C/O 2019 Applicants

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Finally got around to heavily revising my personal statement from last year this last week, and now I'm working on revising the new draft, but I can't seem to get it under 5,000 characters. 🙁 It was over 1,000 too long and I've cut it down a good chunk, but I've hit a wall around 5,300 characters. I've resorted to little tricks like changing some of my uses of "veterinarian" to "vet," but it still needs work. On the upside, I think it's a lot stronger and less generic than last year's PS.
 
LyraGardenia said:
Finally got around to heavily revising my personal statement from last year this last week, and now I'm working on revising the new draft, but I can't seem to get it under 5,000 characters. 🙁 It was over 1,000 too long and I've cut it down a good chunk, but I've hit a wall around 5,300 characters. I've resorted to little tricks like changing some of my uses of "veterinarian" to "vet," but it still needs work. On the upside, I think it's a lot stronger and less generic than last year's PS.
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Might be worth having someone else look it over and give you an opinion on where they as the reader think it could be trimmed?
 
HowIMetYourPet said:
My vet did hers at 2am the day it was due last year!! I thought I was the only one 🙂
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One of mine did it 30 seconds before the application closed. I about had a heart attack, no kidding. When I mentioned it to her a few days later as casually as I could, hoping to understand what had happened, she just laughed and said her recommendations usually were "just under the wire with less time than that!" .

Yeah. Decided not to reuse her as a recommender the next time I applied! Not eva again!
 
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Did anyone else use the coursework entry service or am I the only lazy bum here? I feel like it's taking forever and I should've just entered it myself..
 
Meurks said:
Did anyone else use the coursework entry service or am I the only lazy bum here? I feel like it's taking forever and I should've just entered it myself..
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I more did it for peace of mind that everything was entered correctly to be completely honest, but I did use it as well.
 
SummerTheLynx said:
I more did it for peace of mind that everything was entered correctly to be completely honest, but I did use it as well.
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Thanks for replying with your experience! Did it post within the 5 days of "meeting vmcas requirements" ? That's what I'm worried about, since they closed a day last week, and now with labor day I feel like they will only get to it after the 2nd.. 🙁
 
Meurks said:
Thanks for replying with your experience! Did it post within the 5 days of "meeting vmcas requirements" ? That's what I'm worried about, since they closed a day last week, and now with labor day I feel like they will only get to it after the 2nd.. 🙁
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Tomorrow is not a hard-and-fast deadline, just the recommended day to submit by so there's time to correct any problems in verifying your transcripts by October 2nd. Since they're entering your coursework themselves, I wouldn't think there should be any need for verifying, but I could be wrong since this is all so new. You might try asking on the VMCAS questions thread.
 
LyraGardenia said:
Tomorrow is not a hard-and-fast deadline, just the recommended day to submit by so there's time to correct any problems in verifying your transcripts by October 2nd. Since they're entering your coursework themselves, I wouldn't think there should be any need for verifying, but I could be wrong since this is all so new. You might try asking on the VMCAS questions thread.
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Yeah I thought that at first too, but it does say that even if the coursework entry service is used, the transcripts must still be verified. Guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best, no sense in freaking out now since everything else is in. This whole Sept 2nd thing makes it feel like that's pretty much a new deadline. So confusing, haha! Thanks for your input 🙂
 
[QUOTE="I've resorted to little tricks like changing some of my uses of "veterinarian" to "vet," but it still needs work.[/QUOTE]
You may want to check with the schools your applying to. CSU is very clear about not liking "vet". I'm not sure if other schools care or feel very strongly about that, but CSU does for sure.
Good luck!
 
Fish pixie said:
[QUOTE="I've resorted to little tricks like changing some of my uses of "veterinarian" to "vet," but it still needs work.
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You may want to check with the schools your applying to. CSU is very clear about not liking "vet". I'm not sure if other schools care or feel very strongly about that, but CSU does for sure.
Good luck![/QUOTE]
Well that's odd. Luckily I'm not applying to CSU, but I wonder what their reasoning is? Weeding out applicants who can't spell "veterinarian"? 😉 I can see preferring the full term for clarity/professionalism in certain contexts, but when I've already said veterinarian/veterinary half a dozen times, it gets repetitive.
 
[QUOTE="
Well that's odd. Luckily I'm not applying to CSU, but I wonder what their reasoning is? Weeding out applicants who can't spell "veterinarian"? 😉 I can see preferring the full term for clarity/professionalism in certain contexts, but when I've already said veterinarian/veterinary half a dozen times, it gets repetitive.[/QUOTE]
I hear ya! I went to a few different talks the head of admissions at CSU gave as well as met with her alone to go over my application. She was most clear about no abbreviations, and brought that specific abbreviation up as an example each time. I had a ton of "veterinary/veterinarian" in my PS as well. Something to consider & perhaps ask about, if you think it's worth your time.
 
