|
Post by jadejackalphilip on Jul 1, 2020 9:51:14 GMT -5
@meep In previous years, the MMI scores were emailed out a couple months after the admissions were sent out. CASPer does not reveal their score to applicants (https://takecasper.com/faq/#after), but I am not sure what OVC will give applicants this year since things are different.
|
|
|
Post by guesttt on Jul 1, 2020 10:25:59 GMT -5
I emailed admissions and they told me that unlike previous years this year they will not be providing any feedback on interview scores
|
|
|
Post by jj2022 on Jul 1, 2020 21:14:45 GMT -5
This was my second application and second rejection. Everyone says “don’t be hard on yourself”, “rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t a good candidate or that you won’t make a good veterinarian”. The thing is I know I’d be a great vet one day, and I know I deserve a spot at OVC. It’s disappointing that OVC doesn’t seem to think so. Sure, I got an interview both times and that supposedly means “they really want you” and “I should be proud of how far I’ve come”. It’s hard to believe that or feel that way. OVC offers next to no feedback. The feedback we do receive is a generic, copy-and-paste year after year. It’s hard to feel wanted or valued or hopeful. Everyone says “you will get in eventually, just keep trying, don’t give up”. But will I really get in? I’ve used up half my attempts, and the application grades are only going up. Especially with the new COVID rules I suspect grades will sky rocket for at least the next couple application cycles for the undergrad cohort. My grades aren’t going anywhere. I worked by ass off for 4.5 years in my undergrad to get grades that I’m extremely proud of and my heart falls out of my chest when I see that it won’t be good enough. If I do eventually get in, I’m scared that I will have remaining feelings of resentment. Resentment towards a school that I have dreamt about attending for my entire academic career, a school that I fall asleep thinking about and drive to work thinking about and think about in the shower every d**n day because it has rejected me. What if I resent my peers and colleagues that got here before me? Friends that I’ve worked with together and applied together. Am I a selfish or small person if I feel this way? I would love to speak with someone about this but I don’t know who to turn to. My rejection email says to speak with someone at UoG or my school. I’m not a UoG student and I’ve graduated my undergrad so I don’t think I can go back to my alma mater. I hope I am not coming across bitter or hateful. I am just sad and disappointed. Failure sucks. Incompetence sucks. First of all, you're not incompetent! You should be proud of the efforts you've made and the fact you've gotten interviewed. It's a big deal too! However, it is totally normal to feel sad and disappointed, even bitter/hateful! Rejection from your dream school is an awful feeling, I was rejected twice before getting in too. I almost didn't make that third application because I was so frustrated and fed up with the admissions process. But I did and I am so glad because I finally got in on that third attempt. Let yourself grieve and be angry before you decide what to do next.
In retrospect, I'm glad it took me three applications. During those in-between years, I got some really awesome veterinary experience and took extra courses, which has helped me know where I want to go into the field and it helped me to stay motivated. Plus I can't imagine being part of a different class! It's cliché but sometimes the path isn't straightforward and it's not about the destination but the journey. If veterinary medicine is where you want to be, you can make it happen. And if you want someone to talk to, you can always message me on here. (And that goes for anyone else out there!)
|
|
|
Post by Very disappointed on Jul 3, 2020 8:00:27 GMT -5
This was my first year applying, I had planned everything well and had great grades going into it with lots of experience. I got an email in March saying my application couldn’t be accepted as my cell biology wasn’t taken in a semester with 3 3000/4000 year courses. I obviously did not have another cell biology class to replace it with as once you get a high grade you don’t really risk taking it again and lowering it. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I even went to a counsellor in second year and she told me to basically only make sure my semesters were full time with 5 courses. It’s obviously my fault as I know now it’s on the OVC website, however at the time I thought the 3 3000/4000 year courses per semester was only required for your last two full time semesters and not for your required courses. To say the least I was very disappointed. I took that course during a full time semester with 2 3000 year courses and could have easily taken another one had I been aware. A simple mistake cost me so much. Now in order to reapply I’m required to retake an entire full time semester with 3 courses at the 3000/4000 level and one of them being a cell biology. Feeling like I’m having to restart and all my hard work was for nothing. The worst part is not even getting the chance to interview. It’s crazy such a fixable mistake cost me my entire application and makes me take another full time semester. I know it’s my fault but it’s just very upsetting and hard to cope with.
