VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2025

[sophacles]

does the official transcript only matter for completed classes? I ordered my transcript after I was registered for my fall 2020 classes, but I ended up changing some classes as one got cancelled. Should I re-order that or does it not matter since I haven't gotten a grade yet?
on that same note- for entering your transcript in by hand, should I just make my best guess at my classes in the spring? I have an idea of the classes I'm taking, but I don't know if anything will be cancelled. But if I don't put it in I won't be able to assign certain prerequisites to schools.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[battie]

VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2025

Happy "VMCAS is open four months early" day, y'all :) Post your VMCAS questions and rants here for the 2020-2021 cycle! Good luck to everyone who's still waiting to hear back from schools and good luck to everyone applying this new cycle! VMCAS Customer Service (Help with the application)...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[WonderingStudent]

does the official transcript only matter for completed classes? I ordered my transcript after I was registered for my fall 2020 classes, but I ended up changing some classes as one got cancelled. Should I re-order that or does it not matter since I haven't gotten a grade yet?
on that same note- for entering your transcript in by hand, should I just make my best guess at my classes in the spring? I have an idea of the classes I'm taking, but I don't know if anything will be cancelled. But if I don't put it in I won't be able to assign certain prerequisites to schools.

Schools understand that your planned course work changes, so you shouldn’t have to worry. My undergrad transcript didn’t even show my in-progress courses. For Spring Semester, it is of course your best guess but definitely no one is going to force you to stick to that plan (for Fall or Spring). The only thing that matters is getting outstanding pre-requisites for schools done. And sometimes you find out before Spring semester starts that you didn’t get an interview so you don’t have to take this course to fulfill that one school’s prereq.

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

Any previous/current NCSU applicants?

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask, but has anyone received their supplemental app yet? I'm frustrated that I can't see anything on it until my VMCAS is submitted. I only have my personal essays left to put in, but I'm waiting to get them back from someone, and it's taking longer than I'd hoped. If you guys have any insights on the supplemental, I'd really appreciate them!

 

[agcary]

It is definitely frustrating. Both of the veterinarians I asked for a LOR from have yet to submit their letters. I have reminded both of them like every two weeks and I keep getting the same response, "I will get it done this weekend and submit it" but I haven't gotten it yet

 

[SkiOtter]

Any previous/current NCSU applicants?

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask, but has anyone received their supplemental app yet? I'm frustrated that I can't see anything on it until my VMCAS is submitted. I only have my personal essays left to put in, but I'm waiting to get them back from someone, and it's taking longer than I'd hoped. If you guys have any insights on the supplemental, I'd really appreciate them!

You’ll still have plenty of time since their supplemental isn’t due until September 30th! Don’t start panicking 🙂

 

[Trilt]

It is definitely frustrating. Both of the veterinarians I asked for a LOR from have yet to submit their letters. I have reminded both of them like every two weeks and I keep getting the same response, "I will get it done this weekend and submit it" but I haven't gotten it yet

I had one of my eLORs submit the night before the app was due. We were in touch and it didn't surprise me even a tiny bit from her, but procrastinators can write great letters too!

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

You’ll still have plenty of time since their supplemental isn’t due until September 30th! Don’t start panicking 🙂

Thanks, SkiOtter! You're probably right - 4 weeks just feels like so little time! But panic certainly doesn't write nice essays, so I will try to be a little more zen

 

[Catmom]

Any previous/current NCSU applicants?

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask, but has anyone received their supplemental app yet? I'm frustrated that I can't see anything on it until my VMCAS is submitted. I only have my personal essays left to put in, but I'm waiting to get them back from someone, and it's taking longer than I'd hoped. If you guys have any insights on the supplemental, I'd really appreciate them!

I actually never got the email for my supplemental app, but I was a previous applicant so I revived my email from last cycle and it let me login and was updated for this cycle. Still working on the essays but so far so good, the rest was pretty straight forward and I really liked the pre-requisite matching system they put in place this cycle.

 

[Ladyfish]

Just submitted mine! Anxious, but also glad it's done. It's out of my hands at this point.
I am waiting on one last LOR, a doctor I currently work with regularly - I'm her surgery nurse tomorrow.
(I'll gently remind her tomorrow - also told her the deadline was the 1st, I felt like it was easier for people to remember the 1st of September, plus it gave me a little wiggle room.)
I'm still taking a couple last pre-reqs online, now I can focus on those without the application hanging over my head.

