University of Tennessee c/o 2020 Applicants

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Yeah, I am full of snark, but here is the deal.

If you are rejected, you have basically two choices.

1) Be professional, smart, and mature about it. Recognize that you were rejected because of deficiencies in YOUR application. Not because someone "stole" your seat. Improve your app, try again.

2) Be unprofessional, dumb, and immature. Complain that people "steal" seats, implying that you deserved one and other people didn't earn their seat. Blow off Oct-Mar when you could be improving your app. Insult people who are currently students or practicing veterinarians, some of whom may have connections at the very school to which you are applying.

The beauty of life is that you get to choose which response you go with, and nobody can force you to pick one or the other.......
 
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For those of you already in the program- do you feel like vet school is more fulfilling than regular undergrad? I enjoy school, but am hopeful that classes in vet school will be more involved and exciting
 
Pawsitive Vibrations said:
For those of you already in the program- do you feel like vet school is more fulfilling than regular undergrad? I enjoy school, but am hopeful that classes in vet school will be more involved and exciting
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In general yes, because I feel like I'm working towards my goal. But I do miss being able to take classes in topics other than my primary career interest. And the truth is, most of our classes are pretty darn boring. Practicing medicine is one thing; listening to other people for six hours a day tell you how to practic medicine is quite another thing.
 
Doktor Timo said:
In general yes, because I feel like I'm working towards my goal. But I do miss being able to take classes in topics other than my primary career interest. And the truth is, most of our classes are pretty darn boring. Practicing medicine is one thing; listening to other people for six hours a day tell you how to practic medicine is quite another thing.
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I'm not at Tennessee but I think this is a great point. You might have classes (for me it's Epi or anything poultry related) that you aren't interested, and even if you are, there's SO much that even stuff you love to study can be a chore. I personally think it's important to remember that while I generally love what I'm learning, there are parts (lots of exams, stress, never catching up, etc), about vet school that I dislike or even hate. This can be jolting for those who expect to walk in and love every second (and there's one or two that do!), but that's okay not to love it all the time, because in the end everyone is striving to be a veterinarian, not a vet student. So it's okay to not be head-over heels in love the middle man every second of the day.
 
Nobody applies to vet school because they want to ultimately be a vet student. We apply because we want to be veterinarians, and vet school is a means to that end. You may not love vet school. You may even hate it. Or, like probably most of us, your feelings will be a giant conflicting mess of all those things. And that's okay.
 
W
Ashgirl said:
I'm not at Tennessee but I think this is a great point. You might have classes (for me it's Epi or anything poultry related) that you aren't interested, and even if you are, there's SO much that even stuff you love to study can be a chore. I personally think it's important to remember that while I generally love what I'm learning, there are parts (lots of exams, stress, never catching up, etc), about vet school that I dislike or even hate. This can be jolting for those who expect to walk in and love every second (and there's one or two that do!), but that's okay not to love it all the time, because in the end everyone is striving to be a veterinarian, not a vet student. So it's okay to not be head-over heels in love the middle man every second of the day.
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Well put- thank you!
 
Is anyone else looking into ways to improve applications or has any advice on how to this?

For me, I feel like my lack luster GPA is the weakest part of my application. Since I have already graduated with my BS, how can I improve this before next application? Are graduate certificates considered in GPA totals? Is it worth it?
 
I had a similar experience. I ended up taking several online/night science classes through my community college, which made a big difference.

Vetskoldreama said:
Is anyone else looking into ways to improve applications or has any advice on how to this?

For me, I feel like my lack luster GPA is the weakest part of my application. Since I have already graduated with my BS, how can I improve this before next application? Are graduate certificates considered in GPA totals? Is it worth it?
Click to expand...
 
Pawsitive Vibrations said:
For those of you already in the program- do you feel like vet school is more fulfilling than regular undergrad? I enjoy school, but am hopeful that classes in vet school will be more involved and exciting
Click to expand...

Yes.



