UPenn 2014 cycle updates!

[DachshundsVet]

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I interviewed last Friday, too! I called them yesterday and said "I interviewed on Friday and was wondering if any decisions have been made?" Admissions said, "of course, you know that decisions are made on Fridays after you interview. You will hear from us later in the week." I thought that was quite cruel, but hey, at least I can enjoy tomorrow's snow day without feeling like I have to keep an eye on my phone at all times (Penn is closed tomorrow, btw!). So I'm feeling like Thursday is going to be "the day."

 

[BlacKAT33]

I interviewed last Friday, too! I called them yesterday and said "I interviewed on Friday and was wondering if any decisions have been made?" Admissions said, "of course, you know that decisions are made on Fridays after you interview. You will hear from us later in the week." I thought that was quite cruel, but hey, at least I can enjoy tomorrow's snow day without feeling like I have to keep an eye on my phone at all times (Penn is closed tomorrow, btw!). So I'm feeling like Thursday is going to be "the day."

WOW really?!?! man THANK YOU FOR POSTING!! so i guess thats why it took mike 2 hrs til he came down to happy hour lol i knew they were eating because i saw all the food but i didnt know they made decisions over dinner haha i wonder why they are waiting longer to call our group compared to the others. i thought it was cuz of snow...but if they already know, why wait? i hope its not that we all got rejected. ok ok jk 😀 i still have someee faith, i think. ahh goin crazy

 

[Horsingaround31]

Does anyone know what the deal is with interview invites? Or can I assume rejection at this point...

No one really knows at this point. I think it's safe to assume that our (I'm waiting for an interview too) chances are slim. However, I called the admissions office last week to ask if I should still be sending updates for my application file -- I have accumulated more and different kinds of vet experience in the last month or so. Keiter said to absolutely keep sending updates because they were still making a lot of decisions. Whether that means still looking at people to interview, still looking at people on the hold or wait lists or still considering people who have already interviewed -- I don't know.

I really wish I could be more optimistic for us ...

 

[HoneySmucks]

No one really knows at this point. I think it's safe to assume that our (I'm waiting for an interview too) chances are slim. However, I called the admissions office last week to ask if I should still be sending updates for my application file -- I have accumulated more and different kinds of vet experience in the last month or so. Keiter said to absolutely keep sending updates because they were still making a lot of decisions. Whether that means still looking at people to interview, still looking at people on the hold or wait lists or still considering people who have already interviewed -- I don't know.

I really wish I could be more optimistic for us ...

aww you sound so sad 🙁. I'm right there with you, becoming increasingly pessimistic by the day.

 

[Bantams17]

Who else is interviewing at Penn on Friday?? How are you dealing with the snow? I feel like airports are shutting down left and right, I might end up having to drive to make it. I'm not letting a little weather get in my way of my number one interview!

 

[Ben and Me]

Who else is interviewing at Penn on Friday?? How are you dealing with the snow? I feel like airports are shutting down left and right, I might end up having to drive to make it. I'm not letting a little weather get in my way of my number one interview!

Bantams - my guess is that everything will be up and running (airport-wise) by Thursday pm.

If worst comes to worst, I'd recommend taking the train instead of driving. Where are you coming from?

My previous shoe recommendations no longer stand! I'd definitely bring a pair of boots to wear while you're outside, and another pair of shoes for indoors. I'd be willing to bet that there will still be some snow out there at NBC!

 

[3Ms]

be careful with trains. i'm not sure where you'll be coming through but i know most above-ground transportation in the dc/balto area is not operating currently. i contacted admissions re. what to do if i could not possibly make the interview on friday and i was told quite bluntly i was SOL. interesting.

 

[laitmanvet]

be careful with trains. i'm not sure where you'll be coming through but i know most above-ground transportation in the dc/balto area is not operating currently. i contacted admissions re. what to do if i could not possibly make the interview on friday and i was told quite bluntly i was SOL. interesting.

