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I listed stuff similar to what you did. It either had a positive or neutral result so I would say go for it.
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Class of 2023 Hopefuls
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How are people entering their hours? VMCAS does it by week but all of my experiences have different weekly hours. Should I just take the final hour calculation and divide it by the number of weeks I worked? Did anyone else have gaps in their experience at a single organization? I volunteered at one place on and off for 3 years so I have no idea how to enter that in weekly hours.
the vet i work with said that they know that the hour estimates are only estimates and all they ask when they contact the supervisor is if that estimate sounds about right. so just put the avg hours/week that you need so that the timeframe and final number work. for gaps, I've been entering the start as when i 1st started there and then estimating how many weeks in that entire timeframe i actually was there. example: i shadowed my local small animal vet when i was home over winter break for 4 years of college. start date was 1st winter break, end date was last winter break, i shadowed her for about 10 hours a week, probably about total 2 weeks/year, for 4 years so 10 hrs x 8 weeks total=80 hours. and then i said in the description that I shadowed her when i was home in the winter.
for your volunteer experience, just estimate how many weeks during that 3 year period you actually volunteered and for how many hours
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Kind of random and definitely very early, but I have questions about interviews...
a) does Cornell hold interviews? I can't find anything on their website about it and they never say that interviews are part of their admissions criteria, but they do weigh "non-cognitive skills" in their decision process.
b) are Penn's interviews really not held until Jan/Feb? Aren't admissions decisions coming out at that time?
c) when does Tufts typically interview?
I'm really curious to know about timing, because I'll obviously need to take time off from work (assuming I get interviews, which I know is it's own assumption) and I know that I won't have exact dates until I actually get an invite, but I would like to let my boss know as soon as possible when she can expect my schedule to get weird (also trying to gauge timing so that I can figure out how much time I can reasonably ask off for Thanksgiving because it's the one time a year I go home).
Thanks you guys <3 <3
a) does Cornell hold interviews? I can't find anything on their website about it and they never say that interviews are part of their admissions criteria, but they do weigh "non-cognitive skills" in their decision process.
b) are Penn's interviews really not held until Jan/Feb? Aren't admissions decisions coming out at that time?
c) when does Tufts typically interview?
I'm really curious to know about timing, because I'll obviously need to take time off from work (assuming I get interviews, which I know is it's own assumption) and I know that I won't have exact dates until I actually get an invite, but I would like to let my boss know as soon as possible when she can expect my schedule to get weird (also trying to gauge timing so that I can figure out how much time I can reasonably ask off for Thanksgiving because it's the one time a year I go home).
Thanks you guys <3 <3
A ton of schools interview during January and February. I would let your boss know you've applied to schools that interview at that time and to anticipate you needing time off then, and that you'll give them exact dates as soon as you know them (generally about a month in advance)
Cornell doesn’t hold interviews. Not sure about your other two questions.
Penn's interviews are every Friday of January and February, sometimes they run into March depending on the year. They typically get admission offers out to interviewees within 2 weeks of the interview, so while interviews are still being held, people are also getting accepted. I think they start sending out interview invitations in December. This is all, of course, if they don't change anything this year.
According to here, Tufts interviews are December through February: Tufts University Descriptor Page
You can probably find more specific dates by looking at past Tufts threads.
How did I not know those descriptor pages existed?! Awesome, thank you!!!
Just got an email (tonight, at 9pm) from ETS that they cancelled my test on FRIDAY and then rescheduled me for the 26th of this month.
I am going to puke. That’s not going to give them enough time to get my scores out to my school.
Of course I’m at work and won’t be able to call them till tomorrow bc they aren’t open now...
Holy cow I feel sick.
I am going to puke. That’s not going to give them enough time to get my scores out to my school.
Of course I’m at work and won’t be able to call them till tomorrow bc they aren’t open now...
Holy cow I feel sick.
WildZoo
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Deep breaths!
It'll be ok. Circumstances beyond your control, hopefully the school(s) will be understanding. You can't do anything about it right now, plan to call them in the morning. Try not to panic.
Really sucks that happened though, I'm sorry.
