VCU Postbacc Fall 2008

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18 grand for a year sounds better than the other programs. Instate, do you know any out of staters that did the program and gained VA residency and got into VCU?
 
I am not sure what you actually need to do to get Va residency. I think doing the program for a year and then applying to MCV would suffice to get residency but not so sure.

When I did the program most people in the program (or at least most people I knew) were from instate. In the past few years, the numbers of out of staters has increased. I think you would probably be best served contacting one of the program directors of the Certificate program and asking them. I dont want to give you bad info.
 
Anyone else like me, still working on the application? How anal is everyone being with the personal statement?
 
After waiting for my third recommendation letter for two weeks, I finally got it in time to send off my Physiology certificate application before spring break! Unfortunately I did not figure out that I could print my own MCAT scores until after I had already mailed in the packet with everything else, but hopefully they will be able to put the file together. I was reading an older VCU certificate thread and it seems like the reviewing process takes a while, which makes me nervous.. I would like to be accepted into a program before I graduate!

My stats are: 2.87 GPA, 30O MCAT, and a fair amount of volunteer work and leadership.

Good luck to everyone else in the waiting process and a big CONGRATS to those accepted! Also a huge huge THANK YOU to InStateWaiter for all of your helpful feedback on all the VCU threads 🙂
 
any mason patriots applying?
 
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently working on the app but am confused about the personal statement--is there a specific prompt for the certificate program?

Thanks in advance!
 
I dont remember there being one unless the app has changed in the 3 years it's been since I applied.

What I did was take my PS from my med school apps, chop it up a bit and then insert how the program will foster my goal to do research and persue a carreer in medicine. Apparently that worked.

As always if you have questions feel free to PM me or post 'em here.
 
I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and I am on the pre-med track. I still have to take physics and organic chemistry in a post-baccalaureate program, and I want to enhance my GPA as well. I was wondering if you think there are job opportunities as well because I want to be able to succeed in my post-bac classes but I also want to work. Any suggestions? Thanks!



Instatewaiter said:
An excellent point that I dont think I mentioned. The program not only serves to get you into medical school but because you have taken much of the 1st year curriculum you'll be in great shape first year. Almost all of the people in my med class that did the Certificate program are in the top quartile of the class.

Good luck in the match Saib.
(BTW for those unaware, ophtho is far and away one of the most competitive specialties so Saib must be doing a lot of things right).
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This program is for those who have finished the pre-recs. It is a graduate-level program thus. Basically it is a masters of biochem/phsy or anatomy w/o having to complete research and masters thesis.

VCU also has a program where you take the pre-recs but I dont know a whole heck of a lot about it or even if that is the post-bac you are planning to do.

As for job opportunites- do you mean in a lab or do you mean working in the library?
 
I haven't heard a thing from them..... I applied in early Feb....is that normal?
 
I'm also applying to VCU as an out of stater... Mcat-27R, sci- 2.86, cum-3.11 in response to the personal statement question...I basically wrote an essay about why I want to be a physician and how VCU's program will help me get there
 
wow, so i got an email from a Dr. Leichnetz who has been holding my application because my dat scores haven't arrived (however thats easily solved since he said i could fax it to him). My wow is because he also asked whether i had taken a year of bio, a year of gchem and a year of ochem. Definitely Not! For my biology degree i had to do one year of bio, 2 quarters of gchem, 2 quarters of ochem and a quarter of biochem. (with the associated labs). Did everyone here do a year of each? If so i'm kinda in trouble! i know for most dental schools you don't need THAT much ochem! anyways just wanted to let everyone here know that they are looking at apps now..although since i already got in to umdnj (with my two quarters of ochem) i'll probably be going there. good luck!
 
Hey everybody

I'm currently filling out the VCU application for the Postbac Grad Certificate in Biochemistry, and had some questions.

1. After biochemistry, my second choice would be to the physiology program. Is it possible to apply to each of the programs in Anatomy, Genetics, Microbiology, etc.?

