Weird circumstances for applying

[dolphin106258]

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Hello everyone,

I have been a long term lurker and got an account a little while back and am currently going to apply in the upcoming cycle (yikes). And I've read so many threads on here of several of you being so helpful, so I'm hoping for that. I did try and find threads that related to my questions first, but sorry if I missed one. I have decent grades I had some personal issues come up in my freshman and sophomore years of college that have semi continued into junior and senior year but I've just learned how to deal with them better. I won't try and get too deep into it but basically my dad right before I went to college, again in my finals week first semester of college, and then the next semester as well tried to commit suicide. Me and my mom actually found him the second time, and then shortly after all that my two younger sisters were removed from the home for a variety of reasons and sophomore year I was trying to help my mom figure things out (there's more involved with that but I don't want to bore you). We just recently got both sisters back home and I'm about to graduate undergrad in May. So I know super involved circumstances and I can never come up with a generic phrase to explain it all without just having to delve into it. So my question is I know several schools have special circumstance letters and other ways to include struggles in essay questions and things like that but I don't know what's going to be the best way to talk about it.

I definitely don't want it to be a woe is me moment but I know that can be unavoidable sometimes, but I guess any info would be great. I'm just nervous about applying in general but I'm ready to start because I kind of already took a gap year because if I had applied last year I know I would've gotten flat out rejected. So thanks in advance to anyone who responds and congrats to all you lovely people going this year I feel like I should've applied this year to be in y'all's class. 🙂

 

[Lupin21]

Hello everyone,

I have been a long term lurker and got an account a little while back and am currently going to apply in the upcoming cycle (yikes). And I've read so many threads on here of several of you being so helpful, so I'm hoping for that. I did try and find threads that related to my questions first, but sorry if I missed one. I have decent grades I had some personal issues come up in my freshman and sophomore years of college that have semi continued into junior and senior year but I've just learned how to deal with them better. I won't try and get too deep into it but basically my dad right before I went to college, again in my finals week first semester of college, and then the next semester as well tried to commit suicide. Me and my mom actually found him the second time, and then shortly after all that my two younger sisters were removed from the home for a variety of reasons and sophomore year I was trying to help my mom figure things out (there's more involved with that but I don't want to bore you). We just recently got both sisters back home and I'm about to graduate undergrad in May. So I know super involved circumstances and I can never come up with a generic phrase to explain it all without just having to delve into it. So my question is I know several schools have special circumstance letters and other ways to include struggles in essay questions and things like that but I don't know what's going to be the best way to talk about it.

I definitely don't want it to be a woe is me moment but I know that can be unavoidable sometimes, but I guess any info would be great. I'm just nervous about applying in general but I'm ready to start because I kind of already took a gap year because if I had applied last year I know I would've gotten flat out rejected. So thanks in advance to anyone who responds and congrats to all you lovely people going this year I feel like I should've applied this year to be in y'all's class. 🙂

It is entirely up to you if you feel the need to disclose the struggles. If your grades are decent as you say however, there really is no need. Keeping it succinct if you do is always best, just the facts and how you were able to overcome it and learn how to deal with strife going forward is all they want to see. Welcome to SDN!! 🙂

 

[dolphin106258]

It is entirely up to you if you feel the need to disclose the struggles. If your grades are decent as you say however, there really is no need. Keeping it succinct if you do is always best, just the facts and how you were able to overcome it and learn how to deal with strife going forward is all they want to see. Welcome to SDN!! 🙂

Thanks so much for actually responding. I guess I should've been more specific they're not horrible but I did receive several bad grades within that beginning time span of freshman-sophomore year. My last 45 has been awesome, so definitely showing that I've moved past the issues IMO, but I wasn't sure because they are such weird circumstances and it was a huge impediment on my life.

 

[Lupin21]

Thanks so much for actually responding. I guess I should've been more specific they're not horrible but I did receive several bad grades within that beginning time span of freshman-sophomore year. My last 45 has been awesome, so definitely showing that I've moved past the issues IMO, but I wasn't sure because they are such weird circumstances and it was a huge impediment on my life.

Absolutely. You will likely get mixed opinions on including it, so in the end, if you wish to, I think the fact you have managed to keep your chin up and conquer life getting some serious licks in, it is perfectly acceptable. You sound like you have a very solid head on your shoulders and having that strong 45 I believe you'll do just fine. If you represent yourself in your essays like you have here, I believe the schools will appreciate you as a candidate. Life experiences are what makes you unique, and gives you the tools to do well in vet med dealing with anything that comes your way.

