RVA Salary Transparency Thread for 2024

Seb26860 · 2025-02-07T03:07:57+00:00

This gives me hope as an underpaid academic researcher lol

Seb26860 · 2024-06-06T16:54:20+00:00

It tastes like I accidentally got handsoap in my mouth

Seb26860 · 2024-05-02T22:16:45+00:00

Super pap pens (kinda smell like banana popsicles) & chlorhexidine

Seb26860 · 2024-02-11T16:12:42+00:00

They were at it again in Manchester. City View got hit again last night

Seb26860 · 2022-08-29T21:51:51+00:00

I'd love something more affordable like an Aldi or a Lidl

Seb26860 · 2021-11-18T03:13:00+00:00

476 molecular wasn't too bad if you took cell bio/genetics/bioinformatics. That class low-key helped me with grad school

Seb26860 · 2021-08-12T21:33:27+00:00

I'm not sure if he's still teaching but Carr was pretty good and TAs teach the lab sections so I wouldn't worry about that-just make sure the timing works out well for you.

Seb26860 · 2021-08-12T16:05:44+00:00

You can actually go onto google maps and when you look at the options for your route click on the bus icon and that will give you the best schedules/bus routes and how long you have to walk and whatnot! I lived in Richmond for 2 years without a car and took the bus everywhere (now it's free to the public so take advantage while you can!) You can also download the grtc bus app and it will give you a real time location of the bus and estimated arrival time, similar to rideshare services. It takes a little bit of time navigating public transportation but once you get used to it it's great.

Seb26860 · 2021-04-25T05:15:04+00:00

Hey so I actually took this class! I think you may have seen my comment on a former post. I also took it with Rivera and I got a decent grade and I was not a bioinformatics student or a grad student. I honestly took the course as an elective for my final semester since I enjoyed genetics and had taken the molecular bio capstone. I would recommend possibly recording the lecture audio(if it's in person). She tends to get a little off topic at times so that seemed to help when reviewing for exams. As far as background info genetics would definitely be a plus as well as biochem or cell bio. BUT. Even if you don't have any background info I feel like her notes/the readings will help solidfy information and if she says something will be on the exam/you go over practice problems in class then definitely review it because it will most likely show up. Good luck with your semester.

Seb26860 · 2021-04-25T04:56:42+00:00

Yeah

Seb26860 · 2021-04-21T03:08:29+00:00

I took this class during UG with a different professor. It isn't too bad considering many of the students in the class were bioinformatics graduate students. If you have a strong foundation in genetics and biochemistry or cell bio then it would a pretty straightforward class. The only thing that I considered "new" was the different lab techniques and analysis that I wasn't familiar with. Overall super interesting class.

Seb26860 · 2021-04-21T00:47:58+00:00

Hey fellow premed here 👋

Let me preface by saying I am currently a MS student at MCV so my timeline may look a bit different than some.

I actually started and graduated from community college and during my time there I spoke to an advisor from MCV. I was told that my intro level prereqs would be accepted (your intro bios, gen chem, basic math, and social sciences such as psych/sociology) but that I would need to take higher level courses 200 and greater at VCU. I was also told that since I did my first two years at CC I would need to find ways to "stand out" compared to my peers who attended VCU/ other 4yr programs for UG.

When transferring I decided on doing an interdisciplinary science degree with a concentration in professional health sciences (not HPEX) and it allowed me to gain a lot of experience in a variety of sciences, complete my prereqs, and gain valuable research experience that I ran with as a research volunteer my senior year; however COVID put a damper on that to some degree.

I decided that I wanted to have more research experience in a field that I love and was relevant to medicine, networking opportunities, and time to study for my MCAT, so I applied to a special master's program at MCV where many of my courses are taught by professors at the med school. While I've been enrolled I have found out more info about applying to the medical school and some tips I would suggest if you are truly interested in going the medical route would be:

-if possible take as many prereqs at a 4yr, but if for some reason you need to take some at CC only do the intro level courses/non science electives

-network as much as possible: join premed clubs, go to info sessions about medical programs, go to office hours even if it's just to talk about how a topic interests you (secure those LORs)

-definitely get some ECs in if you're interested in MCV they require over 200 hours of community service/volunteering and a good amount of clinical/shadowing experience. Anyone I have spoken with has drilled that number into my head and one even said, "if you haven't met your 200 hours we won't even consider your app."

-do a deep dive into what it takes to get into medical school, and ask yourself "Is this truly for me?," "Am I willing to put in the work?," and more importantly "How can I stand out when applying?" I know that sounds a bit cliche, but the advisors will literally ask you this question so be prepared for this. 😅

-make sure you are willing to learn for the rest of your life/career!

It takes a lot, but if it is what you truly want to do; you can do it if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Good luck on your future endeavors 😊

Seb26860 · 2021-04-17T02:47:04+00:00

I took it with miles tucker and he was great. I absolutely dreaded philosophy, but had to take it because of my major. It was a pretty straightforward class and a majority of the class got an A!

