VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2025

[agcary]

I appreciate everyone who responded to me! I really appreciated hearing about your gap years. Hearing about them made me a lot less nervous about it potentially happening to me. Thanks guys! 🙂

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[DVMhopefulof???]

I am hoping if anyone can help me, but I am wondering if Colorado calculates their science GPAs through VMCAS or their course prerequisites? I already emailed DVM Admissions, but they are taking a while to respond.

 

[snowtzu821]

Does anybody know when a matching prerequisites if practical statistics counts as a math course? Mississippi requires six math credits and I have four from AP Calculus and three from statistics. I can’t submit their prerequisite evaluation because I don’t have the syllabus from two years ago. 🙁

 

[Aprilthearab]

I'm sorry if my questions have been asked somewhere else in here but there are a lot of posts to sift through!

- Some of the course titles on my unofficial transcript that I am using as a reference for my transcript are shortened. For example, "Principles of Animal Nutrition" is cropped to "Principles of Anim" on my unofficial transcript. I don't have my official transcript as a reference because my school is currently only sending digital copies through a certain website that only recognizes online programs (like VMCAS) as recipients. Should I just enter the cropped names as they appear on my unofficial transcript?

- Another question for the transcript entry - I have certain classes that don't really fall under any provided subject. For example, my school was big on classes like "academic career exploration." The only thing I can find that is remotely appropriate is "orientation" because they don't have things that relate directly to what I did (like "internship" or "equine studies" or "other"). Does anyone have a good idea as to what that would fall under? Does it even matter that much if they're not prereq classes? And an offshoot question - should all classes completed under my undergrad honors program fall under "honors core"?

- Under experiences, do companion/pet goats fall under "food animal" or should I type in "Other: goats" or "other: small ruminants" or something of the sort?

- Under experiences, do schools frown upon clicking "no" under "may we contact this organization"? For example, if I'm entering relevant animal experience hours from somewhere I haven't been to since high school, would they look poorly upon me if I clicked no? Do they actually contact most or all of these organizations even if they're old experiences?

- What should I label as the "organization" when entering in professional pet sitting as an experience? Just my own name?

 

[hailauren]

Questions about transcript entry are apparently all the rage right now (and sorry April I don't feel confident enough to answer any of your questions for sure, besides to say that for self-employed things I just listed the organization as Self-Employed).

I have one of my own though - what are we supposed to do about AP credits? I feel like I've looked all over and seen different things. On my official transcript from Davis they are all just lumped under Advanced Placement Exam: 52 Units, but that doesn't seem like the right way to add them. What about schools that want English scores as prerequisites, etc?

 

[Aprilthearab]

I have one of my own though - what are we supposed to do about AP credits? I feel like I've looked all over and seen different things. On my official transcript from Davis they are all just lumped under Advanced Placement Exam: 52 Units, but that doesn't seem like the right way to add them. What about schools that want English scores as prerequisites, etc?

I added them as covering specific classes but my undergrad had that already entered on my transcript for exactly which classes they covered. I know that's not of any help for your situation since you don't know what classes they counted as. The VMCAS instructions say the AP credits that do cover specific classes should be typed in just as if it was the actual college class except the grade is written as "CR." All of the credits that didn't cover classes were put under EL 00 / Elective / Test Credit: No Subject / credit amount / CR, but that might just be the way my school put it. I don't know if VMCAS will accept you breaking the credits down if that's not how your transcript had them. Tricky situation.

 

[deleted676737]

- Some of the course titles on my unofficial transcript that I am using as a reference for my transcript are shortened. For example, "Principles of Animal Nutrition" is cropped to "Principles of Anim" on my unofficial transcript. I don't have my official transcript as a reference because my school is currently only sending digital copies through a certain website that only recognizes online programs (like VMCAS) as recipients. Should I just enter the cropped names as they appear on my unofficial transcript?

At my undergrad, at least, unofficial transcripts were virtually identical to official transcripts in terms of wording/course titles, so I just worked off of an unofficial transcript for this and had no issues. I don't know if that is universal, though. I'd wager to guess that you should put in the non-truncated course titles but, honestly, if you really can't obtain a sample or reference official transcript, this might be a question for VMCAS themselves to answer unless someone here has experience with and guidance for this specific dilemma. I'd shoot support an email or call.

