Vcu cert 2010-2011

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Hey SDN. I am brand new to SDN. I graduated from UVA undergrad 1 year ago and have been working in the hospital for the last year. My GPA is not so good and I just took the MCATs this April so don't have my score yet. If my MCAT score is good (30s) I was considering applying to the program as soon as I got my scores. However, I was wondering if I should apply now or would I have a better chance of getting accepted if I apply in the fall? My understanding is that if I apply now I would be applying for admission in the fall, correct? I am guessing that many people who didn't get accepted this time around to MD/DO schools are applying at this time. Would it be smart for me to compete with everyone at such a late stage in the application cycle of this program? Anyways, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks guys.

BTW - congrats to everyone who has been accepted!!!🙂
 
if you have a gpa of 2.9+ and a mcat score of 29+, i would apply. if you are unsure, fill out the fast track application.
 
I appreciate the feedback. I will definitely fill out the fast track and submit it as soon as I get my MCAT scores.

Thanks
 
Hello everyone. I was accepted into the CERT program about a week ago. They sent an e-mail. I had a 3.2 uGPA, 3.56 gradgpa, and 35o mcat. I am waiting to hear back from EVMS and GTOWN, but I am also on two waitlists for medschool (VTCSCOM and MCV). Does anyone know if it is possible to reserve a seat in this program? They said I need to respond within 30 days, but I do not expect to have heard back from all the schools by then. Any ideas?
 
there isn't a deposit for the program so you can accept the offer now and withdraw it later if you decide not to attend.
 
Just got my acceptance e-mail and was wondering if anyone is looking for a roommate that is also ready to settle down for a hard year of studying ??
(I'm a 22 year old non-smoking Hokie)
 
Hey guys,

New to SDN--Just got into MCV's post-bacc program. 3.4 uGPA, 27 mcat.

Am also looking for a very serious roommate(s) this fall to rock this program with 🙂. I was looking to rent out a 2-4 bedroom house in Mechanicsville (12-15min drive), or room with someone with an existing space.
 
hey everyone, i've just been accepted to the program and was also looking for roommates. i'm thinking of living in the tobacco row area, ideally in a 3-4 person apartment. as far as roommates go, i'm pretty laid back, and plan on studying all of the time so anyone who thinks i'm a good fit, feel free to PM me and we can try finding a place.
 
Hey has anyone gotten in recently? And how did they inform you?
 
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Hi, I am accepted to VCU's CERT program this cycle and I was almost positive I would attend the program. Then, I read the mission statement of VCU SOM and it says the school gives preferences to instate students. Now since the reason to take the program is to maximize my chance to go to a medical school, I am not too positive whether going to VCU will be the best option I have. BTW, I am a MD resident. I've been also accepted to the Drexel IMS program as well and I am seriously dying to make the final decision. One thing I know is that if I get accepted to both VCU SOM and Drexel SOM, I will definitely go to VCU hands down. What do you all think?
 
Hi, I am accepted to VCU's CERT program this cycle and I was almost positive I would attend the program. Then, I read the mission statement of VCU SOM and it says the school gives preferences to instate students. Now since the reason to take the program is to maximize my chance to go to a medical school, I am not too positive whether going to VCU will be the best option I have. BTW, I am a MD resident. I've been also accepted to the Drexel IMS program as well and I am seriously dying to make the final decision. One thing I know is that if I get accepted to both VCU SOM and Drexel SOM, I will definitely go to VCU hands down. What do you all think?
 
VCU SOM does have preferences to instate students. However, the ratio for the med class of instate to out of state is 55:45. VCU is very out of state friendly. Furthermore, the out of state waitlist moves alot so the preference to instate students doesn't hurt you.
 
ive got one vote for tobacco row, if you want to be the third of three (...or if we can find it the fourth of four) pm me soon.
 
hung said:
VCU SOM does have preferences to instate students. However, the ratio for the med class of instate to out of state is 55:45. VCU is very out of state friendly. Furthermore, the out of state waitlist moves alot so the preference to instate students doesn't hurt you.
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Hey hung congrats on your acceptance at mcv/vcu!

