- Joined
- Sep 14, 2020
- Messages
- 49
- Reaction score
- 56
Does anyone know if there's a way to download your application now that it's closed? I lost the file. I was able to get in 11/12, but not anymore. Thanks!
VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2025
- Thread starter BigCats
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2019
- Messages
- 173
- Reaction score
- 383
Email or call support from VMCAS and they’ll send you a copy.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2019
- Messages
- 4,545
- Reaction score
- 5,596
Is anyone aware of vet schools requiring a specific laptop? I currently have a MacBook Pro and am looking into getting a new laptop (possibly something touchscreen? because I like the idea of writing directly on notes). I just want to double check before I invest in something I can’t use
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2017
- Messages
- 2,053
- Reaction score
- 2,355
There are laptop requirements for some schools. Probably mostly because the operating system needs to be able to run the exam software. You can look up what the specific schools you are applying to require or recommend for laptops. Also recommend getting a lot of storage since you run out of space fast.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2019
- Messages
- 4,545
- Reaction score
- 5,596
What are you using right now and how much storage do you have?
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2017
- Messages
- 2,053
- Reaction score
- 2,355
I have a 2019 MacBook Pro. So far I have used about 80 GB (which includes 11 GB for the actual computer system and whatever amount of space Steam/a few games takes up) but the rest is powerpoint presentations and documents from my first semester. One of my professors does add audio to all of their ppt slides so that is a lot of space that possibly would not be used in other schools. Laptop requirements from schools are definitely confusing. If you want to buy one now before knowing what school you will attend, possibly call schools or see what other students utilize. Most likely any fairly recent apple laptop would be fine but expensive and not much touchscreen laptop capabilities. I'm not sure about recommendations on PCs that should be safe for most schools.
edit: Also if anyone ever decides to get an Apple computer. Get it over the summer when they have the Back to School deals. The summer deal changes year to year but in the past you could get free headphones and possibly some money off the laptop purchase.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2020
- Messages
- 206
- Reaction score
- 277
Any time I get a bunch of e-mail notifications about SDN updates on the schools I have applied to, my heart sinks and I think that offers and rejections have been sent out! Y'all had me nervous today!
I completely agree with WonderingStudent about waiting until you know which school you'll be attending, just so that you know what their requirements are. I have a MacBook Pro 2017, and it's working fine (for now 😀), but I did get an iPad Pro just for note-taking and it has been amazing. And yes, take advantage of that Back to School deals if you are thinking about Apple products! Also, I'm not sure what school you are considering, but some (or maybe most) schools give you cloud storage space, so you may not need to worry about storage space too much..? For instance, we get unlimited storage space on Google Drive, so all of my Notability and GoodNotes notes are set up to be backed up to my G drive under my school account.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2019
- Messages
- 248
- Reaction score
- 711
Did you have experience taking notes on a tablet prior to getting your iPad Pro? I'm an older student and I've been printing out PowerPoints and taking notes on paper for my entire life, which is really old school and not sustainable. I've got one acceptance under my belt and one more quarter of my post-bacc to go, so I was thinking about getting myself an iPad Pro for Christmas. That way I can practice taking notes digitally next quarter before I actually start vet school, since I think it will be a bit of an adjustment. I don't want to be premature and buy one if I'm going to have to get a different tablet later, but I also don't know how the transition will be from paper-based to tablet-based. I guess I'm just wondering what other people have done or if I'm way overthinking this haha
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2019
- Messages
- 4,545
- Reaction score
- 5,596
I love my MacBook. I also have the Pro 2017. I just wanted something that was better for note taking. How do you like your iPad Pro?
