VCU CERT 2024-2025

[doctorate123]

Hey for anyone who applied to/was accepted to the CERT program, I just started this thread because I didn't see one posted for this upcoming year. I was just accepted around 2 weeks ago. Does anyone have any anecdotal information they can provide on the program as I have heard good things so far? Can provide additional information if needed (AMCAS sGPA: 3.16, MCAT: 507)

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[thapanda]

Hello!
I was just looking for a thread too! It seems no one has made one yet. I have applied and been accepted, but I am also trying to decide whether to commit to attending. But to do that, there is not much outside information on the program, and what is, there are mixed reviews.
Btw It looks like your stats are great! Are you going to be attending?

 

[doctorate123]

Yes, I accepted the program invite just because I don’t have anything else lined up right now and you can decline anytime you wish it seems like (for example for those who make it into medical school). I am currently waitlisted at two DO schools so if one of them work out I will be attending there instead.

 

[thapanda]

Yes, I accepted the program invite just because I don’t have anything else lined up right now and you can decline anytime you wish it seems like (for example for those who make it into medical school). I am currently waitlisted at two DO schools so if one of them work out I will be attending there instead.

Gotcha! Well I hope it works out and you get off the waitlist! I’d argue that since you are getting interviews, you may not need this program, unless you want to shoot for MD.

I have another acceptance to a SMP affiliated with an DO program (VCOM) and I’m trying to weigh my options. I am shooting for MD. As for additional information I am not such how much I can provide. I do very much enjoy that there is more flexibility on what they allow you to study. With only 3 classes required in both the semesters and the rest can be elective courses of your choosing. That is pretty uncommon when it comes to formal post bacc and smp programs.

Do you happen to know what the tuition is for this program?

 

[doctorate123]

The total tuition (including room and board) is ~50k for both in and out of state. Out of staters pay about an additional 800 or something. Also just mentioning this is a graduate certificate not an SMP so there’s something to think about too, it’s not as high risk high reward I guess? Seems quite high reward since you have a better shot at VCUSOM and probably other schools as well. That’s true there is more flexibility but it will be a grind for sure

 

[thapanda]

Is anyone matriculating into the program looking for a roommate? I'm interested in finding someone who is also in the program to share a room with.

 

[niagrapopo8]

I know that this thread was created a couple months back but I just thought I could give my input anyway. I matriculated 2022 into this program and can confidently say that it is not worth your time or money. The program likes to mirror what the first year of medical school may look like for students however it is designed to weed people out, not help them as they say. The faculty do not care nor do they do a good job of explaining certain criteria or requirements. You are thrown into a course load that seems do-able at first until you realize the exams and grading for them make it almost impossible to meet the 3.5 requirement. You are graded harder and tested on more information than the M1s and D1s for example in the physiology course that you have started this fall. When students like myself were not doing as good we were encouraged to drop and re take the classes however the classes are only held once a year meaning that we would be held back from graduating. Not only did they encourage this but also pushed to try to re take classes and put more money into staying to do their masters program which is another maze of confusion with barely any guidance. The program director currently I have heard is facing backlash due to VCUsom taking only 1-2 students for matriculating into their medical school this fall. The guaranteed interview doesn't mean anything which is disheartening for the students who put their blood sweat and tears into that program to receive that interview clearly showing their commitment to the school and proof through the program they can succeed in medical school, only to be rejected which did happen to my friends in this program. I am surprised they are continuing to run the program while knowing they need to fix a lot of things with it unless they have and I am not aware of it however I do not believe they can re-vamp the mess of a program that is this quick. You are better off in a program that gives a guarenteed acceptance or actually means it when they say they take students from their program. All you get from this program is a certificate which at that point you might as well apply for a smp so that you actually get a degree out of it. Best of luck

 

[coconutlovurr21]

hi!! im just checking in this thread as i was contemplating applying for this program. I heard that the advisor/head of the program changed, so I'm wondering if it's still extremely rigorous (like the person above commented) or do-able.

thank you!!!