LMU c/o 2018 applicants

[PreVetTay]

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I just sent them my fall transcripts and they said they are not reviewing "pending " applications for a few weeks. This is so frustrating. By that time I will lose all my money on spring classes cause I can't drop them in time if I get in. Feeling Disappointed...If it is already 50% full I don't think I have a chance. Any Input?

http://www.lmunet.edu/cvm/pdfs/Admissions_FAQ.pdf

This FAQ sheet, found on the LMU-CVM Website (under "Admissions--FAQs), has a Q-and A related to your question:

"The admission’s decision I received was “Pending”…what does that mean?
• Students on the Pending list are competitive candidates for admission to the LMU-CVM program. However, the
Admissions Committee will make the final determination once all applicants have been interviewed."

So I guess they are wanting to interview everyone that applied first, to see if they need to give any more acceptances to other applicants, before they go back through the "Pending" list and make final decisions on those students.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[PreVetTay]

Yea… That's where I saw the charge… I was just confused as to what it's for. I mean, I already have a laptop… Are we provided with another one? And do we HAVE to pay for it if we do already have one?

We're supposed to be getting Lenovo Thinkpads for the 4 years we're in Vet School. (And if there's any problems with them, the IT guy on campus fixes them for free.)

I asked Dr. Schadler this same question a few months ago- if the laptops can be waived if we already have our own, and he said that the board was not sure yet. However, some tests are going to be electronic and so we would probably need the laptops to do those.

I'll do some asking around and see, though, because I'm not 100% sure. Check back on this forum and I should have an answer before too long. = )

 

[PreVetTay]

Sorry for the repeats... my computer is crazy sometimes. = /

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

We're supposed to be getting Lenovo Thinkpads for the 4 years we're in Vet School. (And if there's any problems with them, the IT guy on campus fixes them for free.)

I asked Dr. Schadler this same question a few months ago- if the laptops can be waived if we already have our own, and he said that the board was not sure yet. However, some tests are going to be electronic and so we would probably need the laptops to do those.

I'll do some asking around and see, though, because I'm not 100% sure. Check back on this forum and I should have an answer before too long. = )

The latest that I've heard (before Christmas) was that you could either 1) bring your own laptop that meets certain specifications and have limited IT support or 2) buy a computer from an authorized retailer and have full IT support in case something doesn't work.
We will be using these for our exams, so if you have an older computer, definitely make sure that it meets all the specifications when they release them in the near future.
When I get an update, I'll let you know 🙂

 

[AE373]

Does anyone know if we will get some kind of first class tuition waiver/reduction? Some friends of mine in med school said that it happens in a lot of cases when new med schools open… Didn't know if it applies to vet school…

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

Does anyone know if we will get some kind of first class tuition waiver/reduction? Some friends of mine in med school said that it happens in a lot of cases when new med schools open… Didn't know if it applies to vet school…

As far as I know, there will not be. I'm pretty sure when our med school opened there was no tuition reduction, so I think we would follow their lead.

 

[nicolette_mae]

What if you literally just got a Lenovo thinkpad today from your dad's work and he's IT and can fix anything he needs to over the phone or the online computer link programs...?? I feel like I may not need their laptop... Also, I'm really good with computers, and if I can't fix it, I can call my dad and tell him the few things wrong, and he can tell me how to fix it over the phone... 😀

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

What if you literally just got a Lenovo thinkpad today from your dad's work and he's IT and can fix anything he needs to over the phone or the online computer link programs...?? I feel like I may not need their laptop... Also, I'm really good with computers, and if I can't fix it, I can call my dad and tell him the few things wrong, and he can tell me how to fix it over the phone... 😀

Like I said, nothing has been set in stone yet (that I know of), so don't worry too much right now. As soon as I hear something definite, I'll post it for sure!🙂

 

[ashplo457]

When I went for my interview they had mentioned about pet friendly dorms being a possibility. Has there been any update on that? With Lincoln being my only current acceptance I need to know if I should go ahead and look at apartments for my small dog and I or not.

 

[nicolette_mae]

I hope they have pet friendly dorms! I'd really love to take my dog with me.

