VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2023

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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SkiOtter said:
It’s a queue to start the process, not finish it. Some people’s stuff just takes longer than others to verify.
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I guess, given that context, it makes sense that it would take forever for mine to be verified (which it was, today) considering I have multiple degrees. :shrug:
 
forks4spoons said:
I guess, given that context, it makes sense that it would take forever for mine to be verified (which it was, today) considering I have multiple degrees. :shrug:
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Yep mine took a while too both cycles. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to get kicked back to you 🙂
Glad yours was verified today!! Now you can sit and wait and twiddle your thumbs for the next few months.
 
Does anyone know if the ETS registration code is the same for all tests? I took the GRE twice and did better the first time but the ETS site is only showing one registration number. Also, does anyone know how long it takes for the scores to be sent to schools? 3 out of 4 of mine are showing as pending. My scores were reported yesterday and I took the test August 30th. I requested all scores be sent to my designated schools the same day I took the test. I would’ve thought that the scores would get to the schools the same day they showed up on ETS.
 
SquirrelSam said:
Does anyone know if the ETS registration code is the same for all tests? I took the GRE twice and did better the first time but the ETS site is only showing one registration number. Also, does anyone know how long it takes for the scores to be sent to schools? 3 out of 4 of mine are showing as pending. My scores were reported yesterday and I took the test August 30th. I requested all scores be sent to my designated schools the same day I took the test. I would’ve thought that the scores would get to the schools the same day they showed up on ETS.
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It's been a long time for me, but I faintly recall getting my initial score report, then getting a slightly adjusted one sometime after? You can always call ETS as well.
 
I'm sorry if this is a repeat question, but I couldn't find the answer. Can you submit each application separately? Or do you have to submit them all at once? I have a school that I need one more essay, but all the others are ready. I really don't want to delay any longer in submitting those, but don't want to mess anything up by submitting separately. Thanks.
 
amym5985 said:
I'm sorry if this is a repeat question, but I couldn't find the answer. Can you submit each application separately? Or do you have to submit them all at once? I have a school that I need one more essay, but all the others are ready. I really don't want to delay any longer in submitting those, but don't want to mess anything up by submitting separately. Thanks.
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You can submit the ones that are ready so you'll be put in the queue for transcript verification, then finish up the last one later. That's what I did. Clicking "Submit all" on the VMCAS "Submit Application" page will actually let you go through and select which ones you want to send (the button title is a bit deceptive!).
 
NEED QUICK HELP IF POSSIBLE:

VMCAS says to enter info about my classes on my transcripts EXACTLY as it appears. My AP Exam was labeled as "BIOL 110 CONC BIO" with a grade of "TR." On their FAQ however, they say to list AP exams as having "CR" as the grade. Which should I do?
 
Spoot said:
NEED QUICK HELP IF POSSIBLE:

VMCAS says to enter info about my classes on my transcripts EXACTLY as it appears. My AP Exam was labeled as "BIOL 110 CONC BIO" with a grade of "TR." On their FAQ however, they say to list AP exams as having "CR" as the grade. Which should I do?
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I would list it as CR as they state in their instructions and write a note about the difference in the section they provide for additional information.
 
bryndiana.jones said:
I would list it as CR as they state in their instructions and write a note about the difference in the section they provide for additional information.
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I'm going to wait and see if I get a response tomorrow but if not i will use this advice, thank you!
 
Spoot said:
NEED QUICK HELP IF POSSIBLE:

VMCAS says to enter info about my classes on my transcripts EXACTLY as it appears. My AP Exam was labeled as "BIOL 110 CONC BIO" with a grade of "TR." On their FAQ however, they say to list AP exams as having "CR" as the grade. Which should I do?
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I believe the “enter it exactly how it appears on your transcript” thing is for the class name/subject and number. Muuuuuch harder to match up “conc bio” on a transcript to someone putting “intro bio 1” on vmcas
 
SquirrelSam said:
Does anyone know if the ETS registration code is the same for all tests? I took the GRE twice and did better the first time but the ETS site is only showing one registration number. Also, does anyone know how long it takes for the scores to be sent to schools? 3 out of 4 of mine are showing as pending. My scores were reported yesterday and I took the test August 30th. I requested all scores be sent to my designated schools the same day I took the test. I would’ve thought that the scores would get to the schools the same day they showed up on ETS.
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I believe your code changes for each test, and if you wanted a specific tests code you would have to look at the score report.