Thought I'd leave you hanging? I'm one of the nerds who, even on the worst days when I get (what I feel) is a lousy grade, and I'm miserable and likely borderline tears, angry, frustrated at how much time I spent studying but didn't get the score I wanted/needed because I want a residency and if I don't get the right grades I won't get in, yadda, yadda, yadda..........LOL! Yeah, I'm the nerd who thinks all that and STILL loves it! Right now, one of my classes is putting my next-seat-neighbor to sleep, literally. I'm just having the eye-burn from it. Some of my other classes are very engaging. Just like everyone else said, it's a grab bag of what you enjoy and what you may not enjoy. You're not here because you like being locked away with no social life, studying in a dungeon at all hours, hoping the dragons won't run out of fire to light your way. You're here because you want to become a veterinarian who is as well-rounded and well-educated as possible. And that "here" refers to any vet school. If you want it, it's worth it, and it's as exciting as you make it!
 
Vetskoldreama said:
Is anyone else looking into ways to improve applications or has any advice on how to this?

For me, I feel like my lack luster GPA is the weakest part of my application. Since I have already graduated with my BS, how can I improve this before next application? Are graduate certificates considered in GPA totals? Is it worth it?
Click to expand...

So, I had a poop GPA from my original BA from about 10 years ago or so. Called the school, and apparently after you graduate, you can't change your GPA. HOWEVER - you CAN re-take courses if you so choose and demonstrate that you are capable of obtaining a higher grade. Instead of jumping on the "what can I change with my GPA" bandwagon, have you called for file reviews yet? Also, may I add at this point, UT has yet to complete their decisions for this cycle. Then after you get your file review, you may discover from the schools that it is in fact not your GPA that is the issue. It could be one single or a combination of any number of things, including not putting your social security number in correctly or something else as absurd as that. The best recommendation any of us can make is to call the schools that offer file reviews and to go from there.....and to keep in mind that UT hasn't finished this cycle's decisions yet 😀
 
GAH-47D said:
So, I had a poop GPA from my original BA from about 10 years ago or so. Called the school, and apparently after you graduate, you can't change your GPA. HOWEVER - you CAN re-take courses if you so choose and demonstrate that you are capable of obtaining a higher grade. Instead of jumping on the "what can I change with my GPA" bandwagon, have you called for file reviews yet? Also, may I add at this point, UT has yet to complete their decisions for this cycle. Then after you get your file review, you may discover from the schools that it is in fact not your GPA that is the issue. It could be one single or a combination of any number of things, including not putting your social security number in correctly or something else as absurd as that. The best recommendation any of us can make is to call the schools that offer file reviews and to go from there.....and to keep in mind that UT hasn't finished this cycle's decisions yet 😀
Click to expand...

Thank you for your advice, and I know UT hasn't made decisions yet. Although I am hopeful about UT and it would be a dream come true, I am trying to be realistic about my future. As an OOS applicant, Im preparing myself for the statistical probabilities of reapplying next year.

I will most certainly contact schools that rejected me this year, but many request I don't contact them until April or May. That leaves me so little time to make changes and reapply. But I will be contacting them, and making any changes suggested.

When you re-took courses, did you choose ones you made a C or lower in? And did you declare a major to get funding? I'm paying for my courses right now (physics 1 & 2) with creditcards because I didn't declare a major.
 
Vetskoldreama said:
Thank you for your advice, and I know UT hasn't made decisions yet. Although I am hopeful about UT and it would be a dream come true, I am trying to be realistic about my future. As an OOS applicant, Im preparing myself for the statistical probabilities of reapplying next year.

I will most certainly contact schools that rejected me this year, but many request I don't contact them until April or May. That leaves me so little time to make changes and reapply. But I will be contacting them, and making any changes suggested.

When you re-took courses, did you choose ones you made a C or lower in? And did you declare a major to get funding? I'm paying for my courses right now (physics 1 & 2) with creditcards because I didn't declare a major.
Click to expand...

