University of Tennessee c/o 2023 Applicants

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We all know that and of course don't mean anything negative! We are all just anxious and excited, as I'm sure you were when you were waiting! I am SURE the process is a long tedious and carefully laid out one that is designed to cull the best candidates out of so, so many! We really can't fathom what goes into it, but can appreciate that these things take time! It's hard to wait, and we are all just trying to ease the stress of that wait with speculating and relating to others in the same position. Thank you for all of the info you've given us through your experience so far, it's been invaluable! The wait will be over soon, y'all, and hopefully we can begin to celebrate!
Remember when I said it was probably best to go with the latest date they gave, aka "by March 1st"? 😉

The "hold up" is that they put a lot of time and consideration not only into each individual applicant, but also into the class they are building as a whole. There are a lot of people who have input on this and most of them have other important things they are doing at the same time as file reviews are happening as well - the admissions committee is made up of professors, clinicians, associate deans, etc who all have a hundred things on their plates at once. Things come up - it's a small school and a small committee, so a couple people being out sick or some such can have a big impact. I don't believe doing IS interviews early was ever meant to be a way to get decisions out earlier, but rather to spread the work out a little bit.

The dean doing a final review means he is looking over every applicant who they plan to send an acceptance letter to...that is a lot of people. Believe me when I say a little patience goes a long way here, and will serve you well in the years to come! This is not a process that should be rushed, though I know how anxiety inducing it can be to wait. I urge all of you to take a deep breath and and try to relax. There is nothing you can do right now to speed up the decision, nor should you want to.
 
We all know that and of course don't mean anything negative! We are all just anxious and excited, as I'm sure you were when you were waiting! I am SURE the process is a long tedious and carefully laid out one that is designed to cull the best candidates out of so, so many! We really can't fathom what goes into it, but can appreciate that these things take time! It's hard to wait, and we are all just trying to ease the stress of that wait with speculating and relating to others in the same position. Thank you for all of the info you've given us through your experience so far, it's been invaluable! The wait will be over soon, y'all, and hopefully we can begin to celebrate!
Knowing me, I probably was surprised to even see the email arrive when it did :laugh:

I of course understand the anxiety though. Just wanted to offer some perspective that I thought might be helpful since there was a question of why it might take so long 🙂 I do hope you guys hear good news today.
 
Remember when I said it was probably best to go with the latest date they gave, aka "by March 1st"? 😉

The "hold up" is that they put a lot of time and consideration not only into each individual applicant, but also into the class they are building as a whole. There are a lot of people who have input on this and most of them have other important things they are doing at the same time as file reviews are happening as well - the admissions committee is made up of professors, clinicians, associate deans, etc who all have a hundred things on their plates at once. Things come up - it's a small school and a small committee, so a couple people being out sick or some such can have a big impact. I don't believe doing IS interviews early was ever meant to be a way to get decisions out earlier, but rather to spread the work out a little bit.

The dean doing a final review means he is looking over every applicant who they plan to send an acceptance letter to...that is a lot of people. Believe me when I say a little patience goes a long way here, and will serve you well in the years to come! This is not a process that should be rushed, though I know how anxiety inducing it can be to wait. I urge all of you to take a deep breath and and try to relax. There is nothing you can do right now to speed up the decision, nor should you want to.

This first thing I told my husband when they started pushing back the dates was that mayyyybe, just mayyyybe, it would mean that they were putting extra consideration into my whole packet and would therefore accept me I appreciate that they don't just run our numbers through a computer and call it a day. I just wish I could stop myself from being so nervous in the meantime!

Y'all, try to enjoy your day!! I'm still thinking about all of you!
 
Of course, and it does help to know what all goes into the process, even if we receive a rejection, we know it wasn't just from a brush off, but instead because we we're not the right candidate this year and perhaps that the stress and work required from the program would have been too much for us. I do trust that they will make the right decision for me, even if that decision is not the one I want. But, having interviewed at the beginning of October last year, waiting for mid-February was difficult but now with it being March, it's not an unappreciation for the difficulty of the process that's frustrating, it's the uncertainty of what the future holds? I can only speak myself, but I truly think that's where any "frustration" stems from..... Not because I think they are uncaring about our level of anxiety or that they aren't aware how on the edge of our seats we all are, more that the difference in the paths our lives can take are held within an email that we were expecting two weeks ago, after a 4 month wait. I'm not sure I could even be part of the admissions committee, their responsibilities are humongous!