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

When I went for my interview they had mentioned about pet friendly dorms being a possibility. Has there been any update on that? With Lincoln being my only current acceptance I need to know if I should go ahead and look at apartments for my small dog and I or not.

Unfortunately the dorms are still not pet-friendly and that's not likely to change in the foreseeable future. I would go ahead and look at apartments if you want your dog. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

 

[EqHtrJmp_CM]

Hello! I wanted to congratulate everyone on the decision for applying, those receiving an interview, and those accepted!🙂 I have read through the forum and I have my interview this coming Wednesday. I am extremely excited and nervous! I have read the advice about interviews, however, they predominantly had to do with Dr. Schadler. I have my interview with Dr. Burns and wanted to know if there was a difference with who was assigned to who for the interviews, as well any insight for my interview with Dr. Burns. Thank you!!🙂

 

[1103]

http://www.lmunet.edu/cvm/pdfs/Admissions_FAQ.pdf

This FAQ sheet, found on the LMU-CVM Website (under "Admissions--FAQs), has a Q-and A related to your question:

"The admission’s decision I received was “Pending”…what does that mean?
• Students on the Pending list are competitive candidates for admission to the LMU-CVM program. However, the
Admissions Committee will make the final determination once all applicants have been interviewed."

So I guess they are wanting to interview everyone that applied first, to see if they need to give any more acceptances to other applicants, before they go back through the "Pending" list and make final decisions on those students.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Yeah its a bummer..I really want to get in...I wonder how they ordered the pending. Do you know when they are done interviewing?

 

[1103]

I am bummed because he told me they don't like to keep students waiting... 🙁 According to the interview dates this is the last week of interviews

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

Hello! I wanted to congratulate everyone on the decision for applying, those receiving an interview, and those accepted!🙂 I have read through the forum and I have my interview this coming Wednesday. I am extremely excited and nervous! I have read the advice about interviews, however, they predominantly had to do with Dr. Schadler. I have my interview with Dr. Burns and wanted to know if there was a difference with who was assigned to who for the interviews, as well any insight for my interview with Dr. Burns. Thank you!!🙂

The main reason that some people get assigned to Dr. Burns is that they have too many people in one day for Dr. Schadler to interview by himself, so Dr. Burns interviews some of the candidates. This doesn't mean you're getting a second-rate experience! Dr. Burns is the Dean of Academic Affairs and is super nice and very helpful whenever I've had any questions. The interviews will be very similar: conversational, wanting to get to know you and make sure you would be a good fit for the school.

Best of luck with your interview!

 

[Scarlettmorgana]

I am bummed because he told me they don't like to keep students waiting... 🙁 According to the interview dates this is the last week of interviews

I wouldn't give up hope. I interviewed in December and we got a list of dates just for December and which made it look like the last interview was December 18. It seems like they might be doing interview sign up in block form.

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

I wouldn't give up hope. I interviewed in December and we got a list of dates just for December and which made it look like the last interview was December 18. It seems like they might be doing interview sign up in block form.

Yes, they do send out interview dates in blocks, so don't give up hope!

 

[las777]

Got my acceptance by phone today! My interview was yesterday. It's been a very bittersweet day as my dog passed away this morning...

 

[1103]

Yes, they do send out interview dates in blocks, so don't give up hope!

Well I interviewed but I was hoping that they were done in Janurary so they would review the pending apps. :/. Maybe they will look at them on a monthly basis.

 

[1103]

I e-mailed them to find out if they make their decision within the 6 week period they indicated but she said the initial decision of pending was made in the 6 week window and now it may go much longer than 6 weeks...I feel like I am going nuts...lol. Do you guys happen to have any idea of the currently accepted students who is going for sure? Do you think there is a lot that have told them they are undecided?

 

[Scarlettmorgana]

The only thing I know is that the class is over half full

 

[Bvetmed2018]

Got my acceptance by phone today! My interview was yesterday. It's been a very bittersweet day as my dog passed away this morning...

Congrats on getting in! Sorry about your dog. That is always sad.

 

[Flutestar72733]

The only thing I know is that the class is over half full

I was emailed this:

Good Afternoon,

LMU-CVM is happy to report that our first class team is now over 50% full. To officially accept the seat you need to contact Dr. Schadler via email or mail to indicate your decision. The offer of a seat is contingent upon the number of students who have already officially joined our “First Class” team. Once our 85 seats are filled unfortunately we will not be able to admit additional students.