I did the program last year although I left after the first semester.

krnxhkwanx said:
Hi, I am accepted to VCU's CERT program this cycle and I was almost positive I would attend the program. Then, I read the mission statement of VCU SOM and it says the school gives preferences to instate students. Now since the reason to take the program is to maximize my chance to go to a medical school, I am not too positive whether going to VCU will be the best option I have. BTW, I am a MD resident. I've been also accepted to the Drexel IMS program as well and I am seriously dying to make the final decision. One thing I know is that if I get accepted to both VCU SOM and Drexel SOM, I will definitely go to VCU hands down. What do you all think?
Click to expand...

I attended the program last year but was not a VA is resident. Naturally I applied to VCU, but at the time I submitted my amcas I didn't know for sure that I was doing this program therefore it wasn't anywhere on my application. Like instatewaiter said make sure that you say somewhere that they are doing the program so they can at least put you on hold. Needless to say I was rejected pre-secondary (ouch) at VCU. 🙁 However, I did get accepted at my state school in October so I ended up leaving the program after the first semester since that was my first choice. I ended up having 3 interviews 1 acceptance 1 waitlist and 1 rejection.

The program is certainly challenging but if you stay on top of your studies and don't get behind it can be manageable. I really liked physio (the content at least) not the tricky test questions. 🙄 I also really liked biochemistry. The program does let in some who just aren't cut out for the workload. I found quite a few people ended up dropping a class (or two) the first semester. I'm not sure how many in my class actually successfully finished with the certificate. A few of my friends were sticking around for the Masters and are applying this year. With that being said, if you work hard and study study study you should be fine. I left before any of the "guaranteed interviews" were granted so I can't speak to that.

Good luck everyone!
 
Thanks. Congrats on the acceptance.
 
Hey all,
I received my acceptance today via e-mail from the director. It is a Saturday!! The Admission Committee must be working hard 👍
My stats are:
3.31 cgpa, 3.13 science from UCSD
26Q

My verbal score was a 6....and I saw on their page that they are looking for students with a 28 MCAT or higher. Anyways, I am just letting people know that you can still get accepted if your MCAT is on the weaker side, but you have a decently well-rounded app.
 
What made you guys decide to choose VCU?

In case I don't get in anywhere else...I'm choosing among UMDNJ, VCU, and NYMC (2 year track) and I'm not sure what to do...
 
smileycenter said:
What made you guys decide to choose VCU?

In case I don't get in anywhere else...I'm choosing among UMDNJ, VCU, and NYMC (2 year track) and I'm not sure what to do...
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Cost and location. The program is one of the cheapest available to get you into a MD med school. Richmond is a small city with limited distractions, so it is good for studying. Washington DC is only 1 hr drive away. VCU SOM is a good clinical school and has a good hospital system.

All the programs you are choosing from will require 2 years, from the when you start the program to earliest you will start med school. From what I have read, UMDNJ takes 1.5 years to finish. VCU is a 1 year certificate program, but most students apply after completing the CERT program. VCU SOM admissions committee really want to see a whole year of grades from CERT applicants.

In the end, I would pick the program where you would want to go for medical school.
 
Thanks Hung🙂.

Does anybody know if VCU's program is a good linkage program? (to their own med school or others?)
 
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Hey Hung, apparently you also know Jason from UCLA. Small world.
 
jslo85 said:
Hey Hung, apparently you also know Jason from UCLA. Small world.
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lol. i know jason on too many levels. are you going to come out here with him?
 
smileycenter said:
Thanks Hung🙂.

Does anybody know if VCU's program is a good linkage program? (to their own med school or others?)
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Every year ~25 CERT students are part of the incoming VCU SOM class. Most of the CERT students are those that applied after completing the program. It is a feeder program to the med school. Percentage wise it isn't great because VCU has lower admission standards compared to other programs. My perspective is that you are paying 22 grand for an education opportunity. The rest is up to you to make the most of it.
 
hung said:
lol. i know jason on too many levels. are you going to come out here with him?
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haha yeah I heard about some of the WoW stories and other things.