I just wanna knnnooowwwwww! Lol

Knowing me, I probably was surprised to even see the email arrive when it did

I of course understand the anxiety though. Just wanted to offer some perspective that I thought might be helpful since there was a question of why it might take so long 🙂 I do hope you guys hear good news today.
 
I hope that everyone is hanging in there today. I know it's been such a long wait, and I am guilty myself of over-checking my emails and this site...

But I encourage everyone, and myself, to step away from technology for a while today and just breathe. There is a plan for all of us, the waiting period is part of that plan.

Try to fill your cup today with a bit of yoga, coffee, Netflix, whatever... (I'm going to see the new how to train your dragon with my fiance!). You deserve to treat yourself, especially since we've been anxious for so long.

Blessings your way <3
 
BIG GROUP HUG
I hope that everyone is hanging in there today. I know it's been such a long wait, and I am guilty myself of over-checking my emails and this site...

But I encourage everyone, and myself, to step away from technology for a while today and just breathe. There is a plan for all of us, the waiting period is part of that plan.

Try to fill your cup today with a bit of yoga, coffee, Netflix, whatever... (I'm going to see the new how to train your dragon with my fiance!). You deserve to treat yourself, especially since we've been anxious for so long.

Blessings your way <3
 
That has happened like three times lately. And my heart went up into my ears
I plan to call at 3 based off the most recent updates we’ve heard.

Also, I just got an email (not UT) and when my phone dinged I almost stopped breathing. What a disappointment to see it was spam!
 
I plan to call at 3 based off the most recent updates we’ve heard.

Also, I just got an email (not UT) and when my phone dinged I almost stopped breathing. What a disappointment to see it was spam!
That is me every single time I get a notification
 
I plan to call at 3 based off the most recent updates we’ve heard.

Also, I just got an email (not UT) and when my phone dinged I almost stopped breathing. What a disappointment to see it was spam!
Sooo, were you gonna call at like 3 on the dot?? Lol... Or like, a little before
 
I have it set up so that when I get an email from Deborah, it plays the Imperial March from Star Wars. Haha. I wish I could be more enthusiastic but i am literally just at the end of this rope. Hoping for good news, but really I just want an answer one way or another. :/
 
So, I just tried calling and again, I got an automated message that Deborah is out of the office
 
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.

I got through to Anna and she said maybe next week or MID MARCH.

I don’t know what to do with my life!!!
 
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.

I got through to Anna and she said maybe next week or MID MARCH.

I don’t know what to do with my life!!!
Also, let’s not forget that mid-March is going to be spring break for them... so, it would likely be late March.
 
Well. If we aren't anticipating them every minute of every day, maybe we can relax until the anxiety builds back up in 2 weeks. However, if the Deans approval is all that's lacking, does that take 2 weeks generally? Or does that account for changes that need to be made or something?
 
I think I’m going to try to take a hiatus from here and focus on studying.

My classes are tough (biochem and O chem 2) and I’ve slacked off in hopes of only needing a C to start school this fall. Guess I need to work on a higher goal in case I don’t get in this cycle.
 
Are you at UTK currently?? I am in biochem at UT now as well. As well as Genetics, Physics 2 and an elective. I am gonna need to find a way to not obsess for the next 2 weeks myself!
I think I’m going to try to take a hiatus from here and focus on studying.

My classes are tough (biochem and O chem 2) and I’ve slacked off in hopes of only needing a C to start school this fall. Guess I need to work on a higher goal in case I don’t get in this cycle.
 
I think I’m going to try to take a hiatus from here and focus on studying.

My classes are tough (biochem and O chem 2) and I’ve slacked off in hopes of only needing a C to start school this fall. Guess I need to work on a higher goal in case I don’t get in this cycle.

