Iowa

[BuckleyGirl]

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Hi all,

Just was curious if anyone knew when Iowa kindly lets OOS know about interviews. They said 3-4 weeks before the dates in Dec/Jan, but do they interview IS first? Just getting impatient....

Also, what are people's overall impression of Iowa? Their curriculum and facilities seem great (I've only read about it on their website), and Ames seems like a great small town. Plus, from looking at past threads, they burn through their waitlist (my GPA is on the low side, but got solid GRE scores). Any other thoughts + or - on Iowa?

 

[meadow36]

It's one of my top choices. I think it's one of the most underrated schools. They have a lot of great stuff going on there. I'm also OOS and very excited at the prospect of interviewing there and getting to see the school in person.

 

[cuitlamiztli]

Honestly, I'd be surprised to hear anything before November. They're still making sure all of the applications are complete at this point. With that said, from what I observed last year, they will either interview IS last or will make the schedule regardless of IS/OOS status.

I agree with meadow36 about it being underrated. In my experience, people just make assumptions about the CVM based off of their perceptions/misconceptions of Iowa.

To answer your question: In my probably-biased opinion (I went to undergrad there, and I'm IS), Iowa State is wonderful. All of the faculty I've met are great and will go out of their way to help you, the students I've talked with love it, and most of the vets I've worked with (both grads and non-grads) highly recommend it. It's excellent for small/food animal medicine, pathology, and surgery (at least as far as the setup of the surgery curriculum and the amount students get to do). The amount of research going on is phenomenal, they're making great strides in updating the facilities, and they're working on getting programs in other specialty areas going. The CVM has a lot to offer.

As for Ames: Here's a visitor's guide, since I can't list everything. Des Moines has what Ames doesn't in terms of shopping, food, etc.

Also... not to nitpick, but "Iowa" refers to the University of Iowa and not Iowa State. People can get kind of touchy about it.

 

[starlene45]

I'm applying to ISU and really excited about it. They seem to have done a huge amount of work on their facilities and program, and have recently implemented a lot of new technology (see their website for details). They have a residency in radiology, which appeals to me, a good surgery program, and a LOT of opportunities for study-abroad type things. My sister's artsy boyfriend went to ISU for undergrad and didn't mind the small town atmosphere, and personally I think it might be a nice change from ghetto West Oakland where I lived for 2.5 of the last 3 years!!

 

[lincolnparadox]

Ames is a great city. If you like sports, music, theatre, the outdoors or watersports, Central Iowa is a great place.

We don't have downhill skiing and we don't have that much of a nightlife (college and townie bars, no danceclubs). But the Vet school has recently updated everything (for accreditation) and they're building onto their current facilities. It's a good time to come here for VetMed.

And, the nice thing about Ames is it's dead center in the US. So, you're only 5 hours from Chicago, 4 hours from KC, 3 hours from the Twin Cities, 6 hours to Indianapolis and St. Louis.

It's quiet, there isn't a lot of crime, and if you're thinking about raising a family while you're in school, it doesn't get much better.

 

[BuckleyGirl]

Thanks for all the feedback about ISU and Ames! Yeah, Iowa State is definitely my top choice...now if I could get those adcoms to think I'd be an asset, then I'd be all set!!

Goodluck to all that applied this round !!!

 

[Starwrecker]

Good luck!! Look forward to seeing you here in the future. 😀

 

[kekemapa04]

Good Luck!! I really wanted to go to ISU and my best friend is there now! Last year I think they were very consistent in about giving you those 3-4 weeks notice before your interview. I think that all invitations were sent via email (could be wrong). I was OOS and they were all so friendly! They have a behavioral interview though, which didn't suit me well at all! Good luck!!!

 

[charismarl]

I was OOS and I seem to remember I was notified in December and interviewed in mid-January at Iowa.

Iowa was definitely low on the list for me after the interview just because I'm a city girl that loves the country but Ames was just a little too desolate for me (even though it is about 45 mins (if I remember correctly) from Des Moines which has everything!). The school itself seemed pretty cool, nice facility, great program, and all the faculty were very nice but I made my mind up on the city tour that was offeres as part of orientation. Granted it was snowing and I'm from California/Virginia (very mild winters) but there were like 2 streets in the town and I just knew I couldn't handle that (although most of the vet kids seemed to live in trailers which I thought was pretty cool- a little trailer vet community!).