No, I'll be headed to Pennsylvania instead. That's great if he'll get into VCU's program though. I've been trying to get him to start looking into these SMPs earlier but he's been pretty stubborn. Try to keep him smoke free when he gets to Richmond even though that's probably Philip Morris territory.
 
jslo85 said:
haha yeah I heard about some of the WoW stories and other things.

No, I'll be headed to Pennsylvania instead. That's great if he'll get into VCU's program though. I've been trying to get him to start looking into these SMPs earlier but he's been pretty stubborn. Try to keep him smoke free when he gets to Richmond even though that's probably Philip Morris territory.
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Yes, he is a very stubborn one. It'll be hard to resist smoking because parilment lights and marbaros are cheaper out here.
 
does anybody know where the CERT courses take place? Main VCU campus or the Medical campus? or possibly both?

also, once admitted, do i have to worry about making my course schedule as soon possible? in other words, aside from the basic requirements, are the more popular electives (if there is such thing) fill up quickly?

thanks for your help!
 
I think our classes are in the Egyptian building and in Sanger Hall
 
Does anyone know when the orientation is? I accepted the offer to the program, but have not received anymore information.
 
Just got my acceptance. Real exciting. What about Housing? If anyone is planning on rooming, I'm looking for a roommate.
 
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Still no official welcome? Right?

By the way when is Orientation and when is first day of classes?
 
the website is in the progress of being updated. check it in a week or two for info.
 
hey guys,
i guess these are questions directed to more of the CERT alumni but:
(a) how accessible are clinical opportunities for CERT students in linkage with MCV and possibly other richmond hospitals?
(b) how extensive are student organizations and clubs among the CERT student body, or do club activity inevitably overlap with MCV students?
and lastly (c) due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, is there even time for such extracurricular activities, even for the well-balanced student?
in other words, how popular was extracurriculars among CERT student last year?

by the way, i tried to locate the CERT 2009-2010 thread in order to potentially address these concerns but could not find it anymore.
a reply with the link to the thread would be much appreciated, thanks!
 
nohatehere said:
hey guys,
i guess these are questions directed to more of the CERT alumni but:
(a) how accessible are clinical opportunities for CERT students in linkage with MCV and possibly other richmond hospitals?
(b) how extensive are student organizations and clubs among the CERT student body, or do club activity inevitably overlap with MCV students?
and lastly (c) due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, is there even time for such extracurricular activities, even for the well-balanced student?
in other words, how popular was extracurriculars among CERT student last year?

by the way, i tried to locate the CERT 2009-2010 thread in order to potentially address these concerns but could not find it anymore.
a reply with the link to the thread would be much appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

a) if you ask for clinical opportunities they are there. The program itself (to my knowledge) doesn't provide these for you.

b) Not all that extensive but you will no doubt run into the other MCV students since you take classes in many of the same buildings.

c) Sure but not everyone can handle it.
 
nohatehere said:
hey guys,
i guess these are questions directed to more of the CERT alumni but:
(a) how accessible are clinical opportunities for CERT students in linkage with MCV and possibly other richmond hospitals?
(b) how extensive are student organizations and clubs among the CERT student body, or do club activity inevitably overlap with MCV students?
and lastly (c) due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, is there even time for such extracurricular activities, even for the well-balanced student?
in other words, how popular was extracurriculars among CERT student last year?

by the way, i tried to locate the CERT 2009-2010 thread in order to potentially address these concerns but could not find it anymore.
a reply with the link to the thread would be much appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

a) there are a handful of free clinics in richmond that have volunteers.
b) there are intermural sports.
c) there can be time but i recommend not getting involved with anything until the spring semester.

your only obligation while in the CERT program is to do well (get A's) in your classes. the dean of admissions stresses this message.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=632069 Fall 09
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=474352 Fall 08
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=366776 Fall 07
 
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So, Financial office is closed until tuesday.

If we have been accepted and have sent VCU an email stating that we will attend, What is the next step?

How do we go about immunizations/physicals? and how do we figure out our financial aid. I've already filled out my FAFSA but haven't heard anything?

Also, old exams. Anybody have them.

