VCU Postbacc Fall 2008

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what if you have GRE score? I haven't taken my MCAT yet so I had to take GRE to apply. What would be a decent GRE score?
 
I just talked to Dr. Kordula fro the Biochemistry program. He said that they are going to only take applicants with 3.1 gpa and up. He even asked if I applied to the other programs. This is bad news.
 
That's what he told me. He said that the average GPA of applicants accepted is 3.1 but that's not a cut off. My GPA is a 2.998. They'll take MCAT and volunteering experience into account.
 
He told me the grad office didn't seem him all of my application such as transcript, mcat score, resume, and lors. It seems all they sent him was my personal statement. He also mentioned that it'll probably take 4 weeks for the grad office to send him the rest of my application. I pray that I get into physiology. Dear God.
 
As long as you get into one of the programs I think it's all good. I only applied for Biochem.
 
any thoughts as to how VCU's Biochem program compares to Option I at Barry University?
 
VCU post bacc in Biochemistry vs. Option I at Barry

which would be looked more favorably upon by medical schools?
 
I got into biochem. It is nice to know where I am going for the fall.
 
hey everybody,

I've been lurking the forums for ages and i think its about time i chime in.

I recently graduated winter 07 from UC riverside. First 3 years i had a 2.4 cum gpa.. but took all science classes and got it up to 2.94 cum (3.15 sci) by graduation. Took mcat in april 08 and got a 29 :/

Applied to several smps including vcu. I thought i was a relatively competive applicant at vcu and applied to all six programs, unfortunately things havent turned out so well.

I got rejected from my 1st and 2nd choices, Physiology and Biochem. I also got rejected from pharmacology and toxicology and have yet to hear back from anatomy and microbio. Although it was one of my last choices, at least i got into human gentics.

So im still checking the mail everyday... hoping for big envelopes.. lol
At least i know i have the option of going somewhere next year. Any post-vcu peeps (instatewaiter, etc) have any info about VCU's human genetics program? i know its pretty small and i havent found any info about it on SDN.

Thanks for readin.. and good luck to us all 😀
 
the genetics program is generally a feed into the human genetics masters program; people use it to get into genetic counciling. I know there is a person in my class that came from the genetics program so you can clearly get into med school from that program.
 
Instatewaiter said:
the genetics program is generally a feed into the human genetics masters program; people use it to get into genetic counciling. I know there is a person in my class that came from the genetics program so you can clearly get into med school from that program.
Click to expand...


oh i c.. well at genetic counseling does seem interesting.. so at least thers another option. Its good to hear that its possible to get into the med school from this program.

any idea how big the class size is?

oh thanks for the quick response .. vcu should pay u for ur online helpline.. lol
 
Any suggestions for housing? I was looking into the Residence Halls and I noticed MCV-Campus Low Rises for grad students. Anyone have any experiences living there? Also how good is the bus system for getting around Richmond? I'm coming from out-of-state and unfortunately won't have a car.
 
When is everyone moving out to richmond? I'm thinking about moving out there in Aug and staying in a hotel until I find an apartment. What is everyone else's plan for their move to richmond?
 
hung said:
When is everyone moving out to richmond? I'm thinking about moving out there in Aug and staying in a hotel until I find an apartment. What is everyone else's plan for their move to richmond?
Click to expand...

I went apartment hunting this week. From what I have learned there are some areas that are good and some that you really should avoid. You can find decent housing in areas such as the fan, which is close to campus. Driving along monument street I saw a lot of places for rent. However, I am going to be living in the west end. The housing out there seems to be nice but it tends to be more expensive. There is an off campus housing dept at vcu, you may want to start there . good luck.
 
If anyone is looking for a roommate for apartments in the Richmond area send me a message. I'm trying to find a place that's really close to the med campus that isn't too expensive (<600 a month). By the way is anyone else here coming from California?
 
It's probably easier to live in the residence halls if you arent from Va and have to make a trip across the country to find an apt. That said I wouldnt want to live there and they're kinda pricey for university housing.

Personally I think that if you have the time and the means to get down to Richmond to look for an apt that is a better option than the residence halls. But JMO
 
That or look on craigslist. There are a ton of ads up for roommates.
 
Hi,
I have been accepted to the med master's program at EVMS and will be withdrawing my acceptance to the Physiology program at VCU. Hopefully this means that one of you guys will get in soon if you haven't already! 🙂
 
when do we receive the information package?
 
