How many times is too many??

[srw29]

So I'm about finished with hearing back from my second round of applying to vet school. 2 schools left, both with very few OOS seats, so long shots and rejections everywhere else. I applied to 9 schools last time, 7 this time and no luck. I've got a 3.6 GPA, thousands of hours of small animal experience (tech in an emergency/specialist hospital), hundreds of equine veterinary (and thousands of equine handling just from being a rider since i was 4) as well as wildlife (vet program in South Africa), and canine PT. I had 5 letters of rec, pretty solid GRE scores etc. I don't really know where I'm going wrong (I followed the advice from the application feedback i received from schools last time around too). I know I'm at a disadvantage being from RI with no IS or contract schools. Anyways thats not really the point, i just wanted to know if theres anyone out there who has tried more than twice. Is it excessive to try for 3? If i didn't get in twice what are even the chances that it will be any different a third time?? I just feel like my life is on hold waiting for this to happen and its so discouraging! I'm considering moving to gain residency, but I'm not sure if its too late for that now for the next round. Just wanted to see if anyone else is/has struggled with this as much as me!!

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[Frozenshades]

There are plenty of peeps who had to apply two, three, maybe even four+ times before getting in. Think of it like this, if it's really your dream career and you're dead set on vet med, what's a couple more years spent working toward that, as opposed to settling for something else? It's a decision that will affect your career and the rest of your life.

Assuming your science and last 45 hours are similar to your cumulative, your experience and academics sound fairly good; have you considered that your interview skills might need work?

 

[cowgirla]

There are plenty of peeps who had to apply two, three, maybe even four+ times before getting in. Think of it like this, if it's really your dream career and you're dead set on vet med, what's a couple more years spent working toward that, as opposed to settling for something else? It's a decision that will affect your career and the rest of your life.

Assuming your science and last 45 hours are similar to your cumulative, your experience and academics sound fairly good; have you considered that your interview skills might need work?

someone on this board applied seven times

are you sure your Lor's are solid? think quality not quantity

 

[Lab Rat83]

There's a successful 6 (maybe even 7) time applicant on this forum. This is my third. So you still have plenty of tries.

 

[EngrSC]

A 4th year vet student who did a rotation in the hospital I work for went through 5 application cycles. The first 4 cycles she was rejected and she got in on the 5th! She was a non-trad student so talk about perseverance. It only takes 1 acceptance and each year you're up against a different pool.

If you know vet med is for you then I think you should request a file review and improve in any way you can (that's my opinion )

 

[Kpowell14]

So I'm about finished with hearing back from my second round of applying to vet school. 2 schools left, both with very few OOS seats, so long shots and rejections everywhere else. I applied to 9 schools last time, 7 this time and no luck. I've got a 3.6 GPA, thousands of hours of small animal experience (tech in an emergency/specialist hospital), hundreds of equine veterinary (and thousands of equine handling just from being a rider since i was 4) as well as wildlife (vet program in South Africa), and canine PT. I had 5 letters of rec, pretty solid GRE scores etc. I don't really know where I'm going wrong (I followed the advice from the application feedback i received from schools last time around too). I know I'm at a disadvantage being from RI with no IS or contract schools. Anyways thats not really the point, i just wanted to know if theres anyone out there who has tried more than twice. Is it excessive to try for 3? If i didn't get in twice what are even the chances that it will be any different a third time?? I just feel like my life is on hold waiting for this to happen and its so discouraging! I'm considering moving to gain residency, but I'm not sure if its too late for that now for the next round. Just wanted to see if anyone else is/has struggled with this as much as me!!

Where have you applied? Your stats seem pretty good. Applying smart can make a huge difference. You should post in the what are my chances thread with more info so that you can get more feedback.

 

[hygebeorht]

If you know someone with good writing skills with similar stats who got in on the first shot, have them look over your entire application. Sometimes the language in your essays or descriptions can hold you back or help you shine. You seem like a good writer, but it's a really specialized voice that you use for some of this stuff and it can be hard to do.

Also, having someone you trust look over the whole thing is great for catching inconsistencies or wonky language. Good to have another set of eyes to make sure what you are trying to say is what you are actually saying.

One last thing: try to have your personal statement done before you request LORs and give a copy of your resume/CV and personal statement to all your LOR writers (unless your PS is just way too full of personal info that you would rather not share). It helps them to write, and their letters will usually resonate more with what you are saying in your PS.

