Class of 2020 Applicants

[Caiter92]

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I'm in the same situation. I submitted August 20th and still haven't been verified. People submitting just a few days before me were verified in 3-5 days as well, but its been 18 for me (but who is counting??). I am under the impression that if there is an issue and it is PAST the date, you cannot resubmit. Which is why they want to you to do it 4 weeks ahead of time since that's how long it could possibly take. So I'm just praying it will be verified with no issues or they get back to me in the next 6.5 days if there's something I need to fix!

I read through the FAQ again, and it says you can resubmit after the deadline, but it's up to the schools policy whether or not they'll accept the application... Guess I will be emailing my IS to ask.

My app was redelivered to my IS today though according to the portal, so I'm hoping that means my app was verified and VCMAS just hasn't updated the program status page? *fingers crossed*

 

[LetItSnow]

VMCAS's habit of giving a hard deadline and then telling people to "submit early to make sure there aren't any problems" has never made any sense to me.

If people need to "submit early" in order to make sure that processing gets handled within the right time frame, then the deadline needs to be earlier. The deadline should be set for the date that guarantees VMCAS can process the material appropriate. Anything else just creates confusion and the potential for problems.

 

[WildZoo]

VMCAS's habit of giving a hard deadline and then telling people to "submit early to make sure there aren't any problems" has never made any sense to me.

If people need to "submit early" in order to make sure that processing gets handled within the right time frame, then the deadline needs to be earlier. The deadline should be set for the date that guarantees VMCAS can process the material appropriate. Anything else just creates confusion and the potential for problems.

Originally I thought moving up the timeline was for this purpose - submit to VMCAS by Sept 15th, then they have time to process everything before sending the apps on to the schools in October. That would have actually made sense, rather than just changing the dates and still having the same (and worse) issues.

 

[LetItSnow]

Originally I thought moving up the timeline was for this purpose - submit to VMCAS by Sept 15th, then they have time to process everything before sending the apps on to the schools in October. That would have actually made sense, rather than just changing the dates and still having the same (and worse) issues.

I just ... it's poor customer focus to say "here's the deadline, but really you should submit earlier!" So is that the deadline or isn't it? How do you know? How MUCH earlier should you submit?

It's anxiety-inducing for pre-vets who are already ridiculously anxious about their applications. It's super easy for those of us who have gone through it to look backwards and realize that ok, it really wasn't as big of a deal as we all made it out to be when we were doing it .... but when you're in the middle of it, it's a super anxious place to be and you don't know any better and pretty much everyone is equally anxious. And VMCAS's vague "here's the deadline but you really should submit earlier" thing doesn't help.

I just feel bad for the applicants. I know they're going to look backwards and laugh at how anxious they were, but that doesn't mean they aren't anxious now ... and it doesn't have to be that way.

 

[pp9]

Originally I thought moving up the timeline was for this purpose - submit to VMCAS by Sept 15th, then they have time to process everything before sending the apps on to the schools in October. That would have actually made sense, rather than just changing the dates and still having the same (and worse) issues.

Word of mouth, so take it with a grain of salt: VMCAS has been under a ton of pressure from the schools to actually make the application what they want. Previously, VMCAS gave us until October, but implied we'd have better odds if we submitted earlier because they'd look at us sooner. That proved to be flat out incorrect, since all but one (two, maybe?) schools wait until they receive all/most applications to start making cuts an sending invites (as opposed to rolling admissions). VMCAS was hoping to have the bulk of applicants submit by September so those apps could be sent out. Most applicants waited until September or later, delaying VMCAS' shipments of applications. So the schools were waiting until November and even December before they could start doing some work. I suppose that has a bigger effect on the schools that establish GPA cutoffs based on the pool instead of establishing consistent cutoffs, but it still delayed a lot of decisions.

I remember reading a few times on here last year that interview invites went out, and interviews were in 2-3 weeks. I think I found out about my UF interview about 2 weeks before the date, but maybe I was invited because someone declined? To me, 2-3 weeks is kind of last notice when other schools give you at least a month. I know I was rushing to book flights and hotels, and I can't imagine multiple schools would do that intentionally.

