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Post by tcn334 on Sept 12, 2013 4:47:25 GMT -5
Hey all, I know that there are a few people in my position but I will tell you specifically about my marks to start the talk. I have an overall average of 79.9% for my last two semesters, 82.1% for my 8 prereqs and an unfortunate MCAT mark of a 23S. This gives my overall admissions average a 75.2% which is less than stellar. I plan on redoing my MCAT (since the S is all I had going for me and now I'm kind of thinking they will be taking out the letter grade...unfortunately for me) but I don't see myself, realistically, getting all 12's which is what I would need to bump up my overall admissions average to an 80. I was wondering what you guys thought the chances were with applying with an overall average less than 80% (specifically my mark of a 75.2). I did apply this year and did not receive an interview, so I guess my next question is what do you think my chances are with applying and getting an interview? I'm sure there are more people in this situation so I just thought I'd see what you guys thought  I'm just not sure if applying a second time with minimal change on my application is a good idea at the moment (also I don't think I can write my MCAT again until January since I don't think there are start dates available until then). Thanks in advance! |
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Post by datass on Sept 12, 2013 11:11:12 GMT -5
I am done my undergrad and therefore do not have any more classes to take so I am pretty much, more or less, stuck with the marks I have right now. Why not just take another non-degree year... or even half a year? Make that year/half year filled with prereq courses & you can really raise your average... Imo things are bleak as is |
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Post by dreizehn on Sept 16, 2013 22:08:51 GMT -5
I plan on redoing my MCAT (since the R is all I had going for me and now I'm kind of thinking they will be taking out the letter grade...unfortunately for me) but I don't see myself, realistically, getting all 12's which is what I would need to bump up my overall admissions average to an 80. of what they end up doing with the MCAT, I'd say you really do have to retake it, as your score is quite a bit below the average for admitted students. As well, since they only take your best score, this can only potentially be of benefit. Most people do at least slightly better on the MCAT if they decide to take it again, as they have a better understanding of what to expect, and also generally have an improved approach to studying the next time around. You don't really have to get all 12s; while it would be nice and would definitely help your application, keep in mind the MCAT is only worth 20% of the first ranking, and then just 13% of the final ranking, so practically speaking it's more important to just be close to the average of admitted students (the average is 26.2Q over the past seven cycles, with a breakdown of: V=8.69, B=9.31, P=8.22). By far though, the most important thing for you is to improve your grades. With grades counting for 80% of the initial ranking, and then 52% of the final ranking, these really do need to be at least in the low-80s to be competitive, and ideally closer to the mid-80s (or higher). At 82.1%, your pre-reqs are lower than would be ideal, but they honestly aren't so low as to be a dealbreaker (you would just need to have a higher score in the other grades section). Your last two semesters' average of 79.9% is more of an issue, and really does have to be higher to stand a better chance of proceeding to the interview stage. The real issue is these two grade sections combined are quite low, as at least one of them would need to be higher to compensate for a lower one. I was wondering what you guys thought the chances were with applying with an overall average less than 80% (specifically my mark of a 75.2). I did apply this year and did not receive an interview, so I guess my next question is what do you think my chances are with applying and getting an interview? To be perfectly blunt: I think you pretty much got your answer this year when you didn't get an interview... I'd say you're probably near the lower cutoff for the 200 selected for interview, but not quite there. Even if you were selected for interview though, keep in mind that your academics still count for 65% of the final ranking, so the lower you are ranked in those 200, the better your interview would have to be to compensate. Either way, even if you may be the kind of person who will do stellar in the interviews, you have to get there first, which is based purely off of your grades and MCAT. Pretending you were granted an interview this past cycle, with the grades and MCAT score you have given you would have needed a hypothetical interview score of about 80 or higher to have just barely been admitted (assuming there were no issues flagged in your application), which is quite a high score. The average interview score for admitted students over the past three years is 74.7%. I am done my undergrad and therefore do not have any more classes to take so I am pretty much, more or less, stuck with the marks I have right now I agree with datass (all the auto-censorship the forums have, and yet I can still begin a sentence like that...lol) that you still have options for increasing your grades, and, frankly, would say you pretty much have to to have a decent chance. You should still be able to do a non-degree semester somewhere, and if you could include at least a few courses in there that could also be used as pre-reqs, it would double the benefit (i.e., potentially increasing both your pre-req and last two semester scores at once). You would just have to make sure to be careful when choosing courses, and probably consult with Ms. Lundmark just to be safe and ensure you were fulfilling all the regulations (e.g., maximum levels, full time, no repeats, etc.). I'm just not sure if applying a second time with minimal change on my application is a good idea at the moment (also I don't think I can write my MCAT again until January since I don't think there are start dates available until then). Personally, I would not reapply until you have made at least some form of improvement to your application, ideally by improving your grades at least a little, and rewriting the MCAT. Would it be impossible to get an interview, and then even get admitted with your stats as they stand? No... BUT it is also not very likely. I could quite easily see you getting to the interview stage IF you even slightly improve your academics, though you would be ranked at the lower end and would need quite a good interview to then be admitted. Generally I am one to encourage people to apply since you can't get in if you don't try, but that's also because going through the process once gives you experience that is useful whatever the outcome. However, in your case you have already used one of the four maximum applications allowed, and at least gotten some experience with the first half of the process, so I'd think it would be better to get at least some improvement before trying again. |
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Post by Kate83847834783 on Sept 17, 2013 8:33:26 GMT -5
Hi TCN,
I thought I would add a little bit more information since I am in your EXACT situation! I decided I wanted to be a vet post grad...I too already have my degree.
