Illinois c/o 2017 Applicants!

[bannanababy146]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been procrastinating on the essay as well :/ I started some of it but then stopped...Now I really need to finish it this week! I'm a little confused about the ratings for animal contact experience, could someone give me any advice on if what I put is ok?

For Dogs/Cats I put a 3 because volunteering in medical labs I have restrained dogs and cats for vaccinations, blood draws, grooming etc. I have also performed all those tasks myself. A 3 seems like the correct choice, but I want to be sure.

Then for Cattle, Dairy I'm not really sure what to pick. I worked at the dairy farm over the summer and milking cows was a large part of the job. However, I also performed vaccinations, administered medications, helped with a calving etc. So should I classify this as a 3? or a 2?

I guess to sum it up I'm confused as to exactly what the difference between 2 and 3 is. Is it simply that by giving a 3 you have had more experience?

Sorry I'm probably completely over thinking everything, I just don't want to overrate my experiences and have it reflect negatively upon myself. Thanks!!

 

[Tco87]

I've been procrastinating on the essay as well :/ I started some of it but then stopped...Now I really need to finish it this week! I'm a little confused about the ratings for animal contact experience, could someone give me any advice on if what I put is ok?

For Dogs/Cats I put a 3 because volunteering in medical labs I have restrained dogs and cats for vaccinations, blood draws, grooming etc. I have also performed all those tasks myself. A 3 seems like the correct choice, but I want to be sure.

Then for Cattle, Dairy I'm not really sure what to pick. I worked at the dairy farm over the summer and milking cows was a large part of the job. However, I also performed vaccinations, administered medications, helped with a calving etc. So should I classify this as a 3? or a 2?

I guess to sum it up I'm confused as to exactly what the difference between 2 and 3 is. Is it simply that by giving a 3 you have had more experience?

Sorry I'm probably completely over thinking everything, I just don't want to overrate my experiences and have it reflect negatively upon myself. Thanks!!

If I remember correctly, the rating system is 0 for no experience, 1 for several years caring for pets, 2 if you're restrained an animal that's not your own, 3 if you're comfortable restraining that animal in most situations.

So the difference is purely your own self assessment. Do you feel comfortable restraining cats and dogs in most circumstances? What about cows? If you answered yes, give yourself a 3. If not, give yourself a 2.

 

[wildcatj]

I've been procrastinating on the essay as well :/ I started some of it but then stopped...Now I really need to finish it this week! I'm a little confused about the ratings for animal contact experience, could someone give me any advice on if what I put is ok?

For Dogs/Cats I put a 3 because volunteering in medical labs I have restrained dogs and cats for vaccinations, blood draws, grooming etc. I have also performed all those tasks myself. A 3 seems like the correct choice, but I want to be sure.

Then for Cattle, Dairy I'm not really sure what to pick. I worked at the dairy farm over the summer and milking cows was a large part of the job. However, I also performed vaccinations, administered medications, helped with a calving etc. So should I classify this as a 3? or a 2?

I guess to sum it up I'm confused as to exactly what the difference between 2 and 3 is. Is it simply that by giving a 3 you have had more experience?

Sorry I'm probably completely over thinking everything, I just don't want to overrate my experiences and have it reflect negatively upon myself. Thanks!!

To add to what TCO said, I put 1 only if I only had pet experience with the species (whether it was my own animal or someone elses). I saved 2/3 for more veterinary type situations. For example: I shadow a vet at a zoo and we have a petting zoo, so occasionally we work with the goats/llamas. Yeah, I've only handled them a few times, but I'm dealing with them in a veterinary setting which is going to be very different than giving them food and water and calling it a day. That being said, with only working with them a few times I'm not going to call myself super experienced by any means, so I'd call that at 2 for sure.

On a totally different note, anyone who knows anything about food animal stuff want to read my supplemental essay when I'm done? I really don't know anything about this topic so I want to make sure I'm not saying something that is a completely inaccurate assumption or the like. (Preferably someone who isn't applying this year).

 

[anotherbusybee]

Yeah, my scores aren't matching up in the portal system. This could be because my VMCAS app hasn't been mailed, yet, and I turned in my GRE scores like 4 days ago 😛 I'm a worry wart...