 

[WardenN7]

I just ... it's poor customer focus to say "here's the deadline, but really you should submit earlier!" So is that the deadline or isn't it? How do you know? How MUCH earlier should you submit?

It's anxiety-inducing for pre-vets who are already ridiculously anxious about their applications. It's super easy for those of us who have gone through it to look backwards and realize that ok, it really wasn't as big of a deal as we all made it out to be when we were doing it .... but when you're in the middle of it, it's a super anxious place to be and you don't know any better and pretty much everyone is equally anxious. And VMCAS's vague "here's the deadline but you really should submit earlier" thing doesn't help.

I just feel bad for the applicants. I know they're going to look backwards and laugh at how anxious they were, but that doesn't mean they aren't anxious now ... and it doesn't have to be that way.

This. So much. These last few days have been agonizingly stressful. I've worked my rear end off to keep a 4.0, I've had some amazing experience, and I've got some awesome veterinarians pulling for me. The thought of being kept out another year (because of a service I paid money for!!!) was just crushing 🙁

But on the bright side, I've resolved the problem and submitted my application, so my vet school dreams live to fight another day!

 

[MOB23]

if this info helps anyone... I submitted Aug 19th am and was just verified today.

 

[finnickthedog]

if this info helps anyone... I submitted Aug 19th am and was just verified today.

Well, it tells me that I don't have a snowball's chance of being verified before the deadline.

But seriously, it still is helpful to know how the verification times are coming along. Thank you. 🙂

 

[MOB23]

haha sorry finnickthedog 🙁 i know more stress is the last thing anyone here needs, they seem to be doing them in big chunks to me cause it took mine 3 weeks, whereas it took someone who submitted just 2 days before me 1 week...or VMCAS is just messing with everyone and picking which one gets verified next randomly

 

[WildZoo]

Perhaps VMCAS uses the dart board method as well

 

[deleted676737]

haha sorry finnickthedog 🙁 i know more stress is the last thing anyone here needs, they seem to be doing them in big chunks to me cause it took mine 3 weeks, whereas it took someone who submitted just 2 days before me 1 week...or VMCAS is just messing with everyone and picking which one gets verified next randomly

I was going to say... I submitted about the same date that you did, but my application was verified within two business days.

I feel like I believe more and more in the dartboard theory with each passing day.

 

[finnickthedog]

I was going to say... I submitted about the same date that you did, but my application was verified within two business days.

I feel like I believe more and more in the dartboard theory with each passing day.

 

[deleted676737]

Hey, not my fault! I guess I just got lucky...?

 

[pp9]

Well, it tells me that I don't have a snowball's chance of being verified before the deadline.

But seriously, it still is helpful to know how the verification times are coming along. Thank you. 🙂

Remember, as long as you've submitted by the 15th, you will be verified.

 

[WildZoo]

Remember, as long as you've submitted by the 15th, you will be verified.

I think some people are concerned about being able to fix any errors found during verification after the deadline.

Somehow that never crossed my mind when I submitted my application the morning of the deadline...

 

[finnickthedog]

Hey, not my fault! I guess I just got lucky...?

I'm just trying to think what could cause just different verification times for two apps submitted around the same time.
I've got nothing. I may have to accept the dartboard theory. 😛

Remember, as long as you've submitted by the 15th, you will be verified.

Yeah, like WildZoo said I just would have preferred to be verified before the deadline in case of errors. Oh well.

 

[pp9]

I think some people are concerned about being able to fix any errors found during verification after the deadline.

Somehow that never crossed my mind when I submitted my application the morning of the deadline...

VMCAS is supposed to correct up to 5 minor errors. After 5 errors, it's supposed to be sent back to you, then placed in the back of the verification line after you send it back. That's what a few APVMAers have reported back with, at least. Their major errors are things like listing all courses under one term, missing transcripts, missing courses, etc. It sounds like a lot of people are assuming they'll a returned application because of a typo.

The only error that would really screw things up is if you have a missing transcript this close to the deadline. They won't rush their processing of it, so at this point, you'd be SOL.

 

[battie]

My concern is that they aren't going to get my transcript. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars unless I know they have my transcript. I can't imagine they haven't received it yet, but it is also already too late to resend transcripts.

