Vcu cert 2010-2011

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BuckFMP

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I have applied to this program. Anyone else? Has anyone heard anything yet? Also, any opinions on the program?

Thanks!
 
I've applied also!!! Haven't heard anything yet though...I e-mailed them in early January and they told me then that they would be reviewing applications in the next coupld of weeks...
 
I applied yesterday...do you guys know how they want to recieve LORs (via ail or mail)
 
So, is anyone on SDN doing the VCU cert program?
 
Well I'd like to but they still haven't gotten back to me yet...I was thinking of filling out the fast-track application but wonder if maybe now it's a little silly since I should be hearing back soon anyway. At least I hope I'll hear back soon... Has anyone heard from VCU recently/been accepted to the program for the fall?
 
hippo23 said:
Well I'd like to but they still haven't gotten back to me yet...I was thinking of filling out the fast-track application but wonder if maybe now it's a little silly since I should be hearing back soon anyway. At least I hope I'll hear back soon... Has anyone heard from VCU recently/been accepted to the program for the fall?
Click to expand...
Still waiting also. My status has been 'Complete ready for review' forever now.
 
Wait, how do you know that's your status, is there an online status check or something? If so, could you send me the link? I have no idea how I didn't know anything about it...

Also, for anyone who's been accepted this year or any other years, do they e-mail you the acceptance letter or notify you via snail mail?
 
hippo23 said:
Wait, how do you know that's your status, is there an online status check or something? If so, could you send me the link? I have no idea how I didn't know anything about it...

Also, for anyone who's been accepted this year or any other years, do they e-mail you the acceptance letter or notify you via snail mail?
Click to expand...
Here's the link.

https://ssb.vcu.edu/proddad/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage

Click on the 'Apply for Admission' tab and enter the user name and PIN you established when you originally applied. Then click on the term to which you applied.

- Buck
 
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the admissions system changed this year so there has been some problems along the way, but the first batch of acceptances will go out at the end of this week.
 
hi - so i just called about my status and i got in! does anyone know anything more about the program? any info or insight would be appreciated 🙂
 
BecCornell2010 said:
hi - so i just called about my status and i got in! does anyone know anything more about the program? any info or insight would be appreciated 🙂
Click to expand...
Same here. Congrats! I don't know nearly enough at this point, but I will begin my due diligence very soon. I've applied to a ton of post-bacs and am going to have to make a choice. Linkage ranks highest followed by more general success rates. So, for me the top question is, the year after the program, what is their success rate for students being admitted into VCU, other allo, then DO? What are you trying to learn? I'll try to help gather whatever info I can.
 
every year about 20-30 CERT students are accepted into VCU SOM. the group includes students that apply while in the program and those that apply after finishing. there are a handful of CERT students that end up at other med such as EVMS and schools in neighbor states (ie. UNC, ECU). the linkage rate is low compared to other programs because the admission standards for VCU are lower than other schools. however, it is still a good opportunity to improve your application for medical school.
 
For those of you who got in, did you get an e-mail/letter or have any sort of update on your status page? Also, what number did you call where they told you you had been accepted? I called some general Grad School number on the VCU website but the lady really couldn't do anything but read my status page back to me to say I was under review and ready to be sent to the committee. Any help is much appreciated, I'm dying to just get in somewhere so I know I have SOMETHING to do come the fall. Thanks!
 
hippo23 said:
for those of you who got in, did you get an e-mail/letter or have any sort of update on your status page? Also, what number did you call where they told you you had been accepted? I called some general grad school number on the vcu website but the lady really couldn't do anything but read my status page back to me to say i was under review and ready to be sent to the committee. Any help is much appreciated, i'm dying to just get in somewhere so i know i have something to do come the fall. Thanks!
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(804) 828-9501
 
This may be a dumb question, but is this program for those without the pre reqs or those needing to improve their gpa?
 
chucktown said:
This may be a dumb question, but is this program for those without the pre reqs or those needing to improve their gpa?
Click to expand...

