C/O 2017 Applicants!

[Emiloo4]

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Somebody please make me stop submitting supplementals. I submitted Mizzou's today, and paid the fee for Minnesota, and while it's very satisfying to cross things off my giant application to do list, a) it freaks me out, b) it means I'm not studying biochem and nutrition like I should be , and c) I'm not studying biochem like I should be. (That one bears repeating because I have an exam on 5 chapters of material on Monday and I've read, you know, none of those chapters yet.)

Take it from a long time procrastinator who may have possibly (grade still yet to be determined) ruined her shot at vet school in the fall due to not studying for a class that I only need a C in. You most likely need it as part of your application still so yours is even MORE important. Don't put yourself through the hell I just did.
When you're sitting there filling out supp apps, think to yourself "I'm wasting my time doing these because I can't apply or get in without a good grade in this class!" That's what I do and it sometimes helps.
I also bombed a biochem test because I found out I had a K-State interview 2 minutes before my test started lol. Don't do that either.

 

[hai1983]

Take it from a long time procrastinator who may have possibly (grade still yet to be determined) ruined her shot at vet school in the fall due to not studying for a class that I only need a C in. You most likely need it as part of your application still so yours is even MORE important. Don't put yourself through the hell I just did.
When you're sitting there filling out supp apps, think to yourself "I'm wasting my time doing these because I can't apply or get in without a good grade in this class!" That's what I do and it sometimes helps.
I also bombed a biochem test because I found out I had a K-State interview 2 minutes before my test started lol. Don't do that either.

You're right. The good news: I'm sitting here with my biochem book open, and the material makes sense. Also, I can see goats and horses from where I'm sitting, which makes me happy and motivates me to study so one day I can take care of them. And, perhaps most importantly, there are no more supplementals I can fill out/finish until I have my summer grades, so for the next two weeks all I can do is study (and write the VMCAS PS, but I'm not eager to tackle it).

I remain confident you didn't blow it for this fall, but anyway. 🙂

 

[mooshagen]

.

 

[Emiloo4]

You're right. The good news: I'm sitting here with my biochem book open, and the material makes sense. Also, I can see goats and horses from where I'm sitting, which makes me happy and motivates me to study so one day I can take care of them. And, perhaps most importantly, there are no more supplementals I can fill out/finish until I have my summer grades, so for the next two weeks all I can do is study (and write the VMCAS PS, but I'm not eager to tackle it).

I remain confident you didn't blow it for this fall, but anyway. 🙂

I did that with my dogs too. I would look at them and think (ok fine I'll admit, I talked out loud to them) about how I had to study hard to be able to help other puppies like them someday 🙄
Whatever works right?! 😀

 

[hai1983]

Whatever works right?! 😀

Yes, definitely! Even if what works is studying at an orchard with a petting zoo so one can study with farm animals 30 feet away. (I think most of us probably talk to our dogs from time to time, so that really doesn't make you that weird. 🙂 )

 

[graffitiskies]

.

I'm pretty sure it is the test anxiety. I've never been one to perform above and beyond on standardized tests. Give me a lecture exam, and I'm fine. It's weird.

I have taken the new GRE. I took it last month, and my new scaled score was the exact same as my score from last time, which was a 1040. :\
I found that I really enjoyed the new format. I have been completely through the Kaplan test prep Math workbook, Verbal workbook, and the strategy guide. Like I said before, I know the material.

I was surprised about the grad school thing, too. I was more than willing to go that route, but after what they told me, I just decided to take their advice and take more undergrad classes.

Don't apologize for asking questions! Please ask away. I'm here looking for advice, and I appreciate any that I can get. Thank you for taking time to talk with me. 🙂

.

I actually have not considered that possibilty. The thing is, I don't have a problem learning that I'm consciously aware of. I don't want to sound conceited, but I know that I'm smart. My GPA is not the best (3.30) and neither is my GRE. So, I can see why someone would think that there is an underlying learning disability. It just doesn't make sense to me. There were times in college when I did not study enough, and my GPA definitely reflects that, but I know exactly what went wrong, and I won't make those same mistakes.

I considered Michigan State, but their OOS tuition is quite expensive. :\

Honestly, I believe my strengths are my experience in the veterinary field. I have been working full time at a clinic for 2 years. I also have multiple shadowing experiences, and new for this application cycle I've been getting equine experience. Which was a flaw in my previous apps according to my file reviews.

.

I actually did not know all of this. I was under the impression they accepted more than 10. Thank you for letting me know. 🙂

 

[LetItSnow]

Honestly, I believe my strengths are my experience in the veterinary field. I have been working full time at a clinic for 2 years.