2. It asks for three LORs. Does anyone know if it's okay to use a Premed Committee Evaluation instead? I have three professors, but they all wrote recommendations to that committee....

Thank you!
 
Anyone writing up to the max character allowed (4pages)? How long is everyone's? Also if I apply to multiple programs, do I need to include multiple sets of transcripts and lors or will vcu make copies of them?
 
k20z3 said:
Hey everybody

I'm currently filling out the VCU application for the Postbac Grad Certificate in Biochemistry, and had some questions.

1. After biochemistry, my second choice would be to the physiology program. Is it possible to apply to each of the programs in Anatomy, Genetics, Microbiology, etc.?

2. It asks for three LORs. Does anyone know if it's okay to use a Premed Committee Evaluation instead? I have three professors, but they all wrote recommendations to that committee....

Thank you!
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1) I applied to all 6, so yes. You will then probably have your choice as to which program to do

2) I dont specifically know about this. You may want to contact them. If the pre-med committee eval does not include the LORs from 3 separate professors than in all likelihood the answer is no, it will not work.

hung said:
Anyone writing up to the max character allowed (4pages)? How long is everyone's? Also if I apply to multiple programs, do I need to include multiple sets of transcripts and lors or will vcu make copies of them?
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Mine was just longer than my PS

They should make copies of your LORs and scores ect (they did for me) but you might want to specifically ask them or at least bring it to their attention that they need to do that.
 
Application received! Now the wait begins...
 
Hi Guys,

Just wanted to let you know I got into the Anat&Neurobio-CERT program at VCU.

I also got into the PCOM biomedical program, Barry University biomed, NYMC basic sciences program.

I got waitlisted at EVMS and I have yet to hear from Boston University.

my numbers;

overall 3.3
science:3.1
mcat: 24--8,8,8 0
TONs of research and voluntter, ameriCorps, shadowing.


I have NOO idea which school to go to...any suggestions??
 
i'd retake mcat, and go to bu > evms > vcu. just a personal preference. i don't think you can go wrong if you do well.
 
i wouldnt worry too much about getting an acceptance into this program. the class size has apparently increased in the past couple of years. as long as you didnt mess up way to hardcore, ie GPA below 2.5, you should get in. but please note, as instate has said, this program is hard and WILL make you real hard.

FYI, choose your battles, its soo hard to get an A in phis 501. cut off for the A is at 90% regardless of what the average is. i think this past semester only about 10 people got an A. you'll know pretty quick if an A is possible so if you dont think you can do it, dont wast your time. i know plenty of people this past semester that tried so hard to get an A in Phis, they ended up risking As in other classes and got burned at the end. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES in this program. but if you can get an A in PHIS 501, you have my respect. 😀
 
is there a way to prepare for the physio during the summer? ie. read costanzo's book, get old notes? aside from putting in the hours daily, what are good tips that can help get that A?
 
hung said:
is there a way to prepare for the physio during the summer? ie. read costanzo's book, get old notes? aside from putting in the hours daily, what are good tips that can help get that A?
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yea definetly, if you read dr. costanzo's book, you will be light years ahead of everyone else in the course. but remember when you read it, try to understand the concepts in and out because the exams are all coneceptual and what if questions pertaining to the system your studying. also you HAVE to make friends with people in the Anatomy department because their test banks for phis are much better than what the phis department offers you. MAKE FRIENDS!!
 
hung said:
is there a way to prepare for the physio during the summer? ie. read costanzo's book, get old notes? aside from putting in the hours daily, what are good tips that can help get that A?
Click to expand...

ugh i could not just "read" physio for the summer. if you must, try to get the syllabus for the class and use the textbook as reference.
 
anyone want to offer up old exams and old syllabus? willing to trade for meals!!!
 
hung said:
is there a way to prepare for the physio during the summer? ie. read costanzo's book, get old notes? aside from putting in the hours daily, what are good tips that can help get that A?
Click to expand...

I mean you could if you wanted to but dont waste your time.

Study hard and keep up with the material. Do old exams. Be careful on the exams because ususally there are only like 30 or 40 questions. 1 screw up may be the difference between and A and a B
 
Instatewaiter said:
I mean you could if you wanted to but dont waste your time.

