stuck in limbo...

[beaniebaby23]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been a lurker for the past month but I really just needed to get something off my chest that I can't really talk to friends or family about. I missed this morning's VMCAS application deadline...apparently by 1-2 minutes. I emailed a request for an extension deadline but I'm not feeling too hopeful about that. I've been in a weird daze all day...not sure what to do with myself.

A little about me...I'm more of a non-trad student--older with a degree in history, went to great college but really struggled (my undergrad transcript/gpa is really ugly), made a choice to pursue vet med later in life. About a year ago, I quit my cushy job in PR and moved back in with my parents (yes, which sucks), started pre-vet studies and got a job working at a vet hospital. I tried to cram all my pre-reqs and animal/vet experience into a single year so that I could apply to vet schools this year. It's been a while since I had a break but I' worked my tuchus off to get bio, g-chem, orgo, microbiology, calc, and physics finished while making Dean's List each term.

Trying to get all the VMCAS stuff done while working/going to school has been hard. What's worse is that I actually thought I was in good shape. I took the GREs a few weeks ago and rocked them. My eLORS were done. Every other part of the application was ready for submission. My only issue was the personal statement, which I just couldn't get under 5000 characters. At about 10AM this morning I was still tweaking but figured I had ample time to get my app submitted electronically. What the heck was I thinking?!?!?

Okay, so it 's been a while since I slept more 3 hours in a row, which I'm sure has impaired my thinking to a degree. But still, by the time I clicked on submit to turn in my app, the image on the screen wouldn't budge. I didn't know what to do so I tried turning a bunch of programs off and on, which did nothing. Finally, I just restarted my computer. This time, since I clicked on submit, my request was denied since the deadline had passed. I had no clue that it had taken me past noon to get everything working again.

I'm just so sad and disappointed...and angry with myself. All of the hard work and sacrifice of the past year gone to waste because I simply lost track of time. I have no one to blame by myself. The thought of having to wait another additional year of pre-vet studies is pretty disheartening. Kind of just feel like giving up at this point. 🙁

 

[Truby]

Don't give up!!!! If this is really what you want (and it obviously is given what you've already sacrificed), you've got to have hope and keep trying. Don't rule this year out yet, you haven't heard from VMCAS and they may give you an extension since it was a computer problem. Even if you don't get in this year don't give up you've worked this long and hard and in the grand scheme of things one more year isn't really so bad. Good luck, I hope you get in this year.

 

[Shanomong]

What about non-VMCAS schools? Do any of them have later deadlines? At least that could get your app in to some places this year...

 

[OneHealthDVM]

I would definitely try non-VMCAS schools. if you think you may be competitive at Tufts, it is a great option. Also Tuskegee, if I am correct, is a non-VMCAS participating school. Similarly, don't forget about other options like Ross, SGU, or something similar. You have options! even a graduate degree could help you. Don't feel down about yourself. Things happen, murphy's law happens, life happens. Don't beat yourself up. Be the person you want to be, change as much of your situation that you can. move on from the moments that passed. You may be kicking yourself right now, but there is no sense in mulling over it any more. Make this moment into something positive. Learn from it, grow from it, hell...even make a personal statement out of it for next year's cycle, if that's what you want or need.

 

[bruinvetman]

I agree with the others. Apply to the non-vmcas schools and don't get too down until you actually hear back from vmcas. I'm sure they might make an exception for you if you were only a couple minutes late and there was a computer problem.

 

[david594]

Also check out some of the european schools for later apps.

This is why VMCAS tells you all along not to wait until the last minute.

 

[cwazy cat lady]

From hat it sounds, unless there is a specific class you didn't take but need, you will be a strong candidate. I would definitely get the application into Tufts and elsewhere.

From what I saw with the UK schools last spring (Edinburgh), I wouldn't be surprised if there is still a way to submit your application there, too...

You can do it, especially if you are very open to go to other places than just one particular school...!

👍

 

[Martee527]

Don't don't don't give up!!!!! You can do it!

The deadline issue does suck but, you can still apply to the non-VMCAS schools. There is always next year too! Hang in there!

p.s. An admissions person told me once "we love non-traditional students." Being one myself, it was nice to hear. 🙂

 

[Highlsnds3]

I love the fact that they love non-trads😍, says the 38 year old first time applicant!

 

[beaniebaby23]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement and helpful ideas everyone. It really means a lot to me.

Haven't heard back from VMCAS yet but I looked into some non-VMCAS schools in the meantime. Both Tufts and St. Matthews are pretty appealing. I've been interested in Tufts for a while (love their philosophy on vet med) but wasn't going to bother applying since my GPA from undergrad is so craptastic. I just don't know if I stand out enough to get in. Finances are also a major worry. I was hoping to get into my state school for tuition purposes alone but that isn't going to happen, at least not this cycle. As for St. Matthews: out of the 3 Caribbean schools, I most identify with their approach. Tuition is pretty affordable too. But..(and I know this sounds silly), I couldn't take my 2 cats with me, at least not for me 1st semester. I dunno what I'd do without them, especially my oldest who I haven't spent more than a few days away from since I got him 7 years ago.

I guess I still feel crappy because I know that I'm going to be letting down SO many people who have patiently supported me this past year. But a couple of things happened while I was at work today. First, it helped strengthen my resolve to make it to vet school...I love love love my job and I know I'll make an awesome vet one day. Second, traditional, schmaditional. It's annoying to think about just how much longer I'm going to have to wait to start vet school but in the long run, it may be good for me. I was so focused on doing this in the shortest time possible that I haven't had time to breathe. Having to wait another year might give me some time to take a break...maybe travel or something. There is an awesome volunteer vacay program I've been wanting to take for a while. As hard as I'm going to have to work once I'm in vet school, maybe an extra year is like a blessing in disguise.

Of course, I'm still praying that VMCAS will make an exception for me but since it wasn't a catastrophic event that kept me from sending my application in, I know I'm probably screwed. But there's still hope, even if it shrinks by the minute.