VMCAS Questions and Rants c/o 2029

[turtle36]

This discussion makes me wonder how some schools review everyone’s application in their entirety and offer file reviews while other schools review less than a quarter of applicants (despite both schools receiving the same number of applications more or less)

I’m sure the answer is that not every school has access to the same funds that allow them the resources to conduct such a task or something of the sort.

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[battie]

Or don't want to devote the funds in that way.

 

[pp9]

1) Lawsuits. Straight up. Due to the subjective aspects of applications, schools give general advice because of the risk of lawsuits from declined applicants.

Has this happened in vet med that you know of? I've heard many anecdotes over the years regarding med schools, but haven't heard this for vet schools yet.

I feel like the impression on these threads is that file reviews in the past were these amazing meetings with the dean of the college, and they told you everything you needed to know about your app and about the school, etc. I don't want anyone to feel like they are missing out on something major and therefore have no hope of succeeding as a result...many schools did not offer good file reviews. Personally, I did 5 file reviews (out of 5 schools) my first cycle, I did one for my IS my second cycle even though I had an acceptance and a waitlist. Out of those 6, only one actually involved me speaking to a person, and that file review was extremely important for me to get an acceptance the next try.

Maybe others can chime in if they had a different experience, but most of my file reviews were supremely useless 5/6 'file reviews' were just schools sending me PDFs of the admitted class stats and nothing else, which are published on the websites anyways. Some of the schools that apparently no longer do 'files reviews' these days are also ones that only sent out PDFs. In my book, they never actually did 'file reviews' and have just stopped sending out that pdf, lol.

Also worth mentioning that while many schools may have done away with app reviews, they probably haven't done away with their pre-vet advisors. Don't forget that you can make appointments with them as well. They may/may not be able to pull your application and go over it with you, but if you can provide them with information (perhaps a pdf of your VMCAS app?) they may be able to give you a lot of insight. Worth trying, anyways.

I most likely would not be accepted if I was applying now.

Facts. I had ~3.5s across the board and was told repeatedly that it wasn't high enough (by multiple schools). Although ironically, I probably would have gotten into my IS these days with how drastically different their admissions process is. Not bitter. Not at all.

 

[battie]

Has this happened in vet med that you know of?

When I was involved with tours and interview day, I arranged for a meeting with the dean what is and isn't allowed. This concern was noted at that meeting; essentially don't make promises the school can't keep.

I had ~3.5s across the board

3.3 cGPA 😅

 

[barkology]

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hi everyone! i have a question for current students. although im really excited to meet and befriend other veterinary students, do you find it difficult to meet people from other grad programs at the universities you attend? in my undergrad, i was part of a lot of clubs and had a great time building new friendships with people who shared my interests in various majors, but im worried that in grad school i wont have that opportunity anymore. i feel like the campus-wide organizations are more catered towards undergrad students. i have gotten into midwestern so far, and have some interviews coming up, and am still waiting on some schools, but if any midwestern students especially can give some input that would be amazing! thank you so much

Current 1st year - I was worried about this as well and just making friends in general. I attend VMCVM and similar to other schools our class size is ~128. The curriculum encourages and is structured around some small group activities and things like that, so it wasn’t too difficult to meet people! We also had a few days or orientation with team building with our pods (4 person lab groups) that was helpful with breaking the ice. My DMs are open if you have any questions

 

[artemia]

Is updating schools on new experiences a good idea? I just secured a great new veterinary position that is a big step up from my older one, but I'm not sure how big of a difference that update would make this late in the app process (although, most of the schools I applied to are expected to send decisions in late February-early March). Not sure if it's even worth it or would even be considered by the programs, especially considering how many emails they get each day.

 

[supershorty]

Is updating schools on new experiences a good idea? I just secured a great new veterinary position that is a big step up from my older one, but I'm not sure how big of a difference that update would make this late in the app process (although, most of the schools I applied to are expected to send decisions in late February-early March). Not sure if it's even worth it or would even be considered by the programs, especially considering how many emails they get each day.

It won't make a difference (this is one area where medical school is very different from veterinary school). It won't hurt to do it, but it's unlikely to have any effect one way or the other.

 

[vampyrica]

Is updating schools on new experiences a good idea? I just secured a great new veterinary position that is a big step up from my older one, but I'm not sure how big of a difference that update would make this late in the app process (although, most of the schools I applied to are expected to send decisions in late February-early March). Not sure if it's even worth it or would even be considered by the programs, especially considering how many emails they get each day.

I’ve seen on their websites and portals that they wont accept any new experiences

 

[unstablewombat]

Is updating schools on new experiences a good idea? I just secured a great new veterinary position that is a big step up from my older one, but I'm not sure how big of a difference that update would make this late in the app process (although, most of the schools I applied to are expected to send decisions in late February-early March). Not sure if it's even worth it or would even be considered by the programs, especially considering how many emails they get each day.

