VMCAS application

[Vetaspirant]

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In the background information section, VMCAS asks "Has there been any interval longer than 3 months during which you were not enrolled as a student or employed?" I had remained jobless and unenrolled in college for a year due to health reasons. I was misdiagnosed of having jaundice and so I took rest for about 3 months and then an eminent gasteroentrologist diagnosed my case as Gilbert's syndrome which is characterized by slightly elevated bilirubin levels in blood. He told me that it was absolutely normal and it was not a disease. After that I was hunting for a new job, but the entire time from quiting my earlier job to finding a new one took nearly a year. I am not sure if I should explain this in the VMCAS. Would telling about this jeopardize my application? Is it unusual for applicants to have had an unenrolled and jobless period for over 3 months? I really appreciate your opinions in this regard.

 

[EveyG]

Telling them you weren't in school or working for health reasons (even though it was a misdiagnosis) should not jeapordize your application on any level. Hands down schools will be looking primarily at your performance in school and experience. I think they just give you the opportunity in case there was an adverse event in your life that prevented you from working/school to explain the situation. I think it would be worse to omit the time off and for them to notice, than to be honest about what happened. Not mentioning it when there is a specific question about it may come off as shady, and THAT might affect thier opinion of you.

 

[LetItSnow]

In the background information section, VMCAS asks "Has there been any interval longer than 3 months during which you were not enrolled as a student or employed?" I had remained jobless and unenrolled in college for a year due to health reasons. [...] I am not sure if I should explain this in the VMCAS. Would telling about this jeopardize my application? Is it unusual for applicants to have had an unenrolled and jobless period for over 3 months? I really appreciate your opinions in this regard.

We had a thread about this not all that long ago, with one group of people advocating that you should not check yes. I don't want to misrepresent them, but I believe their primary argument was "It's none of the school's business." Functionally, they were asserting their right to privacy over the school's right to nosiness, which I can completely understand. I do agree with them that it's a question the school has no reason to ask.

Others of us argue that since you are certifying the information as true when you submit, it'd be fraudulent to check 'no' when you know that to be false. Personally, I don't like to lie, so I couldn't do that or encourage someone else to do that. For me, the question really is "how much do you tell them?"

In your case, I think I would check the box and, if it still has an explanation section like I remember, I would simply say that you required a year away from school and work to recover from a health event *that is fully resolved*. I would keep it simple, I wouldn't give them details about the nature of the health issue, and I would make it absolutely clear that it's not an ongoing problem. I do not think it will have any impact on your chances of getting into school.

 

[deleted387118]

In your case, I think I would check the box and, if it still has an explanation section like I remember, I would simply say that you required a year away from school and work to recover from a health event *that is fully resolved*. I would keep it simple, I wouldn't give them details about the nature of the health issue, and I would make it absolutely clear that it's not an ongoing problem. I do not think it will have any impact on your chances of getting into school.

👍👍

 

[Minnerbelle]

I think it's really not a big deal as long as you don't say anything questionable. I hear those sections in any application are there mostly to screen against people who have unaccounted for gaps in their resume because they were incarcerated, working as a stripper/prostitute, or just dicking around. I dunno how true that is particularly in vet med, but that's what I've been told numerous times (pre-health committee, employment advisors, etc...). But seriously, if you put down that you took some time off after UG to recover from a health problem that has since resolved completely, I don't see why anyone would care as long as the rest of your apps show that you're a capable person.

I checked yes since I took a semester off my junior year. Was never asked about it in my interviews.

 

[Vetaspirant]

Thanks friends for your help and support. I planning to write the following sentence in the explanation statement: "I took time off from work and school to recover from a health problem that is fully resolved." Do you think this is good enough or should I add anything else?
Thanks for your generous help!

 

[Minnerbelle]

Thanks friends for your help and support. I planning to write the following sentence in the explanation statement: "I took time off from work and school to recover from a health problem that is fully resolved." Do you think this is good enough or should I add anything else?
Thanks for your generous help!

I would personally make it a little more professional sounding. If you do a search on the topic I'm sure you'll be able to find it, but sumstorm used to have the schnazziest and sharpest way of putting that exact thing on paper.

