Future DVMs- C/O 2021!

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Hey, when you carry over your previous app information, the instructions state that you can download PDF of last cycle's app in addition to this one. I need to get that for reference to one of my answers but when I click to download PDF (on the "program selection" or "program status" pages) it only gives me the current in-progress application. Where is it?
 
Does anyone know where I would put down my time as an NCAA athlete? Would this go under Experiences/Extracurriculars, or would I mention it some other place?
 
I've been mulling this over for a week now and I'm still very undecided so I'm going to ask you guys for opinions.

The school I'm applying to will only take three eLORs. I have to designate which ones I want them to read as part of the supplemental. The only required letter is one from a veterinarian. So I have two letters decided on already. Letter #3 is where I'm stuck...

Last year I used my histology professor. I took two classes with him, both of which were upper level science classes that I did well in. He most recently wrote me a recommendation for a summer program (because I needed a professor for that one). However, I have not seen or spoken to him directly since the last class I took with him which was Fall of 2014... almost 2 years ago now.

When I had my file review they mentioned I might consider swapping out his letter for one written by another veterinarian because they (or she at least) feel a vet is usually better able to assess things like work ethic than a professor who often doesn't know the applicant as well.

Thing is, I do not have another vet as an option and I don't foresee finding one this summer. So I'm not sure if I should stick with asking that professor again or if I should go with someone who knows me better but is not a vet (or a professor or an employer because I do not have great options in those categories).
 
finnickthedog said:
I've been mulling this over for a week now and I'm still very undecided so I'm going to ask you guys for opinions.

The school I'm applying to will only take three eLORs. I have to designate which ones I want them to read as part of the supplemental. The only required letter is one from a veterinarian. So I have two letters decided on already. Letter #3 is where I'm stuck...

Last year I used my histology professor. I took two classes with him, both of which were upper level science classes that I did well in. He most recently wrote me a recommendation for a summer program (because I needed a professor for that one). However, I have not seen or spoken to him directly since the last class I took with him which was Fall of 2014... almost 2 years ago now.

When I had my file review they mentioned I might consider swapping out his letter for one written by another veterinarian because they (or she at least) feel a vet is usually better able to assess things like work ethic than a professor who often doesn't know the applicant as well.

Thing is, I do not have another vet as an option and I don't foresee finding one this summer. So I'm not sure if I should stick with asking that professor again or if I should go with someone who knows me better but is not a vet (or a professor or an employer because I do not have great options in those categories).
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Well if you don't have a vet that knows you well and is willing to write one, I can't see how you would add another vet recommendation to your application. Personally, I think that the best letters come from the people who know you the best, and want you to succeed as badly as you want to. If your professor is that person go for it. If he wrote you a less than stellar letter, maybe find someone who's determined to see you succeed. Perhaps you could let your professor know what they told you and have him incorporate your work ethic into his letter (if he knows that). Just my thoughts on the matter.
 
Coopah said:
Well if you don't have a vet that knows you well and is willing to write one, I can't see how you would add another vet recommendation to your application. Personally, I think that the best letters come from the people who know you the best, and want you to succeed as badly as you want to. If your professor is that person go for it. If he wrote you a less than stellar letter, maybe find someone who's determined to see you succeed. Perhaps you could let your professor know what they told you and have him incorporate your work ethic into his letter (if he knows that). Just my thoughts on the matter.
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I know I can't have another vet write me a letter. It's not realistic to think I'll build that kind of relationship with a second one between now and when the application is due. I'm debating between asking that professor again or asking someone else entirely--but that person would not be a vet/professor/employer which is who people usually appear to ask.

The person I talked to was not necessarily talking about my letters in particular. She specifically said "in general" so I have no idea if this was actually an issue when it came to my application. However, I know that I don't have a particularly solid relationship with my professors so I could easily see that applying to me.
 
finnickthedog said:
I know I can't have another vet write me a letter. It's not realistic to think I'll build that kind of relationship with a second one between now and when the application is due. I'm debating between asking that professor again or asking someone else entirely--but that person would not be a vet/professor/employer which is who people usually appear to ask.

The person I talked to was not necessarily talking about my letters in particular. She specifically said "in general" so I have no idea if this was actually an issue when it came to my application. However, I know that I don't have a particularly solid relationship with my professors so I could easily see that applying to me.
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Nothing wrong with being different/ unique. I'm actually having my old band director that's known me for the past 11 years write mine. My family and I have had a great relationship with him, and he would be a great addition to my application. Do you have anyone like that? It could help!
 
Where is everyone applying? We forgot to share. We share here!
 
Purdue (IS) dream school
Wisconsin
OK state
Iowa State
Virginia Maryland
Ohio State
Missouri
I think I've applied to too many.. I may take out OK state...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
cheathac said:
Purdue (IS) dream school
Wisconsin
OK state
Iowa State
Virginia Maryland
Ohio State
Missouri
I think I've applied to too many.. I may take out OK state...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
I think it's funny that you're thinking about taking out ok state, when I'm thinking of taking out Purdue!

