Advice: what to do once accepted?

[DecoyVet]

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I've just been accepted to University of Tennessee's class of 2020 (yay!) and I'm hoping for some advice for what to do in the next 5 months. Thanks so much in advance for any help you can offer!

Which subjects would you study to make vet school just a little easier/less overwhelming?

Any particular veterinary or motivational books you'd recommend? (Miller's Anatomy of the Dog is one that's been recommended.)

How about useful online resources like YouTube channels or VIN or university of Illinois' incredible X-ray anatomy website (just google "university of Illinois imaging anatomy" it's pretty awesome)? Would love some more of those tools in my repertoire!

I'm in classes this semester but don't always have the best study habits, so I'd love to practice better habits now before vet school starts. Which habits have worked for you or your friends?

Any other advice?

 

[PrincessButterCup]

There was a thread about this in pre-vet not too long ago.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/so-youve-been-accepted-now-what.1175135/

 

[DecoyVet]

There was a thread about this in pre-vet not too long ago.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/so-youve-been-accepted-now-what.1175135/

Thanks, I saw that one and thought it was really cute, but it didn't really answer my questions, so I thought I'd try a new thread with specific questions listed. I love that everyone is so friendly here and couldn't stop smiling when I saw the replies to the thread you linked!

 

[CalliopeDVM]

Miller's anatomy book is dry and, IMO, not motivational at all. I didn't even like it for studying anatomy (Pasquini was far, far better), so don't waste your money unless/until it become a required text. VIN is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but you can't become a member unless you're actually a vet student with a school email address (it's free for vet students). A good online source for information about zoonotic diseases and human-animal health issues is the http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/ which is interesting, well written, and has some very neat information sheets under the "Resources" menu. Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative is about keeping cats and dogs happy and mentally stimulated at home (https://indoorpet.osu.edu//) and is worth poking around to check out (the Why Do Cats Purr article linked on the front page is short but interesting).

 

[DecoyVet]

Miller's anatomy book is dry and, IMO, not motivational at all. I didn't even like it for studying anatomy (Pasquini was far, far better), so don't waste your money unless/until it become a required text. VIN is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but you can't become a member unless you're actually a vet student with a school email address (it's free for vet students). A good online source for information about zoonotic diseases and human-animal health issues is the http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/ which is interesting, well written, and has some very neat information sheets under the "Resources" menu. Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative is about keeping cats and dogs happy and mentally stimulated at home (https://indoorpet.osu.edu//) and is worth poking around to check out (the Why Do Cats Purr article linked on the front page is short but interesting).

Thanks I'll definitely check those out! I actually have a UT email already because I did my undergrad there, though I'm not sure if vet students get a different one. I tried registering for VIN yesterday but I'm still waiting for the activation e-mail... hopefully it works. I'll see if I can find Pasquini's anatomy book cheap on amazon.

 

[MassDVMMPH]

I believe there is a good veterinary anatomy coloring book out there. I saw it at the book table at a recent vet conference. That looks like something an accepted vet student might find useful this summer. You could relax your nerves and learn a little something at the same time.

 

[CalliopeDVM]

I've heard adult colouring books are all the rage now! An anatomy colouring books sounds like a great idea (for me too).

 

[dyachei]

I've just been accepted to University of Tennessee's class of 2020 (yay!) and I'm hoping for some advice for what to do in the next 5 months. Thanks so much in advance for any help you can offer!

Which subjects would you study to make vet school just a little easier/less overwhelming?

Any particular veterinary or motivational books you'd recommend? (Miller's Anatomy of the Dog is one that's been recommended.)

How about useful online resources like YouTube channels or VIN or university of Illinois' incredible X-ray anatomy website (just google "university of Illinois imaging anatomy" it's pretty awesome)? Would love some more of those tools in my repertoire!

I'm in classes this semester but don't always have the best study habits, so I'd love to practice better habits now before vet school starts. Which habits have worked for you or your friends?

Any other advice?

Number 1? No subjects over the next 5 months. If it helps at all it will be a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Read some books for pleasure, enjoy a hobby. We aren't just saying this to say this. There's a reason.

As for practicing better study habits, are you taking classes right now? Just experiment with different ways to study and find what works best for you.

 

[DecoyVet]

Number 1? No subjects over the next 5 months. If it helps at all it will be a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Read some books for pleasure, enjoy a hobby. We aren't just saying this to say this. There's a reason.

As for practicing better study habits, are you taking classes right now? Just experiment with different ways to study and find what works best for you.

I've had a few vets say the same thing that I should enjoy my last few months of "freedom" haha but honestly I enjoy learning and I think I'd feel better this summer if I do spend at least some of my free time doing something useful even if it's small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
I'm taking microbial pathogenesis and animal immune physiology this semester so I have some classes that are tough enough to be useful practice for vet school if there are any habits you guys would recommend forming.

