C/O 2015 University of Edinburgh

[sheepiedreams]

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I don't know that anyone can REALLY accurately compare the differences. GEP classes seem to focus more on clinical relevance for those two years crammed into one. We also get fewer handling classes (AHWAFS), and one less year of Prof/Clinical skills course. But like flyhi said, it's one less year of tuition.

Thank you for your thoughts on this. It helps to gain some perspective! I was offered a seat in both the GEP and the 5-year, so I feel lucky to have a choice, but also the added pressure of not wanting to choose the wrong program.

 

[goldielocks137]

I just wanted to thank chii chan, dogtyred, and flyhi for answering everyone's questions. I haven't asked any on this thread, but I've definitely been following it. I was accepted to the GEP program and you guys have been an excellent resource.

 

[futurevet3000]

I just wanted to thank chii chan, dogtyred, and flyhi for answering everyone's questions. I haven't asked any on this thread, but I've definitely been following it. I was accepted to the GEP program and you guys have been an excellent resource.

Three cheers for chii chan, dogtyred, and flyhi! hip hip hooray!!!!

No but seriously, you guys rock

 

[Packen]

Three cheers for chii chan, dogtyred, and flyhi! hip hip hooray!!!!

No but seriously, you guys rock

I will "third" the sentiment! Thank you!

PS- just got my packet in the mail!!!!!!!!!!😀Just need B's in the two courses I am taking this semester. I got two rejection letters too, but it was nice to open those and then the packet from Edinburgh. Really made the other letters not matter!

 

[DogTyred]

Thank you guys. I was in your shoes this time last year checking the Edinburgh thread for any and all information I could get. I think I can safely speak for the three of us (and Finleymonkey) and say that we are glad to help.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

(and Finleymonkey)

haha, thanks. Even though I never answer because the three of you are always on the ball.

The short answer: if you were offered GEP, take it. That being said, only you know what you are most comfortable with. How do you learn best? The GEPs learn everything in class and have 2 papers this year. The five-years have a fair amount of projects that they have to complete, which in my mind would be even more stressful for me. But some people get a whole lot more out of projects than just listening in a lecture theater. If you push yourself, I'm certain you could do it, otherwise they wouldn't have offered you the spot. There is a lot of information, yes, but you get out what you put into it. So if you are completely stressed out for a year, putting in hours and hours each day, but can pass (which at that point, you would) then it may be worth saving the extra year of time and money. Either way, you got accepted to vet school 👍

 

[Kem9987221]

First of all, I want to fourth the motion that you guys rock, its really wonderful that we can ask all sorts of questions and you guys respond with such good info and in such a short amount of time. Thanks sooo much 👍

Second, i have another question 😀. My computer just crashed 🙁 and am going to get another one soon, my mom keeps telling me to get a mac, and I am pretty sure that is what I am going to go for. I was just wondering if there are any computers that are better to get/ have over there for classes or just in general (like if there are specific programs that don't work on a mac, this happened in my chem classes to some people and it sucked). Thanks!

 

[DogTyred]

I have a Dell that I am really happy with. Quite a few others have Macs and are happy with them, so it's just a personal preference thing. I think, but not certain, that the CALs (computer aided lessons? learning?) don't work on Macs. They are extra learning programs on EEVeC. That being said, I don't ever look at the CALs. Maybe they will become more important later on but for now they don't seem to be that important. Someone else chime in and give your thoughts.

 

[chii chan]

.

 

[SoBeVet]

Hi, finally I get to put in my 2 cents! lol

I'm a Mac user and like others have said before, the CALs program doesn't work on Mac OS. However, you can still check out the CALs program using the Vet computer labs or what I do is I run the Parallels program. Parallels program allows Mac users to run Windows OS simultaneously so through my Mac "Windows 7" I can run the CALs programs on EEVeC. Simple! 😀

 

[DogTyred]

Hi, finally I get to put in my 2 cents! lol

I'm a Mac user and like others have said before, the CALs program doesn't work on Mac OS. However, you can still check out the CALs program using the Vet computer labs or what I do is I run the Parallels program. Parallels program allows Mac users to run Windows OS simultaneously so through my Mac "Windows 7" I can run the CALs programs on EEVeC. Simple! 😀

Right! My hubby uses a Mac (how are we even married?) and he says that all new Macs can run PC programs with parallels. That may cost extra but it is an option.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Get a mac. They are expensive, but worth it. Some people hate the mac os (locos apparently, just kidding chii chan 🙂) so go to an apple store and play around and make sure you like it. I hate windows, but I've always had a mac so I wouldn't really know. I've run a parallel program on mine and it's really simple. But aside from CALS there isn't anything that I've noticed, and I've even run some CALS programs on my mac without paralleling it, it just worked. Other than that, use library computers. Most of the cals I've seen are short and can easily be done during breaks in the day. Macs are hardy, too. I have a desktop from 2003 that still works perfectly, and my lap top from 2006 is still in fine working order even though I've been willing it to break because I don't want to be guilty for spending money on a new one I have my eye on.

