VCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[Vita]

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I agree with both Bioman and VCOMstudent.

VCOM has problems, especially with the changing of the curriculum. I know that many of the second years are frustrated with their recent changes and what they have seen. I also know several who either a) don't mind the changes or b) actually prefer them (believe it or not). I think it just depends on the person.

VCOM really is a great school. Every school has problems, but the point of the decision process is to find the school that you like the best and the one who has problems that you can tolerate.

During my interview day last year, we had a second year who was less than enthusiastic about VCOM who ate lunch with us. She gave us one view, and our tour guide (another second year, I think) gave us a different opinion. I found it very helpful to know what I was getting into.

The biggest complaint I hear is about the many curriculum changes. This isn't just with my class and the current second years - one of my mother's residents said they did the same thing while she was here (she was part of the 2nd class, I think). I, personally, am doing my best to deal with it, but it is very disturbing to others. That is part of being a fairly new school, I suppose.

You all will figure everything out, anyway. Hopefully, you'll all end up at the schools that are the best for you.

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[wantabedo]

Does anyone have VCOM's average COMLEX scores for the past few years? I'm curious how well they prepare their students.

 

[Grey Wind]

anyone know the ratio of accepted to interviewed?

 

[VCOMstudent]

Sure, we're gonna have problems. But if you look around on SDN, you'll find issues at just about every school in the country, and it could be a lot worse.

Every school has problems, but the point of the decision process is to find the school that you like the best and the one who has problems that you can tolerate.

I hear these lines all the time. People always say, "Every school has its problems." The issue for me, however, is that I don't go to "every school." I pay a huge chunk of money to go to THIS school, and that's all I really care about. I expect, at a minimum, for things to be logical, organized, and professional. It doesn't take a genius to see that there are enduring problems. The reason they are not resolved is because no one is interested in hearing them as many of my classmates recently found out after writing very professional letters to the dean. The replies they received were defensive and unprofessional themselves.

This isn't hard folks - there are 100+ allopathic schools and 20+ osteopathic schools that all have 4-year curricula. Many of these schools have been around for many years, have found systems that work, and yield respectable board scores. VCOM has a pathological obsession with doing their own thing, or "recreating the wheel" as they say. The only problem is that time and time again the wheels they create look something like this.

 

[CODY540]

I did that and they still put a hold on my app, bummer because i really liked vcom and the area

 

[CatchingUp]

I hear these lines all the time. People always say, "Every school has its problems." The issue for me, however, is that I don't go to "every school." I pay a huge chunk of money to go to THIS school, and that's all I really care about. I expect, at a minimum, for things to be logical, organized, and professional. It doesn't take a genius to see that there are enduring problems. The reason they are not resolved is because no one is interested in hearing them as many of my classmates recently found out after writing very professional letters to the dean. The replies they received were defensive and unprofessional themselves.

This isn't hard folks - there are 100+ allopathic schools and 20+ osteopathic schools that all have 4-year curricula. Many of these schools have been around for many years, have found systems that work, and yield respectable board scores. VCOM has a pathological obsession with doing their own thing, or "recreating the wheel" as they say. The only problem is that time and time again the wheels they create look something like this.

Could you please PM me also? I am a bit intrigued at what your insider information might be.

 

[Vita]

Even well-established/ older schools have problems with their curriculum.
I have friends at old MD schools who are complaining to me about their curriculum and faculty. They have different complaints than I do, and we all decide that the other people have it better off. You're always going to be upset about the problems in the school where you go, but you aren't going to avoid all problems, no matter where you go. Hence, my recommendation to find the school with problems that you don't mind.

 

[Vita]

anyone know the ratio of accepted to interviewed?

During orientation, I think they said that they accepted about 50% of the people who interviewed. Also, there are some people who are given early acceptance in the next year's class, so I am not sure how that factors into the "acceptance" statistic.

I think it also depends on when you interview (the earlier the better and all that).

Good luck!

 

[Grey Wind]

anyone know if the VT Carilion school will cause problems for VCOM students who want to do rotations in Roanoke/New River Valley? problems meaning more competition for rotation spots in the larger hospitals.

 

[Freezer]

anyone know if the VT Carilion school will cause problems for VCOM students who want to do rotations in Roanoke/New River Valley? problems meaning more competition for rotation spots in the larger hospitals.

i doubt it... along with the medical school, they nearly doubled the size of the memorial hospital with the addition of the 2 new river clinics next door. From what I gathered from a seminar on the new VTC school, they built in accommodations for the added student weight... so for every new student clinic rotation they needed, they made one instead of taking ones that are already there... but all in all, this would make a great interview question...

