Anyone else applying through Atlantic Bridge?

[jemappellejane]

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I've searched through the threads and there doesn't seem to be anything regarding the vet school, and nothing current.

I am in the process of applying to University College Dublin and decided to apply through the Atlantic Bridge Program, which is for US and Canadian residents. You can apply to the school through VMCAS OR through Atlantic Bridge. I was told it doesn't matter which.

The essay prompt is a bit different than VMCAS, asking you to state "Why you would be an asset to the veterinary school." I'm tempted to use my VMCAS essay because I feel that is esablishes this, but it also addresses other things. I would HATE to have to write another essay 😡
Opinions?

Is anyone else applying through Atlantic Bridge for c/o 2016? Anyone that is attending UCD now applied through this program?

 

[devyn]

I applied through the Atlantic Bridge Program this past year for UCD and was really happy I did. I did not apply at all through VMCAS for any schools, so I cannot really give you any insight on that nor do I really know what the essay topic was for that. I wrote my essay specifically for UCD and it was from that essay prompt. You can always ask the guys over at APB what their thoughts are on the essay as they are super helpful and I am sure will let you know the best route to take. You would probably be fine submitting the essay you already have, but don't take my word on it.

I really like the application process with ABP and also just working with them in general as they were always willing to answer every question I had. And they are super nice (some of them are Irish too)! They were also very excited when I got in to UCD as they knew how much I wanted it and they congratulated me when I called on the phone to ask a question (it was like they had been rooting for me all along).

Not sure if you have any specific questions, but let me know. I am here in Dublin now. 😀 I am in the 5 year program, so if you did decide to apply, get accepted and come here then you will be in essence in my class (we join up in year 3 (year 2 for you!).

Good luck!!

 

[jemappellejane]

I applied through the Atlantic Bridge Program this past year for UCD and was really happy I did. I did not apply at all through VMCAS for any schools, so I cannot really give you any insight on that nor do I really know what the essay topic was for that. I wrote my essay specifically for UCD and it was from that essay prompt. You can always ask the guys over at APB what their thoughts are on the essay as they are super helpful and I am sure will let you know the best route to take. You would probably be fine submitting the essay you already have, but don't take my word on it.

I really like the application process with ABP and also just working with them in general as they were always willing to answer every question I had. And they are super nice (some of them are Irish too)! They were also very excited when I got in to UCD as they knew how much I wanted it and they congratulated me when I called on the phone to ask a question (it was like they had been rooting for me all along).

Not sure if you have any specific questions, but let me know. I am here in Dublin now. 😀 I am in the 5 year program, so if you did decide to apply, get accepted and come here then you will be in essence in my class (we join up in year 3 (year 2 for you!).

Good luck!!

Hey! Thanks for all the info. I have been e-mailing with Ms. O'Keefe at AB and she has always been willing to answer my questions. I agree, they are great. And her name sure sounds Irish

Can I ask why/how you ended up in the 5 year program? I assume that because I have a Bachelor's Degree I will be considered for the 4 year program. Not sure though.

Ms. O'Keefe said that submitting my essay will be fine as long as it addresses the prompt. I may have to tweak mine a little to suit this better, but I really like my essay so I want to stick with it.

Congrats on getting into your top choice! I would LOVE to end up in Dublin, but it is expensive. At this point, I am applying to a bunch of places and will go whereever I get accepted. I'm not anticipating getting in ANYwhere, let alone more than one school. I may faint from shock if I actually have to DECIDE where to go to vet school! 😉

Thanks for the G'Luck I will keep you posted!

 

[devyn]

I emailed with Finbar O'Keefe a few times and I am fairly certain he is a man - just a heads up if that is who you are talking to. 🙂

As a non-trad with a bachelors degree in photography/graphic design I had a lot of ground to cover when I went back to school to take pre-reqs for vet school. I was working full time friday - monday and then taking classes during the week in order to try to get all of the pre-reqs done and it was going to take me a long time. I decided to apply to some of the vet programs in europe as they offered 5 year programs which incorporated the pre-reqs that I was missing in and if I did not get in then I would just continue on the same path of working and school. No matter what the extra cost of another year in vet school would end up being the same as the extra cost of me spending a few years taking pre-reqs and I would save a few years of my life. As I am older than the majority of people starting vet school I figured why not at least try!

UCD has a great program and is accredited plus my dogs are allowed in the country, so it was a no brainer for me. I was not expecting to get in, but of course was beyond excited that I did! Living in Ireland has been a bit of an adjustment for me, but the people are super friendly here. The hardest things for me are the weather (I am from Los Angeles) and the food (I am ridiculously picky). But other than that it has been great so far! And having my dogs here with me was non-negotiable.

As long as you have all the pre-reqs for vet school then you would be considered for the 4 year program which I am sure you do as you are applying for other schools. Oh and just so you know one of my friends here in an higher year brought over her Newfie. 😀

Oh and just think positively - push away all the negative thoughts. Sure it usually takes people a few cycles to get into vet school and you want to be realistic, but I tell you positive thinking really does help. I am one of those people who always is beyond realistic to the point of negativity sometimes. And when I started this year applying for UCD (I applied in January) I decided that I would just think positively about the whole thing and any negative thoughts that came into my head I pushed them out and just kept thinking "I will get in". It is ridiculously corny I know and perhaps it had no bearing on whether I got in or not. But for the 1st time in my life I felt like things were actually totally going in my favor and maybe my positive mindset had sometime to do with it.

Ok enough of that - Good luck!!!

 

[jemappellejane]

OMGGGGGG thank you so much for correcting me!! How humiliating that would be if I addressed him as a woman!! yikes.

Anywho, do you mind me asking about your stats? If you don't want to make it public, you can PM me. I'm just interested to see what successful applicants look like there. I have a TON of SA experience, a little LA, and zoo experience. No research. I am 2 classes and a thesis shy of my MS in science education. My grades in grad school are 3.9-4.0 and my last 45 credits are 3.7. My undergrad gpa is where I suffer. It is right around a 2.9-3.0 depending. I have a couple Ds, a bunch of Cs, and even failed a couple science classes (went through major issues with anxiety/panic disorder). I'd like to think that I've redeemed myself, but I don't know how schools are going to look at that. Maybe I should just e-mail the admissions office to see what they think.

I am so happy to hear that bringing animals to Ireland is not a headache. That is a big issue for me. I love my newf so much- couldn't stand to leave her.

I am really trying to stay positive this year. I applied last year, but didn't really know what I was getting myself into with the applications and waited til the last minute. I really didn't do well on my essay or my application in general. This year, I started early, and was much more diligent and serious about it. I feel good. Yes, there is a tiny bit of doubt, but there is more hope and good feelings this year 😀

I'm a non trad too- 27 now. I'll be 28 if I matriculate in the fall. How old are you?