Successful Underdog Stories?

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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LVT2DVM

LVT2DVM

UGA-CVM c/o 2013
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Im trying to stay upbeat, as I am definately committed to my decision to become a vet, but as to be expected I guess, I'm feeling quite like the underdog (hence the new avatar) as I review the incoming student stats on the school websites. UGA doesnt post how many times each applicant has applied but other schools do. Those results show successful applicants have applied 3 or less times. These are not averaged; The stats are broken down into 1, 2, 3, and 4+ . With my seventh app cycle approaching, Im wondering if my expectations are too high and if Im just being to stubborn to realize this is an unrealistic goal, given my mutiple attempts. I ran a poll a while back and 2 people listed they applied 8 times.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=492958&highlight=how+many+times+have+you+applied
I was wondering if those people (or others with a similar story..4X plus) finally got accepted and if they might be willing to share their experiences. Im not asking for ways to improve my application. I'll wait for my file review to address that issue. I think Im looking more for inspirational, I did it, and you can too, scenarios. My family, friends and co-workes try to remain supportive, but I can tell, they all are just wondering, why dont I just give up already. Thanks in advance. 😍
 
Don't give up!!! I'm not in the 4+ group...but it was 3 cycles for me because everything hit the fan at the same time at one point in my life. We need more veterinarians...no one can deny that...that's what I put in my personal statement...I think I guilted them into letting me in. 😛 My stats weren't that impressive either. You can do it!!!!!

(Sorry if this doesn't make sense...I'm a bit distracted as I'm trying to get my thoughts on screen)
 
I am not in this boat...but at the specialty clinic where I work, one of our interns applied 7 times before finally being getting in! She is now finishing a great internship and is a really amazing doctor. Plus, all that tech experience she had from through those 7 years of applying gives her another perspective to vet med that a lot of the other interns don't have (for the better!). Keep your head up!
 
Don't give up!! This is your dream, and it will happen! It took me 3 application cycles before I got in, so while I'm not in the exact same boat you're in, I understand the frustration. All it takes is one school, one person on the ad comm to realize what they've been missing out on...and they will.
 
Don't give up!!! I applied 3 times over a course of four years to just about every school possible and this was my first cycle where I was even given an interview. I understand your frustration and feeling beat down but if this is truly what you want to do, no effort is too great! This cycle I interviewed at four schools and was accepted at three. The joy you will experience when you are finally given an opportunity outweighs and overshadows the disappointment and frustration that you are feeling now ten-fold. Hang in there!
:biglove:
 
While I'm sure you've tried this strategy, have you ever addressed the multiple applications on your VMCAS? My only thought is, (although I know everyone keeps working on their applications every year) what if your application is read, remembered (ish) and they figure it's nothing new?

PLEASE don't jump on me, and I know that this would be my WORST fear. I'm only wondering if you have ever used the "further explanation" section to directly address the number of cycles you've been through. This OBVIOUSLY shows your dedication. Maybe something like: "Yes, dear admissions committee member, you are reading this correctly, this is my seventh time applying to vet school. It has become frustratingly obvious that each year, there is something that just doesn't quite make it. These years, I was told that my grades needed to be updated. To address this concern, I took upper level classes, and excelled. Other years, i was told that my GREs weren't competative enough. I dedicated myself to this, and achieved an increase in my score of 200 points. (etc etc) While some may think that I should give up my dream, that is simply impossible. (more expansion, etc)."

I personally think that would be pretty ballsy -- but it might be enough. If you directly address every concern that an adcom has given you regarding your application, and how you have worked to improve upon it, they will almost be forced to re-read your application.


Then again, maybe you've done this, and it doesn't work. Either way, best of luck. Maybe you can use the time between now and some future point to square away loans for the carribbean, so that might be a possibility (if you have to reapply, just explain that financially you were unable to make it work, but now it has).

I truly don't mean to offend, if any of the above does. And as I said, having the adcoms see my name and write me off would be one of my GREATEST fears. Maybe if you shake things up a bit, something new might fall out??
 
I think those are great suggestions, wi girl. It takes away the element of chance regarding whether adcoms will see what the applicant has done to improve their application. This might be obvious advice to people who have applied multiple times, but it was not obvious to me and sounds like a really great idea!
 
I thought you stated before that you were going to go to a school in the Caribbean if you didn't get into UGA this year, did you change your mind?
 
ri23 said:
I thought you stated before that you were going to go to a school in the Caribbean if you didn't get into UGA this year, did you change your mind?
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LVT2DVM stated previously that Federal loans didn't cover enough and she couldn't get enough private loans to fill the remaining need (or something to that effect) so the Carib became a non-option for her this year.
 
Wow, LVT, I would think that fortitude and determination would have to count for something. Have you applied to lots of schools or just a few? Not that I've succeeded yet at gaining that magical letter I've been dreaming about for years... anyway, good luck to you. maybe we can collaborate somehow.

(isn't SDN great? At least it helps to know others are in the same boat. I wish I had found it months ago, or even a year ago when I was pulling out my hair in isolation...)
 