You still should have enough time... I know that Davis requires all GRE scores to be to them by the 17th and the last day to take the GRE per their website is the 31st. ETS says it takes between 10-15 days to get scores back, so it will be close but I think it will still work out.
Good luck!
Like WZ said deep breaths. Also consider maybe if you could take it at another location too if that's an option for you.
My test was rescheduled on me like this. You can change it to a different day then you were re-scheduled to. Hopefully there is something earlier but if not that should be fine also.
I’m taking the test August 30th. Not sure about every school but I specifically asked Cornell for the latest day I could take the test and they told me September 1st. It takes 10-14 days for the scores to be sent out. I think you’ll have to input the school codes at the testing center rather than wait to receive your scores online and then send them to schools. We’re in the same boat.
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Phew. Crisis averted. I was able to reschedule to a different center for tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo!
Now to freak out about actually taking this stupid test when I haven't had a math class in 10 years. (Yikes)
Now to freak out about actually taking this stupid test when I haven't had a math class in 10 years. (Yikes)
YOU CAN DO ITTTTT!!!!
WildZoo
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Good luck!
Well, I wound up pretty consistent. Not that it’s what I wanted at all, but thank god it’s done. Hopefully all of my other delightful qualities will shine through instead.
Im almost finished I just need to edit my essays and then turn in all the supplemental fees which should be done by this week. Home stretch...while doing a masters thesis
If it helps I saw the vet school wall for UF and a girl had bright pink hair last class...id hold off on unatural but normal colors are fine.
Hey guys! Pretty random question but what is everyone's thoughts on talking about mental health in their applications? I am working on the Virginia-Maryland supplemental app and there is a question about resiliency. I have nearly overcome panic disorder and think it would be my most genuine example but am afraid that I will be viewed in a negative light. I'm super cognizant about mental health and really hope to break down some of those stigmas in the profession down the road. Just want some opinions 🙂
I want to hear these answers because I'm weighing the same thing for ADHD and anxiety... I don't want admissions committees to judge me in a negative way, but it also would be a perfect thing to talk about in my cornell supplement about a challenge/problem I have faced and how I reached a solution
Hello all,
I have a question about writing descriptions for experiences. Is anyone aware whether admissions officers prefer a more personal writing style or a more formal style that focuses more on the experience itself than you? I am hoping that is a clear enough question, but it is a bit difficult to explain. I just wanted to check if anyone had any feedback about this topic from applying previously or talking to admissions officers!
Thanks so much
I have a question about writing descriptions for experiences. Is anyone aware whether admissions officers prefer a more personal writing style or a more formal style that focuses more on the experience itself than you? I am hoping that is a clear enough question, but it is a bit difficult to explain. I just wanted to check if anyone had any feedback about this topic from applying previously or talking to admissions officers!
Thanks so much
I think this is a great question. I am incredibly transparent about my mental health issues and intend to be transparent with admissions committees because it explains a lot of why the last bit of my life has been full of stops and starts and the methods I have used to overcome them. I think that it's very important to address mental illness in this day and age, especially when it comes to our chosen profession.
boogercat
Davis 2023!
I am getting so anxious as the deadline looms. 
It's a big mix of worrying if I'll get in, anxious to finish the final touches on my application, and some other great feelings. My roomie/best friend from college just started her first year at Missouri and I am just so jealous, and so impatient to be able to do so as well! I don't know how I'm going to last a whole year before class starts (and that's if I get in this cycle 
) ughghjjh
It's a big mix of worrying if I'll get in, anxious to finish the final touches on my application, and some other great feelings. My roomie/best friend from college just started her first year at Missouri and I am just so jealous, and so impatient to be able to do so as well! I don't know how I'm going to last a whole year before class starts (and that's if I get in this cycle ) ughghjjh
I'm going to state that I think it is absolutely important to be transparent about mental health for not just them but YOU. Vet school puts some people through a lot of crap, depression is not uncommon. I think during two if not three of my interviews they actually brought it up (for the record, I don't have a history of mental health disorders so I believe it is something they talk about with everyone) and will ask you basically how you plan on staying sane/maintain school-life balance
I would use a formal writing style. You basically state what you did, not what you learned from the experience or anything.
