Wisconsin c/o 2017 Applicants!

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macita183 said:
Rejected IS. Third year in a row. Stings quite a bit when I did everything they advised me to do last year. Guess I'm going OOS
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trust me, i know the feeling! at least you got in OOS though! the best school is the one that sees you for you and lets you in :]
 
wow, i'm accepted! totally was not expecting this as an OOS! I'm elateDDDDD AHHHHHHHHH I'll be there the 15th hopefully
 
here's the mail,
it never fails,
makes me wanna wag my tail,
and yell...
DENIED!!!

on a side note, hello fellow rammies!!
 
hpequalslove said:
Sorry you got denied 🙁 Hope you Rams are watching the game tonight!!!! 🙂
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haha, it's okay. can't say i wasn't expecting it! thank you, though!

to others that have been denied (or anyone that knows), do they expect us to travel to them and meet in person for the file reviews? i don't think i can justify going 1800 miles only to be told why i wasn't good enough.
 
justbelieve1230 said:
to others that have been denied (or anyone that knows), do they expect us to travel to them and meet in person for the file reviews? i don't think i can justify going 1800 miles only to be told why i wasn't good enough.
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No, they don't expect you to come to meet them in person, you can do the file review over the phone. I lived in Madison last year when I did my file review and I did it over the phone since I couldn't get out of work to go there in person. Lynn Maki was the one that did the file review and she's very nice.

After seeing all the Rams on here, I have to throw this in Go Buffs! I did my undergrad at CU.
 
I have applied to Wisconsin's veterinary program 3 times over 4 years. I'm in-state and wait-listed at #10. Over the past years I've learned a lot about their process, and I want to post what I know because I wish I would have known this when I first got into college to better prepare. This is information that I have received from faculty, staff, fellow students and from discussion forums, I can't guarantee that the information is going to be 100% accurate for years to come, I just know what they have been doing for the past few years.

First off, don't let anyone tell you that they'll care more about your experience or passion than grades. The first step the admissions committee takes is to establish rankings, which are determined by an equation that takes into account your 3 GPAs (cumulative, required coursework, and last 30 credits), and your GRE scores. This is used together with the past 5 years of vet students to predict what a student's GPA will be after graduating from vet school. i.e. they won't take someone who - based on their predictions - will flunk out. This raw ranking counts for 60% of your application. Next, two faculty members that sit on the admission committee (which normally has some amount of rotation each year), review the complete application and grade it based on a rubric for the other 40%. As one of these faculty members said candidly to me last year, they basically take the top 50 IS and then get together and argue about the last 10.

This is the point at which you really need to be someone who stands out. In my experience, being honest, and getting a lot of insight from friends, family, colleagues, advisers has been very helpful in helping me to illustrate my "story." I've heard from several people that they don't take emphasizing large animal care very seriously because a lot of people think that's what they're supposed to write about. One of the worst things you can do is to leave an area blank. Something got screwed up with my supplemental last year and it didn't save two of my responses. When I went in for my review they said it looked lazy and they wouldn't take someone who wasn't going to put the effort in to complete it. Another thing that you don't want to do is to just save your essay from previous years and resubmit it. They told me that some people do that every year and committee members tend to recognize these, and then they say the same thing: "lazy, not gonna happen."

Based on the forums I've read, it sounds like the out-of-state and in-state pools are separate. For out-of-state, if you don't make certain cut-offs, they don't even look at your application (I really wish someone would have told me that), but I don't know exactly what those are so I won't speculate. They did tell me that for IS applicants they look at your application no matter what. In the past, there have been 20 spots for OOS and 60 for IS, but it sounds like they expanded the OOS pool to 27. Last year the IS alternate list took up to #15.

There are no interviews at Wisconsin, and you have to rely on snail mail (for IS anyway).

One final insight that I've found at least a little heartening: you have years and years to work as a veterinarian. It's absolutely brutal not getting in, but if you keep trying then you'll get in eventually. Even if you don't get in until you're 40, you still have 25-30 years as a vet. No rush. But still painful. I hope this has helped someone, I'll check back if anyone wants clarification or has questions that I might be able to help with.
 
