Interview Predicament (Western, but any and all thoughts appreciated...)

[Cautionary Tail]

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So, the good news: I received two calls from Western this afternoon inviting me to interview next Tuesday.

The bad news: I wasn't home. I was supposed to call back by 5 pm PST... I got back at 5:56. Major FAIL on my part. If I'd known they were going to be calling, I'd have stayed home. I've left a message on the admissions counselor's machine and sent an e-mail to multiple people, but they're not going to be back until Tuesday.

At this point, I don't know what to do. Has anyone else been in this position? If they don't get back to me, should I fly out anyway on the off chance that they might allow me to interview, or am I totally out of luck?

I was really looking forward to this... I'd hate to miss out on account of making the unfortunate decision to drop off a sample at my cats' vet and run some errands for the parental types. 🙁

 

[variegata]

Wow, that's a really short deadline for a reply on their part! Do you live far from Pomona? If you called them first thing Tuesday morning (if nobody has happened to check their email over the weekend), do you live close enough if your interview time was still open to attend?
I hope it works out for you. I can't believe they would schedule an interview at such short notice, either, that just seems very inconsiderate to me. Especially for a school like Western that doesn't consider anybody in-state - people have to make travel plans!
Good luck!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I live in New England... so, unfortunately, driving's not an option. 😉

I'd have to invest in a plane ticket and make hotel reservations.

I just wish someone had informed me that I ought to be expecting a call instead of an e-mail. If I'd had any idea, I wouldn't have gone out.

 

[Robdude]

All I can say is vet school admission folks can be real asses.

I don't know what I'd do in your situation, truthfully, if you don't have another acceptance and you really don't like the idea of waiting another year - I'd just show up (even if that means several hundred dollars in travel expenses).

 

[EllieGirl89]

This doesn't seem right to me at all, CT. I mean, it's Friday. A WORK DAY. What if you had a 9-5 job during which time you were unable to check your phone? For all they know, that's the case. How on earth could they call you during the work day, expect you to respond before the end of said work day, and offer you an interview on the day directly after the weekend with no other way to contact them? At best it's very inconsiderate, at worst it's fishy.

I'd keep trying to contact ANYONE you can...but I'm not sure I would invest in a plane ticket and hotel just yet. I WOULD, however, give them an earful if I didn't get a hold of them until Tuesday and found out I couldn't reschedule the interview. How ridiculous.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

All I can say is vet school admission folks can be real asses.

I don't know what I'd do in your situation, truthfully, if you don't have another acceptance and you really don't like the idea of waiting another year - I'd just show up (even if that means several hundred dollars in travel expenses).

I'm waitlisted at Minnesota (#4, which is a pretty decent position, but not a definite), and that's it. My inclination is to show up at this point... but I'm not entirely sure how flexible they are or how their system works (i.e. did they call someone else off the list when I failed to respond and give them my spot, etc.).

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I'd keep trying to contact ANYONE you can...but I'm not sure I would invest in a plane ticket and hotel just yet. I WOULD, however, give them an earful if I didn't get a hold of them until Tuesday and found out I couldn't reschedule the interview. How ridiculous.

I think this is their last available date, unless they decide to add another. Rescheduling probably wouldn't be an option at this point.

 

[Dsmoody23]

Is that a common kind of experience for interviews?

It seems more like some kind of a bizarre initiation, or hazing.

I think any rational person would be willing to reschedule that for you, if you were able to discuss it with them.

Good luck finding someone rational, I guess.

Also, props for your poise. If I got to that point and was roadblocked by some kind of idiotic situation like yours, I'd lose my goddam* mind.

 

[EllieGirl89]

I think this is their last available date, unless they decide to add another. Rescheduling probably wouldn't be an option at this point.

Wow. I don't know what to tell you, CT, other than I really hope it works out for you 🙁 This whole thing makes me sad. I guess in that case, if you have the funds available maybe you should just show up. If they see that you took the initiative to get there from all the way across the country, maybe they'd cut you a break and interview you even if they filled your spot.

Please keep us updated!

 

[NStarz]

CT, I'm sorry, that really sucks.

What probably happened is that someone got accepted to a school that was higher on their list and they backed out of the interview last minute. They then called you 🙂

I'm not sure what I would do in your situation. #4 on a waitlist OOS is basically an acceptance, but I'm not sure I would bank on that. I think you need to decide whether the craziness/loss of money/possible heartbreak is worth the chance to go to Western. Good luck with your decision. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

What probably happened is that someone got accepted to a school that was higher on their list and they backed out of the interview last minute. They then called you 🙂

I think they actually just finished processing applications... mine was reviewed pretty much dead last. I received my application complete e-mail less than two weeks ago. There are ten essays and a CV in the supplemental, and every application undergoes multiple reviews, so I think it's a pretty brutal process for the adcoms.

