Oh no--Rejected!

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guppy73

guppy73

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So I'm brand spanking new here--a reformed lurker who's finally bitten the bullet & signed up. I was hoping that my first post would be a happy one, but I just found out last night that I was rejected from the only school I applied to, Tufts. 🙁 I'm a non-trad, first-time applicant looking for some advice & inspiration from those who have applied in past years, been rejected, then been successful--from Tufts specifically if possible, but I'll take advice from anyone willing to dole it out. I've already contacted Admissions to schedule a file review, to start....Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated; I need the confidence boost right about now. Thanks!
 
Don't give up hope! I'm on my second round of rejections, currently, and am looking towards boosting my application by getting different experience and (possibly) taking some upper levels.

Be CERTAIN to schedule an interview where you review your file and find out your strengths and weaknesses. That'll give you things to work towards.
 
I would have to suggest that you may want to be more open about where you go to school. If you only apply to only one school, then I think you may be limiting yourself on your chances of getting into vet school in general. Maybe the only exception to this is if you applying as an In-State student and you have a better chance of getting into your state school.. but even then... I'd still apply to more schools.

My general idea with vet school was that I was willing to go anywhere.. and even though I was rejected from my first choice... University of Minnesota, which I was very disappointed by.. I did get into Kansas State, which is most likely where I will end up. Of course there are factors like family, significant others, etcetera etcetera... but I think you can improve your chances of getting into vet school by being open-minded about where you obtain your veterinary education.

GOOD LUCK!! 🙂
 
re-apply and re-apply. i, too, am a non-trad and first time applicant. as i said the day i sat down to start my applications: if i don't get in, i will ask for feedback and apply next year. have faith in yourself and continue to pursue your goal by any means necessary.
 
Thanks to all for the good vibes--much needed & appreciated right now. 😳
 
If you are not like me and geographically challenged (family, stuff like that there), you can widen your net for next year by looking at other schools. If you are, and Tufts is it or nothing, you should go and sit down with someone there to see exactly what they want to see improved. Do what they tell you to do.
That's what I'm doing. I also plan to find out what I can do around town to beef up my experience, and possibly get a class or two to add to my VMCAS.

There are lots of people, who didn't get in on their first time, that are racking up those acceptances this cycle, so keep that in mind.
 
I got both of my rejection letters in late January, so I know exactly what you're going through. My advice is to maintain a positive outlook, do your file review, and--like truth74 said--do what they tell you. Keep getting experience in as many areas as you can and maybe look into a few other schools, too. If you're serious about vet med (which I'm sure you are 🙂), it'll all be worth it once you get accepted.

Remember: If everyone could get in the first time, we'd be up to our ears in vets 😉
 
Remember, too, the statistic that the average number of tries it takes to get accepted is THREE. And that's the AVERAGE!!! So look at it this way--if you HAD gotten in this time, you'd be way ahead of the curve and way above average.

(Not that it's not difficult for overachieving pre-vets to come to grips with NOT being "ahead of the curve" and "way above average"...but remember who you're comparing yourself to.) 🙂

As for myself, I'm sure you can find my old profile on here (do a search under "class of 2011 successful applicant" or somesuch). There will be PLENTY of inspiration there from my case and tons of others. Took me four tries and six years to get it--don't give up!!!

Also echoing what others have said...schedule a file review and DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU! Good luck. 🙂 :luck: You've got the right attitude!
 
I know this has been said 3 (maybe 4) times, but do the file review and DO WHAT THEY SAY.

I applied to Tufts through an early acceptance program at my undergrad, was rejected without interview, did the file review, did what they said and was accepted this time. I only applied to Tufts, which I'm not saying I recommend, it's just what I did.

Also, a vet I worked for used to be on the admissions committee at Penn and offered to talk to me about my interview. That was REALLY helpful and I would recommend it to anyone who can do it.

Hope this helps and hopefully I'll see you at Tufts next year!
 