 

[dyachei]

I've had a few vets say the same thing that I should enjoy my last few months of "freedom" haha but honestly I enjoy learning and I think I'd feel better this summer if I do spend at least some of my free time doing something useful even if it's small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
I'm taking microbial pathogenesis and animal immune physiology this semester so I have some classes that are tough enough to be useful practice for vet school if there are any habits you guys would recommend forming.

IF everyone keeps telling you the same thing, maybe you should consider it more?

You really, really, really don't want to burn out. And learning to relax is important to that process

 

[Caia]

I've had a few vets say the same thing that I should enjoy my last few months of "freedom" haha but honestly I enjoy learning and I think I'd feel better this summer if I do spend at least some of my free time doing something useful even if it's small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
I'm taking microbial pathogenesis and animal immune physiology this semester so I have some classes that are tough enough to be useful practice for vet school if there are any habits you guys would recommend forming.

I would recommend trying to figure out how you can study most efficiently while in class. Making study guides? Flashcards? Whatever works. The issue isn't always whether you can remember the material after studying so much as not always having the time to spend studying the material as much as you would like.

On the other note, this topic has come up many times with many different pre-vets wanting to know what to study the summer before their first year. The advice from current vet students and veterinarians is almost unanimous in that enjoying your last summer of freedom is important and that any time spent trying to pre-study is largely a waste due to the pace of vet school. If you want to study for hours over the summer only to be familiar with the subject matter for the first week, go ahead. But generations before you are echoing the same recommendations as they have found out for themselves.

 

[Osudairy]

IF everyone keeps telling you the same thing, maybe you should consider it more?

You really, really, really don't want to burn out. And learning to relax is important to that process

I agree to this. If you have the chance to enjoy yourself over the summer, I would take full advantage of it before vet school starts to relax your mind, exercise, hobbies, etc. Every vet I have known has told me this. However, I will only be able to do this for about 3 weeks before vet school starts because I don't defend my thesis until July. 🙁. Don't burn yourself out before you even start.

 

[DecoyVet]

I would recommend trying to figure out how you can study most efficiently while in class. Making study guides? Flashcards? Whatever works. The issue isn't always whether you can remember the material after studying so much as not always having the time to spend studying the material as much as you would like.

On the other note, this topic has come up many times with many different pre-vets wanting to know what to study the summer before their first year. The advice from current vet students and veterinarians is almost unanimous in that enjoying your last summer of freedom is important and that any time spent trying to pre-study is largely a waste due to the pace of vet school. If you want to study for hours over the summer only to be familiar with the subject matter for the first week, go ahead. But generations before you are echoing the same recommendations as they have found out for themselves.

Thanks, you guys are probably right so I'll try to relax this summer. I'm still interested in how successful students study and manage their time so I can try to implement it this semester. If anyone can comment on what they've found effective I'd appreciate it!

 

[CalliopeDVM]

Thanks, you guys are probably right so I'll try to relax this summer. I'm still interested in how successful students study and manage their time so I can try to implement it this semester. If anyone can comment on what they've found effective I'd appreciate it!

It's different for everyone......for me, I need to talk out loud (with or without other students) and build connections and mnemonics that make sense to me. Others learn best by sheer repetition and need silence (with or without solitude) to help them concentrate. I find writing helps me, not typing or texting, because the actual act of hand writing helps me remember things (there are studies that back it up), but others find writing slows them down and they need to read and re-read to make it stick.

Different strokes......

 

[Lab Vet]

On the other note, this topic has come up many times with many different pre-vets wanting to know what to study the summer before their first year. The advice from current vet students and veterinarians is almost unanimous in that enjoying your last summer of freedom is important and that any time spent trying to pre-study is largely a waste due to the pace of vet school. If you want to study for hours over the summer only to be familiar with the subject matter for the first week, go ahead. But generations before you are echoing the same recommendations as they have found out for themselves.

This. Don't do anything 'school related' your summer prior to veterinary school. The studying you attempt won't be effective, because you're completely naive as to the school's expectations (nothing you can dream up in your mind will even come close to the real thing). Secondly, you'll be hard-pressed to find oodles of 'free time' during school. Hang out with your friends, appreciate your family, play with your dogs, go camping....that's what this summer should be all about. Leave vet school for vet school. You'll be glad you did.

 

[twelvetigers]

Puke.

No, don't study. You'll figure it out when you have to.

 

[nyanko]

mind altering drugs, sitting under the stars in the middle of nowhere, videogames, road trips, Netflix, working out, learning a new cool hobby....really, anything that isn't related to vet med is going to be more beneficial to you in the long run than spending the entire summer learning something that will be covered over a period of two weeks in vet school.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Once you're a vet student, reality will sink in that you only have limited time off, and that becomes precious. You remember all the summers and winter breaks and thanksgiving and stuff from undergrad and you get kind of sad about not having taken advantage of that.

