Go Back   Student Doctor Network Forums > Veterinary Forums [ DVM ] > Pre-Veterinary

Pre-Veterinary Preveterinary student forum. RSS: Feed Icon


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-08-2009, 01:15 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Talking I want to be a Veterinarian!!!!


SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)
Hello Everyone!!!

My name is Mally and I am 26 years old. I finally decided what I want to be when I "grow up" LOL and that is a Veterinarian. I am starting to take classes at my local Jr. College. So basically I am at the veeeeeeeeery beginning of this looooong yet exciting journey.

I stumbled upon this forum site looking for an answer to a question. (That has been sort of answered LOL)

Anyways, anyone have any advice for me regarding this long journey to becoming a DVM? I work full time right now and will be taking A class this fall. I am going to try and take 2 classes when possible but with work being soo crazy right now since someone is quitting, one class is all I can commit to.

I know it will take me forever to finally finish jr. college. My goal is to go to UC Davis. I am just really scared because sooner or later I plan to start a family but I want to continue going to school at the same time and someday open my own Vet clinic and a shelter.

Basically if anyone can give me advice, let me know what to expect, dos and donts, anything that will some what prepare me. Anything I should do while in Jr. College? People I should talk to? Anything that will help me out. I am going into this blind with no ones help except counselors at school.

Ok well thats my story. Hope it wasn't too boring. LOL

Last edited by Mizz Mally; 04-08-2009 at 01:22 AM.
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 02:21 AM   #2
UF CVM 2013
 
meadow36's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 358
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

There's a lot of advice out there, but on a more immediate note, ditch the junior college and go take your classes at a 4 year university. Yes, it DOES make a difference.

This is NOT to say if you have taken classes at a junior college that you won't get in; but what I'm saying is you will be A LOT more competitive if you take the classes at a 4 year university. The vet schools weigh your GPA with the difficulty of the school you went to.
meadow36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 04:59 AM   #3
AU CVM c/o 11
 
sofficat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 649
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

I took my first 1 1/2 years of classes at a Jr College and got in just fine... but I also did 3 years at a university. So, if you can, time and location and all that permitted, think about going to a university.

Where do you work now? You really should get a job at a vet clinic, for experience, hours and to make sure this is what you really want. Vet Med may seem wonderful, but many come into it without knowing the bad and the ugly, too, so definitely get a job with a vet.

Good luck and have fun throughout this journey! It'll be long, but if you love it then it's worth it!!
sofficat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 05:38 AM   #4
3K Member
 
sumstorm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 3,324
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

If Davis is your goal, get on the phone and find out what they think of jr. college.

At some point you will need to prove you can hack a heavy science course load.

vet experience breadth and depth are important too.
__________________
Enjoy the adventure; live life creating great stories to share with the grandchildren.
sumstorm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 06:27 AM   #5
The Tree Rat
 
philomycus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In an oak tree...
Posts: 806
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

The other thing which requires serious consideration in class load per semester. If you only take 1-2 classes each term for your pre-reqs, you are going to have a hard time getting in. They want the great GPA, but if you have a 4.0 only taking 1-2 classes per term, or a 3.5 taking a full load, the latter is preferred. You have to demonstrate that you can handle an intense course load at one time. Only taking a class here or there will not demonstrate that, and I think it could hinder you.

The most undergrad hours I took at once was 14 hours; the schools mentioned that it seemed like a 'weak' load compared to other applicants.
__________________
An ambassador for squirrels everywhere.

UF CVM c/o 2013
philomycus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 07:12 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
jglovicz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 216
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

First of all, congratulations on deciding to pursue vet med. I agree with the above posts (they actually read my mind). I think it's important to at least take your hard sciences at a 4 year university (if you take other prereqs such as your social sciences and humanities at a jr. college, I'm sure that's fine). Also, it's very important to take more than 1-2 classes each time. As a vet student you will be taking ~20 credits at a time so you will have to show that you can handle that work load. If you want to keep your current job, will you be able to get vet experience on the side? I know it seems like a lot of stuff to do, but one of the large factors in being accepted to vet school is experience. You will want at least 1 letter of rec from a vet (2 is probably better) so it's important to form these relationships. Good luck!
jglovicz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 09:04 AM   #7
Edinburgh 2013
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 92

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by meadow36 View Post
There's a lot of advice out there, but on a more immediate note, ditch the junior college and go take your classes at a 4 year university. Yes, it DOES make a difference.

