Application Cycles Poll

[LVT2DVM]

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How many total VMCAS cycles (years) have you submitted an application.

 

[kekemapa04]

This is my first time applying and luckily I don't have to do it again next year!

 

[RockStarKDub]

My first and hopefully my last! (C'mon K-State acceptance..!)

 

[OSJ]

My first as well!

 

[shemari]

My first and hopefully last also! I'm sure I'll be reapplying next year (and the year after that and so on), but I really hope 1st time is a charm!

 

[VAgirl]

First here, too. C'mon good news in the mailbox tomorrow from K-State.

For the folks who've applied more than 2 times, how do you find the energy (and money) to keep going at it? Have you applied to a large number of schools each time? Or just one (the same one?) each time? What's the maximum number of times you'll apply?

Good luck to all! Things are starting to speed up around here!

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Just leaving some love for the 2nd timers! This is our year =)

 

[Pumpkin33]

First timer here too. Good luck to everyone.🙂

 

[VAgirl]

Just leaving some love for the 2nd timers! This is our year =)

You bet it is!! Good luck tomorrow. I hope the mail fairy brings you happy news! 🙂

 

[shemari]

First here, too. C'mon good news in the mailbox tomorrow from K-State.

For the folks who've applied more than 2 times, how do you find the energy (and money) to keep going at it? Have you applied to a large number of schools each time? Or just one (the same one?) each time? What's the maximum number of times you'll apply?

Good luck to all! Things are starting to speed up around here!

I agree with VAgirl. How do you deal with applying a 2nd time? Although it's my first time applying, it is extremely stressful (the waiting, not the application part), as you know, and is so discouraging. I've been rejected by 6, waitlisted for an interview at 1, got 1 interview, and have yet to hear from 4. 🙁 As bad as I want it, sometimes I ask myself if I have the energy to reapply next year if I have to. Like VAgirl had asked, how did those of you on your 2nd cycle find the energy to do it again?

 

[ri23]

After your first application cycle schools can give you very valuable information on ways to improve your application. If you follow their advice they look very highly upon that, and it can definitely help you. Though it may be hard, applying a second time shows dedication, and hopefully improvement, and many times which can get you an acceptance.

 

[sheep girl]

first timer

 

[shuvball1]

First time and hopefully last time here.

 

[rexosaurus]

2nd timer baby!!!
So where do I get the energy? I don't think it has anything to do with energy, I think it has to do with drive, ambition, and love of the profession. ri23 was very correct in saying that your "post-mortem" interview is extremely valuable. Adcoms can tell you things that you may have never even considered. And what they tell you to improve on should be taken absolutely and literally. When I looked at my completed applications from 2007 and 2008 they were worlds different! A lot can change in a year, trust me! Your personal statement will change, you will change, you will mature, you will want this more, etc. etc. etc. I can honestly say the couple thousand dollars to go it a second time is worth it, and I applied to less schools the second time around. (9 first, 6 second). My opinion may be slightly bias, as I am eligiable for a contract (WICHE), but I am also forced OOS no matter what I do. So take that for what you will 🙂 Hope this helps a little!

 

[ramaloma]

It's about actually wanting to be a veterinarian. I'm not settling. Ever.

This is my second attempt and I upped the number of applications this year. Last year was 3 straight denied and 1 wait list after interview. This year so far it's 4 denies and 2 interviews.

 

[LVT2DVM]

For the folks who've applied more than 2 times, how do you find the energy (and money) to keep going at it? Have you applied to a large number of schools each time? Or just one (the same one?) each time? What's the maximum number of times you'll apply?

Since 1999 Ive applied to over 20 schools. The first year just one (stupid), second year- 2, 3rd year- 16 (you've heard of gunshot medicine-well this was my gunshot application.) I was just praying that someone would look at my app and say "Wow look at this person; She would be a great asset". 4th year 2, 5th year one and this year one.

So why do I continue...Simply put I LOVE veterinary medicine and couldn't dream of doing anything else. Ive been a tech for many years and its where Im meant to be. I also think it has something to do with my personality-I like a challenge. My family descibes it as a compulsion...maybe there right. "I mean you already work with animals right, so whats the difference?" But I prefer to think of it as devotion. Devotion to idea that I can achieve a dream despite adversity; a trait I hope my children will come to embrace by example.

The money? Well it just seems to come from somewhere, you just make sacrifices. My hubby and I havent splurged for a date in 4 years so that I can pay for pre-reqs and app fees. You just do whatcha gotta do.