Is it okay to use the abbreviation " DVM program"? Especially considering that I didnt first spell it out, and I just placed it in my essay in a couple of spots?
 
v0712 said:
Is it okay to use the abbreviation " DVM program"? Especially considering that I didnt first spell it out, and I just placed it in my essay in a couple of spots?
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I don't know about that, for sure. I did go ahead and use it myself. Seems like a person wouldn't need to spell that out. Good luck!!
 
If anyone is applying and was below the poverty line last year & has their taxes to prove it, I ran into a link last night for a "fee reimbursement program" through VMCAS.

If you apply after you submit your application, they have funds & you qualify, they reimburse $195 back!!! It was kinda stuck away in the instructions on the college designation page.

I applied after I submitted my VMCAS last night, around 10pm & received an email at 5am this morning that I qualified & they are sending me a check! Woot woot!! That is the most loviest thing! I'm broke as broke can be.
Thank you VMCAS!

Because of the über rapid response,I wonder if very many ppl apply for reimbursement. If you qualify, it was a bit of a pain but only because I had problems uploading my 2013 taxes & was already burnt out from 10 hours of proof reading prior to submitting my ap, but it is worth the time & effort!! Felt like vet school gave back for once vs just stealing my soul and dashing my hopes again (jk!... Well sort of...:panda: hee hee. )
 
Fish pixie said:
If anyone is applying and was below the poverty line last year & has their taxes to prove it, I ran into a link last night for a "fee reimbursement program" through VMCAS.

If you apply after you submit your application, they have funds & you qualify, they reimburse $195 back!!! It was kinda stuck away in the instructions on the college designation page.

I applied after I submitted my VMCAS last night, around 10pm & received an email at 5am this morning that I qualified & they are sending me a check! Woot woot!! That is the most loviest thing! I'm broke as broke can be.
Thank you VMCAS!

Because of the über rapid response,I wonder if very many ppl apply for reimbursement. If you qualify, it was a bit of a pain but only because I had problems uploading my 2013 taxes & was already burnt out from 10 hours of proof reading prior to submitting my ap, but it is worth the time & effort!! Felt like vet school gave back for once vs just stealing my soul and dashing my hopes again (jk!... Well sort of...:panda: hee hee. )
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Thanks for posting this!
 
Fish pixie said:
Here is where you can find the link & info:

https://portal.vmcas.org/vmcasHelpPages/instructions/vmcas-application-fees/

Here's the link itself to the instructions & form:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=Fh0GXjEbysI8DYvjTKLxqQ
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Yeah guys! It is really fast and easy to apply. They responded so quickly and it's a first come first serve basis so apply asap once you submit your app! I was a couple thousand over the "poverty line" so sadly, I was denied. But its great for those of you who are below it! It didn't take me longer than 15 minutes to apply
 
Fish pixie said:
You may want to check with the schools your applying to. CSU is very clear about not liking "vet". I'm not sure if other schools care or feel very strongly about that, but CSU does for sure. Good luck!
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That's very interesting, thanks for mentioning it. I'll go back to editing my PS for CSU.
 
So I have EVERYTHING done in regards to my app, with the exception of actually having submit it. I'm purposely waiting because I start working at the veterinary diagnostic lab and necropsy lab at the local vet school once I finish my rabies (next wk!). I definitely want that on my app since I want to pursue pathology but I can't enter how many hours or what exactly I'll do in there. I'm going crazy! I want to submit it so badly so that I can get that weight off my chest but I know I need to wait. I'll probably submit around the 25th or so. Hopefully that'll be enough time for verification! :nailbiting:
 
References in, transcripts in. I should really finish my PS and supplementals...
 
For those of you who have already submitted and been verified, how long did the verification take? I submitted on the 1st of this month and I was hoping to be verified by now, but maybe I'm just impatient haha.
 
Annamalita said:
For those of you who have already submitted and been verified, how long did the verification take? I submitted on the 1st of this month and I was hoping to be verified by now, but maybe I'm just impatient haha.
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I also submitted my application on the first and it was verified today 🙂 so your verification should come soon!!
 
Mine took 3 days...but I sent it in July lol
Anybody else keep getting emails from schools saying they got the VMCAS? I have got a few but all on different days which makes me wonder if they send them all at once and the schools just vary in processing or what not.
 
WildZoo said:
Same boat
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inthesameboat1.gif
 
Hoping I get verified by the end of the week :x
 
Welp, just submitted. $50 says I get offered a chance to work with the aquarium animals before Oct. 2nd...I can't hold out that long for a "maybe." fingers crossed!
 
pinkpuppy9 said:
Welp, just submitted. $50 says I get offered a chance to work with the aquarium animals before Oct. 2nd...I can't hold out that long for a "maybe." fingers crossed!
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If you get the aquarium animals, you can always email the schools to update them once you've gotten some hours, and at least you'll definitely have something new to talk about in your interview. Good luck!
 
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Anyone have a helpful tip on getting one of my eLors to do the evaluation. I need a polite way of hinting that the deadline is approaching. I haven't seen this DVM since I worked with her last summer, but I've talked to her via email and she got kind of annoyed when I kept asking her if she could also fill other stuff out.