 

[Aprilthearab]

Silly problem that I'm definitely overthinking.

Under colleges attended where it asks "when did you attend," it says "select the first and last terms you attended this institution." I already graduated and my last term was Spring 2020, but they ask for a specific month as well. Do I put down when the term started, January, or when I graduated, May?

 

[c0smopolitan]

Silly problem that I'm definitely overthinking.

Under colleges attended where it asks "when did you attend," it says "select the first and last terms you attended this institution." I already graduated and my last term was Spring 2020, but they ask for a specific month as well. Do I put down when the term started, January, or when I graduated, May?

The latter- your last term attended for you would be when you graduated from that institution in May. So you would put say ex: January 2016-May 2020.

 

[Aprilthearab]

Thank you @c0smopolitan!

Another silly question about something I thought I had figured out months ago but now I'm reviewing my application and second-guessing myself about this.

My first semester of senior year didn't go fantastic and I got a C+ in my physiology course. My GPA for the semester was 3.43 (overall GPA is 3.85). It was partly because I had a really awful professor, but also because that semester I was in a wreck that totaled my car, my sister was in and out of a psych ward, and I wasn't able to walk for a few days when I royally screwed my back. Overall my mental and physical health was poop.

Everyone says not to worry about a single C+ if your overall GPA is fine. However, I'm worried about it because it was an important biology course within my last 40 credits. Also, I only took 15 credits the following (final) semester as compared to my usual 19 but I did end that one with a 3.92. I just don't want it to look like I was starting to decline in my senior year compared to the prior years.

Is this something worth mentioning in the explanation statement (not the awful professor part, just the unfavorable circumstances)? Part of me says it's unnecessary but the other part says it can't hurt.

 

[EB73674]

Thank you @c0smopolitan!

Another silly question about something I thought I had figured out months ago but now I'm reviewing my application and second-guessing myself about this.

My first semester of senior year didn't go fantastic and I got a C+ in my physiology course. My GPA for the semester was 3.43 (overall GPA is 3.85). It was partly because I had a really awful professor, but also because that semester I was in a wreck that totaled my car, my sister was in and out of a psych ward, and I wasn't able to walk for a few days when I royally screwed my back. Overall my mental and physical health was poop.

Everyone says not to worry about a single C+ if your overall GPA is fine. However, I'm worried about it because it was an important biology course within my last 40 credits. Also, I only took 15 credits the following (final) semester as compared to my usual 19 but I did end that one with a 3.92. I just don't want it to look like I was starting to decline in my senior year compared to the prior years.

Is this something worth mentioning in the explanation statement (not the awful professor part, just the unfavorable circumstances)? Part of me says it's unnecessary but the other part says it can't hurt.

I definitely don't think you need to do an explanation statement for this, but if it would set your mind at ease, I don't think it's a ridiculous or bad thing to do. You had an obvious change in your trend of grades and course load due to totally legitimate circumstances. So long as you only discuss the problematic personal situation (not the professor), can show an upward grade trend afterwards, and discuss how you learned from it/how you changed things moving forward, should be fine.

 

[SkiOtter]

discuss how you learned from it/how you changed things moving forward

If you’re going to do a personal statement, this is what you should make sure to mention. They want to make sure that you can bounce back from something in the event that another event happens to you while in vet school. I assume you’ve been working on keeping your mental and physical health in check to prevent your back issues again (I have them too and the suck) and mental health is incredibly important in vet school because it’s a pressure cooker.

 

[Eragon8192]

I think this would be classified as an Honor under Achievements. You're not required to put a date in that section.

It hurt me to do it but I just omitted those affiliations in Florida. I am member of FVMA and FVTA. I just felt that since it wasn't something I could easily talk more about during an interview if they asked me, that I should just keep it out. It didn't seem to fit into any of the achievements because being a member of an association like that (at least for FL) doesn't require anything of you.

