2017 Post Bacc Vcom

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kelminak said:
I'M IN!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

With retakes I was around a 3.1 cGPA with a higher sGPA. 28 MCAT, almost 500 hrs volunteering. I can't believe I'm finally getting a shot. This literally changes my life.
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Congrats to you!!!!!!!!! You deserve this!!! SEE YA in JULY!!!
 
That's not bad at all, I'm 22 so we're all in the same ballpark haha. Also, those who got in what were your stats?
 
kelminak said:
Thanks! Us PNWers have to stick together 🙂



Thank you for these details. I'm really nervous about being able to keep up, but I'm sure anyone can do it if they are willing to put in time. I'm sure all of the knowledge pays off in M1 too!
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hey how many times did you email them asking them for an update before you got in
 
nanie91 said:
hey how many times did you email them asking them for an update before you got in
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I emailed once at the 2 weeks mark to make sure that all my materials had arrived. I then emailed one more time for an update almost a month ago. I did not bother them much compared to others here, so I don't think it affects your chances.
 
kelminak said:
I emailed once at the 2 weeks mark to make sure that all my materials had arrived. I then emailed one more time for an update almost a month ago. I did not bother them much compared to others here, so I don't think it affects your chances.
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I emailed her and basically she told me i was in process but not reviewed by the admissions committee yet. i might wait longer
 
DrMinion2017 said:
Yeah I saw that!
That doesn't sound right. The most it should take is 30 minutes.
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The bus might take a while from the apartments because if it's BT transit, it goes from the apartment to the Virginia Tech campus, then you have to take a different bus to get from the VT campus to the CRC where Vcom is located. The bus routes are quick in themselves, but you have to line up the timing of two different routes and that sometimes takes up time.
 
Accepted students, don't forget to join the program's Facebook group! The group is called VCOM Graduate Certificate Program 2017-2018.
 
@PNWisBest Thanks for your time.

Would you know from your class, if anyone will be either taking the MCAT or re-taking it while in the program or after the first term?
I know the school does not provide with a MCAT review prep but is there is time available for those who might need to retake or take it for the first time (since MCAT is not a requirement to get accepted in this program). Thanks!
 
DexterMorganSK said:
@PNWisBest Thanks for your time.

Would you know from your class, if anyone will be either taking the MCAT or re-taking it while in the program or after the first term?
I know the school does not provide with a MCAT review prep but is there is time available for those who might need to retake or take it for the first time (since MCAT is not a requirement to get accepted in this program). Thanks!
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https://www.vcom.edu/sites/default/files/premed/files/gc_academic_calendar_fall_2016.pdf

This is last year, but it does show two days on the first week of September called "Off for MCAT".
 
kelminak said:
https://www.vcom.edu/sites/default/files/premed/files/gc_academic_calendar_fall_2016.pdf

This is last year, but it does show two days on the first week of September called "Off for MCAT".
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Thanks for the calendar. I guess two days should be enough to cram it all for the MCAT. I mean its only been about 10 years or so since I took those general science courses...lol :smack:

On a serious note, I guess people study for the exam from day 1 along with classes and are registered for the Sept exam (for Dec review) and then in Jan (for the March review). Seems pretty tough, but doable, but hopefully I won't have to retake it!
 
DexterMorganSK said:
Thanks for the calendar. I guess two days should be enough to cram it all for the MCAT. I mean its only been about 10 years or so since I took those general science courses...lol :smack:

On a serious note, I guess people study for the exam from day 1 along with classes and are registered for the Sept exam (for Dec review) and then in Jan (for the March review). Seems pretty tough, but doable, but hopefully I won't have to retake it!
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Yeah I'm pretty sure most people recommend getting it done before you do the program so it's not a concern during it (aka those look like two bonus days to study/catch up). A 494 is totally doable since it's pretty damn low to be honest. Review up as much as you can before the program starts.
 
DexterMorganSK said:
@PNWisBest Thanks for your time.

Would you know from your class, if anyone will be either taking the MCAT or re-taking it while in the program or after the first term?
I know the school does not provide with a MCAT review prep but is there is time available for those who might need to retake or take it for the first time (since MCAT is not a requirement to get accepted in this program). Thanks!
Click to expand...