If the scores have been reported and they show up in your VMCAS app then the schools should have them
 
I was reading my essays again to see what I can finagle into the UCD personal statement. I just found a repeted typo in 3 of my supplemental essays! They say “..it was affected..” not “..it was affecting..”
Any one else experience this and know how to woo VMCAS support to unlock my application?
 
Whew. I ended up calling ETS and found out that my computer must have glitched because they only had my most recent GRE score scheduled to be sent out this week when I definitely requested all past scores be sent to my designated schools. I had to order more reports. My bank account is screaming.

On another note, does anyone know when eLORs are due? One VMCAS page says September 15th by midnight but the main page says September 17th by midnight. I’m still waiting on 3 of 4...
 
SquirrelSam said:
On another note, does anyone know when eLORs are due? One VMCAS page says September 15th by midnight but the main page says September 17th by midnight. I’m still waiting on 3 of 4...
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Elors are due when vmcas is due. USUALLY it’s the 15th at midnight but since that’s a Saturday, the deadline has been shifted to Monday the 17th. And if you are not in the eastern time zone, you need to account for that too.
You NEED to gently bug your letter writers. TODAY. They may not realize the deadline is so soon and you do NOT want to have them accidentally not submit, especially since you do it have the minimum number of letters already submitted (like if you had 3 in and were waiting on the fourth). Do not let them wait until Monday night to submit because if something goes wrong then you’re SOL. @LyraGardenia had a letter writer have a tech issue trying to submit close to the deadline, didn’t tell her or vmcas, and missed it. I think only two(?) of her schools were willing to let the letter writer send it directly to them and they would still consider it, but she was SOL at the others, including her in state I believe.
One of my two cycles, my vet letter writer had finished his letter and THOUGHT he had submitted it, but somehow didn’t complete the submitting. I reminded him about the letter and he said he had submitted and so I asked him if he could check again because it was showing as not submitted on my end. If I hadn’t asked, he would have never actually submitted and I would’ve been out hundreds of dollars, between vmcas fees, gre fees, and supplemental fees all because he didn’t realize that it didn’t fully submit.
Go bug your letter writers.
 
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SkiOtter said:
Elors are due when vmcas is due. USUALLY it’s the 15th at midnight but since that’s a Saturday, the deadline has been shifted to Monday the 17th. And if you are not in the eastern time zone, you need to account for that too.
You NEED to gently bug your letter writers. TODAY. They may not realize the deadline is so soon and you do NOT want to have them accidentally not submit, especially since you do it have the minimum number of letters already submitted (like if you had 3 in and were waiting on the fourth). Do not let them wait until Monday night to submit because if something goes wrong then you’re SOL. @LyraGardenia had a letter writer have a tech issue trying to submit close to the deadline, didn’t tell her or vmcas, and missed it. I think only one of her schools was willing to let the letter writer send it directly to them and they would still consider it, but she was SOL at the others, including her in state I believe.
One of my two cycles, my vet letter writer had finished his letter and THOUGHT he had submitted it, but somehow didn’t complete the submitting. I reminded him about the letter and he said he had submitted and so I asked him if he could check again because it was showing as not submitted on my end. If I hadn’t asked, he would have never actually submitted and I would’ve been out hundreds of dollars, between vmcas fees, gre fees, and supplemental fees all because he didn’t realize that it didn’t fully submit.
Go bug your letter writers.
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I’ll send them all another email. I’m so sorry to hear about that @LyraGardenia. I’ve been having nightmares about that exact scenario. Did everything end up working out? I hate bothering my writers but you’re right, that’s a lot of money and time down the drain if they don’t end up submitting their eLORs in time. Ironically, it was my old professor I was most worried about and she submitted her letter weeks ago.
 