The maximum times I'll apply..Well this is it for me unless my loans dont get approved. If I dont get UGA - Im going to SMU. But I know better, than to never say never.

 

[ri23]

I know you posted last years advice that you got, but what advice did you get from the other schools that you have applied to?

Also, I believe you said you are from Delaware. I understand that they contract with Georgia for up to 2 seats and Georgia is a school notorious for not taking OOSers (they can take up to 10 OOSers but they usually only take 1-2). Why didn't you try applying to a school that you would have a better chance of getting in?

 

[ElvisMarie6]

2nd time for me also!

 

[rustysmom]

first time applying and hopefully last! 🙂

best of luck to everyone!

 

[LVT2DVM]

Why didn't you try applying to a school that you would have a better chance of getting in?

Define "better chance"..its all relative.

I applied to VA-MD 3 times, (didnt even get an interview as an ISS and NCSC twice). The problem is the schools where I can get the most "chances" if you will, do not offer a forgiveness policy for older classes and my first 2 years of undergrad are less than competitive (C's, couple of W's and an F). So for me the best chance is to apply to a school that has a policy that only looks back so many years for GPA, BUT still allows me to use my older science course credits that I did well in. And of course one that I have all the prereqs for. And UGA is the only one that does ALL that.

Actually VA-MD just started offering a grade forgiveness policy but Id be OSS and they rarely take OSS.

Did you read that I send 16 apps one year. Id list 'em but basically it was all the WICHE participating schools, Tufts, Cornell, FL plus the three previously mentioned. I didnt get offered one interview.

The only feedback I got from the other schools was to retake my older classes BUT if I did that they would only AVERAGE the grades--not take one over the other. So for example, if I got a C on the first attempt and then an A on the second that would still only give me a B (in grade points) which would not boost my GPA high enough to be competitive. Kinda a catch 22.

So while UGA only takes 2 DE students, at UGA I have an overall GPA of 3.9 and a science GPA of 3.7 which according to their stats makes me very competitive. Slim odds are better that none.

Please understand Im not complaining, Im the one that got myself in to this mess but I was young and clueless. And while I do believe those who get good grades on the first go round should be commended; I think adcoms rely to heavily on grades and scores instead of looking at the "whole" package.

Keep in mind too that I'm a LVT and Ive had more than one person tell me that rather than it being an asset on the appl, its a deficit. Why? well some comments where..techs are in such low supply they dont want to take me out the field (which is stupid bc I could leave for any reason); techs think they know everything already and aren't "moldable". Now I would never lie, I am proud to be tech, but someone suggested I just say Im a Vet Asst. instead, but I reminded them my tech school program is on my transcripts.

Im not saying anymore because Im starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist. LOL Im sure there are people out that that will disagree with me and thats their perogative. Differences make the world a better place.

 

[LVT2DVM]

Who voted 5 cycles?..Id love to chat with ya. PM me if you dont wanna post for the world to see.

 

[david594]

What were the classes you got the C's in

If they were pertinant classes then GPA isn't the only reason to retake them. Retaking them would show the adcoms that you have an A understanding of the material and not a C understanding.

Schools told you what they thought would make your application stronger.

 

[RaptorRehaber]

You guys are killing me. I joined this forum to get support, everyone seemed to be so supportive before I joined. I was hoping this poll would allow people who have applied alot to get some encouragement.

Are you implying that the people who are taking the time to critique you and offer advice aren't encouraging? Yes, it's impressive that you've applied so many times but I think it's a bit ridiculous to expect everyone to high five you. And for the record, there was no praying or crying on my end at any point during this last cycle, and I got rejected🙂.

 

[philomycus]

2nd time here too. If I don't get in this year, I'll go one more round and then call it quits....but only b/c of my age and I'm already an established professional.

This year was a LOT easier dealing with the application process. After already doing it once, the 2nd time was a lot faster and I got it finished in August. The waiitng doesn't seem as bad this year either, maybe b/c I know what t expect and when.

Good luck everyone and to you too UGA hopeful. I wanted to apply to UGA b/c they take the Bio GRE, but as an OOS, I figured my chance was still nil.

 

[VAgirl]

You guys are killing me. I joined this forum to get support, everyone seemed to be so supportive before I joined. I was hoping this poll would allow people who have applied alot to get some encouragement.