 

[pp9]

My concern is that they aren't going to get my transcript. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars unless I know they have my transcript. I can't imagine they haven't received it yet, but it is also already too late to resend transcripts.

Yeah they're not very clear on that....it sounds like a transcript can be in their possession, but it doesn't matter unless they process it.

 

[finnickthedog]

VMCAS is supposed to correct up to 5 minor errors. After 5 errors, it's supposed to be sent back to you, then placed in the back of the verification line after you send it back. That's what a few APVMAers have reported back with, at least. Their major errors are things like listing all courses under one term, missing transcripts, missing courses, etc. It sounds like a lot of people are assuming they'll a returned application because of a typo.

The only error that would really screw things up is if you have a missing transcript this close to the deadline. They won't rush their processing of it, so at this point, you'd be SOL.

I didn't even know they were supposed to correct up to 5 minor errors until yesterday(?) when I saw someone mention that.
But even so, I don't trust VMCAS and I am a little worried about the possibility of them sending it back.

Not like full on panic mode worried or anything... but I would have preferred verification prior to the deadline.

 

[WildZoo]

VMCAS is supposed to correct up to 5 minor errors. After 5 errors, it's supposed to be sent back to you, then placed in the back of the verification line after you send it back. That's what a few APVMAers have reported back with, at least. Their major errors are things like listing all courses under one term, missing transcripts, missing courses, etc. It sounds like a lot of people are assuming they'll a returned application because of a typo.

The only error that would really screw things up is if you have a missing transcript this close to the deadline. They won't rush their processing of it, so at this point, you'd be SOL.

So have they let people fix errors and resubmit after the deadline in the past?

 

[ptxpony]

How do you know if a certain school has received your VMCAS app? Does VMCAS notify you, or...?

 

[WildZoo]

How do you know if a certain school has received your VMCAS app? Does VMCAS notify you, or...?

Usually the school will notify you in some way (email, or some schools have a portal you can check) though it likely won't be right away

 

[Caiter92]

WSU's portal home page has a section for your supplemental, GRE scores, and VCMAS application. It tells you when each has been received and the date. I didn't end up applying to ISU, but their portal had a similar set up. So definitely check there!

 

[pp9]

So have they let people fix errors and resubmit after the deadline in the past?

Dug up some old stuff, so you can see where either things change every year, or no one knows what's going on:

Thanks for the input on transcript verification. All is correct, except that when an application is resubmitted by the applicant after making corrections, the verification system will notify VMCAS, and we will place the corrected application in the front of the verification queue. 🙂

There is a significant percent of apps that are submitted close to deadline that do not have the luxury of correcting errors. 50% of applicants last year submitted within the last two weeks. This places incredible strain on schools and verification. Don't loose sight of the admissions process when considering when to submit.

This years instructions:

"
1.Read through your undelivery message thoroughly and carefully to determine what needs to be corrected. If you have any questions or require help, please contact customer service.

2.Make ALL changes requested in the e-mail (sometimes more than one issue is listed).

3.Once you are done, YOU MUST RE-DELIVER THE APPLICATION BACK TO VMCAS. You will not need to make another payment, but if you do not re-deliver your application, it will remain undelivered indefinitely and never be verified. To re-deliver, click on “Manage My Programs” on the left-hand side of your application. On the next screen click the “Program Status” tab in the upper right-hand corner. Then click on the blue button that says “Redeliver my Programs”.

4.Check your application status to make sure it no longer reads as “Undelivered” on the “Program Status” tab.

5.In order for your application to go back into processing, its status must read as “Complete > Verifying.” If additional documents (i.e. new transcripts) are required for your application to become complete, have those transcripts submitted to VMCAS and monitor this section to ensure they arrive. If iall missing documents have arrived, and your status has not changed to “Complete > Verifying”, contact VMCAS customer service ASAP.

6.Once your application is again “Complete > Verifying,” an automatic notification is sent to the individual verifying your application to let them know you have turned it back in. They will then return to reviewing your application as soon as possible. On average, your application will be reviewed again within 2-3 business days.

7.If it has been over five days since your application became complete again, contact VMCAS customer service."

