Class of 2016 hopefuls: how are you doing?

[CorporateFatCat]

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Yes. I'd rather not think about drafting my PS until at least June.

 

[AuRevoirFinance]

Yes. I'd rather not think about drafting my PS until at least June.

Don't worry FatCat. I'll write yours for you. 😛

 

[bee83]

I couldn't take the suspense any longer and asked one of my former profs if he felt that he knew me well enough to write me a positive recommendation for vet school. He said he would be happy to! This is a huge relief for me because, as you may well know, I've been stressing over how to fulfill that requirement. I'm slowly but surely learning how to ask for things I want/need from other people. It's like pulling teeth for me, but it usually works!

 

[squirrelsrule]

Way to go! I am a little nervous about asking the vet I shadowed with, but I will probably now be able to ask someone from the clinic where I am working 😀. Hopefully I can prove myself knowledgeable as a vet assistant 🙂. It is kinda hard for me to ask about things like recommendations too. I am not quite sure about the ELOR either, do you know how it works? Do you ask the vet or professor or whoever is writing you a letter of recommendation for their email and then tell them to be looking for a letter of recommendation form in their email in June? Or do they just give you a letter of recommendation and you copy it into the VMCAS website? I am confused about that 😕. Makes me feel kinda awkward asking for a recommendation and then not giving instructions about how to send it.

 

[LetItSnow]

I am not quite sure about the ELOR either, do you know how it works? Do you ask the vet or professor or whoever is writing you a letter of recommendation for their email and then tell them to be looking for a letter of recommendation form in their email in June? Or do they just give you a letter of recommendation and you copy it into the VMCAS website? I am confused about that 😕. Makes me feel kinda awkward asking for a recommendation and then not giving instructions about how to send it.

You put their email (and name, address, phone number...) into VMCAS and then VMCAS sends them email with instructions for submitting the evaluation.

The evaluation consists of a few pages of "rate this person from 1 to 5" kind of things. Then the last part is a spot for them to type in an essay. I forget what the maximum length is.

...

People: Don't be shy about asking. At worst, they'll say no. They've all been there at one point or another. I've written numerous references in my career, and even though they are slightly annoying, I'm always either delighted to do it, or I tell the person straight up that I don't believe I can give them the reference they'd like.

The single worst thing you can do, though, is wait until the last minute and stick them with a tight deadline.

 

[bee83]

You put their email (and name, address, phone number...) into VMCAS and then VMCAS sends them email with instructions for submitting the evaluation.

The evaluation consists of a few pages of "rate this person from 1 to 5" kind of things. Then the last part is a spot for them to type in an essay. I forget what the maximum length is.

Thank you for the info (and advice). I'm clueless about the VMCAS at this point. Does anyone know when it will be available?

 

[NStarz]

Thank you for the info (and advice). I'm clueless about the VMCAS at this point. Does anyone know when it will be available?

June sometime 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

VMCAS runs from June 2nd to October 2nd.

 

[CorporateFatCat]

Don't worry FatCat. I'll write yours for you. 😛

Thanks, ARF! That really helps me out. For your generous gift of 1 PS, I will write you a LOR.

 

[kaydubs]

🤣 Oh FatCat....

Thanks, ARF! That really helps me out. For your generous gift of 1 PS, I will write you a LOR.

This is why we keep you around, TT teehee

VMCAS runs from June 2nd to October 2nd.

People: Don't be shy about asking. At worst, they'll say no. They've all been there at one point or another. I've written numerous references in my career, and even though they are slightly annoying, I'm always either delighted to do it, or I tell the person straight up that I don't believe I can give them the reference they'd like.

The single worst thing you can do, though, is wait until the last minute and stick them with a tight deadline.

