Personal Statement, how to improve for reapplication?

[Hollista]

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Hello! So I haven't touched my personal statement from last year's application yet bc honestly I'm not sure what to change or add... One of my waitlist schools said to be sure to add to my pers statement what I've improved on or what I've changed... Honestly since I was waitlisted (And didn't know til march) and waiting to hear news up til end of April....I didn't do much but sit around a wait. And by sit around I mean continue to work my 16 hour a week job in the large animal clinic I have, and continue working towards my degree (applied early, still have a year to go). So nothing really changed...I'm not really sure what to add or say about the past year. The only thing I've really changed is doing a little more extracurriculars....mainly Crossfit actually, and competing in cross fit competitions, not so student/vet stuff haha! Lol luckily I'm only applying to 2 of the same schools, but I don't know if I should submit the same personal statement or what... Help!!

 

[Meurks]

Hello! So I haven't touched my personal statement from last year's application yet bc honestly I'm not sure what to change or add... One of my waitlist schools said to be sure to add to my pers statement what I've improved on or what I've changed... Honestly since I was waitlisted (And didn't know til march) and waiting to hear news up til end of April....I didn't do much but sit around a wait. And by sit around I mean continue to work my 16 hour a week job in the large animal clinic I have, and continue working towards my degree (applied early, still have a year to go). So nothing really changed...I'm not really sure what to add or say about the past year. The only thing I've really changed is doing a little more extracurriculars....mainly Crossfit actually, and competing in cross fit competitions, not so student/vet stuff haha! Lol luckily I'm only applying to 2 of the same schools, but I don't know if I should submit the same personal statement or what... Help!!

I've never applied before and I don't know if this is a good idea, but maybe mention in your new personal statement how you have improved for this round of applications? Also maybe incorporate something along the lines of how it highlights your dedication by applying a second time around and not trying something easier? Hopefully someone with more experience will come around and help ya 🙂

 

[LetItSnow]

Dunno. If you didn't add variety to your experiences ... and if you didn't do anything volunteer-wise worth mentioning ... it's kinda tough. I mean, you kept building hours - that's awesome. But this is why I tell people not to sit back once they apply: keep getting a variety of experiences, find places to volunteer/shadow short-term, do volunteer things in your community. That way, when you're faced with your situation, you've got cool stuff from the previous year to add.

In your case, I'd probably take heart in the fact that you were waitlisted instead of outright rejected. Maybe the extra hours and academic progression (you did get all or mostly A's, right?) will be all it takes to tip the scales in your favor. Did you have a bunch of people with different backgrounds read your PS last year? If not, do that this year. Maybe just some editing can do the trick.

 

[pp9]

I'm keeping most of my old PS, but adding in what I've done to improve my application this year. My PS got good reviews last year, so I'm not too worried about overhauling it.

 

[Hollista]

Cool thanks for the help! Yeah I should have some people read my PS, I didn't get it done early enough last year. Unfortunately it wasn't that I just sat around and waited, lol i know I did say exactly that hahaha, but just did the same thing I've always done, and its probably more 20-30 hours a week, since we have on call shifts that turn into graveyard shifts. It's just I'm slightly non-traditional and I live on my own and support myself so I have to work in order to pay rent and bills. I don't have a lot of volunteer exp etc, because I simply don't have time to do any of that....I literally work constantly when I am not in school, or work out... lol which is only an hour a day. I just don't have any free time, I would have to quit my job, to go get another paid position to increase the variety in my experiences, so I've just kept my LA surgical clinic job. I realize I CAN make myself much stronger by doing more, but my situation just doesn't allow for that, I have to work, and I depend on my regular paycheck.

 

[Hollista]

I'm keeping most of my old PS, but adding in what I've done to improve my application this year. My PS got good reviews last year, so I'm not too worried about overhauling it.

And are you applying to the same schools? Yeah I guess I can just talk about how I applied early (as a junior) and have just continued working towards my degree, joined a tri-beta honor society, continued to grow the pre-vet club I started at my school.... etc.

 

[pp9]

I cut 2 schools off, but yes.

 

[that redhead]

It's really all about how you spin it. Emphasize the good: I would mention how you increased your vet hours and say something that emphasizes the increased knowledge or understanding you gained from those extra hours - may you saw some cool new cases that influenced your career goals or got to experience more client communication. You might also mention your continued course work and something along the lines of it keeping you in the academic mindset for the continued learning of vet school.