- Another question for the transcript entry - I have certain classes that don't really fall under any provided subject. For example, my school was big on classes like "academic career exploration." The only thing I can find that is remotely appropriate is "orientation" because they don't have things that relate directly to what I did (like "internship" or "equine studies" or "other"). Does anyone have a good idea as to what that would fall under? Does it even matter that much if they're not prereq classes? And an offshoot question - should all classes completed under my undergrad honors program fall under "honors core"?

Don't agonize too much over the subject classifications being perfect fits. As long as you're in the ballpark, you'll likely be just fine.

I agree that honors program classes (I'm assuming these are things like honors seminar?) probably should fall under Honors Core.

- Under experiences, do companion/pet goats fall under "food animal" or should I type in "Other: goats" or "other: small ruminants" or something of the sort?

Personally, I'd probably put it under Other and then elaborate in the description that the experience was with companion or pet goats, but I think either approach should be acceptable.

- Under experiences, do schools frown upon clicking "no" under "may we contact this organization"? For example, if I'm entering relevant animal experience hours from somewhere I haven't been to since high school, would they look poorly upon me if I clicked no? Do they actually contact most or all of these organizations even if they're old experiences?

The only vet school I know of that regularly, routinely contacts organizations listed on the VMCAS is UGA and, even then, I highly doubt they reach out to every individual one. Point of fact: adcomms just do not have the time to contact organizations for every single applicant that applies to their programs. The Experiences part of the VMCAS largely functions on an honor system. Outside of the one possible exception of UGA, schools will generally only directly contact an organization if something raises their eyebrows (ie. fudged numbers of hours).

I definitely had an experience on my application that I checked No on; the experience was very old, from out of the country, and I didn't have contact information for them anyway as vet school wasn't even on my radar at the time. It never came up. I also know of a few applicants who marked No for employers with whom they weren't in good rapport. It happens. That said, if you have a lot of experiences you're planning on checking No on, then that may raise some red flags, particularly if they're "big" (in terms of hours or impact on your application). For just one small, old experience, though? I wouldn't worry about it.

- What should I label as the "organization" when entering in professional pet sitting as an experience? Just my own name?

I can't recall exactly what I put down for experiences like this (applications for me were five years ago, ha), but writing down your name or something like "self-employed" or "personal business" is probably adequate.

 

[WonderingStudent]

Does anybody know when a matching prerequisites if practical statistics counts as a math course? Mississippi requires six math credits and I have four from AP Calculus and three from statistics. I can’t submit their prerequisite evaluation because I don’t have the syllabus from two years ago. 🙁

I didn’t have a syllabus for Gen Chem and I had taken it 3 or 4 years before but I was able to email my professor to see if she happened to have it. And she did! It’s not always possible but maybe email the professor or a classmate that may have the syllabi.

 

[raegan117]

I have one of my own though - what are we supposed to do about AP credits? I feel like I've looked all over and seen different things. On my official transcript from Davis they are all just lumped under Advanced Placement Exam: 52 Units, but that doesn't seem like the right way to add them. What about schools that want English scores as prerequisites, etc?

Most schools say that if your transcript doesn't specifically say which classes your AP courses replaced (Like AP Language covering ENGL 101), they won't count your credits toward their prereqs. If yours isn't divided out with official course titles, I'd contact your Registrar and see if they can do anything about that. If the schools are requesting proof of your actual scores though, that has to come from College Board I'm pretty sure.

 

[finnickthedog]

Questions about transcript entry are apparently all the rage right now (and sorry April I don't feel confident enough to answer any of your questions for sure, besides to say that for self-employed things I just listed the organization as Self-Employed).

I have one of my own though - what are we supposed to do about AP credits? I feel like I've looked all over and seen different things. On my official transcript from Davis they are all just lumped under Advanced Placement Exam: 52 Units, but that doesn't seem like the right way to add them. What about schools that want English scores as prerequisites, etc?

Granted this was years ago now, but I had no issues with VMCAS verifying my transcript putting them in as the courses I received credit for even though they were lumped on my transcript.

As to how the schools feel about it... can't really comment because I only applied to one school. But for VMCAS transcript entry I don't expect you'd have an issue.