I think by the end of Thursday/Friday you should be fine with the trains. I live in Philly and it seems this time around the city and SEPTA are well-prepared. SEPTA updates its site pretty regularly during the storms. Now sure about the airport, its not closed now but as far as I've heard nothing is going in/out.

Its only been snowing hard here for the past 2 1/2 hrs.

 

[dgm]

be careful with trains. i'm not sure where you'll be coming through but i know most above-ground transportation in the dc/balto area is not operating currently. i contacted admissions re. what to do if i could not possibly make the interview on friday and i was told quite bluntly i was SOL. interesting.

Whoa, I'm pretty surprised at this answer. Do you remember who you spoke to?

 

[Bantams17]

I'd be coming from hartford. Not a bad drive, but certainly an easier flight. Unfortunately, I'm flying standby (my step dad is a pilot = free flight). I'm worried that if earlier flights are cancelled I will get bumped off.

 

[BlacKAT33]

when it snowed during the vmrcvm interviews we were told that it was still taking place and if people miss it then...oh well. of course, they aren't as flexible as penn. However, when i talked with ms. herpen last week to thank her for rescheduling my interview she said your welcome but she also talked on and on about how it puts a lot of pressure on penn to change things when other schools are unwilling to (VT and purdue, and im sure others) and i could tell they have had a rough year with rescheduling. Since this friday is for LA and there is only one, i know for sure they will not plan another. they are really nice though so i dunno, maybe in the end if people are stuck in stations they will try to work it out???? but since i know she sounded frustrated with planning i would def leave thur morning so no matter what crazy adventure you have, you end up making it there by fri interview time!

btw-we traveled by train last week and when we had to leave our train was canceled and we caught one the next day. but that was lucky, every other train was canceled on sunday too. i feel like the only reliable thing is drive yourself because you actually have control over if you can go. but be safee!!!

 

[Angelus9]

Whoa, I'm pretty surprised at this answer. Do you remember who you spoke to?

I'm not. This is the real world, people. You have an interview, you show up. Or not.

Now with a storm like this one, where the Interstates in PA are closed today, that's a different story. If your interview was today, that'd be different.

A couple years ago I drove someone from Philly to Tufts for an interview. It was quite the blizzard weekend - if any of you Class of 2011 remember that Tufts February weekend - and Tufts is far from the city. The campus tour was hysterical: snow crusted on eyelashes, wind whipping, visibility nil - but the interview candidates were there in droves, and it was a great day. We rented a 4WD to get there and it was surely needed.

 

[3Ms]

I'm not. This is the real world, people. You have an interview, you show up. Or not.

Now with a storm like this one, where the Interstates in PA are closed today, that's a different story. If your interview was today, that'd be different.

A couple years ago I drove someone from Philly to Tufts for an interview. It was quite the blizzard weekend - if any of you Class of 2011 remember that Tufts February weekend - and Tufts is far from the city. The campus tour was hysterical: snow crusted on eyelashes, wind whipping, visibility nil - but the interview candidates were there in droves, and it was a great day. We rented a 4WD to get there and it was surely needed.

No offense intended, and I do completely understand that Penn admissions is frustrated with the weather and scheduling, etc. It is the real world, but the real world is filled with people and weather and we all have to be understanding of things like that and show grace and understanding to each other. Otherwise it's maybe not such a fun world to live in. I, too, was quite shocked at the response, but perhaps I should have shown more understanding to their situation myself. To those of you who were given unkind responses at VT, I'm really sorry! I didn't realize that was happening. Best of luck with everything else.

 

[dgm]

I'm not. This is the real world, people. You have an interview, you show up. Or not.

Now with a storm like this one, where the Interstates in PA are closed today, that's a different story. If your interview was today, that'd be different.

A couple years ago I drove someone from Philly to Tufts for an interview. It was quite the blizzard weekend - if any of you Class of 2011 remember that Tufts February weekend - and Tufts is far from the city. The campus tour was hysterical: snow crusted on eyelashes, wind whipping, visibility nil - but the interview candidates were there in droves, and it was a great day. We rented a 4WD to get there and it was surely needed.