They give absolutely no indication that you will be SOL unless that error involves a missing transcript. I know I've seen multiple answers to this question from people reporting back on the APVMA page, but when I applied, Tony Wynne said all submitted apps will be verified, and returned apps get put back at the end of the line. There's no secondary deadline for returned applications, so I don't think they could successfully cut someone off. Even more so because they take forever with verification sometimes, so someone could have submitted 3-4 weeks ahead of time and find out about an error this late in the game

 

[WildZoo]

no one knows what's going on

I find this most likely

 

[Caiter92]

^^ On another part of the FAQ (I will dig and find it) there was a section about if your app was undelivered/needed to be corrected after the deadline. It said that you can still submit and be verified after the deadline this happens, but it was up to the schools if they'd take it if the app didn't meet their own deadline requirements.

Found it:
Does re-delivering change my original e-submission date?
A: Re-delivering your application does NOT change your original submission date. However, it does give you a new completion date. You should contact your schools to determine whether or not this will effect their consideration of your application.

To me that means that for some schools, if you resubmit after the deadline they may not accept your application.

 

[pp9]

^^ On another part of the FAQ (I will dig and find it) there was a section about if your app was undelivered/needed to be corrected after the deadline. It said that you can still submit and be verified after the deadline this happens, but it was up to the schools if they'd take it if the app didn't meet their own deadline requirements.

Found it:
Does re-delivering change my original e-submission date?
A: Re-delivering your application does NOT change your original submission date. However, it does give you a new completion date. You should contact your schools to determine whether or not this will effect their consideration of your application.

To me that means that for some schools, if you resubmit after the deadline they may not accept your application.

Yeah, but VMCAS will likely be verifying to at least early October. You are likely to fix your error within a few days time, so I don't see how your new completion date wouldn't be the exact same as the last person to submit their VMCAS (if that makes sense), even if it was put at the back of the line.

It was last year or the year before where I flat out asked him to provide us with a list of schools that do that or that prefer us to submit ASAP and he completely ignored me. So.

 

[vetlove1004]

Howdy, not sure if this has been asked here, and no one on the auburn tab has mentioned it but is there a supplement application for Auburn this year? I have had no luck finding it and the vmcas supplement page is down. Thanks for the help!

 

[Jess Monster]

My concern is that they aren't going to get my transcript. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars unless I know they have my transcript. I can't imagine they haven't received it yet, but it is also already too late to resend transcripts.

I could swear that last year when I had my transcript issue, I was able to call (this was after probably two weeks or so) and the rep was able to search their transcript processing queue for my name. They couldn't search based on my ID number yet or tell me which school sent that transcript, but I was told that I had one in their system. I think it took three calls to even get that far.

I wonder if that is something they can't do this year?

 

[heyyimhayley]

Just when I was about to call them to ask about my transcript, I got the notification that they received it. I asked my school to send it on Friday the 28th, it would've gotten there within 3 days if that gives you an idea of where they are at on the queue.

 

[pp9]

Howdy, not sure if this has been asked here, and no one on the auburn tab has mentioned it but is there a supplement application for Auburn this year? I have had no luck finding it and the vmcas supplement page is down. Thanks for the help!

I'd give the school a call. I'm not familiar with all of the supplemental app mumbo jumbo that's going on this year....

 

[heyyimhayley]

**** guys I found another typo... how on earth do I keep doing this? Do I send another email? I put 2015 for an experience that happened in 2014....

If I wasn't perceived as a huge idiot before, I will be now.

 

[lilylilac]

Howdy, not sure if this has been asked here, and no one on the auburn tab has mentioned it but is there a supplement application for Auburn this year? I have had no luck finding it and the vmcas supplement page is down. Thanks for the help!

I applied this year and all it was was the essay in the program materials on VMCAS. Don't forget to pay the application fee directly to Auburn though

 

[pp9]

**** guys I found another typo... how on earth do I keep doing this? Do I send another email? I put 2015 for an experience that happened in 2014....

If I wasn't perceived as a huge idiot before, I will be now.

It couldn't hurt! I'm not sure if they'd consider that a minor error and change it for you because it's something they wouldn't realize was wrong unless you tell them.