 

[snowtzu821]

Questions about transcript entry are apparently all the rage right now (and sorry April I don't feel confident enough to answer any of your questions for sure, besides to say that for self-employed things I just listed the organization as Self-Employed).

I have one of my own though - what are we supposed to do about AP credits? I feel like I've looked all over and seen different things. On my official transcript from Davis they are all just lumped under Advanced Placement Exam: 52 Units, but that doesn't seem like the right way to add them. What about schools that want English scores as prerequisites, etc?

I had the same problem with my transcripts not listing AP credits. I’ve emailed about 6 schools about it, and they all will accept an AP certification from your schools registrars office. So I talked to my registrar office and they basically make a official document that states all the classes you got AP credit for and send it to the email the school’s specify. As for matching prerequisites in VMCAS, I asked VMCAS what to do, and they said for my transcript entry under my first semester put course prefix N/A course title AP CREDITS grade CR and then enter the number of credits like for me I entered 19.
Then for all the schools you’re applying that require an English prerequisite you match it to that AP credit entry. Hope this helps

 

[vetsquared]

Hi all, I was hoping you guys would be able to help me decide if I should write an explanation statement. I completed my undergrad with a 3.2X cumulative GPA. I attended college on an ROTC scholarship, so when I graduated, I was commissioned as an Army officer and spent the next four years on active duty. Since leaving the military, I have spent two years doing a post-bacc of mostly science classes and have a 4.0 GPA in my post-bacc. Unfortunately, my undergrad GPA is so low that I have only been able to raise my cumulative GPA to a 3.4X.

ROTC was a tremendous time commitment during college and I think this strongly contributed to my lower GPA. The Army was paying for my education and the ROTC cadre made it clear that for this reason, ROTC should take priority over everything. I didn’t want to do anything that might have jeopardized my scholarship and my ability to complete my education. I skipped many classes, and even some exams, over the years for ROTC commitments (professors were not always accommodating). However, the attitude of “take responsibility, don’t make excuses” has been instilled in me, and I’m not sure if this situation would be a valid point to talk about in an explanation statement. I think my performance in my post-bacc shows I am capable of achieving higher grades, but I don’t want to pass the buck or provide a flimsy explanation for my original undergraduate performance. Obviously this was not the only contributing factor, but it was a major one.

I’d appreciate any feedback on if you guys think this is a valid enough topic to discuss in an explanation statement. Thank you!

 

[hailauren]

Hi all, I was hoping you guys would be able to help me decide if I should write an explanation statement. I completed my undergrad with a 3.2X cumulative GPA. I attended college on an ROTC scholarship, so when I graduated, I was commissioned as an Army officer and spent the next four years on active duty. Since leaving the military, I have spent two years doing a post-bacc of mostly science classes and have a 4.0 GPA in my post-bacc. Unfortunately, my undergrad GPA is so low that I have only been able to raise my cumulative GPA to a 3.4X.

ROTC was a tremendous time commitment during college and I think this strongly contributed to my lower GPA. The Army was paying for my education and the ROTC cadre made it clear that for this reason, ROTC should take priority over everything. I didn’t want to do anything that might have jeopardized my scholarship and my ability to complete my education. I skipped many classes, and even some exams, over the years for ROTC commitments (professors were not always accommodating). However, the attitude of “take responsibility, don’t make excuses” has been instilled in me, and I’m not sure if this situation would be a valid point to talk about in an explanation statement. I think my performance in my post-bacc shows I am capable of achieving higher grades, but I don’t want to pass the buck or provide a flimsy explanation for my original undergraduate performance. Obviously this was not the only contributing factor, but it was a major one.

I’d appreciate any feedback on if you guys think this is a valid enough topic to discuss in an explanation statement. Thank you!

I think this would absolutely be worth mentioning, specifically since they were paying for your education so it was essentially like you were having to work full time during school. The explanation statement really goes for anything you would want schools to know. I don't think it's an excuse; it's saying hey this is what I had to do and the choices I had to make to get through school.

