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Post by kmayrhof on May 19, 2012 15:45:08 GMT -5
Hello! Does anyone know what the after-interview breakdown of interview score, marks, MCAT, and experience is? I know that this was discussed in the information session that Joel hosted, but I can't seem to find this in my notes! Thank you
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Post by lowenger on May 30, 2012 14:08:37 GMT -5
Oh, I thought you were asking about people who break down after the interview so I was concerned!
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Post by kmayrhof on May 31, 2012 0:22:21 GMT -5
Oh dear! Nope, I hope that doesn't happen!
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Post by chunkofflesh on Jun 2, 2012 8:41:44 GMT -5
Your originaly ranking - which decided if you get an interview or not - is 40-40-20 from you last 2 full time semesters, prerequisite courses, and MCAT respective. After interviews you are ranked again with the top ~100 getting in. This NEW rank is 75-25; 75% is your original score and the new 25% is your interview score. Your BIF and reference letters don't play a role in your score or ranking. They are more of a flag system or a tie breaker between applicants.
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cb
New Member
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Post by cb on Jun 2, 2012 17:26:18 GMT -5
I have heard that this year the interviews might be worth more than 25% overall. Does anyone know if this is true?
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Post by lowenger on Jun 8, 2012 22:47:01 GMT -5
Yes it might be worth more this year. We'll decide later this month.
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Post by RP on Jun 10, 2012 22:04:09 GMT -5
I have no idea how I did on my interview but I'm happy to hear it may be worth more this year. After working in Vet Med for awhile I've definitely come to learn how important social skills are!
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Post by Ktg on Jun 14, 2012 16:19:50 GMT -5
Hey does anyone know if we will be hearing about admissions before July? I'm really hoping we will know before June 30!
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Post by lowenger on Jun 18, 2012 7:51:38 GMT -5
Yes you should hear before the end of the month
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Post by guest089 on Jun 22, 2012 7:00:06 GMT -5
Hey everyone. I wasn't sure where to post this but I just wanted some opinions. I will have to re-apply for the next application cycle unfortunately.
I am confused on what I should focus on for next year...re-doing my MCAT, or just adding to my experience and BIF form? Considering the last day to write the MCAT is mid Sept, that doesn't leave much time to study hardcore since I am working full time so there is no guarantee I'd do better. If I did re-do it I wouldn't have the time to volunteer more. My MCAT mark is lower than the average posted for the stats for previous accepted students BUT I made it to the interview this year and I know the MCAT is a factor in that.
Any opinions? Should I re-apply with my lower than average MCAT mark for next year yet gain more experience and volunteer activities. Or should I have the same BIF basically with no new activities and re-do my MCAT. Not sure what admissions leans more towards.
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Post by dreizehn on Jun 24, 2012 1:10:39 GMT -5
@guest089: Sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for. My thoughts are below: Short(ish) AnswerIf I were in your situation, I'd: i.) Look over the stats for previous classes at www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/ (and for the class of 2016 once posted, since this will be the most direct comparison for your case) to determine what area(s) of your application need(s) the most improvement. This should answer your question as to where your efforts would be best focused. I previously posted a spreadsheet that may help you in comparing your stats to those of previous classes: docs.google.com/open?id=0B08j-U1CX9S9Vy1rOVVfX21HYk0 (basically: download the file and enter your grades/scores in the yellow cells ONLY; numerical comparisons are shown on the first tab, with graphs on the second tab) ii.) Probably re-do the MCAT since it really can't hurt your chances (as they only use your best score, and you said your score was lower than past averages). iii.) Try to fit in some more vet/animal experience (part-time, weekends, whatever you can manage); this won't directly help your chances of getting in, but is very useful in broadening your knowledge of the field and for real-life examples, both of which are important in helping you do well in the interviews. Alternatively, if you think you already have a reasonable amount of experience, you might want to focus instead on improving your interview skills directly, if your interview score was below the average of the admitted class (last year they e-mailed out your personal interview score, with the class stats posted in the document mentioned above). Some ElaborationGoing by the 75% Academic : 25% Interview ratio (with academic split 40:40:20), the final admission score breakdown is as follows: [/i][/ul] So, weightings-wise, the MCAT is by far the least important part of the admissions process (so long as you are in the ballpark). That said, since they only consider your best score, it doesn't hurt to take it again (except your pocket book and social life... ) By contrast, at 60%, your course grades are worth by far the most (4 times as much as the MCAT alone), so you REALLY need to make sure you maximize the grades you use. Finally, the interview makes up a good chunk at 25%, and there is talk of them increasing it's weighting. This is where getting more vet/animal experience and/or improving your speaking/interview abilities is very helpful. More experience gives you a broader understanding of this field, the wide array of different views and approaches, as well as practical examples to draw on during the interviews. More practice will also help you to present yourself in a clear, confident manner. Make sure you compare your interview score to the averages of previously admitted classes to help determine how well you presented yourself relative to your peers. Best of luck and hope to see you at OVC in the future!