Thanks for all the responses, guys. 👍

 

[bbeventer]

Oh my CT I am so sorry to hear about that! If that happened to me I would probably be hugging the toilet right now, kudos to you. Keep us posted! I hope everything works!

 

[AuRevoirFinance]

Bottom line, if you really want to go to Western, just show up. Your #4 waitlist looks pretty solid to me though.

Like EllieG said, they'd have to be impressed by your initiative if you just showed up without confirmation, and I think the ad coms want to accept people who want to go to their school and an act like showing up would categorically demonstrate your interest.

This all presumes you have about $1000 lying around you had no better use for and you don't mind about 12 hours of airplane time in the near future. Hopefully you have some frequent flier miles saved up.

 

[TomTheK9Fixr]

I'd wait until you hear from them to make a move based on the following:
1.) A plane ticket from NE to Cali is realllly expensive ESPECIALLY on short notice
2.) They're (WU) professionals therefore it's safe to assume that they're realistic. Offering an interview to someone in NE on such a short notice is BS to be frank!
3.) Along with being realistic they should also be willing to improvise by offering a phone interview in your case.
4.) UMN has historically gone WELL past #4 and that's where I'm going so I say to hell with WU lol


-my 2 cents

Update: BTW- If you decide to book a ticket, book it with Southwest Airlines or an airline that will allow cancellation for manageable fee ($100). Thus, you can keep your options open yet not lose out on a small fortune.

 

[anjabryn]

I just can't believe that CT. I have not heard anything from them since my application went on to review on the 8th of February. I am assuming since the
last interview date is the 22nd that I will be getting a rejection in the mail any day now.
Personally I would not just fly there though.
Someone might be checking emails on Saturday because a SDNer got an interview invite last Saturday through email.

 

[light10]

😱 That's really poor form on Western's part. It's one thing to be slow on processing/evaluating applications, it's another thing to not compensate by increasing the interview days! A few hours notice on the last business day before the interview to someone 2000 miles away!?! geesh. Are they definitely closed presidents' day?

Anyhow, I'd be inclined to go and show up Tuesday morning IF it wouldn't be a huge financial burden or an issue with work/school. Maybe check travelocity's last minute deals? After the winter NE has had, maybe you should go tomorrow and spend a few days on the beach to make the airfare worthwhile 😀.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I just can't believe that CT. I have not heard anything from them since my application went on to review on the 8th of February. I am assuming since the
last interview date is the 22nd that I will be getting a rejection in the mail any day now.
Personally I would not just fly there though.
Someone might be checking emails on Saturday because a SDNer got an interview invite last Saturday through email.

Yeah. I'm hoping there's some off chance someone will be in tomorrow... maybe you'll get a ring then, too. I think our apps were "completed" around the same time. 👍

I'm also wondering if this actually is the last date, seeing as they didn't announce 2/22 until after the last 'last date' had passed... definitely keeping my fingers crossed for you.

4.) UMN has historically gone WELL past #4 and that's where I'm going so I say to hell with WU lol

Update: BTW- If you decide to book a ticket, book it with Southwest Airlines or an airline that will allow cancellation for manageable fee ($100). Thus, you can keep your options open yet not lose out on a small fortune.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Like EllieG said, they'd have to be impressed by your initiative if you just showed up without confirmation, and I think the ad coms want to accept people who want to go to their school and an act like showing up would categorically demonstrate your interest.

Or my insanity, depending on how you look at it... 😉

This all presumes you have about $1000 lying around you had no better use for and you don't mind about 12 hours of airplane time in the near future. Hopefully you have some frequent flier miles saved up.

Fortunately (very!), part of my graduation present was a parental offer to cover any interview-related travel expenses I might incur... which is suddenly looking even more fabulous than it did a couple of months ago. (They support this.)

I'd be cool with 12 hours of flight time, as I could use it for cramming purposes... only major concern is that the weather may not be great in my neck of the woods this Monday. I couldn't fly out any earlier, because my friends and family are petrified of caring for my defective cat (who is being exceptionally defective at the moment), so he has to board at a clinic, and the soonest I'd be able to drop him off would be Monday.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Are they definitely closed presidents' day?

Per the director's voicemail, yep. 🙁

Anyhow, I'd be inclined to go and show up Tuesday morning IF it wouldn't be a huge financial burden or an issue with work/school. Maybe check travelocity's last minute deals? After the winter NE has had, maybe you should go tomorrow and spend a few days on the beach to make the airfare worthwhile 😀.

I'd totally be down for a weekend in CA... but, alas... cat. My friends and family won't touch him with a ten foot pole, and neither will most of the clinics and boarding facilities in this state. ("Sorry, we don't offer 24 hour supervision." Yeah.... neither does life at the Casa de CT. He's still kicking. 😏) If I go, I'll have to grovel at the clinic we use (who awesomely offered to board him while I was in MN), and I can't ask them to do another Sunday.