You're right, it IS the real world. And in the real world, when people CANNOT make it somewhere due to weather (cancelled flights, trains not running, roads unsafe for driving, etc), people generally try to reschedule. Also, everyone involved in admissions at Penn was very friendly and accomodating to me throughout the entire process last year - so yes, I'm surprised if they just bluntly said "Well, you're SOL." If they can't reschedule, fine, they can't - but I would've expected it to be said nicely, at least. I have every expectation that the roads will be open and things will be running again by Friday, but hey - who knows with the weather, and the poster contacted them in advance just to find out what the protocol would be IF it were a problem... which actually seems pretty responsible to me.

 

[Angelus9]

And they probably will try to accommodate. Guess it just seems to me that this year there's a number of whiners on here - on SDN, I mean, NOT on the Penn threads. I probably read too many "oh gollygee my rejection letter was cruel!! They should've been nicer to me, wahwahwah," or "when I asked about decisions, the person said yes, you know decisions have been made, you'll be hearing - and I think it was cruel of them to say it like that!" posts on SDN this year and it's made me crabby. I apologize.

 

[3Ms]

So I just spoke with admissions again (on a personal cell phone) and was granted another interview date in light of outstanding weather conditions. Where I live is under several feet of snow and the entire city is shut down (no plows in sight, etc) and will not be accessible for several days. I have to say they were MUCH more understanding this go-round (perhaps I caught them at a bad time last time, perhaps they're more understanding when their own university is shut down? Who knows, it's not for me to judge) But I would like to let every Penn current, future, and hopeful know that they have shown understanding in the face of the current conditions! Hope this makes some people feel better 🙂

 

[Ben and Me]

I'd be coming from hartford. Not a bad drive, but certainly an easier flight. Unfortunately, I'm flying standby (my step dad is a pilot = free flight). I'm worried that if earlier flights are cancelled I will get bumped off.

I'd say in your case it's not unlikely that you'll need to find another means of transportation! But who knows - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Please be careful if you do end up driving! And I'd look into the train situation as well - I know it's only about a 2 hour ride from here to NYC, but like BlackKat said, the trains might be canceled.

 

[Ben and Me]

So I just spoke with admissions again (on a personal cell phone) and was granted another interview date in light of outstanding weather conditions. Where I live is under several feet of snow and the entire city is shut down (no plows in sight, etc) and will not be accessible for several days. I have to say they were MUCH more understanding this go-round (perhaps I caught them at a bad time last time, perhaps they're more understanding when their own university is shut down? Who knows, it's not for me to judge) But I would like to let every Penn current, future, and hopeful know that they have shown understanding in the face of the current conditions! Hope this makes some people feel better 🙂

They really do try their best - they're pretty great, IMHO.

If you can get to Penn for Friday though I'd definitely try (as much as is safely possible!). Not only is the interview day at New Bolton amazing, every interview you reschedule is taking a spot away from another candidate. Hopefully they'll be able to fill your spot 3Ms with someone who is local. 🙂

 

[aspiringDVM]

Whooooo flying to Philly tomorrow, God willing! 😀
Quick question for current students: does Penn do terminal surgeries? I found a spreadsheet that indicated that they do not, but it's several years old. Also, there's no tracking at Penn, correct? Their listed curriculum and the website don't indicate as such, but someone told me yesterday that they do track, and now I'm afraid that I've seriously missed something :/
I'm sorry you had to reschedule, 3Ms, but I'm glad they were flexible.

 

[GellaBella]

They do track at Penn. As far as terminal surgeries I think in maybe one elective course or something like that but it is not required of everyone. I think thats what I remember from my interview but I could be remembering incorrectly!...They definitely track though! I think in your third year you choose to do LA, SA, mixed or lab animal...

 

[aspiringDVM]

They do track at Penn. As far as terminal surgeries I think in maybe one elective course or something like that but it is not required of everyone. I think thats what I remember from my interview but I could be remembering incorrectly!...They definitely track though! I think in your third year you choose to do LA, SA, mixed or lab animal...