|
|
|
Post by :) on Jul 4, 2020 7:43:48 GMT -5
This was my first year applying, I had planned everything well and had great grades going into it with lots of experience. I got an email in March saying my application couldn’t be accepted as my cell biology wasn’t taken in a semester with 3 3000/4000 year courses. I obviously did not have another cell biology class to replace it with as once you get a high grade you don’t really risk taking it again and lowering it. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I even went to a counsellor in second year and she told me to basically only make sure my semesters were full time with 5 courses. It’s obviously my fault as I know now it’s on the OVC website, however at the time I thought the 3 3000/4000 year courses per semester was only required for your last two full time semesters and not for your required courses. To say the least I was very disappointed. I took that course during a full time semester with 2 3000 year courses and could have easily taken another one had I been aware. A simple mistake cost me so much. Now in order to reapply I’m required to retake an entire full time semester with 3 courses at the 3000/4000 level and one of them being a cell biology. Feeling like I’m having to restart and all my hard work was for nothing. The worst part is not even getting the chance to interview. It’s crazy such a fixable mistake cost me my entire application and makes me take another full time semester. I know it’s my fault but it’s just very upsetting and hard to cope with. Hi there. I just wanted to let you know that I've totally been there; I did the exact same thing (didn't structure a semester right) in second year and it basically cost me my first application because it tanked my average. I struggled with the knowledge that I'd doomed myself for a long time, and hated the fact that my whole plan for OVC wasn't going as I'd pictured, but ultimately it really motivated me to come back in fourth year and grind away at my classes, and I ended up getting in this year. There were so many course (and life) experiences that I got out of those extra two semesters that I know I'm going to really appreciate now that I'm in, and looking back the mistake two years ago, though it was horrible and miserable at the time it was part of the path that got me to where I am today. Long and short, you are not your mistakes. You will bounce back from this and you've got this!
|
|
Third time still no
Guest
|
Post by Third time still no on Jul 6, 2020 18:08:59 GMT -5
This was my third application and my third rejection.... The thought of having one more application keeps me up at night. Especially because we don't get our interview scores this year. I'm super lost as what I should do with my life in these next few months and my entire dream hinges on this last application 🙃
|
|
|
Post by same boat on Jul 6, 2020 21:02:21 GMT -5
This was my third application and my third rejection.... The thought of having one more application keeps me up at night. Especially because we don't get our interview scores this year. I'm super lost as what I should do with my life in these next few months and my entire dream hinges on this last application 🙃 I'm in the same boat as you and to be honest, I am starting to lose my hope. I thought what I had this time would be good enough but guess not. I'm confused and lost as to what to do now, especially since covid has spiked up everyone's average so much this semester. I wonder if it's even worth it to try again.
|
|
|
Post by Guests on Jul 7, 2020 6:24:42 GMT -5
This was my third application and my third rejection.... The thought of having one more application keeps me up at night. Especially because we don't get our interview scores this year. I'm super lost as what I should do with my life in these next few months and my entire dream hinges on this last application 🙃 I'm in the same boat as you and to be honest, I am starting to lose my hope. I thought what I had this time would be good enough but guess not. I'm confused and lost as to what to do now, especially since covid has spiked up everyone's average so much this semester. I wonder if it's even worth it to try again. Yeah two applications down here and losing faith that I will ever get in. It really messes with you to work so hard and have your dreams met with rejection over and over for years. The process really doesn't foster resilience unfortunately.
|
|
|
Post by guest112112321 on Jun 17, 2021 21:37:17 GMT -5
I just wanted to resurface this thread because last year reading the posts truly helped me and inspired me to get trying, when I didn't get into OVC. Today is probably the best day of the lives of many people, and also a terribly disappointing/upsetting/sad day for just as many people. If you applied to OVC, you have put in SO much hard work, dedication and passion into preparing yourself and your application. Today I found out I got in, and it was my third attempt and first time getting an interview. While I am thrilled, I cannot help but go to bed and think about all of the people who have had their dreams crushed for another year, because I have been in your shoes twice. I can say this NOW, but with each rejection and the doors that opened afterwards gave me invaluable experiences that I am so grateful for. If you are experiencing a rejection, whether its your first, or you've been around the block a time or two, I am so very sorry. I know how badly it hurts and how sad you feel. Please do not loose hope, and once you have given yourself time to feel sad, know that this year will hold valuable experiences in it that you don't even know about yet. Just because you didn't get in this year, it does NOT mean that you won't one day get in and be a veterinarian. Take care of yourselves.
