how to present a non-traditional undergrad experience?

[NSilverwolf]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

Figured I'd put this out here to try and get as many opinions as possible. The vets I work with at my shelter are split on what I should do, and I figured, the more input the better.

Here's the story...apologies because it's long. As an undergraduate I was in a unique program where I acquired two bachelors in five years. One is a BS in biopsychology. The other, a BFA in film production. Because I was attending essentially two schools full time at the same time I have two transcripts, though my degrees were issued from only one institution. One school (Tufts) has a graded number based GPA. The school where I got my art degree (SFMA Boston) does not grade their students. We received a portfolio review at the end of each semester in which a committee of students and professors reviewed/discussed our work with us and determined whether we received full, half or no credit. My transcript from that school consists of several pages of notes for each semester.

This program confused even officials and professors who worked for Tufts and the SMFA. Based on the numbers assigned in an A/B/C environ my undergrad GPA will only reflect half of my undergraduate career. Would it be appropriate to use the special circumstances section of VMCAS to clarify and explain the program?

I will be contacting the schools I plan to apply to, to see if they have any supplemental paperwork where this would be more appropriate to be placed. I don't expect the adcoms to go through the scribbly pages of review notes on my art, or to particularly be interested in what classes I took as an art student when they're evaluating my ability to succeed in the vet field. My undergrad GPA is alright (3.0) but only reflects the graded "classroom" courses I took, nothing about the 30+ hours a week I was expected to be in studio working on my artwork. Perhaps I'm more asking...would it sound like I was trying too hard to explain away my--at best--standard GPA by saying "but I took tons of art courses too!"?

Any advice (I know none of you are adcoms but every bit helps) would be awesome...and thanks for making it through this long post!

 

[cyrille104]

Would it be appropriate to use the special circumstances section of VMCAS to clarify and explain the program?

Yes

would it sound like I was trying too hard to explain away my--at best--standard GPA by saying "but I took tons of art courses too!"?

It probably won't sound like you're trying too hard, but don't expect it to work. You'll need really good test scores, an amazing personal statement, and tons of experience if you want a shot...and even then, it's going to be tough. It can be done, but make sure you have a backup plan in case you don't get in this year.

 

[sofficat]

i agree with cyrille. definitely explain on your vmcas and have a kick ass rest of your apllication. who knows, schools may find you interesting b/c of your art degree thing.

 

[AuburnPreVet]

I would def use the special-explanation box on vmcas to explain your dual-degree program. I wouldn't cast any negativity upon your application by directly explaining away poor grades due tp the difficulty of the program. I would explain the program thoroughly/clearly and let them connect the dots (and decide what makes up for a sub-par gpa).