Best advice, LIS. I agree 110%

 

[EllieGirl89]

bee, Congrats on securing a LOR writer! I completely understand how you feel about being scared to ask for what you want. I am the exact same way, especially when it comes to being persistent. However, this past summer, I HAD to get persistent when it came to securing an undergraduate internship (and vet hours!!). I went to my clinic of choice all dressed up and handed them my resume and cover letter in person. I followed up with a phone call every week for three weeks, and still heard nothing back from the vet himself. So what I ended up doing was making an appointment for my horses so he HAD to come to my house, and while he was there I asked him if I could work with him. I ended up shadowing him the entire summer. It was SO hard for me to do that and to ask him in person and risk that rejection, but it paid off, in more than one way. I not only got my hours and internship, but I also got 2 eLORS out of it (I ended up working with his partner who does small animal as well) as well as an AWESOME anecdote to use in my interview when asked "Tell us about a time when you went out of your comfort zone to solve a problem."

For anyone who is afraid to ask for a LOR, seriously, just do it. I too was terrified, but like someone else already said-the worst they can say is no! I was TERRIFIED to ask my two vets for LORs, but they were both more than happy to write me one, and they were both tickled to death when I got in, knowing that they helped me get there. So take a deep breath and just do it! Good luck everyone!

 

[Pelagia]

bee, Congrats on securing a LOR writer! I completely understand how you feel about being scared to ask for what you want. I am the exact same way, especially when it comes to being persistent. However, this past summer, I HAD to get persistent when it came to securing an undergraduate internship (and vet hours!!). I went to my clinic of choice all dressed up and handed them my resume and cover letter in person. I followed up with a phone call every week for three weeks, and still heard nothing back from the vet himself. So what I ended up doing was making an appointment for my horses so he HAD to come to my house, and while he was there I asked him if I could work with him. I ended up shadowing him the entire summer. It was SO hard for me to do that and to ask him in person and risk that rejection, but it paid off, in more than one way. I not only got my hours and internship, but I also got 2 eLORS out of it (I ended up working with his partner who does small animal as well) as well as an AWESOME anecdote to use in my interview when asked "Tell us about a time when you went out of your comfort zone to solve a problem."

WOW! That took some serious guts! I really admire you. Sounds like your persistence has definitely paid off!

I was always nervous about applying for jobs at hospitals, because even though I knew I could do a great job, I had no experience at the time! But like you, I dressed up, hand-delivered my resumes and cover letters, and followed up with phone calls and emails. There were plenty of places I never heard back from at all, and a few that rejected, but luckily one place was willing to take me on and train me! I was nervous at the interview because I knew I'd be competing with experienced vet techs (and also because they made me do math problems during the interview to prove I wasn't a dummy, haha. Still made me nervous, though.) I've learned SO much there (I still work there, and I will until I leave this summer to move for vet school!) and my supervisor tells me all the time that she's happy for me, but is gonna miss me! I'm so glad I was able to get this job...it's gotten me over 1500 hours of vet experience, and the skills I've learned and the insight it's given me into vet med are invaluable. I know how hard it is to get your foot in the door, especially when other places have rejected you, and how scary it is to put yourself out there to get what you want. But you've got to do it! You need and want those hours, experience, and LORs! If's there's anything you need to be persistent in pursuing, it's things related to vet med! You can do it, guys! 🙂

 

[LetItSnow]

they were both tickled to death when I got in, knowing that they helped me get there. So take a deep breath and just do it! Good luck everyone!

... which brings up another good piece of advice. Don't leave your evaluators out of the loop. They've taken the time to invest in helping you get in, the least you can do is follow up.

I sent mine all email when I got an interview. When I got in, I followed up with them personally and, in one case where it made sense, a gift (she's helped me with more than just the evaluation).

So stay professional and follow-up. You never know when you'll be coming back to these people for a job. 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

This is why we keep you around, TT teehee

I hope I'm good for more than random bits of information, but thanks anyway!

 

[nuevaburra]

I hope I'm good for more than random bits of information, but thanks anyway!