Hope that helps

 

[NStarz]

Isn't that illegal in some way? Unless they are skirting the April 15 policy...?

 

[ashplo457]

Isn't that illegal in some way? Unless they are skirting the April 15 policy...?

It's bothersome to me given that Lincoln is my only current acceptance and I'm still waiting to hear back from several schools and there is this constant thought that if I wait too long to hear back (particularly my instate that send acceptances out mid-March) I may not be able to go to Lincoln because I had not committed in time when I had been accepted back in October due to the fact that I was waiting to hear from all the schools I applied to

 

[dyachei]

It's bothersome to me given that Lincoln is my only current acceptance and I'm still waiting to hear back from several schools and there is this constant thought that if I wait too long to hear back (particularly my instate that send acceptances out mid-March) I may not be able to go to Lincoln because I had not committed in time when I had been accepted back in October due to the fact that I was waiting to hear from all the schools I applied to

if they do that, report them to VMCAS. That's a breach of an agreement they all made.

 

[AE373]

Isn't that illegal in some way? Unless they are skirting the April 15 policy...?

It's bothersome to me given that Lincoln is my only current acceptance and I'm still waiting to hear back from several schools and there is this constant thought that if I wait too long to hear back (particularly my instate that send acceptances out mid-March) I may not be able to go to Lincoln because I had not committed in time when I had been accepted back in October due to the fact that I was waiting to hear from all the schools I applied to

I don't believe it's illegal. It's pretty common for schools to offer more acceptances than seats... Admission is always contingent upon available seats... I think the 15th deadline is more to make sure students make a decision so schools can determine if they need to contact alternates.

 

[dyachei]

I don't believe it's illegal. It's pretty common for schools to offer more acceptances than seats... Admission is always contingent upon available seats... I think the 15th deadline is more to make sure students make a decision so schools can determine if they need to contact alternates.

schools that offer more acceptances than seats will over-accept if all students accept. If they refuse to do so, they are in breach of their agreement.

 

[AE373]

schools that offer more acceptances than seats will over-accept if all students accept. If they refuse to do so, they are in breach of their agreement to VMCAS

Really? The schools that I have been accepted to seem to have the same policy… I thought a decision wasn't necessarily "required" until that date, but if so inclined you can make a decision prior to then. You can always accept and leave your deposit then change your mind… It's not a binding contract, but the deposit would be lost… No?

 

[dyachei]

Really? The schools that I have been accepted to seem to have the same policy… I thought a decision wasn't necessarily "required" until that date, but if so inclined you can make a decision prior to then. You can always accept and leave your deposit then change your mind… It's not a binding contract, but the deposit would be lost… No?

They cannot force you to accept before the deadline. You may accept at the cost of a deposit and accept elsewhere later. However, any pressure to make a decision before April 15th is really unethical for any vet school. So if they are telling you its first come first serve, they are putting pressure on you and the agreement all vet schools have entered disallows this.

 

[Flutestar72733]

I was told me that we had until the April 15th deadline and not to rush so I am thinking they may stop telling people their accepted and put them in the pending until after the April 15th deadline for those to accept or decline their acceptance

 

[dyachei]

They cannot force you to accept before the deadline. You may accept at the cost of a deposit and accept elsewhere later. However, any pressure to make a decision before April 15th is really unethical for any vet school. So if they are telling you its first come first serve, they are putting pressure on you and the agreement all vet schools have entered disallows this.

I wanted to add that this is intended to allow you to make your decision about the schools without losing money.

 

[AE373]

They cannot force you to accept before the deadline. You may accept at the cost of a deposit and accept elsewhere later. However, any pressure to make a decision before April 15th is really unethical for any vet school. So if they are telling you its first come first serve, they are putting pressure on you and the agreement all vet schools have entered disallows this.

Ok… That's pretty much what I thought. Thanks!