That's definitely a strength, but don't make the mistake of thinking it will carry you through. It's stunning to me how many of my classmates have been working in clinics forever - so you have to remember that you may have that experience, but so do a whole lot of other people that you're competing with.

Best of luck!

 

[graffitiskies]

That's definitely a strength, but don't make the mistake of thinking it will carry you through. It's stunning to me how many of my classmates have been working in clinics forever - so you have to remember that you may have that experience, but so do a whole lot of other people that you're competing with.

Best of luck!

I am very much aware of this.

Thank you for the advice. 🙂

 

[Abnerrs]

That's definitely a strength, but don't make the mistake of thinking it will carry you through. It's stunning to me how many of my classmates have been working in clinics forever - so you have to remember that you may have that experience, but so do a whole lot of other people that you're competing with.

Best of luck!

I just want to second this real quick. While it is definitely a strength, I have worked as a tech for 5 years and have 5000+ hours. That did not get me in last cycle so I am definitely playing up other strengths. 😳

 

[orca2011]

I actually did not know all of this. I was under the impression they accepted more than 10. Thank you for letting me know. 🙂

I'm not saying don't go for it or anything like that, but just wanted you to know that stats. I didn't think I really stood a chance when I applied there (and I was rejected) but I couldn't pass up the chance of possibly having that OOS tuition. It's cheaper than my IS...

 

[Philliab]

Home sick today. 🙁 But I've actually motivated myself to fill out more than my name on my vet school app! Could be that this is my way of procrastinating packing to move this weekend, but who cares?! I'm filling out my vet school app!

 

[hai1983]

Home sick today. 🙁 But I've actually motivated myself to fill out more than my name on my vet school app! Could be that this is my way of procrastinating packing to move this weekend, but who cares?! I'm filling out my vet school app!

You're sick, you shouldn't be exerting yourself physically anyway. Yay applications! 🙂 and feel better!

 

[Philliab]

You're sick, you shouldn't be exerting yourself physically anyway. Yay applications! 🙂 and feel better!

Thanks. 🙂 For some reason the app isn't looking nearly as scary to me today. Wonder if that's good or bad.

 

[cs5910]

Does anyone know if sending in supplemental apps and the vmcas early is a bad thing?? I read somewhere that we SHOULDN'T send them in this early and I am kind of freaking out because I already have -_-

 

[Trilt]

Does anyone know if sending in supplemental apps and the vmcas early is a bad thing?? I read somewhere that we SHOULDN'T send them in this early and I am kind of freaking out because I already have -_-

There's no rule against turning it in early - however, you can't include any new experiences or stuff from the fall, which is bad if you think you'll start any new experiences or do anything exciting.

 

[orca2011]

There's no rule against turning it in early - however, you can't include any new experiences or stuff from the fall, which is bad if you think you'll start any new experiences or do anything exciting.

Some schools will allow you to add new experiences to your file after you submit your application. Penn, Tufts, Glasgow and Auburn for sure allowed it. I think UGA and VMRC allowed me to send updates during my first cycle. I'm not 100% sure though since that was about 2 years ago now. I'm not sure if OK State allowed it because I never really got a response. Illinois and CSU didn't allow it. And I didn't send updates for Mizzou or Wisconsin because their supplementals are due in November. Actually, I might have sent one to Wisconsin about me starting to intern at an equine practice since they didn't make decisions until March but I don't remember if they considered it or not.

 

[hai1983]

Does anyone know if sending in supplemental apps and the vmcas early is a bad thing?? I read somewhere that we SHOULDN'T send them in this early and I am kind of freaking out because I already have -_-

No reason to freak out over what's done (says a girl who's freaked out with every supplemental she's submitted so far).

 

[ViaBea]

Does anyone know if sending in supplemental apps and the vmcas early is a bad thing?? I read somewhere that we SHOULDN'T send them in this early and I am kind of freaking out because I already have -_-

I'm actually kind of jealous that you have them done! I definately need to get on that.

 

[runnervet356]

How are you guys putting your hours if you are currently working somewhere? It says total number of hours over span of experience..how many you will have by the time you matriculate? or how many you have now when you apply? i work at a vet clinic and will work there until next august, so should I put the hours i've worked so far, or will work up to next year? thanks guys!! good luck!!

 

[Abnerrs]

How are you guys putting your hours if you are currently working somewhere? It says total number of hours over span of experience..how many you will have by the time you matriculate? or how many you have now when you apply? i work at a vet clinic and will work there until next august, so should I put the hours i've worked so far, or will work up to next year? thanks guys!! good luck!!