 

[JustPaws]

I would agree with Lupin, if you feel you need/want to, you could discuss it either in the "explain your grades" area if that's why you want to disclose them, or as part of an essay "how I've overcome these struggles"

That being said I think Lupin's answer was much more elegant than mine! Good luck and stay positive, remember that you can do it!

 

[clairebear210]

I asked a similar question a few years ago on here, and I ended up including my struggles in my explanation statement. My last 45 in undergrad were horrible though because everything that happened to me started right before my junior year. I went to grad school, dominated it, and I got into my dream school this cycle! What I wrote was very vague. I basically just said that I was in a really bad relationship that took a huge toll on my relationships with others, my grades, and my mental and physical health. I made sure to say that I went through counseling and am now healthy and succeeding at school. I didn't think they wanted all the gory details, and I didn't feel comfortable sharing them in such an impersonal manner. I just felt like it was important for me to include because going through that changed me into a completely different person than I was in undergrad. That's just me, though. I think the fact that you've done well for the past few years looks great, so I would go with your gut. I don't think it will hurt your chances, but I completely understand where you're coming from in that you don't want it to seem like you're trying to make the admissions committee feel bad for you. I'll just say that if you do choose to include it, make sure to also include how you have overcome it. Good luck!

 

[Awapi]

First, I am so sorry for what your family has gone through!

I was in a similar situation to you with my application make up - my undergrad GPA wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great (I think a 3.36 overall) but my freshman spring semester and sophomore year were rough. Like you, I had an upward trend and my last 45 were really good. I ultimately chose not to write a statement about my crappy first couple of years (my statement would have revolved around family issues as well where I had to step up and be the parent to support my mom which was compounded by being a 1.5 hour drive from home and needing to come home often without notice). A couple of other things that played into my decision: I'm a non-traditional student and it had been a while since undergrad and my GRE was really strong.

That said - I worked in the "real world" for several years and I'm actually a huge proponent of not separating work/school/life as much as people often think it should be. I believe that people thrive and have better mental health when they feel they are supported and aren't afraid to be honest at work (and school) about things that are taking a toll in their life. That said, I thought that a small, impersonal (as you mentioned) "explanation statement" wasn't going to let me explain it in a context where I could really truly convey that it was something that I have completely worked through. I decided to let my upward trend and last-45 tell the story and I think you could do the same if you didn't want to talk about it and your last-45 and upward trend is strong. My assumption is that they saw that, assumed something happened in my life that I dealt with, and moved on...but, I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer and it's hard to predict what different schools will want - I think you should go with your gut and be true to yourself, if you want to include it then you definitely should!

 

[DVMDream]

Do you mind me asking what is your cumulative GPA, your science and your last 45? Depending on those numbers, it may not be necessary to explain anything, that is, unless, you want to use any of those circumstances in your personal statement or any of the essays they ask for now. (Sorry, they've changed the application since I've applied so I can't recall what all they ask now).

If you really feel the need to explain those things, I think I could help you at least with the beginning of an explanation that doesn't get too personal but will at least explain possible poor performance. Just let me know if you'd like to see how I'd start it out.

 

[dolphin106258]

Absolutely. You will likely get mixed opinions on including it, so in the end, if you wish to, I think the fact you have managed to keep your chin up and conquer life getting some serious licks in, it is perfectly acceptable. You sound like you have a very solid head on your shoulders and having that strong 45 I believe you'll do just fine. If you represent yourself in your essays like you have here, I believe the schools will appreciate you as a candidate. Life experiences are what makes you unique, and gives you the tools to do well in vet med dealing with anything that comes your way.

Well thank you very much I appreciate all the feedback! And the acknowledgement of the mixed reviews, also thanks for all the compliments it makes me feel a lot better. Sometimes I read other people’s stats and get depressed, I try not to though because I know literally every applicant is so different.

 

[dolphin106258]

I would agree with Lupin, if you feel you need/want to, you could discuss it either in the "explain your grades" area if that's why you want to disclose them, or as part of an essay "how I've overcome these struggles"

That being said I think Lupin's answer was much more elegant than mine! Good luck and stay positive, remember that you can do it!

Thanks so much, for the feedback and encouragement, congrats on your vet school! I believe I saw your name come up when I was in my lurking days! 🙂

 

[dolphin106258]

I asked a similar question a few years ago on here, and I ended up including my struggles in my explanation statement. My last 45 in undergrad were horrible though because everything that happened to me started right before my junior year. I went to grad school, dominated it, and I got into my dream school this cycle! What I wrote was very vague. I basically just said that I was in a really bad relationship that took a huge toll on my relationships with others, my grades, and my mental and physical health. I made sure to say that I went through counseling and am now healthy and succeeding at school. I didn't think they wanted all the gory details, and I didn't feel comfortable sharing them in such an impersonal manner. I just felt like it was important for me to include because going through that changed me into a completely different person than I was in undergrad. That's just me, though. I think the fact that you've done well for the past few years looks great, so I would go with your gut. I don't think it will hurt your chances, but I completely understand where you're coming from in that you don't want it to seem like you're trying to make the admissions committee feel bad for you. I'll just say that if you do choose to include it, make sure to also include how you have overcome it. Good luck!

