VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2024

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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Hi! quick question - I took physics 1 and am planning to take physics 2 at a community college. Does it matter if I have those grades transferred and submitted with my main transcripts (UIUC) or should I just not bother and send them via the community college's transcripts? Its not a required class for my major.
 
stormy517 said:
Hi! quick question - I took physics 1 and am planning to take physics 2 at a community college. Does it matter if I have those grades transferred and submitted with my main transcripts (UIUC) or should I just not bother and send them via the community college's transcripts? Its not a required class for my major.
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Since you have to send the CC transcript regardless, I don't see the point in transferring it to your main institution if you don't need to.
 
the LSU prompt essay 2 : LSU SVM-SPECIFIC ESSAY - In the space given below, please prepare a personal essay addressing your educational and professional goals, which includes why you feel you would be a strong candidate for the LSU SVM. 5000 characters

And VMCAS Q 1 : 1) There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?

The two are really duplicative, , any suggestion on how to approach these two questions?
 
lemurking said:
the LSU prompt essay 2 : LSU SVM-SPECIFIC ESSAY - In the space given below, please prepare a personal essay addressing your educational and professional goals, which includes why you feel you would be a strong candidate for the LSU SVM. 5000 characters

And VMCAS Q 1 : 1) There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?

The two are really duplicative, , any suggestion on how to approach these two questions?
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I would make the LSU one more personal, like if your goals would be more specific to a program they may offer, etc.
 
lemurking said:
the LSU prompt essay 2 : LSU SVM-SPECIFIC ESSAY - In the space given below, please prepare a personal essay addressing your educational and professional goals, which includes why you feel you would be a strong candidate for the LSU SVM. 5000 characters

And VMCAS Q 1 : 1) There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?

The two are really duplicative, , any suggestion on how to approach these two questions?
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For LSU’s essay I elaborated on where I want to end up professionally and why, and added what I hope to gain in vet school and what I have to offer LSU as a student and future alum.
 
Hey all, I started this process on the pre-med track many years ago and it just occurred to me - should I include the shadowing in human medicine I've done on my application? I have about 60 hours of shadowing in the hospital and OR. I actually already submitted my app a few weeks ago, but it looks like there's an option to add to it. Not sure if it's worth it or not though since I included all of my veterinary shadowing.
 
LizLiz99 said:
I have a question pertaining to the statistics University of Florida released for the Class of 2023. I am applying as an OOS, last cycle it notes that the total pool was 809, 216 were not offered interviews, and 146 were offered interviews. Where does the other 447 go? Am I missing something? It seems to be this way for all years they have released stats.
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People who didn’t make it to packet review. The 216 made it to review but didn’t get an interview after that.
 
nontradstdnt said:
Hey all, I started this process on the pre-med track many years ago and it just occurred to me - should I include the shadowing in human medicine I've done on my application? I have about 60 hours of shadowing in the hospital and OR. I actually already submitted my app a few weeks ago, but it looks like there's an option to add to it. Not sure if it's worth it or not though since I included all of my veterinary shadowing.
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If you can I would. It shows you've gotten experience outside of the field. But I think the add button is only for recent experiences if I remember correctly? Double check your instructions.
 
nontradstdnt said:
Hey all, I started this process on the pre-med track many years ago and it just occurred to me - should I include the shadowing in human medicine I've done on my application? I have about 60 hours of shadowing in the hospital and OR. I actually already submitted my app a few weeks ago, but it looks like there's an option to add to it. Not sure if it's worth it or not though since I included all of my veterinary shadowing.
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It almost never hurts to add something like this! Makes you stand out compared to the average pre-vet at the very least.

