UC Davis c/o 2017 Applicants!!!!

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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anotherbusybee said:
So, I keep hearing that Davis (and other vet schools, in general) want "unique" applicants.

What on earth does that mean for a kid like me?! 🙁 I mean... I feel like the way I see the world and the way I conduct myself is unique from other people. For example, I strongly believe in science and education as tools for social justice, and I've tried to live out my ideals by creating outreach programs and classes. But how on earth do I express this genuinely in a sincere, yet tangible, way? I don't just want to brag about it to "prove" that I'm "unique" or whatever. Yet, I do want adcoms to understand where I'm coming from and to see that it is a special and intrinsic part of who I am. However, for various reasons, I was unable to include this into my general personal statement. So, how do I explain this?? Where do I explain this?... This application process has made me so emotionally insecure LOL

Also, I posted up my stats and experiences, etc. in the "What are my chances?" thread, just in case anyone is interested. But, essentially, I feel like what makes me unique is really my outlook on life and how veterinary medicine fits in with that. But I don't know how or where to express it fully.
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They don't just want the standard carbon-cody student that has great grades, and worked at an animal clinic. It is almost a given that the applicant will have a great academic record, and hours of experience...but what ELSE is there? What else did you experience during your life that sets you apart? Did you do any extra-curriculars like athletics, or were you a part of some unique on campus clubs? Maybe you volunteered on the weekend at a soup kitchen, or homeless shelter, or did you studied abroad, or even grew up in a foreign country. Maybe this is your second career, or you just recently found this passion, but before you were tidying law... All those and countless other things can and will set you apart from the students who have not done it.

As far as animal experience, 99.9% will have worked at an animal clinic, giving vaccines, etc. What unique experiences can you bring to the table? Working at a no-kill or even high-kill shelter is unique, working with rehabilitation clinics is unique, even working for an adoption agency like the SPCA is unique. For example, I worked with an organization called the Peter Zippi Fund, and we take in homeless feral cats, and make them adoptable, loving cats. I also worked with a Shuctzhund training organization, and I did 2 VIDA clinics.. all of these were talked about during my interview. The adcoms at UC Davis were very curious about all three of those (especially VIDA), but asked NOTHING about my work at the veterinary hospital.

Hope this helps!
 
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I think being unique is a lot more than how you view veterinary medicine and how you see its role plays into life. I'm sure those things are very unique about you. And they are important. However, those may be things that just come out naturally during an interview or that people learn about you once you've made it into the class. As shellbell4me said, it's the experiences that set you apart. I have only met a handful of people in my class so far, but I can tell you that everyone has done something that makes you step back and say "Whoa." And that's why they're at UC Davis! It's not a typical vet class. We've done things that not every pre-vet has. For example, there is a lawyer in our class. I know at least one person who has literally worked with elephants for years. And still others that really overcame difficult childhoods and felt veterinary medicine helped them by making a goal and working through things that may have otherwise gotten in their way of living a successful life. Everyone is unique. It's about finding what about you might be unique to someone else. It's easy to know yourself and not think anything is special, but that's because you know yourself. Think of someone who just met you - what experiences have you had that they would want to know more about? For many vet schools, a golden experience is research. It's always great to apply with that. But there are countless others! And I understand what you mean about not wanting to brag but also wanting to prove - this is the application process. By the end of it, you will feel that you can balance both of those things and be very proud that you are able to. It is an insanely careful balance. Ask yourself the question: "Why should UC Davis have you in their program?" You say you haven't been able to fit some things you think are key in your personal statement. I think I should stress that you still have a lot of time to write your personal statement, and you still have enough time to even scrap EVERYTHING and start again! Take it to your school's writing center, show everyone... I know what you mean by there being things you want in there but having no idea how to tie it in. I struggled with that in mine, but time and persistence, and being willing to say "This sucks. I need to start new." and looking at things from very different angles helped. It all takes time. This is why they allot you so much time in applying. Feel free to PM me if you feel like you need any more help!
 
heylodeb said:
The important thing is to remember that is an AVERAGE not a MEAN. I had 1200 and they mentioned that my hours were more than sufficient. The year that I applied the first time, I only had 300 and I was told I needed more hours. It's all a numbers game and quite frankly - if you are qualified, it becomes a crapshoot.

The only thing I can say for Davis that I was told is that they want you to have mostly hoursin your area of interest and then hours in different areas to show you understand the vet field as a whole. (I did this by volunteering for the school in the Equine Surgery service running horses in 100 degree heat for lameness exams, lol)

Good luck guys :luck:
Click to expand...

Is an average not the same thing as a mean? At least in this case?
 
In my ps, I tried to have a theme- communication. I used a lot of my unique extra curriculars- dance teacher for little kids, worked for the dean of my school, president for health care business club, film critic in schools newspaper- to show how they actually will help me become a good vet. Plus, it gave me unique topics to talk about at my interviews.