Proofreading is your friend!

 

[heyyimhayley]

It couldn't hurt! I'm not sure if they'd consider that a minor error and change it for you because it's something they wouldn't realize was wrong unless you tell them.

Proofreading is your friend!

I did proof read it many times and had others proof read it too and missed this.

Well my evaluator from that experience would have it different, and the experience is not current, but it goes into future dates because apparently I'm ******ed. You mean VMCAS fixing it or the schools?

 

[pp9]

I did proof read it many times and had others proof read it too and missed this.

Well my evaluator from that experience would have it different, and the experience is not current, but it goes into future dates because apparently I'm ******ed. You mean VMCAS fixing it or the schools?

Not cool to use that word to describe yourself just because you made a mistake...just saying 🙂

I'd just give them a call. It's always better to try to fix the situation than to give yourself major anxiety for the next few months, you know? If they can't do anything, don't lose sleep over it. I meant VMCAS fixing it. I don't think schools fix any errors. If anything, it could result in some confusion ("Did she work there in 2014 or did is she still there?" kinda thing). If VMCAS can't help you, I'd email your schools and just make them aware of it. It's always best to be proactive.

I found it helpful to proofread against my resumes and transcripts (I'm sure you did this). That way, you're checking for accuracy in addition to just misspellings and typos. Just a bit of unsolicited advice there. VMCAS is exhausting and my eyes started to cross while I was proofreading lol.

 

[heyyimhayley]

Not cool to use that word to describe yourself just because you made a mistake...just saying 🙂

I'd just give them a call. It's always better to try to fix the situation than to give yourself major anxiety for the next few months, you know? If they can't do anything, don't lose sleep over it. I meant VMCAS fixing it. I don't think schools fix any errors. If anything, it could result in some confusion ("Did she work there in 2014 or did is she still there?" kinda thing). If VMCAS can't help you, I'd email your schools and just make them aware of it. It's always best to be proactive.

I found it helpful to proofread against my resumes and transcripts (I'm sure you did this). That way, you're checking for accuracy in addition to just misspellings and typos. Just a bit of unsolicited advice there. VMCAS is exhausting and my eyes started to cross while I was proofreading lol.

I already had to email them about hours being wrong that's why I'm kicking myself... it clearly doesn't look good for me.

 

[pp9]

I already had to email them about hours being wrong that's why I'm kicking myself... it clearly doesn't look good for me.

I personally don't think either of those errors would be super detrimental to you. Sure, it might appear that you weren't very careful, but **** happens. I'm sure a lot of us have had typos we didn't even realize. I'd still let them know, and just apologize for your error. Maybe read through your app very critically again in case you catch something else, that way you don't have to send a third email.

 

[deleted676737]

If it helps you feel a little less bad about making mistakes... after I get back from lunch, I plan on emailing my schools to clarify a couple of things on my VMCAS as well as explain and correct errors. I had a few experiences that I neglected to save after inputting their contact info, and so the supervisor phone numbers and emails aren't actually listed on the VMCAS. And then I also have one experience that occurred on 2015 but I erroneously out 2014 in the description (although I did put 2015 in the actual date fields). Admittedly small errors, especially compared to, say, transcript issues, but I feel that it is far better to clarify those things to schools now then have them find out later. And if they can't update my file... well, at least I made the attempt to reach out.

Frankly, it's super easy to miss some mistakes like that, even if you scan over it multiple times. You're not stupid. I am sure schools have dealt with it many, many times before.

 

[battie]

Just when I was about to call them to ask about my transcript, I got the notification that they received it. I asked my school to send it on Friday the 28th, it would've gotten there within 3 days if that gives you an idea of where they are at on the queue.

Thanks for the update. Mine would have been mailed around the 26th, so I might be notified this week. But I'm going to probably call later today after my office hours.

 

[heyyimhayley]

If it helps you feel a little less bad about making mistakes... after I get back from lunch, I plan on emailing my schools to clarify a couple of things on my VMCAS as well as explain and correct errors. I had a few experiences that I neglected to save after inputting their contact info, and so the supervisor phone numbers and emails aren't actually listed on the VMCAS. And then I also have one experience that occurred on 2015 but I erroneously out 2014 in the description (although I did put 2015 in the actual date fields). Admittedly small errors, especially compared to, say, transcript issues, but I feel that it is far better to clarify those things to schools now then have them find out later. And if they can't update my file... well, at least I made the attempt to reach out.