 

[SoBeVet]

Lol...and thus begins the great mac vs pc debate! 😉

 

[flyhi]

Hi All. It's 220pm and I've been finished for the day for over an hour! Oh, and yesterday I was finished at 11AM...hehehe...

So, first of all...you all are welcome and Congrats!!! I got so much help the 1.5 years before I came here (I deferred a year) and it was priceless. It's a huge move and anything we can do to make it easier and less stressful, we will try and help. I even had an SDN contact get one of her classmates (cause she was gone) to go view a flat for me to rent for August last year so that I could get settled and find a long term flat. It saved me time, money and the headache.

So, the computer debate. I have a Dell laptop and love it. I use the CAL's a lot too...some are required for the tutorials we do. Also, and a Mac person can jump in, there are CD's you can purchase that have really great stuff on them that I'm not sure if they would work or not? If you can get all of the school stuff to work on a Mac, then it's really down to personal preference.

You only need an adapter for most (if not all) computers to be able to plug them in here. If you were to buy your computer here, i'm guessing that would go both ways if you took it back to US, but certainly something to consider.

 

[chii chan]

.

 

[flyhi]

just out of curiousity, Chii Chan, why did you get an iPhone? If you got it in the States before you came (like me) AT&T is terrible, so that doesn't make sense. Skype? Just curious, because obviously both are available here

 

[DogTyred]

IMO Macs are basically built to market to two types of people. 1) People with lots of money who do cool things with graphics, movies, etc., and 2) People with lots of money that aren't that aren't very technical.

oooooo, dems fightin' words.

I'm not saying the non-techie people are technological oafs.

I think you just did, actually.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Unlike FinleyMonkey, I will not tell you to buy one computer over another. 😛

haha that's why I said go to an apple store and try it out... maybe I should have said 'you should get a mac, IMO"--but I meant for my IMO to be implied.

....But I will go to every SDN'ers house and steal the letters from their mail box until every last one of them buy macs 😀

And on a mac-related note, if you are into iphones, they are so much cheaper here. Mine was 99 bucks and I have a plan for £30 a month, a welcome change from AT&Ts ludicrous pricing (although, verizon just entered the picture). A shiny, new iphone 4 that I can video skype on between classes. And Dell-user, DogTyred even has one :gasp:

 

[DogTyred]

And Dell-user, DogTyred even has one :gasp:

'Tis true, and I love, love, love it!

 

[Packen]

Ok, so while technological oaf is not necessarily what I would call myself 😉 I am no where near tech savvy. Reboot is the only thing I know how to do if I have a computer problem. Last year I bought a MacBook after 28 years using a PC. And I LOVE it!!! I got an iphone this summer (which it looks like I might be buying another if I can't unlock it...) and I am in love. Everything syncs without doing more than plugging it in. So for me, the mac was a better choice. Ironically I am typing this on my hubby's PC desktop. Oh well. It is good to hear that it is not out of the question to use a mac.

For those considering it, I think the best thing is to try it out and see. Hubby HATES using my computer, so it is obviously not for everyone.

 

[flyhi]

And on a mac-related note, if you are into iphones, they are so much cheaper here. Mine was 99 bucks and I have a plan for £30 a month, a welcome change from AT&Ts ludicrous pricing (although, verizon just entered the picture).

Wow, so is Verizon now REALLY in the picture? Like, you can actually get service from them in the US????

on that note, when i go back to the US for the summer and take my unlocked iphone, does anyone know of a company (like here) where you can just do month to month sim card? I obviously do not need a 12 month contract with AT&T (or Verizon), but would like a cell phone for the summer. Help!

 

[dyachei]

Wow, so is Verizon now REALLY in the picture? Like, you can actually get service from them in the US????

on that note, when i go back to the US for the summer and take my unlocked iphone, does anyone know of a company (like here) where you can just do month to month sim card? I obviously do not need a 12 month contract with AT&T (or Verizon), but would like a cell phone for the summer. Help!

Not sure you can do month-to-month, but Tmobile has a compatible sim card for the iphone and you can pre-load it with money and use that to call people.