Yes, your avatars! So cute! Though corgis are my favorite 😉

 

[squirrelsrule]

Seems like having a hard time getting in to shadow is a common issue. I called just about all the vets around to check into shadowing and some said sure they'd call back with when I could start and then never did and when I called back they then said they'd check into it. I went in person to a couple and they said they'd check and didn't then I called the next week and they again said they'd check and didn't. I finally made an appointment for my dog and asked the vet directly, who was thrilled I'd want to shadow him and hadn't even heard that I'd called to see about shadowing. So, then I was in and he also has the emergency clinic, so I shadowed there, then the job opening, and now I'm a vet assistant. Everything just fell into place after I went and asked in person (which was something I am not a huge fan of doing because I know it is a pain for the vet to have someone following around watching their every move and asking questions all the time, but he was very nice about it and wants to help me). So, it really isn't as bad as it seems and they all know how it is to be in our boat because they were prevet students once too. I know when I become a vet, I will want to help others realize their dreams and become vets too, so it might be a hassle for the vet, but they might actually enjoy helping prevet students.

 

[nuevaburra]

Cold calling can be pretty brutal, but you have to keep trying. Both vets I am shadowing were really happy to have me. One I had to call a few times, but then she said she was "SO GLAD" that I called, because she had been meaning to get back to me but was so busy she kept forgetting. And the other vet clearly loves teaching, she has a little "Teaching Box" with a cow vertebra and slides of different skin parasites.

On the other hand, one clinic still hasn't got back to me after multiple phone calls, but I know the vet doesn't mind shadowers so I am going to keep calling until I MAKE it happen. But every time I pick up a phone to call someplace and talk to someone I don't know, my hands shake and I start sweating. I just visualize the end result and take a deep breath. I'll admit though I STILL can't handle answering machines. Too much pressure. I hang up and call back when I can talk to a real person. And when I called my SA vet to ask about shadowing I totally froze and forgot her name "Hi, this is nuevaburra, I am calling about, ummm... shadowing... the veterinarian?" lol oops. But it all worked out.

 

[kaydubs]

Seems like having a hard time getting in to shadow is a common issue. I called just about all the vets around to check into shadowing and some said sure they'd call back with when I could start and then never did and when I called back they then said they'd check into it. I went in person to a couple and they said they'd check and didn't then I called the next week and they again said they'd check and didn't.

Nice story. Totally supports my determination with the: "If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again" (next time with a mallet 🤣) For those who are having a hard time: try one more time. There are vets who will take you on & are more than happy to do so. I think some are "too busy" (this is a very loaded phrase) while others consider the possibility of having to write the eLOR and are like, "Hm....."

 

[kaydubs]

I hope I'm good for more than random bits of information, but thanks anyway!

I have all the respect in the world for you, TT. I don't have the patience to look up these links. I think I said this before (short term memory loss for the win!) but I can barely locate threads from a week ago on pre-vet SDN let alone from a year ago This definitely indicates my overwhelmingly great skills!

 

[LetItSnow]

Everything just fell into place after I went and asked in person (which was something I am not a huge fan of doing because I know it is a pain for the vet to have someone following around watching their every move and asking questions all the time

I'm not so sure that's always the case. The vet I typically shadow always seems quite happy to see me. She explains as much as I ask, she lets me have the run of her clinic, and she's gone out of her way to pull old cases (or radiology) to show me - she just plain enjoys teaching, I think.

When I got accepted I asked her if I should keep shadowing or take the time off and enjoy it; I was trying to give her a polite way out if she was getting tired of having me around. But she squashed that idea and let me know that if I had the time for it, she thought it would be best to continue shadowing.

I think you just have to find a vet that enjoys teaching and meshes well with your personality.

 

[bee83]

I'm not so sure that's always the case. The vet I typically shadow always seems quite happy to see me. She explains as much as I ask, she lets me have the run of her clinic, and she's gone out of her way to pull old cases (or radiology) to show me - she just plain enjoys teaching, I think.

