Class of 2015; I know I'm a tad early

[Violetiris929]

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Hi everyone!

I was wondering where in the application process everyone is. I just send transcripts to schools and am just starting to work on my PS. Seeing as in 10 days VMCAS portal opens up, I figure I ought to get the ball rolling.

All the best to everyone applying for the next class of vets!

 

[that redhead]

I'm actually glad something got started - I'm getting antsy about the portal opening up! I guess it's a mixture of excitement and anxiety about all of the stress to come.

Anyway, I've got my eLORs lined up and detailed my animal/vet experience hours in a Word document so I can just plug them in as necessary. I made a list of schools I will apply to (although I'll probably add a few, depending). I need to actually register for my GRE, though

 

[TBRaysfan]

Woohoo! I'm glad something got started also. I keep going to the VMCAS website and looking at the countdown for it to open. 10 more days!

I've detailed some of my experience, started brainstorming for the PS (although this has not been successful at all😛 ), taken the GRE and will need to sign up to take it again (oh joy), and have begun to sort through who I want for my LORs.

I've been thinking about trying to go to a couple of schools this summer that are semi-close by but have yet to figure out how my work/volunteer/shadow/regular life schedule will allow me to do so.

 

[scb44f]

I'm in the process of starting my PS (I have a few ideas but at this point, I feel like it could go in any direction).

As far as everything else, I have pretty much everything I've done, and any awards I've received, since high school in an Excel file so that's an easy one. I still need to request transcripts and LORs, but I'm applying only to Mizzou whose application opens (and closes) later than VMCAS, so I'm not pushing for those yet. I took the GRE last October and had it sent, but who knows if they've kept it since it showed up during the last cycle.

Good luck with the PS!

 

[misscsm]

I'm in the process of starting my PS (I have a few ideas but at this point, I feel like it could go in any direction).

As far as everything else, I have pretty much everything I've done, and any awards I've received, since high school in an Excel file so that's an easy one. I still need to request transcripts and LORs, but I'm applying only to Mizzou whose application opens (and closes) later than VMCAS, so I'm not pushing for those yet. I took the GRE last October and had it sent, but who knows if they've kept it since it showed up during the last cycle.

Good luck with the PS!

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but Mizzou's app is a bit different than the VMCAS. There is no one PS to write. Instead, you have multiple (3 or 4) questions to answer that will kind of guide you in what to write. I had one PS for the VMCAS I had already written months in advance...so I kind of dissected it up when trying to figure out how to best answer every question. It's great that you have a lot of ideas because you'll have a lot of opportunity to write about different topics! 🙂

 

[scb44f]

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but Mizzou's app is a bit different than the VMCAS. There is no one PS to write. Instead, you have multiple (3 or 4) questions to answer that will kind of guide you in what to write. I had one PS for the VMCAS I had already written months in advance...so I kind of dissected it up when trying to figure out how to best answer every question. It's great that you have a lot of ideas because you'll have a lot of opportunity to write about different topics! 🙂

Thanks! 😀 I knew it was different, I just didn't know they don't have a PS portion, but I wasn't too worried about the PS anyway (I considered registering this past cycle just to look at the application, but thought it would be daunting). It's all good though, what I have written will help me at some point. And if it doesn't, well, it only took about 30 minutes to write what I had down anyway. I only recently started seriously going for vet school (recent = last August) so everything's fresh in my memory anyway.

Anyway, it looks like I'll not be doing anything in the near future besides updating stuff in my huge spreadsheet. Good luck to those writing a PS! I'd offer to read, but I'm really only good for grammar.

 

[gone2dogs]

Hooray for class of 2015! I've been checking in here lately hoping that people will start chatting about the new cycle. "Class of 2014 was so last year!😀"

I am a third time applicant (yikes... can't decide if that feels pathetic or determined) but really feel like this year could be my year so I am excited to get this process going. With that said, I still haven't even decided where to apply yet! I have lists and lists both in my head and marked in that fancy book, but it is probably time to start making some spread sheets and zero in on some decisions. I was thinking of applying to 7 or 8 schools, but the vet I work with is trying to talk me down to 3-5 (since she is convinced I will get into my IS this year... wish I shared her optimism!). So for now I am aiming for 5 schools, but we'll see where I end up!

