Advice please

[skaggs123]

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Hello, this is a long thread so if you read all of it and reply it means a lot, thank you.

I am a second year, out of state, student at the University of Arizona, but I'm still considered a freshman. My ending GPA for my first semester was a 0.0. I didn't take any finals. I was so unhappy and at the time I didn't think anything was wrong with me, that I just didn't belong in school. That spring semester I made a 1.933, which was a significant increase. My summer gpa was a 3.0, fortunately. During that summer my parents found out that I wasn't going to be receiving financial aid for the following year. I appealed it, and it got approved. I took initiative to go to campus health so see what was wrong with me after that because I'm a really smart student I just didn't know what was going on. I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders and they were, and still are, trying to get me to take medication but I won't. My parents don't know that I've been seeing a therapist and that I was diagnosed. Also, I most likely might make a 2.0 gpa after this semester but I am still unsure yet. My gpa as of right now is a 1.516.

I can apply for a medical retroactive withdrawal of my first semester which will make my gpa to a 2.24. It will lift a lot of stress and anxiety off my shoulders and I feel like I can let that bad semester go and have a lot more hope to better myself. My only thing is, that if they don't approve it then its going to be hard to get an acceptable gpa for vet school and that burden is going to be on my shoulders. I don't feel like the committee will see that my depression and anxiety is an excuse for me to do bad my first semester.

I think the reason why i started this thread was because I want to know if anyone was in my shoes and for advice. I want to know if there is a chance for me to get into vet school if they don't accept my retroactive withdrawal. As of right now arizona doesn't have any public vet schools, so I could go home back to texas but I love arizona so much.

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Why are you refusing to take medication? You need to get those under control.

 

[skaggs123]

Why are you refusing to take medication? You need to get those under control.

After seeing my mom being on those medications and what they can do, I don't want to put myself through that. I do a lot of natural things to help keep it under control like vitamins and a healthy lifestyle. I am also very outdoorsy so I will force myself to go hiking when my days are bad, which generally works because I get my mind off of it. I feel like my depression and anxiety is really bad right now because of that first semester.

 

[sheppy2]

If this is what you really want to do, then go for it. People get it with not the best grades because they make up for it in other ways. But the most important thing is to get control of your depression and anxiety because it will only get worse when classes get harder. Vet school itself is so challenging and anxiety provoking for anyone so you really need to be able to cope with it and still perform well. I've been on antidepressants for many years and I can't express how much it has changed my life. You shouldn't be so against taking medication, especially if your doctors are really pushing for it. It may take a while to find the right medication (I've been on many) and you will have to muster through some bad side effects but if it means turning your life around then it is worth it. Finding the right medication and dosage is a very slow process but it is worth it in the end so don't give up if you don't find the right one right away. There is no shame in being on medication. It is great you are going to therapy but sometimes medication is needed as well. The combination of the two (if your doctors recommend medication) is the path to overcoming your depression and anxiety. You still have so many undergraduate classes to take that you can really improve your gpa. Admission committees like seeing an upward trend in grades. So if this is your dream, then go for it but you need to realize what it is going to take to get there. Don't not go for it because you are scared you won't get it. If you don't get in your first try then you will reapply.


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[sheppy2]

After seeing my mom being on those medications and what they can do, I don't want to put myself through that. I do a lot of natural things to help keep it under control like vitamins and a healthy lifestyle. I am also very outdoorsy so I will force myself to go hiking when my days are bad, which generally works because I get my mind off of it. I feel like my depression and anxiety is really bad right now because of that first semester.

You can have some absolutely AWFUL side effects but it can take time (I mean a long time) since going up/down dosages is a slow process. You have to ask yourself if going through life with this depression/anxiety better than trying medication and maybe having some bad experiences before you get the right one. It took me a couple years before I found the right ones/dose but it has changed my life and was ABSOLUTELY worth it. I wouldn't be where I am today (applying to vet school) if I did power through the bad times. Be strong, everyone's experiences are different. And if you do decide to try medication PLEASE PLEASE don't give up the second you have one bad side effect.


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[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Something to note is that your GPA has to go way up. If you think you can do that without medication, go ahead. However, if you do get into vet school you will be under a LOT more stress in a very academically demanding situation. Both your academic competence and mental health will be tested, and you have to ask yourself if you think you will be able to handle it. That is why many (if not all) of the people on this forum recommend having any issues 100% handled before vet school.

Even a 3.0 average GPA is on the lower side for vet school, but I'm not as familiar with the US schools as other people on here are, so I'll leave that advice to them.