 

[PreVetTay]

It's bothersome to me given that Lincoln is my only current acceptance and I'm still waiting to hear back from several schools and there is this constant thought that if I wait too long to hear back (particularly my instate that send acceptances out mid-March) I may not be able to go to Lincoln because I had not committed in time when I had been accepted back in October due to the fact that I was waiting to hear from all the schools I applied to

This is what I told a friend the other day, in your same situation... To just go ahead and accept your seat because you DEFINITELY don't want to miss out just because you waited too long. Also, to hold out on paying the $1250 deposit for as long as possible (I'm not sure when it is due, and it could be as late as April 15th, so you might have heard from other schools by then).
Then, if you don't get accepted anywhere else you're safe. And if you do get accepted other places, what's $1250 in the long run of like $200K of student debt? Honestly, It's better to be assured of a spot.
It's better to be safe than sorry. This type of thing happens every year when students get accepted some places earlier than others. It's nothing new.
No, it might not be the best thing to do, but it's the best thing for you as a student to do.

 

[nicolette_mae]

Hey guys,

This is what I found on the VMCAS page...

Applicants must respond to the LMU-CVM acceptance offer and submit a deposit to hold their place in the class on April 15, 2014. Acceptance offers made prior to April 15, 2014 are non-binding and applicants are under no obligation to secure their place in the class with a deposit.

 

[PreVetTay]

They cannot force you to accept before the deadline. You may accept at the cost of a deposit and accept elsewhere later. However, any pressure to make a decision before April 15th is really unethical for any vet school. So if they are telling you its first come first serve, they are putting pressure on you and the agreement all vet schools have entered disallows this.

Actually, this has been LMU's policy from day 1- to offer seats to all students they thought worthy. Yes, they have offered seats to more than 85 people, but this number has not been a secret. Many applicants were even told in their interviews that over 85 spots had already been offered out. In emails and newsletters sent out to applicants, they have explained the situation and that the offer of a seat is entirely contingent upon the 85 seats being filled up.

As I said in reply to ashplo457, the student can accept and pay the deposit, but can still defer the seat if they chose to attend a different vet school. It's definitely not a binding contract.

LMU CVM isn't doing anything unethical either, since the circumstances have been fully explained in emails and correspondence with individual applicants.

 

[dyachei]

Actually, this has been LMU's policy from day 1- to offer seats to all students they thought worthy. Yes, they have offered seats to more than 85 people, but this number has not been a secret. Many applicants were even told in their interviews that over 85 spots had already been offered out. In emails and newsletters sent out to applicants, they have explained the situation and that the offer of a seat is entirely contingent upon the 85 seats being filled up.

As I said in reply to ashplo457, the student can accept and pay the deposit, but can still defer the seat if they chose to attend a different vet school. It's definitely not a binding contract.

LMU CVM isn't doing anything unethical either, since the circumstances have been fully explained in emails and correspondence with individual applicants.

They are because all schools have agreed to it ahead of time. So by pressuring students this way, they are acting in an unethical manner.

 

[CountingStars1025]

They are because all schools have agreed to it ahead of time. So by pressuring students this way, they are acting in an unethical manner.

I'm kind of unsure what to do in this situation. I was accepted at LMU and really liked the campus, however, I would like to visit some of the other places I have applied before I can even begin to make a decision. I also feel like it would be unethical for me to accept the offer of admission and continue to interview at other schools. I know that people accept offers and then defer, but that seems to be in more of the "called off the waitlist" situation. In addition to that, there are a lot of travel expenses that I already have to pay so I would rather not shell out the deposit at this point unless I am convinced this is the place I want to spend the next 4 years.

 

[devyn]

You should not have to put out a deposit until April 15th nor should you have to make any decision before than - your offer should be good until that date giving you the ability to visit other campuses and interview as much as you deem necessary. If that is not the case then what they are doing is unethical and not what they agreed to.

 

[1103]

Guys for any of you in the pending category here is what Dr. Faulkner explained....It is a shame because the decision was made before my fall transcripts arrived and they arrived literally on the friday I interviewed. If I had waited longer for the interview I probably would have been accepted because my fall transcripts were really good. When I spoke with Dr. Burns over the phone it sounded like they would review my application right after the transcripts arrived. This really sucks. Anyways My application won't even be looked at until after april 15th assuming there is room and they are still interviewing. I mean this is crazy and I am very upset! Anyways for anyone in the pending category here is what he said....I am hoping a lot of people don't accept because I am literally willing to put a deposit down today...ERRR sorry had to vent.