Oh okay, my bad for not seeing your question, but thanks for sharing how you handled it. I think that’s my main concern of how vague or not vague to be I guess.

 

[dolphin106258]

First, I am so sorry for what your family has gone through!

I was in a similar situation to you with my application make up - my undergrad GPA wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great (I think a 3.36 overall) but my freshman spring semester and sophomore year were rough. Like you, I had an upward trend and my last 45 were really good. I ultimately chose not to write a statement about my crappy first couple of years (my statement would have revolved around family issues as well where I had to step up and be the parent to support my mom which was compounded by being a 1.5 hour drive from home and needing to come home often without notice). A couple of other things that played into my decision: I'm a non-traditional student and it had been a while since undergrad and my GRE was really strong.

That said - I worked in "real world" for several years and I'm actually a huge proponent of not separating work/school/life as much as people often think it should be. I believe that people thrive and have better mental health when they feel they are supported and aren't afraid to be honest at work (and school) about things that are taking a toll in their life. That said, I thought that a small, impersonal (as you mentioned) "explanation statement" wasn't going to let me explain it in a context where I could really truly convey that it was something that I have completely worked through. I decided to let my upward trend and last-45 tell the story and I think you could do the same if you didn't want to talk about it and your last-45 and upward trend is strong. My assumption is that they saw that, assumed something happened in my life that I dealt with, and moved on...but, I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer and it's hard to predict what different schools will want - I think you should go with your gut and be true to yourself, if you want to include it then you definitely should!

Yeah you definitely sound a lot like me, like I said my last 45 is good and my science GPA is decent it’s really just my cumulative that’s the bummer. So I feel like I could definitely go your route and just let the chips fall with them seeing my grades on the upswing. Geez y’all are giving me lots to think about. Which is definitely good, I’m glad I decided to go ahead and post this a little before apps open in May.

 

[dolphin106258]

Do you mind me asking what is your cumulative GPA, your science and your last 45? Depending on those numbers, it may not be necessary to explain anything, that is, unless, you want to use any of those circumstances in your personal statement or any of the essays they ask for now. (Sorry, they've changed the application since I've applied so I can't recall what all they ask now).

If you really feel the need to explain those things, I think I could help you at least with the beginning of an explanation that doesn't get too personal but will at least explain possible poor performance. Just let me know if you'd like to see how I'd start it out.

So my last 45 I believe is a 3.8 and my science is 3.3 (not super amazing) but I think it’ll get bumped a little after I finish this semester. And I still have two-three more pre-reqs I’m taking this summer and fall bc my school is lame and didn’t offer everything. And then my cumulative is where it’s not so great, I have a 3.0 with the possibility of it becoming a 3.1 but probably not higher than that.

 

[DVMDream]

So my last 45 I believe is a 3.8 and my science is 3.3 (not super amazing) but I think it’ll get bumped a little after I finish this semester. And I still have two-three more pre-reqs I’m taking this summer and fall bc my school is lame and didn’t offer everything. And then my cumulative is where it’s not so great, I have a 3.0 with the possibility of it becoming a 3.1 but probably not higher than that.

Ok, it may be beneficial to explain things given this. With that last 45 being a high GPA it shows you really were able to overcome things, which is incredible given everything you had going on. I'll for sure get back on and give a little of how you might be able to explain without dwelling on things but give me a few days. If you don't see something by Friday night, tag me. 🙂

 

[clairebear210]

Oh okay, my bad for not seeing your question, but thanks for sharing how you handled it. I think that’s my main concern of how vague or not vague to be I guess.

No worries! I don't even remember what thread I put it under.

 

[staff_wielder]

Chiming in to say sorry you have had a rough go of it. Really cool to see you hanging in there and not letting your past disable you, though.