LizLiz99 said:
Where does the other 447 go?
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Denied without interview.
 
evam said:
Hi, all!
I took this year post-grad off and I’m currently applying to vet schools. That said, I took a Basic Veterinary Care course at a local adult education center. I know it’s not a college from which I can request a transcript- so that’s not the issue. My quandary is thus: the course was a total of 72 hrs of coursework (including hands-on experience with cats and dogs), but how can I classify this experience without looking like I’m overselling it, and would it be problematic that it’s a course for which I don’t have a transcript? I am planning to add my supervisor’s email and phone number for verification, but I really don’t want to be accused of misrepresenting myself.
I also attended an 8-hour awareness-level Technical Large Animal Rescue Seminar sponsored by a local equine vet group, and I’m struggling about how to classify that experience as well.

Thanks for your help!
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I called things like that continuing education :shrug:
 
thank you EngrSC and amwildlife, that's what i did, but the LSU essay still so much similar to the VMCAS
BTW, i was interviewed by Ross and St George's last week, the SG IV was perfect, But during the Ross IV i fumbled at the ONE Health question...
 
nontradstdnt said:
Hey all, I started this process on the pre-med track many years ago and it just occurred to me - should I include the shadowing in human medicine I've done on my application? I have about 60 hours of shadowing in the hospital and OR. I actually already submitted my app a few weeks ago, but it looks like there's an option to add to it. Not sure if it's worth it or not though since I included all of my veterinary shadowing.
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I would personally add it because you still gained valuable knowledge in a clinical setting and learned how to interact with other people which is a necessary skill in the veterinary field.
 
Verification update! I submitted mine this morning around 11am (CT), I'll let you guys know when Im verified! I am TERRIFIED.
 
Does anyone know if schools look at the VMCAS gpa more or the actual one on your transcripts? Because I repeated a few courses and VMCAS doesn’t believe in grade forgiveness my gpa is lower than I would like. But on my transcripts it’s fine. Should I panic?
 
gianna1018 said:
Does anyone know if schools look at the VMCAS gpa more or the actual one on your transcripts? Because I repeated a few courses and VMCAS doesn’t believe in grade forgiveness my gpa is lower than I would like. But on my transcripts it’s fine. Should I panic?
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Depends where you're applying and how those schools calculate the GPAs.
 
gianna1018 said:
Does anyone know if schools look at the VMCAS gpa more or the actual one on your transcripts? Because I repeated a few courses and VMCAS doesn’t believe in grade forgiveness my gpa is lower than I would like. But on my transcripts it’s fine. Should I panic?
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There isn’t a blanket yes/no answer for all schools. Some use VMCAS-calculated GPAs and others calculate their own.
 
gianna1018 said:
Does anyone know if schools look at the VMCAS gpa more or the actual one on your transcripts? Because I repeated a few courses and VMCAS doesn’t believe in grade forgiveness my gpa is lower than I would like. But on my transcripts it’s fine. Should I panic?
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This was answered back in May when you asked previously. Contact the schools you’re interested in and see how they handle repeated courses.
 
EngrSC said:
There isn’t a blanket yes/no answer for all schools. Some use VMCAS-calculated GPAs and others calculate their own.
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Do you know offhand some schools that look at the VMCAS calculated gpa? I can cross reference with my 13 school list.
 
SkiOtter said:
Literally just contact the schools. You have had FOUR months since multiple people on here told you to contact the schools about their policies.
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Yes, do this @gianna1018. I don’t know with absolute certainty what each school does and don’t have the time to research for you.
 
SkiOtter said:
Literally just contact the schools. You have had FOUR months since multiple people on here told you to contact the schools about their policies.
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I have looked to see minimum gpa requirements for all the schools I’m not an idiot who applies blindly without doing research. I meet them based on my transcripts but with VMCAS they literally screwed me over because of my repeated classes. A lot of schools I’m applying to don’t disclose which cumulative specifically they look at on their websites so I was just curious. That’s all.
 
gianna1018 said:
I have looked to see minimum gpa requirements for all the schools I’m not an idiot who applies blindly without doing research. I meet them based on my transcripts but with VMCAS they literally screwed me over because of my repeated classes. A lot of schools I’m applying to don’t disclose which cumulative specifically they look at on their websites so I was just curious. That’s all.
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Have you tried calling them?? Emailing? This is what we were saying by CONTACT the schools. If they don’t have it on their website, they will tell you if you call them.
A lot of schools DO include the repeated courses.
 