I know LIS has experience with the low GPA, so I'm just going to tag him. @LetItSnow

 

[skaggs123]

If this is what you really want to do, then go for it. People get it with not the best grades because they make up for it in other ways. But the most important thing is to get control of your depression and anxiety because it will only get worse when classes get harder. Vet school itself is so challenging and anxiety provoking for anyone so you really need to be able to cope with it and still perform well. I've been on antidepressants for many years and I can't express how much it has changed my life. You shouldn't be so against taking medication, especially if your doctors are really pushing for it. It may take a while to find the right medication (I've been on many) and you will have to muster through some bad side effects but if it means turning your life around then it is worth it. Finding the right medication and dosage is a very slow process but it is worth it in the end so don't give up if you don't find the right one right away. There is no shame in being on medication. It is great you are going to therapy but sometimes medication is needed as well. The combination of the two (if your doctors recommend medication) is the path to overcoming your depression and anxiety. You still have so many undergraduate classes to take that you can really improve your gpa. Admission committees like seeing an upward trend in grades. So if this is your dream, then go for it but you need to realize what it is going to take to get there. Don't not go for it because you are scared you won't get it. If you don't get in your first try then you will reapply.


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Something to note is that your GPA has to go way up. If you think you can do that without medication, go ahead. However, if you do get into vet school you will be under a LOT more stress in a very academically demanding situation. Both your academic competence and mental health will be tested, and you have to ask yourself if you think you will be able to handle it. That is why many (if not all) of the people on this forum recommend having any issues 100% handled before vet school.

Even a 3.0 average GPA is on the lower side for vet school, but I'm not as familiar with the US schools as other people on here are, so I'll leave that advice to them.

I know LIS has experience with the low GPA, so I'm just going to tag him. @LetItSnow

School isn't hard for me. I think it was the fact that I was in a new place and didn't know anyone at all, which caused me to do awful my first semester. Now I have this burden of that semester on my shoulders, which is why my anxiety is still pretty bad. I know i am smart, but my first semester totally screwed everything up for me.

 

[sheppy2]

School isn't hard for me. I think it was the fact that I was in a new place and didn't know anyone at all, which caused me to do awful my first semester. Now I have this burden of that semester on my shoulders, which is why my anxiety is still pretty bad. I know i am smart, but my first semester totally screwed everything up for me.

So you had a bad semester, it happens! You aren't the first person and you certainly won't be the last. Kill the next 3 1/2 years and one bad semester will look fine. Having a bad first semester isn't unusual and schools know that it can be a hard adjustment. A bad semester or bad freshman year won't stop you from eventually becoming a vet. So let it go and work hard to ace all your other classes!


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[skaggs123]

So you had a bad semester, it happens! You aren't the first person and you certainly won't be the last. Kill the next 3 1/2 years and one bad semester will look fine. Having a bad first semester isn't unusual and schools know that it can be a hard adjustment. A bad semester or bad freshman year won't stop you from eventually becoming a vet. So let it go and work hard to ace all your other classes!


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The thing is, my bad semester is a 0.0.... its going to be near impossible to get a 3.7+ in 3 1/2 years, and that is whats stressing me out. If the retroactive withdrawal goes through, I know i can get at least a 3.5. If they dont approve it the highest gpa i can get is basically a 3.2 if I want to graduate on time. I could also transfer to NAU, and start over gpa wise, but I love Tucson so much so I am trying to avoid that.

 

[rockatiel]

After seeing my mom being on those medications and what they can do, I don't want to put myself through that. I do a lot of natural things to help keep it under control like vitamins and a healthy lifestyle. I am also very outdoorsy so I will force myself to go hiking when my days are bad, which generally works because I get my mind off of it. I feel like my depression and anxiety is really bad right now because of that first semester.

Those natural things, hiking etc, do not fix the chemical imbalances that are the root of the problem.

I waited until vet school to get serious about my mental health, ironically enough. I was always scared of meds for the exact reasons you are. however, once I tried it, it made a world of difference. you absolutely do need to get this under control if you want to go into a high stress, high burnout profession. the acceptance letter won't magically make your life better. moving away from home for vet school won't magically revamp your life. don't be deluded by magical thinking as I was. you still need to address these things for what they are. it is a health concern, not just happy and unhappy.

I recommend the medical withdrawal if you can get it and within this time, trying some medications out. it may take a minute to find the right fit, you may need to play with the dosage, but I promise that there is a medication out there to fix your imbalances.