I think people are trying to be helpful, admittedly in their own special ways. It's just that obsessing about the process within this community for the past many months to years has made us all such insufferable know-it-alls. 😛

Also, you have to realize that people are going to look at each others' situations differently than we all look at our own. To me, UGA seems like a long shot given the # of contract seats available. I personally would have applied to schools that accept more OOS students (like Kansas and Iowa, and probably others, but I'm more familiar with those two), because the odds seem better to me there. But I obviously don't know very much about your situation, and even if I did, I might make different choices because I have a different outlook.

Hang in there. We're really a nice bunch, on the whole. 🙂

 

[LVT2DVM]

What were the classes you got the C's in

If they were pertinant classes then GPA isn't the only reason to retake them. Retaking them would show the adcoms that you have an A understanding of the material and not a C understanding.

Schools told you what they thought would make your application stronger.

Gen and Org Chemistry...Ive retaken them..got all A's. I totally understand what your saying and I agree which is why I retook them. While I would looovvee to retake everything I havent got an A in, it just isnt practical (time, $, life, ect...)

I guess it depends the school, but I was told that I had to have a minumim overall GPA to make it past 1st phase and without the grade forgiveness (or whatever you want to call it -Dropping grades older than so many years) my lower grades would prevent me from qualifying regardless of whether I retook them or not. I forgot to mention the other thing that I like about UGA, is that they take the effort to look through your records and pick the highest grade achieved if you have multiple courses that would fullfill a requirement. Cant say that about all schools. Some use the first one they come too.

If I'd of found this forum sooner I'd have moved to a WICHE participating state verses DE but se la ve. (I'm joking..I moved here for a job--a great job!)

Application stronger--Absolutely, this is why I only applied to UGA because I felt I could complete all their recommendations in the allotted time frame and get the best bang for my effort. (??Why am I defending my choice)

I could have sent more, spent more money, but realistically it wasnt worth it. Maybe if I was gonna apply again next year, But Im going to SMU if not UGA so this years reviews wont matter.

I just have a different perspective on it thats all. Probably from too many rejections. Adcom reviews are important..I just think its better to concentrate on 1 or 2 schools that show the most promise verses sending out oodles and doodles of apps.

 

[LVT2DVM]

I think people are trying to be helpful, admittedly in their own special ways. It's just that obsessing about the process within this community for the past many months to years has made us all such insufferable know-it-alls. 😛

Also, you have to realize that people are going to look at each others' situations differently than we all look at our own. To me, UGA seems like a long shot given the # of contract seats available. I personally would have applied to schools that accept more OOS students (like Kansas and Iowa, and probably others, but I'm more familiar with those two), because the odds seem better to me there. But I obviously don't know very much about your situation, and even if I did, I might make different choices because I have a different outlook.

Hang in there. We're really a nice bunch, on the whole. 🙂

Yes, thank you thats what I was aiming for.

 

[LVT2DVM]

Are you implying that the people who are taking the time to critique you and offer advice aren't encouraging? Yes, it's impressive that you've applied so many times but I think it's a bit ridiculous to expect everyone to high five you. And for the record, there was no praying or crying on my end at any point during this last cycle, and I got rejected🙂.

Nope, wasnt implying that. Dont need Hi-five. Hang in there, you can do it would be nice. I wasnt looking for sympathy only trying to share experiences. The "killing" reference was for multiple comments across different forums-bad idea-comment officially retracted.

Thats great for you. I tend to be more emotional about these things. Just me. Obviously I also tend to overshare.

I'll just go back to studying.

 

[LVT2DVM]

I do want to thank everyone who has participated in this poll. The results are very interesting so far. Not at all what I expected.

70% first timers. Wow!

 

[ri23]

Define "better chance"..its all relative.

I applied to VA-MD 3 times, (didnt even get an interview as an ISS and NCSC twice). The problem is the schools where I can get the most "chances" if you will, do not offer a forgiveness policy for older classes and my first 2 years of undergrad are less than competitive (C's, couple of W's and an F). So for me the best chance is to apply to a school that has a policy that only looks back so many years for GPA, BUT still allows me to use my older science course credits that I did well in. And of course one that I have all the prereqs for. And UGA is the only one that does ALL that.

Actually VA-MD just started offering a grade forgiveness policy but Id be OSS and they rarely take OSS.

Did you read that I send 16 apps one year. Id list 'em but basically it was all the WICHE participating schools, Tufts, Cornell, FL plus the three previously mentioned. I didnt get offered one interview.