Wi girl thanks for the suggestions. No offense taken...I try not to be offended when I have actually initiated the advice 😉 Ive never taken that approach as I am always concerned how it will come off. Its hard to convey tone in written words and as others have said I didnt want to come off as whinny or hey look at me I think Im all that and a bag of chips. Its already hard (believe it or not) to live down the LVT thing. Some people think all techs have this attitude that they know everything and should be given special treatment.. and for good reason, I have definately met some bad representatives. But I like the way you approached the subject and it has definately given me some ideas, so I may try that if I can write up something Im happy with.
Vagirl was right ri23, I very regretably have been forced to table my SMU acceptance due to fundage issues. No federal assistance for SMU and with our current economy situation, private loans are harder to get than ever. SMU staff agreed not to recend my acceptance for one semester (they take 3 classes per year) but I really do not see how this is going to make a difference unless they are planning on getting certified to offer Stafford Loans and the word on the street is they are not even trying.
Yes VetHopeful2012, Im really glad I found SDN and wish I also had found it sooner. I have received some really fantastic ideas/advice/ support here and all from people I only know by avatars. Hehe
Ive posted this info before but in short, Ive applied to about 20 schools, the most in one year was 16 (I think that was the third year maybe the fourth, I forget) the closest I ever got was on the waiting list at RVC. I would reapply to RVC but family pretty much prevents this. The last 2 Ive only applied to UGA because a) I moved and they are my contract school b) they dont use courses older than 8 years to calculate overall GPA. c) I wasnt aware that I could request a waiver for sciences courses older than 6 years at schools that declare they wont accept courses 6 years or older (I'm I the only one that thinks this is senseless???) And those are typically the ones that take more OS students, (Kansas, Tuskegee, Western) But now that I know I may be able to have that rule waived, they will be on my not so short list this year. If I can keep up my confidence, hence the thread. I already know my GRE needs work, and I plan on studying hard, kicking butt and taking names when I take it in May. So please nobody take it in May so my percentile score goes up okay...LOL
 
For some reason, funny things like that spout out of my mouth (err ... fingers) when I really am trying to be serious. Luckily, it seems to usually only break some tension, and not get me in too much trouble.

LVT2DVM: I'm glad that my advice gave you something to think about. While I (pretty obviously) tend to be slightly sarcastic and humorous in my writing, you might not be. So my opening as such (yes, don't get new glasses, you're reading this correctly ...) might not work for you. BUT, just have your personality shine through!! (And I really do think that a bit of humor will have the readers on your side). You could even address your concerns about the "old pre-req" rule by saying that while you haven't kept up on your physics, your position in a veterinary clinic has kept you updated on advances in the biology-scientific field, etc etc.

To be honest, I'm enjoying mentally writing essays for you instead of doing thesis revisions. They're boring, and this is much more fun 🙂 As odd as this seems, when that time rolls around, if you want someone completely removed from your situation (as an adcom would be) to read your PS, extenuating circumstances essay(s), I would be more than willing. Maybe I can bring a fresh pair of eyes. 😀

PS: This more "scientific method" style may allow your explanation to come off neither whiny nor "I'm all that AND a bag of CHIPS!" (sorry, I can't read that without the inflections) -- but more "here's the problem, this is the approach we used to address, these were the results, I learned from this such and such, which will make me a better vet thus". I think I'm just in that mental style right now.
 
I like WIgirl's advice a lot- I'm also a non-trad student and had a very terrible first two years of undergrad which resulted in my dropping out twice and getting only a handful of credits. I discussed the reasons for that bluntly and briefly in my statement and then focused on what I learned/did right from there. Also addressed how much that setback made me focus and realize what I wanted. I know someone who got in on his 7th app- maybe it is a charm??
 
LVT2DVM, have you ever applied to accredited international schools that do accept US federal aid? it might not be exactly what you are looking for distance wise, but it is worth a try. i applied to 3 US schools & 2 international--got rejected from all 3 US but accepted to both international schools. i hadn't originally planned on going abroad for vet school, but once i started looking at stats & whatnot of US schools i got pretty worried. who knows...maybe if i had applied to more US schools i would've had a better chance....but once i got the idea of going to a foreign school it kinda stuck. i figure it will be a great adventure.....but it is going to be expensive---and really, i'd be in debt wherever i go (besides in state, but they didn't take me) so i might as well have an awesome experience. i had also toyed with the idea of living abroad after school so this opens up a lot of doors because i will be able to practice in the states & in the UK. just an idea!
 
This is quite probably going to be a widely unpopular viewpoint...


I think I would be doing you a disservice by telling you to continue to apply to vet school. The reason med schools and vet schools tell people to have viable alternate career plans is to ensure that students that are unable to obtain admissions have another career that will satisfy them. At what point are you going to say - this just isn't going to happen? 9 applications? 10 applications? 20 applications? You've spent the better part of the past decade applying to vet school... nobody can question your motivation or your perseverance - but maybe its time to be realistic.

Unless there is something specific you can address in your application that is dramatically going to change your standings in the application cycle, (which after 6 application cycles i would find difficult to believe you haven't improved your application to the best it's going to be), what makes you think that your 7th application is going to be the smoking gun?

I'm really sorry if i sound harsh, but I really believe giving people false hope is wrong - and in this case telling you that, "You can do it" and "Dont give up your dream" seem to be simple attempts at appeasing you.

Obviously my post isn't likely to deter you, but I would hope that you have a back up plan that you can implement - and my advice would be to look more seriously at trying to find another path that allows you to fill your dreams.
 
dvm'08 said:
This is quite probably going to be a widely unpopular viewpoint...


I think I would be doing you a disservice by telling you to continue to apply to vet school. The reason med schools and vet schools tell people to have viable alternate career plans is to ensure that students that are unable to obtain admissions have another career that will satisfy them. At what point are you going to say - this just isn't going to happen? 9 applications? 10 applications? 20 applications? You've spent the better part of the past decade applying to vet school... nobody can question your motivation or your perseverance - but maybe its time to be realistic.