 

[LetItSnow]

Cool thanks for the help! Yeah I should have some people read my PS, I didn't get it done early enough last year. Unfortunately it wasn't that I just sat around and waited, lol i know I did say exactly that hahaha, but just did the same thing I've always done, and its probably more 20-30 hours a week, since we have on call shifts that turn into graveyard shifts. It's just I'm slightly non-traditional and I live on my own and support myself so I have to work in order to pay rent and bills. I don't have a lot of volunteer exp etc, because I simply don't have time to do any of that....I literally work constantly when I am not in school, or work out... lol which is only an hour a day. I just don't have any free time, I would have to quit my job, to go get another paid position to increase the variety in my experiences, so I've just kept my LA surgical clinic job. I realize I CAN make myself much stronger by doing more, but my situation just doesn't allow for that, I have to work, and I depend on my regular paycheck.

I'm truly honestly not saying this to be argumentative or a dick or anything, but .... I just plain don't buy it when people say "I simply don't have time to do any of that." I hear that a lot, but there's almost always things they could do to prioritize differently.

I worked full time, took two classes a semester, went from one kid to three kids, and still found time to volunteer once a week at the wildlife rehab place, once a week in canine rehab, once a month at a homeless food thing, as well as continuing to shadow regularly to accumulate hours. And took care of the house and mowing the lawn and whatever. It is doable.

If it's a priority, you can do it! That's a general blanket statement for all applicants, not just the OP.

 

[DVMDream]

I'm truly honestly not saying this to be argumentative or a dick or anything, but .... I just plain don't buy it when people say "I simply don't have time to do any of that." I hear that a lot, but there's almost always things they could do to prioritize differently.

I worked full time, took two classes a semester, went from one kid to three kids, and still found time to volunteer once a week at the wildlife rehab place, once a week in canine rehab, once a month at a homeless food thing, as well as continuing to shadow regularly to accumulate hours. And took care of the house and mowing the lawn and whatever. It is doable.

If it's a priority, you can do it! That's a general blanket statement for all applicants, not just the OP.

I agree with you to an extent.... I tried to find some volunteering things outside of what I was already doing when I reapplied and it was hard. Not because I didn't have the time, because of course I could have made the time. The issue was that the vast majority of volunteer places where I lived depended upon a regular volunteer at a regular time for x number of minimum hours per week. It seems odd, but many places requested that you dedicate at least 10 hours a week to their organization and to come in on the same day or days for the same times. This, for me, was hard to do as my job schedule was constantly changing each week and often times I could be called in randomly or need to be flexible in my schedule at work. And for me work was the higher priority because as much as I enjoy volunteering, I depend on a paycheck. Actually, I had to drop my one volunteer gig that was occurring every Monday evening because my work schedule could not just schedule me off every Monday like I needed. It wasn't possible as we would often be short staffed. So it did get harder to find a volunteer thing since so many of them wanted a dedicated day, time and number of hours.

 

[WillowLeaf]

I wonder if some applicants assume that you need to volunteer a lot of hours for an experience to be worthwhile. You can really add to your application by getting smaller experiences in areas other than the one your paid job is in. I had a job at one clinic, and then shadowed for an occasional day at a couple other places like an exotics clinic and a specialty clinic. There are some once-a-month low-cost clinics that need volunteers, so unless you're working and going to school 7 days a week, you might find a day off at some point that you could spend doing something like that. And if you have work/school 7 days a week, you can sometimes find opportunities like volunteering in the early morning helping feed animals at a shelter before you go to class. It's not a lot of vet experience, but it's animal experience, plus it shows that you're involved in your community and volunteering.

But yes, DVMD has a point that many volunteer programs don't work that way and want a consistent schedule with quite a few hours. Part of it is luck to find those opportunities that will work around your class/work schedule, unfortunately.

 

[lailanni]

I agree with you to an extent.... I tried to find some volunteering things outside of what I was already doing when I reapplied and it was hard. Not because I didn't have the time, because of course I could have made the time. The issue was that the vast majority of volunteer places where I lived depended upon a regular volunteer at a regular time for x number of minimum hours per week. It seems odd, but many places requested that you dedicate at least 10 hours a week to their organization and to come in on the same day or days for the same times. This, for me, was hard to do as my job schedule was constantly changing each week and often times I could be called in randomly or need to be flexible in my schedule at work. And for me work was the higher priority because as much as I enjoy volunteering, I depend on a paycheck. Actually, I had to drop my one volunteer gig that was occurring every Monday evening because my work schedule could not just schedule me off every Monday like I needed. It wasn't possible as we would often be short staffed. So it did get harder to find a volunteer thing since so many of them wanted a dedicated day, time and number of hours.

Ditto. I wanted to volunteer at a human hospice, but they wanted 4 hours a week for a year with specific hours on specific days. That wasn't something I could commit to.