I applied to vet school during this cycle with stats similar to yours (But my MCAT was 30S) and did not receive an interview-- Here is what I realized:
I guess I was a little too confident going into my application-- I honestly thought that EVEN WITH those kind of grades I could get in. I'll give you a break down of my experience:
- On the job technician/Management position at an emergency clinic--over 4000 hours
- General Practice experience at single doctor practice (so scrubbed in for every surgery)
- surgical assistant at another clinic
- poultry farm worker
- Equine experience
- humane society experience
- TONS of volunteer/job experience(incl government/retail positions)Both of these sections were completely full on my application
- References were INCREDIBLE! (I read all three of them before they were sent to OVC)
And a ton more animal experience I can't remember right now.
I didn't even get an interview this year.
The above information isn't to highlight my skills.....The very important thing I'm trying to emphasize is this: YOUR GRADES WILL KEEP YOU OUT OF VET SCHOOL. NO MATTER WHAT.-- I have friends with experience far beyond mine and similar grades who also didn't receive admission/interview--- I know it seems unfair when you see people in with minimal experience..but unfortunately that is just how it is.
My best advice to you is this: TAKE A NON-DEGREE SEMESTER AND BOOST YOUR GRADES. Trust me, when I thought about doing it @ the time it sounded like the absolute worst thing in the world. But think of it this way: In your 5 year plan, you can either be in vet school or not be in vet school, and that non-degree semester will seem like a distant memory.
I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, I just WISH someone would have said this to me BEFORE I even applied the first time.
Sincerely, and I mean it, Good luck with your application--whatever you decide to do.
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Post by dreizehn on Sept 17, 2013 23:05:17 GMT -5
Hi TCN, I thought I would add a little bit more information since I am in your EXACT situation! I decided I wanted to be a vet post grad...I too already have my degree. I applied to vet school during this cycle with stats similar to yours (But my MCAT was 30S) and did not receive an interview-- Here is what I realized: I guess I was a little too confident going into my application-- I honestly thought that EVEN WITH those kind of grades I could get in. I'll give you a break down of my experience: - On the job technician/Management position at an emergency clinic--over 4000 hours - General Practice experience at single doctor practice (so scrubbed in for every surgery) - surgical assistant at another clinic - poultry farm worker - Equine experience - humane society experience - TONS of volunteer/job experience(incl government/retail positions)Both of these sections were completely full on my application - References were INCREDIBLE! (I read all three of them before they were sent to OVC) And a ton more animal experience I can't remember right now. I didn't even get an interview this year. The above information isn't to highlight my skills.....The very important thing I'm trying to emphasize is this: YOUR GRADES WILL KEEP YOU OUT OF VET SCHOOL. NO MATTER WHAT.-- I have friends with experience far beyond mine and similar grades who also didn't receive admission/interview--- I know it seems unfair when you see people in with minimal experience..but unfortunately that is just how it is. My best advice to you is this: TAKE A NON-DEGREE SEMESTER AND BOOST YOUR GRADES. Trust me, when I thought about doing it @ the time it sounded like the absolute worst thing in the world. But think of it this way: In your 5 year plan, you can either be in vet school or not be in vet school, and that non-degree semester will seem like a distant memory. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, I just WISH someone would have said this to me BEFORE I even applied the first time. Sincerely, and I mean it, Good luck with your application--whatever you decide to do. Sorry things didn't work out for you the first time around Kate, but thanks for what I think is a very helpful response from someone who has actually gone through quite a similar situation, and which reemphasizes the vital point that good marks are crucial (and for the first ranking at least, they are EVERYTHING). The important point was also raised at the 2013 debriefing session last week that unless your initial rank (80% grades + 20% MCAT) is in the top 215 or so, they are NOT even looking at your BIF experience sections, essay, or references. So, no matter how exceptional your non-academic portions of the application are, they're not going to help you unless you have the grades to get to that point. Here's the link to the point in the video when this is mentioned: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB0ssUtO5Mw&t=14m19s. Also, not really applicable in your case, but in general applicants should keep in mind that even if they ranked in the top 200 of the initial ranking, they could still very well not be interviewed if they have a bad reference and get flagged out. Always make sure your references will be positive, and don't be afraid to ask up front if they are comfortable and willing to give you a good reference. Best of luck to you both with your future applications! |
