Advice

[cspield22]

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Hi!!
I'm new to the forum and have been poking around a bit until I decided to sign up. I'll be a senior in high school this year and just wanted some advice. I wanted to be a vet when I was little and have deviated from that path as I've grown older. After looking at different majors and looking on college websites I've decided that I'm going to go after my childhood dream of being a vet. I've volunteered at my local animal shelter for about 2 years now (going on 3) and I'm thinking of talking to my vet about volunteering/working at his practice for a few days a week after school to get a feel for the business. Is the animal shelter experience good enough now or should I also talk to my vet about volunteering at his practice?
Also, I struggle a bit in math (not too bad, high C's at worst and high B's at best), but I was wondering if this is something to seriously consider for continuing along the path to be a vet because I know that there is some tough math along the way.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!! 😀

 

[InanOven]

good news is you've got time on your side . . . I didn't decide until halfway through college and it was not fun trying to get experience while taking a full load of upper division science courses at the same time . . . I say do whatever you can. it can't hurt. Even if you just watch and ask questions you'll be ahead of the game. then you can concentrate on school more when it counts.

Also re: the math. you do have to take one calculus course i believe and whatever prerequisite that might require. not a lot of math but some.

 

[vulturesrow]

Just to be clear, Im not in vet school and it'll be a while before I apply (check my post about the 8 year plan 😉. But what I can say is whatever you decide to do, hit the ground running in college. I didnt do that and I am regretting it now (11 years later). As for the math thing, I think the most strenuous math course any CVM makes you have as a prereq is Calculus. Calculus I is not that hard for a reasonably intelligent person in my opinion, and Im saying this as one who hates math. But at least you know your weakness so concentrate on it.

As for the volunteer stuff, yes absolutely get as much volunteer time as you can. Make sure you have accurate records of your time. I dont know how closely the CVM adcoms check your volunteer hours but the records will help you write it all down accurately when that time comes. Also, (and I could be way off base on this one), try to do volunteer work that allows you do more "vet-like" stuff. In other words, if your only volunteer work was mucking out stalls at a horse farm, I wouldnt think it would be that meaningful. On the other hand, if you were helping administer medicine, etc. that would be more noteworthy. Again, just speculation on my part, hopefully someone will tighten me up if Im way off base.

And lastly, have fun in college, try new and exciting things, but make sure you hit books hard too!

 

[rileyroo]

Actually, the math requirement will vary depending on your major and what schools you apply to. My major didn't require calculus and I'm not applying to any schools that require calculus. I took algebra and trig. So if you're worried about math and are looking into prerequisites now, check the different schools you're interested in and see what math classes are required for each.

The good thing about college is most schools will have a tutoring program and math lab. very valuable resources for those who struggle with the subject!


on a side note, i love your signature. i watched the last lecture a couple of weeks ago! 🙂

 

[spikey]

As far as the shadowing goes: definitely look into it. I feel like shadowing someone doing something you would want to do as a future career is always a worthwhile move.

Shelter medicine is different than private practice in the things they see and often in how they are treated. Looking into and shadowing different vets and their practices will help you get a feel for more of the medicine side. I definitely like seeing and comparing shelter and private practice medicine. I love both, and having experience in both will help you find out if this is what you really want (and if so, will look great on your application).

Good luck! 🙂

 

[cspield22]

Thanks so much!! I do need to keep better records for my volunteering. I usually just go in and go out without writing anything down. I'll have to start that. And I'll definitely use the tutoring program when the time comes. I'm doing ok now, but once college comes it'll probably get harder.

on a side note, i love your signature. i watched the last lecture a couple of weeks ago! 🙂

I haven't watched it yet, but I've read his book. I loved it and highly recommend it!! It really inspired me and I got a whole bunch of great quotes from him.

A couple of other things:
1. What happens if, 5 years down the road, I don't get accepted into a vet school. What would I do (until I reapply at least 😉)? It seems like the path to vet school is pretty specific. I don't really see it translating into an office job.
2. It seems like everyone on this forum made it into vet school first try, yet I've heard it's crazy hard to get into. Did everyone just have perfect scores and experience or was anyone just really lucky? (Sorry if this question sounds offensive!)