This is something I might mention in an upcoming interview if you have one but other than that, I don’t think they’ll consider it

 

[vampyrica]

i knew this positivity and optimistic streak wouldnt last for long hahahaha im spiraling 😀 ✨

 

[erinnnnie]

I’m preparing for my first MMI and I’m a bit confused about how long to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question. I know each question is timed for the MMI, but I’m not sure if I should use the entire time or just keep it brief.

 

[thesunshinefuturedogtor]

Hi guys! This is my first application cycle and I wish I would have known about this platform sooner! Anyways sorry not a question or rant just wanted to say hi

 

[battie]

I’m preparing for my first MMI and I’m a bit confused about how long to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question. I know each question is timed for the MMI, but I’m not sure if I should use the entire time or just keep it brief.

Why not use the entire time?

 

[pp9]

I’m preparing for my first MMI and I’m a bit confused about how long to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question. I know each question is timed for the MMI, but I’m not sure if I should use the entire time or just keep it brief.

FWIW, none of the MMIs I've participated in (from both interviewer and interviewee perspective) have ever had a 'tell me about yourself' type question. Not sure if this is something you were told to expect at a specific school, but personal questions are usually not part of an MMI for a reason.

With that said, it's okay to have a few minutes of silence at the end of a question, it's also okay to take the whole time. What you say is far more important than how long it takes you to say it, which doesn't really matter.

 

[KK5820]

I’m preparing for my first MMI and I’m a bit confused about how long to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question. I know each question is timed for the MMI, but I’m not sure if I should use the entire time or just keep it brief.

I did not have a question like that in my MMI interview but did have it in one of my more traditional interviews. I essentially followed this format:

-where I’m from
-little blurb about how I got to sitting in front of faculty that day
-2 hobbies

I didn’t talk about my veterinary experience because that interview was completely open file

 

[Fishy_Applicant]

I just gotta vent and get my thoughts out for a sec, hopefully this is an ok place to do that.

I am fairly confident I just bombed my interview with UF. I am a bit older than most applicants and so I have ALOT of experience to pull from. I am doing cool stuff out in the world, and have no shortage of real-world leadership experience to talk about. I spent a ton of time practicing and preparing. It was all Tee'd up for success and I just swung and missed. 🤣

After the interview I wrote out on paper each of the questions, how I answered them, and my thoughts on how I could have done better. I keep mulling over my answers and oh man, this feeling sucks! Now there is nothing left to do but sit with it. Hopefully I am just over thinking it I guess.

I know it happens, everybody on here probably has experiences or interviews they wish they could get a do-over on but. asdfhgklweohlj. It isss what it issss. We move forward, adjust accordingly, and do better next time. ugh!

Thank you for reading my cathartic rambling.

 

[oweue]

[emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]] schools, down to [emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]. no interviews, no acceptances. looks like I should be applying for that post bacc now as the ones left (other than Rowan) are gpa heavy 🫠

 

[vampyrica]

[emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]] schools, down to [emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]. no interviews, no acceptances. looks like I should be applying for that post bacc now as the ones left (other than Rowan) are gpa heavy 🫠

i'm with you. idk if i should go get my post-bacc and be a fulltime student again and work part time or work full time and school part time ughhh

 

[_rae_]

i'm with you. idk if i should go get my post-bacc and be a fulltime student again and work part time or work full time and school part time ughhh

Unless your GPA is the issue, I would recommend doing your absolute best to get experience opportunities instead. I worked full time as a veterinary assistant in a busy oncology department, and also volunteered two days a week (yes, I only had one day off, no I do not recommend doing that all at once, yes I am grateful I did it). I got to work with quarantined marine life with the New England Aquarium and with educational ambassadors with the Massachusetts Audubon. Genuinely I credit those two experiences, the hours I got in oncology, and the recommendation letters I had with getting me into school. I had a 3.64 GPA and had zero interest in doing a masters.

That's my two cents. Others might have a different opinion.

 

[vampyrica]

Unless your GPA is the issue, I would recommend doing your absolute best to get experience opportunities instead. I worked full time as a veterinary assistant in a busy oncology department, and also volunteered two days a week (yes, I only had one day off, no I do not recommend doing that all at once, yes I am grateful I did it). I got to work with quarantined marine life with the New England Aquarium and with educational ambassadors with the Massachusetts Audubon. Genuinely I credit those two experiences, the hours I got in oncology, and the recommendation letters I had with getting me into school. I had a 3.64 GPA and had zero interest in doing a masters.

That's my two cents. Others might have a different opinion.

Those are amazing experiences! (unfortunately, my GPA is infact the problem)

 

[_rae_]

Those are amazing experiences! (unfortunately, my GPA is infact the problem)

Oof, yeah it's rough out there. One of my coworkers applied to Tufts and was rejected primarily because of her chem and o chem grades. If any of the schools you're looking at do grade replacement, it might be better to try to retake the courses you have your worst grades in while working instead of dedicating yourself to a whole masters. It really is not the end though. One of my classmates who frequents the forums had lower GPAs than I did, but had wicked experiences and a masters degree and had options this past cycle.