I ended up getting a second degree about 10 years later, a BS this time. I only needed one or to additional courses, so I enrolled full-time and paid cash for my degree. I had a career prior, so I could afford it at my in-state school. It ended up being about 2 years, including summers - my first degree transferred a TON of credits towards a second one - but in the end it was worth it. I was a Biology major with a pre-professional/pre-veterinary concentration. I never retook courses though. My first degree is in English Literature and my second, as you can now see, had zero cross-over except for core courses. Some schools wanted me to retake courses that were 10 years old, but they were few and far between, so I chose my better GPA over chancing it for one or two applications that weren't a guarantee anyway. If I did have to retake anything, I would retake things that garnered C's and absolutely D's. That way, while the GPA reflects the poorer grades, the newer grade will demonstrate a better view of your understanding and determination to succeed. Don't hold onto credit card debt if you can help it. It's not the "good" kind of credit like a house can be. Worst case scenario, can you work over the summer and maybe do work-study with the school, so you can pay cash for courses? I worked 4 part-time jobs while I was a full-time student, (I'm a little insane, and I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT!!!) and it helped cover everything. I had to drop 2 jobs though in spring semester my last year though b/c my grades started to drop - like I said, it wasn't a good idea, so don't do it! Two is probably max for anyone!! Finding out in April or May still gives you a ton of time for re-application. The VMCAS isn't due until Sep/Oct, and then any experience or classes you'd need could be covered in the year you'd have ahead of you. Don't go charging full steam right now - it's good to think ahead, but slow down a little and take a breather. You'll find if you do that, a plan will take form much more easily.
 
Does anyone know how they release admissions decisions? I thought she mentioned during the info session that it was via email, but online it mentions that they wanted them mailed by February 7th.
 
Jezbeth321 said:
Does anyone know how they release admissions decisions? I thought she mentioned during the info session that it was via email, but online it mentions that they wanted them mailed by February 7th.
Click to expand...
They do email and snail mail. You'll get the email first.
 
Hello everyone! I've been lurking but have really enjoyed reading all the messages so I signed up to follow along with everyone. Wish I had found this thread sooner. I interviewed on January 23rd and really loved the school. This is my second year applying to vet schools and I applied to a broader range of schools. I've already heard back from my IS school and was waitlisted (same as last year) and know that the chances of the IS waitlist moving are slim. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the OOS schools that I applied to. To all the current DVM students on the thread - How many times did you apply before being accepted somewhere?
 
Kyrae93 said:
Hello everyone! I've been lurking but have really enjoyed reading all the messages so I signed up to follow along with everyone. Wish I had found this thread sooner. I interviewed on January 23rd and really loved the school. This is my second year applying to vet schools and I applied to a broader range of schools. I've already heard back from my IS school and was waitlisted (same as last year) and know that the chances of the IS waitlist moving are slim. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the OOS schools that I applied to. To all the current DVM students on the thread - How many times did you apply before being accepted somewhere?
Click to expand...

I'm probably an outlier, but I only applied once and I only applied to one school because I like to live dangerously. On the other hand, I have a classmate who didn't get accepted until her fourth application. I also had a friend who got waitlisted on her first attempt and then never re-applied. So there's a big range of experiences out there. If you're getting waitlisted at schools at least you know you're pretty close to getting it, so it's worth re-applying as many times as you are willing to try.
 
Kyrae93 said:
Hello everyone! I've been lurking but have really enjoyed reading all the messages so I signed up to follow along with everyone. Wish I had found this thread sooner. I interviewed on January 23rd and really loved the school. This is my second year applying to vet schools and I applied to a broader range of schools. I've already heard back from my IS school and was waitlisted (same as last year) and know that the chances of the IS waitlist moving are slim. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the OOS schools that I applied to. To all the current DVM students on the thread - How many times did you apply before being accepted somewhere?
Click to expand...

I'm also an outlier, as I too was accepted on my first round. But I had a few rejections as well as interview invites. Doktor Timo pretty much gave you the spread: I have a classmate that was wait listed everywhere and then was called by UT at the last minute to take a seat. I have another friend who applied 6 times....yes, SIX times before they got in, another applied twice, some it was their third time, others it was also their first cycle. As with anything, if the schools are willing to give a file review, take them up on it. If you're wait listed repeatedly, there has to be something you can do in order to push you over that line!
 