Study hard and keep up with the material. Do old exams. Be careful on the exams because ususally there are only like 30 or 40 questions. 1 screw up may be the difference between and A and a B
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i agree one screw up could mean a B in the class. you can only miss 27 questions all semester (out of 271 or so)...keep in mind that the final has 70 questions and it covers all the material from the semester...its the final that will bite you in the ***....
 
I just got waitlisted at EVMS and now I'm starting to get a bit nervous since I haven't heard back from VCU yet. I know that I probably won't hear back for at least two more weeks, but do you think it would be alright to email Dr. Ford and express my interest in the program? I had emailed him a few times before and I met him in person a couple winter breaks ago. Thanks!
 
I dont see why not. Showing interest wouldnt hurt and may make the difference if you were borderline. Regardless you probably will get into VCU's program but I would recommend contacting Dr Ford just in case.
 
Hey everyone! Hope you're all enjoying the gorgeous weather.. I was just wondering if anyone else has heard back yet? I got waitlisted at Cincinnati also but am aware that people get accepted off waitlists well up until classes begin. Hopefully like InStateWaiter suggests, I will get into VCU, but I was wondering if there is a deposit and also is it refundable?

I am also having a lot of trouble finding out information about the program, specifically when it begins. I am trying to get a summer job and need to know how long I can work.. anyway that's all from me. Oh, and I also emailed Dr. Ford earlier this week and he said I should know by mid-April.
 
The weather has been so-so, but just like you, I haven't heard back yet. 😴
 
I am pretty sure orientation begins on August 18th (or right around then).
 
How do you get a copy of Dr. Costanzo's book? I'm going to apply to the program late (after my DAT), and if I get accepted, I would love to do some early reading to be prepared.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Physiology-Th...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207518421&sr=8-1

Costanzo has 3 books:
1) The "big costanzo" (the one in the in the link)
2) BRS costazo or baby costanzo (for boards) which is shorter
3) Physiology cases- case studies

Reading up wouldnt be a bad idea but dont try and memorize things now, just get a feel for the material. Unless you had a good phys course, use the book in the link.
 
I have been accepted to VCU- Anat & Neuro. program for this fall. When I went to there website it said that only post doctoral students qualify for finacial aid. Is it true? I am applying from out of state, and if I don't get financial aid, I am doomed. Can anyone please clearify this for me.
 
call the fin aid office, maybe they'll have an answer for you.
 
I was accepted at BU, VCU (anatomy), New York Medical college accelerated MS, and waitlisted at EVMS. I also applied to Georgetown, Cincinnati, and a couple other masters/postbac programs. I was wondering if anyone had advice on which one to attend (based on academics/acceptance into med school, not cost). I am trying to decide which program offers me the best chance of getting into medical school. Thanks for the help!!
 
floridab said:
I was accepted at BU, VCU (anatomy), New York Medical college accelerated MS, and waitlisted at EVMS. I also applied to Georgetown, Cincinnati, and a couple other masters/postbac programs. I was wondering if anyone had advice on which one to attend (based on academics/acceptance into med school, not cost). I am trying to decide which program offers me the best chance of getting into medical school. Thanks for the help!!
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your performance in the program will not define your application. your previous course work will still have a lot of weight. i gotta tell you, outa the physio kids, i dont know any1 that got into vcu med (all waitlisted). a few were accepted to other places. i know 1 person from anatomy that got in but thats pretty much it. please dont think that comming down here and getting As will get you an acceptance into vcu med, that what we all thought starting the program and now we all are doing the masters...so if your mcat scores are so so, retake it in the summer b4 heading down...
 
Dang that sucks nraouf. But on the bright side, I got waitlisted too when I went through the program (hence the screen name) and got in on May 15th. You will see a good bit of movement and a lot of those people will get in. Did you get all A's?
 
