Class of 2016 hopefuls: how are you doing?

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Sent off my last supplemental today! Very happy to be done with those. I am pretty much done with VMCAS also...I'm just scared to hit that submit button 😱 I keep reading all my descriptions/statements trying to think if there's anything else I could put..might give myself another week and pull the trigger.
 
man you guys are early. with working full time + going to classes + getting called into work on days when i'm off, it looks like i'm going to be working on my app up to the deadline...🙁
 
Glad to know I'm not the only one still working on the application. It's still a month from the deadline but I feel like I should be done with it by now.
It's the details like, what category to put each experience in or how to submit AP credits that are driving me crazy!!!
 
sunnex3 said:
man you guys are early. with working full time + going to classes + getting called into work on days when i'm off, it looks like i'm going to be working on my app up to the deadline...🙁
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I HAD to get mine done and I seem to have gotten it done in the nick of time! I now have 23 babies including 4 critical squirrel babies that need almost constant care plus am working full time and school starts next Tuesday.

I did realize that I applied to Tennessee and not Cornell and Tennessee requires cell biology which I didn't take and Cornell I met all the requirements. Oh well, planning to sign up for cell and molecular for the Spring semester, so no biggy I guess. Not sure if I'll have to email them and tell them that is my plan since when I submitted the VMCAS application, I didn't know I'd need to take it so I didn't add it to the planned course section.
 
squirrelsrule said:
Not sure if I'll have to email them and tell them that is my plan since when I submitted the VMCAS application, I didn't know I'd need to take it so I didn't add it to the planned course section.
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I would be proactive about that. I'd both contact VMCAS to see if you can amend the submission (I doubt it) and I'd contact the school to let them know you're planning to take the pre-req in the spring.
 
sunnex3 said:
man you guys are early. with working full time + going to classes + getting called into work on days when i'm off, it looks like i'm going to be working on my app up to the deadline...🙁
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Same here!
 
So this might be a stupid question but what did you all do about the indent on the first paragraph of your personal statement? When I paste my PS into the text box it automatically takes away the indent and I didn't know if I should leave it that way or add some spaces to line it up with the other paragraphs.
 
Instead of indenting paragraphs, I just did a double enter between paragraphs so there was space.
 
hedgiehog said:
So this might be a stupid question but what did you all do about the indent on the first paragraph of your personal statement? When I paste my PS into the text box it automatically takes away the indent and I didn't know if I should leave it that way or add some spaces to line it up with the other paragraphs.
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This is copied from the instructions on the personal statement part:
the copy received by your selected colleges will display proper formatting such as paragraph indents and character returns.

So if you type it up and have it formatted normal in word and then paste it into the section it should show up good for the reviewers.
 
For anyone who thinks they are behind, let me comfort you...

I'm still working on my personal statement, only one of my 4 eLORs writers has actually submitted their letter, and I have yet to enter my coursework. You'd never know I've been working on the application all summer haha.

I hope everyone else is hanging in there! Still a month to go, we got this 🙂
 
hedgiehog said:
So this might be a stupid question but what did you all do about the indent on the first paragraph of your personal statement? When I paste my PS into the text box it automatically takes away the indent and I didn't know if I should leave it that way or add some spaces to line it up with the other paragraphs.
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Yeah, isn't that annoying? You just have to take it on faith that it will preserve formatting. That frustrated me.

In any case, don't add spaces - you'll be wasting characters that you potentially need. 🙂 So either tab/indent or put a blank line in between each paragraph.

Either way will be fine.
 
Hey all. I was wondering if any of you could give some feedback on my application. Lets just say the stress of applying (which by reading this forum's posts we are all getting) has been getting to me and some feedback from others going through this process would be greatly appreciated.

