Minnesota 2024-2025 (c/o 2029 hopefuls)

[supershorty]

This thread is for discussing applications to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in the 2024-2025 (class of 2029) cycle.

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[eleanor713]

Hi everyone! I know every year applicants are always wondering when they will hear back from schools. This past cycle we heard if we were offered an interview on 12/27, interviews were through zoom in late January, and offers were extended by phone call on 2/7! Obviously no guarantee that the timeline will stay the same but hopefully it will give you somewhat of an idea
I will be a first year this fall at UMN so I would love to answer any questions regarding the application, interview, etc!

 

[_rae_]

Same as @eleanor713, I'll be a first year this fall, two-time applicant so very familiar with VMCAS. Happy to answer any questions!

 

[supershorty]

I'm a c/o 2024 grad and dual DVM/PhD program grad, happy to answer any questions. Don't ask me questions about the curriculum prior to 4th year, though, as it's changed since I went through (I was originally c/o 2020 and then stepped out to do my PhD), but we've got people on this forum from every current class year, so they can help out with didactic curriculum questions.

I very much enjoyed my time at UMN and hope that some of y'all will get to experience it as well 😊

 

[Lunax25]

Not sure how helpful I'll be but I'm also gonna be a first year and may check for questions on occasion!

 

[Penny$29]

Hi! I'm thinking about applying to UMN this upcoming cycle, I'm a first-time applicant but this is my second application cycle. I was researching VMSAR and the UMN website, to see how much academic history is weighted. I have a decent GPA and a really strong Last 45 GPA, so I'm trying to apply to schools that will favor those categories. I know some schools say they weigh GPA a certain percentage, is there a specific value UMN weighs it for, or is it considered equally as much as experience? Thanks so much for the help!

 

[_rae_]

I don't remember them saying exactly how they weighed things! I had a 3.64 overall and a 3.65 last 45 I think. I would say Minnesota leans more holistic overall. I felt like my non-STEM degree, my experiences, and my letters were what made me stand out.

Edit: Just looked in VMSAR and it looks like they're no longer considering overall, just pre-requisite and last 45!

 

[Lunax25]

On the other hand, I at least think that my grades were my strongest point, and UMN is the only school I got into, so ymmv

 

[Catmom08]

Hi,

I am currently finalizing my supplementals and I am not sure if I am totally overthinking here.

For the 2nd essay:
"In essay form, describe one or two veterinary experiences that showcase your skills and abilities.
For each experience, choose one or two competencies and explain how you demonstrated or developed those competencies during that experience." would veterinary experience be required to be under the supervision of a vet or would animal experience be ok? Sorry if this is stupid, I'm just stressing as my apps are due in 2 days.

 

[Cowsrcool]

Hi,

I am currently finalizing my supplementals and I am not sure if I am totally overthinking here.

For the 2nd essay:
"In essay form, describe one or two veterinary experiences that showcase your skills and abilities.
For each experience, choose one or two competencies and explain how you demonstrated or developed those competencies during that experience." would veterinary experience be required to be under the supervision of a vet or would animal experience be ok? Sorry if this is stupid, I'm just stressing as my apps are due in 2 days.

If they specify veterinary I would include an experience under a veterinarian as VMCAS separates animal and veterinary I would assume UMN is doing the same here

 

[_rae_]

Hi,

I am currently finalizing my supplementals and I am not sure if I am totally overthinking here.

For the 2nd essay:
"In essay form, describe one or two veterinary experiences that showcase your skills and abilities.
For each experience, choose one or two competencies and explain how you demonstrated or developed those competencies during that experience." would veterinary experience be required to be under the supervision of a vet or would animal experience be ok? Sorry if this is stupid, I'm just stressing as my apps are due in 2 days.

Definitely something veterinary. I wrote about handling a very stressed and fear aggressive dog with another technician, and using my fear free training.

 

[catsandsnakes]

I went to pay the supplemental fee but I am not seeing a place to input my VMCAS ID. Is this normal or am I missing a box to input it?

 

[resistnotebook]

I went to pay the supplemental fee but I am not seeing a place to input my VMCAS ID. Is this normal or am I missing a box to input it?

I was worried about this as well, but received an email within a day or two which confirmed that they received my payment. I'm guessing they match the payment via name and email?