 

[oweue]

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Unless your GPA is the issue, I would recommend doing your absolute best to get experience opportunities instead. I worked full time as a veterinary assistant in a busy oncology department, and also volunteered two days a week (yes, I only had one day off, no I do not recommend doing that all at once, yes I am grateful I did it). I got to work with quarantined marine life with the New England Aquarium and with educational ambassadors with the Massachusetts Audubon. Genuinely I credit those two experiences, the hours I got in oncology, and the recommendation letters I had with getting me into school. I had a [emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]].[emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]]] GPA and had zero interest in doing a masters.

That's my two cents. Others might have a different opinion.

also working in a specialty hospital for the past three years. I’ve applied to every wildlife/marine volunteer position but nothing has ever gotten back to me :/ unfortunately my time in this field means nothing since I can’t get past my gpa to them. I’m very unsure if I can even do better in the classes I didn’t go great in so

 

[pastalover23]

All of these rejections have me feeling like I’ve been through breakup after breakup HAHA
Alexa play Washing Machine Heart by Mitski

 

[fauna]

Has this happened in vet med that you know of? I've heard many anecdotes over the years regarding med schools, but haven't heard this for vet schools yet.

I feel like the impression on these threads is that file reviews in the past were these amazing meetings with the dean of the college, and they told you everything you needed to know about your app and about the school, etc. I don't want anyone to feel like they are missing out on something major and therefore have no hope of succeeding as a result...many schools did not offer good file reviews. Personally, I did 5 file reviews (out of 5 schools) my first cycle, I did one for my IS my second cycle even though I had an acceptance and a waitlist. Out of those 6, only one actually involved me speaking to a person, and that file review was extremely important for me to get an acceptance the next try.

Maybe others can chime in if they had a different experience, but most of my file reviews were supremely useless 5/6 'file reviews' were just schools sending me PDFs of the admitted class stats and nothing else, which are published on the websites anyways. Some of the schools that apparently no longer do 'files reviews' these days are also ones that only sent out PDFs. In my book, they never actually did 'file reviews' and have just stopped sending out that pdf, lol.

Also worth mentioning that while many schools may have done away with app reviews, they probably haven't done away with their pre-vet advisors. Don't forget that you can make appointments with them as well. They may/may not be able to pull your application and go over it with you, but if you can provide them with information (perhaps a pdf of your VMCAS app?) they may be able to give you a lot of insight. Worth trying, anyways.

Facts. I had ~3.5s across the board and was told repeatedly that it wasn't high enough (by multiple schools). Although ironically, I probably would have gotten into my IS these days with how drastically different their admissions process is. Not bitter. Not at all.

Late to this discussion, BUT! I had a file review in the summer for LSU, since I got waitlisted by them last cycle. They, of course, did not actually look at my packet. I came to this advisor with tons of questions, should I get a Master's? should I go get some large animal experience? Should I retake classes? Should I *insert literally anything you can think of*? And the answer to almost everything was no! Or pretty much, "if you want to, you should, but if you don't, then don't". In fact, she actually pretty outwardly advised that I did not bother with retaking my C classes like Orgo and Physics. I left with literally zero direction on what I can be doing to be more competitive BUT she had all these nice things to say that made me feel pretty good! She said in all likelihood my essays were great and my experiences looked great, as I have a more average-to-low GPA, and that's probably what pushed me into the waiting list. I felt great-- my experiences were even better this year, my essays were much better, my letters were much better-- surely this year would be it for me! Nope-- got rejected, no waitlist.

Obviously, I don't blame them, I understand they can't give advice that makes it sound like "this is sure to get you in!". Every cycle is different, the pool of applicants was much higher this year. But, the fact that I left that "packet review" with almost no direction or advice whatsoever.

ETA: Wow, I did some MORE back-reading and got a fuller understanding of this discussion. In general, I am really grateful for this website. It is so nice to see and participate in conversations like these instead of going through this experience in complete isolation. A lot of you had some really profound things to say. @battie, in particular, your comments were so profound to me and are uplifting me in this second-cycle-anxiety-spiral. hopefully my original post does not sound too much like whining! Rather just sharing my experiences and adding to the discussion that file reviews aren't realllly much of a thing anymore, I suppose!

 

[battie]

BUT she had all these nice things to say that made me feel pretty good!

This is the red flag to me. If there's no obvious direction or statement where they state, "You're good on paper, it was just very competitive this year", and they still don't give any direction, it was a sales pitch to try again. Like one of the private schools (either LMU or Midwestern) telling their rejected applicant pool to apply to their pharmacy school in the last few years. Scummy as hell to me. I'm even not a fan of these veterinary medicine specific masters programs; just another way to get money out of students.

 

[fauna]

This is the red flag to me. If there's no obvious direction or statement where they state, "You're good on paper, it was just very competitive this year", and they still don't give any direction, it was a sales pitch to try again. Like one of the private schools (either LMU or Midwestern) telling their rejected applicant pool to apply to their pharmacy school in the last few years. Scummy as hell to me. I'm even not a fan of these veterinary medicine specific masters programs; just another way to get money out of students.