The good news is that VMCAS was supposed to have saved all our data from last year (unlike in previous years), so in theory I have most of the application done already!

Good luck everyone!

 

[schrodingerr]

So happy this got thread got started! I can't believe it's actually time to apply! I have like 500 ideas for my PS and still need to take the GREs, working on rounding out my LA and research experience. I am getting so nervous/excited/anxious!!

Good luck to everyone!!!

 

[DVMDream]

I am also applying this year; as a second time applicant (I am still holding out some hope for the Western waitlist) but I have started organizing things for my application this year anyway. I have started to study to take the GRE for the third time. And I have started to get more experiences with other types of animals (specifically horses); I have also started a list of schools to apply to I just have to finalize that list. I am not as nervous this time for some reason and I am really glad that they save some of our information from the previous year that will save a lot of time. Good Luck to all Class of 2015 Hopefuls!! I am excited to get things going.

 

[chyactnate]

Hey!!
After a couple of years of being on this board I can finally say that I am applying this coming cycle, which I am super excited/nervous about. I have basically so far kind of narrowed my schools down and I will be starting my PS this week some time. I have gotten 2 of three transcripts and I am almost complete with my recommendations 🙂

I have made a notebook with schools that I am applying to, and with notes that I have gotten from the schools (what classes work for prerequisite, how they calculate GPA, do average/take lower/higher is repeated...stuff like that).

Anyways I am already going crazy!! This is going to be a very long year of worrying, but I wouldnt trade it for the world. I am super excited to get this whole thing going!!!

Good Luck everyone!!!!!

 

[HopefulAg]

I am a third time applicant (yikes... can't decide if that feels pathetic or determined)

I vote we go with 'determined'. But dontcha know that third time's the charm?

 

[gone2dogs]

I vote we go with 'determined'. But dontcha know that third time's the charm?

Thanks, and thanks! I wish it weren't so hard to be optimistic though!

 

[twelvetigers]

Third time here too. I may still be in denial.

Don't feel like I can start my PS until late August, though. I have everything ready from before... But the file review is next month and may change some things.

And I'm still not sure where all I'll apply. It feels like it will be a long list, though.

 

[aspiringDVM]

Good luck everyone!
And special 😍😍 and to TT! You are awesome, and we are all rooting for you!

 

[iheartmycorgi]

Oregon State's 2010 supplemental application is up so I'm SLOWLY starting to work on that... I have my letters of recommendation lined up and all my experience in a word file... I just want the VMCAS to open so I actually know what the application looks like. I'm pretty excited!

 

[canis13]

Can I reply and say that I'm still not sure if I'm going to apply this year? At first I was set on applying this fall, but then I decided I wanted to take more time to get more experience and work a little bit and not rush into grad school...I'm afraid I won't feel like I've had enough of a break when I start my first year.

But on the other hand I'm unsure that my extra year off would be worthwhile, and part of taking more time off would be to travel abroad, but I'm now realizing I may have more fruitful experiences going abroad during summers while I'm in vet school (because I'll be able to do more as an actual vet student and have more connections for abroad projects/locations).

As of now, I think my tentative plan is to apply only to CSU's DVM/MPH dual degree program, which would mean my first year is only MPH classes (and hopefully not as intense as a first year vet school curriculum? Or at least I'd be doing something I have more background in). I'm pretty sure that the odds are against me getting in, and if I don't, then I'll apply to a bunch of schools the next year and at least I'll have experience applying.

I'm fully committed to going to vet school, I just don't know when. So I'm going to take the GRE this summer and start putting together my application and then I'll probably make a final decision hopefully by the end of the summer as to what I want to do.

 

[deleted266066]

Wow I feel like a procrastinator! Please tell me there are other people out here who haven't started on their personal statements or looked at the application website yet? haha

I mean, I took my GRE's last summer so that's not an issue (I'm going to resend my scores anyway just because I'm paranoid!). I also had to write a couple personal statement-like essays for one of my LOR writers as well as for my school's "dean's evaluation" thing so I do have some idea of what I'll write about. Additionally, I've been jotting down random ideas I get throughout the day, when something pops up, in a notebook, but that's about it. As for hours tracking, I've kept a word file full of all my hours and individual descriptions of experiences since I switched to pre-vet a year and a half ago? I dunno. I feel behind!