Unless there is something specific you can address in your application that is dramatically going to change your standings in the application cycle, (which after 6 application cycles i would find difficult to believe you haven't improved your application to the best it's going to be), what makes you think that your 7th application is going to be the smoking gun?

I'm really sorry if i sound harsh, but I really believe giving people false hope is wrong - and in this case telling you that, "You can do it" and "Dont give up your dream" seem to be simple attempts at appeasing you.

Obviously my post isn't likely to deter you, but I would hope that you have a back up plan that you can implement - and my advice would be to look more seriously at trying to find another path that allows you to fill your dreams.
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I think this is good advice.
 
wi girl said:
While I'm sure you've tried this strategy, have you ever addressed the multiple applications on your VMCAS? My only thought is, (although I know everyone keeps working on their applications every year) what if your application is read, remembered (ish) and they figure it's nothing new?

PLEASE don't jump on me, and I know that this would be my WORST fear. I'm only wondering if you have ever used the "further explanation" section to directly address the number of cycles you've been through. This OBVIOUSLY shows your dedication. Maybe something like: "Yes, dear admissions committee member, you are reading this correctly, this is my seventh time applying to vet school. It has become frustratingly obvious that each year, there is something that just doesn't quite make it. These years, I was told that my grades needed to be updated. To address this concern, I took upper level classes, and excelled. Other years, i was told that my GREs weren't competative enough. I dedicated myself to this, and achieved an increase in my score of 200 points. (etc etc) While some may think that I should give up my dream, that is simply impossible. (more expansion, etc)."
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One of my friends actually did this (though not on VMCAS, on a supplemental app). She went through and stated all of the improvements she's made in the past year and how she addressed many of the problems they had alerted her to after her rejection. I think it shows that you understand where you are/were lacking, but you made an effort to improve. She got in, BTW.
 
I can see both sides here, but adding my speel to the mix 😀
Two examples:
1) The major radiologist for the central valley in California is one of the most increadible doctors I've ever worked with. It took her over 5 application years until finally accepted to Kansas. They then told her it was a "low application year". Not the most polite thing to tell a new student, but she was in and one step closer to her dream. And she is amazing.

2) I have a coworker (an RVT), who is 40+ years old and will be applying the 1st time this fall. She is freaking out about how old she'll be upon graduation. Our owner laughed and told her "you will be the same age regardless, but at least you'll be that age AND a vet.

My point is, if this really is your dream, life's aspiration, etc. than it doesn't matter how long it takes or how old you'll be. You'll always regret selling yourself short.

"We should not fear setting our aim too high and falling short, but instead of setting it too low and hitting our mark." :d
 
My dad had a friend a good number of years ago who applied 7 times to medical school. He was just not a good test taker, but had an excellent bed side manner and was excellent at applying what he learned in the real world (not stellar in the classroom, but great in clinics kind of thing). Apparently on his 7th application, he was pretty much like, "You've probably got my stats memorized and you're probably completely sick of hearing from me by now. But you know what, you're not going to make me go away. If you really want me to pay more than just lip service to diverse experience, compassion, and the importance of people skills, you can give me a chance." He got in. 🙄

Anyways, sorry if I missed this on another thread, but any chance of you trying a masters in public health or in biology or something? Something that you can prove you can handle graduate level coursework and maybe do some research?
 
I would love to do this..but with DH, 3 kids and a full-time job (no poss of going part-time) that would be difficult. If I could work towards a Masters part-time that would be do-able. I mean thats what Ive been doing for the last 6 years, but schools do not seem to appreciate that approach. From most schools feedback, they want to see if you can manage a full-time school schedule. Which is frustrating because anyone who has one child, much less 3, can tell you if you can work full-time, keep up a house, manage all the child related stuff (school, soccer, baseball, parent-teacher conferences, ballet, doctors appts., ect), take part-time classes (and get A's) and not totally loose your mind then you can pretty much manage anything that comes your way. I went to school full-time for tech school and that was a cake-walk compare to what I do everyday in "real-life". So, I guess my answer (sorry so long is) is if I felt it would be looked upon favorably, I would do it, but Im not so sure it would be. That is something I will have to ask about at my file review.
I have a career already, so its not like a need a back up plan. There are speciality fields for techs and if I were going to do anything else in the vet field (other than being a vet) it would most likely involve pursuing my specialty certification (which I am currently doing).

Electrophile said:
My dad had a friend a good number of years ago who applied 7 times to medical school. He was just not a good test taker, but had an excellent bed side manner and was excellent at applying what he learned in the real world (not stellar in the classroom, but great in clinics kind of thing). Apparently on his 7th application, he was pretty much like, "You've probably got my stats memorized and you're probably completely sick of hearing from me by now. But you know what, you're not going to make me go away. If you really want me to pay more than just lip service to diverse experience, compassion, and the importance of people skills, you can give me a chance." He got in. 🙄