Anyone know where I would put that I am a CVT? Not just the vet tech schooling... many people make it through programs but fail to pass the VTNE... that being said I feel that I should probably list my credentials somewhere but I am not exactly sure where or how! Anyone else having this struggle

 

[Eragon8192]

I definitely don't think you need to do an explanation statement for this, but if it would set your mind at ease, I don't think it's a ridiculous or bad thing to do. You had an obvious change in your trend of grades and course load due to totally legitimate circumstances. So long as you only discuss the problematic personal situation (not the professor), can show an upward grade trend afterwards, and discuss how you learned from it/how you changed things moving forward, should be fine.

You should 100% be explaining any grades in the C's. I spoke to the UF pre vet advisor and she said you want to explain anything at all, especially if it is the only part of your academic history that is cloudy

to put in perspective, I dove deep about many personal circumstances I experienced through school that messed with my grades. It can feel weird to bring it up, but you only have one opportunity to explain to them why you look the way you do on paper, before you get called for an interview!

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

I actually never got the email for my supplemental app, but I was a previous applicant so I revived my email from last cycle and it let me login and was updated for this cycle. Still working on the essays but so far so good, the rest was pretty straight forward and I really liked the pre-requisite matching system they put in place this cycle.

Thank you so much, @Catmom! I'm relieved to hear there aren't any curveballs in there...

Anyone know where I would put that I am a CVT? Not just the vet tech schooling... many people make it through programs but fail to pass the VTNE... that being said I feel that I should probably list my credentials somewhere but I am not exactly sure where or how! Anyone else having this struggle

The VMCAS website and the Q&A webinar said that certifications should be put under the experiences section. (That also gives you 600 characters to speak about the specifics of the certification that you passed/hold.) I put my certifications under experiences as an extracurricular, and I explained a bit about them and what they required in the description box.

 

[SkiOtter]

You should 100% be explaining any grades in the C's. I spoke to the UF pre vet advisor and she said you want to explain anything at all, especially if it is the only part of your academic history that is cloudy

to put in perspective, I dove deep about many personal circumstances I experienced through school that messed with my grades. It can feel weird to bring it up, but you only have one opportunity to explain to them why you look the way you do on paper, before you get called for an interview!

Ehhhhhhh not necessarily. Explaining one C ever just puts a giant spotlight on the fact that you got a C versus them just seeing that you passed the class.

 

[starnosedmole-20]

So my application just got verified (YAY!). I was so worried about my timeline. It took one day between submitting and getting verified, so I think the queue for verification ins't too long yet.

The weird thing: whoever verified it changed the subject of ALL of my wildlife classes (e.g. Biology and Conservation of Wild Mammals, Wildlife Field Methods, etc.) from "wildlife" to "animal science". I find this kind of bizarre since animal science generally pertain to domesticated animals. My question is: Does what VMCAS changes the subject to matter? This change doesn't affect my science GPA since animal science is still science, but would it be weird to schools that I majored in wildlife and got a grad degree in wildlife and somehow have NO wildlife courses on my VMCAS transcript? I mean they can easily figure out what classes I took by looking at my actual transcript so I'm not feeling too worried but this is just weird to me.

Anyone had something similar happen to them? Is it worth asking VMCAS about it? I'm paranoid this would somehow backfire (i.e. they have to verify it again).

Thanks all! GOOD LUCK FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL WORKING ON IT! YOU GOT THIS! HOME STRETCH!

 

[Eragon8192]

So my application just got verified (YAY!). I was so worried about my timeline. It took one day between submitting and getting verified, so I think the queue for verification ins't too long yet.

The weird thing: whoever verified it changed the subject of ALL of my wildlife classes (e.g. Biology and Conservation of Wild Mammals, Wildlife Field Methods, etc.) from "wildlife" to "animal science". I find this kind of bizarre since animal science generally pertain to domesticated animals. My question is: Does what VMCAS changes the subject to matter? This change doesn't affect my science GPA since animal science is still science, but would it be weird to schools that I majored in wildlife and got a grad degree in wildlife and somehow have NO wildlife courses on my VMCAS transcript? I mean they can easily figure out what classes I took by looking at my actual transcript so I'm not feeling too worried but this is just weird to me.

Anyone had something similar happen to them? Is it worth asking VMCAS about it? I'm paranoid this would somehow backfire (i.e. they have to verify it again).