 

[spikey]

A couple of other things:
1. What happens if, 5 years down the road, I don't get accepted into a vet school. What would I do (until I reapply at least 😉)? It seems like the path to vet school is pretty specific. I don't really see it translating into an office job.

You're really thinking ahead! I don't know if that's something I would worry about now. The important things are to focus on your undergrad degree and do your best, and get some practical experience.

I know after that and an unsuccessful application cycle, people sometimes go for Master's and other programs like that and get some more experience to beef up the application. If you were unsuccessful, usually the committee will go over stuff with you to do until the next cycle, too.

2. It seems like everyone on this forum made it into vet school first try, yet I've heard it's crazy hard to get into. Did everyone just have perfect scores and experience or was anyone just really lucky? (Sorry if this question sounds offensive!)

I know not everyone got in on the first try, and yep, its difficult. But focus on doing well and preparing yourself, and you shouldn't have to worry too much. 🙂

 

[Poochlover11]

Thanks so much!! I do need to keep better records for my volunteering. I usually just go in and go out without writing anything down. I'll have to start that. And I'll definitely use the tutoring program when the time comes. I'm doing ok now, but once college comes it'll probably get harder.


I haven't watched it yet, but I've read his book. I loved it and highly recommend it!! It really inspired me and I got a whole bunch of great quotes from him.

A couple of other things:
1. What happens if, 5 years down the road, I don't get accepted into a vet school. What would I do (until I reapply at least 😉)? It seems like the path to vet school is pretty specific. I don't really see it translating into an office job.
2. It seems like everyone on this forum made it into vet school first try, yet I've heard it's crazy hard to get into. Did everyone just have perfect scores and experience or was anyone just really lucky? (Sorry if this question sounds offensive!)

Actually if you go to the successful applicant page you will see that it took many people multiple times to get accepted into vet school.

And as far as a pre-vet degree transfering into something else, I guess it depends I what you do for your bachelors. I am doing a double major in animal science/dairy science. But you can major in just about anything you want as long as you fulfill the pre-vet requirements for the vet school you are applying at. So, you could choose a major that would enable you to have a backup plan, and allow you to fulfill the pre-vet requirement classes (chemistry, biology, animal science, even something like business).

If I don't get in the first time I think I will try and work as a vet tech at a hospital to get some more experience and to have some cash flow.

Hope that helps! 🙂

 

[Caninerepro]

I understand your pain -- Calculus was my C in college. Funny thing is, I got an A in it during high school! Of course that was a good, well 15 years before. 😳 Anyhow, try to keep your GPA up as high as you can, especially in the pre-reqs. That said, do not freak out if you stub your toe a few times your first few years. It is OK! 🙂 What the schools really want to see is a very strong last 45 credits of your academic career, taking the upper division science classes. That once you "grew up" in college, you were able to buckle down and be competitive -- we all had a lot of life adjustments to deal with when we started college and that is OK. Only as an example, I had a 3.4 overall undergrad GPA, with the one aforementioned C in Calculus (and a few real close calls elsewhere!). However my last 45 was a 3.94 in upper division and graduate level science courses. Not saying you need this exactly, but to paint a picture for you. I got into about half the 12 schools I applied to, including #1 -- but "funily" not my instate ... #2. Anyhow, if you are as serious as you sound this early in the game, you will come out way ahead of where most of us were. Just understand, it is OK if you struggle early on.

One other quick but dorky note. Get one of those 49 cent tiny spiral notepads and record your vet and animal hours in it. I know it sounds a bit geeky, and it is, but you won't believe how much it will help you out when application time comes around. Just write down date, place, hours involved, and maybe 4 or 5 words describing what you did. You will be so happy you did in four or five years.