 

[KCgophervet]

If you know someone with good writing skills with similar stats who got in on the first shot, have them look over your entire application. Sometimes the language in your essays or descriptions can hold you back or help you shine. You seem like a good writer, but it's a really specialized voice that you use for some of this stuff and it can be hard to do.

Also, having someone you trust look over the whole thing is great for catching inconsistencies or wonky language. Good to have another set of eyes to make sure what you are trying to say is what you are actually saying.

One last thing: try to have your personal statement done before you request LORs and give a copy of your resume/CV and personal statement to all your LOR writers (unless your PS is just way too full of personal info that you would rather not share). It helps them to write, and their letters will usually resonate more with what you are saying in your PS.

This is great advice. I thought I had my application done and I'd looked over/edited it countless times. Then I decided to have my English major/writer friend look it over. She was brutal with the Track Changes and I ended up rewriting a good bit of it just to improve the consistency with my language and fix small errors that I hadn't noticed.

Also, one of my references actually told me to send him my PS before he'd do the eLOR, which was great because it made me get that sucker done long before the deadline - and a polished copy because I didn't want a reference seeing a rough draft and having that alter their opinion of me.

 

[DVMDream]

Applied three times... got in on third try.... was waitlisted for the first two rounds and never got off the waitlist. Keep trying, re-evaluate your application and show that you are determined.

 

[macita183]

This is my third try. I was rejected everywhere the first 2 times and finally received an acceptance this year. If it is your dream keep at it. If you are not successful this time I would encourage you to do file reviews again (and you can say you made the recommendations they suggested the last time so what can you be doing differently)

 

[deli]

If you know someone with good writing skills with similar stats who got in on the first shot, have them look over your entire application. Sometimes the language in your essays or descriptions can hold you back or help you shine. You seem like a good writer, but it's a really specialized voice that you use for some of this stuff and it can be hard to do.

Also, having someone you trust look over the whole thing is great for catching inconsistencies or wonky language. Good to have another set of eyes to make sure what you are trying to say is what you are actually saying.

One last thing: try to have your personal statement done before you request LORs and give a copy of your resume/CV and personal statement to all your LOR writers (unless your PS is just way too full of personal info that you would rather not share). It helps them to write, and their letters will usually resonate more with what you are saying in your PS.

Yeah I agree. Sometimes how you word things can play a HUGE part in how you present yourself, and the entire tone of your application. Have multiple people look it over if possible next cycle. Good luck to you

 

[Jamr0ckin]

Took me 4 times. You need to find out about your LOR, your personal statement, and your interviewing skills (if you've had an interview). You should talk to every school that rejected you and specifically ask what you need to improve on. If they don't mention LOR or your PS, ask! And if it might be you're interviewing skills, set up some mock interviews.

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[adams30]

maybe you can try diversifying your veterinary experience by working/volunteering at other practices / other specialties. ie large animal. This might help improve your veterinary experience.

Some schools like to see variety in vet experience rather than just a lot of one kind only. It all depends.

And as others said, it depends on the school and applicant pool you are up against.

Good Luck and keep trying!

 

[BlackDog17]

Definitely do another file review at the end of this cycle. Your stats sound pretty good, so it's hard to determine where you're falling short. Do you mind sharing what the schools told you after your last file review? That will help everyone give you more specific advice.

 

[adams30]

maybe you can try diversifying your veterinary experience by working/volunteering at other practices / other specialties. ie large animal. This might help improve your veterinary experience.

Some schools like to see variety in vet experience rather than just a lot of one kind only. It all depends.

in addition some diversity in animal experience could help too. I got some of mine by volunteering at a local zoo, wildlife rehab center, fostering kittens, and working as a lab technician.

 

[catlady816]

I know someone who got in on their 7th try so don't give up, you haven't even heard from everyone yet!

But similar to everyone else's advice, consider you interview skills. Look up practice questions, interview feedback on here and do mock interviews.

As for me, this is my second time applying and I realized my personal statement was a piece of crap. I had a current vet student at my number one school edit for content and my friend who is a newspaper editor edit for grammar. I was floored by the feedback I got from the current student and how poor my content was. He really helped me whip it into shape. Also check with the admissions counselors at the schools you apply to. Penn offered to read my PS before I submitted and it really helped.

Overall keep trying! If this is what you really want an extra cycle will be worth it!