Same. Someone please direct message me on here if any new updates come about. I need to breathe for awhile.
 
Are you at UTK currently?? I am in biochem at UT now as well. As well as Genetics, Physics 2 and an elective. I am gonna need to find a way to not obsess for the next 2 weeks myself!
No, I’m taking biochem online at UNE because my school doesn’t have a 4 credit class. I am totally lost and overwhelmed by it.
 
No, I’m taking biochem online at UNE because my school doesn’t have a 4 credit class. I am totally lost and overwhelmed by it.
Oh god I took that class last semester. Good luck it is so horrible. I barely made it through alive
 
I struggled super hard through some of the upper level chems (especially Ochem II ) but I randomly really love biochemistry. It's like all the good parts from chemistry and biology are finally coming together after all these years of being on two separate planets in my mind. Haha
 
Lol same here!!! I am surprisingly doing okay in biochem, but Orgo almost killed me! If I can offer any help in biochem, I would love to! I have to take orgo 2 this summer and I am not looking forward to it!
I struggled super hard through some of the upper level chems (especially Ochem II ) but I randomly really love biochemistry. It's like all the good parts from chemistry and biology are finally coming together after all these years of being on two separate planets in my mind. Haha
 
Can confirm they are still just waiting on the Dean's approval, but I'm not sure how long that process takes. I imagine they're allowing for some wiggle room in case changes need to be made. Hang in there guys!
Thank you for the info! I'm sure they don't send over the weekend, so see y'all next week!

Also, if you're local to Knoxville, come to Mardi Growl this Saturday from 11-3! TONS of rescues and vendors and things to do/see/etc, all dog related!! My rescue will be there set up, Fighting For The Bullys, near the fountain and union street! We will have puppies there, come de-stress with some little pup nuggets!
 
Hi, I have a few questions for current students.
Are there any kind of externship or elective opportunities available during your four years?
What is the class culture like? Is it more competitive among students or does every work as a team, or a little bit of both?
Are there a decent amount of social events? Some schools have a “vet prom” and class trips on weekends. Is there anything like that?
Does UT have a big sibling program where second years are matched with new first years?
Are there clinic skills labs throughout all years? Like basic handling, blood draws, etc.
What is the zoo/exotics portion of the program like, and how easy is it to get experience (both hands on and lecture) in this area?
 
Hi, I have a few questions for current students.
Are there any kind of externship or elective opportunities available during your four years?
What is the class culture like? Is it more competitive among students or does every work as a team, or a little bit of both?
Are there a decent amount of social events? Some schools have a “vet prom” and class trips on weekends. Is there anything like that?
Does UT have a big sibling program where second years are matched with new first years?
Are there clinic skills labs throughout all years? Like basic handling, blood draws, etc.
What is the zoo/exotics portion of the program like, and how easy is it to get experience (both hands on and lecture) in this area?
Electives are available starting spring of first year and continuing throughout the curriculum. We have a pretty good variety, and you can also take classes through wildlife and fisheries if you're into that. Some are more practical/lab based, some are lecture based, some are more like journal clubs. There are a couple that involve trips (Belize, Italy, Germany) over breaks as well. You will have your summers for externship opportunities, as well as I think up to 10 weeks 4th year.

Class culture is very cooperative, of course that varies a bit with your class but that has been my experience with my own classmates and with the school as a whole.

We have school-wide social events (just had one yesterday actually, a cookout for faculty and students) as well as events put on by individual classes. Halloween Party, Talent Show, Holiday Luncheon, tailgates, Spring Fling, and Formal (vet prom) are things that happen every year. There are smaller events here and there as well.

We do have a big sib program

Yes to clinical skills labs

As far as the core curriculum there isn't a lot of zoo/exotics (there is one course in third year, that is 3 credits I believe and includes handling labs and such). There are also electives - currently exotics anatomy, avian medicine, aquatic animal health, and zoo med. There is also a wildlife diseases elective every other year. It is pretty easy to get experience helping out in the exotics hospital and with the zoo vets though. They're very welcoming if you show genuine interest. Our exotics club is very active, one of the biggest at the school, as well. Lots of lectures, wetlabs, and trips.