Any tips?
 
haley120892 said:
Anyone have a helpful tip on getting one of my eLors to do the evaluation. I need a polite way of hinting that the deadline is approaching. I haven't seen this DVM since I worked with her last summer, but I've talked to her via email and she got kind of annoyed when I kept asking her if she could also fill other stuff out.

Any tips?
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What I did with my eLors was just send an email (or even a snail mail card) thanking them for agreeing to write the letter and asking if they needed any more information from me (resume, updated experiences, etc). Also asking how they are, giving them a general update, etc. A more subtle way of reminding them to do it without outright telling them to get going because they're straining my last nerve 😛
 
haley120892 said:
Anyone have a helpful tip on getting one of my eLors to do the evaluation. I need a polite way of hinting that the deadline is approaching. I haven't seen this DVM since I worked with her last summer, but I've talked to her via email and she got kind of annoyed when I kept asking her if she could also fill other stuff out.

Any tips?
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You might acknowledge that you've asked her to help you a lot lately and thank her for her efforts. Loosely paraphrased, maybe something like, "I really appreciate all of the time you've taken to help me on my application to vet school. Please let me know if I can provide any further details or help for the submission for the letter of rec. thank you again!"
 
Thanks guys! Those both seem like great idea and I think I am gonna go ahead and follow through with them! Would email be okay??
 
I was hoping so, my one friend told me to call her, but I feel that would make it kind of pushy...
 
Two weeks til deadline. Haven't started any supplementals, this summer has been crazier than I could have imagined.... is anyone else as far off as me from finishing their app? I'm trying not to freak out but I'm kicking myself for putting this off so long 😕
 
I submitted my application on September 2nd and I just got my verification email! Mine took 9 about business days to complete.

On a side note, I'm touring a vet school this week and was curious what I should wear. Because it's not associated with an interview, I don't think I should wear a suit (I don't even have a suit). I'm leaning towards black pants and a blouse. Any suggestions? The last time I toured a vet school was on a whim and I was wearing jeans and a denim button up shirt. Not too professional 😱
 
Puffins said:
I submitted my application on September 2nd and I just got my verification email! Mine took 9 about business days to complete.

On a side note, I'm touring a vet school this week and was curious what I should wear. Because it's not associated with an interview, I don't think I should wear a suit (I don't even have a suit). I'm leaning towards black pants and a blouse. Any suggestions? The last time I toured a vet school was on a whim and I was wearing jeans and a denim button up shirt. Not too professional 😱
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I think slacks and a nice shirt would be fine - definitely no suit necessary.
 
apizfoshizz said:
Two weeks til deadline. Haven't started any supplementals, this summer has been crazier than I could have imagined.... is anyone else as far off as me from finishing their app? I'm trying not to freak out but I'm kicking myself for putting this off so long 😕
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:hello: The only supplemental I've done was UF because it was due on the 5th. I'm still working on my PS and haven't touched my other supplementals. Whooooo!
 
:sorry:
haley120892 said:
Thanks guys! Those both seem like great idea and I think I am gonna go ahead and follow through with them! Would email be okay??
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I'm all about sending a nice thank you card. I've noticed that the people I send them to often put them up on their bulletin board or have them sitting in their offices, sometimes a year or more after I've sent them. They seem to mean a lot to the ppl who get them. And I agree that acknowledging that the person is busy and that you really appreciate their time is a nice thing to do. :cat:
 
10 days left and two of my eLors are still not done...these guys are gonna kill me!
 
haley120892 said:
10 days left and two of my eLors are still not done...these guys are gonna kill me!
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None of my 3 evaluators have submitted theirs yet. But to be fair, I still need to make my final edits to my PS. :whistle: I'm also waiting to submit because I want to be able to put down at least a few hours from the equine clinic I'm trying to shadow at, but they're being slow about getting back to me, so that might not happen. I'm starting to freak out a little bit, but if I and at least one of my eLORs gets submitted this week so so I can start getting verified, I'll be happy.

Along those lines, I'm going to a wedding on the 3rd and the bride keeps posting excited countdown statuses on Facebook, but it stresses me out because it's almost a VMCAS countdown!
 
LyraGardenia said:
None of my 3 evaluators have submitted theirs yet. But to be fair, I still need to make my final edits to my PS. :whistle: I'm also waiting to submit because I want to be able to put down at least a few hours from the equine clinic I'm trying to shadow at, but they're being slow about getting back to me, so that might not happen. I'm starting to freak out a little bit, but if I and at least one of my eLORs gets submitted this week so so I can start getting verified, I'll be happy.

Along those lines, I'm going to a wedding on the 3rd and the bride keeps posting excited countdown statuses on Facebook, but it stresses me out because it's almost a VMCAS countdown!
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Lyra, if you want to trade statements, PM me!
 
Keep on going guys! Wishing everyone luck! We are almost there.
 
I had a dream last night that I got an interview invite from Kansas. Not Kansas State, KU. Somehow I have a feeling that's not going to happen. :laugh: And I'm not even applying to K-State!
 
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