SkiOtter said:
You NEED to gently bug your letter writers. TODAY. They may not realize the deadline is so soon and you do NOT want to have them accidentally not submit, especially since you do it have the minimum number of letters already submitted (like if you had 3 in and were waiting on the fourth). Do not let them wait until Monday night to submit because if something goes wrong then you’re SOL. @LyraGardenia had a letter writer have a tech issue trying to submit close to the deadline, didn’t tell her or vmcas, and missed it. I think only two(?) of her schools were willing to let the letter writer send it directly to them and they would still consider it, but she was SOL at the others, including her in state I believe.
One of my two cycles, my vet letter writer had finished his letter and THOUGHT he had submitted it, but somehow didn’t complete the submitting. I reminded him about the letter and he said he had submitted and so I asked him if he could check again because it was showing as not submitted on my end. If I hadn’t asked, he would have never actually submitted and I would’ve been out hundreds of dollars, between vmcas fees, gre fees, and supplemental fees all because he didn’t realize that it didn’t fully submit.
Go bug your letter writers.
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SquirrelSam said:
I’ll send them all another email. I’m so sorry to hear about that @LyraGardenia. I’ve been having nightmares about that exact scenario. Did everything end up working out? I hate bothering my writers but you’re right, that’s a lot of money and time down the drain if they don’t end up submitting their eLORs in time. Ironically, it was my old professor I was most worried about and she submitted her letter weeks ago.
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Ski is right, some schools are very strict about having everything in by the deadline, so the possibility of a late LOR (unless you requested extra and already have 3) isn't something to take lightly! Mizzou (my in-state) and Illinois wouldn't consider my application because of that, but Midwestern, SGU and K-State were willing to accept it sent directly to them. VMCAS was extremely unhelpful considering my LOR writer didn't contact them at the time he was having issues, and they wouldn't verify my application since it was incomplete.

Keep in mind this was three years ago, it was due to a technical glitch rather than my LOR writer just forgetting, and K-State now has a new dean of admissions, so I wouldn't assume that any of these schools would respond the same way now for someone else if you or anyone else end up in the same boat. I'm now a third year at K-State so it worked out, but it was definitely a nightmare scenario! I was very close to just giving up on vet school once I realized I wasn't going to be able to go IS.
 
Hi, do GRE scores have to be received by the 17th or just sent by the 17th? Am I still able to apply to a few last minute schools that require the GRE if I send them my scores today?
 
LyraGardenia said:
Ski is right, some schools are very strict about having everything in by the deadline, so the possibility of a late LOR (unless you requested extra and already have 3) isn't something to take lightly! Mizzou (my in-state) and Illinois wouldn't consider my application because of that, but Midwestern, SGU and K-State were willing to accept it sent directly to them. VMCAS was extremely unhelpful considering my LOR writer didn't contact them at the time he was having issues, and they wouldn't verify my application since it was incomplete.

Keep in mind this was three years ago, it was due to a technical glitch rather than my LOR writer just forgetting, and K-State now has a new dean of admissions, so I wouldn't assume that any of these schools would respond the same way now for someone else if you or anyone else end up in the same boat. I'm now a third year at K-State so it worked out, but it was definitely a nightmare scenario! I was very close to just giving up on vet school once I realized I wasn't going to be able to go IS.
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That sounds like an awful experience. I’m surprised the schools wouldn’t accept your last letter considering it wasn’t your fault the system crashed. VMCAS must make a fortune off of us. It’s ****ty they made zero effort to help you considering it was their system that failed. I’m glad you didn’t give up on your dream and things worked out! Congratulations on sticking through it all and almost graduating!

I did end up sending reminder emails. My vet submitted his letter just now and one of my other evaluators confirmed she’d have it in on time. Now I’m just waiting on my 4th but it’s a relief knowing I’ll have the 3 required letters to send in my application.
 
Sb7044 said:
Hi, do GRE scores have to be received by the 17th or just sent by the 17th? Am I still able to apply to a few last minute schools that require the GRE if I send them my scores today?
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Entirely dependent on the school. Some (NCSU) must receive them by the deadline, some have their own deadline where you can essentially take it up until the vmcas deadline and it’ll be there before their deadline. Contact the schools you’re thinking about last minute applying to.
 