Cheers, and good luck! 😎

 

[Poochlover11]

Here is the link to the successful applicant posting.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=589279

Hopefully it works. I don't normally post links-that's usually twelvetigers job. 🙂

 

[cspield22]

Here is the link to the successful applicant posting.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=589279

Hopefully it works. I don't normally post links-that's usually twelvetigers job. 🙂

It worked perfectly! Thanks! I'll definitely poke around here for a bit.

And as far as a pre-vet degree transfering into something else, I guess it depends I what you do for your bachelors. I am doing a double major in animal science/dairy science. But you can major in just about anything you want as long as you fulfill the pre-vet requirements for the vet school you are applying at. So, you could choose a major that would enable you to have a backup plan, and allow you to fulfill the pre-vet requirement classes (chemistry, biology, animal science, even something like business).

Could I major in business?? Because that might actually be helpful if I were to decide to start my own practice. I didn't really think that was an option because I didn't think the school would allow me to take the pre-requirements in something other than a science course...

I know after that and an unsuccessful application cycle, people sometimes go for Master's and other programs like that and get some more experience to beef up the application. If you were unsuccessful, usually the committee will go over stuff with you to do until the next cycle, too.

That's nice. I had no idea they would help you come up with stuff to do. I suppose you could do Peace Corps or something. I had this nightmare of not getting in and then not having a job. Do people ever apply to vet school and apply for a job as a backup?

 

[rileyroo]

One other quick but dorky note. Get one of those 49 cent tiny spiral notepads and record your vet and animal hours in it. I know it sounds a bit geeky, and it is, but you won't believe how much it will help you out when application time comes around. Just write down date, place, hours involved, and maybe 4 or 5 words describing what you did. You will be so happy you did in four or five years.

i couldn't agree with this statement more!! i did this and am filling out the vmcas application this year. logging your hours and brief descriptions of your experiences will really help in the future!

 

[Poochlover11]

It worked perfectly! Thanks! I'll definitely poke around here for a bit.


Could I major in business?? Because that might actually be helpful if I were to decide to start my own practice. I didn't really think that was an option because I didn't think the school would allow me to take the pre-requirements in something other than a science course...

Im glad the link worked.

And yes, you could major in business. I was even told by an advisor I could major in dance if I wanted to!

Right now I have two majors and I am doing the "pre-vet option." Which basically means that in addition to the classes I take for my major, I also take the classes required for vet school.

What is nice about a science major is that more of your classes will overlap with your pre-vet req classes and you won't have to take as many. But by all means you could major in business as long as you take the classes required for vet school too.

 

[rileyroo]

Could I major in business?? Because that might actually be helpful if I were to decide to start my own practice. I didn't really think that was an option because I didn't think the school would allow me to take the pre-requirements in something other than a science course...

i haven't been accepted to vet school, i'm currently applying so you might wanna take advice from a successful applicant 🙂...but i majored in business. you might find that your prereqs don't overlap with a business degree (depending on the degree requirements at your university) but you could do the prereqs in addition to your business degree.

 

[cspield22]

i haven't been accepted to vet school, i'm currently applying so you might wanna take advice from a successful applicant 🙂...but i majored in business. you might find that your prereqs don't overlap with a business degree (depending on the degree requirements at your university) but you could do the prereqs in addition to your business degree.

Was that difficult? To juggle a major in business while also trying to get the prereqs done? Is that sort of like having a double major?

And I thought of another question: Is the GRE like the SAT?

 

[rileyroo]

i double majored in a degree in business and a degree in the arts & sciences with a minor as well. it is a lot of work but i finished it in 5 years, however i didn't do the prereqs then. i went back and did the prereqs after i graduated. but i would imagine doing a business degree and the prereqs would be similar (if not less) than what i did b/c i had a lot more requirements for my second degree (in arts & sciences) than prereqs for vet school. for me it's the best of both worlds, i got my degrees in areas i really enjoy and have the science prereqs for vet school. but this might not be of interest to others. 🙂 i'm sure you'll figure out what's best for you when you get to college. you could take a few courses in business and see if you like it..if you don't, you don't have to major in it but could possibly do a business minor.

again, i'm not a successful applicant, so i can't really give advice to what works! 🙂

 

[bunnity]

It's definitely possible to major in something that is not strictly science. I majored in Environmental Studies (BA) and completed the pre-req's in four years. And that was with transferring schools and switching majors, so it's doable even if you are bouncing around a little.