It should be soon. I got this envelope containing a black folder containing information on everything: housing, curriculum, map of Virginia, etc. Did you already send them the email saying you accept your invitation?
 
I sent out the letter and emailed them before July started. I tried calling Kordula and Maceyka. Kordula is out until mid July. I can't get a hold of Maceyka by phone or email. I wonder how long the wait is.
 
I created a facebook group if anyone is interested in joining. It's called "VCU Basic Health Sciences Certificate Program"
 
Because of some family issues (I've been living with and caring for my grandparents, but they're better now), I'm just now applying. Actually, I'm waiting for two rec letters to come in. I think they're in the mail now.. I'm going to mail it all on Friday or Monday. I have a 3.3 science 3.45 cum and 1200 GRE. The contact people told me there was still time, but I'm kind of worried. I've read in prior feeds that they accept people up to like the week before. I really want to go, though! My parents live there, and they love it. If anyone can calm my irrational fears, that would be great.. 😳
 
which departments did you apply to? i recommend calling the directors of the departments you applied to and tell them about your situation and application so they can look out for it. it helps a lot if you can show/prove to them that you really want to do this program. the directors can also tell you what your chances of getting in are too.
 
I e-mailed all of the program contacts, and some of them said that they were full (Anatomy specifically stands out..). the Biochemistry contact person (director?) said to hurry and mail everything in. I should get my last rec letter tomorrow and overnight everything on Monday. Biochemistry is the main one that I'm applying to. I majored in it, so I'm sure they'll take that into consideration. I'm not a big genetics fan, and I don't want to take any more than necessary. I think I will just apply to Biochemistry and Microbiology. Physiology was full, although that was originally my first choice. I explained everything in my e-mail and will again in my personal statement. And don't worry, I will be making phone calls on Monday telling them to be on the lookout for my application. I'll be moving from New Orleans, so I'd like to know as soon as possible. I can't exactly tell them that, but I can say, "Hey! It's on it's way!" I'm so nervous and excited.. 😱 I hope it all works out.
 
From what I heard, you can always switch mid year to another department. Make sure to track your application by calling the grad office to see if they received it. Good luck.
 
I think you have a good chance for the Biochem program given your GPA. Mine was only 2.998 when I applied and I got in.
 
The program is great. The professors are great. You learn alot. And I wish you the best in your application process and hope the program helps you get into medical school.

I also however experienced the same thing as this individual. I didn't have a science background coming into the program. I achieved a 4.0 in the program. And achieved a similar academic standing in my masters program (i think 1 B in ALOT more graduate courses at MCV). I had been doing top research since 1997, among working for the two leading consumer production companies in the US, prior to coming to MCV. And did well on the MCAT. At the interview for MCV, I had already been accepted to medical school. But after the interview, I was wait listed. Hard to say why and how medical schools choose their candidates. I have met some of the students that were accepted and to say the least I have seen some of them offer breast exams to undergraduate females (w/o medical intention but rather taking advantage of undergraduate students). In addition, I did better in the program than some of the students that were accepted. And upon meeting with the admissions office where my first application was reviewed prior to attending the program. I was told the only limiting factor was that I needed to prove that I could do well in a science class, as I had taken very few.

Although, I am still confused at their decision, one never knows why acceptances or wait lists are made. The only thing that one can really make of grey decisions is that completing the program, being the top of the class and even doing a masters and doing well academically, despite not having sat in a science class in 10 years, references, hard work, research, etc. Nothing will "guarantee" you a spot anywhere.
And I guess internalizing that before spending the money on the program is a neccessary step.

The program is definitely good. You definitely will learn. And I sincerely hope it does help each and every student get in somewhere. But nothing is guarenteed.








Dalki2007 said:
Hi everyone!

I've just finished my first excruciating year as a grad student in Physiology program. Figured I should share some of my experiences with y'all...🙂

Let me just say, this program is HARD! I've never studied this much in my LIFE! I feel like if I studied the way I did this year as an undergrad, I should be in med school now...rrrgggghhhh

I ended up with 3.88 GPA (one B)....it's not perfect 4.0 and godsh darn!

