Questions to answer in your VMCAS PS

[Lab Vet]

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Hi gang,

Just getting a start on my VMCAS PS for next year's app cycle. Everyone has a different approach to writing the PS. I wanted to poll the masses here and see how folks went about writing their admissions essay. Were there basic questions that everyone answered (i.e. 'why do you want to be a vet?' 'what are your long range professional goals?' 'what experience qualifies you for admission?' 'why should we accept you' (different question than the one listed previous to it)). Or, did people completely break from this pattern and go a different direction?

I noticed that NC State recommends in the school's applicant review to write the PS like a cover letter. That's very different than what I expected, especially given the emphasis that some folks seem to place on 'personal experiences' and 'anecdotes.' I personally would never put an anecdote in a cover letter for a job. Cover letters are rather dry and devoid of emotion. I know that a PS is not meant to be a 're-hash' of an applicant's paper credentials, but I was under the assumption that ad coms wanted to see a bit of each applicant's personality shine through their PS. Any thoughts on the approach to the PS? How sappy is too sappy? How dry is too dry?

Thanks all for your advice and input!

 

[LetItSnow]

I personally would never put an anecdote in a cover letter for a job. Cover letters are rather dry and devoid of emotion.

I sure would - in a heartbeat - if I could use the anecdote to highlight a character trait that I thought was valuable to the employer.

There's not necessarily a "right" answer to your question. I've read a lot of personal statements now, and some people can make dry work really well because they've just got that professional approach going on: they steamroll you with their absolute unswerving dedication to the field. Others take a more story-telling approach and pull that off great; you find yourself lost in their personal statement and disappointed when it ends.

It just depends on what type of writing you do best, what your background is, what your goals are. In the end, your overarching goal is only one thing: to convince them that you'll be a successful student and veterinarian. Every other goal for the PS flows from there.

 

[bunnity]

There is a prompt and you pretty much do your best to squash all the answers to the prompt into 5000 words that are readable and interesting!

ETA: A lot of people start it out with a story "... it was a dark and stormy night. Fluffy's kidney had fallen out and there was only five year old me to fix it..." but I think it's really hard to do without being cheesy.

 

[twelvetigers]

I started mine with a 'story' but no kidneys were involved, just microscopes.

 

[bunnity]

Oh it can definitely be done. I don't think I could pull it off myself and I feel like I've read some that weren't done well either.

 

[Minnerbelle]

ETA: A lot of people start it out with a story "

my whole thing was pretty much snippets of stories 🙁. but if NC State was my first choice school and it really is true that they want something closer to a more traditional cover letter, I would personally have changed my approach. I don't think it's really fair for one school to want something done a specific way on a common application though. If a cover letter is what they want, why don't they ask for a cover letter in their supplemental apps and just disregard the VMCAS essay 😕

 

[bunnity]

No personal offenses meant by the story thing!

 

[libster06]

ETA: A lot of people start it out with a story "... it was a dark and stormy night. Fluffy's kidney had fallen out and there was only five year old me to fix it..."

Pershmaps I am just delirious, but I lol'd for several minutes (including now, still). Thank you for that 🙂

 

[VMCAS001]

Hey guys,

Year after year, I am told by our veterinary schools, that applicants fail to thoroughly read (and follow) directions.. *NOT* a complaint, just a warning. 🙂

That being said, the veterinary schools (who govern the VMCAS application) have requested the following as topic guidelines in VMCAS instructions for the personal statement:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those activities and unique experiences that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, and discuss your career goals and objectives."

While I can't tell you what to write, I can tell you that it's wise not to stray too far away from the requested topics. 🙂

Thanks guys... see you during VMCAS 2013 which will go live in June 2012.

 

[that redhead]

Hey guys,

Year after year, I am told by our veterinary schools, that applicants fail to thoroughly read (and follow) directions.. *NOT* a complaint, just a warning. 🙂

That being said, the veterinary schools (who govern the VMCAS application) have requested the following as topic guidelines in VMCAS instructions for the personal statement:

"Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those activities and unique experiences that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, and discuss your career goals and objectives."

While I can't tell you what to write, I can tell you that it's wise not to stray too far away from the requested topics. 🙂

I was going to say, there is a posted topic for a reason. In my PS, I adhered to those questions given. That doesn't mean you can't insert your own stories and make it "yours" but I would absolutely follow the prompt.

 

[Lab Vet]

Thanks all, especially the VMCAS rep, for your helpful responses to my question. I'm very grateful I've got loads of time to work on this- the thoughts take a long time to brew, as well as to put together in a logical, convincing, and cohesive manner. Much appreciated!

 

[chelsealee861]

There is a prompt and you pretty much do your best to squash all the answers to the prompt into 5000 words that are readable and interesting!

ETA: A lot of people start it out with a story "... it was a dark and stormy night. Fluffy's kidney had fallen out and there was only five year old me to fix it..." but I think it's really hard to do without being cheesy.

LOL too funny... started mine with a story.. I was 8.. involved my cat 'Sweetie'... talked about her kidney failure. DAMNIT.

 

[jemappellejane]

Mine addressed every aspect of the prompt and incorporated both anecdotes and a professional tone, which is a perfect blend of who I am. That's why it worked for me. Whether it works for the schools I applied to, well, I will have to wait and see about that one 😛

As for you, Lab Vet, props for starting so early. You have all the time in the world to just write, write, and write. I find this the best way to find your voice and determine what your style will be on paper. Especially if you've never written a PS before.

Does NC have a supplemental application? I'm really surprised about the whole cover letter thing. I might get some clarification from the school on this...

 

[twelvetigers]

LOL too funny... started mine with a story.. I was 8.. involved my cat 'Sweetie'... talked about her kidney failure. DAMNIT.

Well, if you did it well you're okay. 😉

 

[hedgiehog]

LOL too funny... started mine with a story.. I was 8.. involved my cat 'Sweetie'... talked about her kidney failure. DAMNIT.

Mine was like that too but I was 13 and it was a hedgehog with kidney failure. I think I worked it in nicely, it wasn't hokey or anything, and hope that the fact that it was a hedgehog will get me some bonus points.

 

[Pomona2006]

Here are a few links to help your writing mojo...

Good luck!

How To Write A Personal Statement For Vet School
Veterinary School - Personal Statement Example
VMCAS - How To Avoid Last Minute Panic