Hey there, guppy! I'm (probably) in the same boat as you: non-trad (I'll be 34 this summer! Aaack!), and 1st-time applicant/reject. I'm still waiting to hear back from one school, but I'm none too hopeful. I'm already going over in my head what I'll need to do to improve my application (my GRE score, I suspect). But like everyone on here said, we'll just have to keep pluggin' away, and use another year as a means to make our apps that much better! Here's to posting good news in this forum next year! Yay!
--How's that for cheerleading?
😀
 
Good posts- just thought I'd say there's more of "you" out there. This is my 2nd time applying, I'm 33 yrs old and this year I've been rejected for 2/3 schools I applied to this year. Still waitin on one more, but not getting my hopes up. I probably will be doing round 3 next year. 😳
 
I was in the same boat as you last year. Non-trad (33 now😳), had to go back for all of my pre-reqs and I only applied to my in state (Cornell) and got rejected. I scheduled an appointment for a file review and received a lot of good advice. I followed the advice and then this year I applied to 7 schools. I ended up getting waitlisted at Cornell and accepted to MN and IL. I am very pleased with this outcome. I was very bummed out last year, but at the same time I kind of expected it. The point is, don't worry about it. Just go to the file review and kick butt next year.

By the way, you may want to start thinking about what you can do to improve your application now, since the file review probably won't happen for a couple of months and then it will be practically time to start the application process up again, leaving you not much time to do things, i.e. new experience hours, letters of recommendation, etc...

Good luck!
 
Wow! Thanks to everyone for the love! 😍I am "geographically challenged"--married and a homeowner, 34 years old. So I knew that I was taking a big risk by just applying to one school, but it's better than not applying at all and just wishing that I had.

Oh--and my file review's set for this Monday. So I feel a bit better already, knowing that it's just around the corner.

Congrats to all who made it this year--hopefully, that will be me a year from now!
 
guppy73 said:
Wow! Thanks to everyone for the love! 😍I am "geographically challenged"--married and a homeowner, 34 years old. So I knew that I was taking a big risk by just applying to one school, but it's better than not applying at all and just wishing that I had.

Oh--and my file review's set for this Monday. So I feel a bit better already, knowing that it's just around the corner.

Congrats to all who made it this year--hopefully, that will be me a year from now!
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Don't be discouraged by being rejected this year. I am also geographically challenged, my husband just started a PhD program in the area and we also own a house here, so Tufts was the only school I applied to this year and last. Last year I was waitlisted and I did the post mortem interview too. I made a note of the weaknesses and this year I worked on everything they said. They told me I needed more clinical experience so I started shadowing a local vet and it led to a part time job. They said I needed to show more passion, so I started volunteering at a small shelter and I definitely found my passion. Not getting in the first time was good for me because it forced me to reevaluate my application and focus on really why I wanted to do this. In the end I think I was more prepared this time around and it definitely helped since I got in. Don't worry you will be at an advantage next time around because you will know your weak spots in advance and you can work to improve them. Good luck!
 
You need to leave your options open. I did not get in to any of my top 3 choices but life is not fair. But i did get in i am extremely excited i am going to be a vet. All the schools more or less teach you the same thing and if you really want to be a vet in the end it does not matter where you go.
 
guppy73 said:
Oh--and my file review's set for this Monday. So I feel a bit better already, knowing that it's just around the corner.
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Im in roughly the same boat as you, (only applied to in-state school this round and was rejected)...so here's some advice for your file review. Before I went to mine, I sat down and neatly wrote out all the questions I had lurking in my head from the application process. Things like, what part of the application is read first/last (that way I could better direct the flow of my app...more emphasis on things read first so as to make a good first impression 😀...etc) and what the strongest/weakest point of my application...etc.

Writing them all out REALLY helped, because, I'll admit, I was somewhat nervous, and even though she went through the whole application with me and gave me overall impressions, having those questions really helped me get ALOT more out of the interview than the standard "how can I improve my application" spiel. Plus, since my school only does 30 min reviews, I was able to use up all the time efficiently.

Also, don't be afraid to take notes, I asked to make sure it was ok, but Im glad I wrote a lot of things down because she really had a lot of helpful tips and Im sure I would have forgotten most of them if I hadnt had my notebook!

Anyhoo, just a few tips, hope they help!
 
Thanks, CBRGrl, and good luck to us next year--let's get back out there and kick some a**!!!😎
 
I have to say, each time I look at these posts I feel better and better about things! (That, and the 2 dozen roses my husband got me--what a guy....)