gianna1018 said:
I have looked to see minimum gpa requirements for all the schools I’m not an idiot who applies blindly without doing research. I meet them based on my transcripts but with VMCAS they literally screwed me over because of my repeated classes. A lot of schools I’m applying to don’t disclose which cumulative specifically they look at on their websites so I was just curious. That’s all.
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Various schools do disclose on their website how they handle repeats for the cumulative GPA. For the schools that do not, you will need to contact them directly and they will probably answer. The point was, you were already told to do this when you asked the same question four months ago. The answer hasn't changed. Contact the schools.
 
finnickthedog said:
Various schools do disclose on their website how they handle repeats for the cumulative GPA. For the schools that do not, you will need to contact them directly and they will probably answer. The point was, you were already told to do this when you asked the same question four months ago. The answer hasn't changed. Contact the schools.
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Honestly, I forgot I even asked this months ago because I didn’t look back (my fault). I feel like it doesn’t matter at this point because I’m already verified. Overall, I’m not extremely concerned because majority of the schools I am applying to I meet their minimum gpa requirements even with VMCAS’ calculation. I just want to look as best as possible, you know? My question was literally out of curiosity at this point in the game.
 
gianna1018 said:
Honestly, I forgot I even asked this months ago because I didn’t look back (my fault). I feel like it doesn’t matter at this point because I’m already verified. Overall, I’m not extremely concerned because majority of the schools I am applying to I meet their minimum gpa requirements even with VMCAS’ calculation. I just want to look as best as possible, you know? My question was literally out of curiosity at this point in the game.
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It’s going to be what it’s going to be at this point. I’m fairly convinced adcoms put qualified applications on a wall and throw darts at some point during the decisions process 😛
 
This may not be an issue anyone can or wants to answer, but I feel like I’m having trouble getting the right tone on the more topic-focused essay. Did y’all go more research-y or really target the question with some research to back it up? Like, how much should I/did you give background about any current developments in the field? How much is this “show how much you know about what’s going on” versus “come up with actual solutions or describe a direct role”? I feel like I’m veering into research paper mode, as opposed to focusing on the question.
 
EB73674 said:
This may not be an issue anyone can or wants to answer, but I feel like I’m having trouble getting the right tone on the more topic-focused essay. Did y’all go more research-y or really target the question with some research to back it up? Like, how much should I/did you give background about any current developments in the field? How much is this “show how much you know about what’s going on” versus “come up with actual solutions or describe a direct role”? I feel like I’m veering into research paper mode, as opposed to focusing on the question.
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Is this a school specific essay (and if so which school) or one of the general vmcas ones?
 
gianna1018 said:
Does anyone know if schools look at the VMCAS gpa more or the actual one on your transcripts? Because I repeated a few courses and VMCAS doesn’t believe in grade forgiveness my gpa is lower than I would like. But on my transcripts it’s fine. Should I panic?
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One school that I know 100% that does grade forgiveness is Kansas State. Michigan state does not, but they only look at your last 45 to see if it is above a 3.0 before doing a packet review.
 
SkiOtter said:
Is this a school specific essay (and if so which school) or one of the general vmcas ones?
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It's the Illinois one on working dogs and the opioid crisis. I've kinda tweaked it to be much more "what is the role of the veterinarian in this" rather than a research paper, but I'm not sure if that's correct! (I'm also almost definitely overthinking it...)
 
EB73674 said:
It's the Illinois one on working dogs and the opioid crisis. I've kinda tweaked it to be much more "what is the role of the veterinarian in this" rather than a research paper, but I'm not sure if that's correct! (I'm also almost definitely overthinking it...)
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I definitely used sources for my Illinois essay. It doesn’t have to be super researchy, but if you look info up online, definitely cite it even if you’re paraphrasing. Someone else was asking about it on the Illinois thread the other day too.
 