And, oh, books, is anybody buying them, from where and which ones?

And, what about electives? Which ones are you guys thinking about signing up for?
 
Kouger86 said:
So, Financial office is closed until tuesday.

If we have been accepted and have sent VCU an email stating that we will attend, What is the next step?

How do we go about immunizations/physicals? and how do we figure out our financial aid. I've already filled out my FAFSA but haven't heard anything?

Also, old exams. Anybody have them.

And, oh, books, is anybody buying them, from where and which ones?

And, what about electives? Which ones are you guys thinking about signing up for?
Click to expand...

You will get a packet in the mail from the graduate school once they know you will be attending. The packet will have forms for you to fill out (ie. immunizations). You will be receiving an email this week with the orientation schedule. For immunizations, you take the immunization form and take that to your doctor. For financial aid, you can check online through www.eservices.vcu.edu once you create your vcu email. Everyone gets subsidized and unsubsidized loans, the remainder that you need for cost of living can be either through grad plus loan (from the government) or private loan. Old exams have been scanned and will be emailed out at the beginning of the semester. I would hold off on buying books. The only recommended book is Dr. Costanzo's "Physiology" book. All the information tested upon are from lecture, lecture slides, and syllabus/course reader. There aren't any rush to sign up for electives. Electives will be talked about during orientation. The strongly recommended elective now is histology, the course has been revamped and not as it was two years ago. It is better now.
 
Hey Hung,

I appreciate your reply.

One more thing. I sent an email to this address: [email protected] stating that i will attend.

Is there anyone else, I need to inform?

Thanks.
 
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the application for VCU is so chill... I absolutely love it... it's really short application. I finish the application less than a hour and I only have letter of rec and personal statement left... How come the letter of rec is not electronic?
 
the reference form isn't required with rec letters. if you use interfolio, interfolio send them electronically to vcu.
 
Congrats on everyone who already got accepted into the program!

I'm wondering how long did you guys have to wait before hear back from VCU?
 
I'm also wondering how long people waited until receiving a reply.

In addition, are ALL acceptances sent out by email first?....So, if my status changed from saying "complete ready for review" for several months to saying nothing as of yesterday morning, and I have not yet received an email, is it safe to assume that I have been rejected? Thanks
 
Hey guys I got into the VCU CERT program and btwn the BU MAMS and NYMC Masters I think VCU is going to be my choice... I have to officially decide in a few days.

Just wondering, does anyone know what the best way is to look at loans and other financial aid stuff? Or is it too late? I found out only a few weeks ago but am definitely looking for some financial aid and don't really know where to begin...

Also anyone finding any housing in Richmond yet? I'm a 22 yr old girl- pretty laid back but ready to study... anyone still need a roomie? Preferably I want to live close to school but I haven't been to Richmond to check out the area yet.. Does anyone know any areas that are affordable and not too far from our classes?? Thanks! And Congrats to everyone whose going to be there in the Fall! Almost positive that I'll get to meet you guys soon 🙂
 
I should add to my above post that I have called the graduate admissions people and was told that yes a decision has been made, but they can not give any information over the phone.

Garnet17 - Congrats on your multiple acceptances; were you informed of your acceptance via email?....hope to see you in the fall
 
Hey, thanks SwimCycle! But yes I received an email message first and then a few days later I got a letter in the mail too. But I don't think you should assume you've been rejected- they're probably getting a ton of yes & no's back right about now (I know my answer is due tomorrow) so maybe they're just waiting to see how many spots open up again?

Good luck, hope to see you too!
 
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Does anyone get accepted into the SOM during the program or do they have to apply once the program is over?
 
Hey guys so I've officially accepted my VCU acceptance! Can't wait and really hope this turns out the way we all want it to 😀

With that said... now I'm getting nervous about housing! Does anyone know of any buildings that are near classes/affordable? Also, I know I've said it before but if there's anyone who might need a roommate I'm a 22 year old, clean, female, looking for a roomie. I'm pretty relaxed about living situations, just want to have someone who's ready to study too🙄 PM me if you're still looking! Thanks & can't wait to meet you all!
 
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