Application Question for Australian Schools (What are my chances, sort of)

[djjpop]

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Hi,

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it on the forums.

I'm interested in applying to DVM programs in Australia. I did well in undergrad in a biology degree, but I was more interested in research at the time, so I have basically no vet experience aside from some volunteer work in an animal shelter in high school and a wildlife rehab center a few years ago. I'm now 26 to give you some context.

My question is: how much do Australian institutions care about experience? The Melbourne website says previous experience isn't required, but they do take it into account in your personal statement. I would be competing for a spot, I imagine, with lots of people who have wanted to be vets forever and have tons of experience.

Has anyone here gotten in based on their grades and a great personal statement?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Ashgirl]

Hi,

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it on the forums.

I'm interested in applying to DVM programs in Australia. I did well in undergrad in a biology degree, but I was more interested in research at the time, so I have basically no vet experience aside from some volunteer work in an animal shelter in high school and a wildlife rehab center a few years ago. I'm now 26 to give you some context.

My question is: how much do Australian institutions care about experience? The Melbourne website says previous experience isn't required, but they do take it into account in your personal statement. I would be competing for a spot, I imagine, with lots of people who have wanted to be vets forever and have tons of experience.

Has anyone here gotten in based on their grades and a great personal statement?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

My two cents: I know almost zero things about Australian programs, but in general, regardless of where you want to apply to, it is vital to get some vet experience somewhere. It might be okay to apply without some to some places (and in some places that's the norm), but I would encourage as much vet experience as possible. In my mind it's hard enough to know what you are getting into with plenty of vet experience, let alone virtually any. It's at least a decent look into this career, and in my opinion it is crucial to make sure this career is right for you before spending 4-5+ years accumulating a ton of debt.

 

[djjpop]

Ya, I figured this reply was coming. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond. At this point, I'm at least a year out from applying, so still time to get some more exposure to the field. Still would be interested in hearing from anyone with Oz experience.

Thanks!

 

[Relz.]

Ya, I figured this reply was coming. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond. At this point, I'm at least a year out from applying, so still time to get some more exposure to the field. Still would be interested in hearing from anyone with Oz experience.

Thanks!

Hey! Not a lot of info out there on applying/experience with DVM in Oz so I apologize in advance for commenting on this old post.

Will you be applying this cycle? Have you decided which schools you will be applying to? I've been doing a lot of research as well - unfortunately don't have the exact answer you're looking for but I know a few people who have gone for DVM. Have you taken up any volunteering/lab work since your post? Will you be trying to get any farm/production animal experience?

I'm in a similar boat, (although my grades are likely not as good as yours!), just with a bit more animal/farm animal experience. A friend of mine mentioned that as long as you have a BSc with honours you're a shoe in (also not me), however, she had a bio degree and an 80 average, and worked in a clinic for a few years - got in on her first try. It's definitely worth a shot! I know a lot of schools like international students fees (because their higher, duh) and are thus more lenient on us (YAY!)