Anyways, sorry if I missed this on another thread, but any chance of you trying a masters in public health or in biology or something? Something that you can prove you can handle graduate level coursework and maybe do some research?
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LVT2DVM said:
If I could work towards a Masters part-time that would be do-able. I mean thats what Ive been doing for the last 6 years, but schools do not seem to appreciate that approach. From most schools feedback, they want to see if you can manage a full-time school schedule. Which is frustrating because anyone who has one child, much less 3, can tell you if you can work full-time, keep up a house, manage all the child related stuff (school, soccer, baseball, parent-teacher conferences, ballet, doctors appts., ect), take part-time classes (and get A's) and not totally loose your mind then you can pretty much manage anything that comes your way. I went to school full-time for tech school and that was a cake-walk compare to what I do everyday in "real-life". So, I guess my answer (sorry so long is) is if I felt it would be looked upon favorably, I would do it, but Im not so sure it would be.
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I know there are lots of things different about our situations, and it probably depends in large measure what degree program you're pursuing, but I did my masters part time while working full time (minus the husband and kids 🙂) and schools didn't seem to look unfavorably upon it. I even had to make up for a crappy undergrad GPA (3.1ish) but my 3.97 grad GPA seemed to do the trick. I mean, I was asked in one interview about whether or not I thought I could handle the academic rigors, but they still admitted me in the end. It's hard to say what did the trick, given all of the variables. But still, I think my graduate course work helped allay any fears they may have had as to whether or not I could hack it academically.
 
VAgirl said:
I know there are lots of things different about our situations, and it probably depends in large measure what degree program you're pursuing, but I did my masters part time while working full time (minus the husband and kids 🙂) and schools didn't seem to look unfavorably upon it. I even had to make up for a crappy undergrad GPA (3.1ish) but my 3.97 grad GPA seemed to do the trick. I mean, I was asked in one interview about whether or not I thought I could handle the academic rigors, but they still admitted me in the end. It's hard to say what did the trick, given all of the variables. But still, I think my graduate course work helped allay any fears they may have had as to whether or not I could hack it academically.
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Yes, I was just checking out the Masters Advice thread and that sounds like another good question I will have to ask during my review what their take is on online MA degrees and what area of interest would give me more WOW factor. Thanks VAgirl
 
Forgive me for saying that, I know it's been mentioned before in another thread, but maybe your choice of schools is off? I know you applied to 16 schools at one time, but some of them are notorious for very high GPA/GRE scores (such as Penn and Cornell). Then UGA....notorious for a VERY small OOS number. If they only take up to 2 people contracting with DE, your chances are extremely small, especially compared to 4.0 people with master's etc. I would never apply to UGA, because I know that with my 3.6 average and 3.9 science, I would still be at a disadvantage. I know, that you said they calculate it differently from other schools, but your chances are still not good. Just look at the successful applicants' thread: I can't compete with some of those stats. If I were you (this is purely hypothetical and not in any way derogatory), I would move to a different state and establish residency there, and I would probably go for Kansas/Iowa/Illinois, who are not quite that fixated on GPA. During my Illinois interview, I met a student who did just that: before she applied, she moved from CT to IL and established residency, then applied there and got in (with in-state tuition!). Is there a possibility you could find a tech job in another state? I still think one of the biggest issues with your application is your school selection. Moving to another state (even with your family staying where they are) would probably be cheaper in the end than paying all of those application fees over the years.
 
I definately agree and I/we have already put a relocation plan in motion. Im also taking the advice about waivers for old courses and such to increase my possiblities and dont forget retaking the😍 GRE again! I really think this is my major flaw. I wish I could post my stats, but Im just not that bold. I cant really complain about not getting accepted (as dissapointed as I am) when my GRE score just doesnt measure up. Now, if I get that rectified and then I still get rejected...Well, I just might have to go up a bell tower! LOL
 
LVT2DVM, I'm curious what your personal statement is currently about, and whether it might benefit you to write it about your road to vet school, specifically the last 6-7 years you've been applying and trying to improve your application. That would make for an interesting story, and you could tell it in such a way that demonstrates your commitment and perserverence to this field.

I do also think, though, that you should put a limit on the number of application cycles - an adcom told me once that the worst answer in the world to the commonly asked question "what will you do if you don't get in this year" is "I'll keep reapplying until I do." They want to know that you have a backup plan. Maybe it might benefit you to take a 1-2 year break from applying, then when you apply a few years down the road your personal statement can say well, I thought I wanted to be a vet but I didn't get accepted, so I decided to try this other field, and it was okay but after working there for X years I realize that the only place for me is veterinary medicine, so here I am again. Well, certainly more eloquently than that 🙂 but you get the idea.

Good luck!
 
VAgirl said:
I know there are lots of things different about our situations, and it probably depends in large measure what degree program you're pursuing, but I did my masters part time while working full time (minus the husband and kids 🙂) and schools didn't seem to look unfavorably upon it. I even had to make up for a crappy undergrad GPA (3.1ish) but my 3.97 grad GPA seemed to do the trick. I mean, I was asked in one interview about whether or not I thought I could handle the academic rigors, but they still admitted me in the end. It's hard to say what did the trick, given all of the variables. But still, I think my graduate course work helped allay any fears they may have had as to whether or not I could hack it academically.
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If you got in with an undergrad GPA as low as that even though I know nothing else about your aplpication, there has to be somthing that LVT2DVM is not saying..

LVT2DVM
I mean Vet school is hard to get into and if you want to read my stuff in previous other threads among SDN about it..Its competeive, but you need to put yourself in the mindframe you are excercising hard core like pre-meds do. You need to DO LOTS of things to make an application stand out. You said you have a 3.8 undergrad LVT2DVM, but why is somone with a 3.1 undergrad GPA getting in?? Ask yourelf what are you not telling us and ask yourself really what are doing wrong.

Many people ultimatley want to be a vet and think of it like getting into a public school before they do some research, its NOT! Some don't have a clue to what endure the journey to get there. Not saying this is you and it is prob irrelevant to even mentioning it. Put it in the same retrospect as being a doctor for humans. Also I am not saying your not cut out for it, but you have to be willing to sacrifice alot. The more sacrifice you put out there to work on your app, you will be in better shape.

