was complete early August, and was hoping to know a little more about my status... Oh well. The wait continues.

I am also complete early August (11 August) and OOS. Hopefully that means my time of reckoning is to come and I will hear back soon!!

 

[Medschoolornah]

So what's better. MAY or reviewing file FURTHER

 

[ciestar]

I swear my status won't change here ever. 4 months is ridiculous

 

[lcm2020]

So what's better. MAY or reviewing file FURTHER

May is better, but nothing is guaranteed

 

[Medschoolornah]

May is better, but nothing is guaranteed

 

[deleted642188]

AT least y'all have a status change... no one has even touched my application!!!

11 August Completed

-->

Where's MUH McLovin, VCU 🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[Medschoolornah]

AT least y'all have a status change... no one has even touched my application!!!

11 August Completed

-->

Where's MUH McLovin, VCU 🙁 🙁 🙁

Shhh no tears now only dreams

 

[Spector1]

AT least y'all have a status change... no one has even touched my application!!!

11 August Completed

-->

Where's MUH McLovin, VCU 🙁 🙁 🙁

me too

 

[Buck Winters]

AT least y'all have a status change... no one has even touched my application!!!

11 August Completed

-->

Where's MUH McLovin, VCU 🙁 🙁 🙁

Most of my mid July friends got reviewed a few weeks ago...but I remain. Get in line!

 

[drwoofs]

Haha but I've already been reviewed here and have received a full scholarship that I will be accepting from another school! So I will definitely not be going here but hopefully my withdrawal opens up an interview spot for one of you!

Congrats! Which school?!

 

[Levrone]

Was complete July 29. Finally got the secondary today. Is it near pointless to apply now ?

 

[PC89]

I recently talked to an admissions officer and they said that they were around 1000 applications behind right now. So there will be a lot of delays.

 

[catie_jane]

Was complete July 29. Finally got the secondary today. Is it near pointless to apply now ?

I'm still waiting on my secondary but if I do end up receiving one I will mostly likely still submit just because of how heavily they screen for secondary's

 

[Dirtybird]

Where are people getting these numbers for how selective the secondary screening is? (1/3, 30%, etc)
Unless there's a credible source for this info, I can't help but feel it's like one big game of telephone

 

[Medschoolornah]

..

 

[Gregory House the real MD]

Where are people getting these numbers for how selective the secondary screening is? (1/3, 30%, etc)
Unless there's a credible source for this info, I can't help but feel it's like one big game of telephone

According to VCU's website. believe thats a credible source lol

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/application_status/

 

[bshap000]

Where are people getting these numbers for how selective the secondary screening is? (1/3, 30%, etc)
Unless there's a credible source for this info, I can't help but feel it's like one big game of telephone

Its on the FAQ section of their admissions website

EDIT: hah we posted at the same time

 

[Gregory House the real MD]

Its on the FAQ section of their admissions website

EDIT: hah we posted at the same time

twinss lol

 

[Dirtybird]

According to VCU's website. believe thats a credible source lol

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/application_status/

O dayum lol alright... I apologize for the cynicism, mostly cuz I'm a bit critical about myself (got a huge red flag on my own app)

For those wondering:
OOS, LizzyM 70-71
Amcas verified 8/12, received supplemental 8/19, submitted 9/13
Current status: "...The Sub-Committee will now do a review of your application..."

 

[catie_jane]

@mcatjelly

Their website says the deadline for secondaries is January 30th. We will have to hear back sometime soon, right? Haha

 

[mcatjelly]

@mcatjelly

Their website says the deadline for secondaries is January 30th. We will have to hear back sometime soon, right? Haha

...right??????

Okay but so a few weeks ago someone who was complete mid-July got theirs. And then yesterday someone complete end of July got theirs. Seems like our time is coming? Maybe? Hopefully?

 

[Im76at711]

I swear my status won't change here ever. 4 months is ridiculous

are you post secondary or pre secondary

 

[Asiandoodle]

Is there a Facebook page for the class of 2020 yet?

 

[pillowpet319]

Days go by and the VCU Sub-Committee keeps reviewing my application...

 

[deleted642188]

Days go by and the VCU Sub-Committee keeps reviewing my application...

I've been ready since early august and the sub committee hasn't even looked at my file

 

[Lost_In_Transcription]

I've been ready since early august and the sub committee hasn't even looked at my file

+1

 

[catie_jane]

...right??????

Okay but so a few weeks ago someone who was complete mid-July got theirs. And then yesterday someone complete end of July got theirs. Seems like our time is coming? Maybe? Hopefully?

Mid-August people may be right around the corner then!!

Edit: Except I know people who submitted the same week as me and got rejected like in early September. Doesn't seem very linear to me