Thanks all! GOOD LUCK FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL WORKING ON IT! YOU GOT THIS! HOME STRETCH!

yeah a bunch of my subjects got changed as well, i think it’s okay 🙂

 

[finnickthedog]

You should 100% be explaining any grades in the C's. I spoke to the UF pre vet advisor and she said you want to explain anything at all, especially if it is the only part of your academic history that is cloudy

to put in perspective, I dove deep about many personal circumstances I experienced through school that messed with my grades. It can feel weird to bring it up, but you only have one opportunity to explain to them why you look the way you do on paper, before you get called for an interview!

You absolutely do not need to explain a single C and I would extend that to say that in most cases you should not.

A single C is not a bad thing and it's incredibly common. A lot of people have personal challenges during school that impact their grades a little. It doesn't warrant explanation.

So why not explain it just in case? Well, as @SkiOtter mentioned it shines a huge spotlight on your C that they would otherwise likely gloss over but I think it also makes you look like a perfectionist--which is not necessarily a good thing. A lot of perfectionists have a hard time in vet school if/when they can't manage straight As anymore. And the final concern is that writing an explanation statement in general can be tricky--even when it's actually warranted. You don't want to come off as someone who is just making excuses. To risk coming off that way in order to explain a single C+ seems like a bad idea.

Now if UF were your number one school and they specifically told you to explain a C... then I'd say go ahead and do it. But I don't think is solid advice for applying in general.

 

[cbucks]

You should 100% be explaining any grades in the C's. I spoke to the UF pre vet advisor and she said you want to explain anything at all, especially if it is the only part of your academic history that is cloudy

If UF is the same as it was 2 years ago, they had one prompt that said "explain any gaps, withdrawals, failed courses, and low academic workload" so I wouldn't be surprised if they said to explain all C's. I agree with what other people have said about it not being necessary, but I also wrote an explanation statement about my not-so-stellar freshman year grades ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ like EB73674 said, if it puts your mind at ease then it could be a good idea to write one!

 

[Aprilthearab]

Thanks all who have shared their input - seems like it could go either way in my case and I just need to make up my mind. I pre-wrote the explanation statement just in case I do use it and it only mentioned why I got the grade I did, then followed up with explaining how it reflects my positive qualities (was able to bounce back in all my other classes the same semester) and pointing out that in another semester I got a 4.0 while taking 19 credits and working two part-time jobs. Basically, I was focusing on how I am certainly capable of handling the stress.

I am incredibly grateful to say I do not have any mental health issues and I have never struggled with common problems like depression or anxiety *knock on wood.* I have never otherwise had any negative mental health impact my grades, extracurriculars, or jobs. It's just that when your sister is regularly attempting suicide/being admitted to psych wards, you're left trying to support yourself and your heartbroken parents, and also trying to buy a used car out of pocket while living out of state, and borrowing vehicles to commute 45 minutes to school, and getting around/caring for your horse with a shattered back, your harshest professor might not get as much attention as she demands. Of course the explanation statement does not need that much elaboration.

Also, regarding my back, I've never had issues with that (or any other physical problems) anywhere else in my life. I fell off my horse when my stirrup broke at a flat gallop and landed flat on my back. I still don't know exactly what happened to my back but the worst of the pain lasted about a week, then I had some very minor sensitivity for a few months following but it's always been 100% before that and ever since. Even when I was in my car wreck I only had a sore neck for a few hours.

 

[starnosedmole-20]

Thanks all who have shared their input - seems like it could go either way in my case and I just need to make up my mind. I pre-wrote the explanation statement just in case I do use it and it only mentioned why I got the grade I did, then followed up with explaining how it reflects my positive qualities (was able to bounce back in all my other classes the same semester) and pointing out that in another semester I got a 4.0 while taking 19 credits and working two part-time jobs. Basically, I was focusing on how I am certainly capable of handling the stress.

I am incredibly grateful to say I do not have any mental health issues and I have never struggled with common problems like depression or anxiety *knock on wood.* I have never otherwise had any negative mental health impact my grades, extracurriculars, or jobs. It's just that when your sister is regularly attempting suicide/being admitted to psych wards, you're left trying to support yourself and your heartbroken parents, and also trying to buy a used car out of pocket while living out of state, and borrowing vehicles to commute 45 minutes to school, and getting around/caring for your horse with a shattered back, your harshest professor might not get as much attention as she demands. Of course the explanation statement does not need that much elaboration.