So anyway, long story short, it's very important to consider the location of your school from a weather and city/country perspective and know what you want. But also I think the undergrad addage that "you will love whichever school you go to" is definitely true! Had Iowa been the only school I got into I would have gone and I guarantee you I would be having a blast right now because I make the best out of my situation and in the end I would be an excellent veterinarian just the same. I actually ended up not going to my top choice school because of OOS tuition (I chose my IS school) and at the time I was so bummed out, but now I have awesome classmates, faculty, roommates, etc (and less loans!) and I don't regret my decision a bit.

Good luck! Don't stress because it's out of your hands...just let it ride! Don't worry about getting in somewhere specific....just worry about getting in SOMEWHERE!

 

[cozycleo]

I've been considering a visit to ISU. But I have to admit that I'm a bit biased because my family is a bunch of HUGE University of Iowa fans (GO HAWKEYES!) so I have let it bias me a bit. I may go check it out anyway because my parents are moving back to Iowa and they would only be a couple hours away.

 

[ejh345]

I'm a 3rd year at Iowa now and definitely recommend it for out-of-staters. I'm from New England originally, and Ames is a very livable town (depends on where you're coming from whether you think it's big or small), and it's close to Des Moines so it's easy to get home when you need to. They also accept a high percentage of out-of-staters so just the mathematical odds are better for getting in.

Iowa has a great reputation (at least among people I've talked to), and an excellent faculty. They just opened a new big animal hospital, so the facilities are much improved (the old building where classes are leaves something to be desired, I must admit).

Initially I always thought I'd go to Tufts, but now I know Iowa is a MUCH better fit for me - more affordable to live, not pretentious, and I think it's providing me with an excellent education. Drop me a line if you'll be in town and need a tour guide!

Liz
http://ejh345.wordpress.com

 

[tastrophe]

Hi all,

Just was curious if anyone knew when Iowa kindly lets OOS know about interviews. They said 3-4 weeks before the dates in Dec/Jan, but do they interview IS first? Just getting impatient....

Also, what are people's overall impression of Iowa? Their curriculum and facilities seem great (I've only read about it on their website), and Ames seems like a great small town. Plus, from looking at past threads, they burn through their waitlist (my GPA is on the low side, but got solid GRE scores). Any other thoughts + or - on Iowa?

Last year a few OOS were interviewed in nov/dec I think, but the vast majority were interviewed in jan/feb, and I was notified just over 2 weeks prior (I'm guessing they do that because of many airlines' 14-day advance purchase requirements).

I have to admit, I didn't think much of Iowa going in, but once I got there I couldn't even believe how much I liked it! It still amazes me actually😳 - the school was great, the people were awesome, and Ames was a great town, not too college-ish and not too middle-of-nowhere-ish. The only big turnoff for me was the cold, it was snowing when I interviewed and there aren't a lot of trees or hills around to buffer the wind. It was very very very very cold. But I think I could have dealt with it, and if I hadn't gotten into NC I would've gone to IA. Great school, great people, just bring lots and lots of warm clothes and you should be fine😀

 

[cows93]

I think I interviewed in Feb. I do remeber that I had about 3 weeks notice. I did have plane issues on the trip. Planned on getting here the night before and flights were delayed, they thought I wouldn't make the connection. It was crazy! I called the school in tears and they were all very niceand reassuring ! They even moved my interview around. It was very flat and cold (I'm a northeaster so I didn't think it was that bad except for the flat). Had a nice meal not far from the college. Their new facilities sounded amazing! Good luck!

 

[traumadramabee]

Also... not to nitpick, but "Iowa" refers to the University of Iowa and not Iowa State. People can get kind of touchy about it.

Ha I read Ames and I was about to respond to let her know Iowa is in Iowa City and that ISU is probably a better option (IMO) for vet school.

Ames is a great town, I am there frequently. It's very college oriented, everything you could need is in campustown so it's pretty convienent. Good luck!

 

[cows93]

One thing the interviews were cold interview (ie. they did not have my info in front of them they knew nothing about me going in) and they were 'problem based interveiws'. I think last year was the first for that format. Be sure to look at the pase interview ? on Interview feedback page. That page was wonderful for information last year.