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Copper hens said:
I want to post what I know because I wish I would have known this when I first got into college to better prepare. .
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I just wanted to say how awesome you are for sharing all of this; I'm sure I'm not the only one here who really appreciates it. I'll be applying OOS to Wisconsin this summer and, as someone who is very strong on the grades but with relatively less work experience, I found your info very heartening. (It has also motivated me to work even harder towards the scary GRE coming up :scared: )

I know most of what you said is geared toward in-state, so if you learn anymore about the selection process for OOS I'd be glad to hear about it 🙂
 
Copper hens said:
I have applied to Wisconsin's veterinary program 3 times over 4 years. I'm in-state and wait-listed at #10. Over the past years I've learned a lot about their process...
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Wisconsin will notify alternates by phone, and will give them ~24 hours to make a decision (once they've been contacted). Although they took 15 alternates from the IS alternate pool last year, that's the most they've ever taken from the alternate list. They fewest was 6. Most often applicants start turning WI down around the April 15th deadline, but there's no deposit or anything, so sometimes they hear later. One contact told me that if you're not #1-3 by summer, you should probably be making other plans for the next year.
 
For those of you who have received acceptance letters, are they big or regular-sized?
 
anyone have any idea how fast this waiting list moves? I'm ranked at 73.. Am I dreaming in technicolor?
 
anyone know if theres a facebook group? and if so, could you post the link? thanks!!! :]
 
They told me typically it doesn't really move at all until around the April 15th deadline, although there's no deposit, so you never know who's just not going to inform the school until sometime in summer (which they say happens for a couple of people every year). I think that last year they took people from alternate spots up to #85. You never know though, WI is a popular OOS because of the cost. But it's damn cold here.
 
macita183 said:
No, they don't expect you to come to meet them in person, you can do the file review over the phone. I lived in Madison last year when I did my file review and I did it over the phone since I couldn't get out of work to go there in person.
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though it says they don't do file reviews until april 15th, do they allow you to call before then to set up the appointment?
 
justbelieve1230 said:
though it says they don't do file reviews until april 15th, do they allow you to call before then to set up the appointment?
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Hmm...not sure. I believe I called after April 15th last year (since I knew they would be busy with getting the rooster finalized, going through the waitlist, etc). I would imagine other people call before April 15 to set up the appointment so I would go for it.
 
Soooo I haven't heard anything yet. Nada. I haven't received a phone call or any mail. I thought I read somewhere earlier in this thread they said everyone should hear by the end of the month. Do you all think it's appropriate to call yet or should I wait until Friday?
 
Is Wisconsin one of the states where you can change your residency to in state after the first year for tuition purposes? I looked in the other thread about obtaining in state residency, but it wasn't listed.

Thanks!
 
CheshireNeko said:
Is Wisconsin one of the states where you can change your residency to in state after the first year for tuition purposes? I looked in the other thread about obtaining in state residency, but it wasn't listed.

Thanks!
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Nope, you'll be OOS for all 4 years. But if you're from CA like I am, that's still cheaper than IS at Davis!
 
I got my acceptance letter today! I'm in-state and couldn't be happier. Has anyone created a Facebook page yet?
 
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If you were rejected they won't talk about your file until after the deadline (gives people time to cool off), but if you're wait listed Carmen Reamer will be happy to talk to you over the phone. What she told me was that (for in-state anyway), they've taken a range of numbers 6-15. If you're below or around the 6 mark you should probably plan on getting in, and if you're around or above the 12 mark you probably should't. I'm #10, and she said that's right in the middle, and so I can start calling back weekly around the deadline to see what number I am. If I'm #1 or 2 by summer, I should keep hanging on, if not, I should try doing something else for a year. Hope that helps!
 
Anyone decide on Wisconsin from out of state? Care to shed light on your decision making process? I was accepted and I'm trying to learn more about the school. Hopefully I can make it on March 15, I know that will be really helpful.
 
ratpile said:
Anyone decide on Wisconsin from out of state? Care to shed light on your decision making process? I was accepted and I'm trying to learn more about the school. Hopefully I can make it on March 15, I know that will be really helpful.
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I'm still waiting to hear about any potential financial aid packages from the other two schools I was accepted to (Mizzou and Cornell). But considering I'm waitlisted at my IS it looks like Wisconsin's my cheapest option! Also, I'm interested in small animal, exotic, and wildlife and I've heard of Wisconsin having a strong program for people with those interests so that's also swaying me.
Also, does anyone have any insight on cost of living in Madison? I would really love to live alone with a yard for my dog and I feel like it might be pretty pricey of course. Especially if I'm willing to drive to campus, does anyone know possibilities with that?
 
