2016-2017 Virginia Tech Carilion Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Submitted my secondary a few days ago, shows as "submitted" on the secondary app link now. But never got confirmation email. Anyone know how to check your application status?
 
@everyone who received a secondary, how long after you were verified on AMCAS did it take for you to get one from here?
 
Thank you for your input!! Why did you choose VTC?
And why VTC over Mayo?


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

Mayo is a great school, but is very competitive. I think what I was trying to say is if you're an average applicant, you have a higher chance at VTC than Mayo. But if you have higher stats you can't go wrong with either. I would personally apply to both but if you have to pick one then you have to decide where you see yourself.

I picked VTC due to the small class size and emphasis on research, among other things. I think the small class size is great because you get a lot more attention and resources at your disposal. You also form stronger relationships with your peers and faculty, which helps when it comes to recommendations. The research emphasis is good for me since I enjoy research. Even if you're not crazy about research, being at a school that makes time for you to conduct research only helps strengthen your application for residency. It's a lot harder to do research at other schools where you have to find the time for it on your own and juggle it with academics.

Lastly, the fact that they're a relatively new school is nice because they have brand new facilities and state of the art learning tools for their students. I felt really inspired touring their school and seeing how much time and money they had poured into ensuring students had access to the best. In contrast, I felt depressed at Georgetown's practically underground lecture halls and in their old, damp buildings. Your surrounding environment is a huge factor when it comes to ensuring your success in medical school.
 
@everyone who received a secondary, how long after you were verified on AMCAS did it take for you to get one from here?
I got mine I was verified on day 1, got the invite for the secondary on 06/29
 
Just submitted. OOS with 3.86 GPA and 507 MCAT (re-taking July 22nd). Good luck to everyone
 
Felt like I was squeezing that very last bit of orange juice out for the essays, but finally submitted.
 
TFW you think you got an interview invite but really its just the school marking your app as complete 2 weeks after you submitted the secondary :dead:
Just got this email. Gosh darn it! I have a Mac and whenever a number appears on my email app (to tell me how unread emails I have), I jump up in hope. I have been let down every single time.
 
Any current students on here able to give some insight/advice about the MMI here? How did you guys prepare?
 
Congrats to all IIs stats please, did all of you have a lot of research ?
 
They have a lot of books about it on amazon that have good reviews!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Yea, I have been reading two actually. Just wondering if there is anything unique about VTC. Btw, congrats to you as well! I suppose I'll see you on 08/13 :highfive:
 
Congrats to all IIs stats please, did all of you have a lot of research ?
LizzyM ~68, 3 years of research - still ongoing, 4.0 in SMP, currently a master's student, lots of volunteer experience (medical/non-medical), 10,000+ hrs of pt contact as a caregiver/nursing assitant, IS, ORM
 
I'm sure those books are fun reading, but there is not much you can really do to prepare for MMIs. Go in with an open mind--and as long as you like friendly debating and think on your feet you will be fine! I actually really enjoyed the MMIs, and did not prepare at all, other than simply being current on some medical ethics questions and healthcare policy. -- Current M3
 
I would say if you don't fit the profile here (high MCAT, lots of research) it might make sense to look elsewhere. I agree that being from VA doesn't seem to be a huge factor at this one.

What is the pre-secondary screening factors? I was offered to fill out a secondary with an MCAT below their average. I have lots of research experience, a decent GPA and from eastern TN.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Does anyone know how often their admissions committee meets to make II decisions?

Sent from my SM-G930P using SDN mobile
 
How strict are they on that 500-600 words for the secondary? I have said about all I can say in about 200 words.
 
Surely you can come up with more points to add to your essay!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Well...I definitely have other points I can discuss, but they specifically ask for one event or experience in the first essay. I have plenty of stuff for the 2nd prompt, it is just the first that is giving me issues.
 
Well...I definitely have other points I can discuss, but they specifically ask for one event or experience in the first essay. I have plenty of stuff for the 2nd prompt, it is just the first that is giving me issues.

I am the exact opposite, I am a middle class white male, so the diversity essay is by far the most difficult for me. I have mainly been focusing on my rural background.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I am the exact opposite, I am a middle class white male, so the diversity essay is by far the most difficult for me. I have mainly been focusing on my rural background.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
The rural background is great to focus on, but the way you can approach this essay is to think what your peers would say about you if asked "What is cool about him/her?". This could be that you are great at a sport or maybe you have a knack for collecting something. What is unique about you that you can make the population diverse.
 
I am the exact opposite, I am a middle class white male, so the diversity essay is by far the most difficult for me. I have mainly been focusing on my rural background.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
I am the same. I am just lucky to have had experience living abroad and other life experiences that I have plenty to write about. I did add more to the anecdote for the first essay. Up to 350 words! Getting there. haha
 
OOS, non-trad, about 2 years research in public health-related topics. LOVE this school so hyped to interview!
 
Last edited:
Just got rejected pre-secondary, primary submitted 6/7. Good luck to the rest of you!
 
is the website not working for anyone else?
 
I think this school was a bit of a reach for me, but 3.0 undergrad, 3.97 SMP, and 35 MCAT

Did you have research experience? I applied with a 3.52, 503 and 3 years research experience. I don't think I will get an II, but it's odd that they didn't pre-screen me


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Did you have research experience? I applied with a 3.52, 503 and 3 years research experience. I don't think I will get an II, but it's odd that they didn't pre-screen me


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

I know this school loves research. So maybe that's why? 3.92 and a 504 here and no pre screen as well.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I think this school was a bit of a reach for me, but 3.0 undergrad, 3.97 SMP, and 35 MCAT
Did you ensure that they accept the old MCAT? And the only issue may have been your GPA. Might have just been an automatic screen. Schools often have a system that look at MCAT and undergrad GPA.
 
For those of you with IIs, did your portal ever change to say something other than:


Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Secondary Application is currently closed.
If you wish to check on the status of or take action on an existing form (such as changing recommenders), please do so below

That's all mine says, and there's nothing below to check the status on.
 
Did you ensure that they accept the old MCAT? And the only issue may have been your GPA. Might have just been an automatic screen. Schools often have a system that look at MCAT and undergrad GPA.

I took the old MCAT back in Dec. 2014 and I was still granted a secondary. My MCAT is a 31, which is under VTC's average I believe.
 
Did you have research experience? I applied with a 3.52, 503 and 3 years research experience. I don't think I will get an II, but it's odd that they didn't pre-screen me

Yeah, pretty decent research experience. 4 years, some publications, and about 3 manuscripts under review (though they probably don't care about anything that isn't published).

Did you ensure that they accept the old MCAT? And the only issue may have been your GPA. Might have just been an automatic screen. Schools often have a system that look at MCAT and undergrad GPA.

I checked before sending my primary and they said my MCAT was valid, so I don't think it was that. I knew my undergrad GPA would probably hold me back, but I was hoping the SMP would help make up for it. I guess not at Carilion though!
 
Last edited:
Top