Dear Ms. Krupa,

Thank you for your interest and enthusiastic support for the veterinary medical education program at Lincoln Memorial University. Let me try to clarify some of the questions you have raised for Ms. Patterson.

The Admissions Committee will review applicants that have been listed as "pending" at a later date in the application process. This will follow the decision and formal commitment of all students who were offered the opportunity to accept a seat in the inaugural class. The AAVMC does not require students to make their final commitment to accept an offer of admission to member veterinary programs until April 15, 2014. Offers were extended to more students than the available 85 seats. This is consistent with the practices of other AAVMC member schools and recognizes that students seeking admission to veterinary education programs apply on average to 4 schools simultaneously. It is our intention that all students who have applied to LMU-CVM will be informed of their final status in a sufficient time-frame that will enable them to make a decision to enter the 2014-2015 VMCAS application cycle and seek advice on presenting a competitive application the next time around.

The organic lab you have questions about can be taken on-line to satisfy the prerequisite. Please keep in mind that the grade for Organic Chemistry lecture receives greater attention than the laboratory grade.

Students will begin classes in the veterinary medical education program in August 2014. All prerequisite classes must be completed and official transcripts filed with the Office of Veterinary Admission prior to starting any classes in the professional curriculum.

The Admissions Committee is aware of your academic plan. A request for final transcripts to be sent to the Office of Veterinary Admissions following the completion of the semester will ensure that your application file remains current through the end of this application cycle.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please feel free to address any questions or concerns regarding the admissions process to me c/o[email protected].

Sincerely,


---
Dr. Charles Faulkner
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Science,
Director Admissions/ Student Affairs,
College of Veterinary Medicine
Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate, TN 37752
423-869-6676 (voice)
423-869-6393 (fax)
800-325-0900 ext. 6676 (toll-free)

 

[AE373]

Guys for any of you in the pending category here is what Dr. Faulkner explained....It is a shame because the decision was made before my fall transcripts arrived and they arrived literally on the friday I interviewed. If I had waited longer for the interview I probably would have been accepted because my fall transcripts were really good. When I spoke with Dr. Burns over the phone it sounded like they would review my application right after the transcripts arrived. This really sucks. Anyways My application won't even be looked at until after april 15th assuming there is room and they are still interviewing. I mean this is crazy and I am very upset! Anyways for anyone in the pending category here is what he said....I am hoping a lot of people don't accept because I am literally willing to put a deposit down today...ERRR sorry had to vent.

Dear Ms. Krupa,

Thank you for your interest and enthusiastic support for the veterinary medical education program at Lincoln Memorial University. Let me try to clarify some of the questions you have raised for Ms. Patterson.

The Admissions Committee will review applicants that have been listed as "pending" at a later date in the application process. This will follow the decision and formal commitment of all students who were offered the opportunity to accept a seat in the inaugural class. The AAVMC does not require students to make their final commitment to accept an offer of admission to member veterinary programs until April 15, 2014. Offers were extended to more students than the available 85 seats. This is consistent with the practices of other AAVMC member schools and recognizes that students seeking admission to veterinary education programs apply on average to 4 schools simultaneously. It is our intention that all students who have applied to LMU-CVM will be informed of their final status in a sufficient time-frame that will enable them to make a decision to enter the 2014-2015 VMCAS application cycle and seek advice on presenting a competitive application the next time around.

The organic lab you have questions about can be taken on-line to satisfy the prerequisite. Please keep in mind that the grade for Organic Chemistry lecture receives greater attention than the laboratory grade.

Students will begin classes in the veterinary medical education program in August 2014. All prerequisite classes must be completed and official transcripts filed with the Office of Veterinary Admission prior to starting any classes in the professional curriculum.

The Admissions Committee is aware of your academic plan. A request for final transcripts to be sent to the Office of Veterinary Admissions following the completion of the semester will ensure that your application file remains current through the end of this application cycle.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please feel free to address any questions or concerns regarding the admissions process to me c/o[email protected].

