You could always shoot them an email. However, it'll be up when it'll be up. You're not going to see any interview invites for a while. All the portal would tell you right now is the stats they have on you basically.
This is not directed at you specifically, but I feel like I have literally said this point so many times this cycle. On the APVMA page, other threads, etc. This stuff takes weeks. Just because your VMCAS is electronic doesn't mean the schools have a system to download that info (which is probably another improvement that could be made).
We undefstand it takes weeks. I believe most of us are asking rhetorically, as we are anxious to hear. I fully understand they are busy and it will be awhile yet! Just very excited.
Is 800 a normal number of applicants for Illinois? That seems like it's a little low…
Thats what I was honestly thinking too lol
To me it sounded like they meant 800 total applicants, but who knows!
They usually get 850-950 according to the website. Depending on the school, the 'total applicant pool' may or may not reflect individuals who applied but didn't meet basic qualifications (missing a prereq, GPA too low to even be considered, etc.). VMCAS is still sending out apps last I checked, too. They may have more on the way.
I think a lot of midwestern applicants apply to most of the midwestern schools...Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, and sometimes Iowa. Most people don't bother with Wisconsin unless they know they have a decent shot. There's around 10 MSU undergrads in my class, and I know a lot more than that interviewed here! I think they invite at least 200 OOS just to interview
haha yeah that's why I didn't bother with Wisconsin myself. I think Illinois might actually be interviewing more people this year though (last year was 300, now they say 350?). Should make for a crazier interview day.
Sounds about right
Maybe it would feel normal, haha. I don't think our accepted student page was updated until mid-June, but I don't remember that well. Mind you, we had several tasks to complete over the summer.
Illinois is on the quarter system! We have two rounds of midterms and finals each semester (unless there is a quarter dedicated to rotations). There's pros and cons to how the curriculum is set up, but that list varies for each person. I personally dislike that all subjects (histo, anatomy, etc.) make up one grade for each quarter course (so VM602 for me right now). You can ace your histology/imaging portion of the midterm, but fail anatomy, and it leads to an average midterm grade. With that being said, that also gives you a better chance of not failing the course (because most people would do poorly in anatomy with our practical average being below a 50%) since your strengths would balance out your weaknesses. I like not having to take a tons of exams during midterms/finals, and I like that all of the courses are on the same schedule when it comes to exams. Our midterm was a 3 hour session with an anatomy practical, a histo/imaging multiple choice exam, and a neuro/physio multiple choice exam (computerized). Tomorrow's final will be the same way, but our day two exam is more integrative and deals with more case-based stuff.
Come take mine for me!!!!
Seriously though, come here next year so I can be your big!
I believe most schools do. OK does as well.
It's fun. Bigs leave surprises for their littles around exams and whatever. I got my big stuff for finals week too. It's also another friendly face when you have questions about something. Some bigs may or may not pass down a wealth of study materials, not that I know anything about that.....
As Lupin said, it's a pretty common thing among vet schools. I know Oregon and UTK have it. It's a nice way to create bonds between classes
Some bigs may or may not pass down a wealth of study materials, not that I know anything about that.....
It's not much like a sorority though. It's basically a casual mentor system. Some people get really close with their bigs, others like myself wave at them when I see them and ask them any questions I have. And exchange noms with them.
I feel like that's exactly how it is in my sorority! I'm not very close with my little, but I was there to help introduce her to the campus and help her out with any questions she had!
Well I stand corrected!! I'm sure it varies a lot. I wasn't in a sorority myself, but a few of my friends seemed like they were attached to their big at the hip
Oh no no I don't mean to say you're wrong! Many girls in my sorority are that way, that just wasn't the case with me! Do you know if Iowa State has the system? I think it would be very helpful!
Note sure, maybe post over in that thread and see if anyone knows! I imagine most schools have it or something similar. It's a fun, easy way to help first years feel welcome.
Sounds like we had very different Greek experiences...
Right after mine was verified I was like that too! However I was verified in August... So it's just taking me until now to calm down.
Right after mine was verified I was like that too! However I was verified in August... So it's just taking me until now to calm down.
How many schools did you apply to this cycle? Good luck!
Well I'm sure you'll get in!!!! Keep us posted!!! This is such an exciting time!