Major: Double in Biology and Sociology
GRE: 1210 (570 Verbal, 640 Quant.)
GPA: 3.76 overall Science GPA is about 3.5 (varies up and down depending on the specifics for the school)
Switching from med. to vet fairly recently

Vet/Animal Extracurriculars:
650+ hours doing research fellowship on how mice change the plasticity of their Small Intestine with changes in diet protein content.
450+ hours volunteering at a small companion animal vet. getting trained as a tech.
30 hours shadowing at a vet. cardiologist
60 hours volunteering at a local wildlife rescue (birds of prey and large reptiles)
200+ Hours working at a pet store kennel
Tentative, spend around 30 hours shadowing with a equine vet

Non Vet Extracurriculars:

Spent a semester abroad in Australia
Member of an officer in 3 honor societies (bio, sociology, and Jesuit)
Volunteered at local hospital with a social worker and volunteered at an AIDS residence
Interned with a colorectal surgeon an at local ER
Played rugby for a year

Applying to: VT, Colorado St, K-State, U. Tenn, U. Penn, RVC, Iowa St, Minnesota, Mich St., Purdue, and Ohio St.

I recognize that large animal experience is my weakness but based on my other information, I was wondering if you all could give me some feedback about my application and what my overall chances of acceptance might be out of state to these places since my state school (NJ) does not have an affiliate program. Thanks so much for the feedback!

Sincerely,

Matt
 
greyhound326 said:
Hey all. I was wondering if any of you could give some feedback on my application. Lets just say the stress of applying (which by reading this forum's posts we are all getting) has been getting to me [...] I recognize that large animal experience is my weakness but based on my other information, I was wondering if you all could give me some feedback about my application and what my overall chances of acceptance might be out of state to these places since my state school (NJ) does not have an affiliate program.
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Advice: Don't cave to the stress.

Your stats look just fine! Academics are on par with the average. Your experience is varied. I wouldn't worry about the LA issue; you cover it well by having diversity in the rest of your experience. Frankly, everything in your stats screams diversity to me.

As far as overall chances, nobody can give you a definitive answer, but I think it's reasonable to say you don't have glaring weaknesses and have as good a shot as anyone.

You didn't mention your eLORs, but based on your post it seems like you might have an excellent opportunity to draw in some unusual and valuable eLORs. That, combined with finding creative ways to tie your life experiences into your PS, could give you a really compelling app.

G'luck!
 
Finally done with the first draft of my PS! :banana:

you guys have no idea how happy this makes me...i've been putting this crap off all summer long!

now i have to pretty much cut it down from ~8000 characters to ~5000 characters. yippee 🙄

every day is one step closer to being done with VMCAS!
 
Way to go! That was the hardest part to get myself to do. After you have something down, it is so much easier to get yourself to go work on it because you can just spend a little time on it here and there editing. If you can't find any of the vet students willing to look it over since they are all busy with school, I can give it a look over for you if you'd like. I think I have a pretty good understanding of what makes a good PS. Of course, I haven't gotten in yet so I totally understand if you want someone who is in already to give you feedback.
 
Picked up my transcripts from both colleges and contacted Tennessee about the cell bio. class today 🙂. Mailing off my transcripts to the 3 schools I am applying to tomorrow along with the 80 hour verification form for Ohio State. Got the info. from Tennessee about the cell bio. class and was able to finish that supplemental form. Just have to finish up Ohio's now and wait for my last two eLORs to get their letters in and I am totally done 🙂. I contacted one of the eLOR writers today and he said he will get right on it. The other one is making me a little nervous because I have contacted him twice now and only get the receptionist. I do have a backup vet I could ask if this one falls through but I have only known the backup for about 3 months whereas I have known the other vet for about 6 years.

Anyone here willing to look over a supplemental question essay? I would switch and review your PS if you'll look over my supplemental question (haven't finished it yet, but plan to in the next couple days).
 
Finally got all my supplementals paid for!

VMCAS is done, waiting to be sent until I have the 300+ dollars to send it off :/

I am soo broke. I wanted to kick myself for going to so many undergrad schools too. Having to get 4 transcripts each from 4 different schools was expensiiiiive. Bah! I'd better get in somewhere just 'cause I don't wanna do this whole thing again, lol.

Second time around was easier though, especially since I printed out my last VMCAS (and found some glaring errors, duh!) But that's all fixed and hopefully I've reviewed it enough so it's perfect.

Oh yeah, none of my recommenders have sent their eLORs yet either. Having to rely on other people is kiiinda frustrating. I work with these people so I see them every day and say, "Uh, hey, so you know there's like, 4 weeks left..." and they're like "I know, I know!" but I bet they're gonna wait til the last minute.
 