Doing a Masters can help for vet school, but if you were going to human medicine forget it. Undergraduate GPA sets in human medcine sets the mark if you are "good" or not. Vet medicine you have a little more leway. If you really want it, you will put out all of those preveious excuses about yourself with money and family. You can find a way to get yourself in a Cornell type of vet school even. Find a way to get more money, do somthing different then the "vet tech" thing because that is all I am seeing you have unless you didn't mention other things. I mean its great and all to be vet tech, but what is really so special about you. Make yourself stand out, find a way to make money and do aboards program or somthing. If your grades are bad, do a post bac. and if they are good go for a masters and do other things for yourself for your app appear a different color in the bin. Many get in on the first few 3 applications cycles, so ask yourelf and evaluate carefully why you really aren't getting in. I am sorry if I am sounding like a lecturer or not a nice person or what not, but I am just trying to help you.
 
LVT2DVM said:
Yes, I was just checking out the Masters Advice thread and that sounds like another good question I will have to ask during my review what their take is on online MA degrees and what area of interest would give me more WOW factor. Thanks VAgirl
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I would never do anything online...
 
VAgirl said:
I know there are lots of things different about our situations, and it probably depends in large measure what degree program you're pursuing, but I did my masters part time while working full time (minus the husband and kids 🙂) and schools didn't seem to look unfavorably upon it. I even had to make up for a crappy undergrad GPA (3.1ish) but my 3.97 grad GPA seemed to do the trick. I mean, I was asked in one interview about whether or not I thought I could handle the academic rigors, but they still admitted me in the end. It's hard to say what did the trick, given all of the variables. But still, I think my graduate course work helped allay any fears they may have had as to whether or not I could hack it academically.
Click to expand...
If you got in with an undergrad GPA as low as that even though I know nothing else about your aplpication, there has to be somthing that LVT2DVM is not saying..

LVT2DVM
I mean Vet school is hard to get into and if you want to read my stuff in previous other threads among SDN about it..Its competeive, but you need to put yourself in the mindframe you are excercising hard core like pre-meds do. You need to DO LOTS of things to make an application stand out. You said you have a 3.8 undergrad LVT2DVM, but why is somone with a 3.1 undergrad GPA getting in?? Ask yourelf what are you not telling us and ask yourself really what are doing wrong.

Many people ultimatley want to be a vet and think of it like getting into a public school before they do some research, its NOT! Some don't have a clue to what endure the journey to get there. Not saying this is you and it is prob irrelevant to even mentioning it. Put it in the same retrospect as being a doctor for humans. Also I am not saying your not cut out for it, but you have to be willing to sacrifice alot. The more sacrifice you put out there to work on your app, you will be in better shape.

Doing a Masters can help for vet school, but if you were going to human medicine forget it. Undergraduate GPA sets in human medcine sets the mark if you are "good" or not. Vet medicine you have a little more leway. If you really want it, you will put out all of those preveious excuses about yourself with money and family. You can find a way to get yourself in a Cornell type of vet school even. Find a way to get more money, do somthing different then the "vet tech" thing because that is all I am seeing you have unless you didn't mention other things. I mean its great and all to be vet tech, but what is really so special about you. Make yourself stand out, find a way to make money and do aboards program or somthing. If your grades are bad, do a post bac. and if they are good go for a masters and do other things for yourself for your app appear a different color in the bin. Many get in on the first few 3 applications cycles, so ask yourelf and evaluate carefully why you really aren't getting in. I am sorry if I am sounding like a lecturer or not a nice person or what not, but I am just trying to help you.
 
dvm'08 said:
Unless there is something specific you can address in your application that is dramatically going to change your standings in the application cycle, ...what makes you think that your 7th application is going to be the smoking gun
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This is harsh, but true.

1.Make sure you get a specific post-mortem from each school you were rejected from.

2.Follow their advice, no matter how "ridiculous" you think it may be.

3.Completely revamp your personal statement. As a non-trad, I would assume you have some life experience and personal charisma---use it. You must convey who you are, what you can do for them, and specifically why you are a good candidate without appearing trite, wordy, sanctimonious, or overly dramatic. Make sure you have people (english majors, writers, someone with good editing skills) read and edit it well. This is the one "first impression" that must be executed flawlessly and genuinely.

4.Your GRE scores have to be competitive. Yeah, it sucks and it's not a true measure of your ability...but schools have to use something to level the playing field. Invest in a Kaplan online course if your grades are competitive. Doing a masters would seem unproductive and expensive at this point.

5.Make sure your LOR's are good, not lukewarm. Make sure you talk to your recommenders and ask if they can honestly give you a good recommendation. There's nothing wrong with going over ideas about yourself that you would like the recommender to address (of course, if he or she agrees with this).

6.Make sure you have a diverse variety of experiences.

7.Dot your "i's" and cross your "t's" on your VMCAS application and subsequent secondary application(s). Follow directions because believe it or not, schools are more likely to toss your app. if you can't follow simple directions. This is a no-brainer.

8.Do a gut check and make sure this is truly what you want. This process can suck the life out of you and drain you, psychologically. It's just the beginning of a long journey...
 
Since we've moved into advice, I'll piggyback on loo's advice...