Otherwise? I'd be on the beach first thing tomorrow morning! 😀

 

[Savethewhales]

No beach weather here! We are having a pretty good rainstorm. Thunder as I speak. It's suppose to rain all weekend 🙁

 

[Cautionary Tail]

No beach weather here! We are having a pretty good rainstorm. Thunder as I speak. It's suppose to rain all weekend 🙁

I love thunderstorms!

Hypothetically speaking, somebody might have gotten home half an hour earlier if she hadn't spotted some sweet lightning on the way home and decided to take the scenic route...

 

[Ausheya]

No beach weather here! We are having a pretty good rainstorm. Thunder as I speak. It's suppose to rain all weekend 🙁

You got thunder?! Jealous!

I don't really have any advice to offer that hasn't already been said, but I hope everything works out for you, Cautionary Tail!

 

[Savethewhales]

Haha welllllllllllll........ The change of weather would have been welcomed with open arms if it wasn't the only semi-free weekend that I have had since December! I was hoping to plant some new flowers, put a new top on my gazebo and make some repairs to my fence. All outdoor activities that are apparently not going to happen this weekend.

 

[Ausheya]

Haha welllllllllllll........ The change of weather would have been welcomed with open arms if it wasn't the only semi-free weekend that I have had since December! I was hoping to plant some new flowers, put a new top on my gazebo and make some repairs to my fence. All outdoor activities that are apparently not going to happen this weekend.

Yeah, I can agree with that. I just wish I'd gotten thunder here. Then at least I could feel like the rain was more worth it. XD I love lightning and almost never get to see it.

 

[Mohorsegirl]

That's a very naughty Western. Talk about leaving you hanging.

However... Western is only an hour from both beach and mountains... go explore! (That's what I did while I was there- I suggest Heisler park in Laguna beach, it has a ton of tide pools full of things)

 

[Savethewhales]

Laguna Beach = 😍

Big Bear is supposed to get snow this weekend. That would be fun!!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Ack... I was starting to waver a little, but all this talk of beaches and thunder and skiing is making me feel a bit more adventurous, haha. 😛

ETA- I should clarify... I really do want to go, but (unless they contact me tomorrow) this is a pretty significant undertaking that could potentially backfire if they think it's pushy or obnoxious, or they don't have a slot for me.

 

[lareinesoleil]

Well, think of it this way (looking at the 2 worst case scenarios): would you feel worse if you blew $1000 dollars for nothing, or if you decided not to go and they called you Tuesday AM like "where are you?!" Decide which situation scares you more and work from there.

Mostly I just wanted to post to say GOOD LUCK with whatever you decide!!

 

[AngSchmange]

CT I seriously think you should come. They invited you, so that's really an invite to come. It is confusing that you got a call though and not an email, my invite was an email, I replied, then later that day got the confirmation. I agree with EllieGirl though, and that it'd be showing them how serious you are. And if your parents are paying, why not? hahaha. I think once Western offers an interview they're very serious about seeing you that day. Plus, they could always fit you in later that day. Maybe plan on staying a 2nd night incase?

 

[kaydubs]

CT I seriously think you should come. They invited you, so that's really an invite to come. It is confusing that you got a call though and not an email, my invite was an email, I replied, then later that day got the confirmation. I agree with EllieGirl though, and that it'd be showing them how serious you are. And if your parents are paying, why not? hahaha. I think once Western offers an interview they're very serious about seeing you that day. Plus, they could always fit you in later that day. Maybe plan on staying a 2nd night incase?

Seconded! I know it's expensive but....if Western is important to you, & they invited you (kinda weird by phone but....) they want you. But maybe wait for a phone call?? Or an email? People do check their emails even if they aren't working so do leave email messages at least!!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

So, the clinic offered to put up with Thomas again, aaand...

I'm going. 😀

I left a voicemail for the counselor that contacted me and e-mails for the two counselors I've interacted with letting them know that I am definitely interested. It sounds like the one won't be checking anything until the day of the interview, but I'm hoping the other might.

 

[anjabryn]

I'm going. 😀
.

I think that is a good idea, CT! The more I thought about it the more it seemed like you should go. It shows a ton of initiative.

 

[TomTheK9Fixr]

So, the clinic offered to put up with Thomas again, aaand...

I'm going. 😀

I left a voicemail for the counselor that contacted me and e-mails for the two counselors I've interacted with letting them know that I am definitely interested. It sounds like the one won't be checking anything until the day of the interview, but I'm hoping the other might.

