Vmcas = help!

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jasps

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Hi guys,

I'm not new to the forums but I've been mostly just a lurker in the past year. I'm just starting my first application cycle and filling out VMCAS.

I've just got a few questions for you guys...

In personal Data section:
I'm a Canadian citizen, so for the question "If you are not a U.S. Citizen, what is your status?
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" do I just put immigrant/permanent resident? It won't let me leave it blank.

In the Intuitions attended section:
I don't have a second major, only a minor. Do I just enter "no answer" to questions related to a second major?

In the coursework section (most tedious process EVER 😴):
My school operated in percentages, so I have to figure out the whole grade converter thing. So I'm going to have to request my official transcript from my school to see if they include a conversion key, otherwise just use the VMCAS one (which seems like a harsh conversion key and doesn't include +/-)?

In the Experiences section:
I'm definitely estimating hours for this one because many of my experiences have been over a long period of time with variable weekly hours. But in the description, is it ok to use point form? Such as:

I was the President of the ___ Club.
My duties included:
-running around a lot
-talking to people
-managing club members
(etc etc, obviously just an example)



Ok, I think that's it... Sorry for all the questions, I'm just super nervous about doing this right 😕
Any help greatly appreciated!
 
I don't really know a definite answer to the first few questions, but I can tell you that doing a billeted list for experiences is an acceptable way to list your duties.
 
Are you just a Canadian citizen, or a Canadian citizen who is a permanent resident of the US?

If you're a permanent resident (this is my situation,) I would say pick immigrant/perm. resident. If you're intending just to come for school, I believe you would be a nonimmigrant - I'm getting this from here: UC Berkeley International Office In any case, I would personally contact VMCAS and make certain you're filling it out correctly.

I have no idea about the major/minor question, and I actually have a similar problem with my two majors and two minors - not sure how to fill that out, but since I'm not legitimately applying this year I wasn't too worried.

There was a VMCAS representative on this forum last year who would answer questions - I wish he'd come back.
 
Yeah, it's kind of dumb that the second major and minor questions are mandatory answers but just keep "No Major" there and stuff.
 
Thanks everyone! Good to hear about the experiences section.

Are you just a Canadian citizen, or a Canadian citizen who is a permanent resident of the US?

If you're a permanent resident (this is my situation,) I would say pick immigrant/perm. resident. If you're intending just to come for school, I believe you would be a nonimmigrant - I'm getting this from here: UC Berkeley International Office In any case, I would personally contact VMCAS and make certain you're filling it out correctly.

I'm just a Canadian citizen, don't live in the States. Actually only planning on applying to UK schools through VMCAS. Guess I'll contact them to clarify.
 
Let me reiterate that there's nothing wrong with calling the VMCAS help hotline to get your questions answered. I kept a running list of questions/issues and called them with 5 or so at a time. They were always really helpful and patient!
 
Also last year VMCAS had a forum where you could ask questions and get them answered by someone qualified/whose responses actually carry weight. I am not sure if they are doing it again this year, but worth looking for.
 
What I've found helpful is that at the top of each page, there is an icon called "Instructions for this section". They will tell you to put "no minor" or "no degree" for second major/minor, whatever. There should also be a place to enter what country you're from, so the status thing shouldn't be an issue? I'm not looking at my application right now, though, so there's the problem.

But yeah, definitely check out the "instructions for this section" link.
 
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