Does applying early to A&M better your chances?

[bunnyslippers]

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So I just realized that TMDSAS (the website that you apply to Texas A&M through) is releasing their application May 1st. I'm a little worried because I'm applying this year and still haven't taken the GRE (I'm planning on taking it in late May or June). Does anyone know if it matters if you apply to A&M early or late in the cycle? I know it doesn't really matter for VMCAS whether you submit your application in June versus August. Basically, do I need to start freaking out? I feel like I'm already behind. 😱

If it matters, I would be OOS.

 

[Tiraka]

Relax, you're fine. Submitting TMDSAS early is only important for pre-meds - it doesn't have any bearing on the vet school decisions whether you submit it in May or late September. As an OOS applicant, I'd only recommend applying if you're very well qualified, as they only take a few out of state people. Good luck with everything and remember you'll have plenty of time to stress over this stuff in the next 11 months.

 

[VAgirl]

As an OOS applicant, I'd only recommend applying if you're very well qualified, as they only take a few out of state people.

One small quibble. Sometimes you don't really have any idea as to how competitive you are. (I know I had LOTS of moments this past application cycle when I had no idea if any of the schools I applied to would ever take me. These weren't just freak out moments, either, but times when I legitimately wasn't sure I stood a chance.) So if you're really interested in a school, I think it's okay to apply even if you aren't sure if you have any chance at all. As long as you apply to a bunch of schools that you think give you a better chance (based off of how many OOSers they take, how they weigh GPA relative to GRE relative to experience, etc.).

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Tiraka]

That's a very good point - I thought I'd mention though, since you do have to do the completely separate application for A&M and they're known for having a very rigid points-based system (I heard OOS GPA cutoff this year was ~3.7). If you're interested enough in the school though, definitely go for it!

 

[bunnyslippers]

Relax, you're fine. Submitting TMDSAS early is only important for pre-meds - it doesn't have any bearing on the vet school decisions whether you submit it in May or late September. As an OOS applicant, I'd only recommend applying if you're very well qualified, as they only take a few out of state people. Good luck with everything and remember you'll have plenty of time to stress over this stuff in the next 11 months.

Ahhh, hearing that makes me feel so much better. I was reading all this stuff about how batches of submitted applications are sent out and reviewed starting almost immediately.

The small number of accepted OOS students is really daunting, but my GPA is within their range and if I do well on the GRE then I could be a decent applicant. Then again, it's hard to tell what you need to be considered a strong OOS applicant for A&M. Either way, I'm absolutely in love with the school, I've heard so many good things about their program and their students that I figure I should at least try and hope for the best.

Any advice on how to wow them as an OOSer?

 

[Steelmagghia]

Here's my advice, hon.

I applied to A&M this year and made it in, though I am in state.

Start the application ASAP, but don't worry about finishing it so much. It helped me a lot to have it started so early, though, because then I could work at a slower pace and not worry so much about it. Also, it gave me time to edit well and make sure I didn't forget too much (you are guaranteed to forget SOMETHING). Plus, I could give my info to my recommendation letter writers early so they had plenty of time to write and if they had any problems or if the person I wanted couldn't write me a letter, I had plenty of time to find someone else.

And the point system worked really well for me, since my scores are fairly competitive and stuff, and it made me feel a lot better being able to calculate where I was going into my interview. However, I've heard rumors that the points for some of the more subjective things (like academic rigor and course load) are going up some, so apply even if you DON'T feel you are competitive. You'd be surprised where you get in.

Finally, don't forget to warn your LOR writers if you apply to A&M that they will need to send an electronic LOR to VMCAS and a paper one (with the form you give them) to TMDSAS.

PM me if you have any questions, and good luck!

 

[shuvball1]

Ok, so I'm going to highjack this a bit, but I was just reading this thread and got this huge wave of excitement. I still can't believe I'm done with applications and that we're going to vet school next year! It was a looooong process, don't get me wrong, but I can't believe it's over!

Back on topic.

I agree, I think you should apply. I don't think you should let the numbers scare you. Yeah, maybe a bunch of people don't get in, but to the handful of those that do get in, that doesn't matter. These application cycles don't necessarily make sense. I got into/very good waitlist position at schools that I didn't think I had a chance at... and then also, was rejected from a school that statistically I was above average. You just never know. Good luck! Also, you can feel free to PM me about anything! 🙂

 

[HopefulAg]

Only thing about starting early with TMDSAS is that you will have a lot of time to fulfill all the random requirements they have, like sending them a photo of yourself. I'd suggest reading very carefully through their application page to see what all they need from you. They had some weird requests IIRC.

 

[InfiniVet]

My faculty mentor is on the admissions committee and he told me that what they're really looking for this year is rounded veterinary/animal experience -
that is if you have X hrs experience with exotics/cattle/small animals/horses each, then that will buy you many more points over X+1,000 hours of just one animal type experience.

He also told us that the committee was disappointed with the "low GPA" average they have been getting the past couple of years, which I think is totally ridiculous. *shrugs*

As far as getting your application in early? You're fine as long as its not late, and doesn't have any errors. The reason is because all they do at that point is run the numbers. If your GPA meets or exceeds the cutoff, then your application is reviewed for interview invitation, and this is where the quality of your application comes in to play.

So, get out there and try to get as much varied experience as possible before submitting your application. 🙂

 

[bunnyslippers]

Wow, thanks InfiniVet, that's great news and nice advice to hear. 🙂

I have experience in lab animal/small animal/research/shelter/large animal and hopefully I'm going to working at a wildlife rehabilitation place this summer. I hope that's enough variety!

Kind of crazy about the low GPA thing, I would definitely not consider A&M's average GPA low!

 

[HopefulAg]

Ouch about the GPA thing. I got an interview (but not accepted) with a 3.4.

I do know someone who got accepted with a 3.3 though. So there's still hope!