It is for those that have completed the pre reqs. It is a graduate program so it is more like an smp and won't affect your undergraduate GPA.
 
yay, I called and they finally answered and I'm IN!!! It's so nice to know I'll be doing SOMETHING come the fall...for any of you who were also accepted, are you definitely going to be going to VCU?
 
hung said:
every year about 20-30 CERT students are accepted into VCU SOM. the group includes students that apply while in the program and those that apply after finishing. there are a handful of CERT students that end up at other med such as EVMS and schools in neighbor states (ie. UNC, ECU). the linkage rate is low compared to other programs because the admission standards for VCU are lower than other schools. however, it is still a good opportunity to improve your application for medical school.
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Hung - Thanks for this info. It's great that ~25/year get in. Perhaps you can help with a couple of follow-up questions:

1) How many guaranteed interviews are usually earned?
2) For those who earn a guaranteed interview, approximately how many are accepted?
3) How does residency status affect a CERT student's odds of being accepted?

Thanks again,

Buck
 
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For anyone who has called and found out of their acceptance, did they say when they would be sending out official letters of acceptance?
 
Yes. I talked to the guy this morning and he said they were put in the mail late last week and should be arriving at any time. I have to say though, I think it's odd that nobody on SDN has received one yet...I'm a VA resident and usually mail from Richmond takes 2 days tops.
 
Hey guys, Im applying to this post Bacc. Haven't sent in my LORs and am waiting to take my MCAT on May 27th. The LORs will be in hopefully by next week.

Am I waisting my time, applying this late?
 
...they have my everything else (transcript, PS)
 
Kouger86 said:
...they have my everything else (transcript, PS)
Click to expand...
Does everything else include your money? If so, then by all means carry forth. I doubt it's too late, so if you can part with the $50, then I would do everything I could to maximize my options.

JMO

- Buck
 
BuckFMP said:
Does everything else include your money? If so, then by all means carry forth. I doubt it's too late, so if you can part with the $50, then I would do everything I could to maximize my options.

JMO

- Buck
Click to expand...

yea, money included. Thx for the quick reply.
 
hippo23 said:
yay, I called and they finally answered and I'm IN!!! It's so nice to know I'll be doing SOMETHING come the fall...for any of you who were also accepted, are you definitely going to be going to VCU?
Click to expand...

!!! congratulations!!!! i'm really ecstatic for you because i know EXACTLY how you feel. as for going to vcu, im not sure yet because i also got accepted to the bu mams program, so im currently leaning towards that. good luck with everything else and im glad you've got some good news!
 
nope...no letter, no e-mail, no nothing. I'm starting to think that guy I talked to was full of it...they clearly didn't send out acceptance letters 10 days ago if none of us who were told we got in haven't actually received anything.

On a totally different note, are there any pre-dents here that have applied to this program or done it in the past? Can it help in getting accepted to dental schools, specifically VCU? My bf is applying to the program and is a pre-dent. He interviewed at VCU dental in october but hasn't gotten in...do you guys think doing this program will help his chances for next application cycle?
 
hippo23 said:
nope...no letter, no e-mail, no nothing. I'm starting to think that guy I talked to was full of it...they clearly didn't send out acceptance letters 10 days ago if none of us who were told we got in haven't actually received anything.

On a totally different note, are there any pre-dents here that have applied to this program or done it in the past? Can it help in getting accepted to dental schools, specifically VCU? My bf is applying to the program and is a pre-dent. He interviewed at VCU dental in october but hasn't gotten in...do you guys think doing this program will help his chances for next application cycle?
Click to expand...

I know a couple of people who are in the program right now and one of them is pre-dent. It all depends on your boyfriend's stats. If he has a decent GPA then this program won't do anything for him. If he gets rejected from VCU, he should call them and ask what he should do for the next cycle in order to bolster his application. Usually they'll tell you why they rejected you, and what you should improve on.
 
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Hey,

I'm currently on the alternate list for VCU SOM (instate male) and I was considering applying to this program for next year just to have some kind of plan B. I like the courses offered and it looks like a great program.

I have some questions, so hopefully someone will be able to answer.

1) I was researching Stafford, Gradplus, etc. for loans to cover the program and it looks like they'll only cover 20,500$ of the tuition (which is almost all of it), *BUT* how do you get money to live on (e.g. pay rent, eat, have spending money, etc.) if the loans only cover *up to* the cost of tuition?

2) Has anyone here been through this program? If so, can you give me any idea of how much it would potentially help me if I work hard and do well in the CERT program? What is the program like?
 