I can do a "come when you can/vague schedule" type of volunteer project, but I can't do something that structured because of my job and erratic hours.

Not all volunteer positions are equally flexible, so it may take some searching to find what matches.

 

[LetItSnow]

Not all volunteer positions are equally flexible, so it may take some searching to find what matches.

Right. But that's exactly my point: I see a LOT of people post here about how they just couldn't possibly manage to do anything because they're oh so busy.

Meh. Whatever. Most of them just didn't do the searching it takes to find something that works.

There are obviously exceptions that we could nitpick all day about. If you live in the middle of a remote rural places ... sure, your opportunities are limited. But that's not most of the people that complain about how they can't find experience. Most of them are just too lazy or timid to try.

 

[DVMDream]

Right. But that's exactly my point: I see a LOT of people post here about how they just couldn't possibly manage to do anything because they're oh so busy.

Meh. Whatever. Most of them just didn't do the searching it takes to find something that works.

There are obviously exceptions that we could nitpick all day about. If you live in the middle of a remote rural places ... sure, your opportunities are limited. But that's not most of the people that complain about how they can't find experience. Most of them are just too lazy or timid to try.

I know you are going to want to smack me, but I think finding a here or there occasional volunteer gig might be easier in a rural, remote area (don't know as I didn't live in one). Not as many people so they would take all the help they can get type deal. Whereas in a big city, there are lots of people and why take the one person who can only volunteer 5 hours a week, on whatever day they might be free when they can take someone that can volunteer 10 hours a week every Monday? More people to take the volunteer positions. Hell, some places I applied to volunteer at were actually competitive... not joking you had to compete for a volunteer position. I was also willing to drive, I did an hour to the humane society I was volunteering at. Some people can't drive or don't have a car. I mean, I am not trying to give people excuses, but sometimes it really is not as simple as just "keep looking, don't be lazy, try harder".

 

[LetItSnow]

I think finding a here or there occasional volunteer gig might be easier in a rural, remote area (don't know as I didn't live in one).

Maybe!!

I mean, I am not trying to give people excuses, but sometimes it really is not as simple as just "keep looking, don't be lazy, try harder".

No disagreement. Like I said, there are always exceptions. But it's been my observation that 90% of the time when someone complains about not having opportunities or time, if you really drill down you discover that they actually DO have them - they just didn't like the ones that were available. So instead they choose to complain about not getting what they want. There are always exceptions, and there are certainly people who just don't have the opportunities. But I stand by "keep looking, don't be lazy, try harder." For 90% of the people that will do it.

 

[DVMDream]

Maybe!!



No disagreement. Like I said, there are always exceptions. But it's been my observation that 90% of the time when someone complains about not having opportunities or time, if you really drill down you discover that they actually DO have them - they just didn't like the ones that were available. So instead they choose to complain about not getting what they want. There are always exceptions, and there are certainly people who just don't have the opportunities. But I stand by "keep looking, don't be lazy, try harder." For 90% of the people that will do it.

Don't disagree, I am sure a little more digging would work for most people. I am sure that many people also focus on only animal related things, instead of doing really anything.

 

[LetItSnow]

Don't disagree, I am sure a little more digging would work for most people. I am sure that many people also focus on only animal related things, instead of doing really anything.

That was one of my problems; when I was looking for experience, I didn't think big enough. It was actually my wife who said "Hey, look at this volunteer opportunity...."

 

[that redhead]

That was one of my problems; when I was looking for experience, I didn't think big enough. It was actually my wife who said "Hey, look at this volunteer opportunity...."

Within this same vein, not all application additions have to be veterinary. Sure, most people probably need extra vet hours but I think it can be really beneficial to volunteer at a non-animal thing that shows community involvement, leadership, human interaction skills, etc. You can talk about communication and other good stuff that adcoms like to see. I hope that schools move more toward selecting applicants with more than just vet and animal experience. I think vets are a helluva lot more likely to burn out or hate their career if they don't have any outside interests.

 

[Hollista]

I'm truly honestly not saying this to be argumentative or a dick or anything, but .... I just plain don't buy it when people say "I simply don't have time to do any of that." I hear that a lot, but there's almost always things they could do to prioritize differently.

I worked full time, took two classes a semester, went from one kid to three kids, and still found time to volunteer once a week at the wildlife rehab place, once a week in canine rehab, once a month at a homeless food thing, as well as continuing to shadow regularly to accumulate hours. And took care of the house and mowing the lawn and whatever. It is doable.

If it's a priority, you can do it! That's a general blanket statement for all applicants, not just the OP.

