Class of 2016 hopefuls: how are you doing?

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LMMS said:
\ I'm seriously considering leaving it that way and adding a photo of me wrangling a baboon. 😎
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Noooo. I work for the office in the vet school that files away the supplementals and I'm terrified of non-human primates. If I come across this I'll be scarred for life :scared:
 
EllieGirl89 said:
Noooo. I work for the office in the vet school that files away the supplementals and I'm terrified of non-human primates. If I come across this I'll be scarred for life :scared:
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OK, OK... I'll leave it out - for YOU. Guess I'll have to find another critter... Or maybe I'll tell them that they have to accept me so I can come out there and help you to get over your fear. 😉
 
So I just hit that dreaded submit button on the VMCAS.. and my heart is still racing, although I'm not sure why. I keep thinking that I forgot something or something is spelled wrong somewhere... oh well. All eLOR's are in, PS is in (decided i'm not going to spend another couple of days reviewing and editing it, it is what it is)... everything else is done. Just have to mail out a couple of the Supp apps.. then its just a waiting game.

Just have to finish 2 essays for A&M's app then i'll be done.

Good luck everyone! :xf:
 
Stressing so bad.

Ordered transcripts from my community college in August and hadn't received them two weeks later. Called my college and cannot reach anyone ALIVE. Tried so many different numbers...at one point I called the technical help desk. This is how it went.

Help Desk: "Hi this is the Help Desk."
Me: "Hi, I'm trying to reach someone about my college transcripts that never arrived, I have a deadline coming up and I really need them asap. I can't reach anyone AT ALL at the Transcript Office, Admissions, Registration, Student Services--"
Help Desk: "Let me transfer you to the Transcript Office."
Me: "Noooo---" *transferred*
And back to the maze of phone directories.

So I re-ordered transcripts on Sept 15 they were mailed the 21st and here it is the 26th and I am FREAKING OUT because I have not received them yet. I call the transcript service people (they are not related to the college) and ask them every day if they are coming.

Me: "What carrier were they sent?"
Operator: "Ma'am, I don't know the specific postal carrier's name, they use a random one every time."
Me: *headdesk* "I meant like, FedEX, UPS, etc."
Operator: "Oh, just the US Postal Service."

Then as soon as I receive them I need to like, OVERNIGHT them to the colleges. My university transcripts were so easy and fast, and these people have been ridiculous. My first transcript order that never got resolved...I basically gave them free money because I can't talk to anyone alive to get them re-sent. It's a Texas college too, so it's not like I can waltz on in there because I live in Raleigh.

Uuuughhh just needed to rant. I hope this transcript thing doesn't mess everything up. I don't know how many times I've read: "You will be rejected if we don't receive your transcripts by the 3rd"
 
pethuman said:
Stressing so bad.

Ordered transcripts from my community college in August and hadn't received them two weeks later. Called my college and cannot reach anyone ALIVE. Tried so many different numbers...at one point I called the technical help desk. This is how it went.

Help Desk: "Hi this is the Help Desk."
Me: "Hi, I'm trying to reach someone about my college transcripts that never arrived, I have a deadline coming up and I really need them asap. I can't reach anyone AT ALL at the Transcript Office, Admissions, Registration, Student Services--"
Help Desk: "Let me transfer you to the Transcript Office."
Me: "Noooo---" *transferred*
And back to the maze of phone directories.

So I re-ordered transcripts on Sept 15 they were mailed the 21st and here it is the 26th and I am FREAKING OUT because I have not received them yet. I call the transcript service people (they are not related to the college) and ask them every day if they are coming.

Me: "What carrier were they sent?"
Operator: "Ma'am, I don't know the specific postal carrier's name, they use a random one every time."
Me: *headdesk* "I meant like, FedEX, UPS, etc."
Operator: "Oh, just the US Postal Service."

Then as soon as I receive them I need to like, OVERNIGHT them to the colleges. My university transcripts were so easy and fast, and these people have been ridiculous. My first transcript order that never got resolved...I basically gave them free money because I can't talk to anyone alive to get them re-sent. It's a Texas college too, so it's not like I can waltz on in there because I live in Raleigh.