Why/What is difficult: Juggling your major courses (for me PHIS and BIOC both 5 credit hours...yes, don't underestimate 5 credit courses!) while somehow managing a third 3 credit course...also, since there is no - or + especially for PHIS, difference between A and B comes down to literally one question!
It's not difficult conceptually...but it really came down to being on top of your crap. Study one, switch over to another....

Saying all that...I am little disappointed to hear that many (more like all) kids who are a year ahead of me are pretty much on a LONG waitinglist for MCV.
I feel little rejected by my own! Shouldn't MCV be more welcoming!! 🙁
I mean these students did well and they are still on a waiting list... (4.0GPA and 34MCAT)....to this confusion, my advisor's response was..
"Competition!"

:scared:😕😱
Click to expand...
 
would you say the program helped you get into the med school you are currently at? i'm curious about the status of the students that did well in the program and were waitlisted. Anyone know if they ever got off waitlist?
 
My understanding is that while not guaranteeing your entry, doing well in this program and having a good MCAT score along with the research and clinical experience will make you a very competitive applicant to the MCV school. Wouldn't you agree?

marbles said:
The program is great. The professors are great. You learn alot. And I wish you the best in your application process and hope the program helps you get into medical school.

I also however experienced the same thing as this individual. I didn't have a science background coming into the program. I achieved a 4.0 in the program. And achieved a similar academic standing in my masters program (i think 1 B in ALOT more graduate courses at MCV). I had been doing top research since 1997, among working for the two leading consumer production companies in the US, prior to coming to MCV. And did well on the MCAT. At the interview for MCV, I had already been accepted to medical school. But after the interview, I was wait listed. Hard to say why and how medical schools choose their candidates. I have met some of the students that were accepted and to say the least I have seen some of them offer breast exams to undergraduate females (w/o medical intention but rather taking advantage of undergraduate students). In addition, I did better in the program than some of the students that were accepted. And upon meeting with the admissions office where my first application was reviewed prior to attending the program. I was told the only limiting factor was that I needed to prove that I could do well in a science class, as I had taken very few.

Although, I am still confused at their decision, one never knows why acceptances or wait lists are made. The only thing that one can really make of grey decisions is that completing the program, being the top of the class and even doing a masters and doing well academically, despite not having sat in a science class in 10 years, references, hard work, research, etc. Nothing will "guarantee" you a spot anywhere.
And I guess internalizing that before spending the money on the program is a neccessary step.

The program is definitely good. You definitely will learn. And I sincerely hope it does help each and every student get in somewhere. But nothing is guarenteed.
Click to expand...
 
Just found a bunch of old physiology exams while I was cleaning out my room. If anyone wants them they can come and get them on one condition: you have to share them with anyone who wants them and everyone on this board.

Edit: also found some biochem exams. Same thing applies.


Edit #2: I would prefer someone in the biochem program so that you create a bank of old exams for the biochem students. The above conditions still apply
 
Last edited:
right here. i will gladly hold on to them and share them. i'm in the biochem program.
 
Instatewaiter said:
Just found a bunch of old physiology exams while I was cleaning out my room. If anyone wants them they can come and get them on one condition: you have to share them with anyone who wants them and everyone on this board.

Edit: also found some biochem exams. Same thing applies.


Edit #2: I would prefer someone in the biochem program so that you create a bank of old exams for the biochem students. The above conditions still apply
Click to expand...


Thanks again man. Once again you're providing invaluable assistance.
 
tmntdonjuan said:
My understanding is that while not guaranteeing your entry, doing well in this program and having a good MCAT score along with the research and clinical experience will make you a very competitive applicant to the MCV school. Wouldn't you agree?
Click to expand...


Don't want to argue. I wish you well and hope all works out for you. You are definitely entitled to your opinion, as am I.

I have seen several people complete the program and have all of what you mentioned and not be accepted, as well as myself.

As offered in my previous statement, after my first application was denied I specifically meet with the admission department and my file was personally review with me. The only weakness that was specifically addressed was to take some science classes and do well, as my background was nonscience. The post bac program was recommended and I got an A in every single class. Although I am a little confused as to the decision in regards to my application, I do respect their opinion and their program. I just have seen several people come out of the program angry, when their application is denied.

I wish you luck and hope everything works out. It's a great program, but nothing is guaranteed and their is alot of gray in accepting applications to medical school. I guess looking at the bright side, the program allows one to really shine in terms of doing well in science course and getting a setup for medical school.
 
anyone get fin aid info yet? i checked my fin aid status and it said im missing proof of admission/acceptance to the program which is weird since i already setup my eservice account and can check my status.
 