I just got accepted into my IS (Illinois), so I'm declining my acceptance at Wisconsin!
 
ratpile said:
Anyone decide on Wisconsin from out of state? Care to shed light on your decision making process? I was accepted and I'm trying to learn more about the school. Hopefully I can make it on March 15, I know that will be really helpful.
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I am an out-of-state student at Wisconsin. My original thought process had a number of factors. It was a joint decision that factored in both where I got into vet school and where my fiance (now husband) got into grad school. I also wanted a school with a good exotics program, so the fact that there is a residency program at Wisconsin was a big factor. I also wanted somewhere that I would enjoy living, and Madison was a really good fit for me. I am now in my 4th year and I have never regretted my decision.

What I love the most about Wisconsin is that the administration is on your side. The office of academic affairs wants you to succeed and will help you do so. In general, policies are made with students in mind, and they change if they don't work. I hear a lot of rules at other places about how things work (especially in relation to how fourth year is scheduled), and it seems that many other schools resort to the "this is how it is" mentality. I feel like I have so much more flexibility at Wisconsin. Also, in attending conferences and applying for opportunities, Wisconsin students tend to have a very good reputation which really has been a benefit. I also feel like for zoo med, Wisconsin was a really good choice for me. I feel like the mentorship both through the faculty and passed down through students in the WEZAM club has really taught me what I need to do to make it in the world of zoo med. So far it has worked well, as my fellow students and I have succeeded at getting top zoo externships for fourth year. There are also some recent grads in top zoo residencies currently.

Let me know if anyone has any questions
 
hpequalslove said:
I'm still waiting to hear about any potential financial aid packages from the other two schools I was accepted to (Mizzou and Cornell). But considering I'm waitlisted at my IS it looks like Wisconsin's my cheapest option! Also, I'm interested in small animal, exotic, and wildlife and I've heard of Wisconsin having a strong program for people with those interests so that's also swaying me.
Also, does anyone have any insight on cost of living in Madison? I would really love to live alone with a yard for my dog and I feel like it might be pretty pricey of course. Especially if I'm willing to drive to campus, does anyone know possibilities with that?
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Here's what I've heard: There's a lottery for student permits, but it usually doesn't pan out until fourth year if you apply for it right away. I've been looking for housing with a yard in Madison that is on a bus line to the vet school and haven't been having much luck, but there are some apartments that allow dogs (I haven't found one with a fence), and lots of good dog parks in the area. The housing here is all targeted to switch over lease terms around August 15th, so it might just be dry right now. I'm hoping more becomes available around the beginning of summer.
 
Copper hens said:
Here's what I've heard: There's a lottery for student permits, but it usually doesn't pan out until fourth year if you apply for it right away. I've been looking for housing with a yard in Madison that is on a bus line to the vet school and haven't been having much luck, but there are some apartments that allow dogs (I haven't found one with a fence), and lots of good dog parks in the area. The housing here is all targeted to switch over lease terms around August 15th, so it might just be dry right now. I'm hoping more becomes available around the beginning of summer.
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Yeah I heard the same thing about permits which definitely limits where students can live unfortunately 🙁. There are definitely a few nice apartments that are just a little impractical for one person to pay to me but ill definitely keep looking! At least we know there are plenty of people in the same boat!
 
I've been looking at youtube videos of the campus and city itself like crazy. From what I see in photos, the campus looks beautiful. The school offers in opportunities in what i'm particularly interested in and its more affordable than the other schools i've been accepted to. I also love cold weather. 😀 I'm really leaning toward taking my acceptance offer here (despite what I hear from my alternate status at my IS).

I do have a few questions that I was hoping some current students can answer. I was gonna ask these once I get to the school but since someone mentioned housing, how pricey is it to stay in an apartment alone? And is it a necessity to have a car? .. how is public transportation? Any answer would be appreciated, thanks.
 
tvo21 said:
I've been looking at youtube videos of the campus and city itself like crazy. From what I see in photos, the campus looks beautiful. The school offers in opportunities in what i'm particularly interested in and its more affordable than the other schools i've been accepted to. I also love cold weather. 😀 I'm really leaning toward taking my acceptance offer here (despite what I hear from my alternate status at my IS).