This is NOT to say if you have taken classes at a junior college that you won't get in; but what I'm saying is you will be A LOT more competitive if you take the classes at a 4 year university. The vet schools weigh your GPA with the difficulty of the school you went to.
Good advice! Even if you do take some classes at a Jr college, it is not a good idea to take most of your pre-reqs at one. Voice of experience speaking (and I wish I had known that earlier).

Try to make yourself a well-rounded applicant in addition to having a good academic record and gaining animal and veterinary experience - volunteer experience, serve on clubs, boards, etc. Good luck!
Tiempo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 11:28 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
littlehooves's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 114
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

From Canada- so not quite sure what Junior College is...but I agree with what everyone else has said- ditch the Jr.College! Most vet schools want to see that you can handle a full course load- I haven't heard of any school that has offered a part time veterinary program. It will take you less time to get to vet school too if you take it full time.

Also, some schools don't even consider or accept applicants that don't take their pre requisites in a full course load. So make sure that's not something that you might run into if you plan to take part time courses.

I'm 23, so I'm not in 'wanting-to-start-a-family' mode, but a vet I used to work with stopped in the other day and was just talking about how she used to cram for exams. One lady in her class got through it all with kids, and was less stressed then most of the non-married and childless students.

So if family is in your near future, but so is DVM, just wanted to let you know it CAN be done!

Get experience too while you're at it

Last edited by littlehooves; 04-08-2009 at 01:02 PM.
littlehooves is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2009, 11:46 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 172
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Hi! Welcome to the world of insanity that awaits you. LOL. I'm kidding.....kinda.

I was 26 too when I decided to make the career change last year. I was working at a law firm and eventually made the difficult decision to leave for a lower paying, more flexible job so I can could concentrate on school.

This first year back in college has been difficult and I've had some challenges, especially since I haven't taken science classes in nearly 10 years, but I'm starting to work the kinks out and I am finally getting the ball rolling. I started at a 4 year school, which wasn't non-trad friendly at all. Then I went back to my old 2 year school for a chem class. Now I'm applying to a 4 year state school that is very adult education oriented.

I would highly suggest that you do what's best for you, but know what you're getting into. You're going to have to make some very tough choices. I quit my job just as the stock market was tanking. I was terrified, but I have survived in the retail world so far. My husband and I are putting kids on hold until I can get more of my pre-reqs finished. We have had to make some sacrifices because I willingly took a nosedive in income so I can succeed.

Also, have a backup plan in mind! I can't tell you how important this is. Many current vet students have applied for several years before they were accepted. If you can be happy in your current industry, that's great. I personally never want to work for attorneys again, so my plan of action until I'm accepted (or if I'm not accepted at all) is grad school in public health, which is vet med related.

This is a huge decision to make, and I hope that you spend some time looking at all the school requirements that have to be met, the experience hours, etc. It's tough when you've got a mortgage and a husband and have to find time for experience hours, work, and classes. Some of the posters around here have children as well. With hard work, it can totally be done. I have been all over my area doing everything from wildlife work, zoo work, shelter work, you name it. Get a wide variety of experience, whether paid or unpaid. I can't find a job anywhere in the industry right now, but I am still bringing in hours by volunteering my time with various organizations. I've also found a vet clinic that lets me come in to shadow every so often.

Best piece of advice, do your research! This is not a decision to be made lightly, especially when you're coming from a different professional background. Good luck!
__________________
If I could walk with the animals.
And talk to the animals.
Grunt, Squeak,
And squawk with the animals.
And they could. Squeak, and Squawk,
and Speak and Talk To me.
cozycleo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2009, 01:35 AM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

Woooow!! That is a lot of information!! Thank you all.

