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

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twelvetigers said:
I would love to, but that whole "GPA is super important" part really throws a brick in the works.
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How about Minnesota? If you make the first cut, they don't even look at grades again. Plus they seem to like non-trads if the Class of 2014 is any indication. 🙂 And they LOVE good communicators.
 
For those of you are attempting to be pro-active, how do you think you're going to go about sending official transcripts? Is it better to send them directly to the school, or have it sent to you and then you mailing it out with any other supplemental application materials? Do most schools accept that?

I can tell this is already going to be a headache for me - I have to send 6 school transcripts (it's annoying having taking only one class here and there but have to send transcripts for it) to the like 10 schools I'm planning on applying to....$$$ and :meanie:
 
twelvetigers said:
For your amusement!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=621509

Kansas wants everything in one envelope, sent
by you. Other schools want them sent from your schools individually. It's gonna take some planning...
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ehhh, they are lenient. I told them my school would not let me send an official transcript, it HAD to come fro their office, so the school let me send that separately and I just called to make sure it was put with my stuff. But yea, its all super-fun! :meanie:
 
Well, that's good to hear. It sounds like a major pain in the butt. Also, while finding the transcript thread, I found a lot of threads on supplementals... and those areall going to be pains in the butt as well.

So, basically... grrrr.
 
parietal said:
How about Minnesota? If you make the first cut, they don't even look at grades again. Plus they seem to like non-trads if the Class of 2014 is any indication. 🙂 And they LOVE good communicators.
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We're so low-key in Minnesota!
 
twelvetigers said:
For your amusement!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=621509

Kansas wants everything in one envelope, sent
by you. Other schools want them sent from your schools individually. It's gonna take some planning...
Click to expand...


Awww man! That sucks. I feel like I have so much less control when I just leave it up to others to do their job. Where does it say for certain that that's the case? Is it on the application itself?

Does the VMSAR include all the addresses for where transcripts are sent? I hope so, it would be helpful for everything I need to be in one place to *slightly* reduce the headache.
 
I believe it does have addresses. 🙂

I'm not sure where it says what each school wants... I'm kinda new at this too. I've only applied to OKSU these last two times so...
 
Where does it say for certain that that's the case? Is it on the application itself? Does the VMSAR include all the addresses for where transcripts are sent?
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Yah it'll say on the school's supp apps if you need to do anything special. The only cases of that which I can think of off hand is Kansas and Western. The others just have you send in your transcripts via mail. Also IIRC Kansas requires a copy of your GRE scores as well.

As far as where to send transcripts, I don't know about the VMSAR but it's usually:
1) On their websites
2) On the PDF files of the individual pre-requisite things from the VMCAS site
http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/college_requirement.htm
3) On the supplementals (which are on the websites).


Awww man! That sucks. I feel like I have so much less control when I just leave it up to others to do their job.
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Lol, word. I absolutely do not trust people in office jobs to actually DO that job. Too many times have I been proven wrong. Hell, just yesterday I called to make sure that my transcripts were sent off from the last semester and they lost my damn request form! They had my receipt but no form was attached to it, so nothing was sent out. I know that it was attached when I requested it, else they wouldn't have accepted the request form, but...anyhow...

​
 
teatime said:
Does the VMSAR include all the addresses for where transcripts are sent? I hope so, it would be helpful for everything I need to be in one place to *slightly* reduce the headache.
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Yes, I sent all my transcripts to the addresses listed in the VMSAR for the particular schools.
 
1st time applicant. Even though I am by far a non-trad student, I am at least as nervous, if not more, as some of you sound. Taking the GRE July 31 for the 1st time, so studying a little every day. Need to get more LA experience, only have 20 hrs with a track vet. Still trying to figure out which schools to apply to, my list is down to 14. With somewhat of a desultory academic transcript, (I've actually attended 5 schools), the cost in transcripts alone could cost a small fortune to that many schools. At the same time, my goal is to be a vet, so the more schools the better, right?
 