As for ratings, I chose the highest rating that I could reasonably defend in an interview. For example, I've had to do a lot of procedures on lab mice, so I put a 3 for that. That's a rather tall order, but I have the confidence to be able to pluck mice from a cage and perform procedures on them - including restraint, injections, and examinations. Another example: I have more than three years' experience with equine medicine, but I wasn't born on a horse's back. I know the very basics of restraint in a veterinary setting, but I can't defend much more than that. I think I put a 2. It's all kind of subjective and based on levels of confidence and ability.

 

[bannanababy146]

Ok great thanks! Do any of you think I should put in a separate category for "pocket pets" or something of that nature? I have a chinchilla and I've handled rabbits, hamsters etc. in a veterinary setting. And at a wildlife clinic I interned at I handled the mice/rats they bred for feedings.

Also for your GRE scores you could always call and ask. Unfortunately when I called to see if they received my transcripts they weren't very helpful :/ I understand they have a large volume of material coming in everyday, but the lady that spoke to me wasn't very pleasant. But I dont think it matters that you haven't submitted your VMCAS yet, because my GRE scores showed up two months ago and I just submitted VMCAS the other day. Also, if you just sent your GRE it might not have arrived yet, I think they take a little longer to send than transcripts.

 

[wildcatj]

Ok great thanks! Do any of you think I should put in a separate category for "pocket pets" or something of that nature? I have a chinchilla and I've handled rabbits, hamsters etc. in a veterinary setting. And at a wildlife clinic I interned at I handled the mice/rats they bred for feedings.

I would put it in since you have experience with pocket pets. I have a section on there devoted to them.

 

[Tco87]

On a totally different note, anyone who knows anything about food animal stuff want to read my supplemental essay when I'm done? I really don't know anything about this topic so I want to make sure I'm not saying something that is a completely inaccurate assumption or the like. (Preferably someone who isn't applying this year).

I don't really know much about food animal, but if you want I can look over your essay and see if anything jumps out as being really wrong. Just PM if you're interested!

Ok great thanks! Do any of you think I should put in a separate category for "pocket pets" or something of that nature? I have a chinchilla and I've handled rabbits, hamsters etc. in a veterinary setting. And at a wildlife clinic I interned at I handled the mice/rats they bred for feedings.

I would. It can only help your application! I had a separate section for small mammals and another for reptiles on my application.

 

[irrelephant23]

Why can't I write this stinkin' essay? Its literally the only essay I have left that is due Oct. 2, but for some reason I can't stop procrastinating. Ugh Ugh Ugh

 

[vickers]

I haven't started my essay yet either, but luckily I wrote an essay on BSE freshman year of undergrad 😀 So at least all the research is there, it's just a matter of condensing it and adding in how it relates to veterinary medicine.

 

[RetroUnicorn]

Why can't I write this stinkin' essay? Its literally the only essay I have left that is due Oct. 2, but for some reason I can't stop procrastinating. Ugh Ugh Ugh

I know how you feel! I'm sitting here trying to write it right now

 

[tvo21]

I know how you feel! I'm sitting here trying to write it right now

ME THREE. Wish this essay could write itself. Yawn* My goal is to finish tonight. Right now it's a bunch of word vomit.

 

[vickers]

For the animal contact experience, I haven't worked with horses and haven't owned them as pets, but I used to go horseback riding as a kid. Should I count that as a 1? I don't have experience with them in a clinic setting, but I don't want to put 0 because it's not like I've never touched a horse before.

 

[bbeventer]

For the animal contact experience, I haven't worked with horses and haven't owned them as pets, but I used to go horseback riding as a kid. Should I count that as a 1? I don't have experience with them in a clinic setting, but I don't want to put 0 because it's not like I've never touched a horse before.

I would put a 0.

 

[dvmdreamer]

For the animal contact experience, I haven't worked with horses and haven't owned them as pets, but I used to go horseback riding as a kid. Should I count that as a 1? I don't have experience with them in a clinic setting, but I don't want to put 0 because it's not like I've never touched a horse before.

I agree with bbeventer. I only put 1 for things that I felt comfortable I could answer daily feed requirements, normal behavior, routine medical care, warning signs of illness, etc- things you would know from caring for an animal long term. For example, I've milked dairy cows before, I know a little bit about feeding them, but I couldn't tell you much about how to get optimal milk production, mastitis, vaccinations, or any subtle warning signs of disease. So I put 0.