I currently work at a tutor company. Yes, I am actually looking for another job in a vet clinic. That is actually my DREAM job!! I live in the bay area and its sooooo expensive here so I cant quit my job or get a lower paying job unless I find something better.

UC Davis is my dream school but it is about an hour and a half drive from my house and thats without traffic. My sister actually attended UC Davis and she started at a community college and transfered over there and it was fine. So, I wanted to do that as well.

I am just really scared because in high school I was the student that always ditched and never really cared and yea ... Hi, that was me :-/ Now that I am older I'm really excited to finally find my calling and I really want to do this. I know this is going to be hard with all the science classes (when I only went up to basic science in high school and basic everything just so I can graduate) but I think if I put my mind to it and not let anything distract me (I hope) I can do this.

I love animals and I want to be their voice!!

I hope you all dont mind the barely in jr college, just starting to get her future together person asking tons of questions on here LOL

My sister may have gone to Davis but it was for something totally different. She had to move to Davis but she got help from my dad financially. My dad can no longer provide that kind of help because his hours were cut at work and I as the screw up of the family lol I really want to do this on my own (OK now I am getting into more personal stuff LMAO)

Anywho, thank you all for your help and again I really hope you all dont mind me asking questions from time to time.

- Mally
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2009, 10:18 AM   #11
The-OSU CVM c/o 2013
 
david594's Avatar
 
Status: Veterinarian
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,073
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mizz Mally View Post
UC Davis is my dream school but it is about an hour and a half drive from my house and thats without traffic. My sister actually attended UC Davis and she started at a community college and transfered over there and it was fine. So, I wanted to do that as well.
I am assuming you sister didn't plan on going to Veterinary or Medical school though did she?

Think of this like when that middle aged dog comes into work with seizures. The one where the vet always mentions going to the referral hospital for advanced imaging (MRI, whatever) just to make sure its not a brain tumor and no clients ever go. The doctor still has to recommend it because its the most ideal thing and covers them from a liability standpoint as long as they talked to the owner about it.

This is kind of the same situation. When we tell you that you really should skip the junior college its because its a less than ideal thing. Ideally you will go to a good four year institute and take all your pre-reqs during full time semesters and get all A's. It would look even better if you do all that while working and volunteering too.

We would be doing you a total disservice telling you to go do as many pre-reqs as you can at a community college when there are many people having had experience with schools telling that that is not preferred.

But what you do is your decision. There are people who have gotten in with community college pre-reqs so it doesn't make it impossible. If thats your only feasible option for now, then its probably where I would start too.
david594 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2009, 01:17 AM   #12
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

David594 -

I know what you mean about going straight to the 4 year college but because of financial reasons going to a community college is all I can do right now.

To be honest, this field really intimidates me but I want to do this. I love animals and I know this is what I want to do. I just have to get over a couple of fears and I should be good LOL

Once my car is paid off (which next to my rent is my biggest bill) and I can work part time, I plan to go to UC Davis and actually start doing things aside from just classroom stuff.

Oh and to answer your question, yes she does want to go to medical school. Well that was her goal anyways
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2009, 03:45 PM   #13
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 7

Default

Hi Mazzy. I'm 24 and just decided last year to finally give the boot to my self doubt and pursue what has been my calling all my life. It intimidates the hell outta me as well so don't feel alone there.

I'm graduating this year from a community college. I've done everything I need there for an associate degree in gen ed. I'm starting at a 4 year next semester where I'll be getting all my science pre-reqs.

There is nothing wrong with starting your journey at a jr. college. Get in there, get the bare basics out of the way and orientate yourself back to school. By the time you get some of those boring classes done you'll be ready for a four year. Most 4 year schools have scholorships for transfer students with good grades. In my situation I'm getting half off tuition.

But I agree with what everyone else has said, I don't imagine many vet schools smiling on your entire college career being based at a community college.