Ugh, exactly! In retrospect, I was being given the message of "just apply again!". Being waitlisted the previous year already gave me a false sense of hope but then I was literally sold on how they're this perfect program for me: they're holistic! they are looking for all my strengths (experiences, essays) and no need to worry about my weaker area (GPA). Yeahhhh, not so helpful.

 

[battie]

Gotta say, as callous as it is, I appreciate that human med schools at least tell applicants if their chances are decent vs good vs poor without sugar coating it. Does it suck? Yes. Does it potentially save hundreds if thousands of students the money of applying somewhere they shouldn't? Also yes.

To be fair, I also re-applied at the place I was wait listed at too.

 

[fauna]

I honestly just wanted insight on how significant certain strategies would be. Is retaking classes worth it? Is it better to just take some new, upper-level science electives and ace them? How do schools view these things? Literally any insight at all from the source.

Turns out, there is no real answer. I have gotten such a variety of anecdotal advice that I am sort of just, following whatever I want to do. I want to work in orthopedic surgery so that's what I'm doing! Working full-time and trying to save some money. Waiting to hear back from just a few more schools and I think that will be my deciding factor on if I go back to school-- whether that's for some non-degree seeking classes or for a Masters, I honestly don't know yet.

 

[fauna]

To be fair, I also re-applied at the place I was wait listed at too.

Did you end up getting accepted there? Waitlisted again?

 

[battie]

Did you end up getting accepted there? Waitlisted again?

Wait listed at Kansas State all three cycles I applied.

 

[oweue]

[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]]" data-quote="fauna" data-source="post: 0" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

I honestly just wanted insight on how significant certain strategies would be. Is retaking classes worth it? Is it better to just take some new, upper-level science electives and ace them? How do schools view these things? Literally any insight at all from the source.

Turns out, there is no real answer. I have gotten such a variety of anecdotal advice that I am sort of just, following whatever I want to do. I want to work in orthopedic surgery so that's what I'm doing! Working full-time and trying to save some money. Waiting to hear back from just a few more schools and I think that will be my deciding factor on if I go back to school-- whether that's for some non-degree seeking classes or for a Masters, I honestly don't know yet.

I had almost the same exact experience with tufts. they told me no need to look for new experiences, that retaking orgo and physics isn’t needed since they know everyone doesn’t do well in them. I retook one course and took [emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]] new ones with A’s in both. they gave me great feedback on my personal essay as well. then I never got back their first phase this year. super heart breaking when I did everything they wanted and still didn’t even get to the second phase

 

[fauna]

they told me no need to look for new experiences, that retaking orgo and physics isn’t needed since they know everyone doesn’t do well in them.

This part! I was exactly told this as well. My thing is like, assuming all of the schools I apply to have grade forgiveness, retaking those C's and making them A's would potentially raise my GPA a decent amount more than just an elective or 2 would. It feels like with the sheer amount of applicants, you kind of need your GPA to be high enough for them to even look at you? Do you know what I mean? Sure maybe if I had a 3.8 and all I had was a C in Physics, that would be just fine. But, this whole thing about them really looking into each class you took doesn't seem plausible.

I don't know-- I am not confident I could ace orgo or physics even on the second try, especially because I need to be working full time. So for now I don't plan on retaking those. I was leaning towards your plan of taking some new classes. Did you find that it helped with any other schools you applied to?

I have not yet determined a plan to work on my academic portion but, I will say, I have had more success so far this cycle for most schools. 2 interviews as opposed to none last time. The difference being the schools I chose to apply to, significantly better LORs, better essays, and I ventured from GP experience to specialty. Plus, I was in my last semester when I applied the first time and since then I have been able to exponentially raise my hours because full-time is just way more effective than working part-time in school.

I am sorry you had that experience-- super frustrating. You did the work to show that you are dedicated! You did what they said!

 

[pp9]

I'm even not a fan of these veterinary medicine specific masters programs; just another way to get money out of students.

1000000%. I really am not a fan when someone is rejected, and in a file review/adcom meeting/whatever, they are told to do that school's master's program. I truly do not understand the point of those beyond more income for the school - they are not useful career-wise. At all. They also are in no way guaranteed to make you a more competitive applicant or get you a seat in a class.

Gotta say, as callous as it is, I appreciate that human med schools at least tell applicants if their chances are decent vs good vs poor without sugar coating it. Does it suck? Yes. Does it potentially save hundreds if thousands of students the money of applying somewhere they shouldn't? Also yes.

FWIW, I have had a vet school tell me I had absolutely no chance and shouldn't bother. Twice. Things are verrrry different now with Michigan State. I hear they no longer have a steady stream of prevets leaving the admissions office in tears The admissions counselor that was there for many years was absolutely brutal.

I honestly just wanted insight on how significant certain strategies would be. Is retaking classes worth it? Is it better to just take some new, upper-level science electives and ace them? How do schools view these things? Literally any insight at all from the source.

You can figure this out on your own, though. Break out your calculator!

For the bolded - that information is usually on the schools' websites. If it's not, then I would email/call/whatever them again, because how they approach repeated courses will absolutely affect your decision to repeat a course. There are definitely instances where it's not worth it.