When I got accepted I asked her if I should keep shadowing or take the time off and enjoy it; I was trying to give her a polite way out if she was getting tired of having me around. But she squashed that idea and let me know that if I had the time for it, she thought it would be best to continue shadowing.

I think you just have to find a vet that enjoys teaching and meshes well with your personality.

Ugh. I hope to be able to find someone like that to shadow this summer! The last place I shadowed, everyone was so negative and condescending. One vet heard that I was applying to a vet internship and he said, "Yeah, good luck with that. You have to know someone to get in at the zoo." Obviously, I applied anyway and ended up getting the most competitive internship. Too bad I wasn't still shadowing him when I got the gig. Then, the next guy I shadowed at this same clinic sent me off to do about 50 client call-backs, while he and another visiting vet looked over a bunch of radiographs from a really cool case that had come in. I don't mind doing my part to help out, but seriously? He was just trying to get me out of the way, and I didn't appreciate that. I could have done those call backs during the rest of the day when nothing was happening.
I hope there is a teacher vet out there for me to shadow somewhere 🙂

 

[squirrelsrule]

Ugh. I hope to be able to find someone like that to shadow this summer! The last place I shadowed, everyone was so negative and condescending. One vet heard that I was applying to a vet internship and he said, "Yeah, good luck with that. You have to know someone to get in at the zoo." Obviously, I applied anyway and ended up getting the most competitive internship. Too bad I wasn't still shadowing him when I got the gig. Then, the next guy I shadowed at this same clinic sent me off to do about 50 client call-backs, while he and another visiting vet looked over a bunch of radiographs from a really cool case that had come in. I don't mind doing my part to help out, but seriously? He was just trying to get me out of the way, and I didn't appreciate that. I could have done those call backs during the rest of the day when nothing was happening.
I hope there is a teacher vet out there for me to shadow somewhere 🙂

I'd try to find somewhere with some hands on experience. Being a vet assistant has been totally different than shadowing! Sometimes I am really getting it and doing great, and other times I feel like such a klutz! The computer work I am good at 🙂. Its the hands on stuff that gets me sometimes. I learned to cap off an IV line when its time to take a dog out today and it took me forever, then I did the Pulse and got 80 (actual was 130). I was struggling with the dog and my watch and felt totally clueless. My trainer kinda just stood back and told me that its best to do the stuff in the cage so they don't escape and didn't help. I got it done though and redeemed myself by collecting some urine when I took the dog out for a walk (dog had possibly ingested a large amount of ibuprofen).

I think actually doing stuff like blood draws, setting up a catheter line, etc. will help me when it comes to vet school and being a vet. I am a pretty quick learner when it comes to book knowledge, but it takes more for me to get comfortable with the hands on stuff, so being a vet assistant will hopefully help me get a little better with the simple stuff 🙂. It is a lot to take in! Before December I had NO experience in a vet clinic at all, so this has been a big step shadowing and now being a vet assistant.

Sorry to ramble. I think you should check around with all the vets til you find a good one that will let you help out as an assistant, if at all possible.

 

[nuevaburra]

I attended a volunteer orientation today to work at the wildlife rehab center- yayyyy! All you awesome wildlife people on here inspired me to pursue this opportunity and I am so glad that I did, it sounds like it will be really interesting and rewarding work. And I get to do necropsies! 😍

 

[squirrelsrule]

I attended a volunteer orientation today to work at the wildlife rehab center- yayyyy! All you awesome wildlife people on here inspired me to pursue this opportunity and I am so glad that I did, it sounds like it will be really interesting and rewarding work. And I get to do necropsies! 😍

Awesome! I am sure you will love wildlife rehab, it is the best! My favorite is the tiny tinies like 30 gram cottontails and 15 gram squirrels 😍. The smaller they are, the more I love them 🙂.

 

[LetItSnow]

Awesome! I am sure you will love wildlife rehab, it is the best! My favorite is the tiny tinies like 30 gram cottontails and 15 gram squirrels 😍. The smaller they are, the more I love them 🙂.

