VCU update for March

[uclabruin725]

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Is there anyone already in the Richmond area that can give me some insight about housing? Or anyone that has been accepted and already has their living arrangements planned out?

I want to live close to campus. I am currently looking at a place called The Lofts at Canal Walk. Also, which "end" or area should I stay away from? How much for rent is considered "a good deal?" Coming from California, everything sounds like a better deal. I heard it's pretty hit or miss in Richmond.

Thanks!

Yeah, everything does sound like a great deal coming from California, doesn't it? =) It can be pretty hit-or-miss in Richmond - and it really does depend on what kind of neighborhood you'd rather live in. As another person has mentioned, the Shockoe Bottom area, while "up-and-coming" isn't necessarily the safest place to live, but there are several women who choose to live by themselves there. The west end is considered safer, but is definitely more suburban and some people hate the distance from campus (especially with the parking situation as it is at MCV). Shockoe Bottom is also more expensive, where you can find 1 bedrooms or splitting a 2 bedroom for 800-1000 (in contrast, the father west you go, the more likely you are able to find 1 bedrooms in the 400-600 range and even lower). I believe the lofts at Canal Walk for fairly new, and they are sorta close to the Tobacco Row apartments which generally houses a bunch of MCV students (which can be a plus or a negative, depending on if you like dorm-ish atmospheres). Shockoe Properties owns a couple complexes down there too (Pholig Box Factory, Shockoe Place Apartments). I even know of some people who have purchased some of the new condos available down there, and they've been able to lower their mortgage payments + assoc. fees down to the 500-600 range (although I don't know how much they put down on the place).

 

[patel8]

anyone hear anything recently?

 

[LimboSurfer]

Hey everyone! Hope you're keeping your sanity! I know this may be a bit off topic but I was hoping for some advice from future VCU students.

As you all know, I was accepted off the waitlist last week. Very ecstatic! But I never thought I would be more miserable and depressed. My boyfriend of almost a year has offered to moved with me. In fact, he left me no choice. I initially wanted to get an apartment close by campus anyways so I don't have to rush looking for a car. My parents are dead set against the idea of him moving with me (coming from a very traditional Asian background, I can see their point because a girl living with a boy is VERY bad in other people's eyes). However, I feel that having him there would help a lot and take off a lot of stress. My sister who has always supported me told me I'm being dumb and has withdrawn her support. She thinks I should live with my family in Richmond. After living at home for 22 years and doing everything I was told (including staying home for college) I was absolutely looking forward to this opportunity to be independent, to not live with family.

So I guess my dilemma is: Do I say screw them, prove them wrong and go with what I feel is best for me? Or do I just cave as I always have and just listen to them and try to get over the misery while in medical school? I remember having to stay at home for college, giving up going to UC Berkeley to go to my local state school (which worked out great) but I was miserable my first semester, resented everyone, and perfomed semi-horrible academically. Should I learn from that? Keep in mind that if I do move on my own, I most likely will have to lie to my parents, which sucks because in the back of their minds, they know I'm lying but if I tell them the truth, they will still get angry.

Sorry if this is way off topic but I just needed some advice from people who've been following this thread and who may be my future classmates. 🙁

As one of your future classmates, I'd strongly advise you to do what you think is going to make you the happiest, which from my experience is going to translate into what's in your best interest. Intuitively I'd guess that would be moving to Richmond with your boyfriend, but obviously that is something you have to figure out for yourself. Your family is likely to get over it in the long run, and it's not saying very much about the kind of family they are if they don't. The cold hard fact is that you're going to want to be happy and have a support structure during the M-1 year, and your parents aren't going to be there for you forever anyway.

I don't envy the situation, but my parents have been as much of an obstacle to my goals as a help in some cases, so I can empathize.

 

[skirabbit]

anybody hear back lately?

 

[camisho]

nothing yet. Patel, it sounds like you'll be the first to know, so please let us know when you get in so we can gauge where we stand. I AM NERVOUS.

 

[camisho]

nothing yet. Patel, it sounds like you'll be the first to know, so please let us know when you get in so we can gauge where we stand.

BTW, Patel, what state are you from? Did Dr. Heinrich at NJMS tell you where you are on the waitlist?

I AM NERVOUS.

