sending update letters to vet schools?

[Optimistic 13]

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[FlyOnTheWall]

1st time applicant here..
Is it customary to send an update letter around this time to the vet schools that you've applied to, letting them know what you've been doing the past few months that may strengthen your application? In other words, do the vet schools expect to receive these- and could it help your app to send one vs hurt your chances if you don't? I'm just curious about how many people actually do this and if the vet schools want to receive them

If so, what should the format of this type of letter be? Similar to a cover letter on a job application, explaining your recent experiences and how they have helped your qualifications? thanks for the input!

No, it's not customary to send an update. Most Ad-coms are accessing the files now. Since it's almost all via computer, a hard copy update will have a hard time finding it's way to anyone in a timely manner. The only updating that will be done will be fall grades. Save the stuff you've done recently for the interviews. 👍

 

[starlene45]

Save the stuff you've done recently for the interviews. 👍

Or for the Wisconsin supplemental?? They have these questions asking about vet/animal experience gained AFTER submitting VMCAS, yikes, I mean, it's only been a month and a half! There is another question which focuses more on personal growth/leadership type activities you've done AFTER submitting your VMCAS.

I feel like I'm floundering around a little trying to figure out what to say for the essays. The supplemental is due in December, should I just wait and hope I get to learn or experience some amazing new thing in between now and then? Honestly I'd really rather get it done sooner than later so's I don't forget about it.

I have definitely improved my anesthesia knowledge and critical care nursing skills in the last month (and will hopefully get promoted soon) b/c I got a new mentor at my hospital, but I don't know if that's "enough"?

Help? Ideas, anyone?

 

[david594]

Help? Ideas, anyone?

Getting experience with a shelter best is one of the best things I feel I have done. Really opened my eyes to a whole new aspect of small animal medicine I didn't know existed.

 

[Malhi]

I am in the same boat, starlene45. You are right it's just been a month and a half since the VMCAS. My supplementals have kept me so busy, I didn't have time for studies. Since I am taking 4 science and 1 math class, I decided I needed to concentrate on those for the rest of the semester and not go to the shelter or spend a lot of time in research!

I think I will just send updated volunteer and research hours (not many).😛

Luckily, I organized a few things as president of the pre-vet club. I can put those down as leadership experience that I have gained!

 

[CBRGrl]

Save the stuff you've done recently for the interviews. 👍

Too bad CSU doesn't interview anymore. I wonder if they'll accept update letters in leu of interviews...hmm

 

[FlyOnTheWall]

Too bad CSU doesn't interview anymore. I wonder if they'll accept update letters in leu of interviews...hmm

Hmmm... If you were in the stack that would've gotten interviews (in-state) it couldn't hurt. Can't say if it would help.

 

[starlene45]

I think I will just send updated volunteer and research hours (not many).😛

Luckily, I organized a few things as president of the pre-vet club. I can put those down as leadership experience that I have gained!

Hmm yeah I can definitely update my hours.

I also recently organized two fundraising mailers for the non-profit-all-volunteer vet clinic i work with in SF, and am organizing and running an educational seminar for homeless pet owners living in Golden Gate Park (emphasis on parvo education, there have been 16 parvo pups in GGP in the last month that we know of) next week... Maybe i do have stuff to write about, after all!

I would love love love to do some shelter work but would have to bend the space-time continuum to make that happen in between the paying job, the volunteer job, and the o-chem. Oh well I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Thanks for the ideas. I feel much better now 😀