|
|
|
Post by Meow123 on Jun 21, 2021 14:54:37 GMT -5
Thank you for your post. This was so nice to hear. This was my second attempt and second rejection . Although I’m not devastated, I feel defeated. I went back to school to increase my average. I got myself out of high 80s into the 90 mark, but looks like it wasn’t enough. In terms of experience, I don’t know what else to do since I’ve accumulated so many hours (in different places). I’m starting to accept the reality that I may never get into Guelph. It sucks because I spent so many, many years, sleepless nights and dollars towards this dream. I appreciate there is a space for me to vent and the support that everyone gives one another in this forum. Especially for someone like me who didn’t study at Guelph, this forum has been so helpful. quote author="guest112112321" source="/post/16540/thread" timestamp="1623983837"]I just wanted to resurface this thread because last year reading the posts truly helped me and inspired me to get trying, when I didn't get into OVC. Today is probably the best day of the lives of many people, and also a terribly disappointing/upsetting/sad day for just as many people. If you applied to OVC, you have put in SO much hard work, dedication and passion into preparing yourself and your application. Today I found out I got in, and it was my third attempt and first time getting an interview. While I am thrilled, I cannot help but go to bed and think about all of the people who have had their dreams crushed for another year, because I have been in your shoes twice. I can say this NOW, but with each rejection and the doors that opened afterwards gave me invaluable experiences that I am so grateful for. If you are experiencing a rejection, whether its your first, or you've been around the block a time or two, I am so very sorry. I know how badly it hurts and how sad you feel. Please do not loose hope, and once you have given yourself time to feel sad, know that this year will hold valuable experiences in it that you don't even know about yet. Just because you didn't get in this year, it does NOT mean that you won't one day get in and be a veterinarian. Take care of yourselves. [/quote]
|
|
|
Post by OVC reject x2 on Jul 8, 2021 11:03:33 GMT -5
Hey canadagoose, what you said really stuck with me about not putting your life on hold for OVC, and being allowed to be mad at the system. I think the system is pretty crazy! I will be eligible for another Canadian vet school soon enough, and let me tell you- their averages of those accepted are substantially lower than OVC. So, yes, I'm a little upset that admission averages keep going up and up- but maybe this other vet school might cut me some slack. Not going to let OVC stop me from being a vet that's for sure. Thanks guys for all your stories and support it's super encouraging. Hey there! Facing 2 rejections and wondering if it's realistic to apply to OVC again. Just wondering which other Canadian vet school you are applying to and what that process is like. I always thought that Canadians should be allowed to apply to any vet school in Canada. I wish we could do something about this.
|
|
|
Post by Rejected 3x on Jul 8, 2021 15:04:29 GMT -5
Hey canadagoose, what you said really stuck with me about not putting your life on hold for OVC, and being allowed to be mad at the system. I think the system is pretty crazy! I will be eligible for another Canadian vet school soon enough, and let me tell you- their averages of those accepted are substantially lower than OVC. So, yes, I'm a little upset that admission averages keep going up and up- but maybe this other vet school might cut me some slack. Not going to let OVC stop me from being a vet that's for sure. Thanks guys for all your stories and support it's super encouraging. Hey there! Facing 2 rejections and wondering if it's realistic to apply to OVC again. Just wondering which other Canadian vet school you are applying to and what that process is like. I always thought that Canadians should be allowed to apply to any vet school in Canada. I wish we could do something about this. Go overseas. You can establish residency in another province to apply to another Canadian school but look carefully at how they determine those things because not all vet schools do things the same. There are also many AVMA accredited vet schools in the world and they are generally very willing to accept Canadian students. It can easily feel overwhelmingly final to be denied acceptance at OVC but there are so many opportunities to enter the veterinary profession if it is the only thing you want to do.
|
|
|
Post by Anonymous75 on Jul 9, 2021 10:07:13 GMT -5
Hey canadagoose, what you said really stuck with me about not putting your life on hold for OVC, and being allowed to be mad at the system. I think the system is pretty crazy! I will be eligible for another Canadian vet school soon enough, and let me tell you- their averages of those accepted are substantially lower than OVC. So, yes, I'm a little upset that admission averages keep going up and up- but maybe this other vet school might cut me some slack. Not going to let OVC stop me from being a vet that's for sure. Thanks guys for all your stories and support it's super encouraging. Hey there! Facing 2 rejections and wondering if it's realistic to apply to OVC again. Just wondering which other Canadian vet school you are applying to and what that process is like. I always thought that Canadians should be allowed to apply to any vet school in Canada. I wish we could do something about this. I do not see why it would be unrealistic. I know plenty of people that have gotten in on their 3rd and 4th tries. Rejection is hard and there is no way around that. You have only used 2 attempts, so you still have 2 more. It may be good to apply overseas this time as well as applying to OVC if vet med is your dream, but do not lose hope on OVC just yet. These 2 rejections don't define you, and there is still lots of opportunity to get in here. Don't give up.