Also, regarding my back, I've never had issues with that (or any other physical problems) anywhere else in my life. I fell off my horse when my stirrup broke at a flat gallop and landed flat on my back. I still don't know exactly what happened to my back but the worst of the pain lasted about a week, then I had some very minor sensitivity for a few months following but it's always been 100% before that and ever since. Even when I was in my car wreck I only had a sore neck for a few hours.

You already got a bunch of input but I think it's worth putting it in the explanatory statement. But write it as a narrative to show that you're resilient. A major car accident AND a sister in serious mental health crisis is A LOT. I had a major car accident and family health issues that I mentioned in my statement. You don't have to specifically say "I got a C because of these things", it could be a general "In this semester I didn't perform to my usual standards because of these stressors". I ended my statement about how I managed a difficult time and made it through despite the **** storm in my personal life. I think it'll be good to show that you still did well (3.43 is by no means a bad GPA, it's pretty good!) despite the circumstances. Vet school is hard, and I think they'd like someone who's shown they can make it even when things get hard.

 

[Trilt]

I got a C in organic chemistry WITHOUT any large stressors or difficulties that semester and didn't bother to explain it. Some classes are hard. It was my one C in an ocean of mostly As and Bs. I had a solid GPA. Is what it is, yanno?

I don't think it's necessarily wrong to mention that was a rough semester, but as long as your GPA is otherwise good I really, really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[astoldbydrc]

I submitted my app on Tuesday and got a notification that it was verified today (Thursday). So the turn around time currently is quick for anyone wondering! Now for the long wait

 

[EB73674]

Thanks all who have shared their input - seems like it could go either way in my case and I just need to make up my mind. I pre-wrote the explanation statement just in case I do use it and it only mentioned why I got the grade I did, then followed up with explaining how it reflects my positive qualities (was able to bounce back in all my other classes the same semester) and pointing out that in another semester I got a 4.0 while taking 19 credits and working two part-time jobs. Basically, I was focusing on how I am certainly capable of handling the stress.

I am incredibly grateful to say I do not have any mental health issues and I have never struggled with common problems like depression or anxiety *knock on wood.* I have never otherwise had any negative mental health impact my grades, extracurriculars, or jobs. It's just that when your sister is regularly attempting suicide/being admitted to psych wards, you're left trying to support yourself and your heartbroken parents, and also trying to buy a used car out of pocket while living out of state, and borrowing vehicles to commute 45 minutes to school, and getting around/caring for your horse with a shattered back, your harshest professor might not get as much attention as she demands. Of course the explanation statement does not need that much elaboration.

Also, regarding my back, I've never had issues with that (or any other physical problems) anywhere else in my life. I fell off my horse when my stirrup broke at a flat gallop and landed flat on my back. I still don't know exactly what happened to my back but the worst of the pain lasted about a week, then I had some very minor sensitivity for a few months following but it's always been 100% before that and ever since. Even when I was in my car wreck I only had a sore neck for a few hours.

FWIW, I had multiple Cs within the last few years in science pre-reqs. Schools that are very highly grade-focused (like UF, specifically) had a big issue with them, but others specifically told me they had no issues given my more recent coursework. The need to explain truly does vary by school. I really do think you’d be fine either way, but you might spend your time on more difficult essays that pertain to any actual deficiencies!

 

[Aprilthearab]

Question. When inputting the anticipated end date for a current experience but you don't know when that experience is going to end (as in multiple months of gray area), is it better to guesstimate sooner or later? I know they don't let you edit experiences after the application is submitted, only add or update schools directly.

 

[finnickthedog]

Question. When inputting the anticipated end date for a current experience but you don't know when that experience is going to end (as in multiple months of gray area), is it better to guesstimate sooner or later? I know they don't let you edit experiences after the application is submitted, only add or update schools directly.

Do you have to put an anticipated end date? Can you just mark it as current and leave it at that? Because that's what I would do.

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

Question. When inputting the anticipated end date for a current experience but you don't know when that experience is going to end (as in multiple months of gray area), is it better to guesstimate sooner or later? I know they don't let you edit experiences after the application is submitted, only add or update schools directly.