But I'm:
OkState
NCSU
VAMD
Purdue
UF
UT


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
cheathac said:
Purdue (IS) dream school
Wisconsin
OK state
Iowa State
Virginia Maryland
Ohio State
Missouri
I think I've applied to too many.. I may take out OK state...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

If you can afford to, and want to, I see no wrong in it. I don't personally think you need to though!
 
I posted moly schools earlier today or yesterday. Open to suggestions!
 
My naiive Lil self started out with LSU (IS), Mississippi State, OK State, Texas A&M, and Midwestern. I had to drop TAMU and OKSU because I couldn't afford to do the distance learning animal nutrition anymore. I ended up switching MWU out for Ross though I don't remember why. Anyways your shortlist may change alot but dont worry too much!
 
@cdoconn Noooo don't take out Purdue! lol I'll try and decide between Virginia Maryland or Ok State... pretty similar in price but Ok has smaller OOS but no interview......
 
cheathac said:
@cdoconn Noooo don't take out Purdue! lol I'll try and decide between Virginia Maryland or Ok State... pretty similar in price but Ok has smaller OOS but no interview......
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Yeah I'm OOS for Ok as well. I really like OSU- but I'm really gaining interest with VAMD, especially with their tracking!


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mmmdreamerz said:
After thinking about it for months I've decided that I'm only applying to three:

Ohio State (*the dream*)
VMRCVM
Mississippi State

I really thought about adding a fourth, but ultimately I've decided that the three should be good (the latter two are contracts).
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YAYAY come be a bully! Hope to see you in Feb for interview 🙂
 
I dont know if this helps anyone. But for places you've shadowed and then maybe started working or places you'd shadow different vets different days: I split up my experiences per vet and by shadow/volunteer/work. Also since I had so many hours at one place and did so much it gave me more characters to express my hands on learning more as opposed to grouping it all in once experience. For example I put down my volunteer time at this one clinic then I put down my work experience for the clinic as a separate entry and then I put down surgery shadow as a separate experience from that same clinic (since I did it off the clock) this way I was able to show more in depth knowledge from my time there.


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After looking through school prereqs once again I may choose between Wisconsin OR Cornell for my 4th option, they both would only require one course (phys 2) from me. Would have to look more into their applicant preferences though so don't know yet...plus I already sent my 4th free GRE score to Wisconsin and don't wanna have to do what I did last year 😛
 
Devastating said:
After looking through school prereqs once again I may choose between Wisconsin OR Cornell for my 4th option, they both would only require one course (phys 2) from me. Would have to look more into their applicant preferences though so don't know yet...plus I already sent my 4th free GRE score to Wisconsin and don't wanna have to do what I did last year 😛
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I do know if you happen to be an alternate for Wisconsin oos that they go farrrrr down the waitlist. I think on this year's thread they're at #80+? Though I think the Cornell list moves too
 
So this may be on the VMCAS page but I can't find it. How do you enter coursework that was taken as a pass/fail? My kinesiology class at my school gives you either an Satisfactory (S) or a Fail (F).
 
rockatiel said:
YAYAY come be a bully! Hope to see you in Feb for interview 🙂
Click to expand...

I love the idea of MSU's 2+2 curriculum and just how friendly everyone is! My only real hang up is just how far it is from where I'm originally from...it's definitely my cheapest option with a contract. You'll have to let me know how you like your first year!
 
I was just on Mississippi States website and saw something that I hadn't thought about. So far I've only taken Physics 1 and made a D. I will be retaking it this fall, and then physics 2 in the spring. But, I'll have to submit my vmcas in September.
The MSU page said any retakes or remediate do courses must be completed prior to applying, not matriculation. Am I ok taking physics in the fall and spring? Now I'm worried. I'm not applying to MSU but I wonder if any other schools are going to see a big fat D and throw my app out.
 
lhmhtd said:
I was just on Mississippi States website and saw something that I hadn't thought about. So far I've only taken Physics 1 and made a D. I will be retaking it this fall, and then physics 2 in the spring. But, I'll have to submit my vmcas in September.
The MSU page said any retakes or remediate do courses must be completed prior to applying, not matriculation. Am I ok taking physics in the fall and spring? Now I'm worried. I'm not applying to MSU but I wonder if any other schools are going to see a big fat D and throw my app out.
Click to expand...

I had a friend who had this problem with MSU last year, but I can't speak for other schools.
 
lhmhtd said:
I was just on Mississippi States website and saw something that I hadn't thought about. So far I've only taken Physics 1 and made a D. I will be retaking it this fall, and then physics 2 in the spring. But, I'll have to submit my vmcas in September.
The MSU page said any retakes or remediate do courses must be completed prior to applying, not matriculation. Am I ok taking physics in the fall and spring? Now I'm worried. I'm not applying to MSU but I wonder if any other schools are going to see a big fat D and throw my app out.
Click to expand...
It really depends on the school. It sounds like you would be out of luck if you were applying to MSU, but other schools may look at it differently. I would definitely contact the schools you're applying to.
 
Since I've no IS I'm applying where it would be cheapest/ most convenient for my husband and I to live/move.