 

[EngrSC]

Hi all, I was hoping you guys would be able to help me decide if I should write an explanation statement. I completed my undergrad with a 3.2X cumulative GPA. I attended college on an ROTC scholarship, so when I graduated, I was commissioned as an Army officer and spent the next four years on active duty. Since leaving the military, I have spent two years doing a post-bacc of mostly science classes and have a 4.0 GPA in my post-bacc. Unfortunately, my undergrad GPA is so low that I have only been able to raise my cumulative GPA to a 3.4X.

ROTC was a tremendous time commitment during college and I think this strongly contributed to my lower GPA. The Army was paying for my education and the ROTC cadre made it clear that for this reason, ROTC should take priority over everything. I didn’t want to do anything that might have jeopardized my scholarship and my ability to complete my education. I skipped many classes, and even some exams, over the years for ROTC commitments (professors were not always accommodating). However, the attitude of “take responsibility, don’t make excuses” has been instilled in me, and I’m not sure if this situation would be a valid point to talk about in an explanation statement. I think my performance in my post-bacc shows I am capable of achieving higher grades, but I don’t want to pass the buck or provide a flimsy explanation for my original undergraduate performance. Obviously this was not the only contributing factor, but it was a major one.

I’d appreciate any feedback on if you guys think this is a valid enough topic to discuss in an explanation statement. Thank you!

I had a crap undergrad GPA and went back to school after years employed in an unrelated field. I applied with a 4.0 last 45 GPA but my cumulative GPA didn't come up a whole lot. I felt like I needed to explain why my grades were poor back then vs now and took advantage of the explanation statement. I wasn't questioned about it in any of my interviews. I think it's perfectly fine for you to use the explanation statement but don't make it an excuse-y sob story. And have several people proof read it to make sure it comes off right 🙂

 

[vetsquared]

I had a crap undergrad GPA and went back to school after years employed in an unrelated field. I applied with a 4.0 last 45 GPA but my cumulative GPA didn't come up a whole lot. I felt like I needed to explain why my grades were poor back then vs now and took advantage of the explanation statement. I wasn't questioned about it in any of my interviews. I think it's perfectly fine for you to use the explanation statement but don't make it an excuse-y sob story. And have several people proof read it to make sure it comes off right 🙂

Thanks! Good to know that I'm not off base with thinking this is a legitimate topic to discuss. I saw on the personal statement readers list that you volunteered to read explanation statements, so I might reach out to you in the next week or so!

 

[itseunsss]

Hi all, I was hoping you guys would be able to help me decide if I should write an explanation statement. I completed my undergrad with a 3.2X cumulative GPA. I attended college on an ROTC scholarship, so when I graduated, I was commissioned as an Army officer and spent the next four years on active duty. Since leaving the military, I have spent two years doing a post-bacc of mostly science classes and have a 4.0 GPA in my post-bacc. Unfortunately, my undergrad GPA is so low that I have only been able to raise my cumulative GPA to a 3.4X.

ROTC was a tremendous time commitment during college and I think this strongly contributed to my lower GPA. The Army was paying for my education and the ROTC cadre made it clear that for this reason, ROTC should take priority over everything. I didn’t want to do anything that might have jeopardized my scholarship and my ability to complete my education. I skipped many classes, and even some exams, over the years for ROTC commitments (professors were not always accommodating). However, the attitude of “take responsibility, don’t make excuses” has been instilled in me, and I’m not sure if this situation would be a valid point to talk about in an explanation statement. I think my performance in my post-bacc shows I am capable of achieving higher grades, but I don’t want to pass the buck or provide a flimsy explanation for my original undergraduate performance. Obviously this was not the only contributing factor, but it was a major one.

I’d appreciate any feedback on if you guys think this is a valid enough topic to discuss in an explanation statement. Thank you!

My undergrad GPA was very questionable 😵 , and I wasn't even involved in anything as time-consuming as ROTC! However, my post-bacc GPA was a 4.0, and I think most schools appreciate that upward trend. I did several school interviews, and one of the schools did specifically ask me to elaborate on my undergrad GPA. But I think you already know what schools are looking for - not excuses but a thoughtful reflection on your past and how that past experience has shaped you into a better prepared student/learner. Reviewing the Successful Applicants threads might be helpful (link to the c/o 2024 one) - you may find previous applicants with similar stats and their info on what schools they've been admitted to and how they wrote their essays.