I just turned in my application on Tuesday! How long has it taken for the verification process for everyone? I am so nervous that something bad is going to happen to my application :/
 
pinksarah said:
I just turned in my application on Tuesday! How long has it taken for the verification process for everyone? I am so nervous that something bad is going to happen to my application :/
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It took maybe 2-3 days for mine to be verified. However, I know it may take a little longer closer to the deadline. But if it's already submitted then you should be ok.
 
crazyshibalady said:
It took maybe 2-3 days for mine to be verified. However, I know it may take a little longer closer to the deadline. But if it's already submitted then you should be ok.
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what factors in how long it takes? If I applied to more schools would the verification take longer? Thanks!!
 
pinksarah said:
what factors in how long it takes? If I applied to more schools would the verification take longer? Thanks!!
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I think it depends on the number of transcripts and where they come from (i.e. different states, or countries).
 
pinksarah said:
I just turned in my application on Tuesday! How long has it taken for the verification process for everyone? I am so nervous that something bad is going to happen to my application :/
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Took mine 48 hours. I was pleasantly surprised with how fast it went, considering I had transcripts from four colleges.
 
csequine said:
Took mine 48 hours. I was pleasantly surprised with how fast it went, considering I had transcripts from four colleges.
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I hope mine gets verified soon!!!! I just want to have it all clear so I can stop worrying about it!!!
 
pinksarah said:
I hope mine gets verified soon!!!! I just want to have it all clear so I can stop worrying about it!!!
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I know how you feel 🙁 This whole process is just a huge waiting game, I hate it!! lol
 
Should I be worried about my apps considering I submitted them to VMCAS on September 3rd and they are still stuck in the complete status? I even made sure to send in my transcript early (VMCAS received my transcript August 3rd- only a single transcript from one school as I did all 4 years of undergrad at the same school). All of my GRE scores were received August 8th. All of my LORs were fully completed by September 10th. Literally everything is submitted and completed yet I still haven't been verified and it's freaking me out beyond belief. Any suggestions/advice from my fellow applicants?
 
Are there any schools who require your application to be verified before the actual due date in order to be considered? I don't think mine is going to be verified by the 17th but I want to make sure my application will still be considered!
 
pinksarah said:
Are there any schools who require your application to be verified before the actual due date in order to be considered? I don't think mine is going to be verified by the 17th but I want to make sure my application will still be considered!
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You should double check with each individual school, but the ones I applied to accept applications that are verified beyond 9/17. You just have to have the application submitted by that date and the schools will access them when they can.

I submitted my applications about a day ago and they are already verified. Chances are yours will be soon, too. Good luck!
 
They've extended the deadline due to the hurricane.

Now to finish this application and submit before the power goes out!!

Pray/send good thoughts for us down here in North Carolina.
 

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emlady09 said:
They've extended the deadline due to the hurricane.

Now to finish this application and submit before the power goes out!!

Pray/send good thoughts for us down here in North Carolina.
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Make sure your letter writers submit ASAP too!!!!! Even with the extended deadline you don’t want them to accidentally miss it because they couldn’t get power. (This goes to you and everyone else on here :laugh:)
 
Hello all,

First time posting here and first time applicant. I tried to google my questions for a solution, but couldn't find one. I have submitted all parts of my VMCAS application and it has already been verified. My question is why can't I see the VMCAS calculated GPAs? I followed the steps on their FAQ and waited the recommended hour (at this point I have waited weeks) to see if it would show up and I still have not seen them pop up when I download the application document. When I use the PDF reader (on a Mac) and open all the bookmarks, I do not see one for "Calculated GPA". Is there something I am missing or have overlooked? Does it only come up if you have applied to certain programs? I am applying to NC State if that helps.

Thanks in advance for any help rendered.
-ME
 
MannyEquino said:
Hello all,

First time posting here and first time applicant. I tried to google my questions for a solution, but couldn't find one. I have submitted all parts of my VMCAS application and it has already been verified. My question is why can't I see the VMCAS calculated GPAs? I followed the steps on their FAQ and waited the recommended hour (at this point I have waited weeks) to see if it would show up and I still have not seen them pop up when I download the application document. When I use the PDF reader (on a Mac) and open all the bookmarks, I do not see one for "Calculated GPA". Is there something I am missing or have overlooked? Does it only come up if you have applied to certain programs? I am applying to NC State if that helps.

Thanks in advance for any help rendered.
-ME
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Within the each one of the downloaded school PDF's that you can download under "My Programs" within the "Check Status"-tab, you can see them listed right after all the transcript entry. The title is "Calculated GPA", so you can actually just command+f. It should be there for every school that you are applying to.
 