 

[LVT2DVM]

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[BuckleyGirl]

Yeah...first round of ISU interviews in about 3 weeks. Anyone heard yet?

 

[cuitlamiztli]

Nope... not a peep.

 

[meadow36]

Nope... not a peep.

Does anyone know if notification is by e-mail or snail mail or phone? Thanks.

 

[cuitlamiztli]

Does anyone know if notification is by e-mail or snail mail or phone? Thanks.

Last year, there were at least a few phone notifications... but the only ones I know of were Iowa residents, so I'm guessing that most notifications will be through email. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, though 🙂.

 

[VAgirl]

Does anyone know if notification is by e-mail or snail mail or phone? Thanks.

Email followed up by snail mail letter, I believe.

 

[LVT2DVM]

.

 

[cuitlamiztli]

Got an email invite forinterview today, that looked like a scan of a paper letter, so sounds like VAgirl is correct. Im sooooo excited. Vagirl did you interview at ISU? I would really like to talk to some people who interviewed there and get your input, advice, whatever. Wheeeeeeeeee! I cant stop smiling😀

Congrats, LVT2DVM! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you 🙂

 

[EqSci]

Congrats!!!!! I'm so jealous. 🙂 Are you IS or OOS, when is your interview?? Perhaps it is time to start that thread...

Edited because I see the thread WAS started!

 

[LVT2DVM]

Im OSS. I have a choice between the 6th or 7th of December. I am researching plane tickets trying to decide. Then I have to submit a request and hopefully get my first choice of day/time. Thanks for the congrats. 😍 Im trying not to get too excited and jinx the whole thing. Realistically, there are MANY exceptionally qualified applicants out there, and I wouldnt be the first person to totally botch an interview.

 

[EqSci]

No, you wouldn't be the first... but you won't! You'll do amazing... you were meant to be a vet and you will be great at it, and the adcoms will see this. Pretty soon I'll be seeing your acceptance post! 😀

Can you tell I've been repeating this to myself for a while now, even though I haven't even received any interview invites??

 

[Starwrecker]

If any of you have questions about Ames or the college feel free to shoot me a message. 😀

 

[LVT2DVM]

.

 

[VAgirl]

Got an email invite forinterview today, that looked like a scan of a paper letter, so sounds like VAgirl is correct. Im sooooo excited. Vagirl did you interview at ISU? I would really like to talk to some people who interviewed there and get your input, advice, whatever. Wheeeeeeeeee! I cant stop smiling😀

I did indeed. Thought Ames was cute and ISU was awesome. Would love to see their new facilities, but it was all still in the works when I was interviewing. Shoot me a PM and we can talk, LVT. Also, I posted a list of behavioral interview questions in an earlier thread that was super helpful to me in preparing for ISU's interview, which is a "cold" interview and behavioral.

 

[LVT2DVM]

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[guppy73]

LVT2DVM, I'm not an ISU applicant but just wanted to wish you the best of luck--knock 'em dead!

 

[ZooNose]

Anyone else decide/get confirmation on their interview date? I just rec'd my intinery today. Pretty cool.

I'll be there bright and early Sunday morning, LVT2DVM. Maybe I'll see you there!🙂

 

[LVT2DVM]

.

 

[ZooNose]

Awwww, bummer Zoonose, my interview is on Saturday and I'll be flying out on Sunday so I can make it back to work by Monday. 🙁 When are you flying in?

My flight arrives in Des Moines at 2:45pm on Saturday. I got a great deal at the Gateway Conference Center hotel for that night, a stone's throw from the vet school and nearly as cheap at the AmericInn (where the vet school has a rate). I can't wait to check out Iowa - I'm from the northeast so I think it might be a little bit of a culture shock, but I'm up for the adventure!

 

[LVT2DVM]

.http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=584292

 

[tastrophe]

How many times have you checked your status page since your interview??? hahaha
Ive limited myself to one neurotic look-see per day, but my heart skips a beat everytime I log in.

Hey Zoonose--how did your interview go?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=584292

So my intent here is NOT to create false expectations, just pass along info...

Last year, BobDog interviewed 11/30 and was notified 12/19 via phone call.

Good luck to all you early interviewers!!!