I did not have any experience either! I'm also a non-trad student, and prior to attending vet school, I was also using paper notebooks with colorful pens 🙄 . Our school had a pretty "relaxing" first block, so it was a perfect time for me to try my iPad Pro as well as different apps. I definitely cannot live without it now. I think you will get used to writing on tablets pretty quickly. Also, I eventually realized hand-writing notes or study guides (even on tablets) is not sustainable at the pace they are teaching us, so I now type my notes mostly (using magic keyboard with my iPad Pro). So if that turns out to be the case for you, I guess laptops are still fine..? However, I've heard from multiple upperclassmen that tablets come in hand for anatomy. Also, once this Zoom world is over, I'd rather carry my iPad Pro than my laptop since it's a tad bit lighter. Anyways, I think you won't go wrong with getting a tablet (and trying it for a few months before vet school is an awesome idea)!
I do! Like I said above, I use my iPad Pro for almost everything now. I still use my laptop for exams and Zoom sesh (for the camera), but I still take notes on my iPad Pro everyday.
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 71,789
- Reaction score
- 117,834
Not VMCAS relevant at all, but since most of you may be newer to SDN and interested in getting more involved in the community...our WW game for new players will be running next month! More info here!
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2019
- Messages
- 200
- Reaction score
- 297
Yes! Just email them.
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2020
- Messages
- 1,923
- Reaction score
- 4,102
Yes! They’ll ask which programs you want your app from🙂
Fishy3fishy5
Full Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2020
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 10
Hey everyone! Best of luck during acceptance season!
I have a question about interviews: for those of you that have had an interview, how did you get around saying that you love animals? I've heard that vet schools despise when interviewees say that. My issue is that I have a research-heavy background and goals, so I don't want my DVM desires to come across as a "means to an end"...however, I don't know how to make this obvious without gushing about how life wouldn't be worth anything without our non-human animal counterparts.😍
Does anyone have advice on what to say to get around this eyeroll-inducing phrase? Thank you all!
P.S. Not going to name names, but I've seen some of you in the 'accepted c/o 2025' threads and I just want to say that I am SO HAPPY for you!! Hope to join you soon...or at least someday 😊
I have a question about interviews: for those of you that have had an interview, how did you get around saying that you love animals? I've heard that vet schools despise when interviewees say that. My issue is that I have a research-heavy background and goals, so I don't want my DVM desires to come across as a "means to an end"...however, I don't know how to make this obvious without gushing about how life wouldn't be worth anything without our non-human animal counterparts.😍
Does anyone have advice on what to say to get around this eyeroll-inducing phrase? Thank you all!
P.S. Not going to name names, but I've seen some of you in the 'accepted c/o 2025' threads and I just want to say that I am SO HAPPY for you!! Hope to join you soon...or at least someday 😊
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2018
- Messages
- 450
- Reaction score
- 719
Honestly I'm nervous about it slipping out during an upcoming interview. But when I interviewed at Ross it never even came up! It was open file, so they knew I was intetested in research, wildlife, and one health. They asked me a surprising amount about my research interests and goals, and the research I'd already conducted.
With an upcoming possibly closed interview, many of my mentors have warned/suspect I may get the equally tricky: 'why a DVM and not a PhD?' question. If you are from a research background I'm guessing you may be a target for that, too.
So I'm prepping for that, and the 'i love animals' trap by reminding myself that though I do love animals I'm not pursuing vet med for this - I'm pursuing it for the One Health opportunities, particularly for the emphasis on disease, pathology and epidemiology that would be somewhat limited during potential PhD opportunities I've explored.
So far I've got this: Veterinary medicine will allow me to diagnose and prescribe and thus conduct case studies that would not be possible with only a PhD, as well as allowing me to bridge the research, veterinary and public sphere. Say I do go into wildlife medicine and not private practice - I will still be answering the phone, interacting with day to day people and talking about disease in a different manner than if I pursued the PhD route. (eg, as a wildlife rehabber that works with bats, I already discuss rabies quite a bit with the general public - this will only grow).