I've learned this goal can't be part time. But there is nothing wrong with you dipping your feet in slowly... start out part time at your community college and work your way up.

I'm at the very beginning of my journey as well and it is very scary. It's all about silencing that voice that says you can't (for me anyway!)
surrealeuphoria is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2009, 06:19 PM   #14
hop hop hop
 
bunnity's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,771
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by surrealeuphoria View Post
Most 4 year schools have scholorships for transfer students with good grades. In my situation I'm getting half off tuition.
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I don't think this is true. In fact, my undergrad had NO scholarships for transfers - someone who would have gotten a full ride matriculating as a freshman would get nothing as a transfer student. I'm sure it varies by school, but don't count on it.
bunnity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2009, 07:48 PM   #15
2K Member
 
WildlifeSaver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,657
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by littlehooves View Post
From Canada- so not quite sure what Junior College is...but I agree with what everyone else has said- ditch the Jr.College! Most vet schools want to see that you can handle a full course load- I haven't heard of any school that has offered a part time veterinary program. It will take you less time to get to vet school too if you take it full time.

Also, some schools don't even consider or accept applicants that don't take their pre requisites in a full course load. So make sure that's not something that you might run into if you plan to take part time courses.

I'm 23, so I'm not in 'wanting-to-start-a-family' mode, but a vet I used to work with stopped in the other day and was just talking about how she used to cram for exams. One lady in her class got through it all with kids, and was less stressed then most of the non-married and childless students.

So if family is in your near future, but so is DVM, just wanted to let you know it CAN be done!

Get experience too while you're at it
I never ever ever heard of that before. Please tell me what schools you are referring to. Does anyone else know of this? I know your pre-reqs can expire at some point, but how you take it doesn't matter or at least I thought. hmm
WildlifeSaver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2009, 02:58 PM   #16
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 7

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bunnity View Post
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I don't think this is true. In fact, my undergrad had NO scholarships for transfers - someone who would have gotten a full ride matriculating as a freshman would get nothing as a transfer student. I'm sure it varies by school, but don't count on it.
Perhaps I should retract "most" and add "some".every 4 year I've spoken to has some kind of program for students transfering from a community college. Maybe it's just my area.
surrealeuphoria is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2009, 04:09 PM   #17
Tufts Class of 2011
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 758
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WildlifeSaver View Post
I never ever ever heard of that before. Please tell me what schools you are referring to. Does anyone else know of this? I know your pre-reqs can expire at some point, but how you take it doesn't matter or at least I thought. hmm
The only school I know does this (or did when I applied) is PEI. They will only accept your pre-reqs if taken while doing a specific number of credits at least 12 maybe 14 check the website...
Angelo84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2009, 04:31 PM   #18
c/o 2012
 
lailanni's Avatar
 
Status: Veterinarian
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 856
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Just thought I'd throw in that many of the upper division science courses required for vet school are not offered at a community college (genetics, biochem, etc) so you will need to take them at a 4year. Some schools may not accept community college classes, check with your prospective schools to make sure.

Davis is a school that takes applicants with lots of veterinary experience (the average veterinary experience hours are in the thousands). I'm not sure what your background is, but if Davis is your goal you will need significant experience working with a DVM - so it's good to start building hours as soon as you can. If you can't get a vet related job try shadowing a few hours a week.

Welcome to SDN we have lots of info and everyone here was a 'beginner' at some point!
lailanni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2009, 05:55 PM   #19
The-OSU CVM c/o 2013
 
david594's Avatar
 
Status: Veterinarian
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,073
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelo84 View Post
The only school I know does this (or did when I applied) is PEI. They will only accept your pre-reqs if taken while doing a specific number of credits at least 12 maybe 14 check the website...
They also say that you you can request to have this waived if you have some extenuating circumstance. With your application you can attach a letter stating why you did not take your coursework under a lighter course load and they will consider it.