Uuuughhh just needed to rant. I hope this transcript thing doesn't mess everything up. I don't know how many times I've read: "You will be rejected if we don't receive your transcripts by the 3rd"
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I'd keep receipts of your orders of the transcripts so in case there is an issue with getting them to the schools on time you can at least have proof that you did order them in time and it was just the school that messed it up. Not sure how lenient they would be about that, but it might work.
 
You guys are good luck!
Shortly after getting home, I checked the mail and got my transcripts. Get this. I got the ones I ordered just 6 days ago AND the ones I ordered a month ago, at the same time. So now I have 10 transcripts :laugh: Oh well, maybe they'll come in handy next year...

So everything is sent off and will get there in time. Yippee!

On track again 👍
 
Eeep! I ordered mine a while back, but I had them sent directly to the school, so I can only hope they are making it there ok! Also, I *JUST* decided to apply to Purdue, so I need to scramble to get transcripts sent there. AND I have to finish my PS!!!!!!!!!!! Gahhh bring on the stresssss 😱
 
jemappellejane said:
Eeep! I ordered mine a while back, but I had them sent directly to the school, so I can only hope they are making it there ok! Also, I *JUST* decided to apply to Purdue, so I need to scramble to get transcripts sent there. AND I have to finish my PS!!!!!!!!!!! Gahhh bring on the stresssss 😱
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It's alright. I just decided to apply to Auburn and U of Missouri. Luckily the Missouri supplemental isn't due until Nov but I'm going to have to express mail Auburn's supplemental since I need to include a passport sized photo.
 
orca2011 said:
It's alright. I just decided to apply to Auburn and U of Missouri. Luckily the Missouri supplemental isn't due until Nov but I'm going to have to express mail Auburn's supplemental since I need to include a passport sized photo.
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Really?! A photo??? that seems so superficial.
 
Really sorry if this has been mentioned before but, I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Is Mississippi accepting new GRE scores? I'm getting mixed signals about this.
 
orca2011 said:
Right??? I thought it was a bit weird. I've only been asked to bring photos to interviews before. Oh well...
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I can only wonder what they could be judging with that... unless they explicitly say that they don't use the photo for any judging purposes. But then, what would be the point??! I don't know, that is just super sketchy to me...😕
 
Just submitted my applications (and supplementals) and my references are all in!!! Now all I have to do is fill out the Wisconsin supplemental. Who else is applying to WI? I'm IS, so I am hoping to get in so my s/o and I don't have to move.
 
jemappellejane said:
I can only wonder what they could be judging with that... unless they explicitly say that they don't use the photo for any judging purposes. But then, what would be the point??! I don't know, that is just super sketchy to me...😕
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Dunno. I understand bringing it to the interview so they are able to put names with faces once you leave but can't really think of reason for needing it so early in the game.
 
They took our photos prior to interviews at K-State last year, told us they would be our official class photos if we were accepted. Other than names-to-faces I can't imagie why they need them. I certainly did't feel like it was a part of judging.

Gaah! I'm sitting here finishing up the last of my stuff and freaking out about where I'm applying. It's my second app cycle and earlier this year I decided against re-applying to Wisconsin and Purdue since I didn't get an interview at Purdue and WI was just so arbitrary. Now I am worried I am cutting my chances and should send stuff to them anyway. (I applied to 6 schools last year, 5 this year. would be 7 if I re-apply to WI and Purdue)
 
fromthebox said:
They took our photos prior to interviews at K-State last year, told us they would be our official class photos if we were accepted. Other than names-to-faces I can't imagie why they need them. I certainly did't feel like it was a part of judging.

Gaah! I'm sitting here finishing up the last of my stuff and freaking out about where I'm applying. It's my second app cycle and earlier this year I decided against re-applying to Wisconsin and Purdue since I didn't get an interview at Purdue and WI was just so arbitrary. Now I am worried I am cutting my chances and should send stuff to them anyway. (I applied to 6 schools last year, 5 this year. would be 7 if I re-apply to WI and Purdue)
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Ahh!! I don't want that as my class photo, but I don't really have time to go get one done so I guess I'll just have to accept it.

And I understand the feeling of cutting your chances. I was originally only applying to 3 schools (applied to 5 last year) and now I'm up to 8...3 of which I decided to apply to just the other day. I just figured if I qualify and feel like I have somewhat of a chance might as well go for it.
 