The only feedback I got from the other schools was to retake my older classes BUT if I did that they would only AVERAGE the grades--not take one over the other. So for example, if I got a C on the first attempt and then an A on the second that would still only give me a B (in grade points) which would not boost my GPA high enough to be competitive. Kinda a catch 22.

So while UGA only takes 2 DE students, at UGA I have an overall GPA of 3.9 and a science GPA of 3.7 which according to their stats makes me very competitive. Slim odds are better that none.

Please understand Im not complaining, Im the one that got myself in to this mess but I was young and clueless. And while I do believe those who get good grades on the first go round should be commended; I think adcoms rely to heavily on grades and scores instead of looking at the "whole" package.

Keep in mind too that I'm a LVT and Ive had more than one person tell me that rather than it being an asset on the appl, its a deficit. Why? well some comments where..techs are in such low supply they dont want to take me out the field (which is stupid bc I could leave for any reason); techs think they know everything already and aren't "moldable". Now I would never lie, I am proud to be tech, but someone suggested I just say Im a Vet Asst. instead, but I reminded them my tech school program is on my transcripts.

Im not saying anymore because Im starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist. LOL Im sure there are people out that that will disagree with me and thats their perogative. Differences make the world a better place.

Yes, I saw that you applied to 16 schools one year, that is why I asked what other schools gave you in regards to interview feedback.

As for the "better chance" comment, I was referring to schools that take a lot of OOS students and a more "holistic" admissions approach, such as Kansas, Western etc. I'm not positive about grade forgiveness for these particular schools but I know that several schools offer that option after a certain number of years (OSU does after 10).

As for the schools you mentioned that you applied to, I was curious to see where else you applied. You mentioned Tufts and Cornell which are schools notorious for weighing grades/test scores over experience. I would imagine that you feel that your personality and passion are what is your strong suit in the application process, therefore you may have wanted to schools that interview a lot of students.

I understand that you are planning on going to SGU if you don't get in, I was just trying to understand the reasoning behind your app process.

 

[Moonpaw]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but how come you haven't applied to a Caribbean school earlier? While those schools probably aren't any easier to get through, they do tend to accept almost anyone, which is really great for your case (someone who would probably make a great vet but had a hiccup or two along the way regarding grades, etc. that most vet school adcoms don't look favorably upon).

 

[LVT2DVM]

I understand that you are planning on going to SGU if you don't get in, I was just trying to understand the reasoning behind your app process.

No biggy but not St. Georges, SMU-St. Matthews on Grand Cayman, BI. Its new.

I cant remember the whole list. Basically if I met their requirements, I applied. Some I remember were Oregon, Washington, Colorado, PEI, RVC,????. Couldnt qualify for Western, or Kansas, dont remember why was too many years ago but I think it was because my science courses needed to be no older than 7 years or something like that. Most of mine were taken in the early 90's

 

[LVT2DVM]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but how come you haven't applied to a Caribbean school earlier? While those schools probably aren't any easier to get through, they do tend to accept almost anyone, which is really great for your case (someone who would probably make a great vet but had a hiccup or two along the way regarding grades, etc. that most vet school adcoms don't look favorably upon).

No Im not that sensitive.😀 Basically because I have friends that are vets that went to Ross and SGU and they werent all that positive about the experience; money, environment, issues with taking licensing exams, clinical rotations, ect...

The biggest reason is that I have a husband and 3 kids to consider in all my decisions. I actually decided to apply to St. Matthews only because its closer to the states, and its cost is do-able.

 

[Moonpaw]

I figured that family would be the reason, I just thought I'd ask. Maybe I probably should have applied to one this cycle (my first), but I know that if I don't get in this time I'll definitely apply to one next cycle. I know you'd really love to go to UGA, but at least you're finally IN vet school this cycle--you're better off than I am. Either way, I really hope everything works out--you really seem to deserve it, and I think you would make a great vet!

 

[CBRGrl]

LVT2DVM,

Have you considered taking more upper division courses? (Ie maybe even get a masters? There's a lot of good advice on this in another thread) I know schools tend to look at GPA as the end all be all...but after talking with a lot of advisors here in Colorado (at CSU), I really think you're right about retaking old classes being a waste of time and money. Here, at least, they say that GPA is only used as an indicator of how well you'd handle the rigerous courses in the DVM program. Maybe getting a coursework-based, one year masters is the way to go to show then you can handle whatever they throw at you 🙂 ....just a tought! 🙂 Good Luck!!!!!