For mine I just pointed out that having already completed one degree I had to work while completing the remainder of my pre-reqs and as such some courses were taking during sessions with less than 12 credits. Apparently it was a valid enough reason to get me an interview.(which I declined )

And it was 9 credit hours per semester not including labs.
david594 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2009, 03:27 PM   #20
Tufts Class of 2011
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 758
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Thanks for the clarification. I averaged 18 credits/semester so I didn't look into it further. Good to know its not a hard and fast rule.

Quote:
Originally Posted by david594 View Post
They also say that you you can request to have this waived if you have some extenuating circumstance. With your application you can attach a letter stating why you did not take your coursework under a lighter course load and they will consider it.

For mine I just pointed out that having already completed one degree I had to work while completing the remainder of my pre-reqs and as such some courses were taking during sessions with less than 12 credits. Apparently it was a valid enough reason to get me an interview.(which I declined )

And it was 9 credit hours per semester not including labs.
Angelo84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2009, 07:15 PM   #21
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

Surrealeuphoria - It is very intimidating. I just hope that one day I can afford to work part time and focus on nothing but school. That would be awesome!! Thank you for also letting me know you attended jr college. Thats about all I can do right now and I was getting worried because I felt like whats the point of having a community college if some of us cannot afford to go full time to a 4 year college right now. And if Davis doesnt want me well dammit I will go else where. LOL

Lailanni - I know everyone was at the beginning at some point. And thats why I feel comfortable coming here because someone was in my position. Regardless of how the economy is I really am looking for another job and I want it to be at a vet hospital. So, I am not going to quit my current job until I find a vet job. I would love to shadow a vet. My pets veterinarian is an awesome guy. He has been our vet since before I had pets (my mom has always had pets) so I plan to ask him if anything.
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2009, 04:16 PM   #22
UF CVM 2013
 
meadow36's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 358
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Mizz,

It's not that there's a hard and fast rule against community college; it's that it makes you less competitive for vet school if you take your pre-reqs there. Some schools, I'm not sure which, won't accept pre-reqs from a CC. Davis is extremely competitive and if that's your goal then you should contact them about this first. Usually in-state 4 year universities are pretty cheap, though; have you looked into financial aid?

This is just some friendly advice from someone who's been there - and if you search around the board you'll find others who have had the same problem. If I had avoided CC, I might not have had to invest an extra year in post-bacc courses to make up for it. More than one school told me that this was looked at as a negative.

If you absolutely, positively have to go to a CC, then I would consider just taking basic courses there that are transferable (like your English requirements) and save all the science stuff for the 4 year university.
meadow36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2009, 06:06 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
aretoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 177
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WildlifeSaver View Post
I never ever ever heard of that before. Please tell me what schools you are referring to. Does anyone else know of this? I know your pre-reqs can expire at some point, but how you take it doesn't matter or at least I thought. hmm
It must be a Canadian thing - OVC at the University of Guelph does this as well. We count credits very differently so for us a full course load is 2.5 credits per semester. So you need to do all of your pre reqs in full time semesters, with courses taken at your semester level or higher. And only one online course per semester is allowed... yadda yadda haha it goes on for a while but I'm pretty sure that's most of the requirements. If you do undergrad at Guelph there is a list of 'acceptable' courses you can take. If you don't go to Guelph you need to get all of your courses approved. (Part of the reason so many Ontario prevets go to Guelph is because it requires a lot less thought and effort to put into course selection, lol).

And it IS a hard and fast rule, your application won't even be considered if you haven't followed these rules, and as far as I know they don't make exceptions at all, lol. They're pretty strict about it

But sorry to completely hijack the thread, Mizz Mally. Good luck!!
aretoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2009, 06:07 PM   #24
Member
 
critterologist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 75
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Hi There,
It sounds like my situation was not that dissimilar from yours, at least in some ways, and I will be attending Davis for vet school in the fall. I think community college doesn't have to be a bad spot on your record depending on what else you do. Here is a bit about my experience. I hope it helps.