 

[Grey Wind]

i doubt it... along with the medical school, they nearly doubled the size of the memorial hospital with the addition of the 2 new river clinics next door. From what I gathered from a seminar on the new VTC school, they built in accommodations for the added student weight... so for every new student clinic rotation they needed, they made one instead of taking ones that are already there... but all in all, this would make a great interview question...

i know , of course i thought about it after my interview.

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[Grey Wind]

 

[cm1019]

accepted!

 

[ilovefishing]

I GOT IN!!! I am so excited! 😀

 

[Pirate2009]

Thank the Lord! I got in!!!!!!!!

 

[BumbleBee09]

Congrats to all of you that got accepted !!!!! see u all next year 🙂

 

[gomango]

Got a call for an interview yesterday! YAY!! Scheduled it for December 2nd. Anyone else interviewing then?? I was so bummed that all the other days they offered in November didn't work for me and I had to push it out to December(I have other interviews scheduled for those days!). This school looks wonderful! Can't wait to interview! Where did everyone fly into and what hotel did you stay at?

 

[Grey Wind]

Got a call for an interview yesterday! YAY!! Scheduled it for December 2nd. Anyone else interviewing then?? I was so bummed that all the other days they offered in November didn't work for me and I had to push it out to December(I have other interviews scheduled for those days!). This school looks wonderful! Can't wait to interview! Where did everyone fly into and what hotel did you stay at?

i drove in, but i stayed at the courtyard marriot (got a good deal on priceline close to my date). the marriot is literally less than a mile from the school.

 

[211519]

Congrats, everyone! If you have any questions about the school, apartments or whatever, you can just PM me.

 

[danaling12]

Congrats to everyone accepted!!! There is a group on facebook for us 2014ers....please join so we can all start to meet each other!!! Can't wait to get here next fall!!

 

[DO3]

i just was told my application was complete today. The email also said that my application would be reviewed in three weeks. That seems like a long time. Good luck to everyone.

 

[Grey Wind]

i just was told my application was complete today. The email also said that my application would be reviewed in three weeks. That seems like a long time. Good luck to everyone.

Seems to be pretty standard for all the schools I've heard from.

 

[reveille16]

Accepted.... withdrawing. Kind of heartbreaking because I have a lot of Love for VCOM. Congratulations to whoever gets my spot. This is a great school that is constantly striving for excellence, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse. Best of luck to those still waiting 👍

 

[VCOMstudent]

But I can tell you that the second block curriculum will be better for the first years than this ridiculous block.

If things get markedly better for your class next block, it will be the first time things have improved and not (1) remained just as bad, or (2) gotten worse. Even after the dean apologized to our entire class; exams, grades, syllabi, etc. have continued to change at the last minute. Moreover, the level of disorganization is stunning. Even the faculty continuously comment on how disorganized things are at the school. If I had a dime for every time I heard one of them say something.........

Accepted.... withdrawing. Kind of heartbreaking because I have a lot of Love for VCOM. Congratulations to whoever gets my spot. This is a great school that is constantly striving for excellence, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse. Best of luck to those still waiting 👍

You are better off. Trust me. Your love for VCOM is probably like that of many others: for the school that is portrayed by the admissions office. The disconnect is unspeakable.

 

[Lewist02]

I have an interview set up for 11/16 that I am canceling because I have already been accepted at one of my top three schools and have interviews at the other two that same week. If anyone that is interviewing at VCOM needs a different date, whether later or early, let me know and maybe we can work something out so that I cancel on the same day that you call to reschedule?

 

[SAEbrodel]

hey guys, thought I'd seek some help, just received an email stating that my file has been placed on hold, is there still a chance of getting an interview, just worried that since it's been delayed now, I'm already late in the game, thanks

 

[danaling12]

hey guys, thought I'd seek some help, just received an email stating that my file has been placed on hold, is there still a chance of getting an interview, just worried that since it's been delayed now, I'm already late in the game, thanks

There is def still a chance of you getting an interview. My file was placed on hold in october last year and I ended up getting an interview in March and eventually early acceptance for the class of 2014. So don't give up hope you can still get an interview. Good luck!!

 

[futuredoc43]

This is what VCOM sent me:



"We are writing to follow-up with you regarding your application status at VCOM. Your AACOMAS application indicates that you are in the process of completing additional coursework this summer/fall. Our committee conducted an initial review of your application. They determined they would prefer to wait to make a decision regarding your candidacy until they have the opportunity to review your grades from the summer/fall semester. Thus, your application has been placed on hold until we receive record of your grades.

Once you complete this coursework, please send a copy of your transcript to AACOMAS and directly to VCOM at the address listed below . "


Has anyone heard of this happening before. Im not sure if its a good thing or not. I know I have to do well this semester because of that but i just wish i knew what was going on thru their heads. Any help???