I know pre-meds need to try to fill out the applications for med schools ASAP to increase their chances... but I was under the impression that it's best to wait until just a couple weeks before the applications are due for vet schools to send the full application in, in order to include the most experience possible, since there are no rolling admissions for vet schools? Or is that wrong...?

 

[lalzi22]

Wow I feel like a procrastinator! Please tell me there are other people out here who haven't started on their personal statements or looked at the application website yet? haha

I mean, I took my GRE's last summer so that's not an issue (I'm going to resend my scores anyway just because I'm paranoid!). I also had to write a couple personal statement-like essays for one of my LOR writers as well as for my school's "dean's evaluation" thing so I do have some idea of what I'll write about. Additionally, I've been jotting down random ideas I get throughout the day, when something pops up, in a notebook, but that's about it. As for hours tracking, I've kept a word file full of all my hours and individual descriptions of experiences since I switched to pre-vet a year and a half ago? I dunno. I feel behind!

I know pre-meds need to try to fill out the applications for med schools ASAP to increase their chances... but I was under the impression that it's best to wait until just a couple weeks before the applications are due for vet schools to send the full application in, in order to include the most experience possible, since there are no rolling admissions for vet schools? Or is that wrong...?

You are right, not rolling admissions, so you can send yours in the day before (although I wanted mine in as soon as I was done so I could not think about it anymore). I didnt write my PS until August, haha, so no worries you are late!

 

[thedogisgreen]

Second timer, not even thinking about the app yet really, have to get through my last set of midterms and finals and get settled into post-graduation life first. Last year i was super excited for when VMCAS came out and put all my info in right away, but now I'm just dreading putting everything in all over again, that form got pretty tedious. definitely not looking forward to changing my PS, don't know what new direction to take it in. Have my app review with my IS next week and hopefully that'll give me some idea. I only applied to three schools last cycle, going for more like seven this time, but haven't finalized my list yet. Sorry, I sound like such a downer, I was really excited about VMCAS last year but now I guess I feel a ton more pressure to get in this time around and knowing the stress of waiting is coming up again.. eek..

 

[EnvyPointers]

Hey everyone!!

First time applicant. I'm currently on edit #3 of my personal statement.

I've got this big, obnoxious binder that I started about a year ago with details of experiences, and all of the information I need. hopefully the application will just be "plug and chug" for me!

I'm very excited! Good luck to everyone!

Back to my accelerated Orgo class now (WHAT was I thinking?? )

 

[StartingoverVet]

Can I reply and say that I'm still not sure if I'm going to apply this year? At first I was set on applying this fall, but then I decided I wanted to take more time to get more experience and work a little bit and not rush into grad school...I'm afraid I won't feel like I've had enough of a break when I start my first year.

If you have the ability to take a year off, I say go for it.

I feel like everything is so rushed for the start of school in late Aug for me. I kind of wish I had another 3-4 months to just chill. Unfortunately, although deferral is an option, I guess I am just too impatient.

As far as experiences in vet school summers, there are only 2 free summers at many schools, and you have no idea what you may end up being interested in doing for those years. The time you have now, you may never have again. Do what interests you now!

Some people can't wait, some people can. If you use the year wisely it can just be that much easier to get in.

Good luck either way.

 

[der2002]

Hooray for class of 2015! I've been checking in here lately hoping that people will start chatting about the new cycle. "Class of 2014 was so last year!😀"

I am a third time applicant (yikes... can't decide if that feels pathetic or determined) but really feel like this year could be my year so I am excited to get this process going. With that said, I still haven't even decided where to apply yet! I have lists and lists both in my head and marked in that fancy book, but it is probably time to start making some spread sheets and zero in on some decisions. I was thinking of applying to 7 or 8 schools, but the vet I work with is trying to talk me down to 3-5 (since she is convinced I will get into my IS this year... wish I shared her optimism!). So for now I am aiming for 5 schools, but we'll see where I end up!

