Demonstrated academic ability, as well as attributes of character and personality, are of significance to the Admissions Committee in the selection process. A review of academic achievement as represented by the standard academic record and summaries, MCAT scores, evaluations, and interviews are all sources of information on which the comparative evaluation process is based. A review of the completed application file and interviews with members of the Admissions Committee are an integral part of the admissions process.

Non-cognitive variables are also sought in all candidates. These qualities include, but are not limited to, health care experience, community service and social concern, communication skills both written and oral, leadership, ethical and moral behavior, creativity, compassion and empathy, altruism, personal maturity, self-confidence without arrogance, appropriate motivation, the ability to realistically self-appraise, and a demonstrated ability to work as a team member. These qualities and characteristics are judged by references within the letters of recommendation and from a careful review of the student's essays and extra-curricular activities, as well as the interviewer's assessment during the interview. The School of Medicine hopes to create a learning environment where students will meet colleagues whose life experiences and views differ significantly from their own. A physician must be at home and at ease in a wide variety of environments and with a wide variety of people. Students frequently comment that the aspect of the school they appreciate most is the diversity of their class. The admissions process seeks to foster that diversity of perspective and background by admitting students from a wide range of backgrounds socio-economically, culturally, geographically and educationally.

The interview is an opportunity for the applicant to become acquainted with the institution and it offers additional information for the selection process. Only on-campus interviews in Richmond are available. Each year more applicants are interviewed than can be accepted in the class. Therefore, an interview is not an indication of acceptance to the School of Medicine.

Offers for admission are made, as previously indicated in the Early Decision Plan and on the uniform acceptance date of October 15, with admissions occurring at several points thereafter until the class selections have been completed. At the time the class is filled, an alternate list of applicants is compiled from which replacements are drawn for any vacancies which may occur in the selected class between notification and the third week of class attendance. Since selections are made in advance of actual attendance, all acceptances are made on condition of satisfactory completion of courses planned or in progress. It is expected that candidates will maintain acceptable standards of deportment. Students offered acceptance into a class are expected to respond within two weeks of the offer. If such a response presents a problem, extension of the time for the response should be requested.

The enrollment of accepted candidates is considered complete only after payment of the $100 deposit towards the first tuition payment. This deposit will be returned to the candidate should withdrawal occur prior to May 15 of the year of attendance. By the act of matriculating in the School of Medicine, the student accepts the responsibilities related to this opportunity and agrees that during the time that he/she is a registered student he/she will follow the rules and regulations established by the governing bodies of the School of Medicine and the University.

The School of Medicine has recently become aware that our affiliated VA Medical Center and Central State Hospital are conducting finger printing, and subsequent criminal background checks on all students rotating through their facilities. During these checks, several students have had positive “hits”. The VA is interested in the School of Medicine policy and wishes to turn over the background check information to the School for management.

This year the Association of American Medical Colleges is developing guidance for Schools of Medicine on the issue of criminal background checks. The School of Medicine will remain in concert with the AAMC guidelines and therefore the School has deferred development of a final policy until such guidance is available.

Current standards rely on the student's self report in the application process through AMCAS. A copy of the School's Interim Criminal Background Check Policy is found on a link from http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/studentactivities/ . Please be aware of this policy prior to completing application to the School of Medicine.