 

[catsandsnakes]

I was worried about this as well, but received an email within a day or two which confirmed that they received my payment. I'm guessing they match the payment via name and email?

Okay, that makes me feel a lot better! I was assuming they somehow matched it by name (luckily there's no chance someone else is applying w my same name) but that seems less convenient haha

 

[Cowsrcool]

Will vmcas / UMN calculate my last 45 for me or should I do that myself to know? I got my app verified but it doesn’t list last 45 gpa anywhere I can see

 

[DogtorAsh]

Will vmcas / UMN calculate my last 45 for me or should I do that myself to know? I got my app verified but it doesn’t list last 45 gpa anywhere I can see

Every school calculates their last 45 differently. Honestly, UMN never told me what they calculated it as, I only knew roughly what my last 45 was from "averaging" it based on the ranges/values I got from other schools that do give you this information (Iowa, UC Davis, etc for example). But to further answer your question, VMCAS does not calculate last 45 so you won't find it anywhere on your app! Hope that helps!

 

[mn1309]

Hi! Good luck to everyone this cycle! I’m a first time OOS UMN applicant but 3rd cycle applicant. Does anyone know if they average repeated courses or only take the highest grade in their pre-requisite GPA calculation? I failed organic chemistry the first time around but ultimately made an A, so this is huge for me.

 

[DogtorAsh]

Hi! Good luck to everyone this cycle! I’m a first time OOS UMN applicant but 3rd cycle applicant. Does anyone know if they average repeated courses or only take the highest grade in their pre-requisite GPA calculation? I failed organic chemistry the first time around but ultimately made an A, so this is huge for me.

Finally found this because I thought I was going insane trying to find this:

Repeated coursework:
Prerequisite courses may be repeated if
needed. Repeated coursework can be taken
at the same or a different college. The highest
grade received will be used in the
prerequisite course GPA calculation.

Editing to add this is the doc it came from (Page 11 specifically--well 12 on the PDF, but 11 on the actual doc):

 

[mn1309]

Finally found this because I thought I was going insane trying to find this:

Repeated coursework:
Prerequisite courses may be repeated if
needed. Repeated coursework can be taken
at the same or a different college. The highest
grade received will be used in the
prerequisite course GPA calculation.

Editing to add this is the doc it came from (Page 11 specifically--well 12 on the PDF, but 11 on the actual doc):

You’re amazing, thank you so much!

 

[futurevet2029]

Hi everyone! I was just curious if anyone has heard from Minnesota or SDSU if applied or know of when we should know?

 

[supershorty]

Hi everyone! I was just curious if anyone has heard from Minnesota or SDSU if applied or know of when we should know?

There’s typically no word from UMN until around the New Year, then they send interview invites.

 

[Quinnley]

Hi everyone! I was just curious if anyone has heard from Minnesota or SDSU if applied or know of when we should know?

I got a rejection from SDSU 10/30 but have yet to hear from Minnesota. I think at this point no news is good news!

 

[_rae_]

I got my Minnesota interview invite 12/27/23. No news is definitely good news right now, and I don’t remember when they’re happening but take advantage of the webinars they have if you can!

 

[SV88]

Can a current or former student give a solid breakdown of the weather struggles and the general lifestyle in MN? I'm originally from New England, but have been in the south for a decade. I'm considering applying next cycle to UMN. Weather isn't the be all end all, but as I have a husband I'd like to consider the overall lifestyle and weather in MN TIA!

 

[mn1309]

Can a current or former student give a solid breakdown of the weather struggles and the general lifestyle in MN? I'm originally from New England, but have been in the south for a decade. I'm considering applying next cycle to UMN. Weather isn't the be all end all, but as I have a husband I'd like to consider the overall lifestyle and weather in MN TIA!

I’m also curious as a life-time southerner!

 

[DogtorAsh]

Can a current or former student give a solid breakdown of the weather struggles and the general lifestyle in MN? I'm originally from New England, but have been in the south for a decade. I'm considering applying next cycle to UMN. Weather isn't the be all end all, but as I have a husband I'd like to consider the overall lifestyle and weather in MN TIA!

I’m also curious as a life-time southerner!