Sincerely,


---
Dr. Charles Faulkner
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Science,
Director Admissions/ Student Affairs,
College of Veterinary Medicine
Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate, TN 37752
423-869-6676 (voice)
423-869-6393 (fax)
800-325-0900 ext. 6676 (toll-free)

DEEP BREATHS! and WOOOSAH! Everything will work out the way that it should! In the meantime, try and relax… The hard part is over and you have done everything you can do at this point. A pending is WAY better than declined! Do you have any other schools to hear back from?

 

[1103]

DEEP BREATHS! and WOOOSAH! Everything will work out the way that it should! In the meantime, try and relax… The hard part is over and you have done everything you can do at this point. A pending is WAY better than declined! Do you have any other schools to hear back from?

Just Michigan, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. (I don't think I will be accepted to those schools though).. just really bummed and frustrated :/. I am just really doubting that there will be room since they overfilled the class and are still interviewing. I am wondering how many they overfilled it with and how long they are interviewing. I am sure the class will be full by april. I am usually not negative. I am a little frustrated by what they told me when they called and now are saying something different. Yeah I know it will work out.

 

[dvmhopeful2018]

So this is verbatim from the "SplitterSpots" newsletter they've sent out in December and January, and what you can find on the website, as well as what I was told in my interview:

In the December issue, Front Page:
Congratulations on your recent offer of a seat with Lincoln Memorial University- College of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class!

Please remember that you have until April 15th 2014 to make a decision on which Veterinary College to attend. You may however make a decision any time prior to that date.

To accept your seat in LMU-CVM’s inaugural class please send Dr. Schadler an email or letter indicating your decision.

In the January issue, 5th page under "Application Status":

• The offer of a seat is contingent upon the number of students who have officially joined our “First Class” team.

• Once our 85 seats are filled we will not be able to admit additional students.
• To officially accept the seat you need to contact Dr. Schadler via email or mail to indicate your decision.
• The LMU-CVM first class team is rapidly approaching being 50% full. Student excitement and feedback has been tremendous and it adds to our anticipation of the first day of class.
• 
  For students who accept a seat in our Class of 2018 there will be a matriculation fee of $1,250.

In the "Admissions Fact Sheet" on the website:
Admitted applicants have until April 15th each year to accept an offer of admission.

The reason they sent out the email was because a lot of applicants had asked for an update on how quickly the class was filling up, not to pressure you. Your offer is still good until April 15th (the deadline to make your decision), but if 42 people (approximately half of the class not filled) who have been offered a seat decide to accept the seat before April 15th and pay their deposit, then you will be on the wait list to see if someone declines their spot and forfeits their deposit to attend another school.

Personally, I don't see how this is unethical; they're letting you know (because many people asked) "Hey, this is how many seats are open at this point." so you can know where you stand. They know that some schools still have to interview and give out acceptances, and people are waiting on that, hence the April 15th deadline. If they had told you that you had 10 days to make a decision from when you were offered a seat, that would be against VMCAS rules. Simply stating (as they have FROM THE BEGINNING) the offer for a seat is "first come, first serve" is not pressuring you.

 

[dyachei]

So this is verbatim from the "SplitterSpots" newsletter they've sent out in December and January, and what you can find on the website, as well as what I was told in my interview:

In the December issue, Front Page:
Congratulations on your recent offer of a seat with Lincoln Memorial University- College of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class!

Please remember that you have until April 15th 2014 to make a decision on which Veterinary College to attend. You may however make a decision any time prior to that date.

To accept your seat in LMU-CVM’s inaugural class please send Dr. Schadler an email or letter indicating your decision.

In the January issue, 5th page under "Application Status":

• The offer of a seat is contingent upon the number of students who have officially joined our “First Class” team.

• Once our 85 seats are filled we will not be able to admit additional students.
• To officially accept the seat you need to contact Dr. Schadler via email or mail to indicate your decision.
• The LMU-CVM first class team is rapidly approaching being 50% full. Student excitement and feedback has been tremendous and it adds to our anticipation of the first day of class.
• 
  For students who accept a seat in our Class of 2018 there will be a matriculation fee of $1,250.

In the "Admissions Fact Sheet" on the website:
Admitted applicants have until April 15th each year to accept an offer of admission.