 

[Gwenevre]

School isn't hard for me. I think it was the fact that I was in a new place and didn't know anyone at all, which caused me to do awful my first semester. Now I have this burden of that semester on my shoulders, which is why my anxiety is still pretty bad. I know i am smart, but my first semester totally screwed everything up for me.

Vet school is hard. Emphasis, HARD

 

[sheppy2]

The thing is, my bad semester is a 0.0.... its going to be near impossible to get a 3.7+ in 3 1/2 years, and that is whats stressing me out. If the retroactive withdrawal goes through, I know i can get at least a 3.5. If they dont approve it the highest gpa i can get is basically a 3.2 if I want to graduate on time. I could also transfer to NAU, and start over gpa wise, but I love Tucson so much so I am trying to avoid that.

Then you do a masters degree after to raise your gpa. Some schools (Illinois) you can petition to have freshman year grades ignored (there are limits). People get in with lower than a 3.7. Do research, try to publish something and get A's in your other classes and it will work out. Write an amazing personal statement about why your gpa is low. Get a really high GRE score. You aren't the first person to go through something like this. Schools look at your whole transcript, not just your gpa number.


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[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

School isn't hard for me. I think it was the fact that I was in a new place and didn't know anyone at all, which caused me to do awful my first semester. Now I have this burden of that semester on my shoulders, which is why my anxiety is still pretty bad. I know i am smart, but my first semester totally screwed everything up for me.

You say it isn't hard for you, but your GPA currently doesn't reflect that. That's the major issue.
You are blaming your anxiety from your first semester low grade on why you are still having trouble now. So why aren't you doing everything in your power to get your anxiety under control?
Your GPA needs to go up. What are some solid plans you are going to make to make that happen?

Switching schools wouldn't help you; all classes ever taken have to be submitted to VMCAS.

Edited for grammar/sentence structure

 

[ilikecake]

The thing is, my bad semester is a 0.0.... its going to be near impossible to get a 3.7+ in 3 1/2 years, and that is whats stressing me out. If the retroactive withdrawal goes through, I know i can get at least a 3.5. If they dont approve it the highest gpa i can get is basically a 3.2 if I want to graduate on time. I could also transfer to NAU, and start over gpa wise, but I love Tucson so much so I am trying to avoid that.

A 3.2 does not disqualify you even if in the worst case you don't get your semester erased. If you do well in your science classes and classes from here on out and get even say a 3.5 science and last 45 and get excellent GRE scores and have lots of good experience you won't really be at much of a disadvantage at most schools. You just have to apply smart. People have gotten in with lower than a 3.2!

 

[rockatiel]

VCMAS (is that what it is called?).

Close! VMCAS 😉

 

[sheltermed]

If medications weren't working for your mom or she had bad side effects, it's likely she wasn't on the right medication(s). As someone who has been on a variety of psychotropic drugs for the past 11 years (I'm only 23), I can say for certain that it can take time and a lot of patience to figure out the proper drug(s) and dosage, but once you do, your life will likely make a drastic turn around. If not for my medications, I'm not sure I would have made it this far. There is nothing wrong with taking these types of drugs, and as rockatiel said, many "alternatives" to drugs can help, but they can only go so far and will not alleviate the root of your problem, which is likely a chemical imbalance.

You had also stated that you're not sure if the committee at your school will accept depression and anxiety for reasons you did poorly academically. I'm not sure about your school, but my school takes these types of conditions very seriously and I was given a health leave of absence without a second thought when I was suffering.

I would strongly recommend taking a break from school in order to get your health together. There is no rush to go to vet school. I'm 23 and an undergraduate senior, and there are MANY much older than me in the same position. Your health comes first and foremost, and if you aren't capable of getting good grades at this time due to your health, it's better to have breaks in your education in order to sort it out rather than have your transcript riddled with poor grades. Veterinary schools especially take these types of issues into account because they are so widespread among the profession. They want potential students to be able to acknowledge that there is a problem and demonstrate that they have gone to every possible length to fix the problem, and then succeeded later on as a result.

 

[rockatiel]

I would strongly recommend taking a break from school in order to get your health together. There is no rush to go to vet school. I'm 23 and an undergraduate senior, and there are MANY much older than me in the same position. Your health comes first and foremost, and if you aren't capable of getting good grades at this time due to your health, it's better to have breaks in your education in order to sort it out rather than have your transcript riddled with poor grades. Veterinary schools especially take these types of issues into account because they are so widespread among the profession. They want potential students to be able to acknowledge that there is a problem and demonstrate that they have gone to every possible length to fix the problem, and then succeeded later on as a result.