Tufts #1 (Expensive but my husband wouldn't have to change jobs and that's a BIG plus)
UC Davis
Ohio
Washington
Florida (Family lives there)
Iowa
Colorado
Kansas

I'm waffling on Colorado and Kansas, but with my stats I feel like I've got a good shot at those two because Kansas doesn't even look at your cumulative GPA and Colorado looks for upward trends (which I have).

What do you guys think?
 
Anyone got a PS to send? I've finished all of the ones I had and now I'm wide awake 🙂
 
Coopah said:
Since I've no IS I'm applying where it would be cheapest/ most convenient for my husband and I to live/move.

Tufts #1 (Expensive but my husband wouldn't have to change jobs and that's a BIG plus)
UC Davis
Ohio
Washington
Florida (Family lives there)
Iowa
Colorado
Kansas

I'm waffling on Colorado and Kansas, but with my stats I feel like I've got a good shot at those two because Kansas doesn't even look at your cumulative GPA and Colorado looks for upward trends (which I have).

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
UC Davis is notoriously difficult to get in OOS, unless you have the best of the best stats (I don't know what your stats are though). Ohio and Washington allow you to get IS tuition after your first year if you meet certain criteria. I believe Missouri allows that too and is fairly inexpensive compared to some schools.
 
lhmhtd said:
I was just on Mississippi States website and saw something that I hadn't thought about. So far I've only taken Physics 1 and made a D. I will be retaking it this fall, and then physics 2 in the spring. But, I'll have to submit my vmcas in September.
The MSU page said any retakes or remediate do courses must be completed prior to applying, not matriculation. Am I ok taking physics in the fall and spring? Now I'm worried. I'm not applying to MSU but I wonder if any other schools are going to see a big fat D and throw my app out.
Click to expand...

I think the majority of schools will allow you to finish by spring, but I'd call and ask because I don't know if having a D will affect you.
 
WildZoo said:
You're much better at this than I am
Click to expand...

Lies! I'm not better than the fiction writer. More blunt, maybe... I'm more of a big picture type, so you may be catching grammatical details that I'm not.
 
mmmdreamerz said:
I love the idea of MSU's 2+2 curriculum and just how friendly everyone is! My only real hang up is just how far it is from where I'm originally from...it's definitely my cheapest option with a contract. You'll have to let me know how you like your first year!
Click to expand...

I'm so jealous of that IS moneys. 🙁

However, I'll make sure to tell you how its going once I get started (On June 23rd...) and answer any questions you may have!
 
Oh, and I doubt you're much more blunt than I am, if at all @rockatiel. I spent all my sugar coating on making sure I hit the "something positive" requirements in my 4 years of writing workshops...I've got not sugar left 😉
 
cdoconn said:
When you start your email off as "Please don't be discouraged by my edits" it makes me absolutely terrified to open the edits...🙁
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Ha! When I applied, I pretty much got emails like that from my editors every time. I'm a bad writer. lol
 
WildZoo said:
Oh, and I doubt you're much more blunt than I am, if at all @rockatiel. I spent all my sugar coating on making sure I hit the "something positive" requirements in my 4 years of writing workshops...I've got not sugar left 😉
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Hahaha Wild Zoo wasn't too harsh. Definitely didn't sugar coat it though. I think frozen shades's comments were the harshest/ least sugarcoated haha.
 
cdoconn said:
Hahaha Wild Zoo wasn't too harsh. Definitely didn't sugar coat it though. I think frozen shades's comments were the harshest/ least sugarcoated haha.
Click to expand...
Yeah well @Frozenshades is just a jerk, everyone knows that 😉
 
aggievethopeful2021 said:
So this may be on the VMCAS page but I can't find it. How do you enter coursework that was taken as a pass/fail? My kinesiology class at my school gives you either an Satisfactory (S) or a Fail (F).
Click to expand...
It should be able to accept those grades as written, if you just enter an "S" or "P" (whatever's listed on your transcript). If you enter any of those types of grades (like pass/satisfactory, or a W) it will accept it and just list "no grade" under the CAS grade column since it has no corresponding grade on the A-F scale. I got credited for algebra when entering college based on standardized testing scores, so I have a class on my app that's a P.

rockatiel said:
Anyone got a PS to send? I've finished all of the ones I had and now I'm wide awake 🙂
Click to expand...
Hm, the person who did my first edit hasn't been around since then, so I guess I can send the edited version over?
 
Has anyone else had an issue with copying over last years application data? Every time I try (and I've tried multiple times now) I get a warning error "There was an error while processing your request," yet the page doesn't show any errors!
 
Devastating said:
It should be able to accept those grades as written, if you just enter an "S" or "P" (whatever's listed on your transcript). If you enter any of those types of grades (like pass/satisfactory, or a W) it will accept it and just list "no grade" under the CAS grade column since it has no corresponding grade on the A-F scale. I got credited for algebra when entering college based on standardized testing scores, so I have a class on my app that's a P.


Hm, the person who did my first edit hasn't been around since then, so I guess I can send the edited version over?
Click to expand...

Just inbox for the email when ready!
 
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