It feels like with the sheer amount of applicants, you kind of need your GPA to be high enough for them to even look at you?

You're absolutely correct with this - based on what we can tell (as in, we aren't on adcoms), internal GPA cutoffs are higher than ever at most/all schools. So yes, you do literally need a high enough GPA to even be looked at.

The difference being the schools I chose to apply to, significantly better LORs, better essays, and I ventured from GP experience to specialty.

This is a huge thing I want to point out. You did not change your academic stats, but picked different schools, got better letters, wrote better essays, and got better experience and you are already seeing this pay off. Grades are absolutely very important, we know this, but the importance of everything else is underestimated I think. If these components weren't that important, they wouldn't be required. When you compare it to the GRE, which rarely held significant value in the admissions process...well, many schools have done away with this requirement by now.

 

[Fishy_Applicant]

FWIW, I did a packet review at Tufts (hadn't even applied there yet) and it was incredibly informative. The dude came at me with math on my GPA, told me to take another class which would knock off a mediocre semester from my last 45. Was honest about my lack of GP experience. He even looked over my essays via email once I wrote them later in the year and he marked up the word doc with suggestions. I walked out of there with a very clear plan. Can't recommend chatting with them enough. Very grateful to that guy.

 

[_rae_]

FWIW, I did a packet review at Tufts (hadn't even applied there yet) and it was incredibly informative. The dude came at me with math on my GPA, told me to take another class which would knock off a mediocre semester from my last 45. Was honest about my lack of GP experience. He even looked over my essays via email once I wrote them later in the year and he marked up the word doc with suggestions. I walked out of there with a very clear plan. Can't recommend chatting with them enough. Very grateful to that guy.

Was it Ford? I can honestly say that of all of the people I have interacted with in veterinary admissions, even the school I chose to go to, Ford is one of the best people I've ever been fortunate enough to talk to. He seems like he genuinely cares about our successes, and he was very kind but very constructive on my first time application. I had three outstanding pre-reqs, 40 hours of experience (listen, I was dumb and didn't know better even though I should have), and my essays reflected how little time I had spent in vet med. We chatted about all of it, and I even reached out to ask his opinion on my job offers. Tufts has a lot of problems, but Ford is absolutely a top tier guy and a top tier admissions professional. They should be clinging to him like a brachy dog to its breathing tube.

 

[Fishy_Applicant]

Was it Ford? I can honestly say that of all of the people I have interacted with in veterinary admissions, even the school I chose to go to, Ford is one of the best people I've ever been fortunate enough to talk to. He seems like he genuinely cares about our successes, and he was very kind but very constructive on my first time application. I had three outstanding pre-reqs, 40 hours of experience (listen, I was dumb and didn't know better even though I should have), and my essays reflected how little time I had spent in vet med. We chatted about all of it, and I even reached out to ask his opinion on my job offers. Tufts has a lot of problems, but Ford is absolutely a top tier guy and a top tier admissions professional. They should be clinging to him like a brachy dog to its breathing tube.

Yeah it was Ford! That guy is amazing. If I get accepted anywhere this year it will be because he helped set me up for success.

 

[fauna]

I didn't apply to Tuft's but you guys are making me wish I did, haha! Will they still offer advising if you're a prospective applicant?
UF is my in-state, they did not offer me a packet review last time as I did not get the interview. I did get an interview this time around and if I don't get in, they will do a review with me and I feel like that would be very insightful. Let's hope I don't need that though! I am getting in!!!!

 

[oweue]

For real, I 1000% owe the success of my application to those who helped me understand what to expect and how to prepare, including Ford!

interesting, I had a different person at tufts and did what they said yet had no interviews or acceptances. maybe this file review I can request him

 

[indysadventures]

interesting, I had a different person at tufts and did what they said yet had no interviews or acceptances. maybe this file review I can request him

Hey- I’m sorry, I should’ve made it more clear- I didn’t have a file review, I had an advising appointment. I think you can schedule them even if you are a re-applicant but I’m not 100% sure. The key difference is they don’t look at any past info, but instead help you prepare for the upcoming cycle. Which maybe changes the exact topics or responsible staff members involved? It’s not really a huge difference in topics I’m sure but for statement reviews could be really helpful with your new material if you have to reapply.

Just a guess. I’m sorry your previous file review wasn’t helpful, that’s really frustrating. 😔

 

[oweue]

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Hey- I’m sorry, I should’ve made it more clear- I didn’t have a file review, I had an advising appointment. I think you can schedule them even if you are a re-applicant but I’m not [emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]% sure. The key difference is they don’t look at any past info, but instead help you prepare for the upcoming cycle. Which maybe changes the exact topics or responsible staff members involved? It’s not really a huge difference in topics I’m sure but for statement reviews could be really helpful with your new material if you have to reapply.

Just a guess. I’m sorry your previous file review wasn’t helpful, that’s really frustrating.

It is what it is, I’m hoping to get some more opinions this year from other schools!