This. I am actually younger than sheltermed and I haven't taken a break from school since preschool. when people ask if they should take a gap year, I always tell them as much as I'm willing to see vet school through and I still want to do this, I heavily regret not taking that time off. I personally think everyone should take a gap year, but that's just me and it's probably a result of being pressured to jump right in by fanily, academic advisors, etc

 

[sheltermed]

The thing is, my bad semester is a 0.0.... its going to be near impossible to get a 3.7+ in 3 1/2 years, and that is whats stressing me out. If the retroactive withdrawal goes through, I know i can get at least a 3.5. If they dont approve it the highest gpa i can get is basically a 3.2 if I want to graduate on time. I could also transfer to NAU, and start over gpa wise, but I love Tucson so much so I am trying to avoid that.

Also, you will not be able to start over GPA-wise. You HAVE to send every transcript from credit granting institutions to VMCAS in order to apply to veterinary school.

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

This. I am actually younger than sheltermed and I haven't taken a break from school since preschool. when people ask if they should take a gap year, I always tell them as much as I'm willing to see vet school through and I still want to do this, I heavily regret not taking that time off. I personally think everyone should take a gap year, but that's just me and it's probably a result of being pressured to jump right in by fanily, academic advisors, etc

I think GAP year is a pretty personal choice. I'm only 2 years into my undergrad, but I chose to not take a year off and I do not regret that decision one bit.
Come back and ask me again in a few years though 😉

 

[deleted806434]

You got some great responses on this thread, so I don't really have anything to add. It is definitely possible to reach your goal if you get your mental health under control, granted it will take a lot of hard work. I would also recommend taking time off of school if that would in any way help you get your mental health under control, then coming back when you feel you can focus all of your energy on school. I mainly just wanted to say that I'm a senior at UA, so if you ever need school-related advice or just want to chat, feel free to reach out to me! 🙂 I also have a lot of friends at NAU if you are interested in transferring (I could ask them questions for you), but that won't in any way help your GPA as others have pointed out.

 

[LetItSnow]

I know LIS has experience with the low GPA, so I'm just going to tag him. @LetItSnow

I actually don't. It is true that I failed out of undergrad, uh, 3 times.

But because of the way UMN calculates GPAs (recent-45 credits, pre-reqs) I was actually a straight-A student from their perspective. All my crappy academics were way in the past.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

This. I am actually younger than sheltermed and I haven't taken a break from school since preschool. when people ask if they should take a gap year, I always tell them as much as I'm willing to see vet school through and I still want to do this, I heavily regret not taking that time off. I personally think everyone should take a gap year, but that's just me and it's probably a result of being pressured to jump right in by fanily, academic advisors, etc

Oh man, does this resonate.

I'm 32 and I also haven't taken a break in schooling since preschool 😆

I was straight through: high school --> college --> vet school --> residency --> PhD, and I WISH I had taken time off for my mental health and put myself first. I wish I had cared about myself more. I haven't taken a real vacation other than family for holidays in over a decade. I worked every summer and every break, and had 1-2 part time jobs all through high school, college, AND vet school.

I spiraled down HARD my third year of vet school into depression, crippling anxiety, and alcoholism because I had been ignoring my issues for too long, and almost failed out. It took me years to come back from that moment, both emotionally and physically. Every time you burn out, it takes you twice as long to come back and you cannot hurry the process. Then I kept ignoring my **** because I'm stubborn, and crashed and burned again in the first half of my PhD (thankfully not academically, but emotionally). I'm *still* coming back from that and for the first time, have been making a serious effort to manage my issues. Not by ignoring them or only focusing on my job or pushing forward, but to accept help.

FWIW, I tell every undergraduate student I ever have in my lab to take a gap year if they can.

 

[Nekrom]

Hello, this is a long thread so if you read all of it and reply it means a lot, thank you.

I am a second year, out of state, student at the University of Arizona, but I'm still considered a freshman. My ending GPA for my first semester was a 0.0. I didn't take any finals. I was so unhappy and at the time I didn't think anything was wrong with me, that I just didn't belong in school. That spring semester I made a 1.933, which was a significant increase. My summer gpa was a 3.0, fortunately. During that summer my parents found out that I wasn't going to be receiving financial aid for the following year. I appealed it, and it got approved. I took initiative to go to campus health so see what was wrong with me after that because I'm a really smart student I just didn't know what was going on. I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders and they were, and still are, trying to get me to take medication but I won't. My parents don't know that I've been seeing a therapist and that I was diagnosed. Also, I most likely might make a 2.0 gpa after this semester but I am still unsure yet. My gpa as of right now is a 1.516.