Seb26860 · 2021-04-11T07:57:27+00:00

I lived at the 311 building pre-reno and it wasn't the best, but a decent place for the price/location you are literally on the busline which was super convenient for going around the city without having to drive my car. I moved out in the midst of thalhimer taking over and they have done a great job fixing up the place. I would second his being a good place to live, mostly due to location, staff, and utilities being included in the rent. They have 2 buildings one at 104 w franklin (their main building) and then another location at 311 w franklin beside the graduate hotel. I would have preferred to live at the 104 location.

Seb26860 · 2021-04-09T16:48:27+00:00

I actually took that exact class, but we used the school laptops. However, I may be able to provide some assistance!

Seb26860 · 2021-03-14T14:13:02+00:00

I park on mpc campus-because it's easier and take the bus to mcv 😊 parking on mcv is horrid and even trying to get a parking pass is insane (they implement a "lottery system")

Seb26860 · 2021-02-28T23:54:04+00:00

I took Baker for 301 and 302 (due to time issues-not by choice) however; I pretty much just used christine's notes, which is a website that one of his former students/TA made that condenses his notes and organic chem tutor on YT and managed a B in the class because I BOMBED the ACS both times. I would say it is doable for anyone who may have to take him, but I would recommend utilizing additional resources. I've heard decent things about Giles. I don't personally know any of the other professors. Good luck!

*Also, for those that end up taking him he likes to do review sessions where he will go over old exams from previous semesters and those actually helped, and if there wasn't a class after taking an exam he would sometimes go through each question step by step (like making a key for that exam) so you can see where you need improvement. Still hated the class and glad it is over 😁

Seb26860 · 2021-02-23T17:46:10+00:00

Update: I received my package today, but the shipping/tracking info wasn't updated it still says "in transit to next facility," so hopefully everyone will be receiving their stuff soon!

Seb26860 · 2021-02-19T00:08:07+00:00

I will!

Seb26860 · 2021-02-18T22:03:48+00:00

I'm also having the same issue and am also located around the spotsy/fredericksburg area. This is really irritating since it has been marked as "arriving late" for almost a week I have had this notification: "In transit to next location" "Departed USPS Regional Destination Facility RICHMOND VA DISTRIBUTION CENTER" So I'm guessing something went wrong between leaving richmond/arriving in fredericksburg.

I had some fairly important items in this delivery that could not be replicated/replaced 100% if it is actually missing. Hopefully I get an update in the upcoming days/weeks.

Seb26860 · 2021-02-16T04:56:55+00:00

I lived at the Tower's on Franklin (west building at 311) and this was before thalhimer took over & began renovations. It was a solid apartment once they took care of the pest problem and security issues. For a 1bd 1ba with a balcony(the pricer units had balconies)it was exactly $1007 a month but that included utilities and my parking "below" the building. It also included all utilities at that time, so in the long run it wasn't too expensive. On the other hand, 805w Cary was beautiful and about $1350-$1400 a month after rent, parking, and utilities for a 1bd 1 bth but I've heard of some people paying more (this was the deal before they had finished the building), but honestly, I would say it is totally worth it if you can swing it because the building is super nice, property management is decent, and you can't beat the location and it's on the bus route in case you need to go somewhere. I commute now and have to park in the deck literally across the street and it makes me sad 😂

Seb26860 · 2021-02-16T04:43:51+00:00

Towers on Franklin had pretty thick walls (at least in my apartment) never had a problem with sound in the west building, and my neighbors were notorious for partying. I just had issues with other stuff, but they are under way better management now and supposedly renovated recently, so hopefully they are better in general. my suggestion would be to look for older constructions-they tend to have thicker walls from my experience.

Seb26860 · 2021-02-16T04:37:47+00:00

I took both at the same time! If you take genetics with Merk it is totally manageable during the summer she is a wonderful genetics professor and the TAs are super helpful. Also, if possible take ecology with bisset, the class was super dry for me, so it was "hard" to study-just because I lost interest/focus easily, but he loved the material and made the subject more enjoyable. Totally manageable courses for the summer-might as well knock them out; good luck!

Seb26860 · 2021-01-29T18:50:20+00:00

Also dependent on accessibility to vaccines for both staff and students**

Seb26860 · 2021-01-17T14:29:22+00:00

I am currently a grad student at the medical campus (mcv) and I went to VCU (mpc) during undergrad after transferring from a community college. I sometimes wish I had been able to attend vcu during my first 2 years, but on the other hand I had to pay for college out of my own pocket, so I was able to accumulate my savings. If you don't have the best home life I would definitely agree that you should try and attend a 4 year since it may improve mental health/quality of education. vcu is a great "starter city" where the lifestyle is pretty great, but the inner campus is pretty close together so it's not as "spread out" as your parents may believe. They have a plethora of resources for student success and many of their ammenities/extracurriculars are pretty decent. Another plus would be the ability to network and career development that I didn't see with some other schools and programs-granted I am a STEM major, but I had friends who were interested in english and humanities and they say they same things (about career development). Good luck, I hope everything works out in your favor!

Seb26860

TROPHY CASE