TheEvilShoe said:
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...?
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I waited to submit my application until about 3 weeks before the deadline (they recommend two so that the site doesn't crash, and I wanted to be extra cautious). However, I was completely done filling out 99% of the application around mid-July. I then looked back on it periodically for editing -- especially the 250 character limit experience descriptions. I'd let a week or two go by and then revisit the descriptions to make sure I used the most powerful words possible to relay my experiences. I had friends and family help edit too, to make sure that I was selling myself enough and describing things clearly and concisely.

In sum, I would recommend filling things out early so that you can give the application enough time and attention. You can wait to submit it, and add things until the deadline (I certainly did!), but you may want to begin sooner rather than later . . .
 
CatCrazy2 said:
, so the more schools the better, right?
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This has been discussed ad nauseum on other threads but I don't mind reiterating a few costs....

1) Cost.. Don't forget to include all the costs involved in applying to many schools. Supplemental application cost, cost to travel to hopefully many interviews, even dry cleaning.

2) Odds of getting in. Do the research. Make sure you know what the requirements are. Read the threads on the various schools. No sense applying if you won't make a cutoff either GPA, experience, or pre-reqs.

Also especially look at how they view out-of-state candidates. No sense applying to school like Davis or Colorado and others out of state unless you are highly competitive as so few spots are available.

3) Knowing the schools. Make sure you have the time to be able to really find out what a school wants. If you can't tailor your application (especially supplementals) to what they want you are wasting your time.

4) Only consider schools you will truly attend. No sense of applying to a Northern school if you can't tolerate the cold, or a school in a city if you hate city life, or whatever. If you can't see yourself going, don't apply. If you are ok going anywhere then that is fine.

It is hard to figure out what exactly schools like but I think if you check the VMSAR and the accepted applicant threads you can get a really good idea.

Otherwise some will say you never know so apply to as many as possible. To me, there is a lot of emotional and mental energy to each app so I kept the number small so I could concentrate all my efforts. If you have more time, maybe not an issue.

Good luck.
 
StartingoverVet said:
This has been discussed ad nauseum on other threads but I don't mind reiterating a few costs....

cost to travel to hopefully many interviews, even dry cleaning.

Dry clean my blue jeans? Just kidding. Thanks for the great advice.

My time is not unlimited, as I am still financially obligated to work at my non-veterinary job, while preparing for the GRE, applying, and trying to get that crucial LA experience. My old coursework (pre-1998) is far from exemplary, but recent ones (42 hrs in past 2 yrs) in prereqs is a 3.9 something. Overall about 3.2, but that depends on what school calculates it.

So I am considering crossing Michigan and UPenn off my list, as they look to be more academically competitive, and the avg vet and animal experience at UPenn is really out of my league right now.

Again, thanks for the helpful advice.
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gone2dogs said:
"Class of 2014 was so last year!😀"
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Excuse me! haha

gone2dogs said:
am a third time applicant (yikes... can't decide if that feels pathetic or determined)
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Again...excuse me?!?! haha. As a third timer I have to say you will definitely appreciate it all the more when you get it. In fact I'm actually glad I had some time off from undergrad to vet school. There's nothing pathetic about going after what you want!🙂
 
You guys can love on your schools all you like, but I have a low GPA and I really have to keep that in mind so I don't waste my time or, more importantly, money. 🙁

ETA: You know what I mean, right? I would have a hard time as a perfect applicant because I would probably want to apply EVERYWHERE and that's just silly. :d So when I choose places, it will be because of my perceived odds. So no hard feelings if I don't apply to your school, anyone!
 
twelvetigers said:
You guys can love on your schools all you like, but I have a low GPA and I really have to keep that in mind so I don't waste my time or, more importantly, money. 🙁
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I think it's just that we're so obsessed with you, not our schools. Oh wait did I type that out loud...where is that internal censor...
 
How far in advance do you have to schedule a GRE exam?
 
teatime said:
For those of you are attempting to be pro-active, how do you think you're going to go about sending official transcripts? Is it better to send them directly to the school, or have it sent to you and then you mailing it out with any other supplemental application materials? Do most schools accept that?

I can tell this is already going to be a headache for me - I have to send 6 school transcripts (it's annoying having taking only one class here and there but have to send transcripts for it) to the like 10 schools I'm planning on applying to....$$$ and :meanie:
Click to expand...