GAH-47D said:
Yes.



Thought I'd leave you hanging? I'm one of the nerds who, even on the worst days when I get (what I feel) is a lousy grade, and I'm miserable and likely borderline tears, angry, frustrated at how much time I spent studying but didn't get the score I wanted/needed because I want a residency and if I don't get the right grades I won't get in, yadda, yadda, yadda..........LOL! Yeah, I'm the nerd who thinks all that and STILL loves it! Right now, one of my classes is putting my next-seat-neighbor to sleep, literally. I'm just having the eye-burn from it. Some of my other classes are very engaging. Just like everyone else said, it's a grab bag of what you enjoy and what you may not enjoy. You're not here because you like being locked away with no social life, studying in a dungeon at all hours, hoping the dragons won't run out of fire to light your way. You're here because you want to become a veterinarian who is as well-rounded and well-educated as possible. And that "here" refers to any vet school. If you want it, it's worth it, and it's as exciting as you make it!
Click to expand...
Um, am I the sleepy seat mate?
 
So when does everyone think we will start hearing back?? 😀
 
Weather is poopy here right now - plus we already had one snow day - so don't freak out if it takes them longer! Breathe, pick up the phone and call if it's becoming ridiculously late, i.e. three weeks have passed and you have heard NOTHING, not even an update on how long it will be kind of notice, etc. Savvy? Chin up, you're almost home!
 
I would not bank on early this week. My guess is it won't happen until the next week. It sucks, I know... Try to stay calm about it.
 
Every email I get makes me nervous.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
I got my acceptance email while standing in my wedding venue with my future mother-in-law trying to get ready for my wedding the next day. As soon as I saw the subject line I just said "excuse me" and walked outside because I didn't want to be around anybody if I ended up getting bad news. Fortunately it was good news, but that was quite the nerve-wracking day. So I feel your pain.
 
I keep getting notifications for this thread, so I've been stalking for decisions. I'm rooting for all of you! The waiting is super hard, but try to keep yourself busy. I'd love to be future colleagues with all of you 🙂
 
Hi all! I've been following this thread, and I've got to tell you, the wait is about to be the death of me! Lets hope today is the day! (also, sorry if I made anyone have a heart attack by posting, haha)
 
When they sent out the interview emails, they sent mine at 9:30... I wonder if they'll send emails around the same time (which, in TN, is now!)....
 
Ceens said:
When they sent out the interview emails, they sent mine at 9:30... I wonder if they'll send emails around the same time (which, in TN, is now!)....
Click to expand...

The interview invites were sent out at all different times so makes it hard to tell!! Mine came in around 1:30 pm if I remember correctly.
 
Ahh fingers crossed guys! Right when I was looking up how to cope with rejection my acceptance came! Not for UTK but granted waiting is tough for every school!
 
Has anyone else had the urge to just break down and beg them to tell you their decision? I've been feeling that for the last couple of days, haha. It feels like I can't wait even another minute!
 
To put everyone at ease... I couldn't stand it, I emailed Deborah and she said they won't be emailing until probably Wednesday or Thursday 🙁


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
Ceens said:
To put everyone at ease... I couldn't stand it, I emailed Deborah and she said they won't be emailing until probably Wednesday or Thursday 🙁


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update! Now I can actually focus on school today instead of obsessing over emails... Maybe...:laugh:
 
Ceens said:
To put everyone at ease... I couldn't stand it, I emailed Deborah and she said they won't be emailing until probably Wednesday or Thursday 🙁


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...

Yes, thank you for the update! I (along with everyone else) have been checking my e-mail almost every 15 minutes today. (lol!).

I'm one of the people who got the interview notification around 10am when they sent them out, and I know others got them in the afternoon (could that have been an alphabetical order type of process?). But I thought I had heard Dr. Kirk say they were going to try to send them out all at once--acceptances, rejections, and wait-listed decisions--this time. I might just have been imagining that though. D:
 
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