 

[krosesilver]

Hi! I’ve got another transcript question. It says when entering class names I can abbreviate them if the names are too long for the text box. Do I have to abbreviate them or is it okay if they don’t totally fit in the text box? Some of my official class names are really long and I’m not sure how to abbreviate them so they can understand what it means.

 

[battie]

Hi! I’ve got another transcript question. It says when entering class names I can abbreviate them if the names are too long for the text box. Do I have to abbreviate them or is it okay if they don’t totally fit in the text box? Some of my official class names are really long and I’m not sure how to abbreviate them so they can understand what it means.

Do your best. They understand that some classes are "Dairy Cattle Management and Production Systems" (as a random example). You just would put something like "Dairy Cattle Man. and Prod. Sys."

 

[agcary]

Does anyone else have an impending sense of doom as the due date gets closer?

 

[BigCats]

Does anyone else have an impending sense of doom as the due date gets closer?

Lol yes! I have to order my transcripts when grades get posted, bug my final LOR writer, edit (hopefully for the last time) my essays, do a bunch of supplementals, and somehow find time for all of this around what I’m guessing will be a pretty intense internship I’m starting in a few days- the stress is definitely starting to get to me! I’m hoping to have everything submitted by the 7th but geez, time has really just started flying after dragging its feet all summer. I hope you’re doing all right!

 

[BennyRabbit1]

Hey guys, quick question - is there a way for me to rearrange the evaluations in order of priority without deleting the request and reinputting the details? Or will all the colleges that only look at 3 letters ask to provide names for those I want them to read? Because as it currently stands I will have my vet letter on the 4th spot and I don't want them to just read the first 3 then completely miss the vet letter.

 

[WonderingStudent]

Hey guys, quick question - is there a way for me to rearrange the evaluations in order of priority without deleting the request and reinputting the details? Or will all the colleges that only look at 3 letters ask to provide names for those I want them to read? Because as it currently stands I will have my vet letter on the 4th spot and I don't want them to just read the first 3 then completely miss the vet letter.

I remember at least Tufts asked which three eLORs I wanted to use. I don’t believe I had any other school that capped off at 3 eLORs. For any other schools that do have this requirement, check the school’s VMCAS app (or supplemental app) to see if it is asked on there. If not, contact admissions at the school or alternatively contact VMCAS but I would lean toward trying the former first.

 

[BennyRabbit1]

I remember at least Tufts asked which three eLORs I wanted to use. I don’t believe I had any other school that capped off at 3 eLORs. For any other schools that do have this requirement, check the school’s VMCAS app (or supplemental app) to see if it is asked on there. If not, contact admissions at the school or alternatively contact VMCAS but I would lean toward trying the former first.

Alright will do, thank you!

 

[SkiOtter]

I don’t remember which school it was, but I feel like I remember one saying that they will only read three letters and they will only read the first three? It’s definitely possible that school has changed their policy since then, but definitely good to check.

 

[WonderingStudent]

I don’t remember which school it was, but I feel like I remember one saying that they will only read three letters and they will only read the first three? It’s definitely possible that school has changed their policy since then, but definitely good to check.

Maybe that school hasn’t because that sounds familiar — I do feel like I read that on some vet school’s website.

 

[LaineyLou]

Does anyone else have an impending sense of doom as the due date gets closer?

My impending doom has occurred.. I submitted mine today and the anxiety is real. I’ve already started checking my email like 3 times an hour to see if it gets verfified

 

[agcary]

My impending doom has occurred.. I submitted mine today and the anxiety is real. I’ve already started checking my email like 3 times an hour to see if it gets verfified

Good for you!! I'm waiting on two LOR writers to submit their recommendations and then I will be able to turn mine in but the doom is looming and it's large.

 

[agcary]

Lol yes! I have to order my transcripts when grades get posted, bug my final LOR writer, edit (hopefully for the last time) my essays, do a bunch of supplementals, and somehow find time for all of this around what I’m guessing will be a pretty intense internship I’m starting in a few days- the stress is definitely starting to get to me! I’m hoping to have everything submitted by the 7th but geez, time has really just started flying after dragging its feet all summer. I hope you’re doing all right!

