Title says it all, has anyone applied to the MCV masters/certificate program? Im wondering why I dont see more posts regarding the program.
Anyone apply to MCV Certificate/Masters Program
- Thread starter mprover
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I'd love to, but my GPA just isn't what it needs to be and I don't want to walk into failure. I haven't taken any pre-reqs anyway, so I will be there in the fall getting a second UG and doing an informal post-bacc.
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mprover said:
I have just been accepted to the program at VCU... What are the strengths and weaknesses of this program compared to that of BU or G'town? Also, what is the average percentage of students who matriculate directly into the medical school?
Thanks.
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Let us know how that interview with Dr. Ford goes. I haven't found him to be particularly helpful... but maybe it's just me.
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I'm glad your meeting went well and that Dr. Ford was helpful for you. Once school starts and you need advice on classes and registration and all that stuff, you'll find that his laid back attitude can get kind of old. I'm sure that you'll get into the program, especially since he's met with you (there are people who manage to get into the program after the semester has already started).
Just note that a lot of people get into medical school during the first semester and don't return for the second semester, which is part of the reason that there's such a lot percentage of people actually getting the certificate.
Word of advice: DO NOT FALL BEHIND in any of your classes. As long as you stay on top of the material, you should have no problem keeping that 3.0 GPA to get the certificate.
Good luck!
Just note that a lot of people get into medical school during the first semester and don't return for the second semester, which is part of the reason that there's such a lot percentage of people actually getting the certificate.
Word of advice: DO NOT FALL BEHIND in any of your classes. As long as you stay on top of the material, you should have no problem keeping that 3.0 GPA to get the certificate.
Good luck!
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ayznshorti said:
I just finished the biochem cert program at VCU. To me it seemed the reason that there is a large drop off (2/3 graduate) is that people fail, not that they get into med school. Around the 1st semester withdraw deadline about 1/3 of the class disappears for that reason (and the averages on tests start improve, imagine that).
90% of the kids that get into an allopathic med school are either offered a later interview (december, jan, feb) or are put on 'hold' until their 1st semester grades come in.
The program is hard, no question about it. Unfortunately, this year it became more difficult to get into all medical schools b/c of record number of applications. So those kids that got in to VCU/MCV med school from the certificate program (the same year they were taking classes) had at least a 3.7. Everyone with below a 4.0 was waitlisted. Plan to work your butt off. It will be a step up from undergrad. Lots of kids came unprepared to work and got slaughtered on the first group of exams. They subsequently did poorly in the program and pretty much ruined their chances of ever going to an allopathic medical school.
To let you know, it is do-able. I did terribly in undergrad (2.8) and got in to VCU/MCV School of Medicine the year I did the Certificate program. Just make sure your first semester grades in the cert program are good. Those will be the only grades from the Cert program that the admissions committee will see.
yeah , do well first semester. I agree with instatewaiter. Its sink or swim. Phys and Biochem first semester are the biggies (at least for me) . I think phys was a little harder, but it is possible to do well in both. Just dont fu@k around.
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According to the academic calendar, MCV grad school registration should be Aug 21-23 and classes should begin the 24th. For med school it is the 7th and 14th of August.
R
rywitcher
are you looking for a roommate there?
mprover said:
R
rywitcher
I just graduated from Davidson College and I am on the waitlist at VCU SOM for next year. If I don't get in this year, I will do the Postbac program for a year at VCU. I am a 23 year old, non-smoker, laid-back male who is looking for a roomate(s) to live in downtown Richmond. I am interested in Medicine, Christianity, Funny Movies, Guitar, Traveling, etc. Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested.
Thanks,
Ryan s
Thanks,
Ryan s
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i was wondering if any of you could help me out here, i'm not quite sure what this program is about. I think that the only postbac offer through the school is The Pre-Med Certificate Program in Microbiology or could you choose anything else? What is the difference in classes about those other ones, which one would you recomend? I majored in Chemistry so i only took few biology class ( never took genetics or microbiology).
Thanks.
Thanks.
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CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now.. go enjoy the rest of your summer!
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SGMD1 said:
1. Do you think it is much to early to apply for next year's program? I'm sort of locked into my job for about another year but I am seriously considering your program. I know there aren't official deadlines, but applying early is best, but...how vague! Any thoughts?
2. Congratulations!!!
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Thanks SGMD1!! I really appreciate that info. I know the program usually takes students with ~2.8gpa/22mcat...Here is my info, and I'd appreciate any thoughts from any VCU pb people:
-2.3 gpa undergrad (screwed around, family issues)
-Research experience since college
-3.7 various masters courses ("turned around" and improved study habits/fresh perspective)
-26O MCAT
-Favorable, insightful LOR's
How do you think they (VCU) would view my gpa's alone and in light of my mcat, work experience, etc? I know it is impossible to say, but I'd love to hear some thoughts, ideas, or comments. I really think if I had a shot at a pb program I could do well. Thanks in advance!
-2.3 gpa undergrad (screwed around, family issues)
-Research experience since college
-3.7 various masters courses ("turned around" and improved study habits/fresh perspective)
-26O MCAT
-Favorable, insightful LOR's
How do you think they (VCU) would view my gpa's alone and in light of my mcat, work experience, etc? I know it is impossible to say, but I'd love to hear some thoughts, ideas, or comments. I really think if I had a shot at a pb program I could do well. Thanks in advance!
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I think you'd have a pretty good shot at getting into one of the VCU Post-bac programs, esp. with your 3.7 in masters classes.jbayne04 said:
Good luck to you.
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Thanks for your thoughts! I received an email from the director- it sounds like they do view all applications and take into account the whole "yes I screwed up but look at what I've done since" picture, and do not pre-screen like many MD programs.
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they only notify you via snail mail, but i called dr. ford's office this morning and luckily he picked up (and not his secretary), so he told me over the phone. when i spoke to his secretary last week they said they didn't let people know over the phone, so hopefully you'll get lucky if you call too? he told me they were going to mail mine out today or tomorrow, so hopefully a batch of acceptances is going out soon.