I put the number of hours I have at the time of submission and make it clear I will continue to work there 🙂

 

[orca2011]

How are you guys putting your hours if you are currently working somewhere? It says total number of hours over span of experience..how many you will have by the time you matriculate? or how many you have now when you apply? i work at a vet clinic and will work there until next august, so should I put the hours i've worked so far, or will work up to next year? thanks guys!! good luck!!

You are not supposed to put expected hours the number of hours box. I would make it clear in the explanation of duties section that you still work there and put the number of hours per week you work so that adcoms can get an idea.

 

[kakurubird]

How are you guys putting your hours if you are currently working somewhere? It says total number of hours over span of experience..how many you will have by the time you matriculate? or how many you have now when you apply? i work at a vet clinic and will work there until next august, so should I put the hours i've worked so far, or will work up to next year? thanks guys!! good luck!!

Also, in addition to what everyone else is saying, I'm also making it clear which of my experiences are on-going by not listing an end date.

 

[runnervet356]

thanks guys!

 

[zebrastripe86]

I have another question, does anyone here need to rewrite there personal statement from last years cycle? All of the adcoms loved my personal statement last year, and I really liked it too. I'm reapplying this year and I'm having a hard time rewriting an interesting intro, as my last intro I used pretty much described how I became interested in vet med in the first place. I feel like I need to write something totally different and I am having a really hard time getting inspired. Any advice? Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[Abnerrs]

I have another question, does anyone here need to rewrite there personal statement from last years cycle? All of the adcoms loved my personal statement last year, and I really liked it too. I'm reapplying this year and I'm having a hard time rewriting an interesting intro, as my last intro I used pretty much described how I became interested in vet med in the first place. I feel like I need to write something totally different and I am having a really hard time getting inspired. Any advice? Thanks in advance! 🙂

Maybe you can use the same intro and then talk about other things in the body of the paper?

 

[SnowyRox]

I have another question, does anyone here need to rewrite there personal statement from last years cycle? All of the adcoms loved my personal statement last year, and I really liked it too. I'm reapplying this year and I'm having a hard time rewriting an interesting intro, as my last intro I used pretty much described how I became interested in vet med in the first place. I feel like I need to write something totally different and I am having a really hard time getting inspired. Any advice? Thanks in advance! 🙂

I don't understand why you are rewriting it. Your motivations haven't changed. Your new experiences & grades will be showcased elsewhere in the application. It seems like you're fussing with your strong point 😕.

 

[SnowyRox]

Also, in addition to what everyone else is saying, I'm also making it clear which of my experiences are on-going by not listing an end date.

👍

And for a few of my experiences I wrote in the explanation that I was planning to change the hours/week in the next few months.

Although apparently I did a poor job of explaining the timeline of my activities in my application because there was a really confusing interview moment where the clinician was grilling me about how I spent my free time since I flew back to the USA. And then I realized she didn't know I only flew home 3 days before the interview. lol.

 

[zebrastripe86]

I'm going to keep the body of my statement the same for the most part, but update it with new experiences. I want to change the intro, something interesting to draw the reader in, to something different. I have also been advised by a few schools to do this. They said I don't want to seen uninterested in freshening my application. I would rather not, but I don't want to seem uninterested.

 

[orca2011]

I have another question, does anyone here need to rewrite there personal statement from last years cycle? All of the adcoms loved my personal statement last year, and I really liked it too. I'm reapplying this year and I'm having a hard time rewriting an interesting intro, as my last intro I used pretty much described how I became interested in vet med in the first place. I feel like I need to write something totally different and I am having a really hard time getting inspired. Any advice? Thanks in advance! 🙂

I was in the same position as you this past cycle. I kept my intro and kept the body of my essays fairly similar but change up a few things. I think my this bast year's essay is slightly better and if I have my first essay, I'd be willing to email you both copies, so you can get an idea of what I changed up/left the same.

 

[wildcatj]

I finally got a real rough draft done of my PS. But now I edited it too much and hate it. I just feel like I'm not saying ANYTHING. A monkey could do a better job than I am.

 

[wldlfstdnt]

I finally got a real rough draft done of my PS. But now I edited it too much and hate it. I just feel like I'm not saying ANYTHING. A monkey could do a better job than I am.

I still need an intro and a conclusion. I think I am at 4800 characters. I have A TON of editing to do.

 

[485501]

I finally got a real rough draft done of my PS. But now I edited it too much and hate it. I just feel like I'm not saying ANYTHING. A monkey could do a better job than I am.