 

[Musicandhorses]

1000000%. I really am not a fan when someone is rejected, and in a file review/adcom meeting/whatever, they are told to do that school's master's program. I truly do not understand the point of those beyond more income for the school - they are not useful career-wise. At all. They also are in no way guaranteed to make you a more competitive applicant or get you a seat in a class.


FWIW, I have had a vet school tell me I had absolutely no chance and shouldn't bother. Twice. Things are verrrry different now with Michigan State. I hear they no longer have a steady stream of prevets leaving the admissions office in tears The admissions counselor that was there for many years was absolutely brutal.


You can figure this out on your own, though. Break out your calculator!

For the bolded - that information is usually on the schools' websites. If it's not, then I would email/call/whatever them again, because how they approach repeated courses will absolutely affect your decision to repeat a course. There are definitely instances where it's not worth it.


You're absolutely correct with this - based on what we can tell (as in, we aren't on adcoms), internal GPA cutoffs are higher than ever at most/all schools. So yes, you do literally need a high enough GPA to even be looked at.


This is a huge thing I want to point out. You did not change your academic stats, but picked different schools, got better letters, wrote better essays, and got better experience and you are already seeing this pay off. Grades are absolutely very important, we know this, but the importance of everything else is underestimated I think. If these components weren't that important, they wouldn't be required. When you compare it to the GRE, which rarely held significant value in the admissions process...well, many schools have done away with this requirement by now.

This is making me feel old, but the GRE did hold significant weight into admissions in the past. It obviously doesn’t anymore. I’m not saying it was right that it had weight regarding admission points in the past, but it absolutely did previously. I was a student admissions committee member.

 

[taurusdoc]

This is me airing my grievances and then flipping my switch back to its hopeful side.
Up until now I have been the person that tries to stay positive about disappointing news during the application cycle and I do not think I have fully taken a moment to let my own anger and stress leave my body; this is my moment to do that. I am so sorry if this comes across as judgmental or mean; I promise I just need to let it out and then I will be good as new.

I am surrounded by a community of pre-vet students (both in and out of my undergrad network). I love these people so dearly and I pride myself in being their cheerleader as they embark on the same journey that we are all currently on. We all try to keep in mind that there is no "perfect" veterinary school applicant and that part of being a well rounded incoming student includes having weak areas. Nobody can be perfect in every category, and each school seeks out different qualities in their incoming classes. Some care more about the numbers and test scores. Some care more about diversity of vet experiences. Some care more about who you are outside of the veterinary world. Thus, there is no "correct" way to present yourself to the VMCAS application nor veterinary school as a whole. Lastly, there is no use in comparing ourselves amongst each other for all of the reasons stated above and then some.

That being said...

I am so frustrated and angry and sad and tired of seeing people with lower GPAs, less experience, etc. get accepted or get interviews when I have not. It is so strangely degrading. I have a 3.91 cumulative, 3.92 science, and 4.00 last 45. I have thousands upon thousands of hours working with animals (exotic, avian, small animal, etc.) in and out of veterinary settings. I have over 400 hours of CE with upwards of 15 certificates in various areas of the animal care world. I reviewed each of my written supplements for this cycle with peer tutors, professional tutors, and DVMs that graduated from my top school (who wrote letters of rec on my behalf). I sought out feedback from every reputable source that I could think of. The mentors that I have spoken to told me that I was in such a good spot and would have nothing to worry about in terms of getting in.

Yet I have been waitlisted for interviews at two schools and rejected from the other two. I am so confused and frustrated.

I am frustrated because I have this incredible community around me and I don't know how my peers with less traditionally or holistically competitive applications are getting interview invites and I am not. I am confused because I sought out so much criticism and received minimal constructive feedback and endless reassurance that I would be a stellar applicant. I am so angry and confused and I am frustrated with myself for even feeling those emotions towards people I care for so deeply.

Anyways, that's my final thought. I am sorry for the explosion here and feel free to respond with anything remotely encouraging or at least slightly sunshine-y.

 

[Musicandhorses]

This is me airing my grievances and then flipping my switch back to its hopeful side.
Up until now I have been the person that tries to stay positive about disappointing news during the application cycle and I do not think I have fully taken a moment to let my own anger and stress leave my body; this is my moment to do that. I am so sorry if this comes across as judgmental or mean; I promise I just need to let it out and then I will be good as new.

I am surrounded by a community of pre-vet students (both in and out of my undergrad network). I love these people so dearly and I pride myself in being their cheerleader as they embark on the same journey that we are all currently on. We all try to keep in mind that there is no "perfect" veterinary school applicant and that part of being a well rounded incoming student includes having weak areas. Nobody can be perfect in every category, and each school seeks out different qualities in their incoming classes. Some care more about the numbers and test scores. Some care more about diversity of vet experiences. Some care more about who you are outside of the veterinary world. Thus, there is no "correct" way to present yourself to the VMCAS application nor veterinary school as a whole. Lastly, there is no use in comparing ourselves amongst each other for all of the reasons stated above and then some.

That being said...