I can apply for a medical retroactive withdrawal of my first semester which will make my gpa to a 2.24. It will lift a lot of stress and anxiety off my shoulders and I feel like I can let that bad semester go and have a lot more hope to better myself. My only thing is, that if they don't approve it then its going to be hard to get an acceptable gpa for vet school and that burden is going to be on my shoulders. I don't feel like the committee will see that my depression and anxiety is an excuse for me to do bad my first semester.

I think the reason why i started this thread was because I want to know if anyone was in my shoes and for advice. I want to know if there is a chance for me to get into vet school if they don't accept my retroactive withdrawal. As of right now arizona doesn't have any public vet schools, so I could go home back to texas but I love arizona so much.

Hi Skaggs123, I am kind of in your shoes right now - I just medically withdrew from college this semester because of anxiety/depression. Have you applied for retroactive withdrawal yet? I would strongly recommend you do so, because it sound like getting rid of that 0.0 semester can really help you in a lot of ways. I truly understand that especially when you have anxiety, being able to start fresh can help so so so much, and this was exactly why the reason I chose to withdraw. A horrible accident happened to my girlfriend earlier this semester and I did not take it so well and I missed a lot of classes and HWs. Although I could explain my situation to the professors and try to catch up (which was nearly impossible for me at that time b/c I couldn't even catch up with the normal class pace), I figured I would rather give up on this semester and have a bunch of Ws than let the bad grades affect me even more.

I really want to tell you not to worry that much. I worried a lot too before applying for my medical withdrawal b/c I was afraid of getting rejected by the school. Turned out the process was wayyy easier than I expected. I just talked to my school therapist about hoping to withdraw b/c it would help me a lot, and she provided me the paperwork I needed right away. She even told me the counseling center can help to explain if the school gives me any trouble. I don't know about your school, but I believe that schools in general want to help their students to be well and success. It doesn't benefit them to give you a hard time when you are suffering. Try talk to your school therapist first about the withdrawal. They will be happy to help you because it does help your anxiety.

If the worst happens, your school doesn't accept your withdrawal (which I think probably is not going to happen), you may want to try transfer to another school so your GPA starts fresh. If not, I've also seen on this forum people getting in vet schools with GPAs under 3.0, so you will very likely be fine if you work on your GRE/vet experiences. The most important thing right now is that you recover from the anxiety and be well. I wish you all the luck!

 

[cdo96]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

I've come to term that I'm not getting in this year which is fine- I applied as a junior and it was a long shot as it is. My original plan was to be c/o 2022 and I was going to enter vet school the fall after I graduated (graduate may 18, enter fall 18). The problem is, I'm an overachiever and I'm graduating next December '17, in 3 1/2 years with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (it's one degree).

So I would have an entire spring semester to....???????. I don't know if there's any reason to get a minor (it'd be in either Microbiology or Chemistry) because of the caliber of my major.

I guess I can always just work full time as a kennel tech at the vet clinic, I just don't know what I'm passionate about. (Actually I do- I'm passionate about being in the research lab, but I've been volunteering there for my thesis and that doesn't pay the bills). I guess I'm just in a rut about what to do, and it makes me sad. 🙁 I'm a hard core planner, and this is the opposite of what I like to do

 

[battie]

Save money. The debt from vet school is a big problem, so saving money to use later for rent or to have as an emergency fund is my number one suggestion.

It also depends on why you might not be accepted. Focusing on fixing those problems is also a good idea.

 

[cdo96]

Save money. The debt from vet school is a big problem, so saving money to use later for rent or to have as an emergency fund is my number one suggestion.

It also depends on why you might not be accepted. Focusing on fixing those problems is also a good idea.

Money isn't my big issue- my grandfather was a huge supporter of me being a vet and when he passed he left me almost $200K in a bank account to pay for vet school tuition (Yeah, no one knew he had that kind of money).

I'm going to retake the GRE I had reasonable GRE scores but not fantastic. Not much I can do about my GPA, it's at a solid 3.6, cum GPA around 3.5, last 45 at around 3.45 ish. Get more diverse experience (have 550 SA, and 350 research.) So I guess just do everything

 

[battie]

Money isn't my big issue- my grandfather was a huge supporter of me being a vet and when he passed he left me almost $200K in a bank account to pay for vet school tuition (Yeah, no one knew he had that kind of money).