If you want more detail on anything let me know!
 
Electives are available starting spring of first year and continuing throughout the curriculum. We have a pretty good variety, and you can also take classes through wildlife and fisheries if you're into that. Some are more practical/lab based, some are lecture based, some are more like journal clubs. There are a couple that involve trips (Belize, Italy, Germany) over breaks as well. You will have your summers for externship opportunities, as well as I think up to 10 weeks 4th year.

Class culture is very cooperative, of course that varies a bit with your class but that has been my experience with my own classmates and with the school as a whole.

We have school-wide social events (just had one yesterday actually, a cookout for faculty and students) as well as events put on by individual classes. Halloween Party, Talent Show, Holiday Luncheon, tailgates, Spring Fling, and Formal (vet prom) are things that happen every year. There are smaller events here and there as well.

We do have a big sib program

Yes to clinical skills labs

As far as the core curriculum there isn't a lot of zoo/exotics (there is one course in third year, that is 3 credits I believe and includes handling labs and such). There are also electives - currently exotics anatomy, avian medicine, aquatic animal health, and zoo med. There is also a wildlife diseases elective every other year. It is pretty easy to get experience helping out in the exotics hospital and with the zoo vets though. They're very welcoming if you show genuine interest. Our exotics club is very active, one of the biggest at the school, as well. Lots of lectures, wetlabs, and trips.

If you want more detail on anything let me know!
This was super helpful information! Thanks! I really hope I get in now!
 
What are the chances we hear back this week??

A few posts back someone was told over the phone by one of the admissions counselors that it should be by mid-March. It seems we’re only waiting on Dean approval.

My guess is it’s very possible we could hear sometime this week. I don’t imagine getting Dean approval would be a long process unless many changes needed to be made.

Hopefully it’ll all be over soon!!
 
What are the chances we hear back this week??
I’m thinking 50/50?

If we *assume* they’re gone over spring break (idk?) which is the 18th, that really only leaves this week and next.

But who knows. Mid March could become mid April.
 
I’m thinking 50/50?

If we *assume* they’re gone over spring break (idk?) which is the 18th, that really only leaves this week and next.

But who knows. Mid March could become mid April.

Well I'm pretty sure vet students are required to accept their seat at their chosen school by mid April. So it would have to be before then. Unless I'm understanding how that works incorrectly!

I feel like there's a good chance that we will hear back this week but I'm going to function as if we aren't. Would rather be pleasantly surprised than let down!
 
I know Michigan State is planning on sending out decisions this week and that is during their Spring Break so, I am hoping UT is the same
 
Well I'm pretty sure vet students are required to accept their seat at their chosen school by mid April. So it would have to be before then. Unless I'm understanding how that works incorrectly!

I feel like there's a good chance that we will hear back this week but I'm going to function as if we aren't. Would rather be pleasantly surprised than let down!

You’re correct! Common decision day is April 15th, so they have to get back to us before then in order to be considerate of the applicant pool and all the other colleges in the AAVMC.

The day we all stop checking our emails is the day it will come! :whistle:
 
I know for certain it will be BY March 16. Before spring break? Insider scoop. But that's the only piece of scoop I have, lol.
 
I've become accustomed to the wait, in a way, at this point. I'm hoping this week is the week though.
 
Hey y’all! I’ve been following this thread and found out some info y’all might appreciate so I decided to make an account. I have a friend who knows a current UTCVM student who told them this morning that letters are “out” this morning . Does this mean emails go out the same day or are we going to get letters through the mail first??
 
Hey y’all! I’ve been following this thread and found out some info y’all might appreciate so I decided to make an account. I have a friend who knows a current UTCVM student who told them this morning that letters are “out” this morning . Does this mean emails go out the same day or are we going to get letters through the mail first??

What I've seen from past years, it looks like applicants typically receive an email first and the letters come a few days later. But they could always change it I guess. It's definitely a coin toss :arghh:
 
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