It is a priority trust me. But the experience I am gaining at my PAID position (very blessed to have) as a large animal vet tech, where I work solo shifts with me and 4 doctors, is hard to find anywhere else. We get to do everything, not to mention the confidence I have gain by working there for so long, and the trust the doctors have in me, I'm not trading that for anything. I take 20-24 units a semester (well over full time) still have an excellent GPA, and have over 5,000 of experience at my current job (the equine hospital), and a handful of other experiences. TRUST ME when I say "i don't have time" its not that Im lazy or can't make time. I work graveyard shifts and go to school the next morning straight from work, and school isn't done tip 4pm, then its usually home to take care of my animals (horses and dogs) and study, then back to work. Sooooo yeah, I know you said you don't want to be a dick, but honestly telling us how you did it, doesn't mean that no one else is doing it as well as you. I simply asked for suggestions on what I should write about in my PS when I've be just going steady at my current job, and juggling all the other stuff I have. I know you said it as a general blanket...but I don't think it was very general. Some applicants aren't the type that hops around from one thing to the next and racks up 10 hours of everything all over the place, some are very dedicated technicians to their jobs, in order to help that business grow and because they are respected, trusted, and gain more experience and knowledge from one place than they would from being all over the place. Especially at a teaching hospital....I help teach all our externs from vet schools how to do stuff they haven't learned yet in vet school, the hands on stuff.
Just saying, not just for me, but for all the others out there that also aren't so traditional or don't jump all over to get experience, theres not ONE WAY to get into vet school, not everyone is the same, so it does kind of come off rude if you say we aren't prioritizing, just some of our priorities are different than yours.
Just because I said "i don't have time" its not because i can't find time, its that what I am using my time for (my job and my studies) is more important to me than hoping all around in different jobs, I have received a lot of offers and different opportunities, but I know what's right for me. And the schools I interviewed at didn't bring up my "lack" of experience what so ever. No I didn't get it, and sure you can blame it on that, but I got wait listed at 2 schools my first app cycle applying as a Junior, so I think I am doing okay with the experience I am getting. I was simply asking if there were others who were in a similar situation, dedicated in their jobs, and how to explain what you've gained in the past year at that job. I don't know, maybe my first post was just too brief, I didn't think I needed to explain my life story to just get some advice on slightly adjusting my PS.

 

[lailanni]

Hollista, to be fair I think we got a little off topic 🙂 I think what you're doing sounds great and getting waitlisted does mean you're doing something right! I would agree with the above poster(s?) that said it's all in the PS spin - emphasis on how you've continued growing your in-depth experience, club hours, good grades while holding down a demanding schedule, dedication to continuing steady on a path to medicine that you enjoy. Maybe you haven't done a jillion new things, but you've tenaciously continued on in the aspect of vet med that you are involved and kicked butt while doing it. That's awesome in itself!

I'm sure that if you wanted to change it up you could, but it seems to be working for you. So if it's not broke, don't fix it 😉

 

[Hollista]

Hollista, to be fair I think we got a little off topic 🙂 I think what you're doing sounds great and getting waitlisted does mean you're doing something right! I would agree with the above poster(s?) that said it's all in the PS spin - emphasis on how you've continued growing your in-depth experience, club hours, good grades while holding down a demanding schedule, dedication to continuing steady on a path to medicine that you enjoy. Maybe you haven't done a jillion new things, but you've tenaciously continued on in the aspect of vet med that you are involved and kicked butt while doing it. That's awesome in itself!

I'm sure that if you wanted to change it up you could, but it seems to be working for you. So if it's not broke, don't fix it 😉

Hahaha thank you, great advice! I agree, lol and yeah of course it got off topic...it usually does when a pot stirrer comes in and says pre-vet students are lazy and no one is trying as hard as he did!

Lol anyways, thanks all!! I think i've got some good ideas!

 

[LetItSnow]

Sooooo yeah, I know you said you don't want to be a dick, but honestly telling us how you did it, doesn't mean that no one else is doing it as well as you. I simply asked for suggestions on what I should write about in my PS when I've be just going steady at my current job, and juggling all the other stuff I have. I know you said it as a general blanket...but I don't think it was very general. Some applicants aren't the type that hops around from one thing to the next and racks up 10 hours of everything all over the place, some are very dedicated technicians to their jobs, in order to help that business grow and because they are respected, trusted, and gain more experience and knowledge from one place than they would from being all over the place. Especially at a teaching hospital....I help teach all our externs from vet schools how to do stuff they haven't learned yet in vet school, the hands on stuff.

First off, I didn't say I did it well. Pretty much exactly the opposite: If I can do it, just about anyone can. Don't put words in my mouth. Especially if you're going to call me rude; you probably shouldn't be rude yourself.

