carolinelove
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- Sep 24, 2020
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Hey there! I applied over the summer of 2020 and did my interview just a few days ago. I interviewed with Phil (The admissions director) and he was friendly. I wasn't asked about my resume, but it was more personal--"tell me about your family, what aspects can you bring to the profession, how would your friends describe you, etc." I was told I would get a decision in a couple weeks.. Eeeek! My stats for those browsing:Hi Everyone! I applied this cycle for RUSVM and got accepted! Just so you all know if you are applying for the Spring or Summer 2021 start terms, you are considered class of 2024I'm not too sure on Fall. Also, if you decide to apply for the Spring 2021 term, don't forget that they aren't requiring GRE... ONLY for that term!
Here are some helpful hints regarding my application process this cycle. If you would like to know anymore, feel free to PM me as well! :
Applying: I spoke with Mr. Nwafor, one of the admission advisors, and he advised to apply via the RUSVM portal as opposed to VMCAS. He explained that you will hear quicker that way, will save on the submissions fee, and there has been a little bit of history where students who apply via VMCAS are neglected for long periods of time and/or lost. So that is how I applied. There is a section where it says to upload your resume/CV but it's optional. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DO IT. I'll explain why in the next section... If you are unsure of when you want to start (ei. I wasn't sure if I wanted to start Spring 2021 or Summer 2021), apply for the later option. Reason being, it is easier for you to request moving your matriculation date to sooner than pushing it back later. When you push it back later, you must provide a good reason and there are not guarantees they'll let you. However, there is a bigger chance they'll let you move your matriculation date up sooner.
Interview: I had my interview with Dr. Schroeder. This was my favorite interview ever!!! It started off with my interviewer telling me about herself and the school, and it was overall a conversation! Now, the reason I tell you to upload your resume is because they focus the interview around your experiences. ei. "What did you learn here?" "What skills/values did you gain from here that may contribute as a student/vet?" etc. Know your resume inside and out! Timelines included! They then ask you the usual questions such as: Why do you want to be a vet? What are your strengths and weaknesses? and How do you study? (ei. flashcards, videos, etc.). Finally, it is concluded by you asking questions about the program/university. They email you a bunch of youtube videos before your interview. Watch them and try to come up with 2 more questions. Even if you don't have any questions at all... Come with them! Don't be nervous, the interviewers are really good at making you feel comfortable and I thoroughly enjoyed the interview process!*
*They do record your interview for the committee to review as they make a decision on your application.
Decisions: My interviewer told me at the end of my interview that I should hear back in two weeks. Unfortunately, I did not. I heard back about a month later. The good thing about applying via their direct website portal instead of VMCAS is that you get to follow along on your status updates so you'd know where you are and when they make a decision when they're getting ready to call. Your interviewer will call you and send you an email regarding your decision. I had my phone on do not disturb because I was asleep, but I woke up to SIX phone calls back to back from Dr. Schroeder. She was very persistent at making sure I found out that I was accepted, and honestly, I'm not even mad. Really kicked off the rest of my day haha. If you applied to a term that doesn't start for a while, and the term that starts before still has spots open, they will more than likely ask if you'd be interested in starting earlier. You are not obligated to say yes at all, or you can tell them you'd like to think about it and ask for the contact information of the person whom you'd need to contact once your decision is made. I, personally, applied for Jan. 2021, but a family thing happened and before I got my interview invite, I asked to push my start date to May 2021. Of course, I had to give a reason, but it was smooth sailing from there. By the time it got to the committee there really wasn't any remnants indicating that I wanted to start before May 2021. When Dr. Schroeder called me, she asked if I was interested in the January 2021 date and I said yes. I graduate undergrad in December, my family thing happened to quickly resolve itself, and with COVID going on, I might as well get a start on vet school rather than twiddling my thumbs for 5 months, even 9 months if I go to a U.S. school. Plus, RUSVM's program seems amazing, and I am super excited to start!
I hope this helps!
GPA: 3.0
GRE: not required Spring 2021 (So I didn't take it!)
Undergrad degrees: AS Science AA Humanities; BS in Animal Science in December 2020.
TONS of surgical/travel/field experience because I have veterinary specialists in my family.
Good luck everyone!!
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