Heyyyyy, I was born in Canada but grew up in GA so definitely not un-used to cold weather but obviously a hugeee difference just climate/regionally.
I LOVEEE it up here but I also love cooler/colder weather haha. Basically when I got here around August, for most of August and September it could reach the 90's but generally was around the 80's and dipped into the 70 closer to October. For the most part the weather has been fluctuating at the moment with cooler nights (like 30/40's) for the most part but sometimes during the day it can randomly get back up to the 70/80's (but has mostly been staying around the 50's). We did very weirdly and randomly have snow like last week on Thursday lol but it didn't stick and it was actually super warm the next day

I mean the biggest thing I can say is that it's going to snow, no if ands or buts about it, you're going to likely be walking through some snow at some point (I walk to school everyday because I live super close) but there are options for parking in the ramp which is more expensive of a parking pass but it's literally right across from where we are in class every day. But overall it's pretty cool to actually have seasons now, in the south it was like neverrr really winter so it's cool to actually see a very distinct turn of each season. Fall has been GORGEOUS.

I also love snow (and this is coming from someone who lived through the "worst winter oakville, ON had had in decades") and there are so many winter activities and sports here that if you're into something like that then you'll find something fun to do!

Otherwise, lifestyle in MN I love it. There's so much to do around here, my friends and I frequently go to hockey games, the zoo (there's one that is actually free admission), breweries, club trips, one of my friend's has a house on a lake so we went to here place and swam before it got cooler. There's options for intramurals, if you like arts there's craft clubs etc. Honestly I really love being here and the area is really great, being in between both Minni and St Paul gives lots of options for things you can do and also lots of parks and lakes and trails! It's a very outdoorsy focused state which I love!

Let me know if you have any more questions or if you want me to expand on anything!

 

[mn1309]

Heyyyyy, I was born in Canada but grew up in GA so definitely not un-used to cold weather but obviously a hugeee difference just climate/regionally.
I LOVEEE it up here but I also love cooler/colder weather haha. Basically when I got here around August, for most of August and September it could reach the 90's but generally was around the 80's and dipped into the 70 closer to October. For the most part the weather has been fluctuating at the moment with cooler nights (like 30/40's) for the most part but sometimes during the day it can randomly get back up to the 70/80's (but has mostly been staying around the 50's). We did very weirdly and randomly have snow like last week on Thursday lol but it didn't stick and it was actually super warm the next day

I mean the biggest thing I can say is that it's going to snow, no if ands or buts about it, you're going to likely be walking through some snow at some point (I walk to school everyday because I live super close) but there are options for parking in the ramp which is more expensive of a parking pass but it's literally right across from where we are in class every day. But overall it's pretty cool to actually have seasons now, in the south it was like neverrr really winter so it's cool to actually see a very distinct turn of each season. Fall has been GORGEOUS.

I also love snow (and this is coming from someone who lived through the "worst winter oakville, ON had had in decades") and there are so many winter activities and sports here that if you're into something like that then you'll find something fun to do!

Otherwise, lifestyle in MN I love it. There's so much to do around here, my friends and I frequently go to hockey games, the zoo (there's one that is actually free admission), breweries, club trips, one of my friend's has a house on a lake so we went to here place and swam before it got cooler. There's options for intramurals, if you like arts there's craft clubs etc. Honestly I really love being here and the area is really great, being in between both Minni and St Paul gives lots of options for things you can do and also lots of parks and lakes and trails! It's a very outdoorsy focused state which I love!

Let me know if you have any more questions or if you want me to expand on anything!

It sounds great! Would love to experience a “real” fall 😂 it seems like a great area to be in!

 

[TayARoca12]

I got my Minnesota interview invite 12/27/23. No news is definitely good news right now, and I don’t remember when they’re happening but take advantage of the webinars they have if you can!

I have not heard a word either. So do they send out rejections by now? This is my first year applying to Minnesota and second application cycle. I do not know their timeline like some of the others I applied to last year.

 

[Cowsrcool]

I have not heard a word either. So do they send out rejections by now? This is my first year applying to Minnesota and second application cycle. I do not know their timeline like some of the others I applied to last year.

Their website says interviews will be extended in early January and will happen in January and February

 

[supershorty]

I have not heard a word either. So do they send out rejections by now? This is my first year applying to Minnesota and second application cycle. I do not know their timeline like some of the others I applied to last year.