I can't explain it, and I know it makes no sense, but of all the animals I've ever had to deal with, from ridiculously large cows down to teeny little opossum joeys ... squirrels are the only ones that scare me.

More than clowns, imaginary sea monsters, and Freddie Krueger, squirrels are frightening.

Sigh.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I can't explain it, and I know it makes no sense, but of all the animals I've ever had to deal with, from ridiculously large cows down to teeny little opossum joeys ... squirrels are the only ones that scare me.

More than clowns, imaginary sea monsters, and Freddie Krueger, squirrels are frightening.

Sigh.

When we lived in PA, there was a guy near us who had a pet squirrel he'd hand-reared... he took it everywhere. It wore a little harness and rode on his shoulder, and it was quite possibly the cutest thing ever.

That said, you should see what a singular squirrel managed to do when he snuck inside my parents' pool house a couple of years ago. They're going to have to re-panel the entire thing before they can even think about moving. Squirrel destroyed the walls, and I think he was in there for two days, tops.

Those teeth are no joke!

(For those wondering: the squirrel made it out unscathed. 😉)

 

[squirrelsrule]

I can't explain it, and I know it makes no sense, but of all the animals I've ever had to deal with, from ridiculously large cows down to teeny little opossum joeys ... squirrels are the only ones that scare me.

More than clowns, imaginary sea monsters, and Freddie Krueger, squirrels are frightening.

Sigh.

about being afraid of squirrels. I love squirrels 😍. Bunnies are my favorites though, you can't beat the cuteness of a tiny baby bunny. But seriously, squirrels aren't scary at all. Yes, they have teeth that are tough (I've been bitten 4 times and you don't forget it, but I'd take an angry squirrel over an angry cat any day!). If you grab a squirrel with your thumb and index finger around one shoulder (thumb under the leg, index finger over the shoulder) and then the inside of your hand over the back and your pinkie under the other arm with the second to last finger over that arm, you can't be bitten! If your hand slips 😱, but if you have a good grip you don't hurt the squirrel and you have control. I have handled all sizes of squirrels like this from juvies to full grown squirrels with injuries. If you can't grab them without them noticing (usually they run away so you can grab them pretty easy) then you can net them and grab them like I described from in the net. It really isn't bad. The worst thing is their nails, but that doesn't hurt too bad, I am always scratched up.

I take it you wouldn't like to get this squirrel in:

A full grown female with mange that came in 3 weeks ago. She was covered in fleas as well as having the mange so she needed a bath. I handled it really calmly, but after its like OMG I just bathed a full grown squirrel 😱.

Her with her fur starting to grow back after 2 weeks

 

[LetItSnow]

I take it you wouldn't like to get this squirrel in:

No, I wouldn't!!!! (But awwwwww for that poor squirrel and its mange.)

I'd rather work with something less likely to eat my face.

Like, say, this fuzzy, friendly, curious juvenile delinquent:

🙂

P.S. We're totally thread-jacking, aren't we?

 

[bbeventer]

Aww look your fuzzy friend is saying "Hi!"

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Aww look your fuzzy friend is saying "Hi!"

I think he wants a hug...

 

[bee83]

I'll take an angry cat over any rodent any day. Lately at work I've been hand-feeding a chinchilla, and I do not enjoy it. My aversion to rodents may have something to do with the fact that we often had rabbits when I was younger, and they always seemed like the meanest little things. Too many bunny bites as a small child can really ruin rodents for a person 🙂

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I'll take an angry cat over any rodent any day. Lately at work I've been hand-feeding a chinchilla, and I do not enjoy it. My aversion to rodents may have something to do with the fact that we often had rabbits when I was younger, and they always seemed like the meanest little things. Too many bunny bites as a small child can really ruin rodents for a person 🙂

Rabbits are actually lagomorphs, not rodents 😉... but they can definitely bite!

I once worked at a shelter where the majority of the techs were deathly afraid of bunnies, and refused to touch them... so I ended up having to groom and socialize all the (many) unruly rabbits we incurred while I was there. Fun times!