I hear ya. I applied to 9 schools and had 5 transcripts to send. What I did was submit everything in one priority mail flat rate envelope ($4.75 shipping). Delivery confirmation comes free if you print the label out online. I put all my transcripts, supplementals apps, and fees in the single envelope. There was one exceptions because of their deadline, but for the most part it worked out nicely. That way I knew they got EVERYTHING and had confirmation of their receipt. It came in handy when a certain school said they didn't get one transcript- uh helllooo they all came in the same envelope.
 
Good luck to everyone applying this year! 🙂

StartingoverVet said:
...cost to travel to hopefully many interviews...
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Definitely keep this one in mind!!!!

After all of the applications I sent in and the couple of interviews I booked flights/hotels/transportation for, I was broke. Due to bad weather, I had to cancel my Kansas interview. Kansas was awesome about trying to reschedule, but I couldn't afford to go there and interview after booking the Western interview before KS tried to reschedule for the 2nd or 3rd time. It was a mess. Missed out on 2 interviews (IA and KS). I'm happy with the decision I had, but am extra broke now after paying the deposit for my seat, accommodation, and a plane ticket.
 
twelvetigers said:
You guys can love on your schools all you like, but I have a low GPA and I really have to keep that in mind so I don't waste my time or, more importantly, money. 🙁

ETA: You know what I mean, right? I would have a hard time as a perfect applicant because I would probably want to apply EVERYWHERE and that's just silly. :d So when I choose places, it will be because of my perceived odds. So no hard feelings if I don't apply to your school, anyone!
Click to expand...

At Illinois, GPA only factors into who gets offered an interview and it's not used to decide who gets accepted vs. waitlisted. I'd recommend contacting the admissions office with your academic info (including GRE scores, degrees obtained, etc) and see if they think you have a chance.
 
Tco87 said:
At Illinois, GPA only factors into who gets offered an interview and it's not used to decide who gets accepted vs. waitlisted. I'd recommend contacting the admissions office with your academic info (including GRE scores, degrees obtained, etc) and see if they think you have a chance.
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But the Phase I academic cutoff last year was brutal for OOS'ers last year...UIUC is not a great place to apply if GPA is an issue IMO. Even though it's an awesome school. 🙂
 
crittergal said:
I hear ya. I applied to 9 schools and had 5 transcripts to send. What I did was submit everything in one priority mail flat rate envelope ($4.75 shipping). Delivery confirmation comes free if you print the label out online. I put all my transcripts, supplementals apps, and fees in the single envelope. There was one exceptions because of their deadline, but for the most part it worked out nicely. That way I knew they got EVERYTHING and had confirmation of their receipt. It came in handy when a certain school said they didn't get one transcript- uh helllooo they all came in the same envelope.
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That's what I wanted to do... but someone else mentioned that most schools wants transcripts sent directly. But I guess if you did it and didn't have a problem, it should be ok...?
 
I just have to say that I am LOVING using MS OneNote (that I recently bought on a whim off ebay after all the talk on here) for organizing all my application stuff! The screen clipping feature and the ease of making links are making it really easy to organize and save the stuff that I know I am going to be looking for over and over again for the next few months. I can even imagine adding a link right to the school specific SDN thread once those get going🙂. /commercial

Now if only I knew exactly which schools I am going to apply to...
 
I'm considering applying to both the OVC and Edinburgh for the 2015 cycle. Trying to get all the coursework and experience sections done so I can just edit throughout the summer. Haven't even considered starting my PS :scared:
 
Ha! I just started my VMCAS app this evening, and I thought I was being a spaz to start thinking about it so early. 😉

Looks like I am applying again this year, too. I just called WSU today (I'm on the OOS, non-WICHE wait list), and they said there has been no movement on the wait lists and that my ranking couldn't have changed at all. Alas. I'm still hoping, but at this point, I need to make plans for the upcoming year.
 
Hi guys! Another first timer here, who just decided to come out of the shadows. I'm so glad this community exists; I was feeling quite lonely, since all the other pre-vets in my class have already applied (I decided to wait).

I'm crossing my fingers for us all. Good luck! :luck:
 
Okay I'm applying AGAIN this cycle and wanted to run my list of possible schools by people.

My IS is Tufts, so I'm out of luck because my GPA is around a 3.1-3.2.