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Post by westieowner on Sept 19, 2013 16:01:44 GMT -5
Hi,
I applied for 2013 OVC admission in my 3rd year. I got mid 70s' for my last 2 semesters and mid 80s' for my 8 pre-req, and 26Q for MCAT. I had only 300 hrs in animals clinics and SPCA, and 100 hrs in farms. I had 3 good reference letters, and luckily I was invited for an interview. Finally I was not accepted as I got a really low interview score (a high 50s'), which the average admission score was 77%.
Now I am in my final year and I am preparing to apply for 2014 OVC admission. I am hoping to improve my 2 last semesters to low-mid 80s' (I got around 84% in 2nd semester of 3rd year) and to improve 1-3% in my 8 pre-req. I improved to 28 for MCAT. I am going to have around 600/700 hrs in animals clinics and SPCA, and around 150/200 hrs in farms/zoo in March 2014.
I believe that I was doing really bad in the 2013 MMI interview. But besides my bad performance in the 8 interview stations, I would like to know does my BIF experience section (with only total 400 volunteer hrs) or content of essay brings down or affect my interview score in some stations? Or it only affects your chance being invited for interview?
Since 2014 will be my 2nd application for OVC admission, I am going to request the same vets as last year to give me the reference letters. And for the BIF essay, does it matter if I write the similar content as last application (since I have the same reasons and intention for being a vet)?
Will the committee look at my last or previous applications, BIF forms or last interview performance to compare or evaluate?
Thanks in advance!
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Post by dreizehn on Oct 2, 2013 19:30:25 GMT -5
Hi, I applied for 2013 OVC admission in my 3rd year. I got mid 70s' for my last 2 semesters and mid 80s' for my 8 pre-req, and 26Q for MCAT. I had only 300 hrs in animals clinics and SPCA, and 100 hrs in farms. I had 3 good reference letters, and luckily I was invited for an interview. Finally I was not accepted as I got a really low interview score (a high 50s'), which the average admission score was 77%. Now I am in my final year and I am preparing to apply for 2014 OVC admission. I am hoping to improve my 2 last semesters to low-mid 80s' (I got around 84% in 2nd semester of 3rd year) and to improve 1-3% in my 8 pre-req. I improved to 28 for MCAT. I am going to have around 600/700 hrs in animals clinics and SPCA, and around 150/200 hrs in farms/zoo in March 2014. I believe that I was doing really bad in the 2013 MMI interview. But besides my bad performance in the 8 interview stations, I would like to know does my BIF experience section (with only total 400 volunteer hrs) or content of essay brings down or affect my interview score in some stations? Or it only affects your chance being invited for interview? Since 2014 will be my 2nd application for OVC admission, I am going to request the same vets as last year to give me the reference letters. And for the BIF essay, does it matter if I write the similar content as last application (since I have the same reasons and intention for being a vet)? Will the committee look at my last or previous applications, BIF forms or last interview performance to compare or evaluate? Thanks in advance! First off: good job on recognizing the key issues with your application, and on taking the steps necessary to improve to a more competitive level. Best of luck in the coming cycle! ;D As for your questions: ...I would like to know does my BIF experience section (with only total 400 volunteer hrs) or content of essay brings down or affect my interview score in some stations? Or it only affects your chance being invited for interview? Your BIF will in no way directly influence your interview scores. Your interview scores are exactly that, interview[/i] scores, and are independently scored based purely on how you do in the interviews themselves. Now, with that said, one can't just pretend that your experience and the like is only useful for the BIF, as your prior experiences may be quite useful in helping to form more cohesive and comprehensive responses, thereby indirectly improving your interview performance. Furthermore, in the presentation a few weeks ago for unsuccessful or future applicants, Ms. Lowenger identified a station where you may be asked about your experiences directly from your