 

[chii chan]

.

 

[DogTyred]

Not all of them, but Macs tend to be better for those people. But like I said, my dad was and my future father in law is. It's like MHC . The 7 in the middle don't matter as long as the outer ones are correct (the outer ones being having the money to buy one). The trend is money. The applications on it tend to lean toward a specific market (Garage Band, Movie Maker, etc.). The "user-friendliness" means that people who think PCs are too complicated (the two people I used as examples), should get a Mac because they are simpler and "easier" to use. I use quotation marks because it wouldn't be that way for me, but I know that's the intention of apple. Macs would not be easier for me to use and I would end up smashing a $2000 computer against the wall out of frustration.

You do realize you belittle people by saying things like this. "I use quotation marks because it wouldn't be that way for me..." It sounds like everyone is stupid, but not Chii Chan. Not to mention most of what you claim about Mac is all pretty much incorrect, IMO. Full stop.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

I know that's what I said. Like I said, I should have said ''you should get a mac, in my opinion'' but I didn't think I needed to add 'in my opinion' because I thought that it was implied that it was only my opinion. I apologize if any one thought I was being too direct, it was not my intention to order anyone to buy a mac.

 

[chii chan]

Sorry I retract all my previous statements. Have a fantastic day.

 

[Packen]

Ok, so off to the vet today to have rabies booster given and titre taken 😀 On the phone though, the vet office was trying to convince me to get an international health certificate that would have to be signed by the State Veterinarian within 24 hrs. I assume that could be done closer to leaving. I need the titre done now though b/c of the 6 mo waiting rule. Did anyone else get an international HC for their dogs?
Thanks!!

Oh, is anyone going to the NY reception?

 

[Knockout4]

Packen - I will be at the NY reception 🙂

 

[SoBeVet]

Ok, so off to the vet today to have rabies booster given and titre taken 😀 On the phone though, the vet office was trying to convince me to get an international health certificate that would have to be signed by the State Veterinarian within 24 hrs. I assume that could be done closer to leaving. I need the titre done now though b/c of the 6 mo waiting rule. Did anyone else get an international HC for their dogs?
Thanks!!

Oh, is anyone going to the NY reception?

I never had to get an International HC for my pooch. I just needed the original rabies certificate, original rabies titer results, paper that shows when my dog was microchipped, 3rd country health certificate, and USDA health certificate*

*note: that was after i got my 3rd country health certificate signed and endorsed.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

On the phone though, the vet office was trying to convince me to get an international health certificate that would have to be signed by the State Veterinarian within 24 hrs.

Haven't brought over my dog yet, but most health certificates are only valid for about 10 days. The USDA cert is signed by the state vet so that may be the same thing. I would worry about the titer now (make sure your dog is chipped first!) and the health cert closer to leaving.

 

[Packen]

Thanks for the advice on the health certificate - looks like I don't need that right now. Now just need to find paperwork saying when she was microchipped....wish I kept that receipt!!

Knockout4 - look forward to seeing you then!

 

[tamsdivision]

I'll also be at the reception in NY on the 3rd!!

 

[Kem9987221]

I'll be at the reception in NY too, can't wait to meet everyone!!

 

[tigerlily726]

I'll be in NYC too! Second (3rd, 4th?) the excitement to meet everyone 🙂

 

[ckd816]

What the heck! Where all all of my SF reception people?!

Also, the Mac vs. PC debate really does bring out the crazy in people! I'm sorry it was a source of hostility but I really appreciate the opinion of everyone involved regardless of stance as it was very helpful to me... I hope no one is mad about it! 😳

 

[goldielocks137]

Ckd I'll be at the SF reception. I'll be going solo so it would be cool to know someone there!

 

[ckd816]

Ckd I'll be at the SF reception. I'll be going solo so it would be cool to know someone there!

Yay!! I'm bringing my mom because I think the presentation will help her relax a little and realize that I'll be in good hands across the pond. 😀 I'm not sure what I'll be wearing yet, but once I decide I'll let you know so you can find me if you'd like. 🙂

 

[dogmad]

Im going to the SF one too, my mom is coming along too so my parents will stop pestering me with questions 🙂

 

[chii chan]

You do realize you belittle people by saying things like this. It sounds like everyone is stupid, but not Chii Chan. Not to mention most of what you claim about Mac is all pretty much incorrect, IMO. Full stop.