No. Minnesota sends rejections and interview invites at the same time.

 

[SV88]

Heyyyyy, I was born in Canada but grew up in GA so definitely not un-used to cold weather but obviously a hugeee difference just climate/regionally.
I LOVEEE it up here but I also love cooler/colder weather haha. Basically when I got here around August, for most of August and September it could reach the 90's but generally was around the 80's and dipped into the 70 closer to October. For the most part the weather has been fluctuating at the moment with cooler nights (like 30/40's) for the most part but sometimes during the day it can randomly get back up to the 70/80's (but has mostly been staying around the 50's). We did very weirdly and randomly have snow like last week on Thursday lol but it didn't stick and it was actually super warm the next day

I mean the biggest thing I can say is that it's going to snow, no if ands or buts about it, you're going to likely be walking through some snow at some point (I walk to school everyday because I live super close) but there are options for parking in the ramp which is more expensive of a parking pass but it's literally right across from where we are in class every day. But overall it's pretty cool to actually have seasons now, in the south it was like neverrr really winter so it's cool to actually see a very distinct turn of each season. Fall has been GORGEOUS.

I also love snow (and this is coming from someone who lived through the "worst winter oakville, ON had had in decades") and there are so many winter activities and sports here that if you're into something like that then you'll find something fun to do!

Otherwise, lifestyle in MN I love it. There's so much to do around here, my friends and I frequently go to hockey games, the zoo (there's one that is actually free admission), breweries, club trips, one of my friend's has a house on a lake so we went to here place and swam before it got cooler. There's options for intramurals, if you like arts there's craft clubs etc. Honestly I really love being here and the area is really great, being in between both Minni and St Paul gives lots of options for things you can do and also lots of parks and lakes and trails! It's a very outdoorsy focused state which I love!

Let me know if you have any more questions or if you want me to expand on anything!

Hi! This is a great response! Thank you! <3 I will probably add them to the top of my list for US schools. Just one more question if that's okay: How is the culture for interracial couples?

 

[DogtorAsh]

Hi! This is a great response! Thank you! <3 I will probably add them to the top of my list for US schools. Just one more question if that's okay: How is the culture for interracial couples?

So firstly I am going to say I am a cis-white female and am currently single so I really can't speak a ton to it but what I can say is the culture in minnesota is overall a huge flip from georgia. the culture up here is definitely a lot more open in my opinion (whether that be for LGBTQIA+ or minorities) there is definitely multiple cultures and races here but I'm so used to atlanta that it was kind of weird going some places and being just surrounded by white people. however, since we're in the twin cities we have a pretty good spread and melting pot of people. I know an ongoing issue that vet schools are working to try and address is more diversity in their vet classes as there is an ongoing theme as of right now for an overwhelming majority of white women. Minnesota is pretty open about talking about diversity and initiatives they are working towards. To me that's a good sign considering coming from GA it was like unheard of to talk about these things.
(this is completely unrelated but for example minnesota has period products in all their UMN bathrooms. I was shocked when i first saw it because they're free for anyone and in GA that would have caused massive fights and if any are available in GA you have to pay for them, but to me it's so freaking cool that it's available for anyone at any time!)

But yeah maybe someone else can hop in if they happen to be in an interracial relationship but I know we have some people in the vet school in interracial relationships and at least within the vet school I don't think anyone cares (again just from what I've seen because I certainly don't want to speak for anyone if they have personal experiences) also we were all just out together for halloween the other week and no one was being an ass to my knowledge!

 

[_rae_]

Hi! This is a great response! Thank you! <3 I will probably add them to the top of my list for US schools. Just one more question if that's okay: How is the culture for interracial couples?

I am also a cis white female, but I am Jewish with a transgender partner and disabled, so I can only speak on my own experiences. I was very pleasantly surprised with how not only tolerant but welcoming this area is. I grew up in Vermont and have lived in New York and Massachusetts. One of my biggest complaints when I lived in Mass was that I felt that the state was tolerant but not inclusive. Minnesota feels inclusive. I feel like not only am I tolerated here, but I'm an important part of the diversity here. There's tons of queer spaces, queer inclusive medicine, and queer community activities around; more than I've been around in my entire life actually.