Is it worth my money to apply to:
Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mizzou, UTenn, Wisconsin, Georgia, Washington? I'm applying to Western again because I got an interview last round.

I've got great recs, and lots of experience but its GPA that I'm concerned about. This is the list I've come up with through research but wanted to get some opinions.

Thanks!
 
Only thing I know about is Washington - check out their tier system on their website and figure out which tier you fit into. While in a meeting they explained to me that in order to consider yourself competitive as an OOS student you must be a Tier 1 applicant...

The cool thing about them is that it is a good GPA OR a good GRE OR a good Science GPA....
 
Kootz, we're in the same boat. If you can manage tier I, try Washington. I'm waiting to see how my GRE goes. Consider Minnesota - they do phases as well. Cross off Georgia since they only take like two OOS students. But, since you were considering GA and were therefore planning to take the Biology GRE 😉 then you should apply to Oklahoma State! Two of our lovely lower GPA ladies made it in to OKSU this year. It's worth it.

Oh man. We both need all the luck we can get. 🙂
 
I've already sent my transcript off to my school to be evaluated before I select courses for next year :scared: and emailed someone for feedback on my extracurriculars and veterinary experiences.

Luckily, I don't have to worry about a PS *sigh of relief*

I can't believe that this time is here! I've been waiting three years for this!
 
Not-so-theoretical question: If you're being pressured to apply to vet school this year but don't feel like you're ready/just plain don't want to apply yet, how would you go about convinving your family/friends that it's not the best choice for you?

I'm a rising senior, I have all my pre-reqs for Davis done, and I'm taking the GRE in July, but still didn't plan to apply until next cycle for various reasons that may or may not be stupid but they're still valid enough for me. But literally everyone who I ask, save for one, has told me that it's a better idea to just apply this year. I had a whole long post about this typed up, but it was too long and pointless and this is the main point, so yeah. XD
 
You might consider applying any how. I would've entered vet school as a senior (I applied as a junior) had I been accepted but wasn't really 'ready' then. I am, however, extremely glad that I did apply that year, just for the experience of the application cycle itself.

If you get accepted, I think you could still request deferral if you're still not ready (wouldn't use that as the reason though) but I don't know how often those are granted.
 
fishbones said:
Hi guys! Another first timer here, who just decided to come out of the shadows. I'm so glad this community exists; I was feeling quite lonely, since all the other pre-vets in my class have already applied (I decided to wait).

I'm crossing my fingers for us all. Good luck! :luck:
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twelvetigers said:
Kootz, we're in the same boat. If you can manage tier I, try Washington. I'm waiting to see how my GRE goes. Consider Minnesota - they do phases as well. Cross off Georgia since they only take like two OOS students. But, since you were considering GA and were therefore planning to take the Biology GRE 😉 then you should apply to Oklahoma State! Two of our lovely lower GPA ladies made it in to OKSU this year. It's worth it.

Oh man. We both need all the luck we can get. 🙂
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Biology GRE? I guess I didn't see that coming. 😱 not sure if I can take the regular GRE this July and then the Bio one and still have time to write another great PS.
 
scarcelyheard said:
Luckily, I don't have to worry about a PS *sigh of relief*
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Thank gods for that! I've started writing down ALL my vet experience and ALL my extracurriculars that I've ever done, so I don't forget anything, since lack of experience/extracurriculars was my down fall this year. Trying to get on for some more shadowing experience for at least a couple hours a week.
 
Ausheya said:
Not-so-theoretical question: If you're being pressured to apply to vet school this year but don't feel like you're ready/just plain don't want to apply yet, how would you go about convinving your family/friends that it's not the best choice for you?

I'm a rising senior, I have all my pre-reqs for Davis done, and I'm taking the GRE in July, but still didn't plan to apply until next cycle for various reasons that may or may not be stupid but they're still valid enough for me. But literally everyone who I ask, save for one, has told me that it's a better idea to just apply this year. I had a whole long post about this typed up, but it was too long and pointless and this is the main point, so yeah. XD
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If your heart's not in it, then its a waste of energy and money, and yes even some emotions if you apply. I think it's great to take a few years off between college and applying. For me it was a great growing period and I feel that I've finally grown up and can handle my own affairs. Plus it's nice to enjoy a few years of "free time" while working and not have to be a student.
 
twelvetigers said:
Kootz, we're in the same boat. If you can manage tier I, try Washington. I'm waiting to see how my GRE goes. Consider Minnesota - they do phases as well. Cross off Georgia since they only take like two OOS students. But, since you were considering GA and were therefore planning to take the Biology GRE 😉 then you should apply to Oklahoma State! Two of our lovely lower GPA ladies made it in to OKSU this year. It's worth it.