 

[dvmdreamer]

I am unclear from the FAQ page- If a transcript has gotten lost in the mail, will we be given time after Oct 2 to get it in?

From reading it, it sounds like they don't want people to call and ask about transcripts, so I don't want to be that annoying person that doesn't heed the instructions. But it also just says "instructions will be given about missing documents" after the status pages are made. Which doesn't assure me it will be ok!

 

[bbeventer]

I am unclear from the FAQ page- If a transcript has gotten lost in the mail, will we be given time after Oct 2 to get it in?

From reading it, it sounds like they don't want people to call and ask about transcripts, so I don't want to be that annoying person that doesn't heed the instructions. But it also just says "instructions will be given about missing documents" after the status pages are made. Which doesn't assure me it will be ok!

If I remember correctly, after the status page is updated, Illinois gives you about 2 weeks to get any missing documents in. If I remember correctly though, they do continuously update status pages, there is just a bit of a delay on it.

A life lesson I have learned though, if it is your money, and your hide on the line, don't be afraid of who you might inconvenience to find out the information you need to know.

 

[Tco87]

I am unclear from the FAQ page- If a transcript has gotten lost in the mail, will we be given time after Oct 2 to get it in?

From reading it, it sounds like they don't want people to call and ask about transcripts, so I don't want to be that annoying person that doesn't heed the instructions. But it also just says "instructions will be given about missing documents" after the status pages are made. Which doesn't assure me it will be ok!

They may not want you to call but like BB said, you can still do it if you're concerned it didn't get there. Are you just afraid of it being lost in the mail or is there a specific reason you're concerned?
I contacted them the first time I applied because my undergrad was a bit challenged when it came to sending transcripts and another school I had applied to hadn't gotten them. I e-mailed them, they told me to wait for the status page to change, and I explained that I've had issues with my school not sending transcripts and THEN they told me that they had received them. If you have a reason like that for being concerned about the transcript being sent/received I'm sure they'll check for you.
It really doesn't hurt to call to call or e-mail, and the worst thing that will happen is they'll make you wait until the page gets updated.

 

[MaiT]

Is the status page for each applicant not created until after the deadline? When I go to FAQs and follow the link they give to the status page, it just brings me to my supplemental app, which allows me to check only the status of my GRE. Am I missing something here?? lol

 

[dvmdreamer]

Are you just afraid of it being lost in the mail or is there a specific reason you're concerned?

No- Iowa shows they got all my stuff on their status page, and I requested them all at the same time, so I'm fairly certain it was sent. I'm just want to make sure every is ready to go! Ready to stop stressing out on the application and start stressing on the decision! 😛

 

[Tco87]

Is the status page for each applicant not created until after the deadline? When I go to FAQs and follow the link they give to the status page, it just brings me to my supplemental app, which allows me to check only the status of my GRE. Am I missing something here?? lol

There should be a page that you go to before you log in to check your supplemental application. The link to log in to your status page is on the same page as the link to go to your supplemental. Or at least that's how it was last year. I don't know if they changed it....

 

[RetroUnicorn]

Is the status page for each applicant not created until after the deadline? When I go to FAQs and follow the link they give to the status page, it just brings me to my supplemental app, which allows me to check only the status of my GRE. Am I missing something here?? lol

I'm having trouble finding the status page too...

 

[wildcatj]

I'm having trouble finding the status page too...

I don't think they have it up yet. I think it will eventually be on the same page as where you access the supplemental.

 

[MaiT]

I'm having trouble finding the status page too...

I don't think they have it up yet. I think it will eventually be on the same page as where you access the supplemental.

There should be a page that you go to before you log in to check your supplemental application. The link to log in to your status page is on the same page as the link to go to your supplemental. Or at least that's how it was last year. I don't know if they changed it....

I'm hoping they did lol...every time i go to check the status, the page has 2 places to log in (1 for the supplemental and another for 2011/2012 applicants to check their status)...thanks for answering my question everyone 🙂 good luck this cycle!

 

[adams30]

Hey!

Good luck to everyone finishing/submitting your applications! you can do it! 😀

So, I have heard before that you can change add/drop classes from your Fall schedule after you submit your VMCAS application.