A cat named "Thomas" (sighing sarcastically)

Safe travels and good luck! I admire your willingness to pursue an opportunity on such a short notice and without confirmation!

 

[racccjlm]

I hope this will be one of those stories you'll be able to tell when you're old: "and THAT'S how I got into vet school." 🙂 Good luck!

 

[BLancellotti]

YAY CT!!!! I'm so excited for you. I thought a week and a half was short notice, but three days?!? You have to let us all know what happens!

 

[bbeventer]

I hope this will be one of those stories you'll be able to tell when you're old: "and THAT'S how I got into vet school." 🙂 Good luck!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Let us know if you hear anything new!

 

[that redhead]

So, the clinic offered to put up with Thomas again, aaand...

I'm going. 😀

I left a voicemail for the counselor that contacted me and e-mails for the two counselors I've interacted with letting them know that I am definitely interested. It sounds like the one won't be checking anything until the day of the interview, but I'm hoping the other might.

I think this is the right plan, costly though it may be. If they offered you a spot, it's likely still available and showing up can only help you (showing that you're interested/dedicated/etc). Good luck!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

A cat named "Thomas" (sighing sarcastically)

Safe travels and good luck! I admire your willingness to pursue an opportunity on such a short notice and without confirmation!

Haha!

If it makes things any better, it's not a reference to the fact that he used to be a tomcat. I chose it because it means "twin".

He had an identical littermate (save for a little white spot at the tip of his tail) that we were also attempting to trap. Said littermate disappeared before we were able to catch him (colony's not in the safest area). So, yeah... it's kind of an homage to 'the one that got away'.

It didn't occur to me until after the fact that I'd saddled him with the most generic, overused cat name known to man. Or that I'd inadvertently named him after my great-grandfather. Oops.

 

[Mew87]

Best of Luck to you! I know that this is definitely Western's last interview that was recently added. I interviewed there on 2/12 (sat) and wasn't confirmed until the Monday of that week. You contacted both Joanna and Karen of Western University?

 

[rosyreef]

Good luck on your travels, CT! My family (minus myself) is trying to get to Europe right now and they're getting delayed over 20 hours at JFK because of the weather in the Midwest.. unfortunate, but I'm rooting for you!!

 

[AHorseOffCourse]

Wow. I can't believe the situation. I just wanted to wish u the best of luck. I'll be checkig the threadto see how things work out for. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. And on btw way, as a native Californian whose definitely enjoying the weather right now-definitely go out and spend some time enjoying yourself if u can and ur schedule allows. 🙂. The mountains are fabulous, however I'm not much of a beach person...

 

[Zany Tiger]

Yay good luck CT wishing you all the best. 😀👍

 

[Cautionary Tail]

An extremely kind SDN-er who goes to Western was able to put me in touch with someone, so they are aware I am coming, and they've saved a spot. 😀

Now, if the weather will just cooperate... 😉

 

[Whyevernot55]

An extremely kind SDN-er who goes to Western was able to put me in touch with someone, so they are aware I am coming, and they've saved a spot. 😀

Now, if the weather will just cooperate... 😉

Wooooooohoo! We're all so excited for you CT, I'm so glad that you were able to get in touch with someone and they saved you a spot! 😀

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Good luck on your travels, CT! My family (minus myself) is trying to get to Europe right now and they're getting delayed over 20 hours at JFK because of the weather in the Midwest.. unfortunate, but I'm rooting for you!!

Whoa! Hope they've made it out of there by now... that's insane!

I could've flown for under $400 (was shocked at that- cheaper than the MN tickets I'd purchased nearly a month beforehand), but the layovers were under an hour, and some were in iffy areas... if there'd been any delays, I would've been in major trouble. Ended up springing for the costlier tickets with a lengthy layover in GA. I'm hoping I'll be able to bypass some of the mess by going south and flying out of a smaller local airport instead of Logan.

 

[scb44f]

An extremely kind SDN-er who goes to Western was able to put me in touch with someone, so they are aware I am coming, and they've saved a spot. 😀

Now, if the weather will just cooperate... 😉

Good luck!!

 

[EllieGirl89]

An extremely kind SDN-er who goes to Western was able to put me in touch with someone, so they are aware I am coming, and they've saved a spot. 😀

Now, if the weather will just cooperate... 😉

I love SDN! 😍

Good luck!!

 

[heylodeb]

I love SDN! 😍

Good luck!!

so glad it's working out! I was nervous for you!! (and kinda jealous of the excitement!!!)

YAY!! Do well!!

 

[Alhazred]

I'm glad this story had a happy ending 🙂

Best of luck in your interview!

 

[bbeventer]

An extremely kind SDN-er who goes to Western was able to put me in touch with someone, so they are aware I am coming, and they've saved a spot. 😀

Now, if the weather will just cooperate... 😉

Yay!!