 

[lostbunny]

I agree with Minnerbelle. Basically OP, you've got the right idea. LetItSnow made his point really well, but I think you need to put it more into your own words and make it sound, like Minnerbelle said, more professional. It just sounds like you're writing it down to get it out of the way and move onto the next question.

Minnerbelle.... "working as a stripper/prositute..." lol... you are funny. Though I think if you're a stripper you're not necessarily a prostitute... and if you HAD to choose one, I think being a stripper is probably the better deal. 😛

 

[Minnerbelle]

Minnerbelle.... "working as a stripper/prositute..." lol... you are funny. Though I think if you're a stripper you're not necessarily a prostitute...

Oh def not! but they carry a similar stigma.

I read this really really interesting book about this woman who was a stripper for a while, but later became a writer. She wrote a lot actually about the people who do it because they need to, and those who "choose" to. But she made the point that many of those who "choose" to end up needing to continue (or escalate to prostitution) because once they start having unexplainable gaps in their resume, employment elsewhere becomes much more difficult. Lol, the post above was actually dead serious and not an attempt at humor for once.

 

[lostbunny]

. Lol, the post above was actually dead serious and not an attempt at humor for once.

oh sorry lol. But speaking of the book, I did watch a really interesting documentary on strippers/prostitutes/brothels etc, and they did it from the perspective from different points of view from those who are sold into prostitution, to those that choose to do it, and as you said- end up having to stay in it.

But one of the most interesting things that I'd never even thought of, was about this british guy who was looking for a brothel that will cater to his needs. So it has this whole segment on him, he's in his late 20s or so, single guy, and wheelchair-bound, so he says every few months he'll look for a brothel that has wheel chair access, etc. It was quite an interesting documentary and I was sad that I only caught the last half of it.

 

[LetItSnow]

But she made the point that many of those who "choose" to end up needing to continue (or escalate to prostitution) because once they start having unexplainable gaps in their resume, employment elsewhere becomes much more difficult.

Oh! But isn't "dancing" a legitimate, paid occupation? I mean, I'm not saying it's gonna last once things start to sag 'n all, but doesn't it technically count as legal employment?

Heh. I was a little taken aback once by someone's blunt forthrightness. When I went back to school at 30, I was in class early once and this PYT I had never talked to came and perched on the edge of my table to chat and introduced herself with: "Hey. I strip to pay tuition. What do you do?"

I'm not often at a loss for words, but I just didn't see a great rejoinder to that.

 

[Minnerbelle]

But speaking of the book, I did watch a really interesting documentary on strippers/prostitutes/brothels etc, and they did it from the perspective from different points of view from those who are sold into prostitution, to those that choose to do it, and as you said- end up having to stay in it.

...I was sad that I only caught the last half of it.

lol, I watched the whoooooole thing. I think it was one of the "Taboo" series.

Oh! But isn't "dancing" a legitimate, paid occupation? I mean, I'm not saying it's gonna last once things start to sag 'n all, but doesn't it technically count as legal employment?

Lol, yeah it is. But if you're gonna put that on any kind of app, you better hope your employer is either very liberal minded or sleazy. Not sure the latter would be pleasant once employed.

Heh. I was a little taken aback once by someone's blunt forthrightness. When I went back to school at 30, I was in class early once and this PYT I had never talked to came and perched on the edge of my table to chat and introduced herself with: "Hey. I strip to pay tuition. What do you do?"

I'm not often at a loss for words, but I just didn't see a great rejoinder to that.

Lol. This girl who sat next to me in my micro class introduced herself as the one who's the moderator for the sex forum on campus (juicy stuff lemme tell ya), and about how she's a big proponent of the idea that vaginas take care of themselves. That you only ever rinse with water if anything... I just went 😱.

 

[lostbunny]

What is PYT?

Okay on the topic of all things exotic, I'm just going to put it out there, that pole dancing is extremely fun, and a really amazing work out. lol. Its great how girls can turn something stripper-esque into something Girl Power and empowering lol.

Vaginas taking care of themselves? I'd like to see a vag against a raging case of herpes and see how that goes down.

Have you guys seen vagina monologues? h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s. I only saw a mediocre virgin- erm... version... that my uni put on, but it was still pretty funny!

 

[LetItSnow]

What is PYT?

Pretty Young Thing. As best I know, it dates back to MJ's Thriller.