Here are my predicaments.

1. I'm involved in an honors research project and I was just told yesterday that I have to have 1 credit hour for "research credit"/class added onto my Fall 2012 semester. So, now I officially have another credit hour with a course title that is not included on my VMCAS because I submitted it before I found this out.

2. I am thinking of dropping a 2 credit hour class that I feel that I don't really need. It is not a pre-requisite class for anything I just took it just because. It is an online dairy reproduction and is an animal science course. I want to drop it because it is VERY repetitive from my other reproduction classes and I'm not learning anything really new like I thought I would. I've also decided that I would rather focus on other classes and research. It is listed on my VMCAS however

As of right now I have 18 credit hours for the semester and finished all my pre-requisites except physics II. I applied to Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota.

I guess my question is Would it look bad to drop the class since it's already listed on submitted VMCAS? and then call and tell each school about the two changes in my schedule???? I have taken 17+ credit hours each semester of college so I think having a semester with only 16 would not hurt at all.

Thanks!! 😀

 

[bbeventer]

Hey!

Good luck to everyone finishing/submitting your applications! you can do it! 😀

So, I have heard before that you can change add/drop classes from your Fall schedule after you submit your VMCAS application.

Here are my predicaments.

1. I'm involved in an honors research project and I was just told yesterday that I have to have 1 credit hour for "research credit"/class added onto my Fall 2012 semester. So, now I officially have another credit hour with a course title that is not included on my VMCAS because I submitted it before I found this out.

2. I am thinking of dropping a 2 credit hour class that I feel that I don't really need. It is not a pre-requisite class for anything I just took it just because. It is an online dairy reproduction and is an animal science course. I want to drop it because it is VERY repetitive from my other reproduction classes and I'm not learning anything really new like I thought I would. I've also decided that I would rather focus on other classes and research. It is listed on my VMCAS however

As of right now I have 18 credit hours for the semester and finished all my pre-requisites except physics II. I applied to Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota.

I guess my question is Would it look bad to drop the class since it's already listed on submitted VMCAS? and then call and tell each school about the two changes in my schedule???? I have taken 17+ credit hours each semester of college so I think having a semester with only 16 would not hurt at all.

Thanks!! 😀

I really don't think its a problem. They will receive your official spring transcript and they will go off of that anyways. An adcom from Illinois to us that they don't even look at the classes we spend hours listing on the VMCAS, they just rely on transcripts. I can never make up my mind about classes and had several changes that weren't listed on VMCAS and it didn't affect me at all.

 

[Tco87]

Hey!

Good luck to everyone finishing/submitting your applications! you can do it! 😀

So, I have heard before that you can change add/drop classes from your Fall schedule after you submit your VMCAS application.

Here are my predicaments.

1. I'm involved in an honors research project and I was just told yesterday that I have to have 1 credit hour for "research credit"/class added onto my Fall 2012 semester. So, now I officially have another credit hour with a course title that is not included on my VMCAS because I submitted it before I found this out.

2. I am thinking of dropping a 2 credit hour class that I feel that I don't really need. It is not a pre-requisite class for anything I just took it just because. It is an online dairy reproduction and is an animal science course. I want to drop it because it is VERY repetitive from my other reproduction classes and I'm not learning anything really new like I thought I would. I've also decided that I would rather focus on other classes and research. It is listed on my VMCAS however

As of right now I have 18 credit hours for the semester and finished all my pre-requisites except physics II. I applied to Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota.

I guess my question is Would it look bad to drop the class since it's already listed on submitted VMCAS? and then call and tell each school about the two changes in my schedule???? I have taken 17+ credit hours each semester of college so I think having a semester with only 16 would not hurt at all.

Thanks!! 😀

Hard to say. I don't think it would be a big deal as long as its not an important course (like a prerequisite) and as long as you are doing well in the course. I'm not on an admissions committee though and have no personal experience with this so I have no idea.

 

[adams30]

Hard to say. I don't think it would be a big deal as long as its not an important course (like a prerequisite) and as long as you are doing well in the course. I'm not on an admissions committee though and have no personal experience with this so I have no idea.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah it's not an important pre-req. It's just a 2 credit hour online class on reproductive management. I took a year of repro physiology and I guess they made it sound like this class will be really different but it's not so much. Now I just think I'd rather put time into my other classes.