I was asked what my favorite movie of all time was at my davis Interview (albeit that would probably not Happen in the new style of interviews) . Now THAT was a hard question lol! 🙂
 
While it really helps to have some sort of out-of-the-box experience on your application, I think that there are other ways to make yourself stand out. BusyBee, if you think that your views on science and the veterinary field are what separate you from the crowd, write about that in your PS. It's definitely not too late to redo it.

Edit:
To add a little bit, I did not have any one experience that really stood out. I was really sensitive about it at first. To make up for this, I entered every extracurricular that I've been significantly involved in since high school, even if they weren't animal-related. I felt like this demonstrated I was an eclectic, well-rounded person. In my PS, I talked about my passion for science, rather than my love for animals, and tried to show that I had a strong understanding of how complicated it really is to be a small animal vet.
So even without spending a year working with elephants, I think that I was able to stand out in a subtle way as someone who could thrive in and contribute to veterinary medicine.



Also, TW - they asked me what my favorite movie was, too! It was the very last question of the interview, and I had split second of mind-numbing panic because it was so unexpected. What did you say?
 
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OwlandPussycat said:
While it really helps to have some sort of out-of-the-box experience on your application, I think that there are other ways to make yourself stand out. BusyBee, if you think that your views on science and the veterinary field are what separate you from the crowd, write about that in your PS. It's definitely not too late to redo it.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The ps is where you talk about things that might not be so obvious while looking at your app.
 
TigerWillow said:
Agreed. The ps is where you talk about things that might not be so obvious while looking at your app.
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Exactly. I thought of it as "show and tell". If it couldn't be shown in the main body of the app, I used the PS to tell it. :laugh:
 
My answer was raiders of the lost ark. Went on to say how its a representation of the serials in the 1930s where movies were ultimately escapism during the great depression and entwined movie magic with religion and "could this really happen"
Blah blah blah

I really should have said Jurassic park. The lady that interviewed me did research in genetics so could have impressed her that way! Alas.
 
TigerWillow said:
My answer was raiders of the lost ark. Went on to say how its a representation of the serials in the 1930s where movies were ultimately escapism during the great depression and entwined movie magic with religion and "could this really happen"
Blah blah blah

I really should have said Jurassic park. The lady that interviewed me did research in genetics so could have impressed her that way! Alas.
Click to expand...

Wow, your answer was great! I said "Forrest gump" because I liked the message that you can spend your life being a simple, honest person trying to do good, and end up genuinely changing people's lives. Talk about contrived! And at the end, I think I added that it also has a killer soundtrack.
 
Yeah she was into dog genetics, not cats. She didn't seem amused by any of my answers lol!
 
TigerWillow said:
Yeah she was into dog genetics, not cats. She didn't seem amused by any of my answers lol!
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Lol. She is awesome though. In general, I've had really nice interactions with her.
 
Hi Davis people,

Is anyone here in the VSTP or knowledgeable about it beyond what's posted on the Davis website?
Thanks!
 
Mooshagen: Is an average not the same thing as a mean? At least in this case?


They are synonymous... I have no idea what was meant by the statement you are referring to.
 
She was referring to my comment where I meant to say that it was an "average" not a "mode".
 
So I've decided to throw my unworthy hat in the UC Davis ring because I've fallen in love with California. Goodbye $141. I know its very very very unlikely, but I love what I've read about the school. Unrealistic, I know. but what. the. hell. :laugh: I've gone mad.
 
Hi everyone,

I just called admissions to ask them to check whether they've received my transcripts, and I was told they can't tell me that and that I have to wait until they put up the portal in October, from which I can check myself. So I asked her - so... I won't be able to check until after the apps are due? and she said yes..

I'm confused because everyone always says to make sure to check in and MAKE SURE everything is received ahead of time so it doesn't stall your app process or they don't throw out your app, etc. now they're telling me that's not possible.. was anyone able to check their status? or is everyone getting the same response? Just curious because sometimes you get different answers depending on who picks up the phone.. =/

Thanks!
 
llamafan said:
I'm confused because everyone always says to make sure to check in and MAKE SURE everything is received ahead of time so it doesn't stall your app process or they don't throw out your app, etc. now they're telling me that's not possible.. was anyone able to check their status? or is everyone getting the same response? Just curious because sometimes you get different answers depending on who picks up the phone.. =/
Click to expand...

They can't really organize things completely until they have the VMCAS apps in. I know it's frustrating but just chill, it'll work out.
 
llamafan said:
Hi everyone,

I just called admissions to ask them to check whether they've received my transcripts, and I was told they can't tell me that and that I have to wait until they put up the portal in October, from which I can check myself. So I asked her - so... I won't be able to check until after the apps are due? and she said yes..