The school itself is very welcoming and understanding. So far my community has been too. This is still the midwest, there's a lot of white people who have really only been exposed to other white people (similar to my own experience in Vermont), but there's also a bigger minority population than I expected. I think depending on your partner's race will depend a bit on your experience as well. I know there's a huge Hmong population here in the Twin Cities that is very well integrated into the community, including high end Hmong restaurants, schools, events, and organizations.

All that is to say, no where is perfect, but for me, Minnesota is one of the places I've felt the most welcome and the most safe in my own niche minority group. Based on that experience, I think (and hope) you and your partner would feel the same way.

 

[potentialsheltervet]

Hello all! I'm sporadically active on here but current 2nd year at UMN.

Can a current or former student give a solid breakdown of the weather struggles and the general lifestyle in MN? I'm originally from New England, but have been in the south for a decade. I'm considering applying next cycle to UMN. Weather isn't the be all end all, but as I have a husband I'd like to consider the overall lifestyle and weather in MN TIA!

I grew up in south-central Texas but am a cold lover so for me the weather is a huge plus. It can get relatively humid in the summer but not as humid as where I come from in Texas and unlikely to be as humid as New England, but I have a classmate from Colorado and she definitely thinks it's insanely humid here. Honestly I can't speak that much to the winters because last winter was very warm and lacking in snow, much to my disappointment. I will say weather is NOT an excused absence from class so make sure you are comfortable driving in the snow/icy conditions. The roads are overall quite well maintained here, especially compared to the "oh no one icicle, time to skid off the road!" southern experience. So as someone who didn't grow up driving on ice, I've found it to be mostly fine with a few oh **** moments last winter with black ice.
One neat thing that I wasn't expecting is how early people decorate for Christmas here because it does get cold so much earlier. I walked my dog November 1st and could already see Christmas trees shining through people's windows. It creates a very cozy effect in my opinion.

I’m also curious as a life-time southerner!

Expanding on the above, I'm a big fan of fall and actually having cold weather/chilliness instead of it just being sweltering and then suddenly 40 degrees. So seeing the leaves change has been very nice.
But honestly the biggest thing for me was the magic of spring. In the south things don't really die during the winter because it doesn't get cold enough; they die in the summer because it's blazing hot. Seeing all the flowers sprout and oh man the smell of the crabapples and lilacs and hydrangeas... Yeah. It was gorgeous. There were times when I'd go outside and there were literally clumps of crabapple blossoms drifting on the wind. Absolutely wonderful to see everything come back to life like that. I finally understand when people say spring is their favorite season.
Plus, because you're less likely to die of heatstroke, the culture here is much more outdoorsy. There's a man who has outdoor skis who skis by my house almost every day. People are out walking or gardening in almost all weather. Tons of parks, way more trees and flowers than I'm used to. A lot more emphasis on natural prairie areas and wildlife as opposed to strictly manicured land. The University of Minnesota arboretum is about a 40 minute drive out from the Twin Cities (depending on where you are) but it's MASSIVE and beautiful.

 

[Megan Upton]

Hi everyone!!! They are sending out emails to confirm prerequisites that may have been missing. Seems like they are finishing up the screening process for applicants. If it helps or matter my last name starts with a W if they do it alphabetically and I am in Idaho if they do it by region.

 

[mn1309]

Hi everyone!!! They are sending out emails to confirm prerequisites that may have been missing. Seems like they are finishing up the screening process for applicants. If it helps or matter my last name starts with a W if they do it alphabetically and I am in Idaho if they do it by region.

Like pre-requisites that haven’t yet been taken? I have one planned for spring.

 

[Megan Upton]

Like pre-requisites that haven’t yet been taken? I have one planned for spring.

For me they emailed asking about me meeting my English and physics 2 requirements. Not sure why it didn’t show up on my VMCAS so I had to confirm that I met them both. After confirming them I asked if there was anything else and they said to just wait for the update on application status no later than early January.

 

[TayARoca12]

Has anyone heard anything? Getting anxious over here with decisions going out from other schools.

 

[supershorty]

Has anyone heard anything? Getting anxious over here with decisions going out from other schools.

MN never releases interview invites this early. You might hear at the end of this month, they were that early once in recent years, but typically not until after New Year’s.

 

[TayARoca12]

MN never releases interview invites this early. You might hear at the end of this month, they were that early once in recent years, but typically not until after New Year’s.