Yes--we will kick a** next year, Catnapper!!!!😀
 
I just stopped in this thread for the first time, and I must say I adore your avatar, Guppy! I think that picture is even on my phone somewhere.. ::loves Beaker::
 
Poke said:
I just stopped in this thread for the first time, and I must say I adore your avatar, Guppy! I think that picture is even on my phone somewhere.. ::loves Beaker::
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Me too! I even named my degus Rizzo and Beaker 😍
 
Be proactive in your rejection interview too. My counselor brought up some things, but I made sure I went through each area (GRE, experience, GPA etc.) and talked about them to see where I stood, so I knew what areas were most important to work on. I took a zillion notes too.

I felt like a big fat failure last year and I know exactly how you feel, but I found that starting to take those steps towards fixing the problems actually helped with the depression since I was working towards potential success. Also, there is really not as much time as it seems between now and Oct. 1st, so I agree with everyone else that you should start sooner rather than later to improve your application.

Good luck!:luck:
 
Well, I can't really add much to what others have already said except to let you know that I was in your shoes last year, and I did the file review, made some changes, applied to > 1 school this year, and was accepted.

Don't beat yourself up - try to be proactive and make the changes to git 'er done next year. A lot of people don't make it on their first attempt :luck:
 
Poke said:
I just stopped in this thread for the first time, and I must say I adore your avatar, Guppy! I think that picture is even on my phone somewhere.. ::loves Beaker::
Click to expand...



Actually, it's a picture of me after two ventis from Starbucks. 😛
 
so, Guppy, how did your file review go?
 
Hey CBR Girl, thanks for asking! From the sound of it, I'm in decent shape as far as my grades, experience, & LORs were concerned. She said that I interviewed well and that my essays were well written. The Ad Comm's concern in my case was that I haven't been a FT student for a long time, about 10 years. Apparently, they've admitted people before who were similar to me in this case, and they've really struggled with a full courseload after having been away from it for so long. So she recommended that I go back FT for a bit, either post-bac or grad level courses, and reapply.

So it makes sense to me--and I appear to be on the right track. And an excuse to go back to school is just fine with me. 🙂
 
guppy73 said:
Hey CBR Girl, thanks for asking! From the sound of it, I'm in decent shape as far as my grades, experience, & LORs were concerned. She said that I interviewed well and that my essays were well written. The Ad Comm's concern in my case was that I haven't been a FT student for a long time, about 10 years. Apparently, they've admitted people before who were similar to me in this case, and they've really struggled with a full courseload after having been away from it for so long. So she recommended that I go back FT for a bit, either post-bac or grad level courses, and reapply.

So it makes sense to me--and I appear to be on the right track. And an excuse to go back to school is just fine with me. 🙂
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Yay that sounds like an easy and fun fix! You'll be class of 2013 no problem!
 
guppy73 said:
Hey CBR Girl, thanks for asking! From the sound of it, I'm in decent shape as far as my grades, experience, & LORs were concerned. She said that I interviewed well and that my essays were well written. The Ad Comm's concern in my case was that I haven't been a FT student for a long time, about 10 years. Apparently, they've admitted people before who were similar to me in this case, and they've really struggled with a full courseload after having been away from it for so long. So she recommended that I go back FT for a bit, either post-bac or grad level courses, and reapply.

So it makes sense to me--and I appear to be on the right track. And an excuse to go back to school is just fine with me. 🙂
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That's interesting, because when I was interviewing there the interviewers brought up that same concern. I wonder if that's why I didn't get in there. Oh well.
 
ShelterGirl said:
Well, I can't really add much to what others have already said except to let you know that I was in your shoes last year, and I did the file review, made some changes, applied to > 1 school this year, and was accepted.

