VMCAS "Explanation"

[bclover]

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Okay, based upon the description of what to include in the "explanation" portion of the VMCAS app, it seems pretty straight forward, but they allow 2000 words when the personal statement only has a max of 600 words. So, am I missing something or do I just include a few of the things that I don't think were addressed in the rest of the app? (I just don't want to miss a prime opportunity to make my app shine.😉 )

Thanks!

 

[cyrille104]

Are you sure it's not 2000 characters? That's what it was last year.

I only used the explanation section for an explanation of how my school's "units" convert to credits, and to elaborate on my non-animal work experience, but all together it was maybe 100 words. I think you only really need to use the full explanation section if you've really been disadvantaged by something. CSU's Sherry Stewart said to be careful not to sound like you're throwing blame. For example, don't write about how you got a bad grade because the teacher was an idiot, even if it's true - it just makes you sound bad. If you're going to write about bad grades, write about what you were doing wrong, and how you've learned from it and grown from the experience or something. Like I said, only use the explanation section for short clarifications or really really important things like being extremely disadvantaged.

 

[QTkitty]

The explanation section should be used to explain obvious issues represented on the application (reason for bad grades, dropped classes/ semesters, etc.). I imagine they allow 2000 words because some people may have encountered multiple problems that need in depth explaining. I didn't use the explanation portion of the application and I would suggest that, unless you really have something to explain, you don't either.

 

[wivet2011]

The explanation section should be used to explain obvious issues represented on the application (reason for bad grades, dropped classes/ semesters, etc.). I imagine they allow 2000 words because some people may have encountered multiple problems that need in depth explaining. I didn't use the explanation portion of the application and I would suggest that, unless you really have something to explain, you don't either.

Agreed. I didn't use it either, but like QTkitty said, it should be used to clarify parts of your app. that may be unclear or confusing to the adcoms. I wonder why they changed it from 2000 characters to 600 words though?

 

[bclover]

Great catch Cyrille104! Yes, it is 2000 characters, not words, which makes alot more sense - and now has me kicking myself for not paying attention to details!!!

 

[wivet2011]

Great catch Cyrille104! Yes, it is 2000 characters, not words, which makes alot more sense - and now has me kicking myself for not paying attention to details!!!

Shame on you 😉

 

[cyrille104]

Agreed. I didn't use it either, but like QTkitty said, it should be used to clarify parts of your app. that may be unclear or confusing to the adcoms. I wonder why they changed it from 2000 characters to 600 words though?

I think bclover meant that the personal statement was 600 words (it used to be 5000 characters I think), but the explanation statement is still 2000 characters. Since one is in words and the other is in characters, a lot of people probably got confused this year.

 

[kate_g]

I walked away from my computer before submitting the post I had written, and in that time several other people made all the points I was going to make. So, I agree with them. 🙂

Really, if your app doesn't shine already, I can't imagine there's anything appropriate to the explanation section that's going to make a world of difference.

 

[wivet2011]

I think bclover meant that the personal statement was 600 words (it used to be 5000 characters I think), but the explanation statement is still 2000 characters. Since one is in words and the other is in characters, a lot of people probably got confused this year.

Nope, got that... guess I should have said 'wonder why they changed the PS from 2000 characters to 600 words'! Sorry!

 

[bclover]

kate_g said, "Really, if your app doesn't shine already, I can't imagine there's anything appropriate to the explanation section that's going to make a world of difference."

That was exactly what I was thinking, but didn't know if there was something I wasn't considering...

And, yes, I was referencing that the Personal Statement is at 600 words (didn't know it had changed from previous years) and the Explanation, I now realize, is 2000 characters (not words) as I originally thought.

Thanks to all!

 

[4theanimals]

As a non-trad student I used the explanation section to show how my ten years of apparently unrelated work experience provided skills that would be invaluable in veterinary medicine.

 

[bclover]

Yes, 4theanimals, as another non trad student I have just a few things to better explain, too, but before I was straightened out on the number of words/characters, I just couldn't imagine what would take 2000 "words" that wouldn't be obvious elsewhere in the app.

 

[JIKJen124]

If I remember correctly from last year, the directions on the VMCAS directions page were pretty clear as to what goes in the explaination section. I recall putting GPAs from my non-degree schools with a brief explaination of why there were several.

 

[Rebeki]

I have been debating whether or not to use the explanation section. I supported myself during college - working 30-45 hrs/wk while going to school full time. I would like this taken into consideration when looking at my grades. My overall GPA is 3.46 which isn't terrible, but would have been better had I been able to use those 30 hours for studying. Should I include in the explanation section or be more subtle and slip it into my personal statement.

Thanks!

 

[spikey]

i used my section to explain and list some information about my GPA (last 45 hours and such), explain some points about my hours that needed clarification, and i also mentioned things that i have learned from each vet that i have worked with (all of whom went to the school i was applying to). i also discussed training that i did of some kennel workers that really didnt fit in other parts of the application.

use it as a benefit to stress and/or further explain good points you have.

 

[pressmom]

Rebeki,

I think that would be a perfectly valid use of the explanation statement. Just make sure it doesn't sound to excuse-y. End it on a positive. For example, working while taking classes has increased my time-management skills and blah, blah, blah..... I worked 35 hours a week during my senior year and 20 my junior and sophomore years and I put in the work section "**worked while taking a full (16 hour) course load**" Anyway, I used my explanation section to explain why I had taken a year and a half off. (Car accident--11 major surgeries!)

 

[kate_g]

I supported myself during college - working 30-45 hrs/wk while going to school full time. I would like this taken into consideration when looking at my grades.

Be careful... I don't think your situation is all that unusual, actually, given similar stories posted by others on this forum. The fact that a lot of people work 30+ hours a week to support themselves during school makes it that much more likely that you'll sound like a whiner if you ask to have your grades looked on more kindly. Sure, there are a bunch of kids whose mommies and daddies paid for college and have never worked a day in their lives. But you'll have a bunch of things listed under "employment" (or "animal" or "veterinary" depending on what the job was) that will make it obvious that you're not one of them. And I like pressmom's idea of mentioning in the individual entry for each job you held that you were also taking a full course load at the same time.