Just brainstorming, but at least that's how I've been preparing for now 🙂
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2019
- Messages
- 117
- Reaction score
- 36
Wow, we have very similar interests in regards to our ultimate goals with our DVMs. Reading these conversations is helpful for me to know what to expect and how to best prepare for applying to DVM programs. I initially was just going to do an MS or PHD related to parasitology/infectious diseases but I kept going back to vet med because I want to incorporate that passion as well. So I think it makes sense for me to pursue veterinary microbiology and I am a big proponent of One Health as well. When it comes time for me to apply I guess I should prepare for that question as well, but I will be applying to more DVM/MS or DVM/PHD programs as opposed to strictly just DVM. Can I ask why you didn't choose the combined program routes?? Just curious because we have similar research interests. (Also, rabies is very interesting-gotta love retrograde axonal transport!)
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2020
- Messages
- 4,304
- Reaction score
- 7,031
Max’s answer is better but if you’re struggling to find what those reasons are for yourself beyond loving animals, ask yourself why you love animals and why your love for animals is making you pursue vet med. What are the experiences, values, and interests/hobbies that make you love animals? What do you want to accomplish with a DVM because of your love of animals?
I obviously have no experience with admissions/interviewing so take this with a grain of salt, but I’m sure admissions committees do really want people who love animals. How else would someone push through all the financial challenges, emotional cases, difficult clients, and long, hard days to always do the absolute best they can for their patients while staying sane? But first, they need to know that “I love animals” means “It has been such a rewarding experience volunteering with the TNR program for the last 4 years and organizing fundraisers for the SPCA. I am passionate about reducing pet neglect and homelessness and I want to help give owners the education and resources they need to combat these issues,” and not “I love petting fluffy kittens”. Second, they want to see you demonstrate you’re able to break those reasons down and articulate them at a deep level.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2018
- Messages
- 450
- Reaction score
- 719
For sure! It's something I put a lot of thought into, as I originally thought I'd pursue a dvm/phd. and not doing so right now doesn't mean I won't pursue the PhD eventually; it just means not right this moment. So don't mind the long post but here's my thorough explanation -
One reason is simply time and project management. I received my Master's in December 2018 and would like to continue conducting the research I've been designing without stressing too much about an extra research project, if possible. I'm still working on getting a manuscript published from my thesis and it's a ton of work, especially being enrolled in unrelated classes. With my current manuscript, it seems every time I send out an edit, I receive 100 more edits. Which is normal, but just... a lot of work; a lot of communication, bureaucracy etc. and then once that's done, I'm constructing a new project with my vet mentor that should hopefully be able to run without me by the time I start vet school. But getting a project off the ground and running without you is also somewhat daunting, even though in this case we'd be following the guidelines prescribed by an agency. I'd still have to help us secure funding, find a volunteer base, shave down our methods, write most things, filter bat calls etc. So on vet school breaks, I'll likely be helping out with this and trying to perfect it.
Next, I'd prefer to not do an oral thesis defense of my logic/research in the middle of trying to build up my confidence to be a veterinarian. That sounds challenging, even if there's a break between degrees, and props to anyone going that route. I literally do not even remember my defense; blacked most everything out lol. I passed on my first attempt (some people don't!) but I ended up in grad school an extra year after losing some of my data -- something that's not that uncommon. So I really just want to focus on becoming a good vet during vet school.
Lastly, it seems that a good number of residency programs I've seen seem to be done in conjunction with a Master's; so if I'm going to get a second master's it'd likely be through that route.
So yeah tldr, wouldn't be against getting a PhD eventually, but the thought of pursuing a double doctorate or second Master's within the same timeframe as vet school just doesn't appeal to me (at least not at the moment). I want to be able to use what little spare time I have in vet school on my dog, on guitar, on the arts, and on sports. plus I know I'll have my work cut out for me once i do get into vet school trying to make the grades to ensure a specialty that I have my heart set on.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2018
- Messages
- 450
- Reaction score
- 719
ah and this!! yes! such a fascinating disease.
though most of my rabies communication is limited to "okay but did you touch the bat with your bare hands, please tell me the truth" these days 😅
aalexisvet26
Full Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2021
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 81
Hey guys! How are you guys handling new experiences that you’ve had since submitting your VMCAS app? I recently started a completely new job as a night shift ER tech, which I feel like is a significant addition to my apps! Do you think it is worth it to email schools letting them know I have a new updated experience? For reference, I am still in the running at LMU, Iowa State, Illinois, & UW-Madison if anyone knows about those schools’ preferences specifically. Thanks in advance!