Has anyone actually gotten any written correspondence back? I applied mid-February, but I haven't ever received anything from them. I've already been accepted at UMDNJ's GSBS program (which I'm favoring since it actually grants a degree), but I'd still like to know what happened with VCU.
 
STAT EKG said:
Hey,

I'm currently on the alternate list for VCU SOM (instate male) and I was considering applying to this program for next year just to have some kind of plan B. I like the courses offered and it looks like a great program.

I have some questions, so hopefully someone will be able to answer.

1) I was researching Stafford, Gradplus, etc. for loans to cover the program and it looks like they'll only cover 20,500$ of the tuition (which is almost all of it), *BUT* how do you get money to live on (e.g. pay rent, eat, have spending money, etc.) if the loans only cover *up to* the cost of tuition?

2) Has anyone here been through this program? If so, can you give me any idea of how much it would potentially help me if I work hard and do well in the CERT program? What is the program like?
Click to expand...


1) The Stafford Loans subsidized and unsubsidized combined covers $20,500. The remainder that you need for cost of living you would take from the Grad plus loans.

2) I was in the program last year. It helped me garnish 3 interviews (MD schools) already and an acceptance at MCV/VCU. I have a sub 3.0 undergrad gpa and a 33 MCAT so I wouldn't have gotten interviews without this program. The program is very challenging and stressful.
 
hung said:
1) The Stafford Loans subsidized and unsubsidized combined covers $20,500. The remainder that you need for cost of living you would take from the Grad plus loans.

2) I was in the program last year. It helped me garnish 3 interviews (MD schools) already and an acceptance at MCV/VCU. I have a sub 3.0 undergrad gpa and a 33 MCAT so I wouldn't have gotten interviews without this program. The program is very challenging and stressful.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the response, man 🙂

I had two MD interviews this year (only two I completed and two subsequent waitlists - one at VCU)... do you think this program will be worth my while, or is it too much stress and too much of a risk for me at this point?

Here's my extra information:

I'm in kind of a weird situation where I basically failed all of my classes freshman year (0.32 GPA), worked a year to pay my loans/parents back, and have since made better than Dean's List every semester with a 3.68 over the last ~ 140 credit hours.

With this said, I have a 3.0 cGPA/3.1 sGPA and my MCAT is a 30

I asked my interviewer about CERT and he agreed I'm in a weird situation with one bad year six years ago and good grades since. He was kind of on the fence as to whether it would help me or not. I'm going to apply anyway, but I was wondering if you had any input or know of anyone with a similar story who was recommended toward or steered away from CERT or a CERT-like program.

Thanks
 
Hey everyone. I got my acceptance letter in the mail on Saturday, but I am going to decline because I got into some other programs. The letter was dated 3/19/10, but wasn't mailed until the 29th. I would guess people will start hear more soon.
 
STAT EKG said:
Hey,

I'm currently on the alternate list for VCU SOM (instate male) and I was considering applying to this program for next year just to have some kind of plan B. I like the courses offered and it looks like a great program.

I have some questions, so hopefully someone will be able to answer.

1) I was researching Stafford, Gradplus, etc. for loans to cover the program and it looks like they'll only cover 20,500$ of the tuition (which is almost all of it), *BUT* how do you get money to live on (e.g. pay rent, eat, have spending money, etc.) if the loans only cover *up to* the cost of tuition?

2) Has anyone here been through this program? If so, can you give me any idea of how much it would potentially help me if I work hard and do well in the CERT program? What is the program like?
Click to expand...

While I cannot help you with the tuition costs (it was about $8K when I did it) I did the program 4 years ago and can tell you basically what the program is like.

Instead of just one bad year, I had a bunch and ended up with a GPA somewhere between 2.8-2.9 after college and a 33 MCAT. Needless to say, I did not get in when I first applied. I talked to the old dean of the medical school and she recommended that I do the program. So I did it.

This program is basically the first year of medical school without gross anatomy. While the classes are not taken with the medical students (like you find in some SMPs), they are delivered by many of the same professors and with basically the same content (but with more of a research focus). The program is strenuous. It really separates the wheat from the chaff. Those who belong in medical school, tend to get in. Those who don't belong, fail to get in. When I did the program, the entrance requirements were a bit more lax, so weaker students were let in. Still, roughly 1/3 never finished the program because they either failed out, left because it was too hard or couldn't maintain a 3.0. I thought the program was hard but there were many students who really just didn't belong there which is why only 2/3 finished. I imagine this has probably changed since the requirements are higher now.