I was one of the people that came in with an MCAT too low and had planned on retaking it in December. I didn't want to mess with my GPA and take it during the semester- I solely focused on getting my GPA as high as I could. I started studying for the MCAT the day after our finals for the Fall term and studied 8-10+ hours a day until I retested at the end of January (took total of 3 days off over Christmas/New Years). It paid off and I got my acceptance in February but because I didn't get a break in December, I've been much more mentally drained this semester than last. Just be warned on that note.

I found it much easier to test and study for the MCAT due to working so hard the first semester to do well- your thinking changes in a good way and I remembered most everything from the graduate courses in bio chem, physiology, etc. Surprisingly I thought neuroscience helped me the most for the MCAT!
 
PNWisBest said:
I was one of the people that came in with an MCAT too low and had planned on retaking it in December. I didn't want to mess with my GPA and take it during the semester- I solely focused on getting my GPA as high as I could. I started studying for the MCAT the day after our finals for the Fall term and studied 8-10+ hours a day until I retested at the end of January (took total of 3 days off over Christmas/New Years). It paid off and I got my acceptance in February but because I didn't get a break in December, I've been much more mentally drained this semester than last. Just be warned on that note.

I found it much easier to test and study for the MCAT due to working so hard the first semester to do well- your thinking changes in a good way and I remembered most everything from the graduate courses in bio chem, physiology, etc. Surprisingly I thought neuroscience helped me the most for the MCAT!
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That's great to hear. Kudos to you :clap:
 
Hi!
I have a quick question!! what if you applied during december and your sgpa was only a 2.8 but after may and final grades your sgpa went up to a 2.9? should you still applying knowing your sgpa will rise ? and can you mention it somewhere in the application to withhold your sgpa? ps. do they round sgpa so if it is 2.88 is that a 2.9 or a 2.8 ?
thanks so much!!!
 
doitfortheDO said:
What do you guys think of SGU as opposed to this program?
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In my opinion that would be a bad idea and consider that too much of a risk to gamble $300,000. Plus a possibility of 50% match in a residency sounds ludicrous. Furthermore in 2020 with the residencies combining I'm sure that will only make it even harder for IMG students to match

I would try Postbacs/SMP's as a last resort and if that didn't work look for an alternative career.


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doitfortheDO said:
What do you guys think of SGU as opposed to this program?
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Agreed with Icevyne25 & Kelminak.

In addition to this program, I also applied to other health professional careers such as Podiatry, Pharmacy, and PA/NP. These are all plan B in case the post bacc don't work out. I would rather be a PA here in the US than trying to be a doc the Carribean route. It's too much of a gamble and risk.

Try fixing your application as much as you can such as raising the GPA and the MCAT, much better in the long run.
 
DexterMorganSK said:
Agreed with Icevyne25 & Kelminak.

In addition to this program, I also applied to other health professional careers such as Podiatry, Pharmacy, and PA/NP. These are all plan B in case the post bacc don't work out. I would rather be a PA here in the US than trying to be a doc the Carribean route. It's too much of a gamble and risk.

Try fixing your application as much as you can such as raising the GPA and the MCAT, much better in the long run.
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Honestly being a PA is such a sick gig right now. If I could see myself being something other than a physician, I totally would have considered it.
 
kelminak said:
Honestly being a PA is such a sick gig right now. If I could see myself being something other than a physician, I totally would have considered it.
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Yeah, for sure. A friend of my mine graduated earlier this year and already landed on a Derm job that pays around 135K in NY. Pretty sweet gig after just 3 years of school!
 
nanie91 said:
i applied in Feb and still haven't head back
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VCOM takes its time with admissions. You'll hear back. If you've gotten confirmation that your file is complete, then all you can do is wait. Best of luck!


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doitfortheDO said:
What do you guys think of SGU as opposed to this program?
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If your ONLY VIABLE OPTION for medical school is the Caribbeans, and you will never find piece until you're a physician, then and only then would i consider the Caribbeans.

I would go with SMP's/post baccalaureate programs (both formal and informal) because if the medical route doesn't work, you still worked towards repairing your GPA and building an application that would put you in a position to apply competitively to podiatry/nursing/dental/PA programs. If you go to the Caribbeans and are unable to land a residency, you'll be **** out of luck and will have upwards of 300k in student loans.
 