Thank you!

 

[ErPikBeary]

Does anyone know if interviews are virtual or in-person?

 

[indysadventures]

Does anyone know if interviews are virtual or in-person?

Virtual for OOS, for IS not sure.

 

[supershorty]

They are all virtual. I think there’s a fairly good likelihood that UMN sticks with virtual interviews permanently because it’s more accessible for applicants AND for interviewers.

 

[supershorty]

I will not be doing interviews this year, which is tragic 😢

 

[jreissatia]

I feel like i am doing the worst thing and I am relooking at the class statistics and profiles and comparing and seeing all the number of applications compared to those accepted makes me naseous. I’m a second time applicant and so far i only have 9 schools left to hear from and the ones i have heard from are rejections and 1 waitlist (ksu) and 1 interview invited (midwestern ) in very scared

 

[futuredogtor1209]

I feel like i am doing the worst thing and I am relooking at the class statistics and profiles and comparing and seeing all the number of applications compared to those accepted makes me naseous. I’m a second time applicant and so far i only have 9 schools left to hear from and the ones i have heard from are rejections and 1 waitlist (ksu) and 1 interview invited (midwestern ) in very scared

I completely understand this. I have heard from half the schools I applied to and were also all rejections, 1 waitlist (ksu) and an interview invite (liu). The best thing we can do for ourselves is to avoid comparing ourselves with others because it will not help us and will only make the process even harder. We are all worthy of getting in and it's so unfortunate how competitive it is! Keep your head up!

 

[jreissatia]

I completely understand this. I have heard from half the schools I applied to and were also all rejections, 1 waitlist (ksu) and an interview invite (liu). The best thing we can do for ourselves is to avoid comparing ourselves with others because it will not help us and will only make the process even harder. We are all worthy of getting in and it's so unfortunate how competitive it is! Keep your head up!

Thank you very much for this.

 

[_rae_]

So, I'm going to compare myself to my own class (UMN c/o 2028) to give you an idea:

Last 45 GPA: Mean 3.79, Mid-50% range 3.71 to 3.92. I had a 3.64 all around, so I was below the last 45 GPA in my own class.
Prerequisite: Mean 3.74 (still below!), Mid-50% 3.62-3.88. Barely squeaked into the Mid-50% by 0.02 points.
There were 1318 out of state applications and only 52 seats. I was one of them.
Age range was 21-50 with an average of 24. I am 25, so I am also older than average.

Analytics and statistics are only part of the picture. Based on the info above, statistically I was a very average applicant. I got three acceptances, UMN being one of them and my top school, and this was my second time applying. The first things I heard from schools was a rejection to WSU and getting waitlisted at Glasgow, so the defeat and dejection is real. But with 9 schools left to hear from, UMN included, it only takes one.

 

[Megan Upton]

So, I'm going to compare myself to my own class (UMN c/o 2028) to give you an idea:

Last 45 GPA: Mean 3.79, Mid-50% range 3.71 to 3.92. I had a 3.64 all around, so I was below the last 45 GPA in my own class.
Prerequisite: Mean 3.74 (still below!), Mid-50% 3.62-3.88. Barely squeaked into the Mid-50% by 0.02 points.
There were 1318 out of state applications and only 52 seats. I was one of them.
Age range was 21-50 with an average of 24. I am 25, so I am also older than average.

Analytics and statistics are only part of the picture. Based on the info above, statistically I was a very average applicant. I got three acceptances, UMN being one of them and my top school, and this was my second time applying. The first things I heard from schools was a rejection to WSU and getting waitlisted at Glasgow, so the defeat and dejection is real. But with 9 schools left to hear from, UMN included, it only takes one.

It was very kind of you to publicly post those stats (I know some people are not comfortable with that). Your journey is definitely making me feel a bit better. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DogtorAsh]

It was very kind of you to publicly post those stats (I know some people are not comfortable with that). Your journey is definitely making me feel a bit better. Thanks for sharing.

Echoing Rae because we’re classmates! you can look through the successful applicants thread and see all my stats but I had lower GPAs than Rae and got in as well! I had a lot of experience though which I believe helped my lower gpa. (Also this is for “lower gpa candidates” but there was def a concern whether I would be able to do well because of imposter syndrome but I’m doing great in class!!)