Okay, definitely good to know! Not a problem for me, but something I'll have some questions about. Thanks!

 

[Shanomong]

.

 

[BlacKAT33]

University is closed again today for those of you wating for answers!

oh boy. plzzz make house calls. im dying here. and im holding off on buying a plane ticket to IL but if i dont hear soon i will have to. also, tomorrow they will have a whole new group of interviewees to worry about!

 

[Ben and Me]

oh boy. plzzz make house calls. im dying here. and im holding off on buying a plane ticket to IL but if i dont hear soon i will have to. also, tomorrow they will have a whole new group of interviewees to worry about!

Blackat, you could always try calling and see if they'll give you an answer about whether or not you need to buy that plane ticket. 😉

 

[BlacKAT33]

Blackat, you could always try calling and see if they'll give you an answer about whether or not you need to buy that plane ticket. 😉

hmm i never thought about that. i don't want to be pushy (since i already was about rescheduling). is it a 100% for sure thing that they make the decisions the fri after your interview? then i guess it wouldnt be a big deal since it is already decided.
well, since they are closed today...and interviews tomorrow...i feel like there is no good time except til next week lol what do you think? (ben and me....or anyone else!)

 

[DickVetPlease]

I don't really see why it would be a big deal, but if they're closed, I'm sure how you'd even be able to call.

 

[DachshundsVet]

Ugh, BlacKAT, I am feeling the same way right now. And I know that two students who interviewed with us last Friday were called yesterday around 4PM and they were admitted. But both of them were interviewed by the same person and that person called the both of them. I am hoping that the reason is because I had a different interviewer and that person just hasn't called yet. Let me know if you hear anything today. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the both of us.

 

[BlacKAT33]

Ugh, BlacKAT, I am feeling the same way right now. And I know that two students who interviewed with us last Friday were called yesterday around 4PM and they were admitted. But both of them were interviewed by the same person and that person called the both of them. I am hoping that the reason is because I had a different interviewer and that person just hasn't called yet. Let me know if you hear anything today. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the both of us.

oo thanks for the info!! i do think it is different depending on which interviewer you have so i still have hope 😀 I did call today just to see if anyone was in but no one picked up. so i guess i will just keep on waiting!

 

[Angelus9]

We don't do terminal surgeries.

I don't think that's true. Isn't there a LA Block surgery elective with a terminal surgery?

 

[Shanomong]

.

 

[Crazy Hippos]

I don't think that's true. Isn't there a LA Block surgery elective with a terminal surgery?

Actually, I heard this too. The student representative told us that there are 3 consecutive surgeries done on the animal, and then it is euthanized.

 

[Angelus9]

Not that I"m aware of. Someone asked about it during my interview day and the dean of admissions said they're not done at Penn, and most schools don't do them anymore. But it's possible.

Maybe the question asked at your interview was about SA and/or core, and there are none there, true.

I only know of LA, and elective.

 

[BlacKAT33]

I was also told by my tour guide about this LA elective with the terminal surgery. sounded like they don't do it too often though.


So i got called around 830pm today or something 😀 😀 i posted in acceptances already and thank you everyone for all your replies!! i wanted to write about what happened tonight because it is kinda funny/somewhat sad lol

So my bf is on the phone next to me and i got this call from area code 610 (thought phili was 215 but i still freaked cuz i had no clue who this was) so im tucked inside my snuggie with my bf's laptop on me and i jump up and throw everything off me onto the couch and run out to the living room to talk in private. Mr. Keiter tells me i did a great interview and we talk about snow and then he tells me and i start crying! couldnt help it and my bf screams DID U GET IN?? and i give a thumbs up and hes yellin on his phone while im crying and mr. keiter is like are you ok? lol so i say yes and then finally the call ends and i come in and i see i broke my bf's laptop eeekkk!! the screen has a billion black spots on it lol oops!! so 10 min later i was like well that was kinda funny wasn't it? and he was like "no, it wasn't, my laptop is broken" lol its ok hes still so excited and happy for me. guess i'll be forking over more money this month!