|
|
|
Post by guest112112321 on Jul 9, 2021 13:49:35 GMT -5
Hey canadagoose, what you said really stuck with me about not putting your life on hold for OVC, and being allowed to be mad at the system. I think the system is pretty crazy! I will be eligible for another Canadian vet school soon enough, and let me tell you- their averages of those accepted are substantially lower than OVC. So, yes, I'm a little upset that admission averages keep going up and up- but maybe this other vet school might cut me some slack. Not going to let OVC stop me from being a vet that's for sure. Thanks guys for all your stories and support it's super encouraging. Hey there! Facing 2 rejections and wondering if it's realistic to apply to OVC again. Just wondering which other Canadian vet school you are applying to and what that process is like. I always thought that Canadians should be allowed to apply to any vet school in Canada. I wish we could do something about this. Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I was rejected twice (2018 and 2020) and got in this application cycle. Many of the people that are also in the class of 2025 took several attempts. I know of at least one person that took 4 attempts. Myself and a handful of others took three attempts. And that is just info I have learned from the causal conversations I have had making introductions to my future classmates. My point is - a third application is not unrealistic if you can think of/afford/do something to improve your application, do it. Between each of my applications I tried to improve myself and my application for the next round. I know it is disheartening to receive those rejections and to wonder if your time will ever come, I have been there. I just wanted to give you hope from someone who also received two rejections.
|
|
|
Post by margarita on Jul 30, 2021 15:17:11 GMT -5
The support this group offer is priceless. My daughter did not got an interview on her first application. I wonder if anybody know if there is any way the OVC give any feedback to applicants so that they could know the areas to work on for future ones. thanks in advance for any help.
|
|
Current ovc student
Guest
|
Post by Current ovc student on Jul 30, 2021 18:08:16 GMT -5
Hi there,
Unfortunately, OVC does not offer feedback to applicants on where they went wrong/need to improve. I'm so sorry your daughter is going through this, I was rejected my first application as well, and to say it's an incredibly hard experience is an understatement.
Take care
|
|
|
Post by refuseddvm on Jun 17, 2022 7:33:29 GMT -5
bringing this thread back. is there any point of emailing anyone from OVC admissions? I keep thinking my rejection is a mistake. just want to know where i went wrong so i can be better if i decide to apply again next cycle.
|
|
|
Post by DazedandConfused on Jun 18, 2022 18:52:38 GMT -5
bringing this thread back. is there any point of emailing anyone from OVC admissions? I keep thinking my rejection is a mistake. just want to know where i went wrong so i can be better if i decide to apply again next cycle. Refuseddvm I am just confused as you are about the final process of selection. I do not know about how they do final reranking but based on what the website says there are somethings to be desired for sure. "Stage 4: Final Review and Ranking: Each applicant's final admissions score is calculated using a 65:35 ratio as follows: 65% is the Stage 1 admissions average 35% is the interview score The Admission Committee reviews and approves the final ranking, and the top candidates from each cohort are offered admission." The section that says reviews and approves makes me think that applications are considered holistically once they are ranked. It is such a shame that the admissions team is not more open and honest about what is "reviewed and approved" of in that final step. I am sorry you were not admitted because you have obviously worked very hard to prepare for your application and I have no doubt that your interview went well! My only suggestion for the future would be to ensure your application is very well rounded (variety of experience) and when it comes to interview time next cycle maybe reach out to previous successful applicants and/or previous DVM's who have been a part of the MMI/Interview process to "strategize" and help you answer questions in a well-rounded way. My hope is that OVC considers its applicants individually and not in comparison to other applicants unless in the event of a "tie". This was my fourth application so I completely understand the frustration that comes with this difficult and challenging process. Good luck in the future and keep your chin up! Also in regards to doubt you may experience, that was me this entire process. I questioned all the time (even accepting an interview) if it was what I was meant to do. Since December I questioned but am glad that I kept persevering. This being my fourth application I am a great example of how you shouldn't give up! I don't know if this was helpful but I hope you apply again and I hope to see you in the halls in the future! P.s. in relation to your question on this thread, the worst you can do is ask and they say no. The best you can do is ask and OVC admissions being forthcoming to you and others who might email as well.
|
|
|
Post by DVM on Jun 18, 2022 19:59:23 GMT -5
I am so sorry to those of you who were refused admission. It is such a hard road.