Whenever I feel like that, I take at least a day where I don't even look at or think about my PS (or whatever essay), and then go back to it. I know what you mean, though. I asked someone to read my PS the other day with the request "Can you tell me if I actually say anything about why I like veterinary medicine?"

 

[wildcatj]

Whenever I feel like that, I take at least a day where I don't even look at or think about my PS (or whatever essay), and then go back to it. I know what you mean, though. I asked someone to read my PS the other day with the request "Can you tell me if I actually say anything about why I like veterinary medicine?"

This is such good advice and precisely what I'm doing today. Nothing to make you feel crappy like a PS. I keep having ask myself after every paragraph, what is this saying about ME?
And then the supplementals are going to come next. At least they are mostly shorter and more straight forward.

 

[Lupin21]

This is such good advice and precisely what I'm doing today. Nothing to make you feel crappy like a PS. I keep having ask myself after every paragraph, what is this saying about ME?
And then the supplementals are going to come next. At least they are mostly shorter and more straight forward.

Yep. I'm officially on version four now. I think I have finally achieved a balance of my character, life experience, detailed vet stuff that's led me to the profession, and what my plans for the future are. 4979 characters I'm afraid when I reread it later though, it will once again be as inadequate as the previous three attempts 🙁

 

[pigsatuga]

Worried about my transcripts. I double checked them and one was sent on 6/29 but my status still doesn't show that they have received it. The other was sent to the wrong place, so I reordered it, but now I'm worried they won't get it in time .

 

[wildcatj]

Worried about my transcripts. I double checked them and one was sent on 6/29 but my status still doesn't show that they have received it. The other was sent to the wrong place, so I reordered it, but now I'm worried they won't get it in time .

In time for October? I'm sure it'll get there before then... You have to also remember that they will have piles of transcripts to sort and then they have to update your notification page.

 

[DVMDream]

Just wanted to post a little bit of support to the 2017ers!! You can do it!! The applications seem daunting but you will be fine. Oh and PS revision number 22 is more than likely not going to be any better than revision 15 so just hang in there and if you get frustrated with the PS, come back to it at a later time. No panicking right now, you have plenty of time still to get applications filled out and turned in. I submitted mine a day or two before the deadline last year with no problems. (You don't have to wait this long if you don't want to, but I did not have any issues waiting until this point last year.)

Get your eLORs into the system and give them nice reminders about them every other week or so. I know I had to downright bribe one of my eLORs (good vet friend of mine). I set a deadline up for my eLORs that was 2 weeks before the application was really due just so they would get it done a little bit sooner.

Good Luck, guys!! Soon enough your application will be submitted and then all that you will be able to do is wait. 😉

 

[Megascops Asio]

Aaaaaaaaaand one of my eLORs has officially been submitted. Now I just need the other ones to reach the same status.

Just made this whole applying thing that much more real.

 

[EngrSC]

I've been a "lurker" on this thread and just wanted to say GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

I'm not part of this year's cycle but reading about all of your experiences, stress, and concerns has completely drawn me in!

Sending happy thoughts to all of you ...

 

[equineconstant]

Aaaaaaaaaand one of my eLORs has officially been submitted. Now I just need the other ones to reach the same status.

Just made this whole applying thing that much more real.

Half of mine are submitted. Including the one I submitted the request for on Monday. I figure I don't need to worry about the other ones until I get back to the States. 😎

 

[Megascops Asio]

Half of mine are submitted. Including the one I submitted the request for on Monday. I figure I don't need to worry about the other ones until I get back to the States. 😎

I wish I could say that half of mine were submitted. Half of mine were started the week I sent out the requests, but none of those have finished yet. One doctor hasn't started yet (he's still got time, but he's also got family vacations planned between now and Oct). One of the doctors that started filling hers out the first week I sent out the requests came to me yesterday at work and said "oh yeah, how much more time do I have to finish that? I forgot about it."

I know we've still got plenty of time, and all of these doctors have written LORs before, but I'm just like get with it people lol.

 

[VetDrKate]

Get your eLORs into the system and give them nice reminders about them every other week or so. I know I had to downright bribe one of my eLORs (good vet friend of mine). I set a deadline up for my eLORs that was 2 weeks before the application was really due just so they would get it done a little bit sooner.

👍 especially telling them the deadline is 2 weeks before it's really due. One of my eLORs got busy with life and forgot to submit it by the date I had told her. She realized it the next day and was devastated. Luckily I had told her the due date was 2 weeks before it was actually due, so I wasn't SOL and I could console her letting her know she had a little extra time. It will give you peace of mind to have those in before everything else is due!