 

[patel8]

hey camisho,
yea i'll definitely post as soon as i hear anything... well maybe 5 minutes later as i'll probably be in shock! ive tried not to get my hopes up too high

i'm from nj and also on the njms waitlist. heinrich has yet to tell me where i am on the list even though i've asked him several times. i have just continued to update him with letters and emails. i'm so tired of waiting and i do know how you feel. good luck to you and everyone else!

 

[ndugu7]

I like how the alternate list form had an option for people that havent been accepted anywhere...this may mean that we get bumped up ahead of other people on the list that may have already gotten in...just a thought.

😎, Everyone that did not get in last night got this message this evening. In two weeks we'll know what's really up.

I just wanted to clarify what Vivek has said in his post. "I like how the alternate list form had an option for people that havent been accepted anywhere...this may mean that we get bumped up ahead of other people on the list that may have already gotten in" - well it could mean that people who have been accepted elsewhere and show interest are not only qualified but have shown genuine interest in VCU. So they might get bumped up even more. But that's not the point. I don't think it matters. The important thing is not to LIE. After my interview, Dr. Heldberg told us to notify one school after May 15 b/c if you have multiple acceptances you may be dropped from all schools you accepted. That happens b/c ultimately, schools have some sort of system which tells them where you have accepted. So if you LIE, they will KNOW.

 

[Wahooali]

Ok, people who have contact someone regarding their status on the waitlist, who did you contact, did you email or call, and what did you say to get them to actually talk about where you are on the list? Any input is appreciated. 🙂

 

[patel8]

hey,
i just emailed dean heldberg directly. i dont have her email addy off hand but you can find it if you do a search on the vcu med website. i didnt even ask her where i was on the list, i just asked her if there has been good movement so far and she just told me herself that i was really close. maybe you could ask her when the next batch of acceptances are going out... i was going to email her again but i didnt want to bug her. hope you get good news 🙂

 

[Wahooali]

Thanks for the info. I hope you get good news too! I just want to know something. The waiting hasn't bothered me at all....until that blasted May 15th deadline passed.

 

[camisho]

anybody have any idea when the next batch might go out? anyone know how many batches HAVE gone out since the formation of the waitlist? And finally, based on previous years, how many more batches can we expect to go out?

 

[jeg5q]

anybody have any idea when the next batch might go out? anyone know how many batches HAVE gone out since the formation of the waitlist? And finally, based on previous years, how many more batches can we expect to go out?

I can venture only guesses here. My impression while on the waitlist last year is that there is not a set number of batches that go out after the waitlist is formulated. I think the staff waits until they have a fair number of spots open up and then send out a batch of offers to applicants on the waitlist. I think the frequency of "batches" will be higher toward the end of the summer but the number in each batch will get smaller and smaller. I know this doesn't answer the question, but you can always call the office and ask. Good luck this summer.

 

[patel8]

I Just Got In!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[camisho]

Hey man congrats! I had a feeling it would be tonight! Any take on my question about the batches?

 

[patel8]

actually, i'm a girl, but thanks so much! i have no idea when the next batch is coming out but i'm just so shocked right now. i hope you all get good news too

 

[camisho]

Haha my mistake 😛 Yea that's awesome...hopefully more luck is on its way for all of us

 

[skirabbit]

actually, i'm a girl, but thanks so much! i have no idea when the next batch is coming out but i'm just so shocked right now. i hope you all get good news too

Yayyyyyy!!!!! Great to see someone get in! Congratulations!


I dunno if you've already mentioned this, but what month did you interview in?

Here's some more luck that we ALL hear some good news in the coming weeks!!

 

[patel8]

i interviewed allllll the way back in october. i've been waiting a long long time. you all will get good news too, i know it.

 

[DrFlower]

Just got the e-mail!! I'm in!!! 🙂

 

[chocolate-e]

Just tonight turned down my acceptance from VCU, so the in-state waitlist should be moving up a notch come next week!

 

[newlife]

Hello people, I've been reading this thread for a while, but this is my first post--I just received notice of an acceptance. If you are curious to know just how things are looking with your application, you can email Dr. Heldberg and not stay in the dark. She seems quite open and honest in regards to this sort of thing. That might help alleviate some anxiety, not to mention give you an idea on how to prepare for the near future. Best wishes.

 

[camisho]

Just Got In Praise The Lord

 

[patel8]

congratulations everyone!