Ah thanks you guys!! I was contemplating applying to SGU since a friend goes there rn and just finished her first year and seemed very optimistic about it.
 
doitfortheDO said:
Ah thanks you guys!! I was contemplating applying to SGU since a friend goes there rn and just finished her first year and seemed very optimistic about it.
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In the end, she may have made it sound promising but look at the Match rates and you will see that it's hovering around 50%. That's like flipping a coin whether or not you're going to be burdened with debt for the rest of your life.

If you're interested look in the post-baccalaureate section here in SDN. It has a great list of postbacs.


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doitfortheDO said:
Ah thanks you guys!! I was contemplating applying to SGU since a friend goes there rn and just finished her first year and seemed very optimistic about it.
Click to expand...

Yeah they make it look great but when you are risking everything on a match that may or may not happen (unlike a US school where almost EVERYONE matches into *something*), that's way too much on the line to be worth it.
 
Question: I applied for the Sallie Mae loan and was approved for the full amount VCOM recommended. However, the amount they recommend is only for 9 months. What exactly are we supposed to do between when the program ends and med school starts in terms of paying rent, etc.? Do the loans for OMS1 get approved and disbursed during the summer?
 
doitfortheDO said:
Ah thanks you guys!! I was contemplating applying to SGU since a friend goes there rn and just finished her first year and seemed very optimistic about it.
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'

you didnt hear back from this program yet
 
Some realistic, honest advice no one else will tell you about this program.
I just finished up this program this semester. First thing: WORK YOUR BUTT OFF THE FIRST SEMESTER AND GET THAT REQUIRED GPA. It will be really hard in the spring semester, so it's just easier to get yourself in before any seats are filled. The seats are all currently full for all 3 campuses, so we're going to be placed on a waitlist, and we may or not get in this cycle, and as you can imagine, that's really stressful.
Don't always believe everything everyone tells you, don't feed into rumors that will arise, just keep your head down and work hard in the Fall so you can be relieved and a bit more relaxed spring semester.
This program is really expensive so be sure you can afford this, taking out a private loan sounds like an easy fix; but interest rates are not a joke when it comes to private loans through banks or Sallie Mae.
Let me know if you guys have any questions, good luck!
 
Soooooo I have been reading this thread for months but never made a profile until just now (idk why it felt right to do it right this second lol). I applied end of October directly (no transfer) and got in early March. My grades are good but my mcat sucks...like 491 suck (took it even tho I didn't feel all the way prepared but I already paid for it). I was going to start studying back in January and retake it in June (that should've been enough time right?) but the way life is set up, I work full time at Labcorp, part time as a CNA and I'm high school track coach. Studying worked for the first month then it went downhill from there!!!

My question is how possible is it to get that 3.9/4.0 the first semester? I remember reading on a thread that it has been down by some students. Should I just buckle down and study my life away or should I consider retaking the MCAT and try to get a better score so I can have a better cushion GPA wise?

Congrats to all who got in and good luck to all those waiting! Keep hope alive!!!
 
OmoNaija10 said:
Soooooo I have been reading this thread for months but never made a profile until just now (idk why it felt right to do it right this second lol). I applied end of October directly (no transfer) and got in early March. My grades are good but my mcat sucks...like 491 suck (took it even tho I didn't feel all the way prepared but I already paid for it). I was going to start studying back in January and retake it in June (that should've been enough time right?) but the way life is set up, I work full time at Labcorp, part time as a CNA and I'm high school track coach. Studying worked for the first month then it went downhill from there!!!

My question is how possible is it to get that 3.9/4.0 the first semester? I remember reading on a thread that it has been down by some students. Should I just buckle down and study my life away or should I consider retaking the MCAT and try to get a better score so I can have a better cushion GPA wise?

Congrats to all who got in and good luck to all those waiting! Keep hope alive!!!
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I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a super low MCAT but my GPA is decent. I signed up to take the MCAT July 21st in Roanoke. I hope I can get close to 500.

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zashah26 said:
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a super low MCAT but my GPA is decent. I signed up to take the MCAT July 21st in Roanoke. I hope I can get close to 500.

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See I feel like if I took it in July I will be back in the same situation as not being prepared since I basically have 3 jobs, trying to save all the money I can to help pay for this program and not take out a huge loan. I know they give a small break for those taking the MCAT but studying for that and our classes seems like doing the most! Especially when that Monday-Friday-Monday-Friday-Monday exam schedules hits!