BIF. Aside from that one station though, all the interviewers are completely blinded to your application (i.e., they have not seen any part of your application, and know nothing about you apart from your name). So, while the BIF won't play any role in the interview score itself, it's content may be useful in forming your responses, and you may be asked about it at one station. I don't believe your essay plays any role whatsoever with the interviews (i.e., you wouldn't even be asked about it). Again in the presentation a few weeks ago for unsuccessful or future applicants, Ms. Lowenger outlined how the BIF experience and essay sections, as well as your references, are looked at for the top 215 ranked students or so, prior to inviting the top 200 people for interview, with the potential of flagging people out before inviting them for an interview (e.g., extremely minimal experience, bad reference letter, etc.). If you made it through to the interview stage last year, it should be pretty safe to say your BIF and references were decent enough to make it through this first vetting. So, again, these won't have any effect on your interview score; they only affect your chance of getting an interview, and then, following your interview, your overall chance of getting admitted if there was anything that could be flagged. Since 2014 will be my 2nd application for OVC admission, I am going to request the same vets as last year to give me the reference letters. If you are going to be using the same vets for your reference letters, just be sure that you have some recent experience with them (i.e., hopefully you've kept up at least some contact with them so your most recent experience is not a couple years old). Also, I'm sure you're already planning on doing so, but be sure to get new references on the new forms that will be released for the 2014 entry application cycle. And for the BIF essay, does it matter if I write the similar content as last application (since I have the same reasons and intention for being a vet)? Will the committee look at my last or previous applications, BIF forms or last interview performance to compare or evaluate? Each application is a completely fresh start, so they will NOT look at your "... previous applications, BIF forms or last interview performance to compare or evaluate." As such, you are free to re-use your essay, or update it to reflect changes in your experience, motivations, etc. |
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Post by westieowner on Oct 3, 2013 16:20:31 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your response. Your information give me a great help!
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Post by karen1o3o on Oct 29, 2013 8:10:17 GMT -5
Would anyone kindly recommend some of the schools they took their non-degree semesters at? And the courses that you took? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Post by francisl on Nov 20, 2013 20:08:24 GMT -5
You can actually do non-degree through UoG, which is what I am currently doing. You apply through the OUAC 105D as a non-degree student.
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Post by Guest 213 on May 13, 2014 17:09:18 GMT -5
Did any of you with <80 averages receive an interview? I'm in the same boat and I was just wondering!
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Post by guest234 on May 13, 2014 18:44:58 GMT -5
Did any of you with <80 averages receive an interview? I'm in the same boat and I was just wondering! Hey! Grades aren't everything- maybe they were impressed with your extracurriculars, MCAT marks and letters of reference, which would put you above others with similar grades (I think). |
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Post by Guest100 on May 13, 2014 20:06:09 GMT -5
Did any of you with <80 averages receive an interview? I'm in the same boat and I was just wondering! My last two semesters average was 77, my prereqs are 84 and my MCAT was 28, and I have an interview this year. Its definitely possible to get an interview without stellar grades. |
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Post by Guest40000 on May 14, 2014 10:40:51 GMT -5
Same boat... I am 80/83/25.. puts me around a 76 average I think.
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Post by oliver1 on Aug 26, 2014 13:26:48 GMT -5
Hi,
I'm applying this year and would love to know how you work your academic average out. My last two semesters are 94%, my last 8 pre-reqs are 94.6%, however, my MCAT was a horrible, 14.
I have great references and large and small animal experience in two different clinics.
Would love to figure out my average. Will my academics be enough to compensate for my crummy Mcat score? Should I still apply this year or wait and try to boost my Mcat (hoping I can maintain GPA at same time).
thanks everyone
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