 

[marlin1]

Hello people, I've been reading this thread for a while, but this is my first post--I just received notice of an acceptance. If you are curious to know just how things are looking with your application, you can email Dr. Heldberg and not stay in the dark. She seems quite open and honest in regards to this sort of thing. That might help alleviate some anxiety, not to mention give you an idea on how to prepare for the near future. Best wishes.

So, is she telling you guys what position you are in, because she told me that she wouldn't do that.

 

[DrFlower]

So, is she telling you guys what position you are in, because she told me that she wouldn't do that.

She doesn't tell you your position, but she will tell you whether you have a decent chance or not getting in this cycle. To me, that's even better than telling you where you are on the waitlist. 🙂

 

[Just Applied]

Would it be better to e-mail her or just call her? And can someone list her e-mail address or PM it to me? Congrats to all who got in and good luck to everyone who is still waiting! 👍

 

[DO it right]

She'll tell you if you have a decent chance. Her words: waitlist is moving VERY slowly this year, both in & out state. This could be because a whole bunch of people already dropped out themselves in the beginning. Good luck to anybody who's still waiting.

 

[newlife]

Here is the Faculty directory: http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/directory.html

Type in any last name and you'll be led to that faculty's email. I personally never called.

 

[Wahooali]

I emailed a few days ago, and she told me that the committee had a strong review of application, but the list is moving very slowly and I should consider resubmitting my application. Which I have taken to mean that I'm neither a shoo-in, nor am I completely out of the running, I am somewhere in between and they may or may not get to me. So, seeing as how that was not helpful at all, I am going to let it go and go on with my life. Best of luck to you all.

 

[foolsgold]

I emailed a few days ago, and she told me that the committee had a strong review of application, but the list is moving very slowly and I should consider resubmitting my application. Which I have taken to mean that I'm neither a shoo-in, nor am I completely out of the running, I am somewhere in between and they may or may not get to me. So, seeing as how that was not helpful at all, I am going to let it go and go on with my life. Best of luck to you all.

I'm so sorry. 🙁 I guess it's good that she told you this now so you can get an early start at reapplying instead of waiting till mid-August. But then again, like you said, it doesn't mean that they are definitely not going to get to you either. If I were you, I would ask her what you could do to improve your application for next year...in that way, it shows that you're definitely planning on reapplying if you don't get in and it also shows your continued interest in their school. I hope everything works out for you. GL

 

[Csv321]

Just Got In Praise The Lord

Hey! Congrats to you and Patel8! I know both of you have been waiting for this! See you in August!!

Anyone know anything about financial aid packages? When are we supposed to get them? I'm freaking out and thinking if I entered the right school number on my FAFSA. Is there a specific fafsa code for the medical campus or is it the the same one as VCU? I put the one they gave us in the packet at our interview.

 

[DrFlower]

Hey! Congrats to you and Patel8! I know both of you have been waiting for this! See you in August!!

Anyone know anything about financial aid packages? When are we supposed to get them? I'm freaking out and thinking if I entered the right school number on my FAFSA. Is there a specific fafsa code for the medical campus or is it the the same one as VCU? I put the one they gave us in the packet at our interview.

No idea...I'm filling out the in-state tuition form now. When I completed my FAFSA in March I put the code for VCU (didn't find one for one specific to the medical school).

 

[camisho]

Thanks Csv. I think our best bet is to call an office to see if they've received our financial aid info from FAFSA. But which office should we call first?

 

[patel8]

yea.. thats exactly what i've been worrying about. i remember seeing on a couple of papers that Judith Cramer was the head of the financial aid department... i wonder if we can email her and ask.

camisho-- do you know when njms is starting to take people or how many they plan on taking? i want to start looking for apartments near richmond but i cant get myself to do so until i know what njms is up to..

thanks everyone for all the congratulations! good luck to all who are still waiting

 

[chocolate-e]

I think I remember them saying that Judith Cramer was taking a position at another school. I'd email Crystal Fordham.

 

[camisho]

Patel, NJMS will be taking people off the waitlist (that is, if they got enough people to withdraw) starting on June 1st. I got a letter telling me I was on the higher part of the list...if you got this, then maybe hold out for NJ b/c you never know. Other than being at the top of the list, its not really worth waiting because their list moves very slowly and very little, historically.