I did poorly in high school, and dropped out. Eventually I was interested in learning what I missed in high school, so I went to my local CC. I took one or two classes at a time for several years while working full time. I got most of my basic degree requirements out of the way, took lots of basic biology and chemistry, and most importantly learned how to study and that I loved learning.

Eventually I transfered to to a top tier four year school and continued taking classed part time for about a year while working full time. When I had confidence in my learning ability in the far more challenging academic environment, I starting going full time. I was super involved in extracarriculars, did significant undergraduate research, took graduate level courses in my area of interest/ research, and continued to work. I graduated with good grades and a degree in Biochem after four years at that school.

When I applied to vet school I explained why everything took so long and why I didn't go to school full time for much of my academic career in the explanation section. When I interviewed at Davis they mentioned being impressed with my academics (grades and GRE).

I would recommend that you take many of your early prerecs at the CC. Study hard, develop good study skills, and volunteer a lot. When you are ready transfer to a 4 year school use that time to show how rigorus a course load you can manage with your more challanging prerecs. If your grades are good, and you have a lot of other things going for you, I think they will understand your situation.

Thats just my 2 cents, but it worked for me. Good luck!
critterologist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2009, 08:38 PM   #25
Senior Member
 
InfiniVet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: College Station, Texas
Posts: 395
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Please keep in mind that when you say "I want to go to UC Davis" we hear it as "I want to go to Harvard" as UC Davis (along with a few others) is pretty much the Harvard of vet schools.

Thus the Junior College thing matters.

If you want to go to a slightly less competitive school then Junior College is fine for most of your non pre reqs & pre reqs except very upper class stuff which typically community college's don't even offer.
Like you, I could not afford to do all 4 years all at once at a University - I'm amazed that so many people are fortunate to do so, but I'm not. It took me 7 years of working two jobs at once while going to school to get all my pre-reqs for vet school, and 80 hours of them were from a community college. I had a 3.5 GPA, a 1250 GRE, applied to Colorado, NCSU, Ohio, Minnesota, Florida, and Texas A&M. Got accepted everywhere except Ohio. None of these are "Harvard" schools but they're each absolutely fantastic in their own right.

My advice to you is to get veterinary experience today. And lots of it. There are more reasons than one for this advice. =) Search the threads for ideas how to get vet experience. In working those two jobs at once all through college I piled on more than 30,000 hours of animal and veterinary experience. So it was totally worth it!
InfiniVet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2009, 09:25 PM   #26
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

Critterologist - You dont know how much your story gives me hope. I too was terrible in high school. Always cutting and even tho I did graduate I graduated with like a D average ... and you know as long as you have a D or above you fine. And thats what I did. I feel like I did miss out on so much and regret it so badly. Now that I see all the classes that I have to take I just dread it but realize that it will be rewarding at the end of it all. But thank you so much for that. It gives me hope that regardless of my horrible high school experience I want college to be more positive.

Infinivet - Thank you for your story too. Right now times are hard and I have to work full time and I do plan to take basic classes at the CC because one thing I really want to learn is ASL especially because there is a deaf parent at my job. So, I want to do that too.

But its just very intimidating for someone that didnt care much about school to actually go to college. And when I talked to the counselor and saw CHEM OMG! I wanted to poop my pants cause I took basic science and thats as far as it went ... so this is going to be a very interesting experience and let me tell you I am scared!!!
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2009, 10:27 PM   #27
Minnesota CVM 2013
 
Caninerepro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 609
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Hey I give you props for just getting restarted. Yes you are going to eventually transfer to a four year school, but for now, it is a start.