 

[lalzi22]

I was also told by my tour guide about this LA elective with the terminal surgery. sounded like they don't do it too often though.


So i got called around 830pm today or something 😀 😀 i posted in acceptances already and thank you everyone for all your replies!! i wanted to write about what happened tonight because it is kinda funny/somewhat sad lol

So my bf is on the phone next to me and i got this call from area code 610 (thought phili was 215 but i still freaked cuz i had no clue who this was) so im tucked inside my snuggie with my bf's laptop on me and i jump up and throw everything off me onto the couch and run out to the living room to talk in private. Mr. Keiter tells me i did a great interview and we talk about snow and then he tells me and i start crying! couldnt help it and my bf screams DID U GET IN?? and i give a thumbs up and hes yellin on his phone while im crying and mr. keiter is like are you ok? lol so i say yes and then finally the call ends and i come in and i see i broke my bf's laptop eeekkk!! the screen has a billion black spots on it lol oops!! so 10 min later i was like well that was kinda funny wasn't it? and he was like "no, it wasn't, my laptop is broken" lol its ok hes still so excited and happy for me. guess i'll be forking over more money this month!

if your bf is happier that you got in to vet school (and thus will be ignoring him more or less for the next 4 years) than his broken laptop, then hes a keeper! good job! oh, and CONGRATS, again, on the acceptance!!!

 

[Shanomong]

.

 

[BlacKAT33]

YAY!!! Congrats BlacKAT!!!!! See you in the fall 🙂 I'm here year round so if you move in early and want another tour or you and your bf want to get drinks or something let me know!

thank you!! yea i will be looking for apts soon because my lease is up in april and we have to pay month to month (expensive). i will def PM you next time i go to phili!! hopefully it won't be exam time :-/ if so, we have all summer too!! 😀 😀

lalzi- haha that is true!!

 

[nude mouse]

thank you!! yea i will be looking for apts soon because my lease is up in april and we have to pay month to month (expensive). i will def PM you next time i go to phili!! hopefully it won't be exam time :-/ if so, we have all summer too!! 😀 😀

lalzi- haha that is true!!

AHHH i'm SOO happy for you, BlacKAT! Congrats! PM me if you want to talk about housing .. I'm looking for roomies

 

[aspiringDVM]

Yay BlacKat!

 

[BlacKAT33]

thanks aspiringDVM! 🙂

nude mouse- lol damn every time i see your name i get jealous i didn't think of it first!! anyway, i'll PM u!

 

[GellaBella]

AHHHHHH!!! You're in!!!! Congratulations!!!! Oh I'm so so so glad they called you. How wonderful!! YAY!

 

[Ben and Me]

Congrats blackat! Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂

 

[Angelus9]

Congratulations. BlacKat33! Fantastic news!

and of course:

 

[eventualeventer]

I'll see those smilies and raise you a



for BlacKAT! Sorry about your BF's laptop, though.👍👍

 

[BlacKAT33]

hehe aww thanks for all those smilies guys! and the awesome dancing bananas!!

eventualeventer-woohooo for Davis! u rock that interview! you should be a pro now!

 

[lyndaelyzoo]

Congratulations BlacKAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BlacKAT33]

hahaha oman lyndaelzoo you crack me up! i wish we met at VT! thanks!

 

[lyndaelyzoo]

I know...and I miss you already...now I've got to ride this emotional roller coaster without you!!!! I was so excited to see your acceptance and am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!! Every time you posted, I was like, BlacKAT got in, BlacKAT got in, and now you are for real!!!!!!!!! Well, your dream came true and you are going to be a vet!!!!! Don't party too hard, though!!! 😉

 

[Crazy Hippos]

Congrats BlacKat! You must be so excited!!!

 

[NittanyKitty]

SOOOOO flipping excited for you BlacKAT!!!!!! I've had my fingers crossed for you for a while now!!!! Now go out and CELEBRATE!!!!!

 

[nude mouse]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v...261743039#!/group.php?gid=297261743039&ref=mf

Facebook group for penn vet c/o 2014!!!!