:soexcited: Both the vets I asked have submitted their eLORS :soexcited:and the eLOR from one of my professors is in so my VMCAS application meets all the requirements and I don't have to worry about eLOR writers anymore 🙂. That last vet one was making me nervous, almost asked another vet last night at work since I wasn't sure the other would have theirs in. Was worried for nothing. I was in contact with the last remaining eLOR writer two days ago and he said he'd get right on it. So, things are looking good 🙂.

All that is left is the Ohio Supplemental application. Working on the essay now 👍.
 
Hey everyone!

I'm also a c/o 2016 hope. I just submitted my application the other day which is a nice feeling since I submitted it pretty last minute last year. Still working on my Tufts application though since I need to come up with entirely new essays. Also one of the Colorado Supp essays is giving me a hard time. Can't seem to think of something unique that I can bring to the profession that I'm able to discuss in 600 characters or less...
 
Well, since this is my third time I am felling a little too laid back about the whole process. I haven't started the supplementals, still have to put in my experiences and I have not started re-writing my PS. Oh well, there is still around 4 weeks left, right. 😛 Oh, and I am still waiting on 3 of my 4 E-lors. Just sent a text to one of them; trying to bribe them into doing it. I know the other 2 will literally write the letter at the last minute. Actually, I am nearly 100% sure one of them will probably end up submitting just a few hours before the deadline, because that is how she is. Oh well, I will just keeping bugging her about it until she gets it done. I think I will go work on the supplementals now.....
 
I think I'm finished my personal statement, have everything else in VMCAS, but haven't even started my supplemental essay. :/ I have 2 of 4 eLORs. Do I have to have 3 to submit or can I submit whenever? I've been slightly confused about that the whole time.
 
krrobin said:
I think I'm finished my personal statement, have everything else in VMCAS, but haven't even started my supplemental essay. :/ I have 2 of 4 eLORs. Do I have to have 3 to submit or can I submit whenever? I've been slightly confused about that the whole time.
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It depends on what you mean by "have" 2 of 4 eLORs. I think you mean that you've put 4 into VMCAS but only 2 have finished it so far?

If that's the case, then you could submit if you're confident that the remaining two will get their part done. The eLOR folk don't have to have finished their end for you to submit, so long as you put their info into VMCAS. But if it were me, I'd probably wait another two weeks just in case something doesn't work out and you have to scrounge to get another eLOR.

Basically, look at it this way: Once you hit submit you can't go back and change anything meaningful. You can't add/subtract from your application at all. There's no incentive to submitting very early.
 
Yeah, I meant that 2 of my 4 have submitted. I guess they encourage you to submit early to avoid all the craziness, but I guess it doesn't make a big difference either way, right?
 
LetItSnow said:
It depends on what you mean by "have" 2 of 4 eLORs. I think you mean that you've put 4 into VMCAS but only 2 have finished it so far?

If that's the case, then you could submit if you're confident that the remaining two will get their part done. The eLOR folk don't have to have finished their end for you to submit, so long as you put their info into VMCAS. But if it were me, I'd probably wait another two weeks just in case something doesn't work out and you have to scrounge to get another eLOR.

Basically, look at it this way: Once you hit submit you can't go back and change anything meaningful. You can't add/subtract from your application at all. There's no incentive to submitting very early.
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There are a few things you can still change after you e-submit. You can still add schools to your school designation list and you can add new eLOR writers. This is only if you have less than 3 complete though, it seems once you hit the magic number 3 for eLORs complete, you can't add anyone new to the list.

I think it is best to give the application time though, because I have thought of some stuff I would have liked to add, but was in too much of a rush to hit that submit button.
 
Wow! Can't believe it's time to start submitting already! less than a month. My heart beats faster just thinking about the whole process and I don't even have to worry about it!