 

[futuredoc43]

This is what VCOM sent me:



"We are writing to follow-up with you regarding your application status at VCOM. Your AACOMAS application indicates that you are in the process of completing additional coursework this summer/fall. Our committee conducted an initial review of your application. They determined they would prefer to wait to make a decision regarding your candidacy until they have the opportunity to review your grades from the summer/fall semester. Thus, your application has been placed on hold until we receive record of your grades.

Once you complete this coursework, please send a copy of your transcript to AACOMAS and directly to VCOM at the address listed below . "


Has anyone heard of this happening before. Im not sure if its a good thing or not. I know I have to do well this semester because of that but i just wish i knew what was going on thru their heads. Any help???

also what are the chances you get accepted if u receive a secondary and interview? and do u automatically get an interview if u receive a secondary??

 

[PurgrubMed]

My application was put on hold during the first week or two of October. I'm already accepted somewhere, but I really like VCOM. Anyone else have their application put on hold early October and get an interview?

 

[futuredoc43]

My application was put on hold during the first week or two of October. I'm already accepted somewhere, but I really like VCOM. Anyone else have their application put on hold early October and get an interview?

what reason did they give u??

 

[BumbleBee09]

hey guys, thought I'd seek some help, just received an email stating that my file has been placed on hold, is there still a chance of getting an interview, just worried that since it's been delayed now, I'm already late in the game, thanks

My application was put on hold during the first week or two of October. I'm already accepted somewhere, but I really like VCOM. Anyone else have their application put on hold early October and get an interview?

My application was placed on hold before and after I completed VCOM secondary last year around October; and I received my interview invitation in March (Danaling12 and I were in the same interview group) and I was waitlisted with a guaranteed spot for class of 2014. I just send in my deposit few weeks ago.

So do not get discouraged, there is a big chance you can still get an interview and get accepted. I must have said this before on the forum.. you need to let the school know your interest in their school and if you can find out why your application placed on hold, it would be great, because then you can try to improve on what you lacking and inform/update them with letters of update/interest about your improvements.

Hope this helps. Lots of luck to you.

Cheers

 

[Poliphilo]

Anyone the has paid the deposit after acceptance heard from the registrar yet? I was just wondering how long it takes, they say 2 weeks but it has been a little longer.

 

[icedoc09]

Hey everyone!
Im looking for some advice...or opinions...or whatever anyone has to offer I suppose...anyways, I am currently on a gap year between undergrad and med school...and i am PRAYING i will only have one of these years; anyways, I am going to be doing medical mission volunteer work from the end of february-end of the may abroad. VCOM is my #1 choice hands down! I am not from the Appalachian area, and my application was put on hold like many others. I am sending them a letter of interest today, which includes all of the things I am currently doing in this year I have off, and with the dates I will be abroad. I feel like I will be abroad for a huge chunk of interview season. How receptive to my letter with dates do you think the committee will be? Or, am I simply screwing myself over here? I think it is really important that admissions knows what I'm doing with myself this year, and that they know I am not just waiting around aimlessly for acceptance, but I don't want to sound arrogant either while I am giving them dates I will be unavailable. Any thoughts?

 

[reveille16]

Hey everyone!
Im looking for some advice...or opinions...or whatever anyone has to offer I suppose...anyways, I am currently on a gap year between undergrad and med school...and i am PRAYING i will only have one of these years; anyways, I am going to be doing medical mission volunteer work from the end of february-end of the may abroad. VCOM is my #1 choice hands down! I am not from the Appalachian area, and my application was put on hold like many others. I am sending them a letter of interest today, which includes all of the things I am currently doing in this year I have off, and with the dates I will be abroad. I feel like I will be abroad for a huge chunk of interview season. How receptive to my letter with dates do you think the committee will be? Or, am I simply screwing myself over here? I think it is really important that admissions knows what I'm doing with myself this year, and that they know I am not just waiting around aimlessly for acceptance, but I don't want to sound arrogant either while I am giving them dates I will be unavailable. Any thoughts?

First of all, I think that the medical mission work that you have coming up is awesome. You should definitely let them know of your plans. This school is big on international medicine, and they will certainly be impressed. My suggestion is that as you write the letter don't take the "these are the dates that I will not be available for an interview approach". Instead, simply say that you will be volunteering internationally from February to May. That way you let them know when you will not be available without coming off as arrogant. If your stats are within VCOM's range (they tend to favor GPA over MCAT), I think that this approach will give you a great chance of getting an interview before February. I hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Generic Student]

Scheduled an interview for Dec. 9th. I'm excited to finally get to see this school. 😀

 

[BumbleBee09]

I have a VCOM interview! Very likely my top choice. I cannot wait to visit. The earliest they had was December 2, but that is the week before my finals and would require me to miss 1-2 days of class. So I scheduled it for December 15, two days after graduation. 🙂

Great news .... congrats on the interview invite... Good luck 🙂

 

[icedoc09]

First of all, I think that the medical mission work that you have coming up is awesome. You should definitely let them know of your plans. This school is big on international medicine, and they will certainly be impressed. My suggestion is that as you write the letter don't take the "these are the dates that I will not be available for an interview approach". Instead, simply say that you will be volunteering internationally from February to May. That way you let them know when you will not be available without coming off as arrogant. If your stats are within VCOM's range (they tend to favor GPA over MCAT), I think that this approach will give you a great chance of getting an interview before February. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! My stats are well above their range...Im super pumped about their graduate global leadership program...I guess now ill just be waiting...oh so much fun...