The good news is that VMCAS was supposed to have saved all our data from last year (unlike in previous years), so in theory I have most of the application done already!

Good luck everyone!

If you have the extra money to spend on app fees, I would definitely recommend applying to as many schools as you can 🙂

best of luck!

 

[HopefulAg]

Can I reply and say that I'm still not sure if I'm going to apply this year? At first I was set on applying this fall, but then I decided I wanted to take more time to get more experience and work a little bit and not rush into grad school...I'm afraid I won't feel like I've had enough of a break when I start my first year.

Well, if you can apply (as in qualify and can afford to do so), then I would. If nothing else, it'll give you experience for next cycle so you can know what to expect. Plus, if rejected, you'll get a file review for feedback in the next cycle as well.

And if accepted, well there ya go.

 

[jpeterman13]

And I'm still not sure where all I'll apply. It feels like it will be a long list, though.

*cough* Iowa State *cough*

 

[Lambgirl]

I can't believe it's time. I haven't been able to even think about my PS until after this quarter ends. Last final June 11.
This will be my second time through the process. This year I am expanding out to a few more schools.

Good luck Everyone!!!!!

 

[libellule]

I'll be applying as well this year. However, I'm Canadian and will be applying to OVC so I won't be going through VMCAS but I'll be stressing out with the rest of the 2015ers so I suppose I can post here! I'll be writing my MCATS this summer along with doing avian endocrinology research at a field site this summer once I return from Asia. Good luck everyone!!!

 

[sirbuckie]

This is going to be my first time applying. It's only been a year since I've decided to become a vet so I hope I have enough experience! I started on my tufts application already.. and by started, I mean registered for a username. This is going to be a very looong year of waiting, but I'm excited to finally get started!

 

[bonaparte]

It's good to hear the that not everyone is completely "ready" for the application cycle -- I know I still have a lot of work to do. Teehee.

For me, I'm finishing up my classes (won't think about anything until they are over), working on my PS, semi-studying for the GRE, asking for LORs (turns out I'll have be writing two of my own... o.o), finalizing my list of schools, and trying to think positively.

I'll definitely be applying closer to the deadline to increase my number of hours of experience. Soooo glad there are not rolling admissions (my poor pre-med friends are completely freaking out).

Good luck fellow applicants! 😀 We'll get through this together. 🙂

 

[zeebra44]

Wow I feel like a procrastinator! Please tell me there are other people out here who haven't started on their personal statements or looked at the application website yet? haha

I didn't start working on my app until August last year, you'll be fine. 😉

 

[twelvetigers]

*cough* Iowa State *cough*

It's quite a list still - at least 13 schools - so I have some narrowing down to do. KS, IA, OH, and OK are certainly on there. Western is not (and that's final, after much agonizing). So many of y'all toss out school in the south because you "don't wanna live there for four years"... well, I'm doing the same thing, but to the coasts. So there.

(Plus PBL and no teaching hospital blahblah lots of other reasons...)

Point being, I still have a lot of maybes.

 

[zeebra44]

It's quite a list still - at least 13 schools - so I have some narrowing down to do. KS, IA, OH, and OK are certainly on there. Western is not (and that's final, after much agonizing). So many of y'all toss out school in the south because you "don't wanna live there for four years"... well, I'm doing the same thing, but to the coasts. So there.

(Plus PBL and no teaching hospital blahblah lots of other reasons...)

Point being, I still have a lot of maybes.

Missouri!? 😉

 

[twelvetigers]

I would love to, but that whole "GPA is super important" part really throws a brick in the works.

 

[UM2014]

I didn't start working on my app until August last year, you'll be fine. 😉

Same here. I worked on mine pretty much exclusively during breaks b/t classes on campus. I also had no idea sdn existed so you guys have a huge leg up on me! Good luck everyone!

 

[SocialStigma]

I'll be applying as well this year. However, I'm Canadian and will be applying to OVC so I won't be going through VMCAS but I'll be stressing out with the rest of the 2015ers so I suppose I can post here! I'll be writing my MCATS this summer along with doing avian endocrinology research at a field site this summer once I return from Asia. Good luck everyone!!!

Also applying to OVC here 🙂, first time applying for me. Writing my MCAT in July 😱!