Yeah I'm waiting on two people to submit their recommendations and then I will be able to turn in my applications but time has flown by and now I'm stressing more than ever.

 

[deleted676737]

Good for you!! I'm waiting on two LOR writers to submit their recommendations and then I will be able to turn mine in but the doom is looming and it's large.

Yeah I'm waiting on two people to submit their recommendations and then I will be able to turn in my applications but time has flown by and now I'm stressing more than ever.

I applied half a decade ago, so admittedly this may have changed... but if you're otherwise done and ready, I believe that you can submit your VMCAS even with eLORs outstanding so long as all of the information for them has been entered. You don't have to actually wait for your evaluators to finish.

 

[agcary]

I applied half a decade ago, so admittedly this may have changed... but if you're otherwise done and ready, I believe that you can submit your VMCAS even with eLORs outstanding so long as all of the information for them has been entered. You don't have to actually wait for your evaluators to finish.

I think you're right but I just feel funny submitting them without having them in. If that makes any sense.

 

[krosesilver]

I know this was just addressed, but we can turn in our application without having all LOR turned in right? I’m waiting on one more but I’m getting anxious about it. Actually if anyone has any advice about how to politely remind someone to write the letter that would be great. The recommender I’m talking about works in a wildlife center and they’ve been so busy this year because they can’t use volunteers with covid. I feel bad reminding her since I’m sure she’s really busy at work and deserves a break when she’s off. When I emailed back in June seeing if she would write it she said “she’d have something written by September 15”. Is it worth it to reach out and follow up?

 

[Aprilthearab]

I know this was just addressed, but we can turn in our application without having all LOR turned in right? I’m waiting on one more but I’m getting anxious about it. Actually if anyone has any advice about how to politely remind someone to write the letter that would be great. The recommender I’m talking about works in a wildlife center and they’ve been so busy this year because they can’t use volunteers with covid. I feel bad reminding her since I’m sure she’s really busy at work and deserves a break when she’s off. When I emailed back in June seeing if she would write it she said “she’d have something written by September 15”. Is it worth it to reach out and follow up?

Yes, there is no harm in following up and it's also your responsibility since it is your application. People forget, especially when they're busy. I reminded someone politely by asking her if she needed any more/updated references for her LOR and she had hers in a few days later.

 

[SkiOtter]

One of my LOR writers was done with his and just forgot to click submit (he thought he had) until I asked him about it. Definitely follow up and ask.

 

[BennyRabbit1]

I don’t remember which school it was, but I feel like I remember one saying that they will only read three letters and they will only read the first three? It’s definitely possible that school has changed their policy since then, but definitely good to check.

Maybe that school hasn’t because that sounds familiar — I do feel like I read that on some vet school’s website.

Yeah I thought I read that somewhere too which was why I asked the question. Glad to know I'm not going crazy! I'll figure something out then, thanks for the confirmation.

 

[hailauren]

Wanted to get my app turned in tonight to make sure I had time for early verification, but my friend made a suggestion on one of my vmcas essays and now I've ended up trying to rewrite the entire thing...why is this my life??

 

[LaineyLou]

Wanted to get my app turned in tonight to make sure I had time for early verification, but my friend made a suggestion on one of my vmcas essays and now I've ended up trying to rewrite the entire thing...why is this my life??

I totally feel that! Every time I look at mine I end up rewriting half of it but now mine is submitted. Just submit it and get it over with!

 

[tayla96]

Has anyone else turned in their application and feel like time is moving so slow now? Lol

 

[biomajor2019]

Has anyone else turned in their application and feel like time is moving so slow now? Lol

1000%

 

[hailauren]

I totally feel that! Every time I look at mine I end up rewriting half of it but now mine is submitted. Just submit it and get it over with!