EB73674 said:
It's the Illinois one on working dogs and the opioid crisis. I've kinda tweaked it to be much more "what is the role of the veterinarian in this" rather than a research paper, but I'm not sure if that's correct! (I'm also almost definitely overthinking it...)
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As for the tone, it can be whatever kind of essay you want. I looked at mine as a research orientated one, but I know people who didn't.
 
LizLiz99 said:
One school that I know 100% that does grade forgiveness is Kansas State. Michigan state does not, but they only look at your last 45 to see if it is above a 3.0 before doing a packet review.
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Actually, Michigan State does grade forgiveness. They also only look at last 36, not 45.
 
SkiOtter said:
I definitely used sources for my Illinois essay. It doesn’t have to be super researchy, but if you look info up online, definitely cite it even if you’re paraphrasing. Someone else was asking about it on the Illinois thread the other day too.
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Ok cool, phew, thanks so much! Yeah I definitely did in-text citations & a works cited section at the end, but I cut down on the stating information like a research paper, and focused more on using data/information to support my points. You know, like you're supposed to do in an essay! *facepalm*
 
batsenecal said:
As for the tone, it can be whatever kind of essay you want. I looked at mine as a research orientated one, but I know people who didn't.
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Ok great, thank you so much!
 
Hi all! I have 3 outstanding pre reqs I’m finishing this year. I just applied. One of the schools (and best shot I have) is Virginia Maryland. I just talked to someone who is going to apply next cycle because she spoke to the admissions people and they said they view people with outstanding pre-reqs in a negative light. When I called them they said it was fine.. I’m feeling like I made a mistake applying and it is going to hurt me in future cycles? Has anyone heard about this particularly with this school? I tried my best.
 
atticus1957 said:
Hi all! I have 3 outstanding pre reqs I’m finishing this year. I just applied. One of the schools (and best shot I have) is Virginia Maryland. I just talked to someone who is going to apply next cycle because she spoke to the admissions people and they said they view people with outstanding pre-reqs in a negative light. When I called them they said it was fine.. I’m feeling like I made a mistake applying and it is going to hurt me in future cycles? Has anyone heard about this particularly with this school? I tried my best.
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*when I called them several months ago*
 
atticus1957 said:
Hi all! I have 3 outstanding pre reqs I’m finishing this year. I just applied. One of the schools (and best shot I have) is Virginia Maryland. I just talked to someone who is going to apply next cycle because she spoke to the admissions people and they said they view people with outstanding pre-reqs in a negative light. When I called them they said it was fine.. I’m feeling like I made a mistake applying and it is going to hurt me in future cycles? Has anyone heard about this particularly with this school? I tried my best.
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The school is the number 1 source of info. If they say it's fine, it's fine. Thousands of students apply with outstanding courses every year.
 
(I hope I'm posting this to the appropriate section)

I'm finishing up my supplemental essay questions for a few different vet schools and I'm having a difficult time with the essay questions that ask for example

"Discuss the ways in which Penn Vet matches your academic and professional goals"

The truth is I don't know much about Pennsylvania Vet I'm applying to multiple school to increase my chances of getting in if we are being honest. I looked on the site and have tried to pull a few things here and there but I don't think that's going to cut it.

Does anyone have any tips for this type of essay question?
 
Panda84 said:
(I hope I'm posting this to the appropriate section)

I'm finishing up my supplemental essay questions for a few different vet schools and I'm having a difficult time with the essay questions that ask for example

"Discuss the ways in which Penn Vet matches your academic and professional goals"

The truth is I don't know much about Pennsylvania Vet I'm applying to multiple school to increase my chances of getting in if we are being honest. I looked on the site and have tried to pull a few things here and there but I don't think that's going to cut it.

Does anyone have any tips for this type of essay question?
Click to expand...