Thought I'd chime in here to help clarify a few things based on my experience with admissions at at OVC:
Re: holistic consideration, it is true that the committee reviews the applications again before offers of admission are sent out. This is done to ensure accuracy and to catch any flags that may have come up along the way. I can assure you that OVC does not re-rank based on who had the best experience or reference. The ranking system is about as transparent as it can really be, in that the top 100 will have had the top 100 final scores based on the 65/35 calculation.
With respect to the background information/experience/hours etc. this is really only to "check the box" that you have a) gained experience in the field, and b) have worked enough hours with your referee for them to give you an accurate reference. I know some applicants who have made mistakes with their course planning (ie. too much overlap, not following the 60/40 rule etc) but they were notified of the changes to their application in the initial review by OVC. I believe they will go over this with you if you contact them for guidance or to confirm your course plan is solid. There is also NO minimum requirement for experience or breadth of experience, and IMO this is a red herring for some people. DO NOT spend all your time trying to get hundreds of hours of large/small/research/zoo/lab experience to get the "best" application possible, at the expense of academics. It's truly just a box to tick and the rankings are not based on who is the most experienced applicant at all.. although I do wish they would consider this aspect more deeply.
The only thing that will absolutely tank your (otherwise top 100) application is a red flag. These may be from a referee who didn't give you a very good reference (always important to be open and discuss with them, this happens), or something you said in the interview. Interview flags are not taken lightly and I think it would need to be fairly egregious (swearing, unprofessional, sexist, racist... that kind of thing).
I also want to point out that while the interviews (no matter what year you applied in) seem like logical questions, there is a rubric for consistency and objectivity. This means that while you may have given a "good" answer by any normal measure, it is possible that you didn't tick enough of the boxes to receive a competitive score. Used to be easier when they gave you your interview score, so I feel for those of you left in the dark. No matter how comfortable you are in interview situations, I would HIGHLY recommend training in this style of interview to give you a better idea of how to approach various questions. There is no guide for OVC-specific interviews, but lots of good resources out there for professional school admission interviews. Practicing with peers, OVC students, hiring a tutor, and discussing scenarios with veterinarians will help you identify the important themes.
Re: event of a tie, I believe OVC will admit both applicants, and there are one or two every year who receive a call-back because someone declined their offer of admission (yeah, I don't get that either) and they were next on the list.
To refuseddvm: No there is probably no point in emailing them. They need to keep things fair and likely won't give you any additional info. If I were you I would go through your transcript with a fine-toothed comb and ensure your courses submitted are all valid and give you the highest possible average. Compare your calculated average with the admissions stats from last year, and I would add a percentage point to account for the rising admissions average - see where you measure up. Then you can email OVC and ask them to verify that everything is satisfactory with your academics to cover your bases. Then approach your references, discuss your rejection and tactfully approach the "how good was my reference" subject. Also ensure you are not using a referee you've got limited reported experience with. If you have even a shadow of a doubt about one of your referees, get a new one and make sure it's glowing. Finally, seek help (see above) with your interview skills and go through every detail of your BIF, writing down meaningful points about each experience that you think will be relevant to OVC and the veterinary profession as a whole. The Veterinarian's Oath (Canada has a specific one) has some great starting points for you to think about. Lowenger has offered pretty much all of the above information over her many admission debrief discussions (some available on Youtube).
There really is no luck involved here folks. In fact, I wish there was more bias in the admissions process. Not sure why we aren't selecting people who will serve the regions of Ontario desperate for veterinary care - rural, large animal, equine, Northern ON, but there is no denying that every applicant is generally very well qualified.
Best of luck in the future and I hope this helps. The road is long but the journey is worth it.
|
|
|
Post by DVM on Jun 18, 2022 20:16:23 GMT -5
Oops, looks like I gave you some outdated advice, they've updated the Course Evaluation Requests section of the website. Course evals are available to non-UoG students, so the onus is on you to ensure your courses/semester are eligible if you are a Gryphon. Your BSc counselling office or a trusty DVM student would likely give you a hand if necessary!
|
|