I'm going to retake the GRE I had reasonable GRE scores but not fantastic. Not much I can do about my GPA, it's at a solid 3.6, cum GPA around 3.5, last 45 at around 3.45 ish. Get more diverse experience (have 550 SA, and 350 research.) So I guess just do everything

I would still suggest saving money just in case you end up going OOS. I'll be at about 225k when I graduate. Yeah, 25k doesn't seem that much, but when you have to add 6% interest every year, why not have more money? As a vet student, more money in your pocket is never a bad thing. Lol.

Yeah, getting more experience would definitely be a solid plan, especially in something you haven't experienced.

 

[cdo96]

I would still suggest saving money just in case you end up going OOS. I'll be at about 225k when I graduate. Yeah, 25k doesn't seem that much, but when you have to add 6% interest every year, why not have more money? As a vet student, more money in your pocket is never a bad thing. Lol.

Yeah, getting more experience would definitely be a solid plan, especially in something you haven't experienced.

Okay. That makes sense save money and all... so... move back home and work at a clinic for more hours?

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Money isn't my big issue- my grandfather was a huge supporter of me being a vet and when he passed he left me almost $200K in a bank account to pay for vet school tuition (Yeah, no one knew he had that kind of money).

I'm going to retake the GRE I had reasonable GRE scores but not fantastic. Not much I can do about my GPA, it's at a solid 3.6, cum GPA around 3.5, last 45 at around 3.45 ish. Get more diverse experience (have 550 SA, and 350 research.) So I guess just do everything

Do file reviews! That'll be the best way to identify what to improve. It's really helpful to talk to the school and hear from them what they liked about you and what kept them from accepting you.

 

[battie]

Okay. That makes sense save money and all... so... move back home and work at a clinic for more hours?

If you can, why not? . Two birds with one stone. That's my suggestion at least. File reviews also a suggestion.

 

[battie]

Do file reviews!

Ninja'd

 

[cdo96]

Okay!!! Thanks y'all!!!

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Ninja'd

you know me

 

[Coopah]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

I've come to term that I'm not getting in this year which is fine- I applied as a junior and it was a long shot as it is. My original plan was to be c/o 2022 and I was going to enter vet school the fall after I graduated (graduate may 18, enter fall 18). The problem is, I'm an overachiever and I'm graduating next December '17, in 3 1/2 years with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (it's one degree).

So I would have an entire spring semester to....???????. I don't know if there's any reason to get a minor (it'd be in either Microbiology or Chemistry) because of the caliber of my major.

I guess I can always just work full time as a kennel tech at the vet clinic, I just don't know what I'm passionate about. (Actually I do- I'm passionate about being in the research lab, but I've been volunteering there for my thesis and that doesn't pay the bills). I guess I'm just in a rut about what to do, and it makes me sad. 🙁 I'm a hard core planner, and this is the opposite of what I like to do

First off Congratulations! That's a super achievement. I would reiterate what @batsenecal said, you can never have enough money. Besides that start working in something your really interested in, you want to do research, try to find a paying position. I'm not accepted yet but all my interviews so far have brought up the fact I have 'real world' experience. it's clear what I would do if I didn't get in, I already have a career. I hate it but that's besides the point. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world, take it as a gift, do some hard core soul searching. Find your passion outside of vet med. Take a break. All of that aside, I'm sure you'll get in, I feel the need to plan too, but stay positive!

 

[cdo96]

First off Congratulations! That's a super achievement. I would reiterate what @batsenecal said, you can never have enough money. Besides that start working in something your really interested in, you want to do research, try to find a paying position. I'm not accepted yet but all my interviews so far have brought up the fact I have 'real world' experience. it's clear what I would do if I didn't get in, I already have a career. I hate it but that's besides the point. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world, take it as a gift, do some hard core soul searching. Find your passion outside of vet med. Take a break. All of that aside, I'm sure you'll get in, I feel the need to plan too, but stay positive!

Thanks Coopah! 😀

 

[Coopah]

Thanks Coopah! 😀

Anytime buddy 😉

 

[floridajl]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

I've come to term that I'm not getting in this year which is fine- I applied as a junior and it was a long shot as it is. My original plan was to be c/o 2022 and I was going to enter vet school the fall after I graduated (graduate may 18, enter fall 18). The problem is, I'm an overachiever and I'm graduating next December '17, in 3 1/2 years with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (it's one degree).

So I would have an entire spring semester to....???????. I don't know if there's any reason to get a minor (it'd be in either Microbiology or Chemistry) because of the caliber of my major.