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Post by guest2121 on Jun 25, 2012 7:49:01 GMT -5
After looking at the stats and comparing myself last year it was super frustrating that my grades were within the range accepted, and that my interview score was ABOVE the average accepted range . Has any one ever appealed their admissions decision? Who would you contact to do that?
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Post by guest089 on Jun 25, 2012 8:27:25 GMT -5
dreizehn - Wow! Thank you so much for your detailed answer. You have given me lots to think about. Ideally, I would love to re-write my MCAT since I know it can't hurt (minus bank & social life as you said). I guess the 11 weeks until the last testing day is haunting me. I wouldn't want to rush and not study properly and end up with the same or lower mark. If I wasn't working full time then I could probably tough it out. But only having a few hours every night scares me. I know my MCAT average is lower than the average posted on the stats. However I know plenty of people that have been admitted with lower MCATs than listed. I feel as though I am capable of improving, but not so sure if it would only take me 11 weeks. It's something I will definitely have to think about though. I am waiting to see my interview mark first. If it is extremely below the average, then I know that is where I messed up and I can continue my animal experience/practicing for the interview for next year.
Guest2121- That is very frustrating. How was your MCAT? Was this year your second time applying..or did you only apply for the 2011 cycle? As far as appeals, I am not too sure if you can submit one as I haven't seen any information about that. You may want to contact the school's admission office and they may have an idea.
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Post by guest87 on Jun 25, 2012 10:25:45 GMT -5
I heard through the grapevine that this year they did indeed increase the value of the interviews for the overall admission score, so that may effect what you decide to focus on when improving your application.
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Post by Guest468 on Jun 25, 2012 11:28:18 GMT -5
Do you know how much it ended up being worth?
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Post by guest2121 on Jun 25, 2012 13:15:24 GMT -5
My MCAT was average, within the range for the accepted ranges for everything execpt the physics part was a 6. I didn't do my undergrad at Guelph though and I have heard that when you go for a tour at Guelph, they will tell you they favor Guelph applicants over other schools, even though they state that they don't favor. But looking at the facebook group of accepted students A LOT went to Guelph . It was my third time applying this year and I had an interview this year and last year.
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Post by guest87 on Jun 25, 2012 16:41:21 GMT -5
I heard rumors of them increasing it to 40% a few months back, but I'm really not sure what they decided.
Im certain they don't favour Guelph students, however, I believe that students at Guelph are at a major advantage. The first year I applied, I was at U of T and knew no one applying with me, and I didn't get in. The second year I applied (this year), I got in, but I was doing my Masters at Guelph. I ended up knowing tons of people applying and prepared for the interviews with them. Guelph also offers mock MMIs, and has tons of large animal volunteer opportunities if you look for them. I can confidently say that being here at Guelph has strengthened my application and has better prepared me for the interviews.
My interview score last year was terrible, so interviews were what I needed to work on. Whether it helps being at Guelph I think really depends on what aspect of the admissions process you need to work on.
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Post by guest25 on Jun 25, 2012 18:00:56 GMT -5
From my experience, I would definitely say that students at the University of Guelph are not favored over those out of town. I just finished my undergrad degree at a different university and had never been to Guelph before the day of my interview. I didn't know anyone at all that day and simply prepared for the interview to the best of my ability by doing a few mock interviews with the vets that I volunteer with, and I was admitted this year. My MCAT score was a bit below the average accepted from past accepted classes, however my grades were well above that average. I had some volunteer experience with a small animal day clinic, some with an emergency clinic and A LOT of animal lab research experience. My interview score, seems good, but not sure how it compares to the rest of the class yet.
I would say, for those of you who aren't sure what areas to improve, I would focus mainly on grades from the last two years, if it is possible to complete two new semesters. If not, I would definitely rewrite the MCAT, as any point higher improves your overall score. In terms of the interview I would focus on communication skills, being confident in your answers, and developing opinions about veterinary ethics and being able to explain your views clearly. Perhaps asking family, friends, or professionals to do mock interviews with you is a good idea just to improve your ability to think on your feet and communicate your ideas clearly. I would perhaps focus on adding a new and unique experience on your BIF form that could set you apart from other applicants. I hope this is of some help!
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clark
New Member
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Post by clark on Jun 25, 2012 18:03:51 GMT -5
guest2121- If you look at the statistics they don't favor Guelph students. Also, if someone is saying that on tours, they need to be corrected, it's simply not true. The best thing about U of G is the ability to get experience and a reference from someone well respected at OVC. Also the accepted pre-req courses are easily laid out for you.
How about your reference letters? From my understanding, it is certainly something (a bad or mediocre letter) that can hold you back regardless of how you did on any other part of your application.
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Post by guest089 on Jun 26, 2012 8:38:00 GMT -5
If they do increae the weight of the interview I wonder if they will decrease the weight of both the avg and mcat, or just the mcat (hopefully haha). I feel like your pre-req and last 2 semester avg is really important so they wouldn't decrease that so much. I just don't want the mcat weighting to go up! I know lots of people who get accepted with lower mcats than posted, but I wonder if there is a point where it's just unacceptable.
Also is 10 weeks enough time to re-write that beast? I haven't written it in a couple years. Having a big debate in my head!
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