 

[goatvet]

You guys probably already know this but the VMCAS does have a sample application that you can look at so you know what kind of info you'll need. I didn't find it too helpful but if anyone wants you can find it on their website.

 

[goldnretrivrgrl]

This is going to be my first time applying.

Yay, I'm glad there are some other first timers replying to this thread!!! I'm going to be a senior at Penn State in the fall and this cycle will be my first time applying to vet school. I have my list of schools pretty much narrowed down, have taken the GREs once and am taking them again in early June, got my letters of rec all ready to go, and am tossing around some ideas for my personal statement. I'm kind of dreading sorting out my vet experience since I'm not as organized as many of you are 🙁. It's really nice that someone started we're getting the ball rolling for this cycle though. Where is everyone applying?
I'm really hoping to get into Penn (my IS) but there are so many amazing schools out there that it is really hard to know what to hope for. (Other than getting in....)

 

[NiennaDimple14]

I'm a second timer too, well, I'm still holding out the tiniest bit of hope for the Mizzou waitlist to move just a couple of more people and dying to hear back from Tennessee but it's looking like I'm going to have to reapply. Boo. Well, pretty much for me, if VMCAS really does save our stuff from last year, then I don't have too much to do, just update some experience and some classes and the schools i'm applying to. I've kinda sorta started my PS which pretty much means I've thought about it (I wonder if writing about getting chased around a holding tank by a shark or writing about siphoning a seahorse tank with my mouth is a good idea). I'm more worried about my eLORs and i need more and different experience. And i forgot about transcripts (my school is ridiculously slow and notorious for losing transcripts). Damn. Is anyone thinking about applying to schools that require the GRE Bio? I took that test in April (and kinda sorta bombed it I think, but i'm not sure what is considered a good score) and had it sent to UGA but I don't know if i'm going to have to send it again when I apply.

Good luck to everyone

P.S to the first timers, DON'T wait til the last second to send in GRE scores and transcripts and definetly follow up with the schools with you send them. and that goes for eLOR for the schools that require or ask for extra LOR. i think that screwed me over with Mizzou.

 

[168135]

Hopefully I'll make the class of 2015. This will be my first time applying. Luckly, I don't have to worry about personal statements for the school I'm applying too (which is AVC in PEI). I have the applications I need saved, all of my pre-reqs and grades saved in an excel, a date lined up to take my GRE, and I know who I'm going to ask for my LORs. Right now I'm up to my neck in organic chemistry, so my application and stuff is going to have to wait until I'm finished.

 

[choroid88plexus]

I'm not sure if I'm going to apply this cycle or not, as I'm lacking in LA experience and might need to take a year off to make some money in a lab somewhere or do a Fulbright. BUT, there is a small chance that I will apply to Tufts this year for the hell of it because I want to stay in Massachusetts.. still not sure though. Where I stand.. maybe taking the GRE in the fall, but spending my senior year tackling my thesis and ten hard science classes (with a break in the form of physics II-- not sure if that's really a break though). Going abroad has serious consequences, mainly that my senior year is going to be the hardest yet. Ideally I'd like to apply to Tufts, UPenn, Davis, Colorado, and Cornell. We'll see how things work out, and I'll know more once this summer is over! Good luck everyone. I look forward to following your progress and taking your advice. This place is a great resource. 😀

 

[dee vee emm]

Yup I'm hoping third time's the charm too!!!
I've applied to OVC twice, gotten interviews but didn't make it.
I didn't apply this year cuz I want to finish up my MSc and apply in the grad cohort.
I was also thinking of maybe St. Matthew's or something like that too... just in caseeee...lol.

 

[NittanyKitty]

YAY! So excited to see this cycle already starting up - can't wait to cheer all of you on this year! 😀

 

[ginger17317]

Wow I feel like a procrastinator! Please tell me there are other people out here who haven't started on their personal statements or looked at the application website yet? haha

I mean, I took my GRE's last summer so that's not an issue (I'm going to resend my scores anyway just because I'm paranoid!). I also had to write a couple personal statement-like essays for one of my LOR writers as well as for my school's "dean's evaluation" thing so I do have some idea of what I'll write about. Additionally, I've been jotting down random ideas I get throughout the day, when something pops up, in a notebook, but that's about it. As for hours tracking, I've kept a word file full of all my hours and individual descriptions of experiences since I switched to pre-vet a year and a half ago? I dunno. I feel behind!