EDIT EDIT EDIT. Everything you submit for vet school. And not just for content, flow, message. Grammar and spelling mistakes are unacceptable in anything you submit in an application. I don't know about you all, but when I see grammar and spelling mistakes (especially in a document someone is supposed to have put a lot of effort into) it makes me really question other things about them. Which is bad.

Sorry, maybe a tad off topic. The urge just hit me. People need to learn proper spelling and grammar. And the spelling...well...no excuse since we all have spellcheck at our fingertips almost every second of every day.
 
Sorry- didn't get to my point and got a little preachy there...

Point is, I've been applying off and on for nearly 15 years.

In every year I applied, I made it to the interview(s). To sum up most of the post-mortems, it came down to two things:

1. Competition was tough.
2. Numbers were huge for that particular year.

Now, I'm no Dian Fossey and I've never done research in faraway lands that leads to a cure for cancer or developed a new genetic strain of corn that will end our dependence on fossil fuels...that just isn't me. I'm just a regular joe who enjoys learning new things, applying them to benefit animals, and educating folks so that they can empower themselves to take good care of their pets. I guess I'm sorta simple in my goals.

I just plugged away to improve my application, emphasized qualities that made me a good candidate, added NEW experiences, tried to improve my GRE scores, etc.

In the end, I think it's a crapshoot. I don't have a magical formula for success.

Try your best, plan for the worst; and if you REALLY want to attend a particular school and you're competitive, write them a GENUINE letter of intent. DO NOT write a letter of intent to EVERY school you apply to! It has to be short, sweet, and TO THE POINT. No flowery accolades or smarmy crap. Tell them that you want to attend, it's the only choice for you and why (specifically) you want them over EVERYBODY ELSE. This means that you WILL attend their school. Write this letter AFTER your interview.

Just remember...if you're patient, your needs will get met. It just might take a long while. It's good training for practice---delayed gratification. It humbles you quite a bit.

But don't get upset if you keep getting rejected with an application that shows no improvement; or in other words, sending the same application hoping for different results. You might snag an interview, but the odds are like winning the powerball lottery---slim.
 
loo said:
Try your best, plan for the worst; and if you REALLY want to attend a particular school and you're competitive, write them a GENUINE letter of intent. DO NOT write a letter of intent to EVERY school you apply to! It has to be short, sweet, and TO THE POINT. No flowery accolades or smarmy crap. Tell them that you want to attend, it's the only choice for you and why (specifically) you want them over EVERYBODY ELSE. This means that you WILL attend their school. Write this letter AFTER your interview.
Click to expand...

I've never heard of such a thing for vet school before. Do you have evidence of this working for anyone?

Cause I sure would have done that this year if it's some thing that people actually do...I mean they HAVE to know I'd attend their school, it's the only one I applied to. 😉
 
nyanko said:
I've never heard of such a thing for vet school before. Do you have evidence of this working for anyone?

Cause I sure would have done that this year if it's some thing that people actually do...I mean they HAVE to know I'd attend their school, it's the only one I applied to. 😉
Click to expand...

Yes--me. And nope, I can't garantee that it will work for you. I think it worked for me because I knew exactly where I wanted to go, why I wanted to go there, and why it was right for me.

Never assume anything. They don't know you from adam. You're just another application on a huge pile. You need to let them know how bad you want it if you TRULY want to attend (for the right reasons, of course). If you're not genuine in your desire, it will show.

Determined, patient persistence is a virtue in applying to vet school.
 
nyanko said:
I've never heard of such a thing for vet school before. Do you have evidence of this working for anyone?

Cause I sure would have done that this year if it's some thing that people actually do...
Click to expand...

I did as well. Granted, I'm still on the waitlists, but I think it's beneficial to do. For example, With WSU, one of my interviewers asked me questions about a specific fish disease (I have experience with Fish&Game and at a Fish hatchery) which I didn't have a great answer for. In my post-interview letter, I made sure to let my interviewer know that I had researched the answer after coming home (as well as the general thank yous and I loved ur school speel). My interviewer replied, and seemed to be impressed.
 
While letters of intent/thank you letters are essential in job interviewing, I'm not sure that they're beneficial in interviewing for vet school where the process is pretty regimented. I mean, I don't think it could hurt, but I'm really not sure it makes a difference. For me, I meant to write thank you notes, but got so busy with my next set of interviews, work, etc. that I didn't get around to it. (Miss Manners is groaning somewhere. Bad me, from a manners standpoint.) I still got acceptances. The only place I wrote thank you letters for was WI because they set up a special day for me to come in, get a tour, and talk to professors one-on-one. So I wrote a thank you letter to every prof I talked to and to the Lynn in admissions, who organized it all for me. Obviously I was going to thank them for going above and beyond for me.

Nyanko, did you go to the UC Davis interviewee workshop? At that, Yvonne (I think that's her name) addressed the thank you letter issue. She basically said, don't bother sending them. Then she amended what she said (somewhat reluctantly, it seemed) and said, well, if you really want to send them, fine, go ahead, they'll pass them along to the interviewers. But that the interviewers wouldn't receive them until after all decisions had been made and that you didn't need to/it wouldn't make a difference. Might that not have been 100% true? I don't know. But I got the strong impression that, if thank you notes/letters of intent ever made a difference, they do not at Davis. FWIW.
 