 

[tvo21]

I'm stressed about my PS, too! Gah I'm over by 1000 characters T___________T. Its so hard to take out something without ruining the entire thing. I'm meeting my professor tomorrow to do some word economy. It's going to be a long meeting....hoping for the best.

Also, I have been hesitant to pester to my eLORs, too. They are doing such a huge favor for me and I feel so annoying continuously reminding them about the deadline but...it'll be worth it the end and I will give them great thank you gifts!

 

[wldlfstdnt]

I'm stressed about my PS, too! Gah I'm over by 1000 characters T___________T. Its so hard to take out something without ruining the entire thing. I'm meeting my professor tomorrow to do some word economy. It's going to be a long meeting....hoping for the best.

Also, I have been hesitant to pester to my eLORs, too. They are doing such a huge favor for me and I feel so annoying continuously reminding them about the deadline but...it'll be worth it the end and I will give them great thank you gifts!

Tvo, I am over by 1,823 characters. I am so stressed about editing.

Also I am scared to pester my evaluators too, but I want my eLORs turned in. Ugh.

I am hoping they will get their evaluations in before September.

 

[equineconstant]

Tvo, I am over by 1,823 characters. I am so stressed about editing.

Also I am scared to pester my evaluators too, but I want my eLORs turned in. Ugh.

I am hoping they will get their evaluations in before September.

My plan is to submit my application before classes start in September, but I definitely won't have all my LORs by then. One of them won't be started until then, actually, since I need to meet with the professor and talk about what he's going to write.

 

[tvo21]

Tvo, I am over by 1,823 characters. I am so stressed about editing.

Also I am scared to pester my evaluators too, but I want my eLORs turned in. Ugh.

I am hoping they will get their evaluations in before September.

I just got back from meeting my professor and it might have taken 2 hours but 1000 characters were slashed without sacrificing meaning. I definitely recommend going to a writing studio or professor...it just feels so much better to get help rather than having to deal with it on your own! Good luck....and just remember we are all suffering along with you! 😀

 

[Philliab]

Whelp...I might as well admit this out loud...I've decided not to apply this year. 🙁

As the deadline gets closer and closer, I was feeling less and less sure about applying. Finally figured it out that I'm terrified at the debt and financial repercussions that vet school will have on my life and family. At this point, I've decided to not apply and will explore other career options. Not going to count vet school out yet, but I'm definitely out this cycle.

Good luck to everyone applying this year. I'm definitely sticking around SDN and will be cheering you on for sure! 🙂

 

[Abnerrs]

Whelp...I might as well admit this out loud...I've decided not to apply this year. 🙁

As the deadline gets closer and closer, I was feeling less and less sure about applying. Finally figured it out that I'm terrified at the debt and financial repercussions that vet school will have on my life and family. At this point, I've decided to not apply and will explore other career options. Not going to count vet school out yet, but I'm definitely out this cycle.

Good luck to everyone applying this year. I'm definitely sticking around SDN and will be cheering you on for sure! 🙂

🙁 Sad that you are not a potential classmate

But I am certain you will amazing at whatever you do. 🙂

 

[Katie8]

Whelp...I might as well admit this out loud...I've decided not to apply this year. 🙁

As the deadline gets closer and closer, I was feeling less and less sure about applying. Finally figured it out that I'm terrified at the debt and financial repercussions that vet school will have on my life and family. At this point, I've decided to not apply and will explore other career options. Not going to count vet school out yet, but I'm definitely out this cycle.

Good luck to everyone applying this year. I'm definitely sticking around SDN and will be cheering you on for sure! 🙂

Sorry to hear that Philiab 🙁 I know how hard of a decision that must be to make. Whatever you decide to do you will be AWESOME at 🙂

 

[hai1983]

Whelp...I might as well admit this out loud...I've decided not to apply this year. 🙁

As the deadline gets closer and closer, I was feeling less and less sure about applying. Finally figured it out that I'm terrified at the debt and financial repercussions that vet school will have on my life and family. At this point, I've decided to not apply and will explore other career options. Not going to count vet school out yet, but I'm definitely out this cycle.

Good luck to everyone applying this year. I'm definitely sticking around SDN and will be cheering you on for sure! 🙂

I've made that decision before, too (in 2008! ...and here I am.). It's hard. Bravo to you for taking more time to figure things out.

Since you're sticking around, it would be a great help to morale (IMO) if you would make your current avatar your permanent avatar.