Then you start clinics and don't even have breaks between semesters or anything. Just maybe two to four weeks that you end up using for board studying or externships. And you get sad thinking about how you should have used those breaks during first two years of vet school to have fun because all the stuff you thought you had done to get ahead didn't really get you ahead at all.

Then you start working and you realize you almost never have time off for vacations. And if you're on production like me, your vacation is not paid 🙁 so you can't even afford what little vacation time you have. And for the first time you realize this is for eternity...

Seriously enjoy it. You'll thank yourself later.

Don't listen to us old wise folk and you'll realize later what a dumbdumb you were.

Take the time now to spend with loved ones. Your aging grandparents or what have you. See all your friends who are scattered around the country or world. Cause it get's reaaaally hard to do that once you get like half way through vet school.


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[Osudairy]

Once you're a vet student, reality will sink in that you only have limited time off, and that becomes precious. You remember all the summers and winter breaks and thanksgiving and stuff from undergrad and you get kind of sad about not having taken advantage of that.

Then you start clinics and don't even have breaks between semesters or anything. Just maybe two to four weeks that you end up using for board studying or externships. And you get sad thinking about how you should have used those breaks during first two years of vet school to have fun because all the stuff you thought you had done to get ahead didn't really get you ahead at all.

Then you start working and you realize you almost never have time off for vacations. And if you're on production like me, your vacation is not paid 🙁 so you can't even afford what little vacation time you have. And for the first time you realize this is for eternity...

Seriously enjoy it. You'll thank yourself later.

Don't listen to us old wise folk and you'll realize later what a dumbdumb you were.

Take the time now to spend with loved ones. Your aging grandparents or what have you. See all your friends who are scattered around the country or world. Cause it get's reaaaally hard to do that once you get like half way through vet school.


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[DecoyVet]

Once you're a vet student, reality will sink in that you only have limited time off, and that becomes precious. You remember all the summers and winter breaks and thanksgiving and stuff from undergrad and you get kind of sad about not having taken advantage of that.

Then you start clinics and don't even have breaks between semesters or anything. Just maybe two to four weeks that you end up using for board studying or externships. And you get sad thinking about how you should have used those breaks during first two years of vet school to have fun because all the stuff you thought you had done to get ahead didn't really get you ahead at all.

Then you start working and you realize you almost never have time off for vacations. And if you're on production like me, your vacation is not paid 🙁 so you can't even afford what little vacation time you have. And for the first time you realize this is for eternity...

Seriously enjoy it. You'll thank yourself later.

Don't listen to us old wise folk and you'll realize later what a dumbdumb you were.

Take the time now to spend with loved ones. Your aging grandparents or what have you. See all your friends who are scattered around the country or world. Cause it get's reaaaally hard to do that once you get like half way through vet school.


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Thanks Minnerbelle and everyone else who replied. I will take all of your advice and avoid studying (for the most part) over the summer! I really enjoy learning so I might watch some vet videos or something but I'll only do it when I feel like it and I'll mainly focus on my family. My parents are really incredible and have already come to me and told me that they realize we won't be able to spend whole days playing games and goofing off together very often anymore when I'm in vet school so they've volunteered to come out weekly to help me study, clean, cook meals that can be frozen and eaten through out the week, etc just to spend time with me. I'll spend my last summer before vet school spending time with them because I'm sure I'm gonna miss our poker nights haha. 😉
I appreciate your help and patience I'm sure I seem pretty naïve thinking I can get the jump on vet school with a bit of summer studying!

 

[dyachei]

You could always study easy to make food recipes that make multiple meals and can be frozen. Because you will have days where cooking is going to seem impossible 🙂

 

[Osudairy]

You could always study easy to make food recipes that make multiple meals and can be frozen. Because you will have days where cooking is going to seem impossible 🙂

Definitely have that problem now in grad school LOL

 

[LetItSnow]

Thanks, you guys are probably right so I'll try to relax this summer. I'm still interested in how successful students study and manage their time so I can try to implement it this semester. If anyone can comment on what they've found effective I'd appreciate it!

The problem is you can't really simulate the pace of vet school so trying to implement techniques over summer won't work.

I get where you are at. I asked the same question. I ignored people ahead of me and I studied some. It was a waste of time. So be smarter than me. 🙂

Don't worry. You got in, so the odds are incredibly high that you will manage just fine. You'll figure it out as you go. Promise.

Everyone has different techniques. I studied 95% alone, 5% with one other person. I found a coffee shop that stayed open late where I could review and make notes. Then when they would close I would pack up and move to Perkins. That worked for me. Other people studied only on weekends. Other people never studied on weekends. You will find your way. 🙂


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