 

[LVT2DVM]

Awwww...thanks Moonpaw :cry: That was so nice. Well actually Id love to go anywhere. Yes, I should be happy, instead of stressing. Hey I joined this to have fun! (and so I could use all these great smilies)

God lets hope I deserve it. Wouldnt it bite if I got into my first year and then was like "Holy S**t, what the Hell was I thinking" Nah, dont think that would happen.

When this cycle is done we should all come back here and have a collective drunk!

 

[nyanko]

This is my first application cycle but to be honest I only applied to one school and don't expect too much out of it, so I fully anticipate that I'll be voting "2" come September of this year. 😛

 

[ShelterGirl]

This is my 2nd time around. Last year I only applied to one school (my in-state school) and was on the bubble - interviewed but not accepted.

This year I've applied to 6 schools where I think I could potentially be happy. If that doesn't work out, I'm going the Caribbean route. I'm too old to keep waiting year after year, and thankfully my SO is really understanding about it.

 

[ManatyGrrl]

First here, too. C'mon good news in the mailbox tomorrow from K-State.

For the folks who've applied more than 2 times, how do you find the energy (and money) to keep going at it? Have you applied to a large number of schools each time? Or just one (the same one?) each time? What's the maximum number of times you'll apply?

Good luck to all! Things are starting to speed up around here!

This is my 3rd time applying (and I finally got into OSU!) - the first time was back in 2001 and then I skipped a couple years, and then applied last year and this year. Last year, I only applied to OSU, because that is where I REALLY wanted to go, but then when I got rejected, I decided to apply to 6 schools this year (which cost me about $1000!) and I just kept thinking...I can't do it again, I can't go through it again - putting all that energy and work into it and then getting rejected was just so hard, but you gotta keep doing if it it's your dream!

 

[RockStarKDub]

It's now official that this is my first AND last time applying! I don't have to do it again next year, WOOOO HOOOOO

 

[bovine]

This year was my first and last year. Provided I get a C or better in physics 2 which I should be studying now....

 

[fargeese]

This is my second and last time. I did everything I was told to do in my rejection interview last year (except add research, I didn't have time before the Oct. 1 deadline) and I figure this year is as attractive as I will ever be. I have an offer for a graduate program that will pay me to go to school, it's not the dream, but it's still pretty damn good, so I'm off to get a PhD if this doesn't work out.


I think the statistic I notice is how many of us are actually repeat offenders, sometimes it is depressing to think that I failed last year, but at least I am in good company 🙂

 

[Pandacinny]

This is my second year applying. Last year, I got an interview at Va/Md (my in state school), but didn't make it in. This year, I have an interview again (Thursday!!) and am *really hoping* I get in. I'm a little nervous, to be honest.

 

[fargeese]

I'm interviewing Thursday too! at 1 something, let me know if you want to get a drink afterwards I was so nervous last year that I hurled twice in the snow on the drive down. I actually told the nice man that stopped to see if I was ok that I was pregnant because I didn't want to explain I was so nervous I hurled. I figure this year has to be better!

 

[VAgirl]

Oh oh! I'll be there on Thursday, too! See you guys then. 🙂

 

[RaptorRehaber]

Thats great for you. I tend to be more emotional about these things. Just me. Obviously I also tend to overshare.

I'll just go back to studying.

That wasn't intended to be braggy. I just thought it was funny that you assumed everyone dealt with this process by praying and crying.

Some of us dealt with it by knitting six hats and taking more organic chemistry after they swore it off a year ago (so gross). What the atheist lacks in prayer, is made up with in yarn. 😉

 

[fargeese]

Beer at Sharkey's or Hurricanes at Bordeaux? I guess it depends on how well or poorly Thursday goes

 

[enchantingme2]

First and last time thank god (I applied to 16 schools or so but I also took a year off to boost my app). Yay for Ohio!!!... well if i survive Biochem eek!Good luck to everyone applying/reapplying.

 

[CBRGrl]

This is my first time applying and it looks like I'll be back again next year. I only applied to one school (my IS), since I thought it a waste to apply to a bunch of places I knew I'd never move! 🙂 Anyway, my app is still being considered for FAVCIP, but I think it's a long shot. I'll prolly be on the sidelines for the rest of this cycle, but Ill be back next year!

 

[shuvball1]

I'm officially only applying once! 🙂 I feel so much more relaxed now! 😀