 

[ZooNose]

Hey Zoonose--how did your interview go?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=584292

I think it went okay! Since it was my first interview, I was so excited when I drove up to the vet school for the first time that I nearly cried! (I am such a nerd, even at 7:00 in the morning 😳). But the staff and students were unbelieveably nice and made me feel so comfortable. It was great to hear how much the students love it there. I do regret not being able to see the hospitals in action and the campus was almost too quiet, but that's just because it was a Sunday.

And yes, I am totally guilty of checking the status page too! Did you have a good experience in Ames (minus the 2 degree wind chill)?

 

[LVT2DVM]

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[Starwrecker]

There's lots of rental companies in the area. I can send or post some links after finals are over next week. There will probably be some postings/listings showing up soon for summer availability. 🙂

 

[237397]

Thanks for all the info on ISU and Ames! It sounds like an amazing place. I talked to one of the admissions people to make sure my APs and GREs were in, and they were so sweet and accomodating. I'd love to go there because it's like an agricultural epicenter and it would be so different from Georgia. I've been in Georgia for 13 years now and I'm ready for a little change!

I'm getting nervous because I haven't heard anything about interviews from ISU yet, and KSU just sent me their generic we-might-contact-you-if-the-other-900-applicants-turn-us-down rejection email today. As nervous as I am about interviews... at least it makes the wait a little bit shorter. I know I won't hear from UGA until March at the earliest. I don't know how I'm going to take the suspense!

 

[LVT2DVM]

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[DrKsomeday]

LVT2DVM I'll keep my fingers crossed that today is the DAY you get that amazing Christmas gift! ISU would be lucky to have you!

 

[BuckleyGirl]

Goodluck LVT2DVM!! We all are pulling for you!

You really are an inspiration for us "older" applicants/underdogs who know that Vet Med is the career for us.

 

[LadyHitokiri]

LVT2DVM, if we don't hear a call from the Dean by Christmas, then I'll assume we won't hear anything until mid-Feb. I'm not putting ourselves out of the running just yet! Heh heh. It'll be worth the wait though.

Even if I'm put on a waiting list, I don't care as long as the end result is an acceptance!😳 I heard that ISU flies through their waiting list. Is that true?

 

[rachroo]

I believe so! I don't have the exact numbers but I remember last year they went through on the waiting list to #80+!!

You could always try and find last years thread (or the year before) if you want exact numbers though!

 

[NoleDevil]

Wow, it's been so long since I've been on here that I forgot my password, haha. I guess I don't really have a reason to be on here anymore, though (or have any time, for that matter!). Anyway, I had some spare time and thought I'd check out the ol' place! 😉

I believe so! I don't have the exact numbers but I remember last year they went through on the waiting list to #80+!!

You could always try and find last years thread (or the year before) if you want exact numbers though!

I just wanted to say NOT to fret if you get wait-listed at Iowa State. I know I was devastated last February when I was wait-listed at #93... but was accepted at the end of May! Also, I interviewed in December as OOS, but was not notified of my wait-list status until mid-February. It was a long, stressful process, but very worth it in the end!

Best of luck to all!

 

[237397]

So, essentially, there's no way to guess whether you'll get in. hahaha. This is going to become something of a support group for the next few months.

 

[LadyHitokiri]

NoleDevil, thank you so much for the information! I won't freak out so much then. 😳 Hopefully we'll have good news to share by mid-Feb! 😉

 

[LVT2DVM]

.

 

[LadyHitokiri]

Yes! Thanks Noledevil. I've been hoping you would come by and tell us how things are going in "LAmes". (haha, just a joke) Ive been reading "myvetschooldays", blog from a 3rd yr ISU student, and Im totally hooked on ISU. Cant wait too find out my status. Much more excited even to find out about UGA, since Im pretty sure, unless I was one of only 2 DE applicants this year, I will most likely receive rejection number 3 from them. (poopy heads) If you have the time, please mosey on over to the "Factors when picking a school thread and give us the inside scoop.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=580221

LadyH, you should check out that blog, its hysterically funny and her first year posts give a good look into whats its like to live in Ames or "Lames" as she likes to call it.

Thanks, I'll check out that blog, definitely! Since I finished my last final exam on Friday, I have a lot more free time! ^__^ (also, you are on the money with what to call me. Most call me LadyH or Kiri, as a nickname...in real life, too! lol)

Ooh, I'd like to read any scoops about ISU too!

Stay optimistic about UGA! You never know what could happen...I wish you the best!