The reason they sent out the email was because a lot of applicants had asked for an update on how quickly the class was filling up, not to pressure you. Your offer is still good until April 15th (the deadline to make your decision), but if 42 people (approximately half of the class not filled) who have been offered a seat decide to accept the seat before April 15th and pay their deposit, then you will be on the wait list to see if someone declines their spot and forfeits their deposit to attend another school.

Personally, I don't see how this is unethical; they're letting you know (because many people asked) "Hey, this is how many seats are open at this point." so you can know where you stand. They know that some schools still have to interview and give out acceptances, and people are waiting on that, hence the April 15th deadline. If they had told you that you had 10 days to make a decision from when you were offered a seat, that would be against VMCAS rules. Simply stating (as they have FROM THE BEGINNING) the offer for a seat is "first come, first serve" is not pressuring you.

what you describe here isn't unethical. What people were describing before was. If there is a "waitlist" of applicants, they aren't pressuring you as much. If they offer you admission and then tell you that your seat is gone if you don't accept before the April 15th deadline, that's unethical

 

[DVMDream]

Listen to dyachei.

All schools that are a part of VMCAS came up with an agreement that no one has to decide what school to attend before April 15h. That is LMU's agreement with VMCAS and the other vet schools. It is unethical for them to break this agreement. So, if they have sent out say 100 offers of acceptance now and 90 people accept those offers before April 15th, then they HAVE to honor those. This happened before with Kansas State one year over accepting and more people than they expected accepted the offer, they had to accommodate. It is unethical for them to suggest or imply that it will be a first come, first serve basis and if you don't get your deposit in before the 85 seats are full then you lose your acceptance. This is an agreement the school made with VMCAS and is also part of what you pay for when you apply through VMCAS. They have to honor this, otherwise it can be reported.

 

[DVMDream]

Here is a link for anyone not sure about the April 15th policy:

http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/policies/acceptance.pdf

 

[AE373]

I begin this by saying, I'm not the person that began this string of conversation in this thread, nor do I feel like the schools are being unethical nor do I feel pressured in either case… So I AM understanding everything you all are saying… However my question then is, why is it that its worded in both of my acceptance letters, that admission is contingent upon available seats (or some variation of)?

 

[DVMDream]

I begin this by saying, I'm not the person that began this string of conversation in this thread, nor do I feel like the schools are being unethical nor do I feel pressured in either case… So I AM understanding everything you all are saying… However my question then is, why is it that its worded in both of my acceptance letters, that admission is contingent upon available seats (or some variation of)?

It shouldn't. If it does, it can be seen as putting pressure on applicants to accept a seat before the April 15th deadline, which is not allowed. Like I said, a few years back Kansas State ran into this problem. They overaccepted (let's be honest, most vet schools do and it usually isn't a problem), but more than the usual number accepted the offer. They had to accommodate. I clearly remember some people from that class mentioning how they had to bring extra chairs into the lecture theater to make room for the extra students. There can not be extra pressure on students to accept seats early, not only that an acceptance is an acceptance. You say yes on April 15th, they have to honor you accepting that seat. Otherwise, it breaches their contract with VMCAS and the other AAVMC schools. (Only exceptions to this are schools that don't use VMCAS and international schools).

This isn't just an LMU issue, we have seen this similar phrasing used by other schools too. And it shouldn't be. You have until April 15th and they do have to honor that, and the schools are well aware that they do.

 

[Bvetmed2018]

Here is a link for anyone not sure about the April 15th policy:

http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/policies/acceptance.pdf

So if I am understanding this correctly, why not just accept 85 students, and put everyone else, that is not denied, on a wait list. This would seem like the logical thing to do. Then you would not have any issues with students being denied admission after being accepted.

 

[DVMDream]

So if I am understanding this correctly, why not just accept 85 students, and put everyone else, that is not denied, on a wait list. This would seem like the logical thing to do. Then you would not have any issues with students being denied admission after being accepted.

Seems logical to me too. But the schools are well aware that not all students accept the offer. So they overaccept, some schools by 5 or 10, some by more, a few don't. It is well known that the schools rarely run into issues where more accept than there are seats available for... see my example about KSU. They can not rescind your acceptance once it has gone out (unless you fail a pre-requisite, get into trouble with the law, or do something else stupid).