M&D said:
Within the each one of the downloaded school PDF's that you can download under "My Programs" within the "Check Status"-tab, you can see them listed right after all the transcript entry. The title is "Calculated GPA", so you can actually just command+f. It should be there for every school that you are applying to.
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The next section after the transcript entries is the "Supporting Information" section. Also, when I control+F "Calculated GPA" no results are yielded.
 
SkiOtter said:
If it’s not on your PDF, that’s a question for vmcas help. Did you try contacting them first?
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Didn't know if the servers were just taking longer to update because of the high volume and other people were also affected. However, It seems like this is a one-off type of problem so I definitely went ahead and contacted them.
 
Question for the Penn supplemental: my main interest is in research, and they ask you to list "vet experiences hours in primary interest" I work full time in a research lab so I have a ton of research hours, but I don't do any direct veterinary related research (I work on drug development for humans). Does this count?
 
cubbie94 said:
Question for the Penn supplemental: my main interest is in research, and they ask you to list "vet experiences hours in primary interest" I work full time in a research lab so I have a ton of research hours, but I don't do any direct veterinary related research (I work on drug development for humans). Does this count?
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That sounds like a good question to email or call Penn admissions about!
 
&!(#*($&@*(_#!() I had some miscommunications between my primary university and VMCAS. I took a course this summer and frigging forgot to change it to "completed." And THEN I found out that my transcript that was sent to VMCAS didn't include that course on there! I got in touch with them today and they are sending out a new transcript in the morning, but I'm freaking out now. 🙁 I guess I'll sit down and e-mail the vet school just to let them know.. I'm going to be so upset if this knocks me out of this cycle. :'(
 
forks4spoons said:
&!(#*($&@*(_#!() I had some miscommunications between my primary university and VMCAS. I took a course this summer and frigging forgot to change it to "completed." And THEN I found out that my transcript that was sent to VMCAS didn't include that course on there! I got in touch with them today and they are sending out a new transcript in the morning, but I'm freaking out now. 🙁 I guess I'll sit down and e-mail the vet school just to let them know.. I'm going to be so upset if this knocks me out of this cycle. :'(
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So you had the course on your vmcas but just had it marked as “in progress”???
 
SkiOtter said:
So you had the course on your vmcas but just had it marked as “in progress”???
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I did! But I checked with my uni to make sure that grade had been sent with my transcript and they told me it had. So i figured it was only a matter of updating the course status in vmcas, but the vmcas people said that the transcript would have to be resubmitted.
 
forks4spoons said:
I did! But I checked with my uni to make sure that grade had been sent with my transcript and they told me it had. So i figured it was only a matter of updating the course status in vmcas, but the vmcas people said that the transcript would have to be resubmitted.
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Weird. Maybe vmcas didn’t realize the original transcript had the class on it and thought you had sent the transcript earlier in the summer?
 
cubbie94 said:
Question for the Penn supplemental: my main interest is in research, and they ask you to list "vet experiences hours in primary interest" I work full time in a research lab so I have a ton of research hours, but I don't do any direct veterinary related research (I work on drug development for humans). Does this count?
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I would list those hours. Clearly this experience led to you developing your primary interest. Many (if not most) drugs used in vet medicine were originally developed for human use (and they were def tested on animals first). Medical research affects humans and non-human animals. One Health and all that.
 
I used the term "vet" instead of "veterinarian" to buy myself some extra characters on the VMCAS personal statement - was this a bad idea?
 
Could some applicants post their verification timeline? e.g. when submitted and when it was verified - I just submitted VMCAS today so I'm anxious!
 
Jakey1414 said:
Could some applicants post their verification timeline? e.g. when submitted and when it was verified - I just submitted VMCAS today so I'm anxious!
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Last year I submitted September 13th and was verified the 20th. Deadline was the 15th which was extended for the hurricane last year also, can't remember when it was extended to. Good luck!!
 
Jakey1414 said:
Could some applicants post their verification timeline? e.g. when submitted and when it was verified - I just submitted VMCAS today so I'm anxious!
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I submitted 8/26/2018 and was verified by 8/28/2018. I am assuming that since I submitted my app a little early (not sure when peak times are though), it got verified pretty quickly.
 
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