Hope you get that 500!!!! If you get over let me get three points!!
 
OmoNaija10 said:
See I feel like if I took it in July I will be back in the same situation as not being prepared since I basically have 3 jobs, trying to save all the money I can to help pay for this program and not take out a huge loan. I know they give a small break for those taking the MCAT but studying for that and our classes seems like doing the most! Especially when that Monday-Friday-Monday-Friday-Monday exam schedules hits!

Hope you get that 500!!!! If you get over let me get three points!!
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Lolol most def. I actually work in a lab too right now, I know it sucks cause taking loans is tough but you may need to just quit your job/jobs. Like I'm basically taking all of my PTO in June and just studying MCAT. I read a post somewhere that this is your future goal and while taking thousands of dollars worth of loans sucks but it's investing in our future and we have to do it. I understand where you are coming from but honestly I would take the time off and just study for MCAT and get a private tutor if need be.

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Premed_Student said:
Some realistic, honest advice no one else will tell you about this program.
I just finished up this program this semester. First thing: WORK YOUR BUTT OFF THE FIRST SEMESTER AND GET THAT REQUIRED GPA. It will be really hard in the spring semester, so it's just easier to get yourself in before any seats are filled. The seats are all currently full for all 3 campuses, so we're going to be placed on a waitlist, and we may or not get in this cycle, and as you can imagine, that's really stressful.
Don't always believe everything everyone tells you, don't feed into rumors that will arise, just keep your head down and work hard in the Fall so you can be relieved and a bit more relaxed spring semester.
This program is really expensive so be sure you can afford this, taking out a private loan sounds like an easy fix; but interest rates are not a joke when it comes to private loans through banks or Sallie Mae.
Let me know if you guys have any questions, good luck!
Click to expand...

Did you not get the required gpa during the fall semester?
 
zashah26 said:
Lolol most def. I actually work in a lab too right now, I know it sucks cause taking loans is tough but you may need to just quit your job/jobs. Like I'm basically taking all of my PTO in June and just studying MCAT. I read a post somewhere that this is your future goal and while taking thousands of dollars worth of loans sucks but it's investing in our future and we have to do it. I understand where you are coming from but honestly I would take the time off and just study for MCAT and get a private tutor if need be.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

If I quit my job I can't pay my bills or rent so that's not even possible. High school season ends Friday so I'll be done with that and CNA is part time on my schedule so I can ease off that but I have to keep labcorp. I'll start studying again and see how confident I feel in July or after the first month of classes. If it's brutal then I guess all my energy will be spent getting those As, with my future study group/new friends of course! I know you guys are out there lol
 
OmoNaija10 said:
If I quit my job I can't pay my bills or rent so that's not even possible. High school season ends Friday so I'll be done with that and CNA is part time on my schedule so I can ease off that but I have to keep labcorp. I'll start studying again and see how confident I feel in July or after the first month of classes. If it's brutal then I guess all my energy will be spent getting those As, with my future study group/new friends of course! I know you guys are out there lol
Click to expand...

You might consider doing what someone else did in this thread and studying/taking it during the huge winter break we have. If you try to study for the MCAT and this program at the same time, I can't see you being successful. A 494 is pretty low and with a dedicated month of studying, you should be able to attain that score.
 
kelminak said:
You might consider doing what someone else did in this thread and studying/taking it during the huge winter break we have. If you try to study for the MCAT and this program at the same time, I can't see you being successful. A 494 is pretty low and with a dedicated month of studying, you should be able to attain that score.
Click to expand...

That just might be the move!!! Thanks for the advice!
 
kelminak said:
You might consider doing what someone else did in this thread and studying/taking it during the huge winter break we have. If you try to study for the MCAT and this program at the same time, I can't see you being successful. A 494 is pretty low and with a dedicated month of studying, you should be able to attain that score.
Click to expand...

Oh and congrats on getting in!!! I've been following your emotional roller coaster and anxiety lol...see you in July!
 
PNWisBest said:
Classes, exams, coursework and quizzes are not curved. If there is a question that is particularly horrible stat's wise, they may throw it. But never go in to the exam hoping that questions get thrown. Doesn't happen often.
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Thank you PNW is best I am from Seattle!!!!
 
