NWEB, don't worry, there were people in the program that applied as late as July or in one case, one week before the start of classes! The latter was an exception and he was granted admission by calling the head of the program and bypassed the committee review process. Your chances are good, particularly if you meet the minimum requirements. Physiology is the easiest, and hence largest program, to get into; while anatomy has higher requirements and a limit on program size (about 22 people).
The program is difficult, and more so if your background does not mesh with what is taught. Everyone, regardless of program, will take mammalian physiology and biochemistry and additionally a 3-5 credit hour elective. The only common thread in the second semester is molecular cell biology. Both bio classes are difficult, because of the amount of material covered (class is five days a week) and the level of detail that you are required to know for the six exams given in each. You will have had 2-3 exams in each required class before the withdraw without a penalty date approaches, use this option wisely. You will have to wait another year to retake the same class. To put things in perspective for the two semesters the A cut-off was 82 and 84 - just to make sure that at least a few people had A's. Mammalian physiology had about 10 A's for a class of 132!!! Think long and hard about whether you think you can succeed in such a program. Mammalian phys tests are all multiple choice with both A and K type questions. The syllabus, with few exceptions, is identical to that of the M1's, so you will get a taste for what it's like - since the instructors are the same for both. The final is comprehensive - translating into "knowing the entire 700 page syllabus. The bio classes vary, because each of your exams may come from up to three different instructors, so you'll have essay (lots) and T/F, multiple choice (rare), and fill in the blank. Finals are not comprehensive.
For your electives, I suggest you challenge yourself, do not go with the herd and take something like drug dependence for an easy A. Yes it will boost your GPA; but at the same time MCV is also well aware of what it took to get an A. Instead, take something medical school related like histology or neuroanatomy - both of which carry 5 credit hours versus 3 for the lower quality electives. Immuno is another good/challenging choice. Supposedly if you get an A in histo or neuro, you can place out of the practical portions as an M1 and just take the written exams; but you have to TA. So there is another small advantage. Yes, both classes are harder than for the M1's and a B there is like an A in med school, so taking these does mean something of an incentive. Besides, that way Dean Heldberg won't have to recommend to you to take this as further proof of your abilities.
The bottom line of this is - if you are looking to boost GPA - be prepared to work very hard for an A in all mentioned classes. If you have a weak science background, that will make it all that much more difficult. The interview at MCV will go much better if you present at least two A's and a B, if you don't think you can do that - don't waste your money on this program. MCV will also delay interviews until your first semester grades are out - so don't expect anything until late December or even February.
Depending, upon which program you enter, there will be test banks of old exams (Physiology is most complete) that will give you a taste of what's to come. You can also consider that it is not required to take all the classes over just a year, I know one person spread out the pain over three semesters in order not to overload.
Hopefully I managed to address some of your concerns; if you have more questions, let me know.