 

[pauly670]

Congrats to you all who've been admitted so far off the waitlist. I'm a bit envious of you folks, but trying to stay hopeful too!

This thread used to be very encouraging, but with seemingly everyone getting in now all of a sudden, I'm a little disturbed...Especially with the comment someone got from Dr. H saying that the list is moving very slowly. Yikes! 👎 Think it might be time to send the "what are the chances w/ my priority score" email to Dr. H, and see what happens. Again though, congrats to you folks who are in. Maybe you can pull some strings for the rest of us?? 😉

 

[focus05]

hello all! I got a response from Dr. H similar to wahooali...
sooo Im in the wait and see category...
congrats to all who have heard so far. i would love to be y'alls classmates next year!!!!!! and yes Praise the Lord!! (either way🙂

 

[foolsgold]

Congrats to you all who've been admitted so far off the waitlist. I'm a bit envious of you folks, but trying to stay hopeful too!

This thread used to be very encouraging, but with seemingly everyone getting in now all of a sudden, I'm a little disturbed...Especially with the comment someone got from Dr. H saying that the list is moving very slowly. Yikes! 👎 Think it might be time to send the "what are the chances w/ my priority score" email to Dr. H, and see what happens. Again though, congrats to you folks who are in. Maybe you can pull some strings for the rest of us?? 😉

Definitely send her an email, not only asking her what your chances are, but indicating your strong interest in the school. If you haven't already, send a letter of intent if it's your top choice school. I don't know if it helps or not, but it certainly can't hurt. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[foolsgold]

hello all! I got a response from Dr. H similar to wahooali...
sooo Im in the wait and see category...
congrats to all who have heard so far. i would love to be y'alls classmates next year!!!!!! and yes Praise the Lord!! (either way🙂

Thanks for the congrats. 🙂

Just like I said to pauly, keep pursuing VCU. Ask Dr. H what you can do to improve your application, send a LOI, etc. I'm sorry you didn't get a more optimistic response from her, but it ain't over yet...

 

[skirabbit]

Congratulations to those who recently heard back!! That's awesome!


Everyone else, don't give up! I haven't heard back from VCU either, but I recently got accepted to another school and will have to withdraw my application from VCU due to personal issues causing me to stay closer to home. I wish I could've been one of your (potential) classmates though! 🙁

Anyway, congrats again to those accepted and to everyone else!

 

[pratik7]

I also emailed Dr H and she said I was "quite high" on the list. However with the number of withdrawals being low...she said it maybe until later in the summer till i hear.

good luck

 

[Just Applied]

I also have some news, albeit bad, but news none the less. I e-mailed her and she told me that since they have a slow movement of the list, i prolly won't hear anything until the end of summer if that. So her advice to me was to look at my other options. Luckily i have an acceptance, so it didn't sting that much. Good luck to all.

 

[focus05]

😛 bump

 

[jeg5q]

hey just got the email... good luck to all of you!
For those of you who have recently found out, what was the financial aid package like? Any grants? i was hoping for a couple K... but am willing to take out loans.
thanks!

Apparently they have had some hold up with the Fin. Aid packages. They were supposed to be out the first part of June, but at the meeting this week they said it would be a couple of weeks. Congrats on the acceptance.

 

[Japetto]

I thought it was strange to get an email from Dr. H asking to withdraw if I really wasn't going to go there. Why would they be trying to clear the list?

 

[DO it right]

I thought it was strange to get an email from Dr. H asking to withdraw if I really wasn't going to go there. Why would they be trying to clear the list?

and you just gotta new screen name to ask us this?

 

[Japetto]

how else would i post something? 😡

 

[DO it right]

how else would i post something? 😡

Hehe..don't get mad buddy...i guess if you're new to the site then, welcome! But it seems like a recent trend that people who are already registered, get a new SN just to ask application related stuff...


about the email...I think it was very nice of her, she's just trying to get a better sense of who is really interested to go there, and who's just on the waiting list to say "yey..i got one more acceptance now..i only have 10 of them..", you get the point. As you know the waitlist movement is very slow this year for even out of state. So I think this way there's less time wasted on people who are just on the waitlist to be there..but donot intend to go to VCU. So I guess it's more of a wake up call from her to say that hey you can't possibly attend five medical schools next year...so stop wasting everybody's time.

Wish you luck!!