 

[lostbunny]

Pretty Young Thing. As best I know, it dates back to MJ's Thriller.

Oh okay! Stripping to pay tuition- whatever works for you I guess! I wonder what illicit things people do to pay tuition.... I'm sure the list just gets more and more ridiculous....

 

[sooprnova]

Oh okay! Stripping to pay tuition- whatever works for you I guess! I wonder what illicit things people do to pay tuition.... I'm sure the list just gets more and more ridiculous....

There was a girl in my genetics class who "danced". I'm guessing she worked overnights, because she'd often come into lab with big hair, tiny outfits, giant heels, and a distinct lack of bra. She seemed rather inquisitive and bright, but the fact that she'd fall asleep most labs and that she came to class with a black eye once or twice was really, really sad.

Not to be a downer or anything, but I think that's the reality for many of these girls.

 

[libster06]

Okay on the topic of all things exotic, I'm just going to put it out there, that pole dancing is extremely fun, and a really amazing work out. lol. Its great how girls can turn something stripper-esque into something Girl Power and empowering lol.

It's so true. I took a couple classes at my undergrad and I have respect for someone who can dance like that and still look like they're not about to pass out, whether you agree with their lifestyle or not. It was not cute at all when I tried.

Sidenote... strippers are human beings too... sometimes you fall on hard times or you arent the most independent person in the world and you get caught up in a cycle that you just don't know how to get out of. Not speaking from experience, but speaking from knowing people who are good at heart but are caught between a rock and a hard place :/

 

[Reader19]

A couple questions:

Does anyone know whether GPA calculations include community college transfer credits?

What information should I have ready for those I ask to write my LORs? I've been waiting to ask because I'm not quite organized with all my resume stuff. I have a lot done in VMCAS, but it's a bit spotty.

Thanks!

 

[squirrelsrule]

Yes, all college classes count towards your GPA calculations. If you are talking last 45 than just the last 45 count, but I am pretty sure that if you took say 10 of the last 45 at CC and 35 of them were at your 4Year school, the CC classes would be counted in there, it is last 45 by date.

The info. you need from the people writing your eLORs are their name, phone number, address, and email. VMCAS will send them an email as soon as you enter their info. into the box and save it. The email VMCAS sends will have all the info. the evaluator needs to complete the eLOR.

 

[LetItSnow]

Yes, all college classes count towards your GPA calculations. If you are talking last 45 than just the last 45 count, but I am pretty sure that if you took say 10 of the last 45 at CC and 35 of them were at your 4Year school, the CC classes would be counted in there, it is last 45 by date.

I think they usually include all of the classes in the semester that gets you up to 45 credits, but yes, I think you are correct otherwise.

 

[Reader19]

I'm more talking dual enrollment classes I took in high school at a CC.

 

[nyanko]

Lol, yeah it is. But if you're gonna put that on any kind of app, you better hope your employer is either very liberal minded or sleazy. Not sure the latter would be pleasant once employed.

If I were in charge of hiring people, I would not hold it against a person who stripped for $$ when they were in hard times, as long as the rest of the resume was competitive. I would be super impressed with a person's honesty if they disclosed that, actually!

But I guess I am definitely one of those liberal minded types.

 

[Minnerbelle]

But I guess I am definitely one of those liberal minded types.

yeah, that! Unfortunately, a good portion of society is not.

 

[caitTmarie]

I'm finally beginning to make a dent in my VMCAS application but I'm struggling with how in depth to be in the Experiences section. I was extremely involved in extracurriculars throughout college (specifically a sorority, in which I held 5 separate positions) and I want the people reviewing my application to understand that it was a significant time commitment and a meaningful one as well. But with that said, 480 characters is not much room to describe all of my responsibilities. Would it be obnoxious to list each position separately? I kind of felt as though it would be but otherwise I feel as though I'm not doing myself justice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂

 

[teatime]

I agree. If they have a certain asset that's gonna get them the money they need to survive I respect that. Can't say I wouldn't do the same if I was caught in a tough position (and had the body for it! lol)

 

[libster06]

I agree. If they have a certain asset that's gonna get them the money they need to survive I respect that. Can't say I wouldn't do the same if I was caught in a tough position (and had the body for it! lol)

People are quick to judge. Fortunately many have not had to be at such a crossroads or difficult situation.