And the GRE is generally like the SAT in that it tests reading, writing, and math. I didn't study for the SAT and did well, but if I hadn't studied for the GRE I would not have done well at all (my first practice score was terrible). So the GRE is a little harder - the math is very simple, high school math, but has some tricky questions, and the verbal definitely has harder words than the SAT. The good news it that there are great practice books and courses out there if you want them.

 

[cspield22]

A business minor would be a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. And rileyroo, good luck on your applications!! I hope you get into where you want. 🙂

And I had another question, but completely forgot it!! If I remember it, I'll post it.

 

[rileyroo]

A business minor would be a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. And rileyroo, good luck on your applications!! I hope you get into where you want. 🙂

And I had another question, but completely forgot it!! If I remember it, I'll post it.

different schools have different degrees so i'm not sure what your prospective university will have, but business management is a really good minor if you're interested in that area. thanks for the good luck wishes! 🙂 glad you found SDN -- it's a really good outlet for pre-vet and vet students to exchange information, ask questions, and offer advice/words of encouragement! good luck with your college preparation! hope our information helps.

 

[spikey]

I don't know that you major and/or minors really make all the difference - they really focus on you taking the prereqs and doing well. I have people in my class with degrees that have not much to do with veterinary medicine or business, but they're here! Being diversified can't hurt, so if you think it'll make you look like a better applicant, then I say go for it.

As far as the GRE being like the SAT, I'd say very similar like bunnity said. Only I felt like the GRE was a bit easier since I had so much more schooling behind me than when I took the SAT. The GRE is on the computer, and there are books and courses just like the SAT to prepare you.

And about applying for a job as a back-up to applying to vet school - I don't know how you'd work that. I'm sure you can, but the way the application cycle runs, your either still in school while its happening (and find out whether or not you get in during school too) or you are working already.

Hope we're helpful 🙂

 

[nyanko]

1. What happens if, 5 years down the road, I don't get accepted into a vet school. What would I do (until I reapply at least 😉)? It seems like the path to vet school is pretty specific. I don't really see it translating into an office job.

This may sound a bit pessimistic but you need to definitely have some kind of backup plan. Your idea of getting a business degree is a good one, just so long as you could see yourself working in that field. However, if you don't get in the first time you will probably need to work on things for the next year that would preclude you from having a normal 9-5, for the most part.

2. It seems like everyone on this forum made it into vet school first try, yet I've heard it's crazy hard to get into. Did everyone just have perfect scores and experience or was anyone just really lucky? (Sorry if this question sounds offensive!)

This is DEFINITELY not the case on this forum! The link Poochlover provided is a good one to check out. We have plenty of people here who made it in on their second, third and even (in one case) seventh try!

That said, people here on SDN do tend to be a little more aware, educated and dedicated on average than the general applicant pool. After all, being here means that at least a person did seek out information on applying above and beyond what's readily provided. Most people here apply to more than one school, as well. But there are certainly a good number of people here who don't get in first try. Personally, I applied to UCDavis for the class of 2012 and didn't get in, and am applying again this year for class of 2014. So we failures are around, at least. 😉

 

[cspield22]

While I was browsing around vet schools sites I noticed there are combined programs for your DVM/PhD or your MBA/DVM, etc. Do people often choose a combined program? What's the purpose/benefit of following a combined program?
Thanks for all your help guys!! 🙂

 

[cspield22]

This may sound a bit pessimistic but you need to definitely have some kind of backup plan. Your idea of getting a business degree is a good one, just so long as you could see yourself working in that field. However, if you don't get in the first time you will probably need to work on things for the next year that would preclude you from having a normal 9-5, for the most part.



This is DEFINITELY not the case on this forum! The link Poochlover provided is a good one to check out. We have plenty of people here who made it in on their second, third and even (in one case) seventh try!