I'll call and ask tomorrow before I do anything else.

 

[bbeventer]

Hey, just putting it out there, if any of you guys live close to Illinois our open house is this Sunday Oct 7th from 10-4 if you want to pop by.

 

[irrelephant23]

Hey, just putting it out there, if any of you guys live close to Illinois our open house is this Sunday Oct 7th from 10-4 if you want to pop by.

I live so far away.... Right across from the Engineering quad. I'll definitely pop by! 😀

 

[dvmdreamer]

Why is this essay taking me so long? It's a simple one page research paper. I should be able to do it in my sleep... and not still be working on it 3.5 hours before the deadline!

 

[bbeventer]

I live so far away.... Right across from the Engineering quad. I'll definitely pop by! 😀

Awesome!

 

[kakurubird]

Status page is now available.

All of my stuff is received!

Any class of 2016ers remember how long it took transcripts to be evaluated? I imagine it will be a while. Just feeling so impatient waiting for everything now! Nothing I can do at this point (except for physics class, but, ugggg to that).

 

[wildcatj]

Status page is now available.

All of my stuff is received!

Any class of 2016ers remember how long it took transcripts to be evaluated? I imagine it will be a while. Just feeling so impatient waiting for everything now! Nothing I can do at this point (except for physics class, but, ugggg to that).

My GPAs are already calculated for mine. They probably received my transcript at the beginning of August.
I'm very happy because my science GPA is higher than I thought it was going to be. I guess Illinois literally uses ALL the science classes you've taken, not just pre-reqs. They used my anatomy and physiology, reproductive physiology, plus a few more. Thankfully I did well in those classes so they made up for chemistry haha.

 

[kakurubird]

My GPAs are already calculated for mine. They probably received my transcript at the beginning of August.
I'm very happy because my science GPA is higher than I thought it was going to be. I guess Illinois literally uses ALL the science classes you've taken, not just pre-reqs. They used my anatomy and physiology, reproductive physiology, plus a few more. Thankfully I did well in those classes so they made up for chemistry haha.

Huh. Mine were probably also around early to mid-August.

Do all of those have Y in the Sci GPA column in the transcript course listing?
There's a really weird set that have that Y for me. Like, I can't even begin to justify it. It's weird...

 

[wildcatj]

Huh. Mine were probably also around early to mid-August.

Do all of those have Y in the Sci GPA column in the transcript course listing?
There's a really weird set that have that Y for me. Like, I can't even begin to justify it. It's weird...

Yeah they do, but then they didn't count some science courses like biology of mammals, animal breeding and genetics.
What do you have Y for that's weird?

 

[kakurubird]

Yeah they do, but then they didn't count some science courses like biology of mammals, animal breeding and genetics.
What do you have Y for that's weird?

Calculus--which isn't even a prereq. And not enough chem. And the only bio are the two intro sequence plus a tropical ecology class and a physiology class.
Going to give it a little bit of time and then call them.

 

[wildcatj]

Calculus--which isn't even a prereq. And not enough chem. And the only bio are the two intro sequence plus a tropical ecology class and a physiology class.
Going to give it a little bit of time and then call them.

I do have calculus and my stats class as Y's. My ecology class counted as did my anat/physiology. But yeah, I thought it was weird that my ecology class counted by then my other science classes didn't count if they weren't in bio or animal science. The only thing that sounds weird is if they didn't take all your chem classes.

 

[irrelephant23]

It's funny that they don't even count microbiology for the sci gpa.. but its required for uiuc's animal science/ pre-vet students. Oh U of I. You get me every time.

They have all of my stuff, but haven't calculated my gpa's yet. But my GRE score was higher than the report.. I think they include the writing portion when they do the average. That's alright with me! My writing was 92nd percentile 😉

 

[kakurubird]

It's funny that they don't even count microbiology for the sci gpa.. but its required for uiuc's animal science/ pre-vet students. Oh U of I. You get me every time.

They have all of my stuff, but haven't calculated my gpa's yet. But my GRE score was higher than the report.. I think they include the writing portion when they do the average. That's alright with me! My writing was 92nd percentile 😉

They definitely include the writing percentile in the average. My average is outside of my percentiles for the other two sections.