Second, why were you not accepted? Did you ask the school(s) to which you applied? I doubt it came down to just your PS. You wanted opinions, and that's mine: there are probably some other deficiencies on your application. Maybe the references. Maybe the breadth of experience. But I very much doubt it's just the PS.

Third.... you asked for advice. If you don't like it, I'd suggest just smiling and ignoring it. No need to shoot someone answering your question. My advice is that you get more varied experience, because clearly <something> on your application was deficient. If it was grades, you probably can't do much about it. I doubt it was purely the personal statement, and since you didn't do anything really different to talk about in the last year, I'm not sure how you'd change it (other than any other person rewriting it from scratch and taking a different approach, perhaps). That leaves other types of experience.

Best of luck this go around.

 

[Hollista]

First off, I didn't say I did it well. Pretty much exactly the opposite: If I can do it, just about anyone can. Don't put words in my mouth. Especially if you're going to call me rude; you probably shouldn't be rude yourself.

Second, why were you not accepted? Did you ask the school(s) to which you applied? I doubt it came down to just your PS. You wanted opinions, and that's mine: there are probably some other deficiencies on your application. Maybe the references. Maybe the breadth of experience. But I very much doubt it's just the PS.

Third.... you asked for advice. If you don't like it, I'd suggest just smiling and ignoring it. No need to shoot someone answering your question. My advice is that you get more varied experience, because clearly <something> on your application was deficient. If it was grades, you probably can't do much about it. I doubt it was purely the personal statement, and since you didn't do anything really different to talk about in the last year, I'm not sure how you'd change it (other than any other person rewriting it from scratch and taking a different approach, perhaps). That leaves other types of experience.

Best of luck this go around.

Lol oh goodness, not how I wanted this post to go, this is actually the reason I usually don't post...but didn't you say 90% of people who say they don't have time actually do? Pretty much saying their not prioritizing well? Maybe it wasn't what you meant but it sounded a little rude towards me and a lot of others. My schools said to continue what I'm doing, and that they'd like to see me finish my degree (since I applied early), they told me they didn't see anything else I needed to fix. One school then said to just let them know in my PS what I've been working on or how I've changed over the past year, hence why I was just seeking some advice on what other people in my situation have done. I didn't mean to be rude, it just kind of sucks when someone says they're sure I'm not using my time well/being lazy, you don't know me. You don't know my situation, and you made it "okay" by saying pretty much everyone is lazy. Not the best thing to say on a public board in my opinion. Just saying! No hard feelings, thank you for the advice and well wishes! 🙂

 

[LetItSnow]

Lol oh goodness, not how I wanted this post to go, this is actually the reason I usually don't post...but didn't you say 90% of people who say they don't have time actually do? Pretty much saying their not prioritizing well?

Yes, I did. And I stand by it. I've been asked for advice by a lot of people, and that's by far and away been my experience.

The important thing that you didn't note is that I never said "And I'm sure you're in that 90%." Because I don't know. Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. But from an odds standpoint: yes. Most of the people who come onto SDN talking about how little time they have and how few opportunities they have really have more time than they say (or are aware of) and more opportunities than they know. If you're in the 10%, then just smile, pat yourself on the back, and keep on keeping on.

I didn't mean to be rude, it just kind of sucks when someone says they're sure I'm not using my time well/being lazy

If you can show me where I said that, then I owe you an apology. But I doubt I said that.

 

[Hollista]

.... I just plain don't buy it when people say "I simply don't have time to do any of that." I hear that a lot, but there's almost always things they could do to prioritize differently.

well seeing as I said in my first or second post that I DONT have time to add anything in my schedule, and you saying you don't buy it, and its because i could prioritize differently....thats pretty much what it sounded like you said.
But sure, I'm sorry...you didn't specifically call me lazy. Again this is why i never post, because there's always someone who ends up saying something, whether or not they specifically meant it, which you keep saying you did..."Yes, I did. And I stand by it". So anyways I would just like to drop it.
So yes I do apologize. Thanks for your help/opinion, although it does not pertain to me (taking your suggestion like you said), I guess I'm the select 10%, sorry to all you other 90% who are apparently lazy, I haven't met a lot of lazy people on here so I guess I just don't know.
Keep on kicking' ass everyone and good luck applying. I think I will remain the silent non-poster I usually am and just "sit back and smile" as I have been suggested to do if I do not agree with the negative opinions of others. I'm just very friendly and generally give everyone the benefit of the doubt and don't judge anyone, whether or not they are in that 90%. lol! I have to go work on my personal statement anyways! haha!
Thank you all for your help and advice! Good Luck this cycle applicants!!!! 🙂