I do have a few questions that I was hoping some current students can answer. I was gonna ask these once I get to the school but since someone mentioned housing, how pricey is it to stay in an apartment alone? And is it a necessity to have a car? .. how is public transportation? Any answer would be appreciated, thanks.
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I sent an e-mail to a current student and she gave me a lot of helpful feedback. I'd recommend doing the same thing (I used a couple of names from the e-mail list they provided us with our acceptance "packet" for non-resident student questions) as they could probably give you solid advice, too. I've been seeing places generally anywhere from $700 (and those didn't look too great) to $1000 for just a one bedroom one bathroom apartment... much pricier than I'm used to as I'm also looking to live alone. I do hear the public transportation is good (and free for students? someone please correct if I'm wrong on that) and that many students use the buses to get to campus as permits are so difficult to come by.
 
I'm not the best at answering housing questions about living alone as I never tried to do that. I do know that if you are willing to live a bit farther away (bussing distance instead of walking distance), prices will go down dramatically. I would, however, stay away from the red areas on this map.

In terms of public transportation, it is very good. For getting to and from school during the first three years, you can definitely get by without a car. During fourth year, it is very useful to have a car due to long and unpredictable hours.
 

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cool thanks for the info! i'll look into that email list, i totally didn't see that haha
 
I am probably being outsmarted by the website but can someone explain to me the OOS tuition? Do you pay the base tuition and then by credit on top of that? If anyone knew those values off the top of their head that'd be great. 🙂

Congratulations on everyone's acceptances!
 
Hey, Ya'll,

Got my OOS rejection a few days ago. Congrats to all who were accepted. My wife's family lives in Madison, so I know you will be going to a great, though cold, school. I'll be choosing from two Southern schools, but thinking of you.
 
They are just a bit more shady than the rest of Madison. For anyone from a big city, Madison is an extremely safe place. But if you're from a smaller town, there is a bit of crime and it is mainly focused in those areas.
 
Regarding the Information Session on March 15:

Where are people planning on staying? Is there any way to stay with current students? Can anyone recommend a cheap hotel nearby the vet school? Are there any hotels from which it would be possible to use public transportation to access the school or is that a terrible idea for someone from out of town?

And also: what are people planning on checking out while they are in Madison?
 
I also wanted to add to Awendela's question about open house, what is the preferred attire? Although its not an interview session, I was just wondering if casual professional looked better than jeans and a hoodie...
 
Awendela said:
Regarding the Information Session on March 15:

Where are people planning on staying? Is there any way to stay with current students? Can anyone recommend a cheap hotel nearby the vet school? Are there any hotels from which it would be possible to use public transportation to access the school or is that a terrible idea for someone from out of town?

And also: what are people planning on checking out while they are in Madison?
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I'm staying at the Dahlmann (sp?) Campus Inn because I found it's only about a half hour's walk to the vet school cause I don't really got how the bus system works there and everything and I'm flying in from Colorado. It's not that cheap though (I think it cost $150/night?) And I have no idea what to check out while I'm there! I was thinking of just hanging around downtown and seeing what there is considering it's a pretty big city. I wanted to look at apartments and everything but I don't really know how to go about doing that without really knowing transportation and everything...
 
The Best Western Inn Towner is very close (a short easy walk) and relatively inexpensive. It is where people usually stay when there are conferences at the vet school

http://www.inntowner.com/
 
Well, since we already know at least one person who has turned down their OOS acceptance, does anyone know if the WaitList is already moving?

And, are there any park and ride lots around town that would enable me to live out 20 minutes or so from the school. Then I could just bus or bike in the rest of the way.
 
LivestockDoc said:
Well, since we already know at least one person who has turned down their OOS acceptance, does anyone know if the WaitList is already moving?

And, are there any park and ride lots around town that would enable me to live out 20 minutes or so from the school. Then I could just bus or bike in the rest of the way.
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All the Park and Ride lots I know of are pretty well on the outskirts of town, so it would be a pretty lengthy bus or bike ride from them. But, I'm not a commuter, so if you used some of the commuter student contacts from the list they gave you, they could probably give you better ideas.
 
variegata said:
All the Park and Ride lots I know of are pretty well on the outskirts of town, so it would be a pretty lengthy bus or bike ride from them. But, I'm not a commuter, so if you used some of the commuter student contacts from the list they gave you, they could probably give you better ideas.
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I'm on the waitlist, so I have been given no resources. It's very frustrating. Since so many applicants are taken off of the waitlist, I wish they would at least provide the first 30 people on the list the same helpful information that they give the accepted applicants.
 
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