VAgirl said:
While letters of intent/thank you letters are essential in job interviewing, I'm not sure that they're beneficial in interviewing for vet school where the process is pretty regimented. I mean, I don't think it could hurt, but I'm really not sure it makes a difference. For me, I meant to write thank you notes, but got so busy with my next set of interviews, work, etc. that I didn't get around to it. (Miss Manners is groaning somewhere. Bad me, from a manners standpoint.) I still got acceptances. The only place I wrote thank you letters for was WI because they set up a special day for me to come in, get a tour, and talk to professors one-on-one. So I wrote a thank you letter to every prof I talked to and to the Lynn in admissions, who organized it all for me. Obviously I was going to thank them for going above and beyond for me.

Nyanko, did you go to the UC Davis interviewee workshop? At that, Yvonne (I think that's her name) addressed the thank you letter issue. She basically said, don't bother sending them. Then she amended what she said (somewhat reluctantly, it seemed) and said, well, if you really want to send them, fine, go ahead, they'll pass them along to the interviewers. But that the interviewers wouldn't receive them until after all decisions had been made and that you didn't need to/it wouldn't make a difference. Might that not have been 100% true? I don't know. But I got the strong impression that, if thank you notes/letters of intent ever made a difference, they do not at Davis. FWIW.
Click to expand...
A letter of intent and a "thank you" letter are two different things. I wasn't discussing the potential merits of a "thank you" letter to interviewers.

LVT2DVM or nyanko: Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about this topic.
 
loo said:
A letter of intent and a "thank you" letter are two different things. I wasn't discussing the potential merits of a "thank you" letter.

LVT2DVM: Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about this topic.
Click to expand...

They are different, but in my experience thank you letters and "letters of intent" as you call them can and often are hybridized. Also, if a school indicates a desire not to receive thank you notes, it is my impression that they do not want to receive any kind of notes. A letter of intent, no matter how well intentioned, if not desired by the people/institution to which you are sending it, may be poorly received.

In my second paragraph, I was only attempting to convey my impression about UC Davis in particular to nyanko (the prime school in which she is interested). I feel strongly that such a letter would not give one an advantage at Davis. In fact, I got the vague impression that it might annoy them as they already have so much paperwork, etc. to deal with. I could be wrong. I wanted to send them an update about myself mid-application cycle, called to ask if it was ok, it was, and I think it helped. Ultimately, one can and should always do what feels best and natural to them. But I got a pretty strong impression that letters of intent (or any such follow-up letters after interviews) would be not worth one's time at Davis.

That's all.
 
VAgirl said:
They are different, but in my experience thank you letters and "letters of intent" as you call them can and often are hybridized. Also, if a school indicates a desire not to receive thank you notes, it is my impression that they do not want to receive any kind of notes. A letter of intent, no matter how well intentioned, if not desired by the people/institution to which you are sending it, may be poorly received.

In my second paragraph, I was only attempting to convey my impression about UC Davis in particular to nyanko (the prime school in which she is interested). I feel strongly that such a letter would not give one an advantage at Davis. In fact, I got the vague impression that it might annoy them as they already have so much paperwork, etc. to deal with. I could be wrong. I wanted to send them an update about myself mid-application cycle, called to ask if it was ok, it was, and I think it helped. Ultimately, one can and should always do what feels best and natural to them. But I got a pretty strong impression that letters of intent (or any such follow-up letters after interviews) would be not worth one's time at Davis.

That's all.
Click to expand...

VAgirl-

I'll agree to disagree on this one. As far as Davis goes, I don't know squat and haven't commented specifically. I'm sure nyanko is happy to hear from someone who got into Davis. I merely discussed what may work if someone is truly committed to one specific school.

People apply to different schools and different approaches work in different environments. However, I think you assume your personal experience is indicative of the whole process and a little shortsighted, IMHO.
 
loo said:
However, I think you assume your personal experience is indicative of the whole process and a little shortsighted, IMHO.
Click to expand...

It's funny, because I think the same can be said for you. I am just relaying my impressions; you are relaying yours. Neither of us knows any sort of definitive answer, even if there was one.

I have no desire to have this turn into an argument. In my last post I stated that one can and should always do what feels best and natural to them. I stand by that. I assume you do, too. It's just that what felt right was different for each of us. Not a problem. Congrats on your acceptance, I've very glad your strategy worked for you.
 
VAgirl said:
It's funny, because I think the same can be said for you. I am just relaying my impressions; you are relaying yours. Neither of us knows any sort of definitive answer, even if there was one.

I have no desire to have this turn into an argument. In my last post I stated that one can and should always do what feels best and natural to them. I stand by that. I assume you do, too. It's just that what felt right was different for each of us. Not a problem. Congrats on your acceptance, I've very glad your strategy worked for you.
Click to expand...

My feeling exactly! I have no ill will towards you and I don't want to argue either. Congrats to you as well and I really hope you enjoy all Davis has to offer.🙂
 
I can assure you I have nothing to "hide". I have been as forthcoming as I feel is appropriate without revealing my identity. For brevity, I wont list my shortcomings here but I have discussed them in other posts. While Im happy to recieve your opinion to quote loo
loo said:
VAgirl-
People apply to different schools and different approaches work in different environments. However, I think you assume your personal experience is indicative of the whole process and a little shortsighted, IMHO.
Click to expand...

I will not be pulled into defending my decision to apply or to my worthiness but I would like to say this; Ive never implied or said being a licensed veterinary techician is a ticket to vetschool. On the contrary I have repeatedly stated that becoming licensed may in fact be a hinderance to getting accepted. With that said, I dont know what your veterinary experiences are like, but as far as clinical (ie hands-on) experience goes, being an LVT offers some obvious advantages over say just general observation or volunterism. I agree that applicants should have a wide range of experiences and I have.