I have been one of the biggest proponents of this program. It gives people who really don't have much of a shot because of one (or a few) bad years in college, the opportunity to prove they belong in medical school. It gets solid students with lack luster stats into medical school.

I am graduating this year and I will be doing my residency at Johns Hopkins (the best program in the country). I have no doubt that without this program I would have never had the opportunity to go to medical school. And I would like to think that I belonged in medical school.

So EKG, I think the program is worth it. However, you may want to contact Dr Whitehurst-Cook, the dean of admissions at MCV/VCU and talk with her about it. She will give you the best advice.
 
Instatewaiter said:
While I cannot help you with the tuition costs (it was about $8K when I did it) I did the program 4 years ago and can tell you basically what the program is like.

Instead of just one bad year, I had a bunch and ended up with a GPA somewhere between 2.8-2.9 after college and a 33 MCAT. Needless to say, I did not get in when I first applied. I talked to the old dean of the medical school and she recommended that I do the program. So I did it.

This program is basically the first year of medical school without gross anatomy. While the classes are not taken with the medical students (like you find in some SMPs), they are delivered by many of the same professors and with basically the same content (but with more of a research focus). The program is strenuous. It really separates the wheat from the chaff. Those who belong in medical school, tend to get in. Those who don't belong, fail to get in. When I did the program, the entrance requirements were a bit more lax, so weaker students were let in. Still, roughly 1/3 never finished the program because they either failed out, left because it was too hard or couldn't maintain a 3.0. I thought the program was hard but there were many students who really just didn't belong there which is why only 2/3 finished. I imagine this has probably changed since the requirements are higher now.

I have been one of the biggest proponents of this program. It gives people who really don't have much of a shot because of one (or a few) bad years in college, the opportunity to prove they belong in medical school. It gets solid students with lack luster stats into medical school.

I am graduating this year and I will be doing my residency at Johns Hopkins (the best program in the country). I have no doubt that without this program I would have never had the opportunity to go to medical school. And I would like to think that I belonged in medical school.

So EKG, I think the program is worth it. However, you may want to contact Dr Whitehurst-Cook, the dean of admissions at MCV/VCU and talk with her about it. She will give you the best advice.
Click to expand...

HOPKINS?????? Congrats!!!!!!!!
 
I'm currently applying to the post-bac program at VCU as well. I was wondering how you guys sent in your MCAT scores. I'm trying to figure out how to do it through MCAT THx but I can't find the option.

Nevermind, i figure you're supposed to create your own score report and send it via snail mail.
 
Last edited:
HI everyone!

I'm new to SDN, and I'm very interested in doing VCU cert this coming fall! I have a low undergrad GPA (less than 3.0) and I'm taking my MCAT soon(hopefully with a decent score), I'm doing research and just working this year, but I should have take some science classes...which I'm extremely regretful of...ah

I've heard from a friend that VCU CERT has improved the program, so the admission is competitive this year, I'm wondering if I have a chance at getting in? or should I just wait another year and take more science classes and improve my science credential...?
 
bluecarrot said:
HI everyone!

I'm new to SDN, and I'm very interested in doing VCU cert this coming fall! I have a low undergrad GPA (less than 3.0) and I'm taking my MCAT soon(hopefully with a decent score), I'm doing research and just working this year, but I should have take some science classes...which I'm extremely regretful of...ah

I've heard from a friend that VCU CERT has improved the program, so the admission is competitive this year, I'm wondering if I have a chance at getting in? or should I just wait another year and take more science classes and improve my science credential...?
Click to expand...

Umm...from my understanding, if you've taken med school pre-requisites, you should be ok. Given the fact that you score around a 28 on your MCAT.
 
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Instatewaiter said:
While I cannot help you with the tuition costs (it was about $8K when I did it) I did the program 4 years ago and can tell you basically what the program is like.