UC Davis takes pictures before interviews too but they are just used for when they are debating whether you are good enough. Helps them put a name to a face. I made my picture a little goofy but apparently if they cared - they didn't care all that much!
 
pretty much done with my PS and all aspects of the application except the description of duties for vet experience, i'm having a REALLY hard time with the 480 character limit (even though i split up the different departments i've worked in at the hospital i'm current employed at, i.e. surgery, internal medicine, ER/critical care) how have you guys been dealing with this small amt of characters??? AHHHH!
 
To give my PS a title or to not give my PS a title. That is the question! What did you do, fellow applicants?
 
Yay, that saves me the pain of having to come up with something catchy 😀
 
Everything is in and all supplemental are mailed, VMCAS is off and I'm more nervous now then ever. I feel like I'm going to vomit if I don't get in. I don't know what I am going to do with my life.:scared:
 
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I keep thinking that maybe if I wait until the deadline, I will think of something so terribly profound to add to my personal statement or my list of experiences that it will all be worth it. I am stupid. I think I will need a couple of drinks in me to actually press that deadly "submit" button.
 
anyone know if you can use the "explanation" section to fill in more details about vet experiences, if you couldn't fit the description in the 480 characters provided?

and also, orca2011, just PMed you back 🙂
 
sunnex3 said:
anyone know if you can use the "explanation" section to fill in more details about vet experiences, if you couldn't fit the description in the 480 characters provided?

and also, orca2011, just PMed you back 🙂
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Thank you sooo much! Just got it.
And as for your question, I kind of want to say yes, but I'm not 100% sure. Do the instructions say anything about it?
 
sunnex3 said:
anyone know if you can use the "explanation" section to fill in more details about vet experiences, if you couldn't fit the description in the 480 characters provided?
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I would vote no. This section is to explain "special circumstances", not as an extra blank page. If so, I would use it for my PS part 2 😳.
 
fromthebox said:
I was just in that section on my app and that is in the directions, go for it!
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awesome 🙂 when you have worked in both the internal medicine and ER/critical care departments, there's quite a list of stuff that can't be fit in the 480 character limit. here we go...or i guess, not till tomorrow 🙂 i'm procrastinating this last part of application 😀

good luck everyone! :luck::luck::xf::xf:
 
hrmmm. emailing VMCAS now to see what they say.
 
Explanation Statement
Use the explanation statement to record information that could not be listed anywhere else within the web application, such as missing parental information, and disciplinary action(s) which require detailed explanation. This section can also be used to provide the admissions committee(s) additional information that you consider vital to your application. Your explanation statement should be clearly and succinctly written – 2000 characters (including spaces) have been allotted for this purpose.

Examples of pertinent information might include explanations about interruptions in your studies or experiences, unique circumstances you have faced, or reasons for decisions you have made.
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Read for yourselves.
 
CorporateFatCat said:
Read for yourselves.
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but the instructions for experience says this:
If your experience was over broken periods of time (for example, summer break), enter the average number of weekly hours and note the periods worked in your description of duties. List average weekly hours and total hours for each experience. You are allowed 480 characters in the Description of Duties section. If you need additional space, use the Explanation Statement

this is why i'm confused! i read the same thing that you did, corporatefatcat...
 
EllieGirl89 said:
Noooo. I work for the office in the vet school that files away the supplementals and I'm terrified of non-human primates. If I come across this I'll be scarred for life :scared:
Click to expand...

PRIMATES TERRIFY ME TOOOOO!

*quietly slinks back out of 2016er's thread*
 
Well, all the progress I thought I'd made today? Eliminated by the fact that my PS is total **** and was ripped apart by my reviewers. *almost* back to square one. I know I should be thankful they caught it, but it only underlines how terrible a writer I am when writing about myself.
 
fromthebox said:
Well, all the progress I thought I'd made today? Eliminated by the fact that my PS is total **** and was ripped apart by my reviewers. *almost* back to square one. I know I should be thankful they caught it, but it only underlines how terrible a writer I am when writing about myself.
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Remember not to take it personally and to remember that in one sense the reviewer is in a better (dispassionate) position to review it than you are. It's HARD to write compellingly about yourself.