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2013
- Messages
- 15,030
- Reaction score
- 29,148
ISU likes you to go through your portal. I sent them a little note informing them of the new experience when I applied.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 7,296
- Reaction score
- 16,524
I don't really remember from my app year of they accepted updates. It wouldn't hurt to email and ask. Just be aware it probably won't affect your possibility of making it to phase 3 as those decisions should be coming out soon.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2020
- Messages
- 4,304
- Reaction score
- 7,031
Is there anyone or anywhere I could ask for advice on financial aid? I wasn’t planning to fill out FAFSA since I won’t be taking out any loans and I thought I was guaranteed not to get any bursaries if I don’t take out loans. My parents think that I could get offered bursaries and loans and accept the bursaries but not the loans - is that correct? I assumed the offered aid was conditional on taking loans, since it’s meant to address financial need that loans alone won’t cover.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 7,296
- Reaction score
- 16,524
What are bursaries?
- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 3,809
- Reaction score
- 6,675
I would fill out FAFSA imo. For my state I qualify for grants from the state that I don't have to pay back but am only eligible for by applying through FAFSA. It also will qualify you for work study which sometimes gives you a higher pay rate for student jobs. Just deny all the loan portions.
eta-I have denied loans and still gotten awards so can confirm loan to scholarship are not linked. cannot confirm if internal scholarships are linked or not-I know COVID relief for students to colleges were though so just another reason to fill it out!
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 3,809
- Reaction score
- 6,675
scholarships-which idk if any school scholarships are directly linked or not-i know external ones aren't
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2014
- Messages
- 7,125
- Reaction score
- 14,742
I would recommend just filling it out. I cannot speak specifically to whatever is offered at your school but I'm pretty sure the couple of small scholarships I got through my school were not contingent on having accepted loans but did require a FAFSA (not 100% certain of this because I did take out loans, but pretty sure).
At any rate, it's not going to hurt you to fill it out so I would just do it. Then you know for sure you didn't miss out on any money you might have been awarded otherwise.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 7,296
- Reaction score
- 16,524
I do not use loans currently and was still awarded a scholarship. You just don't accept the loan money. Remember that 80% of people need loans for vet school. That means 20% graduate without debt, and some people make that happen via scholarships.
I learned something new!! Thank you!!
- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 3,809
- Reaction score
- 6,675
so did I-had to look it up😅
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2020
- Messages
- 4,304
- Reaction score
- 7,031
Thank you all so much for your help!
It may be a regional thing - to me bursaries are always need-based, while scholarships are mostly merit-based (and my university refers to ones based on both as scholar-bursaries).
- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 3,809
- Reaction score
- 6,675
yeah I've only heard of scholarships as scholarships need&merit all together. idk I'm in the west and SO is from back east and he didn't know so maybe a country thing if you're not from the states or school specific?
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2020
- Messages
- 4,304
- Reaction score
- 7,031
Atlantic Canada 😛
- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 3,809
- Reaction score
- 6,675
Oh that also makes a difference- Only US citizens and "
Eligible Noncitizen
A U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), U.S. permanent resident (who has an I-151, I-551 or I-551C [Permanent Resident Card]), or an individual who has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:- "Refugee"
- "Asylum Granted"
- "Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending)"
- "Conditional Entrant" (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
- Victims of human trafficking, T-visa (T-2, T-3, or T-4, etc.) holder
- "Parolee" (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and that you intend to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.)
can apply for the fafsa in the states.
