Need some help with Illinois PS

[mbee]

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Hey! So, Illinois has a supplemental application in which I have to "write a letter to my parents explaining why I don't want to be a 'real doctor'." (no joke).
Does anyone else have this? Does anyone understand how I am supposed to look at this? I'm having some trouble formulating the angle on the letter - should it be as though my parents are against my career choice as a vet and I need to "convince" them otherwise, or should it be just an explanatory letter, stating my reasons and personal goals?

Thanks!

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Yep, I've been writing mine too! So, my angle is real life--stick with what you know! ie-are your parents against your career choice? okay, convince them. Do your parents support your career choice, although they may not really understand it (this is where I fit)? Try to explain. Not only will you have an easier time writing a true-to-life letter, but if they inquire about it in your interview (under the assumption that your parents really feel the way you portrayed), you won't fumble on the answer. Anyway, that's my rationale!

 

[ShelterGirl]

I wrote mine about why I chose vet med as opposed to traditional medicine, focusing on experiences and qualities that shaped my decision - things that my parents would be familiar with, yet highlight why I'm a good candidate.

(As an aside, my parents always wanted me to go for the $$$, so they'd definitely prefer that I were an MD, but I'm 33 now and they've gotten over trying to tell me what to do!)

It's a fair question - why do you want to spend a lot of effort, time, and money to go into a profession that doesn't pay very well, when you could become an MD, do similar work, and yet earn much more?

 

[mbee]

Thanks! You've given me a lot to think about and helped focus my writing. 😀

 

[Pigsfoot]

do you get the supplemental after you submit your VMCAS, or am i missing something???

 

[ShelterGirl]

No, you actually have to submit it by midnight Oct. 1 - here's the link:

https://admit-s.cvm.uiuc.edu/

You need a VMCAS ID in order to submit it, though.

 

[Pigsfoot]

holy crap, how did you find that out? what the...
what if i never cared what my parents thought anyway?

 

[VelcroSky]

what if i never cared what my parents thought anyway?

Haha! I can see it now...

Dear Mom and Dad,

Screw you, I'm going to vet school!

Later!
Pigsfoot

 

[chris03333]

It might be a good thing to explain why a veterinarian IS a real doctor, but just sees different patients👍

 

[Pigsfoot]

heh. yea thats pretty much how it REALLY happened, but i s'pose i should prove i thought about it a little bit more......ehhh