That said, people here on SDN do tend to be a little more aware, educated and dedicated on average than the general applicant pool. After all, being here means that at least a person did seek out information on applying above and beyond what's readily provided. Most people here apply to more than one school, as well. But there are certainly a good number of people here who don't get in first try. Personally, I applied to UCDavis for the class of 2012 and didn't get in, and am applying again this year for class of 2014. So we failures are around, at least. 😉

If I may ask, what did you do after you didn't get in the 2nd time, to earn money at least? (And good luck on your application!! 🙂)
And is it not common for people to apply to more than one school? I would think that people would give themselves as many options as possible to become a vet.

 

[twelvetigers]

2. It seems like everyone on this forum made it into vet school first try, yet I've heard it's crazy hard to get into. Did everyone just have perfect scores and experience or was anyone just really lucky? (Sorry if this question sounds offensive!)

I didn't! I haven't yet! You should also speak with... pandacinny, bayleevet2b, tsujc, br549, nyanko, turcle, meadow36, philomycus, guppy73, truth74, turtlelover... oh gee, I feel like I'm forgetting someone... oh yeah... LVT2DVM!

Also, don't let the majority of get-in-on-the-first-try SDN people overwhelm you. I think there are two things that make that particular crowd a majority.

1: If you join SDN before the application process, SDN proves to be very helpful and you are more likely to get in. This is only a hypothesis, of course - I just know I wish I had all the knowledge I gained here at SDN when coming into college, or even when I was filling out my VMCAS the first time.

2: The sort of people who join SDN are more likely to be the sort of people that get in. We're nerds here, by-and-large... we're REALLY into vet med... so into it that we join a forum online and talk about it with other people. Those of us that come out and post on these forums (rather than read as guests, or not read at all) are the sort that have their ducks in a row, if that makes sense.

This is all just my $0.02, but I feel there is at least some truth to it. My point is... don't be intimidated. This is by no means a representative population, and even so, we worry, we feel inadequate, and we are even rejected... we're just normal people here, more or less. Normal, nerdy people. 😉

 

[twelvetigers]

If I may ask, what did you do after you didn't get in the 2nd time, to earn money at least? (And good luck on your application!! 🙂)
And is it not common for people to apply to more than one school? I would think that people would give themselves as many options as possible to become a vet.

Nyan did a master's, and she'll tell you about that I'm sure. I (even though you weren't talking to me 🙂) got a job at a clinic since I was lacking in clinical experience. It wasn't for money (though I get some from that, it's not really much) so if you need to support yourself, you might have to volunteer for vet/animal experience and get a job that pays a little better to support yourself. This will vary by area and job. I know I couldn't live on $7.50 an hour... but my husband pays most of the bills. Lucky me. 😉

Many people apply to several schools, but this is a personal choice. Can you afford to attend out-of-state (OOS)? Do you WANT to live in Starkville, Philadelphia, Pomona, Stillwater, etc.? What schools have programs that you're interested in? Do you have all the pre-requisite courses to apply to these schools? (I don't want to take calculus, so sorry UTK, UF, etc.) Do you want to stay near family/significant other? How many OOS students do these schools take? There are a LOT of factors.

I decided to only apply in-state (IS) this year for lots of reasons. It's completely up to you, and you have plenty of time to think about it too. 🙂

 

[cspield22]

Many people apply to several schools, but this is a personal choice. Can you afford to attend out-of-state (OOS)? Do you WANT to live in Starkville, Philadelphia, Pomona, Stillwater, etc.? What schools have programs that you're interested in? Do you have all the pre-requisite courses to apply to these schools? (I don't want to take calculus, so sorry UTK, UF, etc.) Do you want to stay near family/significant other? How many OOS students do these schools take? There are a LOT of factors.

Touche. 🙂 Technically though, you don't have to live in the cities where the schools are located (I mean after graduation). I know you should think about the state though, because a lot of states don't reciprocate on their vet licenses. There's a lot to think about, and I know I have time, but I feel like I should think about these things and plan because it's a long journey and I need to know what I'll be getting myself into.