Hi! I’m an applicant this year and recently finished that essay question and a similar one for WSU. My tips for you would be to just browse ALL over their website and look for topics that interest you that their program offers. For example, my application was centered around equine vet work and community service, and i’m very curious about zoonotic diseases academically. I wrote about Penns new state of the art equine center, new bolton, and what it has to offer and a lab in particular that published research that peaked my interest. These questions are always frustrating, but if you put in the time you can most definitely write a great response from the articles and resources on their website 🙂 Hope this helps a little or at the very least assures you it’s possible — goodluck this cycle!!!
 
omgitsallyd said:
Hi! I’m an applicant this year and recently finished that essay question and a similar one for WSU. My tips for you would be to just browse ALL over their website and look for topics that interest you that their program offers. For example, my application was centered around equine vet work and community service, and i’m very curious about zoonotic diseases academically. I wrote about Penns new state of the art equine center, new bolton, and what it has to offer and a lab in particular that published research that peaked my interest. These questions are always frustrating, but if you put in the time you can most definitely write a great response from the articles and resources on their website 🙂 Hope this helps a little or at the very least assures you it’s possible — goodluck this cycle!!!
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Thank you
 
Hi All,
What is the longest time that it has taken VMCAS to process a transcript that you have experienced? My last transcript is coming from a university that does not send electronic transcripts (so it had to be sent via snail mail), they also do not mail them first class, just regular mail. The transcript was mailed August 27th and nothing has updated on VMCAS, I'm worried I should request another transcript just to be safe.
Thoughts?
 
This may have been answered already and I apologize if it was (I did look and didn't see it)--I just want to clarify what to do when adding future semesters. I have some outstanding pre-reqs I plan to complete in the spring so I know I have to include those, but aside from that I have no idea what I will be taking. Is it okay for me to only have like 2-3 classes planned for the spring semester (with the assumption that I will remain a full time student) or should I put in extra classes just to show that I plan on taking on a full credit load? If I do the second option will I be able to edit that information/do schools really care if I end up taking those stated classes or not?
 
Elkhart said:
Contact VMCAS directly and ask them, especially since we’re approaching the deadline in just a couple of weeks. Make sure that they have received it or at least anticipate receiving it over the next few days.

Back when I applied (2015), it took just over one week, if I recall, from my school sending out the transcript through snail mail to it getting fully processed, but this was right at the start of the application window when there is generally a little less volume.
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I'll plan on calling on Monday if nothing has changed. I had 5 transcripts and this is the last one. I have already submitted my application, so this is the only thing left before I go to verification!
 
Okapi said:
This may have been answered already and I apologize if it was (I did look and didn't see it)--I just want to clarify what to do when adding future semesters. I have some outstanding pre-reqs I plan to complete in the spring so I know I have to include those, but aside from that I have no idea what I will be taking. Is it okay for me to only have like 2-3 classes planned for the spring semester (with the assumption that I will remain a full time student) or should I put in extra classes just to show that I plan on taking on a full credit load? If I do the second option will I be able to edit that information/do schools really care if I end up taking those stated classes or not?
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I believe you should put all planned classes, whether they’re pre-reqs or not. So long as the classes that change are not pre-reqs, these don’t matter much, but someone can correct me on that if I’m wrong
 
I'm taking care of the animals the biology department has at my college. I'm feeding, cleaning, and socializing snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, turtles, tortoises, and fish. We also do basic medical care when it's needed. Can I count these hours toward animal experience?
 
atticus1957 said:
Hi all! I have 3 outstanding pre reqs I’m finishing this year. I just applied. One of the schools (and best shot I have) is Virginia Maryland. I just talked to someone who is going to apply next cycle because she spoke to the admissions people and they said they view people with outstanding pre-reqs in a negative light. When I called them they said it was fine.. I’m feeling like I made a mistake applying and it is going to hurt me in future cycles? Has anyone heard about this particularly with this school? I tried my best.
Click to expand...

I applied to VMCVM with several outstanding prerequisites because I was cramming my degree into 3 years. Didn’t hurt me and I got in. Don’t stress.
 
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