DVMhopefulof???
Full Member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2019
- Messages
- 199
- Reaction score
- 295
Alright Kiddos, from a scale of 0-completely over it, how many of you are completely over the waiting? 😭 😂
I am so so completely over it, I am like ehhh just kill my dreams already lol. 😂
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2020
- Messages
- 1,923
- Reaction score
- 4,102
same
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2017
- Messages
- 666
- Reaction score
- 1,056
Same. Holy ****. So INCREDIBLY over it. Life, work, and school have all sucked so epically lately, I either need a win or I need to be put out of my misery to go drink myself into a stupor in the corner. Oh, and one of the 5 full-sized Doodles at work threw me into a wall, and now I can’t stand upright without my back spasming out. And I can turn my foreign language degree in, missed an obvious Jeopardy question about it. Somebody sedate me.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2019
- Messages
- 4,545
- Reaction score
- 5,596
sophacles
Full Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2020
- Messages
- 86
- Reaction score
- 106
I was wondering if anyone has any experience/success stories with wait lists? I’ve only heard official decisions from two schools so far and they’re both waitlists and I know it’s better than rejections but I’m just feeling a little disheartened. I get why they can’t share where you are on the list but it seems unreal almost not knowing anything!!
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2014
- Messages
- 7,125
- Reaction score
- 14,742
I was waitlisted the first year I applied and didn't make it off. Which is probably not quite what you're hoping to hear, but I know classmates who were originally on the waitlist and I know people from other years and at other schools who were pulled from the waitlist.
The feeling of being in limbo isn't fun and sometimes it feels like you would have been better off with a rejection--because then at least you know. Ultimately though, you treat it the same. Until you have an acceptance in hand, you assume that you're going to have to apply again. You keep working on improving your application.
For me, I sought out other waitlisted people to talk to because it was helpful just to chat with someone in the same boat.
At any rate, it sounds like you've got more schools to hear back from so try not feel too disheartened yet. You only need one acceptance.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 7,296
- Reaction score
- 16,524
I was wait listed 3 times at my top OOS school. Never pulled off. One of my besties and @SkiOtter were pulled from the Illinois wait list though for their respective years. So you never know. Just gotta keep chucking along.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2019
- Messages
- 4,545
- Reaction score
- 5,596
Are there any vets or vet students here that are in lab animal medicine or are pursuing lab animal medicine that are willing to DM me? I have become interested in it and would love to hear some first hand accounts especially since I don’t know a whole lot about the field!
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2013
- Messages
- 5,493
- Reaction score
- 8,417
There's oodles of us apparently (based on the current VIRMP thread in the vet forum).
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2019
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 8
For VMCAS, where would I put my CPR certification, IACUC training certification and Biosafety certification? I had to have all of these certifications for work and research. I wouldn't consider any of these honors, awards or scholarships so I am lost on where to categorize these! Any advice?
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2020
- Messages
- 206
- Reaction score
- 277
I put things like this under experiences.
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2019
- Messages
- 225
- Reaction score
- 329
Hi everyone! I'm trying to expand my research experience section for 2026 app, but I'm not exactly sure if some of my experiences qualify. For example, I did my senior project/thesis on bully breed bias and the unreliability of breed identification in dog bite statistics. All of my research was secondary. Would you count this as research experience?
Thank you for your help!
Thank you for your help!
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2020
- Messages
- 1,923
- Reaction score
- 4,102
hi! i don't know much about these types of things but if it doesn't count as research definitely find a way to work in "I worked on a literature review" into your essays!
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2018
- Messages
- 450
- Reaction score
- 719
I think this may be one of the things that vary by school. I almost didn't count my master's thesis because it was not yet published and based on existing data, because I read in some corner of the internet that we shouldn't count things that were graded. But then I called Tufts and Ohio and they were like 'yeah you should count that'. I'm not sure if that's due to it being for my Master's or not, but to a certain degree, research is research.