I'm confused because everyone always says to make sure to check in and MAKE SURE everything is received ahead of time so it doesn't stall your app process or they don't throw out your app, etc. now they're telling me that's not possible.. was anyone able to check their status? or is everyone getting the same response? Just curious because sometimes you get different answers depending on who picks up the phone.. =/

Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you are missing anything, they will contact you and let you know as well as give you a deadline in which to send it in. (at least this has been done in previous years)
 
Ok cool, just wanted to make sure since so many people seemed to emphasize the importance of confirming they received the docs. Thank you! 🙂
 
Hey class of 2016, I have a question for you (or anyone that knows for that matter). How do you calculate the last 45 GPA specifically for Davis. I realize that it is the last 45 semester/68 Quarter units, but I am not sure how to calculate it because I have pass/no pass credit. I had to take some research credits P/F. So I am not sure if I should include the last 45S/68Q units including the P/F credits, or if I should only include the last 45S/68Q GRADED units. I was trying to search the website, but couldnt come up with anything! So if any of you girls/guys had a similar issue and have advice then that would be great!!
 
Davis is my IS and I will definitely be applying there (though not for C/O 2017)! I was looking at their website and I can't figure out if prerequisites expire after a certain period of time. Do any of you know?

For instance ... I got my BS in 2010 (engineering) but am working on a second bachelor's in bio. I'm not sure if I need to retake physics since I took a 3 semester calculus based sequence in 2007/2008. By the time I apply those will be 5+ years old. A couple schools put expiration dates on courses, but I can't figure out if Davis is one of them.

Thanks!
 
Thought you folks would interested in an e-mail that went out this morning. No new news but an interesting read:

."Faculty, Staff and Students.
.School of Veterinary Medicine.

Last year the Executive Committee appointed an Admissions Task Force to review the strengths and weaknesses of the School's professional DVM admissions process and make recommendations for refinement of our processes. The Task Force examined extensive data collected over the past ten years, reviewed the literature on admission processes for both veterinary and medical schools, and determined that changes to the admission process would benefit the School, particularly in light of the new curriculum. The new admissions process includes an evaluation of academic factors using the applicant's overall science GPA, the GPA of their last 45 units and their Quantitative GRE scores. In addition, two new processes will be implemented to evaluate non-academic factors this year for the selection of the Class of 2017.
.First, evaluations will include utilizing an evaluation tool developed by the Educational Testing Service known as a Personal Potential Index (PPI). Applicants will self-identify individuals to participate in the PPI evaluations, which are administered electronically. Evaluators will be asked to provide information and rate the applicant on six personal attributes that are critical to success in graduate and professional school. These six attributes are: knowledge and creativity, communication skills, teamwork, resilience, planning and organization, and ethics and integrity..

.Second, a new form of interview, the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) technique, will be utilized in place of the traditional interview format. The MMI is a series of short, structured interviews used to assess personal traits/qualities. This interview style is more quantitative and assesses attributes of future veterinarians that are important for success including critical thinking skills, communication skills, teamwork, reliability, responsibility and moral and ethical reasoning.

We are very excited about these two key changes which will provide an innovative approach to our admissions process and continue to support the selection of outstanding DVM candidates...
.

.Dean Michael D. Lairmore"
.
 
ARRGGHHH!

The website for VSTP addmissions has changed. They now have a different application timeline, different requirements, and an additional required letter of recommendation. I've called the VSTP director's office and left a message. I'll call her again if she doesn't call back to make sure these changes really do apply to this cycle. If they do, I have less than a month to find another person to write me a LOR, for them to write it, and for them to snail mail it to Davis.

I checked this website less than two weeks ago and it said applicants only needed four letters! Now it says we need "a minimum" of five!

I'm seriously freaking out.:scared:
 
washbucket said:
ARRGGHHH!

The website for VSTP addmissions has changed. They now have a different application timeline, different requirements, and an additional required letter of recommendation. I've called the VSTP director's office and left a message. I'll call her again if she doesn't call back to make sure these changes really do apply to this cycle. If they do, I have less than a month to find another person to write me a LOR, for them to write it, and for them to snail mail it to Davis.

I checked this website less than two weeks ago and it said applicants only needed four letters! Now it says we need "a minimum" of five!

I'm seriously freaking out.:scared:
Click to expand...

The other VSTP stuff isn't due until October 15th. Take a deep breath.

Did you fill out a graduate group application? If you have 3 people writing you letters for that, they should be able to evaluate your research potential and I'm sure you could use one of them for the VSTP application as well.
 
nyanko said:
The other VSTP stuff isn't due until October 15th. Take a deep breath.

Did you fill out a graduate group application? If you have 3 people writing you letters for that, they should be able to evaluate your research potential and I'm sure you could use one of them for the VSTP application as well.
Click to expand...