 

[LetItSnow]

I don't really know where I'm going wrong (I followed the advice from the application feedback i received from schools last time around too).

What was the advice schools gave you?

Are you getting interviews, or stuck at the not-getting-an-interview phase?

Your basic stats are pretty good generally. It makes me think there's more to the story. With those kinds of numbers you should be getting interviews.

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

Took me 4 times! If this is really what you want, don't let anything hold you back. You have from now until October to make yourself the best applicant you can!

 

[twelvetigers]

Three tries here.

 

[WelshCob]

I think the amount of times you apply is a personal decision based on what is right for you. I applied three times and I told myself that after three I was done and would pursue other career options. I made it in my third time.

 

[crazy bout qtrs]

I knew a student at Western who applied 10 times. Got into Western the third time he applied there.

 

[Museum Nerd]

There are also people that move to states with a vet school after applying multiple times to better their odds! People will do what they need to do if Vet school is their dream.

 

[JoAnna423]

So I'm about finished with hearing back from my second round of applying to vet school. 2 schools left, both with very few OOS seats, so long shots and rejections everywhere else. I applied to 9 schools last time, 7 this time and no luck. I've got a 3.6 GPA, thousands of hours of small animal experience (tech in an emergency/specialist hospital), hundreds of equine veterinary (and thousands of equine handling just from being a rider since i was 4) as well as wildlife (vet program in South Africa), and canine PT. I had 5 letters of rec, pretty solid GRE scores etc. I don't really know where I'm going wrong (I followed the advice from the application feedback i received from schools last time around too). I know I'm at a disadvantage being from RI with no IS or contract schools. Anyways thats not really the point, i just wanted to know if theres anyone out there who has tried more than twice. Is it excessive to try for 3? If i didn't get in twice what are even the chances that it will be any different a third time?? I just feel like my life is on hold waiting for this to happen and its so discouraging! I'm considering moving to gain residency, but I'm not sure if its too late for that now for the next round. Just wanted to see if anyone else is/has struggled with this as much as me!!

I think you will know in your heart when you are done...and it doesnt sound like you are. Keep trying!

 

[mas185]

There are also people that move to states with a vet school after applying multiple times to better their odds! People will do what they need to do if Vet school is their dream.

I agree with this!! I'm from NJ so I feel ur pain of not having an in-state school.

2 attempts is no where near done IMHO!! It took me 3 ... but definitely consider moving to a state that has a vet school. This has the added bonus of reducing the cost of school tremendously too, depending on the school, so it can be a double win

And definitely have a review of your application done again ... good luck!

 

[Clover51]

I work with some fabulous veterinarians who have applied 5+ times. Applying as an OOS resident definitely decreases your odds of acceptance, putting you behind the eight ball there. I'm sure residency requirements vary between schools, but I know for Cornell specifically that you must take up residency in New York in august of the year prior to matriculation (so if I was starting this coming fall, I would have had to move there this past August).

I say that if veterinary medicine is really your passion, no amount of times is "too many." Have you considered schools outside the US to bolster your chances of acceptance?

 

[BulldogMS]

I think I got in on my 1st try because I selected my apps smart. Get the book on VS requirements and carefully scour the graphs and info provided, then apply to those offering the best chance for YOUR stats and circumstances. Also consider the State you're from and its popularity at the vet school you're eyeing. Vet schools love diversity and if your State hasn''t been represented much, that could be just what you need to get admitted instead of denied. If you think you offer something desirable or unusual that they've yet to see in other applicants, you just might be right.

 

[cs5910]

I think I got in on my 1st try because I selected my apps smart. Get the book on VS requirements and carefully scour the graphs and info provided, then apply to those offering the best chance for YOUR stats and circumstances. Also consider the State you're from and its popularity at the vet school you're eyeing. Vet schools love diversity and if your State hasn''t been represented much, that could be just what you need to get admitted instead of denied. If you think you offer something desirable or unusual that they've yet to see in other applicants, you just might be right.

I agree with Bulldog! I spent four months last year before the VMCAS opened making dozens of graphs/charts of EACH of the schools stats to determine where I had a chance of getting in. I literally made graphs/charts of probably every aspect of each school then compared all 28 schools in another set of graphs/charts. I know that probably sounds a little crazy, but I think that elimination process and really working on interview skills, are what helped me get accepted on my first cycle this year.