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Post by Sadbeans on May 5, 2023 13:20:50 GMT -5
For anyone browsing this thread who is super down about their grades and are nervous to apply - I received an interview this year with a ~87 average and fourth quartile Casper. I did have excellent references, and ample experience. Not sure how I didn't get cut but it just goes to show, always try! Hey could I message you with some questions ?
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Post by tmovc2027 on May 5, 2023 13:35:56 GMT -5
Yeah sure, I just made an account. Feel free to ask here too in case other people have the same question
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Post by 20277 on May 5, 2023 13:38:13 GMT -5
What kind of experiences did you have? And was this your first time applying?
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Post by tmovc2027 on May 5, 2023 13:41:54 GMT -5
This was my first application, but I've been preparing for about 2 years. I had to go back to school and do two additional semesters to obtain the suitable pre-requisites. I've worked in the vet field now since 2020 when I graduated. I've worked as an assistant, reception, some tech work, and client experience/ management work.
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Post by 20277 on May 5, 2023 13:53:03 GMT -5
Yea I’ve had great experiences too ( mainly a vet assistant for 3 years) with over 2000 hours and a vet assistant at another clinic, worked at various non-animal jobs, worked at a horse farm, volunteered… My average was not that competitive either with around a 90%. I wasn’t expecting to get in this year but I was hoping I’d have a chance at an interview because honestly I feel that I know so much about the veterinary industry through my experience and It’s kind of sad that we can’t even represent ourselves except through our grades. And we don’t get any feedback either, I wish they could at least give us one sentence telling us what we could improve on. But I wish you the best on your interview!
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Post by Sadbeans on May 5, 2023 14:00:45 GMT -5
Yeah sure, I just made an account. Feel free to ask here too in case other people have the same question Thank you!! I see someone else asked about your experience already, so now I’m wondering how did you prepare for Casper? I have so much experience ranging from 5 years in a pig barn, a year and a bit with a livestock vet, and various small animal experiences. Along with extracurriculars ranging from soccer, community garden, and various student committees. So now I’m thinking either despite being 4th quartile for Casper, either that wasn’t high enough or my one refernce wasn’t great.
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Post by tmovc2027 on May 5, 2023 14:13:06 GMT -5
@sadbeans - I prepared by reviewing many sample questions until I was able to see the structure of the response needed in my head. I prepared for both situational questions and policy questions and memorized the steps to answering each one. So for situational questions I made sure to articulate the type of situation (ethical vs legal vs scope of practice), then I discussed gathering facts while reserving judgement, identify the pressing issue, identify stakeholders, present options using if/them statements, then formed a decision that it ethically sound and minimizes harm/ risk to stakeholders. I used the STAR approach for behaviour questions, and the IIIA approach for situational questions. I also made sure to prepare answers for all the types of personal questions they could ask about me. I naturally am a very good communicator and my job requires me to handle difficult clients and find solutions so a lot of it came naturally to me - I'd recommend practicing with the managers and reception at your work place who know how to eloquently handle tough situations (reception deals with some brutal clients). practice practice practice basically! I took the Australian casper last year as well and had equal success in that one. It's sad but I do feel like it mostly comes down to having a 90+ presenting grade. and then rock solid references. I'm not even sure how heavily the casper weighs on the interview invite. I can't imagine 3rd quartile vs 4th would have a noticeable impact.
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Post by Sadbeans on May 5, 2023 14:29:36 GMT -5
@sadbeans - I prepared by reviewing many sample questions until I was able to see the structure of the response needed in my head. I prepared for both situational questions and policy questions and memorized the steps to answering each one. So for situational questions I made sure to articulate the type of situation (ethical vs legal vs scope of practice), then I discussed gathering facts while reserving judgement, identify the pressing issue, identify stakeholders, present options using if/them statements, then formed a decision that it ethically sound and minimizes harm/ risk to stakeholders. I used the STAR approach for behaviour questions, and the IIIA approach for situational questions. I also made sure to prepare answers for all the types of personal questions they could ask about me. I naturally am a very good communicator and my job requires me to handle difficult clients and find solutions so a lot of it came naturally to me - I'd recommend practicing with the managers and reception at your work place who know how to eloquently handle tough situations (reception deals with some brutal clients). practice practice practice basically! I took the Australian casper last year as well and had equal success in that one. It's sad but I do feel like it mostly comes down to having a 90+ presenting grade. and then rock solid references. I'm not even sure how heavily the casper weighs on the interview invite. I can't imagine 3rd quartile vs 4th would have a noticeable impact. Thank you for the info! Yea I had 91 and 4th… so betting my reference bc I did similar practice and answering for Casper ! Good to know
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Post by Possibledogtor on May 5, 2023 16:01:15 GMT -5
For anyone browsing this thread who is super down about their grades and are nervous to apply - I received an interview this year with a ~87 average and fourth quartile Casper. I did have excellent references, and ample experience. Not sure how I didn't get cut but it just goes to show, always try! I also got an interview with pretty much the same stats there is definitely hope if you have great references and experiences!
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Post by CurrentOVC on May 5, 2023 17:52:39 GMT -5
To those with crazy high averages, did you take lighter semesters to increase your averages with easier “bird” courses? I feel like that is the only way to have an average of 95 and up!! Does the OVC care what courses you take in the last two semesters or not? Obtaining an average of 95 and higher definitely does not involve taking a bunch of "bird" courses. My peers and I who are already in OVC obtained high averages by taking courses that were of interest to us, and by putting in the time necessary to be successful in those courses. This said, there are some courses where you can do exceptionally well, but only if you understand the content that is presented to you. What is considered an easy course for one person, can be extremely difficult for another. We see this all of the time at OVC. Take courses that you are interested in. Take courses similar to ones that you have previously been successful in. Take courses from professors that you enjoy and learn well with! OVC doesn't care what courses you take in the last two semesters, as long as you have met all of the prerequisites. Best of luck! Though I agree that taking courses of interest would be ideal, it isn't always the most successful pathway. Everyone's journey into OVC is different, and mine was definitely by taking the well known bird courses of UofG. Were they the most interesting to me? No. Did I complete all the other harder, required courses and still do well? Yes. But with such a heavy weighing on grades, I needed those semesters of 'bird courses' to get me in the running of higher averages. Content in those courses isn't always the most exciting, so if you aren't someone that can stay disciplined to stay on top of it even though it isn't the most stimulating stuff, then definitely stick with the pathway of taking courses that interest you.