I want to second a comment above re: talking about this topic in the VMCAS explanation statement box (the 4th “optional” essay, if you will). This way all the schools will see the same version as some schools seem to have their own optional "explanation statement" box, while others don't, so it may be easier to have it in VMCAS and then leave the school specific one's blank. I also like @DVMDream 's suggestion of being somewhat tactful re your response (follow up with her on that!). Everyone has their crap; some worse than others, but if it's impacted grades or other things, I think it's worth mentioning. I definitely used the VMCAS explanation statement (dad passed away from heart attack, orphaned, adopted and moved to US; given second chance at life etc) and it may be beneficial to stay away from the "Oh woe is me, Denmark is dark tonight" (Shakespeare), while also letting interviewers know of the crap you dealt with, how you overcame it (what DVMDream said — last 45 high and incredible that you overcame the things you did), and most importantly, how it has shaped you, changed you, and given you the motivation, drive, and desire for your future etc.

Best of luck and hang in there — you’re so close to graduation!! Also, if you would like a copy of my VMCAS optional statement for reference PM me 🙂

 

[dolphin106258]

Ok, it may be beneficial to explain things given this. With that last 45 being a high GPA it shows you really were able to overcome things, which is incredible given everything you had going on. I'll for sure get back on and give a little of how you might be able to explain without dwelling on things but give me a few days. If you don't see something by Friday night, tag me. 🙂

Ok great! Thank you so much for your help. Definitely don't rush you're doing me a favor so take as much time as you need.

 

[dolphin106258]

Chiming in to say sorry you have had a rough go of it. Really cool to see you hanging in there and not letting your past disable you, though.

I want to second a comment above re: talking about this topic in the VMCAS explanation statement box (the 4th “optional” essay, if you will). This way all the schools will see the same version as some schools seem to have their own optional "explanation statement" box, while others don't, so it may be easier to have it in VMCAS and then leave the school specific one's blank. I also like @DVMDream 's suggestion of being somewhat tactful re your response (follow up with her on that!). Everyone has their crap; some worse than others, but if it's impacted grades or other things, I think it's worth mentioning. I definitely used the VMCAS explanation statement (dad passed away from heart attack, orphaned, adopted and moved to US; given second chance at life etc) and it may be beneficial to stay away from the "Oh woe is me, Denmark is dark tonight" (Shakespeare), while also letting interviewers know of the crap you dealt with, how you overcame it (what DVMDream said — last 45 high and incredible that you overcame the things you did), and most importantly, how it has shaped you, changed you, and given you the motivation, drive, and desire for your future etc.

Best of luck and hang in there — you’re so close to graduation!! Also, if you would like a copy of my VMCAS optional statement for reference PM me 🙂

Thanks so much for the nice words, and thanks for the advice as well. I really definitely want to stay away from the woe is me for sure, so I can't wait to see what tactful response she comes up with. Also it sounds like you went through a lot as well congrats on vet school by the way that is an admirable, hard earned accomplishment.

P.S. Your lab is adorable, I'm wanting to get one soon and I am leaning towards the chocolate variety, although my mom wants to get me a yellow or black because she's heard chocolates are too crazy. 😱

 

[staff_wielder]

Thanks so much for the nice words, and thanks for the advice as well. I really definitely want to stay away from the woe is me for sure, so I can't wait to see what tactful response she comes up with. Also it sounds like you went through a lot as well congrats on vet school by the way that is an admirable, hard earned accomplishment.

P.S. Your lab is adorable, I'm wanting to get one soon and I am leaning towards the chocolate variety, although my mom wants to get me a yellow or black because she's heard chocolates are too crazy. 😱

Thanks! Much appreciated 🙂

Z is absolutely nutseroni. A complete noodle. She’s also an American lab to boot. Eats 5 (6 in the winter time when she's more active) cups of kibs a day, and she needs a jobbity job job. She loves the water so we do water retrieving work, as well a lot of search and find type drills. She also doesn't care too much for human affection -- more of a let me lay against your leg for pack warmth at night, otherwise during the day, she's a dog dog, and would much prefer to play tug of war or be out playing, retrieving, or being fed pieces of cheese and apples (but that's a personality thing, not a breed thing). Not sure who else has a chocolate on here -- @Coopah used to, I believe? Z is like velcro and she's my ride or die. She camps with me, hikes with me, swims with me, and we do everything together. Eat, sleep, and stay warm in sleeping bags! If you can devote the time, energy, and money to looking after one properly and keeping it healthy -- DO IT! I’m sure some other vets can comment on chocolates and their genetic bottleneck back from the “throw out the liver colored ones” era which may also contribute to their “craziness”....