I guess I can always just work full time as a kennel tech at the vet clinic, I just don't know what I'm passionate about. (Actually I do- I'm passionate about being in the research lab, but I've been volunteering there for my thesis and that doesn't pay the bills). I guess I'm just in a rut about what to do, and it makes me sad. 🙁 I'm a hard core planner, and this is the opposite of what I like to do

First of all, don't be too hard on yourself! Most of us don't get in our first time anyway. I would suggest using next semester to just breathe. All the other suggestions are great - save money, do file reviews, and find something else you love, but really just do whatever you want! I know undergrad can be stressful, so take that time to recover before you reapply (because that's also stressful, and neither of them hold a candle to vet school, I'm sure). From what I've read before, you seem to really enjoy your research, so maybe find a paying position in your lab or a different lab. Just enjoy your time off and mentally prepare yourself for another round of applications.

 

[lhmhtd]

Just my 2 cents:
I also struggle with anxiety and depression (as I'm sure MANY of us in the veterinary world do), and it took me many years to get past the negative stigma society and my family had imprinted on me regarding mental health. As an example, I recently had a friend take her life and someone in my immediate family expressed his (ignorant) opinion that suicide is for the weak just wanting to take the easy way out. My point is that it took me YEARS to agree to take medication for my anxiety and depression and yeah, I went thru a few different ones to find what works for me, but it is worth it to do that for yourself. Go on hikes, meditate, eat healthy, journal- all those things are great but I would recommend at least considering medication as well especially since you want to go to vet school. Your mental health NEEDS to come first if you want to succeed in this field.

 

[katashark]

Chill and don't study. Take a break between graduating and going to vet school. Get a job you can deal with/hopefully like and make some money but also have fun! And figure out what the schools want you to work on. I had similar GPAs as you.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[skaggs123]

Update: I have been disqualified from the UA and now I have to take a year of classes at the local community college. I am upset but i think it was a wake up call for me. I am back home for christmas break but i already have an appointment for when i get back to discuss what types of medication i could take to help me. My academic advisor was really helpful and gave me a list of classes that i can take for those 2 semesters and if i get a 3.0 or higher I will be considered for readmission.

Im really upset that I let myself get so low and screw up my career. I am so behind now and its really hard to tell my family that i flunked out of college, not becuase i wasn't smart enough, but because my depression and anxiety have taken over.

I hope that I don't spend years finding a medication that works for me.

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

I'm glad to hear you are working on ways to manage your mental healthy going forward, and I hope you find the right medication(s) quickly. 🙂

It will take work, but you your chances of vet school are not completely in the trash. Best of luck in your classes and life going forwards!

 

[kaydubs]

Update: I have been disqualified from the UA and now I have to take a year of classes at the local community college. I am upset but i think it was a wake up call for me. I am back home for christmas break but i already have an appointment for when i get back to discuss what types of medication i could take to help me. My academic advisor was really helpful and gave me a list of classes that i can take for those 2 semesters and if i get a 3.0 or higher I will be considered for readmission.

Im really upset that I let myself get so low and screw up my career. I am so behind now and its really hard to tell my family that i flunked out of college, not becuase i wasn't smart enough, but because my depression and anxiety have taken over.

I hope that I don't spend years finding a medication that works for me.

It definitely takes time to find what works for you but remember that the effort is 10,000,000% worth it. I promise

 

[twelvetigers]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

Hah!

 

[Doktor Timo]

Update: I have been disqualified from the UA and now I have to take a year of classes at the local community college. I am upset but i think it was a wake up call for me. I am back home for christmas break but i already have an appointment for when i get back to discuss what types of medication i could take to help me. My academic advisor was really helpful and gave me a list of classes that i can take for those 2 semesters and if i get a 3.0 or higher I will be considered for readmission.

Im really upset that I let myself get so low and screw up my career. I am so behind now and its really hard to tell my family that i flunked out of college, not becuase i wasn't smart enough, but because my depression and anxiety have taken over.

I hope that I don't spend years finding a medication that works for me.

Good on you for starting the hard work of treating your mental health issues. If/when you get into vet school, you're going to be really glad you started now and not later. Hopefully your family and friends will be understanding of your struggle, but if they aren't that's just too bad for them. Your health is more important than their opinion.

 

[cdo96]

Hah!