Don't beat yourself up - try to be proactive and make the changes to git 'er done next year. A lot of people don't make it on their first attempt :luck:
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I wanted to add to this that it is DEFINITELY a good idea to apply to a variety of schools.
I actually got accepted this year (my first time around) by A&M. However, I APPLIED to five schools. I was rejected by three others and waitlisted by another.
I think that applying to several schools gave me a chance to improve with each application I filled out.
Also, my school did a mock interview for me with seven of the bio/ag/preprofessional professors and that was probably one of the most helpful things they could have done.
You guys will be fabulous next year, I know it! 🙂
 
guppy73 said:
Hey CBR Girl, thanks for asking! From the sound of it, I'm in decent shape as far as my grades, experience, & LORs were concerned. She said that I interviewed well and that my essays were well written. The Ad Comm's concern in my case was that I haven't been a FT student for a long time, about 10 years. Apparently, they've admitted people before who were similar to me in this case, and they've really struggled with a full courseload after having been away from it for so long. So she recommended that I go back FT for a bit, either post-bac or grad level courses, and reapply.

So it makes sense to me--and I appear to be on the right track. And an excuse to go back to school is just fine with me. 🙂
Click to expand...

I've heard that from quite a number of other people as well. During my file review, the adcom expressed the same concern (as I graduated in 2005 and recently went back to do my prereqs part-time while working), she said they needed to see my ability to handle a full-time upper division course load...so, that's what Im going to do. Feels good to have a sense of direction!
 
... What do I do now?

I am rapidly becoming overwhelmed. I applied to two schools this past cycle and was rejected from both. (Georgia and Oklahoma - Delaware contract states.)
I am in a tough position with a less than stellar GPA, average GRE testing and experience.

Ideally, I'd like to be accepted on my next application. I will do whatever it takes to make this happen if it is viable.

Which brings me to my main question -- what is there that I can do to accomplish this?

Now, there are so many factors that influence this. Some schools do not consider heavily grades obtained in graduate school. Some schools weigh primarily the last 30 or 45 hours. Some schools like to spin roulette wheels. Really, I have no idea.

Does anyone know which schools do weigh the last credits more heavily so that if I were to re-take or take advanced classes that this would be of significant benefit?

Should I retake my undergraduate courses with unsatisfactory grades or take a one year post-bacc program with advance science classes for new grades or go for a masters degree?

I know this isn't an easy answer and there are many paths to take. I'm just desiring solid insight on some quality paths available to me.


Basic information: GPA 2.9, Science 3.1. GRE 1260 (VER: 530, QUA: 730). ~4000 small animal experience hours. ~100 large animal experience hours.

Actually, after looking at that my stats again. Maybe it will definitely be a two year plan. But, hey, that's why I'm asking anyone who can answer.

What would one suggest I do? I want to start working on this as soon as possible. I do not want to have to wait a month or two down the road to have my application reviewed (granted, I will certainly be first in line for that as well).
 
Admerylous:
I know A&M weighs the last 45 hours fairly heavily.
Here is the whole break down for A&M:
Admissions Criteria (pre-interview) GPA Overall GPA 40 points Science GPA 40 points GPA in Last 45 hours 40 points GRE Scores Analytical 25 points Quantitative 25 points Verbal 10 points Academic Total 180 points Extracurricular activities, leadership experience, personal statement, letters of evaluation and socioeconomic background 28 points Academic rigor 24 points Veterinary experience 16 points Animal experience 12 points Professional Preparation Total 80 points

Also, I would definitely recommend finding some "unique experience" points. Say, working with a large animal vet or something that the schools you've been applying to emphasize.

Also, something that will make you "diverse" tends to help. In every interview I had, the interviewers asked me about my two "diversity points": construction work and teaching/tutoring experience. So just because I am white, middle class, and female doesn't mean I'm not entirely diverse. Find something that will make you stand out.
 
Thanks Steel. Do you know of a resource where I could find out info such as what you just provided?
I'm thinking I will likely have to just pack my bags and move so that I can apply in-state as well.

Is it worthless to consider retaking some of those courses that really killed my GPA that I just stupidly did not put any effort into? (World Religions, World History, and so on.) I assume it isn't worthless but hope that surely my time can be more effectively spent on making myself better in other ways.
 
Steelmagghia said:
Admerylous:

Also, I would definitely recommend finding some "unique experience" points. Say, working with a large animal vet or something that the schools you've been applying to emphasize.