And there's no shame in being criticized in the writing/editing process. It is what it is. Just look at it as a chance to keep improving your PS and your chances of getting accepted. 🙂 I know I had a tough time swallowing my pride and taking (most of) the advice my editors gave me, but in the end it worked out great.

G'luck!!!
 
fromthebox said:
Well, all the progress I thought I'd made today? Eliminated by the fact that my PS is total **** and was ripped apart by my reviewers. *almost* back to square one. I know I should be thankful they caught it, but it only underlines how terrible a writer I am when writing about myself.
Click to expand...

I'm with ya! Had to start mine over too... I just figure it's for the best. I actually took a personal day today from work to chug this darned thing out. It is not easy! Good luck!
 
sunnex3 said:
anyone know if you can use the "explanation" section to fill in more details about vet experiences, if you couldn't fit the description in the 480 characters provided?

and also, orca2011, just PMed you back 🙂
Click to expand...


I called the VMCAS hotline a while back and asked about that... cuz I'm finishing up a PhD right now and there was no way I could explain everything I do for the PhD in the veterinary/scientist experience in 480 characters. They told me that I could do that, but I'm not sure about regular veterinary experience. I only described by PhD work in the "explanation," and all the other veterinary experiences I've gotten I fit in the 480 characters.
 
GGRRRrrrrrrrRARRG! I hate that I went to like 5 schools- it is such a PITA to get transcripts!! I *think* I am finally all set. sheesh. :xf:
 
EllieGirl89 said:
Noooo. I work for the office in the vet school that files away the supplementals and I'm terrified of non-human primates. If I come across this I'll be scarred for life :scared:
Click to expand...

breenie said:
PRIMATES TERRIFY ME TOOOOO!

*quietly slinks back out of 2016er's thread*
Click to expand...

My, my... Now I'm starting to feel bad. Hopefully you guys aren't frightened of my avatar, are you? 😕 Regardless, allow me to present you with some primates I promise you could NEVER be afraid of. And, yes, they're real - pygmy marmosets! 😀

images
 
I am also not a fan of primates. But I love me some pygmy marmosets :biglove:

LMMS said:
My, my... Now I'm starting to feel bad. Hopefully you guys aren't frightened of my avatar, are you? 😕 Regardless, allow me to present you with some primates I promise you could NEVER be afraid of. And, yes, they're real - pygmy marmosets! 😀

images
Click to expand...
 
LMMS said:
My, my... Now I'm starting to feel bad. Hopefully you guys aren't frightened of my avatar, are you? 😕 Regardless, allow me to present you with some primates I promise you could NEVER be afraid of. And, yes, they're real - pygmy marmosets! 😀

images
Click to expand...

I''m pretty sure 'tiny and super cute' = ultra evil.
 
They are adorable! Are they babies or full grown? Do they bite?
 
LMMS said:
My, my... Now I'm starting to feel bad. Hopefully you guys aren't frightened of my avatar, are you? Regardless, allow me to present you with some primates I promise you could NEVER be afraid of. And, yes, they're real - pygmy marmosets!
Click to expand...

They make me want to die. As does your avatar. lol I love ya though and I'm still rooting for you! 😛
 
This year the schools I'm applying to do not require the GRE BIO but I have taken it in the past. Should I still include it in the test section of VMCAS?
 
Hey guys. I had a quick question. I applied about 2 weeks ago and my Iowa St. file is already in committee review. Does anyone know if this is this a good or a bad thing? Thanks so much!
 
greyhound326 said:
Hey guys. I had a quick question. I applied about 2 weeks ago and my Iowa St. file is already in committee review. Does anyone know if this is this a good or a bad thing? Thanks so much!
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I don't think it's a bad thing. Basically as soon as they started receiving materials from people they changed the status to in academic review even if they hadn't received everything yet. I think it means they're just starting to calculate GPAs and look at who they're going to invite for interviews. I wouldn't worry about it but you could contact Kathy to make sure.
 
Hi everyone! I'm new around here, but I've been lurking around and reading posts for a few days.

I submitted my applications to Texas A&M (I'm actually from College Station...), Mississippi State, Western U, and Ross last week, and I've already gotten an interview offer from Ross. Unfortunately, now I have to sit around and wait to hear from the other 3. Boo.

I'm glad I found this thread so I can panic with other C/O 2016 hopefuls throughout this whole process! 😀
 
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