How do schools evaluate experience hours?

[jenngivitis]

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I wasn't even sure how to title this because I have sort of a unique situation. I'm from New Orleans and a large amount of my experience was earned prior to Hurricane Katrina at a local nature center. Unfortunately, I lost touch with all of my supervisors and am only in touch with a few employees. I suppose my question is, how do I prove this on my application? I'm applying next cycle and I'm concerned about being able to verify my experience. Should I just leave it off all together?

 

[moosenanny]

Unless you were banking on a letter of rec, I wouldn't worry. If I'm remembering correctly, the VMCAS application asks for the name of the vet or boss you worked with, along with a contact phone number. You can probably look the organization up online to find their general phone number, and I'm assuming you remember your boss's name. I doubt they ever actually call these people, and surely adcoms understand if people no longer work at an organization if significant time has passed. Definitely include this experience - and everything you can because every little bit helps!

 

[PearlDVM]

I agree completely with moosenanny. just put it on. if you are very concerned - you can add some details about the potential contact issues in the area that VMCAS gives you for explanations. Another reason I could see you wanting to do this would be to explain why a letter of recommendation isn't coming from them. BUT - if you have some other strong LORs, then I wouldn't sweat even an explanation.

And, I would imagine that everyone knows about Katrina, and will be sympathetic to how widespread the damages were. Good luck! 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

Except Cornell. You need a letter of recommendation for every veterinary experience in order for it to be considered. Even if the person that would be writing the reccomendation has passed away, apparently.

But for anywhere else, I agree with moosenanny as well. 🙂

 

[PearlDVM]

hehe . . .

to cornell's interview committee:

"well of course i typed that letter! ghosts cant operate computers - but i can assure you that the late Dr. Smith dictated it to me from beyond the grave for this application period."

as if you didn't feel bad having to ask someone to resubmit their letters each year you have to re-apply - now you have to disturb their eternal slumber. silly Cornell.

 

[sumstorm]

I had the same issue (I was employed as a curator during Katrina, but also was 'lent out' on a volunteer basis to other zoos.) I called the zoos I was lent to, and spoke with their services (or volunteer, or HR) coordinator. One gave me the info to reach the supervising vet (who wrote a LOR for me, so that was really good.) Another told me that they would tell anyone who called about what the program does (ie verify the validity of what I was claiming to have done while there) and explain that Katrina wiped out their records and that the supervisors from that time have relocated, and a third still had records (thanks to the age of electronics.)

So my advice is to call and see how the person in charge will handle it, that will tell you how you should write it up. And it doesn't hurt to ask if they can put you in contact with the supervisor(s) you worked under. The wildlife world is relatively small, and tracking down people may not be as difficult as it would seem.

 

[LMMS]

hehe . . .

to cornell's interview committee:

"well of course i typed that letter! ghosts cant operate computers - but i can assure you that the late Dr. Smith dictated it to me from beyond the grave for this application period."

as if you didn't feel bad having to ask someone to resubmit their letters each year you have to re-apply - now you have to disturb their eternal slumber. silly Cornell.

Oddly enough, I was in this situation. The good folks at Cornell understood though... They allowed me to have another member of the staff who worked closely with me write the letter after I explained the situation.

However, if you're capable of communicating with those beyond the grave, I would think it would earn you some serious bonus points!! 😉

 

[that redhead]

I had a similar issue with one or two of my experiences. I listed the experience and the organization it was with, along with the organization's general phone number. I wasn't sure if my "supervisor" from years ago was still there but I figured someone at the front desk there would be able to look my name up and at least verify that yes, I had worked there for X hours in X year. Unless for Cornell, I wouldn't worry too much about it.