You're welcome TT. Haha

 

[LabLuv004]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

I've come to term that I'm not getting in this year which is fine- I applied as a junior and it was a long shot as it is. My original plan was to be c/o 2022 and I was going to enter vet school the fall after I graduated (graduate may 18, enter fall 18). The problem is, I'm an overachiever and I'm graduating next December '17, in 3 1/2 years with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (it's one degree).

So I would have an entire spring semester to....???????. I don't know if there's any reason to get a minor (it'd be in either Microbiology or Chemistry) because of the caliber of my major.

I guess I can always just work full time as a kennel tech at the vet clinic, I just don't know what I'm passionate about. (Actually I do- I'm passionate about being in the research lab, but I've been volunteering there for my thesis and that doesn't pay the bills). I guess I'm just in a rut about what to do, and it makes me sad. 🙁 I'm a hard core planner, and this is the opposite of what I like to do

First off congratulations! I couldn't imagine completing my degree early!
I can say that when I started undergrad I had a solid plan, and by second semester that plan changed completely. I have had so many twists and turns in the past 5 years that I've really learned to embrace it.
I would suggest finding something you like to do whether it be working in a lab or with animals in a clinic, and enjoying where you are now. I wanted to apply to vet school my junior year, and then again my senior year but financial and family obligations made it impossible. Everyone has a different path to and through school and the things that make you different are the things that make you stand out. Even working as a cashier at a store or as a kennel assistant and really taking some time to do stuff you enjoy will help. Have something to tell the admissions committee next year when you have interviews!

 

[cdo96]

First off congratulations! I couldn't imagine completing my degree early!
I can say that when I started undergrad I had a solid plan, and by second semester that plan changed completely. I have had so many twists and turns in the past 5 years that I've really learned to embrace it.
I would suggest finding something you like to do whether it be working in a lab or with animals in a clinic, and enjoying where you are now. I wanted to apply to vet school my junior year, and then again my senior year but financial and family obligations made it impossible. Everyone has a different path to and through school and the things that make you different are the things that make you stand out. Even working as a cashier at a store or as a kennel assistant and really taking some time to do stuff you enjoy will help. Have something to tell the admissions committee next year when you have interviews!

Thank you LabLuv004! I'm really proud of what I've been able to accomplish so far, so I'm understandably a little nervous about the uncertain future! Thank you for this explanation!! 😀

 

[SummerTheLynx]

Decided I need an unbiased opinion for this- (and used the search button to not irritate TT).

I've come to term that I'm not getting in this year which is fine- I applied as a junior and it was a long shot as it is. My original plan was to be c/o 2022 and I was going to enter vet school the fall after I graduated (graduate may 18, enter fall 18). The problem is, I'm an overachiever and I'm graduating next December '17, in 3 1/2 years with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (it's one degree).

So I would have an entire spring semester to....???????. I don't know if there's any reason to get a minor (it'd be in either Microbiology or Chemistry) because of the caliber of my major.

I guess I can always just work full time as a kennel tech at the vet clinic, I just don't know what I'm passionate about. (Actually I do- I'm passionate about being in the research lab, but I've been volunteering there for my thesis and that doesn't pay the bills). I guess I'm just in a rut about what to do, and it makes me sad. 🙁 I'm a hard core planner, and this is the opposite of what I like to do

Do your life goals with vet med have to do with research? If so, I would highly recommend Doing everything in your power to publish your research assuming your at a point where you can. Definitely work and save money if you can, but I would personally put that as my number 1 goal if that is your intention!

 

[cdo96]

Do your life goals with vet med have to do with research? If so, I would highly recommend Doing everything in your power to publish your research assuming your at a point where you can. Definitely work and save money if you can, but I would personally put that as my number 1 goal if that is your intention!

Actually no, my life goals with vet med aren't research based! I would be happy if I ended up doing research, but my professional goals are to specialize in small animal surgery. There's a surgery clinic right close to my house in DFW, so I might see what I can do there?

 

[skaggs123]

I thought I would update....

It has been a year since my breakdown lol. The committee approved my retroactive withdrawal so my 0.0gpa semester is GONE!!(other than the fact that vet schools can still see it).
I still decided to take classes at the local community college just so I can get my mental health in check. I’m currently at my third semester and will be reapplying to UA for fall 2018. I haven’t found medication that works for me but I have been trying and I mostly have my mental health in check.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and although applying to vet school is stressful, I don’t feel discouraged. I’m no where near behind than I thought I was.
I honestly didn’t think I would make it last year... I had suicidal thoughts and other negative energy. But I just want to say, it really does get better. I’m not the only person who has gone through this and there are many more people who will.
Let’s just hope I’ll be C/O 2024