Frankly, it's super easy to miss some mistakes like that, even if you scan over it multiple times. You're not stupid. I am sure schools have dealt with it many, many times before.

I know it's easy to do I just feel like I should've caught it after so many times looking through the whole thing. And I don't wanna look like I'm careless, but hopefully that is not a consideration for them. :/ I'm gonna go through it another few more times before the 15th to make sure that this stupid email is the last one.

But it does make me feel a little better knowing that my typos email will not be the only one, thank you 🙂

 

[deleted676737]

I know it's easy to do I just feel like I should've caught it after so many times looking through the whole thing. And I don't wanna look like I'm careless, but hopefully that is not a consideration for them. :/ I'm gonna go through it another few more times before the 15th to make sure that this stupid email is the last one.

But it does make me feel a little better knowing that my typos email will not be the only one, thank you 🙂

Yep! Things happen, and I'm confident that schools will understand small errors like that; if anything, contacting them about it shows them that you do at least have the initiative to follow through and admit your mistakes.

Repeat after me: no one is perfect. 😉

 

[pp9]

I know it's easy to do I just feel like I should've caught it after so many times looking through the whole thing. And I don't wanna look like I'm careless, but hopefully that is not a consideration for them. :/ I'm gonna go through it another few more times before the 15th to make sure that this stupid email is the last one.

But it does make me feel a little better knowing that my typos email will not be the only one, thank you 🙂

You're not careless, you're human. It does suck that after all of the proofreading you did, some stuff got missed. That's life. Again, don't lose sleep over this! Just be proactive.

 

[danimalll]

Hi guys, everything on my application was complete on August 21st and I'm waiting to be verified. I wanted to just double check with everyone on here that's stuck in the "verifying" process that have everything correct on my end. If my Program Status for each school is the yellow arrow that says "Verifying," that's okay right? I'm just really paranoid and want to confirm with someone that is how mine should look without calling and bugging vmcas AGAIN. Thanks so much.

 

[deleted676737]

Hi guys, everything on my application was complete on August 21st and I'm waiting to be verified. I wanted to just double check with everyone on here that's stuck in the "verifying" process that have everything correct on my end. If my Program Status for each school is the yellow arrow that says "Verifying," that's okay right? I'm just really paranoid and want to confirm with someone that is how mine should look without calling and bugging vmcas AGAIN. Thanks so much.

Yes. As long as your status is at least 'Submitted' or 'Verifying' by the 15th, you're golden.

So. Just sent off that e-mail. I'm... not gonna lie, it is a little embarrassing, and I feel pretty dumb. Meh. Hopefully my schools can make a note of it in my files...

Maybe I shouldn't have submitted a month early.

 

[danimalll]

Yes. As long as your status is at least 'Submitted' or 'Verifying' by the 15th, you're golden.

So. Just sent off that e-mail. I'm... not gonna lie, it is a little embarrassing, and I feel pretty dumb. Meh. Hopefully my schools can make a note of it in my files...

Maybe I shouldn't have submitted a month early.

ketoone you must be my good luck charm.. 30 mins after you answered me, i was verified!

 

[deleted676737]

ketoone you must be my good luck charm.. 30 mins after you answered me, i was verified!

Aww, well shucks. Between this and one of the students I tutor telling me that I'm a better teacher than her actual professor, I am just feelin' all the love today. 😍

I'm happy to hear that your VMCAS is verified! One less thing for you to worry about now!

 

[vetlove1004]

I applied this year and all it was was the essay in the program materials on VMCAS. Don't forget to pay the application fee directly to Auburn though

Thanks! Auburn's website says there is a link to the fee after submitting, is that correct?

 

[AniSci]

Does anyone know have any idea when Mizzou tends to send out OS interview invites? I know they hold interviews in January-ish (depending on when you're scheduled, I suppose), but I couldn't find anything on when I should hope/beg to get a notice of either invitation or utter rejection.