Instatewaiter said:
Dang that sucks nraouf. But on the bright side, I got waitlisted too when I went through the program (hence the screen name) and got in on May 15th. You will see a good bit of movement and a lot of those people will get in. Did you get all A's?
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im a predental student. but a lot of friends are bumbed out but im glad to hear theres hope for them...i ended up w/ a B in phis, still kicking myself..
 
For those who applied to multiple programs, what did you do for your personal statements? The guidelines say to tell about prior work, aptitude, and interest in the field for which you are applying. Did y'all write different personal statements for each program, tweak them a little for each program, or send a blanket personal statement for all the programs you applied for? I'm finishing up my apps and this was bothering me

Thanks,
Rockfish
 
Hey instatewriter, I was wondering what your GPA was like when you sent in your application for postbac? Was it lower than a 2.9? I'm only an undergrad VT sophomore right now with a 2.76. I've done the math and hope to graduate with a 3.0. I've heard so many horror stories though about the undergrad GPA just keeping people from medical school. I was wondering what you think got you accepted into MCV? Was it MCAT scores? Or great grades at postbac? Or any other notable item in your application?
 
roxie4444 said:
Hey instatewriter, I was wondering what your GPA was like when you sent in your application for postbac? Was it lower than a 2.9? I'm only an undergrad VT sophomore right now with a 2.76. I've done the math and hope to graduate with a 3.0. I've heard so many horror stories though about the undergrad GPA just keeping people from medical school. I was wondering what you think got you accepted into MCV? Was it MCAT scores? Or great grades at postbac? Or any other notable item in your application?
Click to expand...

I had around a 2.9 when I did the program.

I got in to med school because I had a ton of clinical experience, 2 years of research, had a 33MCAT and got a 4.0 in the program. So all of that allowed me to overcome my terrible GPA.

Roxie, even with a 3.0 you will have to do some sort of post-graduate program to get into medical school.
 
I just registered here after reading this thread, I just wanted to let everyone know that I got accepted into VCU (microbio) for their premedical certificate program. I sent my application in february, and it was completed mid-way through march. So it only took them ~3 weeks to send me confirmation.

I also got waitlisted at EVMS, although it seems that many people are being waitlisted at EVMS, way more than actually being denied, although maybe those who got denied just arent saying so.


some important notes for anyone else who is applying

-I am an out of state student
-GPA: 3.266
-BCPM: 2.9
-MCAT: 25S
-My "Other" category stuff: Extensive volunteer work, hospital experience, extensive research experience paid and unpaid, decent undergradaute extracirriculars (community service, fraternity, councils of all kinds), and 6-7 research publications published.

I also applied to Barry University, EVMS, Toledo, University of North Texas, Loyola's MAMS program, and Drexel, although other than EVMS and VCU I have yet to hear back.

Good luck to everyone that is applying, from the sounds of this thread, it doesnt seem like its very hard to get into VCU, but its pretty rough once your there.
 
Anybody heard any news? I'm still waiting, and it's been almost two months since my application has been complete.
 
I haven't heard anything yet either. I was also complete about two months ago, and when I called the office then they told me I would hear a response around late April/early May.
 
Hey guys,

I still haven't sent my applications yet b/c I have been extremely busy keeping up with my classes. So I just started to work on my app. and I'll prollie be ready to send them all by the end of May. Would this be too late?
I heard there's not really a deadline for this program & it's a rolling process but I'm starting to get worried since this program is the only one that i'll be applying to.
 
The application doesnt take much time. If you keep procrastinating you will find yourself with a year to twiddle your thumbs.
 
nraouf said:
your performance in the program will not define your application. your previous course work will still have a lot of weight. i gotta tell you, outa the physio kids, i dont know any1 that got into vcu med (all waitlisted). a few were accepted to other places. i know 1 person from anatomy that got in but thats pretty much it. please dont think that comming down here and getting As will get you an acceptance into vcu med, that what we all thought starting the program and now we all are doing the masters...so if your mcat scores are so so, retake it in the summer b4 heading down...
Click to expand...

this is quite discouraging.
 
I still haven't heard.....i called them and was informed of my missing transcripits. 🙁
 
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