Seconding what @finnickthedog said. I just put my ongoing experiences as current and left out any end dates, even if I do have a very tentative end date in mind. (However, part of that decision was that all expected end dates are after the submission deadline.) If you're going to guesstimate, I would say go with later. You don't want to cut yourself short with any experience, and things ending slightly sooner than expected (esp with Covid) is not unusual.

 

[DVMhopefulof???]

I completely agree. By the second time I felt like I had my tail between my legs! (And I even started to worry they didn't want to write one!) This year is crazy for everyone, but April was a while ago...have you been following up too? One of my recommenders I know to drop things sometimes 😵 so in his email I gently mentioned that deadlines are "fast approaching"...lol.

I got the notification recently that she sent my LOR to VMCAS HALLELUJAH!!! I have a class with her so I was about to drop into her office hours and be like sooooo where is my letter haha!!

 

[agcary]

I'm still waiting on one of the veterinarians I work with to submit her letter. After that my application is all done and I can submit it!

 

[Aprilthearab]

Do you have to put an anticipated end date? Can you just mark it as current and leave it at that? Because that's what I would do.

For some reason I didn't notice in the five hundred times I've edited my experiences that it wasn't mandatory. Wow. What a face plant moment. 😱 Thanks!

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

I'm still waiting on one of the veterinarians I work with to submit her letter. After that my application is all done and I can submit it!

You can submit it without your letters! As long as the letters are in by Sept. 15th, it doesn't make a difference.

 

[biomajor2019]

How's everyone doing with the September deadline fast approaching? I can't believe how fast time is going by!

 

[BigCats]

How's everyone doing with the September deadline fast approaching? I can't believe how fast time is going by!

Definitely feeling the heat! Just have to do final reviews of my app, make sure my last LOR gets in, and hopefully my transcripts will arrive soon- then I’ve still got supplementals to work on! Fortunately I’ve prewritten most of them, so I only have to fully write two and then edit the ones I’ve already written before I’m completely finished! How are you doing with everything?

 

[berner2019]

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this and this whole application process seems a bit overwhelming. I was just wondering if anyone knew how far back for experiences we should add? I finished my undergrad and I noticed that the VMCA section for extracurriculars said to include anything from highschool. It's been quite a while, and I didn't think most schools would care much about high school activities. So I was curious on people's thoughts.

Also, did anyone list hobbies in their experience section or just school involvement and work experiences?

Hope everyone is staying safe!

 

[agcary]

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this and this whole application process seems a bit overwhelming. I was just wondering if anyone knew how far back for experiences we should add? I finished my undergrad and I noticed that the VMCA section for extracurriculars said to include anything from highschool. It's been quite a while, and I didn't think most schools would care much about high school activities. So I was curious on people's thoughts.

Also, did anyone list hobbies in their experience section or just school involvement and work experiences?

Hope everyone is staying safe!

I listed all of the sports I played in high school (I got numerous awards for them) as well as my volunteer work such as with the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, etc. and any clubs/organizations I was a part of such as the National Honor Society, BETA Club, etc etc. I hope that helps! And good luck!!

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this and this whole application process seems a bit overwhelming. I was just wondering if anyone knew how far back for experiences we should add? I finished my undergrad and I noticed that the VMCA section for extracurriculars said to include anything from highschool. It's been quite a while, and I didn't think most schools would care much about high school activities. So I was curious on people's thoughts.

Also, did anyone list hobbies in their experience section or just school involvement and work experiences?

Hope everyone is staying safe!

I listed the major things from high school - mainly anything that I competed in and my volunteer work.

As for hobbies, I believe they show a bit about you and can be used to show yourself as a well-rounded applicant. I personally chose a few of my biggest hobbies and wrote a sentence or two about each to explain how they benefit me, any life-lessons I learned through them, etc.

 

[krosesilver]

I just submitted my application on Saturday, will I just get an email when it’s verified?

 

[LaineyLou]

I just submitted my application on Saturday, will I just get an email when it’s verified?