 

[twelvetigers]

I just meant that four years is still a substantial amount of time to live anywhere, so you should still consider the location even if you know you want to live elsewhere as a DVM.

It's true that you don't have to live in the cities listed during vet school too - commuting is common - but I kinda meant... the area. Philly and Starkville are way different, and I'm not sure I'd like to live in/near either one (not that I gave it much thought).

Planning ahead is definitely GOOD. 🙂

 

[Caninerepro]

Um I actually got a MBA before I even finished my BS -- it is a long story but in a nutshell I was lucky enough to have very good and supportive friends in high places (Deans of schools of business at a flashy university). She is the reason I even thought I could try to go back to school and get my DVM, much less a lowly BS. So yes, and I know for a fact that the AVMA is screaming for candidates with business experience. It has been a real problem lately with veterinarians who have no business accumen. There is no major requiremnt at any vet school, and to be honest from what I have heard they WANT business smart people in the vet schools. CSU for one has a combined 5 year DVM/MBA program. Maybe that is why I did not get in there, I came with a MBA, and had a BS and MS from them when I applied... 😛

 

[nyanko]

While I was browsing around vet schools sites I noticed there are combined programs for your DVM/PhD or your MBA/DVM, etc. Do people often choose a combined program? What's the purpose/benefit of following a combined program?

It's what you would expect, combining the degrees often allows for completion of both in less time than it would take to finish them both separately. I'm applying to DVM/PhD programs, for example, because I want to go into veterinary research/academia and will probably get both degrees regardless of whether I get into a combined program or not. DVM/PhD programs are difficult to get into because they generally provide funding for most, if not all, of both degrees as well as a stipend. So the school is making a significant investment in you if they admit you to one, and the admissions process for them is more rigorous and competitive than for either program alone.

If I may ask, what did you do after you didn't get in the 2nd time, to earn money at least? (And good luck on your application!! )

I've only applied once. I got an interview but didn't get in. I'm a non-traditional student with a BS in Computer Science (with a 3.1 GPA) who went back and earned a second BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology (with a 3.5 and an honors thesis) before applying. 😉

As I said, I'm interested in research, so the natural progression for me was to start a thesis based MS program at UCDavis. This way I could both improve grades some and show my research potential in one shot. I spoke to one of my interviewers after I found out I didn't get in and she agreed to be my major professor for my thesis. It is a 2 year commitment, so I skipped an admissions cycle because of that. I was able to get funded for my MS as a TA all 3 quarters first year even though I applied very late for the program (in April), because I'm persistent and stubborn pretty much. For the next year I have GSR funding, mostly because my quantitative and computational skills are a pretty big asset to the lab and set me apart from most grad students in my field (Genetics). I mostly have the data collection for my thesis project done and am working on analysis, and starting to write my thesis.

Basically my plans for this year are to apply to a couple of combined DVM/PhD programs at schools that have good programs in the field I'm in. I think all of the places I'm applying will put the application into the general DVM pool if not selected for the dual degree, and here at UCD it'll also be considered for the PhD program I apply to. Basically I'm stomping around a whole bunch and seeing where I stand when the dust settles - I'd be perfectly content starting a PhD here next year (which I have a good shot of getting into) if no DVM programs admit me, and working out the logistics later or trying for dual degree status again in a year or two. 🙂

Why can I write all that out and then I can't write a personal statement? UGH.... 🙄

 

[Pandacinny]

I applied three times before getting accepted this past year. I had interviews all three times. My GPA was fairly low, and the first time I applied I had a TON of shelter experience and not much else. During my time between applications, I did some volunteering at a horse rescue, with another spay/neuter group, worked at an emergency hospital, got my RVT license so I could work more places, and worked with a bunch of lab animals. I also took some time out to spend with my family.

I think it was the lab animal experience that got me in, finally, both because there's a need for lab animal vets and because I liked working with them so much, it let me come into my interview with a clear goal and purpose in mind. I went from "Well, I like this, and that, and could maybe work here...?" at my interviews to "This is what I want to do right now." Also, I practiced like crazy for my interview this year and I think I made a much better impression in general.