Definitely going to call if things haven't changed in a few days. Concerned because they aren't counting enough chem credits for me.

 

[wildcatj]

It's funny that they don't even count microbiology for the sci gpa.. but its required for uiuc's animal science/ pre-vet students. Oh U of I. You get me every time.

They have all of my stuff, but haven't calculated my gpa's yet. But my GRE score was higher than the report.. I think they include the writing portion when they do the average. That's alright with me! My writing was 92nd percentile 😉

That's so weird because they are counting micro for me.
And yeah, they must have used the writing in the GRE calculation. Which is a huge bummer for me. I had 88 and 93 or something for Q and V, but 40 something for writing. I always get 4/6 on standardized writing. I have never gotten anything but. Standardized tests in high school, SAT's, GRE always 4/6.

 

[dvmdreamer]

It's funny that they don't even count microbiology for the sci gpa.. but its required for uiuc's animal science/ pre-vet students. Oh U of I. You get me every time.

My Micro is counted in Sci GPA, but Genetics did not. I really want my genetics to count! Immunology isn't counted either. My calculus and stats classes don't have a Y, kakurubird. Animal behavior did count though. But only one of my two semesters of A&P?

Nothing is calculated yet though.

Edited to add: I just noticed this line in the email:
"Science course designations are not accurate until your GPA has been posted."
So I guess that explains the inconsistencies.

 

[kakurubird]

Edited to add: I just noticed this line in the email:
"Science course designations are not accurate until your GPA has been posted."
So I guess that explains the inconsistencies.

Well then, definitely going to wait a while!

Can't said I really read (as opposed to a very quick brief skim) the email so much as just clicked the link when I saw there was a status page available... Going to go back now and read the whole thing.

 

[irrelephant23]

Well then, definitely going to wait a while!

Can't said I really read (as opposed to a very quick brief skim) the email so much as just clicked the link when I saw there was a status page available... Going to go back now and read the whole thing.

👍 I should probably do that too... Mine initial read over was more of a "blah blah Illinois blah blah status link blah." CLICK.

 

[capirinha]

.

 

[irrelephant23]

arg all 6 of my transcripts say "missing".... I am wondering if I should call the school or give it until the end of the week. They should have received them mid-September... it makes me nervous that some of you already have calculations!

Maybe they haven't gotten to your folder yet? You could always give them a call! They're still open 🙂

 

[capirinha]

.

 

[wildcatj]

That's what I'm thinking... because I could understand if I had a few missing, but all 6? I did my undergrad there and they say they are still missing those transcripts, which I HIGHLY doubt would get lost just going across campus. But I suppose you never know haha. I wonder if they just haven't had a chance to enter the information in yet... I think I will give it a few more days before I bother them 🙂

I would imagine that they probably just haven't linked your file, but the email does say the following about transcripts:

For missing transcripts, please check with the originating institution. If a
transcript has not been sent yet, please have it sent to us immediately,
PREFERABLY by OVERNIGHT MAIL. If a transcript was previously sent, please
contact us. It may be necessary to have the transcript sent again.

So I would call them instead of waiting in case you need to resend transcripts.

 

[dvmdreamer]

So I listed Oklahoma State as an institution on my VMCAS, because I applied to a school that I need Animal Nutrition for and I plan on taking their correspondance course in the spring if I don't get a rejection letter in December. It clearly says it is intended to be taken in the Spring 2013 semester. However, the status page says 4 transcripts are expected and that the OK one is "pending".

... pending means pending for spring right, not waiting for it now?

 

[irrelephant23]

... pending means pending for spring right, not waiting for it now?

Right. That's what I understand it to be. I have fall and spring transcripts as pending for this coming up year. Jokes on them, I graduated No more classes for me!

I think they're still working on getting their goods together. If it for some reason shows up as "missing" in the next week, give them a call!

 

[Tco87]

Right. That's what I understand it to be. I have fall and spring transcripts as pending for this coming up year. Jokes on them, I graduated No more classes for me!

I think they're still working on getting their goods together. If it for some reason shows up as "missing" in the next week, give them a call!

This happened to me too - I graduated 2010 and they still had my transcripts listed as "pending" for semesters that I wasn't in school for. I think it stayed that way until the summer after I was accepted so don't panic if it doesn't change for you either 😉