You should get an email and notification from vmcas

 

[jackfrost21]

I am so late to the game on this but when matching prerequisites this occurred to me. My undergraduate university doesn't offer a biology series- just introductory biology. For all the schools asking for a series- is this a scenario where if I got in I would take a summer course before matriculation or do I count physiology as my biology 2?

 

[EB73674]

I am so late to the game on this but when matching prerequisites this occurred to me. My undergraduate university doesn't offer a biology series- just introductory biology. For all the schools asking for a series- is this a scenario where if I got in I would take a summer course before matriculation or do I count physiology as my biology 2?

I think this will depend on the school and it will depend on the content of your biology course - what did your one-semester course cover?

 

[SkiOtter]

I am so late to the game on this but when matching prerequisites this occurred to me. My undergraduate university doesn't offer a biology series- just introductory biology. For all the schools asking for a series- is this a scenario where if I got in I would take a summer course before matriculation or do I count physiology as my biology 2?

Contact all the schools you’re applying to and see what they say. Get it in writing. They likely will want a syllabus to see if it meets their requirements.

 

[throwaway102]

How important are descriptions of your veterinary experiences? Is there any advantage to "talking up" your experience here? Some people I know have long laundry lists of what they observed (anal gland expression, vaccines, etc...). Is this something I should be doing? Thanks!

 

[jackfrost21]

Contact all the schools you’re applying to and see what they say. Get it in writing. They likely will want a syllabus to see if it meets their requirements.

I have done this now. For the schools that say what I have taken will not satisfy their requirements, will this hurt my chances of admission or will I just have to enroll after I find out if I get interviews(spring course)/accepts(summer course) since it's too late for the fall?

 

[WonderingStudent]

I have done this now. For the schools that say what I have taken will not satisfy their requirements, will this hurt my chances of admission or will I just have to enroll after I find out if I get interviews(spring course)/accepts(summer course) since it's too late for the fall?

To be eligible for admissions, you would have to demonstrate that if you were to be accepted into the school you will complete the prerequisites. For most vet schools, one of the first steps of the admissions process is to ensure that you have the requirements/will have the requirements by the necessary point (spring/summer semester [if the school accepts summer courses right before starting vet school]). If you are concerned, you can put into your expected Spring courses a class that would satisfy this requirement (can be from your home university or somewhere else [ie some schools require an online nutrition course that is only offered at a few schools]). If you don't actually take the courses you put in expected Spring coursework, it is totally fine and would only be an issue if a school you are accepted to requires that course. I have gotten calls/emails from admissions officers inquiring about a prerequisite course that I listed to make sure it fits with what they are expecting for a course requirement.

 

[hachamor_persists]

I got almost all of my VMCAS done like 4-6 weeks ago, but keep adding and tweaking things. I have two final questions before I submit that I hoped someone here might know the answer to:

• For experiences, there's a space to put down information about a supervisor. For positions where I didn't have a supervisor (e.g. campus clubs), is it good or okay to input the information of a peer with greater or equal authority as long as their "title" reflects their position (e.g. I am listed as "Club Vice President" and they are listed as "Club President")?
• I have formal extracurricular involvement (campus clubs, volunteer work, etc.), but is it also good to list hobbies? I've seen listing hobbies recommended for students who don't have much formal extracurricular involvement. While I think that I've got enough that my application doesn't at all look "empty," there are activities that are important to me that I didn't complete through an organization.

 

[Trilt]

For experiences, there's a space to put down information about a supervisor. For positions where I didn't have a supervisor (e.g. campus clubs), is it good or okay to input the information of a peer with greater or equal authority as long as their "title" reflects their position (e.g. I am listed as "Club Vice President" and they are listed as "Club President")?

Most campus clubs have a faculty sponsor. I'd list them instead of a peer if you can, but otherwise I think that's a reasonable approach.

I have formal extracurricular involvement (campus clubs, volunteer work, etc.), but is it also good to list hobbies? I've seen listing hobbies recommended for students who don't have much formal extracurricular involvement. While I think that I've got enough that my application doesn't at all look "empty," there are activities that are important to me that I didn't complete through an organization.

If it's important to you, get it on the application. I inputted my cooking/baking hobby on VMCAS and actually joked about being an asset for campus bake sales, lol. I'm sure it was no deciding factor in my application, but it felt right to include. If something feels right for you to add, add it!