 

[CookieBear]

I got in on my 2nd try (not 1st 😉 and I have a B.A. in English. I went back years later for my pre-req's.

The vet I knew since I was a kid hired me as a receptionist when I was a college freshman. When the practice was sold into a larger company (and then another still larger company later), I became the hospital manager. (It's how I earned $ while chasing the dream).

Definitely get some vet clinic experience. It will help you decide if you really love this or not. Too, if it's a bad experience, try another place, because not every vet clinic is peaches 'n cream - and I wouldn't want you to lose your desire over an isolated experience!

Since you're leaning towards wanting to be a vet now, apply yourself and study and do well in college the first time around. If you need help in math, or chem, or whatever your weakness is, IMO, it's worth spending some extra $$ for a tutor, to get that B (or an A!) instead of a C or a D. I'm not knocking C's. I had them! But score the grades where and whenever you can, that way, if you do falter, you won't have as many C's as you may've without seeking addt'l help. I found it's cheaper to get tutoring than it is to repeat a class entirely.

Randy Pausch shared some excellent wisdom. Keep those thoughts in mind. For many of us, pre-req's weren't easy, the GRE isn't a cake-walk for many (especially me), and the application process can be complex. You're young, and you have time on your side. If you still want it when you reach this stage, keep chuggin' away. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

 

[rileyroo]

(I don't want to take calculus, so sorry UTK, UF, etc.)

i'm only saying this b/c i had a small panic attack after reading this (b/c i am considering UTK) and thought i had overlooked the prereqs. after looking at both the website and fantastic little blue book you sent to me twelvetigers 🙂 tennessee doesn't require calculus. at least that is my understanding and if i'm missing that requirement somewhere, i'm sure someone will let me know. 😉

 

[twelvetigers]

Sorry for the heart attack! There must have been some other reason I had ruled out UTK. I should keep my facts straight!

 

[rileyroo]

it's ok, you more than make up for it in your ability to recite information from memory and providing links to other threads for reference. i just really don't wanna have to take calculus if i don't have to! 😀

 

[cspield22]

I've only applied once. I got an interview but didn't get in. I'm a non-traditional student with a BS in Computer Science (with a 3.1 GPA) who went back and earned a second BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology (with a 3.5 and an honors thesis) before applying. 😉

What's a non-traditional student? Or, what's the difference between traditional and non-traditional?


I thought of yet another question. It's pretty endless. (What?! No smiley to show how I feel? Bollocks!!) How does everyone manage to pay for school? I know there are loans and scholarships and jobs, but a job while in school can only get you so far. Is the only option taking out a $100k+ loan?

 

[david594]

What's a non-traditional student? Or, what's the difference between traditional and non-traditional?


I thought of yet another question. It's pretty endless. (What?! No smiley to show how I feel? Bollocks!!) How does everyone manage to pay for school? I know there are loans and scholarships and jobs, but a job while in school can only get you so far. Is the only option taking out a $100k+ loan?

There is no strict definition of a non-traditional student. On the other hand a traditional student would be someone who went to college right out of high school with the intent of going to veterinary school afterwards.

Non-trad being anyone who deviates from that plan. Myself and Nyanko include for both doing computer science degrees with poor GPA's before decide to pursue veterinary school.

And yeah, unless you go into vet school with boat loads of money.... loans, Loans, and more LOANS!

 

[Caninerepro]

100K would be great. Try 200K for many of us.

A non-trad tends to be 25+ or someone who did not follow the usual path to vet school.

 

[spikey]

I thought of yet another question. It's pretty endless. (What?! No smiley to show how I feel? Bollocks!!) How does everyone manage to pay for school? I know there are loans and scholarships and jobs, but a job while in school can only get you so far. Is the only option taking out a $100k+ loan?

Loans is the word.

 

[cspield22]

That's kind of really scary. I looked around on the "Poll: how much debt will you be in thread" and a lot of people have a lot of debt. It's scary to think about. But on the other hand you'll be doing something you love and something rewarding.