Just to set the record straight, I say I'm an idiot all the time. Not just stupid, but an idiot. I've said it out loud to myself. Even to people. In fact I did something extremely idiotic a few hours ago and now I'm pissed at myself (and that's an understatement). Guess what? I'm going to publicly announce it: I AM AN IDIOT! And yes, I actually mean that and think that about myself. It's not just for show or for s**ts and giggles.

Additionally, I don't want to keep my mouth shut about this any longer:

You do realize you said something that I found both offensive and insulting a few months ago about me directly to my face. Just thought I'd make you aware in case you weren't. If you remember what you said and think it's even remotely hurtful, and if you think for a second that I want to hear an apology, don't bother wasting either of our time. I don't need to hear lies. The speed at which you made your statement and the inflection in your voice was indicative of nothing but your true and honest opinion. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will NEVER be forgotten. Even the way words are said like the inflection in your voice and others will never be forgotten.

Take everyone's opinions as a grain of salt, including mine. No one ever listens to my opinions regardless of what I say anyway. Ergo, I stopped giving a s**t and if I'm willing to put the energy into saying something, I say it how I mean it. No hidden sarcasm like some people always do (not referring to you, DogTyred). Everyone is judgmental. As a kid I had no angst toward anyone, was soft-spoken, and was nice to everyone. I really had no ill thoughts believe it or not. Yes, what Hahn said today was right. I had a s**t childhood because those words did hurt and kids were mean. People don't change and neither will their opinions. So my apologies that I'm coming off as a b**ch, but this is the result of other people. Now, it's also the fact that I have strong opinions that the majority of people don't agree with: I hate apple, AT&T, and HP; I hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because they're disgusting; I hate the combination of peanut butter and chocolate; I think Obama is an idiot; I think "free" health care is stupid because it's not actually free, and market competition drives motivation and innovation. Don't argue with me because there's no way I'll change my opinion just like there's no way I could change yours even with logical and sound research/thought processes. Why? My opinion does not matter and will never matter. I also will never think less of you because you like any of those things. At the end of the day, it doesn't even matter what I think.



To everyone else: Congrats again and good luck with your decisions. I hope everyone still waiting to hear news gets good news very soon.

 

[DogTyred]

Wasn't being mean for the sake of being mean. I was trying to let you know how you make people feel. Let me just illustrate my point and then I'm done.

Don't argue with me because there's no way I'll change my opinion just like there's no way I could change yours even with logical and sound research/thought processes.

Translation: You're an idiot because you base your opinions on illogical and idiotic thought processes.

 

[flyhi]

Chii Chan, I don't think this is the forum or thread for this type of post. We are trying to help pre-vet students with information regarding Edinburgh, not airing dirty laundry. It might make sense for you to deal with this on a personal/professional level and take up the issue(s) with the individual(s) via PM, email, or better yet, face-to-face.

Back to our originally scheduled programming.....

 

[flyhi]

Ok, so off to the vet today to have rabies booster given and titre taken 😀 On the phone though, the vet office was trying to convince me to get an international health certificate that would have to be signed by the State Veterinarian within 24 hrs. I assume that could be done closer to leaving. I need the titre done now though b/c of the 6 mo waiting rule. Did anyone else get an international HC for their dogs?
Thanks!!

Oh, is anyone going to the NY reception?

Yes, I brought two dogs over. DogTyred also brought hers. I thought the EU Cert. had a 4 month window and i was advised to get it within a month, or so, of leaving. You need the titre results to put on there anyways.

 

[flyhi]

Haven't brought over my dog yet, but most health certificates are only valid for about 10 days. The USDA cert is signed by the state vet so that may be the same thing. I would worry about the titer now (make sure your dog is chipped first!) and the health cert closer to leaving.

Finley, it's actually two different certs. The EU one will have all of the rabies, titre, flea, tick and tapeworm on it. Basically, all of the requirements for the Pets Scheme. It has to be signed by a State USDA vet and I BELIEVE has a 4 month expiration.

The 'regular' health cert that the airlines will require, usually has like a 10 day expiration. Not sure of this because i took a boat and it was not required.

Hope this helps!

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Ah yes, I knew about the USDA/International/EU cert that has to be signed by the state vet and the separate airline cert but I thought they both had a 10 day window! Good to know it's a lot longer than that!

 

[Packen]

Finley, it's actually two different certs. The EU one will have all of the rabies, titre, flea, tick and tapeworm on it. Basically, all of the requirements for the Pets Scheme. It has to be signed by a State USDA vet and I BELIEVE has a 4 month expiration.