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[ncguy2005]

Just curious what does this mean?

"VCOM received a regular permit for licensure from The Board of Governors, The University of North Carolina to operate third and/or fourth year rotations in the state of North Carolina. This license was granted on June 13, 2008.

VCOM is pursuing licensure from the State of North Carolina in order to operate third and/or fourth year rotations in North Carolina. As part of the licensure requirement, VCOM holds a Guaranty Bond for prepaid tuition for those students who train in the third and/or fourth years in North Carolina. A copy of this bond is accessible in VCOM's Finance Department and may be reviewed upon request."

Its on VCOM's website... As a NC native that is planning on practicing in NC, does this mean I would be able to do rotations in major NC hospitals? (ex: UNC Hospital, Duke, Wake, Carolinas Healthcare)...

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[Vita]

Just curious what does this mean?

"VCOM received a regular permit for licensure from The Board of Governors, The University of North Carolina to operate third and/or fourth year rotations in the state of North Carolina. This license was granted on June 13, 2008.

VCOM is pursuing licensure from the State of North Carolina in order to operate third and/or fourth year rotations in North Carolina. As part of the licensure requirement, VCOM holds a Guaranty Bond for prepaid tuition for those students who train in the third and/or fourth years in North Carolina. A copy of this bond is accessible in VCOM's Finance Department and may be reviewed upon request."

Its on VCOM's website... As a NC native that is planning on practicing in NC, does this mean I would be able to do rotations in major NC hospitals? (ex: UNC Hospital, Duke, Wake, Carolinas Healthcare)...

Like Bioman said, we can do out core rotations in NC at specific hospitals. I would guess that Duke, UNC, Wake, etc won't ever be third year sites simply because they have their own third year medical students to train. For fourth year, though, you can do your rotations there so long as you get approved by the hospitals. I know a few VCOM grads who placed into various residencies at Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC so I'd say they must be open to allowing outside students rotate.

Also, just a heads up, I remember seeing some scholarships for NC residents who are planning on practicing in NC after med. school, so be sure to scope those out.

 

[thedon35]

hahahaha nice analogy. If anyone has questions for a current third year.. you can PM me if you want. I have nothing to hide. My name is Spencer Nadolsky and I am currently in the Eastern Virginia rotation region. Good Luck with all of the applications! 😀

I hear these lines all the time. People always say, "Every school has its problems." The issue for me, however, is that I don't go to "every school." I pay a huge chunk of money to go to THIS school, and that's all I really care about. I expect, at a minimum, for things to be logical, organized, and professional. It doesn't take a genius to see that there are enduring problems. The reason they are not resolved is because no one is interested in hearing them as many of my classmates recently found out after writing very professional letters to the dean. The replies they received were defensive and unprofessional themselves.

This isn't hard folks - there are 100+ allopathic schools and 20+ osteopathic schools that all have 4-year curricula. Many of these schools have been around for many years, have found systems that work, and yield respectable board scores. VCOM has a pathological obsession with doing their own thing, or "recreating the wheel" as they say. The only problem is that time and time again the wheels they create look something like this.

 

[simpleman]

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I am available for any questions or concerns that you have about VCOM. I am MSIII and I love VCOM! SO shoot with any questions! If I dont reply within 3 days, please resend your message and I will send a response immediately. Sometimes, it gets crazy on rotations.

Congrats to all who are/will be a part of this awesome school! you will love it the same way i DO! No regrets whatsoever!

 

[wantabedo]

Simpleman,
How do you find out about the schools average comlex scores?
Thanks!!

 

[ksp2276]

I got a supplemental invite, does that mean that i REALLY am competitive or are they just saying that? does this mean i have a good chance at an interview?

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[thedon35]

No one knows except the powers that be! haha... I think we were only told passing rate and that was after a year and a half of begging. Simpleman what did they say the passing rate was? Honestly I dont even know where to begin to get the average board scores because we have had really high ones (700's) and we have had failures (below 400).... The people who worked hard got the best scores (okay I admit that is an easy observation).

Simpleman,
How do you find out about the schools average comlex scores?
Thanks!!