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Post by sensitivehat on Jun 12, 2023 8:28:33 GMT -5
So, since there's people with an 87% getting interviewed, can we conclude that admission statistics were much lower this year compared to previous years? Although they introduced casper into the admission formula, your grades obviously play a major part in getting the offer. Looking at past admission statistics, it looks like if you were above the lowest interview scored you'd be getting in.
I'm trying to figure out whether I'll most likely be getting an admission offer with a 92% and 3rd quartile casper.
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Post by Peaches on Jun 12, 2023 9:31:17 GMT -5
So, since there's people with an 87% getting interviewed, can we conclude that admission statistics were much lower this year compared to previous years? Although they introduced casper into the admission formula, your grades obviously play a major part in getting the offer. Looking at past admission statistics, it looks like if you were above the lowest interview scored you'd be getting in. I'm trying to figure out whether I'll most likely be getting an admission offer with a 92% and 3rd quartile casper. I think you would have a good shot of getting an offer, but it all depends on your experiences and your interview score as well. Last year I also had a 92% and a 3rd quartile score but did not get an offer of admission. However, my interview did not go very well, and I think that played a decent part in my rejection. I think Casper has really leveled out the playing field so that the interview can really set people apart with close scores in the end. Try not to overthink too much about where you stand (I know it's difficult and trust me I do it too lol). You should be proud for achieving a high mark like that either way! Good luck!
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Post by OVC2027 hopeful on Jun 12, 2023 11:10:34 GMT -5
I am so anxious about this week. I wonder when results will come out 🥺 this is my third attempt at OVC so I’m really nervous and anxious. How are people dealing with the anxiety? I think I did way better on my interview this year but obviously there are countless other very good candidates. My average is on the lower spectrum so I’m not hopeful. Anyways I will be attending RVC in the UK if I don’t get in this year. Good luck everyone!
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Post by kakalina on Jun 12, 2023 12:44:19 GMT -5
i am on the same boat. I got rejected last year after the interview with a 3rd quartile casper and 92% average, but if I don’t get in this year with a 4th quartile casper I will be going to RVC
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Post by sensitivehatt on Jun 13, 2023 5:42:52 GMT -5
i am on the same boat. I got rejected last year after the interview with a 3rd quartile casper and 92% average, but if I don’t get in this year with a 4th quartile casper I will be going to RVC Eeek. How did you feel your interview went?
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Post by kakalina on Jun 13, 2023 15:39:34 GMT -5
i am on the same boat. I got rejected last year after the interview with a 3rd quartile casper and 92% average, but if I don’t get in this year with a 4th quartile casper I will be going to RVC Eeek. How did you feel your interview went? Definitely better than last year but honestly I didn’t do bad last year either so we’ll see how it goes. The wait is killing me tho, I just wish OVC could be more transparent about when we will find out- it’s holding me back from starting the international procedures!!
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Post by ovcsoon2028 on Jul 2, 2023 12:44:14 GMT -5
Hey everyone! I was unfortunately did not get an offer this year (first application) with a 92.075% 50:50 ratio average, third quartile casper, great references, and tons of experience. Does anyone mind sharing their stats so that I can look on what I need to improve on next cycle? I have a feeling my casper score played a large part but, of course we do not recieve feedback so I am not certain. thank you!
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Post by Future2028 on Jul 2, 2023 18:50:46 GMT -5
Hi! I was also wondering if ppl think that getting a high average (50:50) would almost guarantee admission? I heard of some folks who got rejected with low 90s and thought the interview really went well. Hard to know what’s competitive!
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Post by OVC2027 on Jul 4, 2023 8:34:09 GMT -5
Hi! I was also wondering if ppl think that getting a high average (50:50) would almost guarantee admission? I heard of some folks who got rejected with low 90s and thought the interview really went well. Hard to know what’s competitive! Hey there, To be honest with you, having a higher average would give you a better chance but IT DOES NOT guarantee admission. You can have a 99% average but if there are any red flags on your BIF or something you said during the interview, you can be rejected. That being said, I know someone who had a higher average and thought their interview went well and got rejected this year. While people having a lower average and a good interview getting accepted. I only had a 91% (50/50 average), 4th quartile casper, and got admitted! So with low 90s is still attainable.
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Post by Future2028 on Jul 4, 2023 18:28:06 GMT -5
Hi! I was also wondering if ppl think that getting a high average (50:50) would almost guarantee admission? I heard of some folks who got rejected with low 90s and thought the interview really went well. Hard to know what’s competitive! Hey there, To be honest with you, having a higher average would give you a better chance but IT DOES NOT guarantee admission. You can have a 99% average but if there are any red flags on your BIF or something you said during the interview, you can be rejected. That being said, I know someone who had a higher average and thought their interview went well and got rejected this year. While people having a lower average and a good interview getting accepted. I only had a 91% (50/50 average), 4th quartile casper, and got admitted! So with low 90s is still attainable. Do you think that a fourth quartile ensures admission then? Eg no possibility that a first or second quartile can be admitted even with a high average? I’m not sure how much Casper marks influence ranking
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