Hey now Infivet -- Colorado State is a lot higher ranked than Davis, like #2. Maybe that's why they didn't take me, even though I am a grad student here...
Caninerepro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2009, 11:26 PM   #28
ready to go
 
nyanko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: destination unknown
Posts: 6,778
SDN Gold Donor SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Caninerepro View Post
Hey now Infivet -- Colorado State is a lot higher ranked than Davis, like #2. Maybe that's why they didn't take me, even though I am a grad student here...
IF YOU'RE GOING BY THE STUPID USNWR STUPID RANKINGS THEY ARE FREAKING TIED FOR #2 BUT REALLY NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE RANKINGS SO SHUT THE COPULATORY EXPRESSION UP ABOUT THEM OK YOU WEIRD OLD MAN
nyanko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2009, 06:56 AM   #29
UW SVM Class of 2013
 
DVMorBust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WI
Posts: 691
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default



Seriously, what's with all the rank-slinging these days, everyone? And all from accepted students? It's hard enough to choose where to apply, don't freak people out by building the US rankings up as something more than an exercise in 'well, we had to throw something on there...'
__________________
Try to learn something about everything and everything about something. - Thomas H. Huxley
DVMorBust is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2009, 09:21 AM   #30
NCSU c/o 2016
 
Trilt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 1,623
SDN Gold Donor SDN 5+ Year Member
Default



Let the drama llamas begin.

...again.
Trilt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2009, 10:03 AM   #31
Member
 
critterologist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 75
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Davis and CSU both have reputations for being extremely hard to get into, FOR OS STUDENTS. Since the OP lives in CA, Davis is a reasonable choice.

Miz Mally, just take it one semester at a time. Since it will be a long and challanging road, I would focus on learning to study and enjoying the educational experience for now. Think about the journey as being the goal. If you just think about how long it will take and how hard the classes will be, you'll make yourself crazy (and miss out on all the great stuff along the way). You'll get there eventually if it is what you want, and if your 30 or 50, it's the same degree.

Good Luck!
critterologist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2009, 12:18 PM   #32
hop hop hop
 
bunnity's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,771
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

As far as the whole name / rank thing, remember that wherever you are, the people living there think it's the #1 vet school. Around here, everyone thinks Penn is the #1 school and the mecca of vet medicine (haha fine by me - it's where I wanted to go). And as people were saying in another thread a while ago, if you're Texan you think TAMU invented veterinarians, and if you're in Ohio well it's THE OSU or nothing. My point is that people around every vet school are proud of their school, and they should be.

Some schools will be harder to get into (IS or OOS) only because of the number of applicants versus number of seats. Some states have more people living in them so are bound to have more IS applicants. But I think the whole rank thing is dumb because even if they were accurate about which is "best" (which I doubt), who really cares what the best school for US News to go to is. What matters is the best school for you. Even for undergrad - I was way happier at Pitt than I would have been at a "better" school like CMU (right up the street) or Harvard itself, because Pitt was the best school for me.

And now an attempt to get back on track, to Mizz Mally, if you are intimidated by those hard science classes, most schools have really good support systems built around those classes. I know my school has free walk in tutoring for chem and physics classes and peer review sessions and stuff. Talk to your advisor or professors about what kind of opportunities your school has - I think it can help even just knowing you're not trying to do it all on your own.
bunnity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2009, 02:03 AM   #33
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

Critter - I agree. Still thank you so much for being so positive and giving me that faith. Yes you are right .. every time I think about how long this journey is going to be and all the classes that are ahead I FREAK OUT! But I will take it a semester at a time. That is great advice.

Bunnity - Oh I will take advantage of every and any tutoring I can get. I work at a tutor center now and I see how these kids are struggling. So, I will do that as well. I agree with you and the vet schools. I think as long as we all receive the education we need to get to our goals and that school provides that and more I think they are all number one. I mean we are all here for the same reason, right? I am here to give a voice to animals that need help.
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 05:05 PM   #34
UC Davis SVM c/o 2013!
 
JustCats's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: California
Posts: 401
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

While there may be some stigma attached to community colleges in other states, as a California resident I have to point out that UC campuses expect people to start at a community college and transfer in after two years and it is in no way seen as a detriment to one's academic record. In fact, it is quite common here because the 4-year state school programs are so impacted at the Freshman and Sophomore levels. Most of our community colleges have transfer agreements with the state school campuses.