Oh man. We both need all the luck we can get. 🙂
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what scores will give you a 75% on the GRE?
 
For verbal, probably a 570 ish and for the quant probably more like a 700. I can't say because the percentile depends on who you're being compared to and how they did taking the same test as you.

Oh, and for the analytical, probably a 5.0.

Don't let the bio GRE scare you too much. OKSU is kind to those with lower GPAs, so it may be worth it to invest the time somehow. You'll take it in October or November.
 
Third-time applicant here. I've started my VMCAS, but haven't thought about my PS. I think it sucked the last 2 years, and I really want a good one. I'm nervous about where to apply as I have a low GPA (3.2) average GRE (1160) but 10+ years of experience mixed animal. UTK is my IS and I got an interview both times before, so I'm for sure applying there again but I never got an interview at any other school.
 
Well, I spent a few hours filling out the parts of VMCAS that don't require too much time/effort or other people to do anything. Whether I end up using it or not is kind of a toss-up at this point, but at least I'll have it later just in case. I wanna see what I can get on the GRE before I make any solid decisions about anything to do with applying, for the time being.
 
Coquette22 said:
Thank gods for that! I've started writing down ALL my vet experience and ALL my extracurriculars that I've ever done, so I don't forget anything, since lack of experience/extracurriculars was my down fall this year. Trying to get on for some more shadowing experience for at least a couple hours a week.
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Aren't extracurriculars limited to the last 5 years?

I listed EVERYTHING... I'm even including the ~20 hours I spent collecting signatures and attending rallies and meetings to save an old theatre from being torn down.

I'm curious as to how you would figure out how many hours you spent in each activity. I've been bowling at least once a week for 10 years... do I seriously have to guestimate how many hours I spent bowling?
 
scarcelyheard said:
Aren't extracurriculars limited to the last 5 years?

I listed EVERYTHING... I'm even including the ~20 hours I spent collecting signatures and attending rallies and meetings to save an old theatre from being torn down.

I'm curious as to how you would figure out how many hours you spent in each activity. I've been bowling at least once a week for 10 years... do I seriously have to guestimate how many hours I spent bowling?
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Should have clarified: All of in the past 5 years, regardless of how minor it may be.

And yes, you have to estimate. I spend 3 hours a week at the barn, plus shows and clinics, and I've been doing so for 7 years. And I had to estimate that. Just take the average time per week, multiply by 52 weeks in a year and multiply by the number of years.
 
Coquette22 said:
Should have clarified: All of in the past 5 years, regardless of how minor it may be.

And yes, you have to estimate. I spend 3 hours a week at the barn, plus shows and clinics, and I've been doing so for 7 years. And I had to estimate that. Just take the average time per week, multiply by 52 weeks in a year and multiply by the number of years.
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Thanks Coquette! Good luck (and have fun!) with getting more extracurriculars! I know at my university, it's not that difficult. Shinearama always needs volunteers for the different fundraisers they have going on, and the students union is always looking for people to help out with the womens center, sexual diversity center, ect.
 
Got all of my coursework entered in. Got all the basics done. Now I pretty much have nothing to do on the application itself until my PS is done and I enter my vet/work/animal experiences at the last minute. That is if I decide to actually submit my application. I'm having serious doubts about getting even remotely enough experience, much less getting to know a vet well enough to write me a letter of recommendation. My other two I'm set on, but the vet one is gonna be difficult.

I'm still debating where to put all my pharmacy tech experience. I was planning on just putting it under work experience, but I remember reading a thread here where someone put it under vet experience since it is working with/under a health care professional. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna stick it under work experience. And all my undergraduate research has been with human subjects. That I have no idea where to put. Bleh. I've got time to figure it out.
 
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