Also, something that will make you "diverse" tends to help. In every interview I had, the interviewers asked me about my two "diversity points": construction work and teaching/tutoring experience. So just because I am white, middle class, and female doesn't mean I'm not entirely diverse. Find something that will make you stand out.
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I totally agree. I spent four weeks in Kenya, Africa through a study abraod trip. The program emphasizes community and wildlife management, and it involved a giant research project. This was a great advantage to my application. I was accepted the first time around. I have a GPA lower than the average. Right now it is a 3.198 and low GRE scores. I have all of my experience aside from the wildlife in Kenya in small animals. There is hope, you just need to be smart about the schools you apply to. The more prestigeous schools are going to have a lot more applicants and you will get overlooked much quicker. Diversity and Uniqueness can make you go the distance. Good luck next application round and take in everything they tell you at your meetings.
 
Admerylous said:
Thanks Steel. Do you know of a resource where I could find out info such as what you just provided?
I'm thinking I will likely have to just pack my bags and move so that I can apply in-state as well.

Is it worthless to consider retaking some of those courses that really killed my GPA that I just stupidly did not put any effort into? (World Religions, World History, and so on.) I assume it isn't worthless but hope that surely my time can be more effectively spent on making myself better in other ways.
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If it isn't a science/prerequisite, I wouldn't retake it. But if you didn't do well in one of those two I would. I think that's a decision that is difficult to make for everyone though and I'm not sure there is a right answer. Have you done your postmortems? They may be able to help you with that.

As far as finding out the school information, I just looked that the websites for the schools to which I was thinking about. Most of them have some sort of listing as to how each section is weighted under their application procedures sections. Most of them aren't so nicely separated, however. Missouri's was on a percentage basis, not points and were more combined. Plus there was an "overall impressions" section that is impossible to understand, but it did give me some idea.

If you have any other questions or if you need anything, feel free to PM me.
 
About two weeks ago, knowing I'd find out any day from Georgia and Oklahoma I decided to stop shaving until I got accepted. I guess it's going to be a bit longer of a wait than I had hoped.

I wonder if I include that in my personal statement if they'll at least grant me an interview to see how my beard has developed.
 
Admerylous,

University of Minnesota also weighs heavily on their last 45 unit GPA. I think that's one of the reasons I got an interview there. My overall GPA is not very good.. around 3.2 ish. but My last 45 GPA and my required prereq GPA were both around 3.8. I think it also may help if you try to get a higher verbal score on your GRE? I actually got around the same score on my GRE and still got an interview, but you know.. you should always try to go above if you get the opportunity!

I actually didn't end up getting into U of MN because my interview did not go as well as I thought. But I had the opportunity to interview and you know.. it's all up to the beholder, so don't let my rejection discourage you!

Also, when I was applying... I tried to apply to as many schools as I could that took the highest number of out of state residents... since that upped my chances of getting in period. Kansas State takes 55 OOS... and I got in there.. also most likely where I'm going... so hopefully that info helps for you?

GOOD LUCK!! AND DON'T GIVE UP!! :luck:
 
P.S.!! If you do get the opportunity to re-take some of those science classes I think it would help.. When I took organic chemistry the first time I straight up failed it!! When I re-took it after I transferred and got my butt into gear I got a B, A, and A (3 quarters worth). Some of my interviewers asked me how I "matured" as a student because that is what I tried to emphasize.. and I think that helped since I got into at least 1 school thus far. 🙂
 
That is great information. Thank you adO.
I certainly will check those statistics.

I was naive also with the GRE and did not look into anything about the exam prior to taking it. I just sort of signed up, walked in sat down, read the directions and took it. I am sure with some time to prep and study I can pull things up a bit.

So this leaves MN and A&M with heavy recent GPA focus.

I think I am debating perhaps re-taking 14 or so credits over the summer in classes with poor marks.

The thing is, I'm willing to go absolutely anywhere in the states. I'll pack my bags tomorrow and move there if I am told. I will enroll in anything and do whatever. I just need to know what it is that is best 🙁.
 
philomycus said:
Good posts- just thought I'd say there's more of "you" out there. This is my 2nd time applying, I'm 33 yrs old and this year I've been rejected for 2/3 schools I applied to this year. Still waitin on one more, but not getting my hopes up. I probably will be doing round 3 next year. 😳
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You should come to Australia Philo!

(Except that you couldn't bring the squirrels in. You would have to become an advocate for our adorable possums instead... http://www.faunanet.gov.au/wos/factfile.cfm?Fact_ID=301 )
 
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