The 'regular' health cert that the airlines will require, usually has like a 10 day expiration. Not sure of this because i took a boat and it was not required.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the help with this. I am a little confused though because my vet was telling me that he signs the EU certificate (he is planning on signing when I go for tick and tapeworm treatment) and that the state vet has to sign the USDA health cert. It sounds like this is incorrect though...I just have fears of getting to the UK and having my girl quarantined for 6 mos😱

 

[flyhi]

Thanks for the help with this. I am a little confused though because my vet was telling me that he signs the EU certificate (he is planning on signing when I go for tick and tapeworm treatment) and that the state vet has to sign the USDA health cert. It sounds like this is incorrect though...I just have fears of getting to the UK and having my girl quarantined for 6 mos😱

Lol...you will be fine. I'm probably using the wrong terminology, which is confusing for you. The EU Certificate (International Cert) is the one that Scotland requires and will have all of your rabies, titre and flea/tick/tapeworm info on it. This was sent to the USDA vet in SC by my vet to get signed. I just checked the cert and it is indeed a 4 month expiry, so I did this one month prior to leaving the US.

Your vet still WILL sign the EU cert when you go for tick/tapeworm. There is a signature block for every item you have to accomplish. You do not need the USDA vet to sign off on this part. So, i did rabies stuff, had my vet sign, then sent to USDA vet, he signed. Then, we did flea, tick and tapeworm and my vet signed (this is within 24-48 hrs of checkin for airplane/cruise).

The other cert, i just call a 'Health Certificate'. that's the one the airlines want, usually within 10 days. Unfortunately, i know zero about this one, but this is the one all vets in the US are familiar with.

The EU Cert you have to be very careful and make sure it's filled out properly because it's THIS cert that the authorities in the UK look at to make sure you've followed the Pet Scheme and your baby girl doesn't go to jail for 6 months A lot of vets are not familiar with this one as much because it's only used for the EU, whereas the 'regular Health Cert' is used for travelling basically everywhere.

Hope this helps! You'll get if figured, promise. Just make sure you read and re-read through the Defra website. That's where I downloaded my EU Cert from, btw.

Good luck!

 

[futurevet3000]

Flyhi, very helpful, as usual!
I too am going through all this crazy stuff for my dog. I have the rabies titer done, that is all so far...

I too will be at the reception on Feb 3rd (so excited), and I can't wait to put some faces to these avatars. And Packen, I may bring all the paperwork I have obtained so far for my pup (not yet complete) so perhaps we can go over some stuff together. That goes for anyone else. We can discuss the troublesome journey over lunch...

So pumped

 

[DogTyred]

I did bring my two dogs over just a few weeks ago. I'm looking at the paperwork that came with them and it is as follows: Veterinary Certificate for domestic dogs, cats and ferrets entering the European Community for non-commercial movements (Regulation (EC) No 998/2003), Rabies Antibody Titer for Export Animals - FAVN - OIE (embossed with the USDA stamp), and Certificate of Rabies Vaccination (embossed with the USDA stamp). I think that's it. There is more paperwork here but I think that was issued at Heathrow by DEFRA.

I didn't fill out any of this paperwork because I was already here. My doc did all the footwork and lined up my ducks so I can't really offer much more advice but you're welcome to ask. Glad to help where I can.

Also, Continental Cargo did a fantastic job with them and I think they even bathed them at their kennel in Houston when they had a six hour layover because they smelled wonderful when they came to me.

 

[dogmad]

Did everyone get their pets across themselves. Im flying out of Denver, and thus have to use British Airways but apparently have to have a professional pet agency to make the reservation for me and send everything to the airport. Which is super expensive 🙁 What airlines did people use?

 

[DogTyred]

Did everyone get their pets across themselves. Im flying out of Denver, and thus have to use British Airways but apparently have to have a professional pet agency to make the reservation for me and send everything to the airport. Which is super expensive 🙁 What airlines did people use?

My dogs came over unaccompanied on Continental Cargo. I think the grand total was about $3000 for the both of them ($1070 per dog for the flight, $100 for the day kennel charges in Houston, and about $600 for the DEFRA charges). This was much cheaper than using a pet service (I was quoted anywhere from $5000 to $9000!). So, no, you don't HAVE to use a professional pet agency. In fact, the guy with one company I talked to told me about Continental. He said he uses them for his business and only told me about it because it was Christmas and he was feeling generous.

We first tried working with British Airways and they were anything but helpful. The worst customer service I have seen in a long time. They told us we couldn't book the dogs until 2 weeks before they were scheduled to fly so we waited. Then, when it was time to book them they told us they gave all the pet people time off over the holidays and we couldn't book them. It was awful, to say the least.