I know pre-meds need to try to fill out the applications for med schools ASAP to increase their chances... but I was under the impression that it's best to wait until just a couple weeks before the applications are due for vet schools to send the full application in, in order to include the most experience possible, since there are no rolling admissions for vet schools? Or is that wrong...?

I am the WORST procrastinator in the world - I had my GRE done at the end of June, but didn't start the VMCAS or PS until late August... probably didn't do the supplementals until mid-September...

I wouldn't recommend it... SO SO stressful!!! If I had known, I would have tried to get as much done during the summer while I was just working, before classes started... something to think about.

Good Luck all!!!!

 

[libellule]

Yay SocialStigma and dee vee emm for the OVC shout out! and third time is the charm, dee vee emm - you've got it this year!!

 

[168135]

YAY! So excited to see this cycle already starting up - can't wait to cheer all of you on this year! 😀

I can't believe I get to finally post on one of these threads... I've been on this forum for about 3 years... seems so surreal... I have a tough semester ahead of me, that's for sure.

 

[dee vee emm]

Yay SocialStigma and dee vee emm for the OVC shout out! and third time is the charm, dee vee emm - you've got it this year!!

Thanks so much!! I really hope so!!

 

[breenie]

This is my first time as well. I've staked out my eLORs, but other than that, I haven't done much. I'm worried about being able to write a compelling personal statement. Blech. The number plugging bothers me less. 🙂

 

[heylodeb]

Second timer. Only applied to my IS last year, so opening up my horizons this time around and hoping for better chances! Last year my greatest weaknesses included having a terrible PS and not so great experience hours. I've spent the last year really working on those two things and I'm hoping to present a much more thorough and complete application.

As for where I am in the process - I have written about 9 versions of a personal statement and have hated them all. I'm starting to get frustrated but I'll do my best!

Trying to desperately get into a full year OChem course so that I can apply to more schools. (Ionly took 4 units of OChem) I'm not sure it'll happn since I already have my bachelor's and I'm pretty darn low on the totem pole! (boo hiss!)

 

[Nechochwen]

YAY! So excited to see this cycle already starting up - can't wait to cheer all of you on this year! 😀

I'll second that. I've never watched a whole application cycle (I found you all later than I would have liked) and maybe I can put in my 2 cents. Then again I only know about LSU. Speaking of which...

It's quite a list still - at least 13 schools - so I have some narrowing down to do. KS, IA, OH, and OK are certainly on there. Western is not (and that's final, after much agonizing). So many of y'all toss out school in the south because you "don't wanna live there for four years"... well, I'm doing the same thing, but to the coasts. So there.

(Plus PBL and no teaching hospital blahblah lots of other reasons...)

Point being, I still have a lot of maybes.

Maybe you should apply to LSU?😀

No, you'll figure out the right places to apply, but it would be nice to here about some LSU applicants. I swear, all I read about is Penn State applicants. 😉

 

[StartingoverVet]

No, you'll figure out the right places to apply, but it would be nice to here about some LSU applicants. I swear, all I read about is Penn State applicants. 😉

Hmmm. Penn State doesn't have a vet school. They do have a nice football program and a very good animal science undergrad program if you are interested. 😛

Perhaps you mean UPenn. They did get a lot of applicants for c/o 2014 posting on SDN as well, but unfortunately not too many of us survived.

 

[Nechochwen]

Hmmm. Penn State doesn't have a vet school. They do have a nice football program and a very good animal science undergrad program if you are interested. 😛

Perhaps you mean UPenn. They did get a lot of applicants for c/o 2014 posting on SDN as well, but unfortunately not too many of us survived.

😳

I did mean UPenn, oops. Thanks for settin' me straight

There does seem to be some schools that are well represented on SDN and others not so much.

As for not having your PS done yet, mine wasn't finished until a few days before I submitted the application. Although I do feel kinda like a slob for not having been as organized as some of you are.