Instead of just one bad year, I had a bunch and ended up with a GPA somewhere between 2.8-2.9 after college and a 33 MCAT. Needless to say, I did not get in when I first applied. I talked to the old dean of the medical school and she recommended that I do the program. So I did it.

This program is basically the first year of medical school without gross anatomy. While the classes are not taken with the medical students (like you find in some SMPs), they are delivered by many of the same professors and with basically the same content (but with more of a research focus). The program is strenuous. It really separates the wheat from the chaff. Those who belong in medical school, tend to get in. Those who don't belong, fail to get in. When I did the program, the entrance requirements were a bit more lax, so weaker students were let in. Still, roughly 1/3 never finished the program because they either failed out, left because it was too hard or couldn't maintain a 3.0. I thought the program was hard but there were many students who really just didn't belong there which is why only 2/3 finished. I imagine this has probably changed since the requirements are higher now.

I have been one of the biggest proponents of this program. It gives people who really don't have much of a shot because of one (or a few) bad years in college, the opportunity to prove they belong in medical school. It gets solid students with lack luster stats into medical school.

I am graduating this year and I will be doing my residency at Johns Hopkins (the best program in the country). I have no doubt that without this program I would have never had the opportunity to go to medical school. And I would like to think that I belonged in medical school.

So EKG, I think the program is worth it. However, you may want to contact Dr Whitehurst-Cook, the dean of admissions at MCV/VCU and talk with her about it. She will give you the best advice.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all of your advice. I submitted all of the application materials today.

I was passing through Richmond two days ago and stopped by the admissions office to see if I could talk to Dean Whitehurst-Cook about my situation, but, unfortunately for me, she had taken off that day.

I'm going to send her an email in the meantime and try to make an appointment to talk to her within the next few weeks.

Congratulations on all of your success! Hopkins is pretty solid from what I've heard 😛
 
Hey friends,
I just got into this program and I will definitely be attending. Is anyone interested in a roommate that will be going through the same program? I figure it will be easier having a roommate that understands how important doing well in this program is. Let me know if you'd like to test our compatibility (find out if we would make good roommates).
-Phill
 
I got in as well and pretty certain I'll be attending. The courses are a little intimidating since I've been out of school for over 2 years... So it would be cool to have people to study with, not sure about housing situation though. I have a couple friends in the area I need to check with first.
 
For those of you who got in, what did you guys score on your MCAT and what were your GPAs (science and non-science)?

I really want to get into this program. I haven't taken my MCAT. I will be writing it on 05/27/10. Scores will be out late June. Hope, I still have a decent shot.
 
Applicants should hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution; required prerequisites include two semesters each of Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics. Admission is generally drawn from applicants with a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 and a science GPA ≥ 3.2; test score results of either MCAT ≥ 25, DAT ≥ 16 or GRE ≥ 1,200 (Verbal plus Quantitative) and 4.0 Analytic. International students must achieve ≥ 250 on the TOEFL examination or ≥ 600 on the GRE Verbal section.
Applicants interested in biomedical sciences Master of Science degree programs in specific disciplines should apply through the Certificate Program. Admission into the second year of the M.S. program can be achieved upon successful completion of the Certificate Program and specific departmental approval.
Click to expand...

It's open on another tab....
 
I had a cumulative GPA of 3.1 and my science GPA is around there too. I did not take the MCAT because I did not think I had enough time to prepare and do well. I just took the GRE, which could be a better option if you are worried about applying late. It's a test that requires less than a week to be adequately prepared (meaning getting something above 1200 which is what vcu wants).
 
Hi everyone,

I have applied to the CERT program and, provided I get in, I am planning to also apply to medical schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Does anyone have any advice as far as when to apply? I saw on another post from a previous year that an appointment with the dean of VCU SOM is recommended as soon as the CERT Fall semester begins, but I wasn't sure whether, for VCU as well as other med schools, it would be advisable to apply early (i.e.in June), versus applying as late as possible, and therefore closer to first semester grades being available to the schools. I really need the med schools to see my first semester grades, in order to have a chance at admission, so any advice about this is much appreciated.

Congratulations to everyone who has been accepted to the CERT program for Fall 2010 already!
 
I applied in July I think. Make sure to allude to the cert program in your PS and put it in the course work so at worst you will get placed on hold.

I got secondaries from everywhere but UNC and Wake.
 
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