I am not sure what your "make more money" comments are related too? My annual salary is higher than most veterinary graduates. ?????????? I'd actually be taking a pay cut to practice as a vet.


WildlifeSaver said:
If you got in with an undergrad GPA as low as that even though I know nothing else about your aplpication, there has to be somthing that LVT2DVM is not saying..

LVT2DVM
I mean Vet school is hard to get into and if you want to read my stuff in previous other threads among SDN about it..Its competeive, but you need to put yourself in the mindframe you are excercising hard core like pre-meds do. You need to DO LOTS of things to make an application stand out. You said you have a 3.8 undergrad LVT2DVM, but why is somone with a 3.1 undergrad GPA getting in?? Ask yourelf what are you not telling us and ask yourself really what are doing wrong.

Many people ultimatley want to be a vet and think of it like getting into a public school before they do some research, its NOT! Some don't have a clue to what endure the journey to get there. Not saying this is you and it is prob irrelevant to even mentioning it. Put it in the same retrospect as being a doctor for humans. Also I am not saying your not cut out for it, but you have to be willing to sacrifice alot. The more sacrifice you put out there to work on your app, you will be in better shape.

Doing a Masters can help for vet school, but if you were going to human medicine forget it. Undergraduate GPA sets in human medcine sets the mark if you are "good" or not. Vet medicine you have a little more leway. If you really want it, you will put out all of those preveious excuses about yourself with money and family. You can find a way to get yourself in a Cornell type of vet school even. Find a way to get more money, do somthing different then the "vet tech" thing because that is all I am seeing you have unless you didn't mention other things. I mean its great and all to be vet tech, but what is really so special about you. Make yourself stand out, find a way to make money and do aboards program or somthing. If your grades are bad, do a post bac. and if they are good go for a masters and do other things for yourself for your app appear a different color in the bin. Many get in on the first few 3 applications cycles, so ask yourelf and evaluate carefully why you really aren't getting in. I am sorry if I am sounding like a lecturer or not a nice person or what not, but I am just trying to help you.
Click to expand...
 
VAgirl said:
Nyanko, did you go to the UC Davis interviewee workshop? At that, Yvonne (I think that's her name) addressed the thank you letter issue. She basically said, don't bother sending them. Then she amended what she said (somewhat reluctantly, it seemed) and said, well, if you really want to send them, fine, go ahead, they'll pass them along to the interviewers. But that the interviewers wouldn't receive them until after all decisions had been made and that you didn't need to/it wouldn't make a difference. Might that not have been 100% true? I don't know. But I got the strong impression that, if thank you notes/letters of intent ever made a difference, they do not at Davis. FWIW.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. It seemed like they kind of discouraged that sort of thing to me when we were at the workshop. Also I think you're talking about Yasmin Williams. 🙂
 
VAgirl said:
They are different, but in my experience thank you letters and "letters of intent" as you call them can and often are hybridized. Also, if a school indicates a desire not to receive thank you notes, it is my impression that they do not want to receive any kind of notes. A letter of intent, no matter how well intentioned, if not desired by the people/institution to which you are sending it, may be poorly received.

In my second paragraph, I was only attempting to convey my impression about UC Davis in particular to nyanko (the prime school in which she is interested). I feel strongly that such a letter would not give one an advantage at Davis. In fact, I got the vague impression that it might annoy them as they already have so much paperwork, etc. to deal with. I could be wrong. I wanted to send them an update about myself mid-application cycle, called to ask if it was ok, it was, and I think it helped. Ultimately, one can and should always do what feels best and natural to them. But I got a pretty strong impression that letters of intent (or any such follow-up letters after interviews) would be not worth one's time at Davis.

That's all.
Click to expand...

i would agree with VAgirl. While letters of intent and interest are very popular in the med school admissions process, they are not nearly as prevalent in Vet Med. In some, if not most schools, I don't think they would help or hinder you.

A letter of update is a bit different, if you have done something new or interesting since your application.
 
LVT2DVM said:
I can assure you I have nothing to "hide". I have been as forthcoming as I feel is appropriate without revealing my identity. For brevity, I wont list my shortcomings here but I have discussed them in other posts. While Im happy to recieve your opinion to quote loo


I will not be pulled into defending my decision to apply or to my worthiness but I would like to say this; Ive never implied or said being a licensed veterinary techician is a ticket to vetschool. On the contrary I have repeatedly stated that becoming licensed may in fact be a hinderance to getting accepted. With that said, I dont know what your veterinary experiences are like, but as far as clinical (ie hands-on) experience goes, being an LVT offers some obvious advantages over say just general observation or volunterism. I agree that applicants should have a wide range of experiences and I have.

I am not sure what your "make more money" comments are related too? My annual salary is higher than most veterinary graduates. ?????????? I'd actually be taking a pay cut to practice as a vet.
Click to expand...

I think what the poster was saying is that if you're undergrad GPA was a 3.8 and you obviously have a great deal of experience, there must be something else in your application that is inhibiting you from getting into vet school. I know that you said your GRE was low, but after 7 cycles how much will you be able to improve it (I assume that you've taken it several times)?

While I don't want to put words in the other posters mouth, I think they were saying for the "make more money" do something to set yourself apart by doing a study abroad experience or something similar.

I'm curious, how is it that your annual salary is higher than most veterinary graduates? Do you have more than one job or are you saying immediately after graduation?
 
nyanko said:
Also I think you're talking about Yasmin Williams. 🙂
Click to expand...

Indeed! I always want to call her Yvonne, though. I don't know why!
 
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