I am so frustrated and angry and sad and tired of seeing people with lower GPAs, less experience, etc. get accepted or get interviews when I have not. It is so strangely degrading. I have a 3.91 cumulative, 3.92 science, and 4.00 last 45. I have thousands upon thousands of hours working with animals (exotic, avian, small animal, etc.) in and out of veterinary settings. I have over 400 hours of CE with upwards of 15 certificates in various areas of the animal care world. I reviewed each of my written supplements for this cycle with peer tutors, professional tutors, and DVMs that graduated from my top school (who wrote letters of rec on my behalf). I sought out feedback from every reputable source that I could think of. The mentors that I have spoken to told me that I was in such a good spot and would have nothing to worry about in terms of getting in.

Yet I have been waitlisted for interviews at two schools and rejected from the other two. I am so confused and frustrated.

I am frustrated because I have this incredible community around me and I don't know how my peers with less traditionally or holistically competitive applications are getting interview invites and I am not. I am confused because I sought out so much criticism and received minimal constructive feedback and endless reassurance that I would be a stellar applicant. I am so angry and confused and I am frustrated with myself for even feeling those emotions towards people I care for so deeply.

Anyways, that's my final thought. I am sorry for the explosion here and feel free to respond with anything remotely encouraging or at least slightly sunshine-y.

Applying to vet school is a very trying endeavor. I hardly ever get stressed about anything, but I remember being stressed and comparing myself to others during my applications.

One piece of advice I’d give you is to wait this one out. You could still get an interview from off the waitlist which could lead to an acceptance. All it takes is one acceptance. The cycle is not over yet. I know it’s hard. Maybe do some self care as there’s not much else you can do for this cycle except wait. Also, it’s really really hard to take the same classes as other applicants because I found that all they want to talk about is vet school applications. I was a music minor/scholar so I was glad to be in my music classes during that time too. Maybe do something away from vet med (like go play a sport or go to the spa) to get some self care. Hugs.

 

[pp9]

This is me airing my grievances and then flipping my switch back to its hopeful side.
Up until now I have been the person that tries to stay positive about disappointing news during the application cycle and I do not think I have fully taken a moment to let my own anger and stress leave my body; this is my moment to do that. I am so sorry if this comes across as judgmental or mean; I promise I just need to let it out and then I will be good as new.

I am surrounded by a community of pre-vet students (both in and out of my undergrad network). I love these people so dearly and I pride myself in being their cheerleader as they embark on the same journey that we are all currently on. We all try to keep in mind that there is no "perfect" veterinary school applicant and that part of being a well rounded incoming student includes having weak areas. Nobody can be perfect in every category, and each school seeks out different qualities in their incoming classes. Some care more about the numbers and test scores. Some care more about diversity of vet experiences. Some care more about who you are outside of the veterinary world. Thus, there is no "correct" way to present yourself to the VMCAS application nor veterinary school as a whole. Lastly, there is no use in comparing ourselves amongst each other for all of the reasons stated above and then some.

That being said...

I am so frustrated and angry and sad and tired of seeing people with lower GPAs, less experience, etc. get accepted or get interviews when I have not. It is so strangely degrading. I have a 3.91 cumulative, 3.92 science, and 4.00 last 45. I have thousands upon thousands of hours working with animals (exotic, avian, small animal, etc.) in and out of veterinary settings. I have over 400 hours of CE with upwards of 15 certificates in various areas of the animal care world. I reviewed each of my written supplements for this cycle with peer tutors, professional tutors, and DVMs that graduated from my top school (who wrote letters of rec on my behalf). I sought out feedback from every reputable source that I could think of. The mentors that I have spoken to told me that I was in such a good spot and would have nothing to worry about in terms of getting in.

Yet I have been waitlisted for interviews at two schools and rejected from the other two. I am so confused and frustrated.

I am frustrated because I have this incredible community around me and I don't know how my peers with less traditionally or holistically competitive applications are getting interview invites and I am not. I am confused because I sought out so much criticism and received minimal constructive feedback and endless reassurance that I would be a stellar applicant. I am so angry and confused and I am frustrated with myself for even feeling those emotions towards people I care for so deeply.

Anyways, that's my final thought. I am sorry for the explosion here and feel free to respond with anything remotely encouraging or at least slightly sunshine-y.

Idk if this is sunshine-y enough, but it is significantly cheaper and easier to overhaul the written components of your app +/- adjust school choices vs. having to overhaul your academics (at least imo, anyways...guilty of always trying to look at things as practically as possible). You have amazing academic stats and can breathe a sigh of relief over that - many people wish they were in your position at this stage, myself included. Seriously, you should be incredibly proud of this.

I do recommend going back a few pages on this thread and reading through it if you haven't, though. I hope you get good news this cycle!

 

[Gina Lawson]

This is me airing my grievances and then flipping my switch back to its hopeful side.
Up until now I have been the person that tries to stay positive about disappointing news during the application cycle and I do not think I have fully taken a moment to let my own anger and stress leave my body; this is my moment to do that. I am so sorry if this comes across as judgmental or mean; I promise I just need to let it out and then I will be good as new.

