Can any current students talk about whether attending Accepted Students Day was helpful? What sort of programming did they have and is it an all day event (i.e. can I fly in that morning)? Also, for OOS, what are the requirements for becoming IS? Thanks!!
Congrats to all the OOSers on your admission to the NCSU CVM. I remember the day I received my OOS acceptance, and how completely shocked I was. I drove up beside my apartment complex's mailbox bank, opened the [very thin, hard copy letter], and had to read it twice because I couldn't believe it. Here I am, two years later. NCSU is a great school. I had other good options for school, but couldn't be more pleased with my decision. NCSU was my first choice from the get go, and I am very fortunate to be a student here.
As for the OOS to IS residency transition- it's very smooth, provided you complete the tasks outlined for you by Student Legal Services. NCSU has a lawyer on retainer to assist with student legal concerns (everything from residency designation to parking tickets). As an OOS student, you will receive an email from this individual (Pamela Gearce) mid-summer, should you accept NCSU's offer. Pam will outline exactly what you need to do (and the time frame), for you to secure IS residency. Don't underestimate the importance of time frame. I relocated multiple times prior to attending vet school, so the residency game was not new for me. Here is what you need to know (in a nutshell):
-Arrive in NC the summer prior to your first semester. Register your vehicle, register to vote, and get an NC driver's license- asap, as in, as soon as you get here. You want to maximize the time your name is on these documents, associated with the state. NC is a little weird in that you need to transfer vehicle title to NC prior to obtaining your NC registration. This is the first state I've lived in where this is the case.
-DO NOT permit your parents to claim you as dependents on their tax return (it's too late for this year, so that would be for 2017 submissions). If you're claimed as a dependent, your chances of securing IS residency are shot. You need to file your own tax returns- both state (NC, and wherever your'e moving from) and federal.
-Secure a place to live, and get your name on the lease asap. I actually locked my apartment in April of my acceptance year, and began paying on the place in June. The longer you can demonstrate physical ties to the state, the better your chances.
-Document your official involvement in organizations and activities related to NC. Member of a religious organization in the state? Get your membership documented in a letter from the institution's admin folks. Volunteer for a NC organization? Document it.
-I do not personally recommend looking for a PT job until the end of your first semester, but folks often do so earlier than my recommendation. Making money in the state will only add credibility to your tax status. I began working for NCSU the summer of my first year, so did have some financial claim to the state when I submitted my residency application.
The residency application will be due the late summer/early fall following your first year (just prior to the beginning of second year). I had no problem obtaining residency- my application slid right on through, and I received my decision within two days of submission. Follow the instructions you're given, and don't test the system. You should have no issues. Pam Gearce is there to help you should you have questions or concerns. She'll even review your application for you before you submit, so long as you provide her with sufficient time to review prior to the deadline.
Admitted student's day: I thought it was helpful, but am disappointed this year that it's not tied to open house. There will be student-led panels (what's life in Raleigh like, tell me what you wish you would have known prior to starting, tell me the negative and positive aspects of the school/curriculum) in which you can participate. There will be tours of the academic, research, and teaching animal facilities. There will be social activities for you to participate in- organized and led by the current first year class. It's up to you as to whether or not you think a trip out here for these offerings would be worth your time. The school wants to recruit you at this stage, and it's important to the powers-that-be that you know what NCSU's culture is like, and that it's a good fit for your personality and professional goals.
Hope this was helpful. Feel free to shoot me a PM should you have any questions. Congrats!