If you do well at community college while taking a full load and then get into a UC campus or a top-tier college for your final two years and maintain a high gpa, it won't matter to UC Davis that you started at community college. I do not know how it will affect your application at OOS vet schools.

Use the assist.org website to help you plan your studies. After you choose the community college you're attending, choose "UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine" and then "Veterinary School Prerequisites" and you can see which course from your school they accept as equivalent to their own.

Good luck!
JustCats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 06:03 PM   #35
Senior Member
 
InfiniVet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: College Station, Texas
Posts: 395
SDN 5+ Year Member
Default

How the crap did I miss that the OP lives in California? My bad.

And a 1,000 apologies for bringing up the words "rank" & "Harvard" ... it was a poor choice...I was just trying to impress upon the OP that UC Davis is hard to get into for OOS. Did I mention I'm naturally blonde?
InfiniVet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 07:23 PM   #36
UC Davis SVM c/o 2012
 
VAgirl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 1,709
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by InfiniVet View Post
Did I mention I'm naturally blonde?
*braces for the angry blonde retaliation*

Somedays SDN is more amusing than others.
VAgirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 11:34 PM   #37
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JustCats View Post
While there may be some stigma attached to community colleges in other states, as a California resident I have to point out that UC campuses expect people to start at a community college and transfer in after two years and it is in no way seen as a detriment to one's academic record. In fact, it is quite common here because the 4-year state school programs are so impacted at the Freshman and Sophomore levels. Most of our community colleges have transfer agreements with the state school campuses.

If you do well at community college while taking a full load and then get into a UC campus or a top-tier college for your final two years and maintain a high gpa, it won't matter to UC Davis that you started at community college. I do not know how it will affect your application at OOS vet schools.

Use the assist.org website to help you plan your studies. After you choose the community college you're attending, choose "UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine" and then "Veterinary School Prerequisites" and you can see which course from your school they accept as equivalent to their own.

Good luck!
JUST CATS - THANK YOU!!!!!! Do you know how long I have been driving myself nuts trying to think of that website? haha I asked my friend and she didnt know.

Thats what I was trying to explain to someone here. My sister went to Chabot College in Hayward and then transfered as a Junior to UC Davis. I was trying to do the same thing. Trying to do some classes at a community college and then would love to transfer to UC Davis. I knew I wasnt going crazy when the counselor at the school said to take THESE classes then transfer to a UC. Again, THANK YOU!!!
Mizz Mally is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 11:49 PM   #38
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 53
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mizz Mally View Post
JUST CATS - THANK YOU!!!!!! Do you know how long I have been driving myself nuts trying to think of that website? haha I asked my friend and she didnt know.

Thats what I was trying to explain to someone here. My sister went to Chabot College in Hayward and then transfered as a Junior to UC Davis. I was trying to do the same thing. Trying to do some classes at a community college and then would love to transfer to UC Davis. I knew I wasnt going crazy when the counselor at the school said to take THESE classes then transfer to a UC. Again, THANK YOU!!!
I did the same thing! I went to Santa Monica College and transferred to UCLA my junior year. I took the majority of my chemistry, math, and physics classes at SMC. So far I got into PEI in Canada and Michigan State U, so taking prereqs at a community college can still get you to vet school.

Good luck!
darren1228 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2009, 11:33 AM   #39
UC Davis SVM c/o 2013!
 
JustCats's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: California
Posts: 401
SDN 2+ Year Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mizz Mally View Post
JUST CATS - THANK YOU!!!!!!
You're welcome! I also did all of my lower division courses at community college. I got accepted into Davis and Cornell.
JustCats is offline   Reply With Quote

Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
I want to become a veterinarian but... Lifeman Pre-Veterinary 30 03-19-2009 11:28 AM
I want to become a veterinarian but... Lifeman Pre-Medical Allopathic [ MD ] 1 03-17-2009 07:14 PM
Becoming a veterinarian... YokoKisaragi Pre-Veterinary 6 05-26-2008 09:51 AM


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:29 AM.


Comments are closed.