 

[SkiOtter]

P.S. Your lab is adorable, I'm wanting to get one soon and I am leaning towards the chocolate variety, although my mom wants to get me a yellow or black because she's heard chocolates are too crazy. 😱

In my experience, silver labs are the craziest (which I’m pretty sure is just a dilute chocolate). So just tell them that chocolates aren’t the craziest labs out there and just leave out that second bit 😉

 

[Coopah]

Thanks! Much appreciated 🙂

Z is absolutely nutseroni. A complete noodle. She’s also an American lab to boot. Eats 5 (6 in the winter time when she's more active) cups of kibs a day, and she needs a jobbity job job. She loves the water so we do water retrieving work, as well a lot of search and find type drills. She also doesn't care too much for human affection -- more of a let me lay against your leg for pack warmth at night, otherwise during the day, she's a dog dog, and would much prefer to play tug of war or be out playing, retrieving, or being fed pieces of cheese and apples (but that's a personality thing, not a breed thing). Not sure who else has a chocolate on here -- @Coopah used to, I believe? Z is like velcro and she's my ride or die. She camps with me, hikes with me, swims with me, and we do everything together. Eat, sleep, and stay warm in sleeping bags! If you can devote the time, energy, and money to looking after one properly and keeping it healthy -- DO IT! I’m sure some other vets can comment on chocolates and their genetic bottleneck back from the “throw out the liver colored ones” era which may also contribute to their “craziness”....

View attachment 231784 View attachment 231783

Yup yup! I had one! He was a lovable goober and I don't think any more or less crazy than his black or yellow cousins. Personally I think Chocolate's are the best, and I'm totally not biased at all, nope. I had the British stock so he was chunky but still plenty active. Personally I don't think there's enough of a difference in levels of crazy to affect the decision. My goober lived for 15 years and was the best thing to ever happen to me. If you know what you're getting into as far as genetic problems, cancer likeliness, time commitment, exercise requirements, ect... (which is true of any dog) I say go for it. Gotta love those goobers.

 

[staff_wielder]

Yup yup! I had one! He was a lovable goober and I don't think any more or less crazy than his black or yellow cousins. Personally I think Chocolate's are the best, and I'm totally not biased at all, nope. I had the British stock so he was chunky but still plenty active. Personally I don't think there's enough of a difference in levels of crazy to affect the decision. My goober lived for 15 years and was the best thing to ever happen to me. If you know what you're getting into as far as genetic problems, cancer likeliness, time commitment, exercise requirements, ect... (which is true of any dog) I say go for it. Gotta love those goobers.

Hitting that imaginary <3 button for chocolate goobers

 

[dolphin106258]

Yup yup! I had one! He was a lovable goober and I don't think any more or less crazy than his black or yellow cousins. Personally I think Chocolate's are the best, and I'm totally not biased at all, nope. I had the British stock so he was chunky but still plenty active. Personally I don't think there's enough of a difference in levels of crazy to affect the decision. My goober lived for 15 years and was the best thing to ever happen to me. If you know what you're getting into as far as genetic problems, cancer likeliness, time commitment, exercise requirements, ect... (which is true of any dog) I say go for it. Gotta love those goobers.

Thanks for the information, I'm hoping I can convince my mom but really I'll be happy with any Lab, I've just wanted one for such a long time and the dog in my avatar photo isn't mine sadly (technically a family dog but at the time we had another Sheltie, so the one in the pic was my "sister's"). Anyways long story short I no longer have my dog, just the family one (Lily btw) and haven't for quite some time, and so I'm hoping as a new college grad my mom will be receptive to the idea.

 

[finnickthedog]

she's heard chocolates are too crazy.

I’m sure some other vets can comment on chocolates and their genetic bottleneck back from the “throw out the liver colored ones” era which may also contribute to their “craziness”....

Interestingly this is actually a rumor I've heard in a number of breeds that the chocolate (or "red" or "brown" depending on what breed you're talking about) ones are crazy.

I find it largely untrue. 😛

 

[SkiOtter]

Thanks for the information, I'm hoping I can convince my mom but really I'll be happy with any Lab, I've just wanted one for such a long time and the dog in my avatar photo isn't mine sadly (technically a family dog but at the time we had another Sheltie, so the one in the pic was my "sister's"). Anyways long story short I no longer have my dog, just the family one (Lily btw) and haven't for quite some time, and so I'm hoping as a new college grad my mom will be receptive to the idea.

Is your mom coughing up the money for the dog? Or are you? If she is not funding the dog she has 0 say unless you want her to 😉

 

[dolphin106258]

Is your mom coughing up the money for the dog? Or are you? If she is not funding the dog she has 0 say unless you want her to 😉

Well it would be living with her temporarily and she'd be coughing up the money because she's proud (I think) 😍

 

[SkiOtter]

Well it would be living with her temporarily and she'd be coughing up the money because she's proud (I think) 😍

Then time to convince her 😛

 

[dolphin106258]

Then time to convince her 😛

Yep exactly! And she’s a big cat person, so it’s difficult at times.