In all seriousness, you guys - it's WORTH it. That crazy incredible feeling of seeing/holding your acceptance letter, the feeling of sitting down in that lecture hall for the first time as a student, seeing your name on your ID card that says "vet med".....Lordy, It's AMAZING!! I can't wait to see the interview and acceptance threads get started! Guess I'll have to be a little more patient, though. 😉

😍

(and...after my little pep talk, I completely motivated myself to get back to studying, lol)
 
orca2011 I love your pic!! i have a pembroke welsh corgi too 😀 (assuming that's your dog!) i am also a c/o 2016 hopeful (and app repeater...) i too still have a lot to do and i'm starting to freak out a bit!! heylodeb thanks for the encouraging words!
 
squirrelsrule: Since you are also applying to OSU I was wondering if you could shed some light on something I'm slightly confused about on their supp app. In the experience section, what exactly are they looking for when they ask "species" for example in the category companion animal? i'm sorry if this has already been addressed but thank you!
 
squirrelsrule said:
There are a few things you can still change after you e-submit. You can still add schools to your school designation list and you can add new eLOR writers. This is only if you have less than 3 complete though, it seems once you hit the magic number 3 for eLORs complete, you can't add anyone new to the list.
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Are you sure about adding new eLORs? Either that's a change from last year, or (more likely) I'm remembering it incorrectly.
 
LetItSnow said:
Are you sure about adding new eLORs? Either that's a change from last year, or (more likely) I'm remembering it incorrectly.
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Not 100% sure what the rules are on it but I am 95% sure that I had the option to add new eLOR writers to the list after I hit submit. The option went away right after my 3rd eLOR was submitted.
 
kittkat said:
orca2011 I love your pic!! i have a pembroke welsh corgi too 😀 (assuming that's your dog!) i am also a c/o 2016 hopeful (and app repeater...) i too still have a lot to do and i'm starting to freak out a bit!! heylodeb thanks for the encouraging words!
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Haha thanks! His name is Rudy. =) He's such a quirky little thing...well not really little. He's pretty big for his breed actually which is amusing since he was the runt supposedly. I think I'm a little stressed too...haven't been sleeping well anymore and I still haven't come up with anything good for my Colorado essay. =/ Hopefully this year is the lucky year for both of us!
 
I finished my application and supplemental!! and two of my four LORs have been submitted. I'm no longer feeling pessimistic about this cycle at all!
 
241 credit hours entered, checked and saved into VMCAS!!! :banana:
 
orca2011 said:
Hey everyone!

I'm also a c/o 2016 hope. I just submitted my application the other day which is a nice feeling since I submitted it pretty last minute last year. Still working on my Tufts application though since I need to come up with entirely new essays. Also one of the Colorado Supp essays is giving me a hard time. Can't seem to think of something unique that I can bring to the profession that I'm able to discuss in 600 characters or less...
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i'm having the same problem too with my csu unique essay...wahhh 🙁
 
Anyone freaking out because they haven't completed their PS...relax. I am still writing my first draft while watching Miss Universe. Rooting for Angola!

May I have the crown to the queen of procrastination? 😳
 
orca2011 said:
I think I finally have something to say for it, but I feel like it sounds poorly written, so I refuse to submit it yet. Haha.
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i know i do too kind of but it sounds corny and cheesy...i want to make an impact since i only have a few sentences to say it! 😱
 
Even though I started my PS months ago, I am sitting on my application and not submitting it until near the end. I am like that with exams, too. I may have the exam finished halfway through the time period, but I keep thinking that I have to keep checking and making sure I did it alright until time runs out.
 
yann said:
Anyone freaking out because they haven't completed their PS...relax. I am still writing my first draft while watching Miss Universe. Rooting for Angola!

May I have the crown to the queen of procrastination? 😳
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omg we have like 3 weeks till the deadline...😱

i am also procrastinating! haven't finished filling out my experience section..officially requesting all my transcripts tomorrow!
 
I finished my first draft of PS. Except it's 3,000 characters too long. And then I remembered there was still something else I wanted to add.

Oh well, still 3 weeks left!
 
yann said:
I finished my first draft of PS. Except it's 3,000 characters too long. And then I remembered there was still something else I wanted to add.

Oh well, still 3 weeks left!
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lol yann, i am totally in the same situation as you! i had a crazy weekend in the ICU/ER and there's stuff i want to add but i'm already 2500 characters over...boooooo 👎thumbdown👎

we seem to be in about the same part along the application process haha...
 
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