First: Thank you for the encouragement.*Takes deep breath. Feels better*

Second: I'm applying to a graduate group this fall (Genetics), but the application doesn't open until "September" - it hasn't yet. I knew this in the spring, when I asked professors to write me LORs for it, so none of them are expecting to get asked until later this month, and then they have until December 15th - the Genetics grad group deadline.
None of this would be so much of a problem if I could go see them, but they are all in Ohio (where I went to college) and I am in California (I graduated a year ago, did a gap year in Ohio, and am now doing another gap year here in my home state).
So, I have people I can ask, I just can't contact them except via email, which is a terrible way to ask someone to write you a LOR in three and a half weeks.

I did email one of my professors asking if he can do it, and he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

I will admit, though, that part of the freaking out is because I had everything set up LOR-wise by the end of May, and then suddenly in September this happens. I had been counting my LORs as the one thing I really didn't have to worry about. Oh well.
 
washbucket said:
First: Thank you for the encouragement.*Takes deep breath. Feels better*

Second: I'm applying to a graduate group this fall (Genetics), but the application doesn't open until "September" - it hasn't yet. I knew this in the spring, when I asked professors to write me LORs for it, so none of them are expecting to get asked until later this month, and then they have until December 15th - the Genetics grad group deadline.
Click to expand...

lol it's a big pain in the butt to apply to the VSTP, I totally get you.

I do believe that the VSTP would prefer if you would submit the graduate group application somewhat earlier before the deadline though, especially since they're moving on a faster admissions schedule for the DVM program now.

I know a lot of people in the GGG. If you don't mind me asking, who are you thinking about working with? You can PM me if you want. 🙂
 
nyanko said:
lol it's a big pain in the butt to apply to the VSTP, I totally get you.

I do believe that the VSTP would prefer if you would submit the graduate group application somewhat earlier before the deadline though, especially since they're moving on a faster admissions schedule for the DVM program now.

I know a lot of people in the GGG. If you don't mind me asking, who are you thinking about working with? You can PM me if you want. 🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
So....
I ordered my PPI report be sent about a month ago, because all of my evaluators had filled it out, so I thought why not. I just checked on the order history, to be sure it went through, and found that UC Davis has requested resends twice.

Anyone else send theirs yet? Any resend requests?
 
I still have all my old PPI reports. Do those get sent with the new ones?

Or I guess the better question is: Some of my evaluators for the PPI would be repeats. Do I request they do new ones?
 
wldlfstdnt said:
I still have all my old PPI reports. Do those get sent with the new ones?

Or I guess the better question is: Some of my evaluators for the PPI would be repeats. Do I request they do new ones?
Click to expand...

I think you specify which reports get sent when you send reports. If you have the ones you need, they should still be good, but you'll want to check that. I believe it would be in the PPI FAQ on the ETS website (acronym overload!).
 
So Davis has changed the deadline for the VSTP application AGAIN. I mean, I'm happy to have an extra two weeks to work on it, but I really wish they would stop changing things...
 
RetroUnicorn said:
Has anyone been registered to the portal system yet?
Click to expand...

Yep! I sent in my VMCAS application way early, though.

The portal seems pretty simple to me. Easy-to-understand layout, not much information beyond what we already know, no obvious bugs so far, etc. I think the supplemental application is the little "secondary application" that's listed on the portal, which took me under a minute to fill out. It's also very clear to see on the portal whether or not they have your transcripts, GRE scores, and PPI evaluations.
 
washbucket said:
They sent me an email link when they processed my application.
Click to expand...

About how long after you submitted your VMCAS did you get the link for the portal via email?

I'm assuming it might take a while now that it's close to Oct. 2...haha
 
RetroUnicorn said:
About how long after you submitted your VMCAS did you get the link for the portal via email?

I'm assuming it might take a while now that it's close to Oct. 2...haha
Click to expand...

Well, I got the email about 20 days after I submitted my VMCAS, but since I submitted early, it might have been a week or more between me submitting and VMCAS sending the application to Davis. I wouldn't expect it right away. They seem really busy over there.
 
Kind of regretting not applying here... SIGH! Oh well!
 
I want the portal link, so I can at least have it.
 
Just got the portal link for Davis...there's not much to it haha

I guess they don't have essays because they're planning on grilling people during interviews.
 
RetroUnicorn said:
Just got the portal link for Davis...there's not much to it haha

I guess they don't have essays because they're planning on grilling people during interviews.
Click to expand...

That makes me go YAY! And then NOOOOO!
Sent from my PC36100 using SDN Mobile
 
RetroUnicorn said:
Just got the portal link for Davis...there's not much to it haha

I guess they don't have essays because they're planning on grilling people during interviews.
Click to expand...


I see a pattern emerging. V-T also has a simple questionnaire as their supp, and they also do the MMI interview format. Better bring the PAM cuz there's def gonna be some grilling!
 
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