I am surrounded by a community of pre-vet students (both in and out of my undergrad network). I love these people so dearly and I pride myself in being their cheerleader as they embark on the same journey that we are all currently on. We all try to keep in mind that there is no "perfect" veterinary school applicant and that part of being a well rounded incoming student includes having weak areas. Nobody can be perfect in every category, and each school seeks out different qualities in their incoming classes. Some care more about the numbers and test scores. Some care more about diversity of vet experiences. Some care more about who you are outside of the veterinary world. Thus, there is no "correct" way to present yourself to the VMCAS application nor veterinary school as a whole. Lastly, there is no use in comparing ourselves amongst each other for all of the reasons stated above and then some.

That being said...

I am so frustrated and angry and sad and tired of seeing people with lower GPAs, less experience, etc. get accepted or get interviews when I have not. It is so strangely degrading. I have a 3.91 cumulative, 3.92 science, and 4.00 last 45. I have thousands upon thousands of hours working with animals (exotic, avian, small animal, etc.) in and out of veterinary settings. I have over 400 hours of CE with upwards of 15 certificates in various areas of the animal care world. I reviewed each of my written supplements for this cycle with peer tutors, professional tutors, and DVMs that graduated from my top school (who wrote letters of rec on my behalf). I sought out feedback from every reputable source that I could think of. The mentors that I have spoken to told me that I was in such a good spot and would have nothing to worry about in terms of getting in.

Yet I have been waitlisted for interviews at two schools and rejected from the other two. I am so confused and frustrated.

I am frustrated because I have this incredible community around me and I don't know how my peers with less traditionally or holistically competitive applications are getting interview invites and I am not. I am confused because I sought out so much criticism and received minimal constructive feedback and endless reassurance that I would be a stellar applicant. I am so angry and confused and I am frustrated with myself for even feeling those emotions towards people I care for so deeply.

Anyways, that's my final thought. I am sorry for the explosion here and feel free to respond with anything remotely encouraging or at least slightly sunshine-y.

You are right; there is no such thing as a perfect applicant. That target for "perfection" seems to be constantly moving, and we only have a general idea of what it entails. There seems to be a lot of nuance in the acceptances.

Sharing my current mantra in case it is helpful..."The universe has a plan greater than mine." It doesn't always help, but it takes me down a notch when I need it.

 

[taurusdoc]

You are right; there is no such thing as a perfect applicant. That target for "perfection" seems to be constantly moving, and we only have a general idea of what it entails. There seems to be a lot of nuance in the acceptances.

Sharing my current mantra in case it is helpful..."The universe has a plan greater than mine." It doesn't always help, but it takes me down a notch when I need it.

Thank you. Genuinely. This was a very comforting thing to read

 

[taurusdoc]

Applying to vet school is a very trying endeavor. I hardly ever get stressed about anything, but I remember being stressed and comparing myself to others during my applications.

One piece of advice I’d give you is to wait this one out. You could still get an interview from off the waitlist which could lead to an acceptance. All it takes is one acceptance. The cycle is not over yet. I know it’s hard. Maybe do some self care as there’s not much else you can do for this cycle except wait. Also, it’s really really hard to take the same classes as other applicants because I found that all they want to talk about is vet school applications. I was a music minor/scholar so I was glad to be in my music classes during that time too. Maybe do something away from vet med (like go play a sport or go to the spa) to get some self care. Hugs.

I took a good long walk with my dog after posting this and it did make me feel a bit better. I appreciate the kindness <3

 

[taurusdoc]

Idk if this is sunshine-y enough, but it is significantly cheaper and easier to overhaul the written components of your app +/- adjust school choices vs. having to overhaul your academics (at least imo, anyways...guilty of always trying to look at things as practically as possible). You have amazing academic stats and can breathe a sigh of relief over that - many people wish they were in your position at this stage, myself included. Seriously, you should be incredibly proud of this.

I do recommend going back a few pages on this thread and reading through it if you haven't, though. I hope you get good news this cycle!

Thank you for taking the time to share some words of wisdom. I appreciate the reality check (I also like to look at things practically) and I appreciate the sunshine

 

[thesunshinefuturedogtor]

I am the scheduler for my school's Prevet club and st Matthews is wanting to give a presentation for our club members. We usually love having universities come and present however, I am not sure if letting st Matthews present to us would be a good idea just because they are not accredited and I do not know much about the program.

They told us they applied for accreditation in January but I just want yalls opinions.

 

[battie]

I am the scheduler for my school's Prevet club and st Matthews is wanting to give a presentation for our club members. We usually love having universities come and present however, I am not sure if letting st Matthews present to us would be a good idea just because they are not accredited and I do not know much about the program.

They told us they applied for accreditation in January but I just want yalls opinions.

If you have them present, I would have them be crystal clear on where their accreditation stands. And if they aren't accredited, how students can get funding because USA students cannot use federal student loans for their program. Also the percent of students who successfully go on to practice in the US.

Or avoid the entire thing and not have them at all.