Any one apply late March and heard back yet? I submitted the 28th and emailed them to make sure they had everything and they said I was in the queue 4/13. Just emailed Alissa Hewitt today asking her for an update.

Also, I was looking at the computer requirements and it says they require Windows and the Macs don't have the software for test taking, online lectures, etc. Does anyone know if having Windows on your Mac is acceptable for the program?
 
hkeane said:
Any one apply late March and heard back yet? I submitted the 28th and emailed them to make sure they had everything and they said I was in the queue 4/13. Just emailed Alissa Hewitt today asking her for an update.

Also, I was looking at the computer requirements and it says they require Windows and the Macs don't have the software for test taking, online lectures, etc. Does anyone know if having Windows on your Mac is acceptable for the program?
Click to expand...
From my understanding, you can use Mac they just won't give you help if it crashes in the middle of an exam. I heard that they often have extra windows laptops for students to use if they have a Mac. But don't hold me to that.

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I figured a lot of us will be applying this cycle through AACOMAS along with completing this program, and many of us have lack luster GPA's, so I thought I'd compile a list of the different DO schools and their screening GPA's. I'm unsure with a few of the DO schools, so if anyone can fill in the gaps, that'd be great! Enjoy!
 

Attachments

Premed_Student said:
Some realistic, honest advice no one else will tell you about this program.
I just finished up this program this semester. First thing: WORK YOUR BUTT OFF THE FIRST SEMESTER AND GET THAT REQUIRED GPA. It will be really hard in the spring semester, so it's just easier to get yourself in before any seats are filled. The seats are all currently full for all 3 campuses, so we're going to be placed on a waitlist, and we may or not get in this cycle, and as you can imagine, that's really stressful.
Don't always believe everything everyone tells you, don't feed into rumors that will arise, just keep your head down and work hard in the Fall so you can be relieved and a bit more relaxed spring semester.
This program is really expensive so be sure you can afford this, taking out a private loan sounds like an easy fix; but interest rates are not a joke when it comes to private loans through banks or Sallie Mae.
Let me know if you guys have any questions, good luck!
Click to expand...

I think everyone has been honest on the amount of time and dedication this program is going to take. There is no question about that. It's been fully documented on all the forums here.

You're right. It's a small town and the rumors can get bad (I personally stayed out of the library). He/She is right. My best advice? Just go straight to Dr. Hill if you have a question. So many people are too terrified to bring anything up. I don't know if it was just due to lack of prior professional encounters or what. I was never afraid to ask questions and I never had any issue with faculty.

Keep your head down, don't get involved in the neurotic drama and do your best.
 
DrMinion2017 said:
Do you have any study related advice for us?
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Develop a study routine that you know works for you, don't feel like you have to group study if you don't think that works for you. If it does, then utilize it well. Do this early on, so you don't get trapped in a bad cycle later on.
What worked for me was going through the powerpoints and really trying to understand the point of that slide. You know the material once you can explain it to someone else. I'm an auditory learner, so hearing myself talk through the material/explain it to someone else really helped me solidify the material. Creating your own questions from the material is a great way to think about the information and will really help you get used to being in exam mode. There were a lot of study guides floating around from past years, it helped a lot of people out; but I personally just used the powerpoints given by the professors.
 
Premed_Student said:
Develop a study routine that you know works for you, don't feel like you have to group study if you don't think that works for you. If it does, then utilize it well. Do this early on, so you don't get trapped in a bad cycle later on.
What worked for me was going through the powerpoints and really trying to understand the point of that slide. You know the material once you can explain it to someone else. I'm an auditory learner, so hearing myself talk through the material/explain it to someone else really helped me solidify the material. Creating your own questions from the material is a great way to think about the information and will really help you get used to being in exam mode. There were a lot of study guides floating around from past years, it helped a lot of people out; but I personally just used the powerpoints given by the professors.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree with this more. VCOM really pushes group studying and i'll be the first to say it wasn't working for me. It may have made for a little lonelier year, but I wouldn't have made it if I forced myself to group study for the whole program. But that is just me. I'd study by myself and then do a run through the night before an exam with my study partner. Take everything in stride, realize no one is the same and don't feel bad about it.
 
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