I GOT IN! Hooray! I'll see you guys in a few weeks.. My head is spinning because I just realized all of the things I have to do in the next month. Whew.. Oh, well. Par for the course! Yay! 😀
 
congrats! which department?
 
Awesome. Hopefully housing works out for you too. I just decided to go for the dorms (got McRae). By the way, is anyone going to the Grad School orientation on Aug 15th?
 
Instatewaiter said:
cant remember if i posted this but see post 295 for info about where to live.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=459223&page=6
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I looked at Craigslist, and this is what I got. GREAT APARTMENT! My friend and I need a roommate, so if you're interested...

Downstairs Loft for $550
http://www.revver.com/video/480503/baker-atrium-lofts-for-rent-in-richmond-va/

My friend and I (both girls) found an AMAZING 3-bedroom/2-bathroom apartment near N. Boulevard in Richmond. It's a modern apartment in what used to be a fire truck warehouse. It has a VERY spacious floorplan (2 floors), WIDE granite countertops, central A/C, HARDLY USED stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, skylights, full-size washer/dryer, on & off street parking, and a VERY COOL indoor patio upstairs. There's also a security system in each unit, but apparently no one uses it because it's really secure (cameras all over the outside/inside of the building, key scanner to get in). Parking, water, and wireless internet are included.

The bedroom that we would like to rent out is the LOFT downstairs. It is the largest (and BEST!) bedroom with the biggest closet and a large window. Whoever gets this room has his/her own bathroom. Since my friend and I loved everything about the apartment, we sacrificed this room so that we could be together upstairs. If you're hesitant to live with people you hardly know, you'll practically have the downstairs all to yourself (minus the common area). But if you want to live with really friendly and easy-to-get-along-with people, then we can be your friend too! 🙂

There are only 31 apartments in the building, and several VCU students reside here. There is also a LARGE common area/lobby with leather couches/coffee tables.
 
i also got into the biochem program. i was actually surprised that i got in since i applied so late (june 23rd or something).

my gpa is 3.177, mcat 28L (10 phys, 10 bio, 8 verbal). i might take the mcat over again, because i was really nervous that day and my practice exams were all above a 30 (34 being my highest).

i'm not expecting vcu to get me into mcv, but i'm hoping that i improve my academics and get a 4.0.

i was wondering what you guys thought about getting a part-time job (10-15 hrs/wk) as a CNA while in the program. from what i heard, i would have to study all day/all night, but i really need the money to pay for rent. i did well in biochem as an undergrad, so i'm more worried about physiology and the other courses. i'm also worried about the tests (1 wrong answer = B), because i'm a bad test taker. any suggestions?
 
pms49 said:
i also got into the biochem program. i was actually surprised that i got in since i applied so late (june 23rd or something).

my gpa is 3.177, mcat 28L (10 phys, 10 bio, 8 verbal). i might take the mcat over again, because i was really nervous that day and my practice exams were all above a 30 (34 being my highest).

i'm not expecting vcu to get me into mcv, but i'm hoping that i improve my academics and get a 4.0.

i was wondering what you guys thought about getting a part-time job (10-15 hrs/wk) as a CNA while in the program. from what i heard, i would have to study all day/all night, but i really need the money to pay for rent. i did well in biochem as an undergrad, so i'm more worried about physiology and the other courses. i'm also worried about the tests (1 wrong answer = B), because i'm a bad test taker. any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I think it's do-able provided you don't work too many hours. Since we're in Biochem we don't have to take histology and can just take Biochem, Physiology, and some easy electives.
 
for those in biochem, what electives are you guys taking?
 
There is 1 required 1 unit elective class. I was told to take another 1 unit (journalism) elective class giving a total of 12 units. Personally, I'm going to ask Dr. Kordula after orientation what he thinks I should take.
 
Hey guys
Recently, I got accepted to phys program for this Fall. I heard if I finish this whole program (2 yrs), it turns into a Masters degree, is that right?
 
if you're in the certificate program (1 yr), you can switch over to the masters program (2 yrs).
 
pms49 said:
if you're in the certificate program (1 yr), you can switch over to the masters program (2 yrs).
Click to expand...


Then what type of masters program it will be switched over?
Thank you!
 
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