Yes oh my gosh, I managed to submit yesterday and I'm just not looking back now lol

 

[LaineyLou]

Yes oh my gosh, I managed to submit yesterday and I'm just not looking back now lol

Yup, I’m NOT looking back because I know I’ll find a mistake

 

[WanttheDVM]

Yup, I’m NOT looking back because I know I’ll find a mistake

Omg this is me. I don’t want to look at anything because I AM SURE I will find a mistake on something

 

[LaineyLou]

Omg this is me. I don’t want to look at anything because I AM SURE I will find a mistake on something

I’ve still gotta submit a few supplementals and I’m worried I’ll start reading all my essays over again

 

[bdominello]

Hi everyone! Lurker here...but I finally have a question of my own:

Should publications be an achievement (honor)? What about a presentation (and does conference vs poster matter)? I was thinking that would also be an honor but I am not sure. Any pointers? They wouldn't be under research experience, right? (Even though it was the research that led to presentations/publications.) Just feeling unsure about how to break things up. Thanks, guys!

P.s. huge thank you to everyone for all that you do! This thread has been so helpful and has already answered many of my questions!! What a great find 🙂

Good Morning,

I presented at a national and regional honors conference. I put these under experience - extracurricular. I did both a poster presentation and a round table discussion.

 

[bdominello]

Can you pay for the supplement app fees for each individual school prior to submitting the VMCAS app?
[/QUOTE

I’ve still gotta submit a few supplementals and I’m worried I’ll start reading all my essays over again

I read mine a handful of times. I had at least 3 people review each essay I submitted, and then I had someone review my entire application before I submitted it to look for any mistakes. No such thing a being too careful.

 

[astoldbydrc]

I have to look over my application one more time before I submit it. Didn’t think I would be this anxious!

 

[BigCats]

Maybe someone else has had a similar thing come up... So in high school, I took AP Calc AB and BC and passed both exams, which for some reason translated at my college as me technically receiving credit for college-level Calc 1 three times. Would I have to list two of those as repeats when finalizing my transcript?

 

[BigCats]

The help center says:

"Indicate if you repeated any of your courses. Courses should only be marked as repeated if you repeated them at the same institution (i.e., you retook the course for a higher grade). Withdrawn courses, courses taken at different schools, and courses taken multiple times for new credit (i.e., school band, physical education, etc) are not considered repeated.

Record full credit values and grades for all repeated courses. VMCAS is required to include all repeated courses in GPA calculations, regardless of an institution's or state's academic forgiveness policies."

which feels like a "no, not a repeat" to me?

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

I know this was just addressed, but we can turn in our application without having all LOR turned in right? I’m waiting on one more but I’m getting anxious about it. Actually if anyone has any advice about how to politely remind someone to write the letter that would be great. The recommender I’m talking about works in a wildlife center and they’ve been so busy this year because they can’t use volunteers with covid. I feel bad reminding her since I’m sure she’s really busy at work and deserves a break when she’s off. When I emailed back in June seeing if she would write it she said “she’d have something written by September 15”. Is it worth it to reach out and follow up?

Definitely follow up! LORs go on the back burner frequently...I had to follow up with 3/4 of my recommenders TWICE! And it made me feel awful (and small!) to "bother" them, but on the 2nd follow-up they were all apologetic and thanked me for staying on top of things. If it helps, I basically wrote: "Touching base about the letter of recommendation. I know Covid has made this a hectic time, so I hope not to rush you; I just wanted to check in on things."
I did give 1-2 weeks between follow-ups, but definitely stay on top of them! I can't imagine the panic if a letter wasn't submitted come Sept 15th

 

[DVMhopefulof???]

Definitely follow up! LORs go on the back burner frequently...I had to follow up with 3/4 of my recommenders TWICE! And it made me feel awful (and small!) to "bother" them, but on the 2nd follow-up they were all apologetic and thanked me for staying on top of things. If it helps, I basically wrote: "Touching base about the letter of recommendation. I know Covid has made this a hectic time, so I hope not to rush you; I just wanted to check in on things."
I did give 1-2 weeks between follow-ups, but definitely stay on top of them! I can't imagine the panic if a letter wasn't submitted come Sept 15th

It is definitely frustrating for both you and probably the recommender as well! I am in the same boat where I sent her a request in April and it seems like she didn't write it yet which is super frustrating. I don't want to bother her but at the same time, this is my future and my money that I am putting on the line.

 

[Fishy3fishy5]

It is definitely frustrating for both you and probably the recommender as well! I am in the same boat where I sent her a request in April and it seems like she didn't write it yet which is super frustrating. I don't want to bother her but at the same time, this is my future and my money that I am putting on the line.

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.