Michigan State wants you to say what you learned from the experience, or so they said in their denied workshop
In the description of experiences? That's ridiculous lmao
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Yep that’s what they said they wanted. I don’t think they’re looking for a massive thing. Prob just like a short sentence
WildZoo
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I would just pick one. Probably doesn't matter much where you put it. If you were actively doing things in the honor societies i'd say extracurriculars, but if it was just a membership thing i'd put it in honors.
Finally submitted my app! Now I wait.. for 4-5 months
Finally submitted my app! Now I wait.. for 4-5 months
I'm jealous. I'm in the home stretch and finding no motivation to finish. Plus I'm waiting for one more letter of recommendation
The LOR waiting is the worst. I hope it comes in soon!
I’ve been contemplating asking this one individual for a reference. She’s known me since I was a kid and has been working her whole life in the animal rescue field. For the last few years she’s been working at a SA clinic as a vet assistant. She hasn’t directly worked with me so it would be more of a character reference. Do you think she would be a good reference or would it be considered too personal?
It sounds to me like it would be too personal. Do you have three LORs lined up already? It's getting down to the wire to still be asking people.
I think it would be inappropriate, like asking your mom or your best friend for a reference. Of course they will say wonderful things about you, which would be great for admissions committees to hear, but how objective would their assessment be? It would be different if you had worked under her supervision at some point, and she could attest to your work ethic or willingness to learn new tasks.
The VMCAS website says “last 10 years and collegiate level and above”
I’d include it
IT'S HAPPENING. IT'S HAPPENINGGG.
boogercat
Davis 2023!
IT'S HAPPENING. IT'S HAPPENINGGG.
24 hours later and I still haven't submitted instead i'm painting dogs
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JUST SUBMITTED (and $1200 poorer)
It took a lot to not pore through all the details for the 3000th time... But we're all getting so close! Now we wait...
It took a lot to not pore through all the details for the 3000th time... But we're all getting so close! Now we wait...
JUST SUBMITTED(and $1200 poorer)
It took a lot to not pore through all the details for the 3000th time... But we're all getting so close! Now we wait...
I seriously stared at my screen for an hour before submitting because I was so afraid that I was going to miss a detail. And sure enough, as soon as I pressed submit I immediately remembered something I meant to change. Oh well! We are making progress people!!!!! I'm so proud of us for making it this far!!!
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I couldn't find a thread for UGA applicants, so I felt like this was probably the best option to find some answers. UGA has a supplemental application, with a supplemental essay. Here's the question for anyone who doesn't know or doesn't have the prompt in front of them:
"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession and your career goals and objectives. (500 words)"
I guess I'm just confused why they would be asking us to discuss our career goals and objectives, if that is one of the VMCAS essays that they are going to be reading. I don't want to be too repetitive, and I am having a really hard time discussing my career goals without saying pretty much exactly what I already wrote in the other essay. Has anyone else noticed this, and how are you dealing with it?
"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those unique activities that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, what you have to offer the profession and your career goals and objectives. (500 words)"
I guess I'm just confused why they would be asking us to discuss our career goals and objectives, if that is one of the VMCAS essays that they are going to be reading. I don't want to be too repetitive, and I am having a really hard time discussing my career goals without saying pretty much exactly what I already wrote in the other essay. Has anyone else noticed this, and how are you dealing with it?
WE CAN DO THIS YOU GUISE
Fellow UGA applicant here: I interpreted this question as more of a "personal statement" like there has been in the past on the VMCAS. Basically just describing how your interest in veterinary medicine evolved over time, including any key events in your life that led you towards vet med. I tried to weave the whole "understanding of the profession" and "what you have to offer/future goals" into a sentence or two as I discussed my personal journey.
I took the VMCAS mini-essay from this year (what are your career goals and why) as more of a question of what you specifically hope to do with your DVM degree, so more "future-oriented" rather than "past- and present-oriented" like UGA seemed to want. Let me know if that doesn't make sense, I'm not the best at describing things lol.