 

[bunnity]

In terms of loans, I wanted to add that while vet school is:
a) crazy expensive at many places
b) crazy busy making it hard to have a job
c) not so generous with the grants and scholarships as I wish 🙂
...you can take steps to minimize your debt in undergrad. I'm really really glad that I worked so much during undergrad because I am starting vet school debt free. If your parents aren't in a position to pay for your undergrad, try to get into a college that will give you a good scholarship, and work as much as you can to help pay the bills. I know UPenn just decided to give all their incoming undergrads whose parents make under 90K (ie most people) free tuition. Other schools might be doing similar things, and there are a lot of private-based scholarships as well. Start looking into scholarships for undergrad now - you will be glad of it soon.

 

[cspield22]

I know UPenn just decided to give all their incoming undergrads whose parents make under 90K (ie most people) free tuition. Other schools might be doing similar things, and there are a lot of private-based scholarships as well. Start looking into scholarships for undergrad now - you will be glad of it soon.

Oh, WOW! UPenn did that for their undergrads? That's crazy!! That's... wow... maybe I should apply to UPenn (I'm still in high school). If you can't tell, I'm in shock. That's really, REALLY nice. To say the least.
One school that I'm looking at, University of Dayton, gives scholarships to all its students who qualify. The higher your GPA and test scores are, the more money you get. So if I decide that I really want to be a vet, UD is a school I'm going to seriously consider for doing undergrad.

And I've got some money stowed away in my bank account. Not a lot, by any means, but it's enough to pay for things I want/need in college. I'll definitely be looking into getting a job as an undergrad. I also want to study abroad so I know that'll cost some extra cash. *sigh* Higher education is a lot of pain. Good and necessary, but a lot of pain.

 

[sassyfras]

Oh, WOW! UPenn did that for their undergrads? That's crazy!! That's... wow... maybe I should apply to UPenn (I'm still in high school). If you can't tell, I'm in shock. That's really, REALLY nice. To say the least.
One school that I'm looking at, University of Dayton, gives scholarships to all its students who qualify. The higher your GPA and test scores are, the more money you get. So if I decide that I really want to be a vet, UD is a school I'm going to seriously consider for doing undergrad.

And I've got some money stowed away in my bank account. Not a lot, by any means, but it's enough to pay for things I want/need in college. I'll definitely be looking into getting a job as an undergrad. I also want to study abroad so I know that'll cost some extra cash. *sigh* Higher education is a lot of pain. Good and necessary, but a lot of pain.

While I can't help out with much on this thread, I can give you some advice about undergrad jobs. Most schools have a student instructor program where students who have taken and done well in a lower level course ( intro biology, English composition etc...) are paid to act as class tutors. Basically, you sit in on the class and schedule 3-4 outside review sessions and earn 8-9 bucks an hour. The best thing about this is it really helps you get a handle on your basic information. If you can teach something, you know it inside and out. Another benefit of student teaching is that it's very flexible and you can do it plus work another job, which is what I did through most of my early undergraduate career.

I don't know about other degrees, but if you major in biology and find you're not accepted to a vet program the first time around, you will have many job opportunities. People with BS in biology are qualified to work as research assistants in university labs (sometimes you don't even need a BS for this), lab technicians for industry and government, DNR, DNP or nature conservancy restoration technicians. I have one friend who spent a year after she graduated working at an owl sanctuary. Oh and then there are tons of AmeriCorps programs that you can be involved in. The programs offered are very diverse- from disaster relief, to inner city school programs, to ecological restoration. The great thing about AmeriCorps is that you're technically volunteering, but you're given a living stipend and an education award (amounting to about 5,000 dollars) as well as free health insurance. Also, they only last about ten months, so you're not making a long term commitement, when really you're just wanting to strengthen yourself for next year's application. I should mention you don't have to have a degree to join AmeriCorps. I'm an AmeriCorps alum and I'm a few years shy of a B.S. I highly recommend the experience if you have a year to kill 😀

Jessica