 

[bee83]

Rabbits are actually lagomorphs, not rodents 😉... but they can definitely bite!

I see. Maybe that explains why I've never been bitten by an actual rodent...it's only those crazy lagomorphs that are so mean! I'll be sure to give rodents more credit in the future 🙂

 

[Cautionary Tail]

I see. Maybe that explains why I've never been bitten by an actual rodent...it's only those crazy lagomorphs that are so mean! I'll be sure to give rodents more credit in the future 🙂

Eh, one word... hamsters.

 

[bbeventer]

I'll take an angry cat over any rodent any day. Lately at work I've been hand-feeding a chinchilla, and I do not enjoy it. My aversion to rodents may have something to do with the fact that we often had rabbits when I was younger, and they always seemed like the meanest little things. Too many bunny bites as a small child can really ruin rodents for a person 🙂

Its not the bunnies teeth that scare me to much but there many claws. I don't know how many times I have been clawed up by those little fuzz balls. I always hated doing nail trims on them.

 

[squirrelsrule]

I don't feel so bad about being afraid of the nasty cats now 🙂. I think my issue is just that I don't know how to handle cats, I haven't ever been around them. I rescued one with feline leukemia that was roaming the backyard but only because he was super friendly, all the others I chase off and hiss at them 🙂. I hate outside cats! My only other up close and personal experiences with cats have been while shadowing or working at the clinic. Some cats are nice and I handle those well 🙂, but some start hissing and kicking in the cage 😱. Cats have bigger claws than squirrels and when you get bitten by them it tends to get infected! Plus, if I am handling a squirrel and it gets loose, I am very confident I could quickly net it and have it under control. With a cat, they dart and hide and then when you find them they get their nasty attitude again. No thanks! Of course, you can easilly throw a towel over a crazy cat, you can't do that so easy with a squirrel because they are way more alert to that type thing than a cat is.

I have had some psycho bunnies in my time (both domestics and wilds) and I have never been afraid. OK, I'll admit that we got a rabbit on sale when I was in 7th grade because he was $15 with his $99 cage and we thought he could go and be friends with the super friendly bunny we already had and they could both move into this nice cage , that bunny was the meanest thing in the world. He had been with some kids who cut off his whiskers, chased him with brooms, and must have poked at him in his cage or something because he had MAJOR cage aggression. Anyways, the first time I got him out he latched onto my pinkie so hard that I pulled him out of the cage by my finger and had to use my other had to open his mouth and free my finger, at which point he started running after my brother with the ears back charge 😱. Luckilly my brother had shoes on! I did not . We both quickly exited the room and got on some gear to handle this mini rex rabbit . We put on boots, coats (with hoods up!), 2 pairs of pants, and gloves. Man we should have gotten that on tape! So, we headed back in to round up our new pet, who did charge us and try to bite and then when I grabbed him he started kicking like crazy.

It was a lot of work with that rabbit, but the main thing was that he was protective of his cage and you had to always open the door and let him come out on his own, then he wasn't so defensive and after 3 years he was actually friendly outside the cage. You couldn't reach in the cage ever though, even after we had had him for 7 years! Unless you had thick leather gloves on he'd bite the living daylights out of your hand.

Other than that first day, I wasn't afraid of him, it was just a matter of figuring out what the issue was.

 

[Pelagia]

Eh, one word... hamsters.

YES. Those little teeth hurt!! It seems ridiculous to admit this, but now whenever we get a sick hamster, I put on the thick leather "angry cat" gloves before I take the hamster out of the cage. Then I take the gloves off, very carefully...

 

[pennyonthefloor]

Nice story. Totally supports my determination with the: "If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again" (next time with a mallet 🤣) For those who are having a hard time: try one more time. There are vets who will take you on & are more than happy to do so. I think some are "too busy" (this is a very loaded phrase) while others consider the possibility of having to write the eLOR and are like, "Hm....."

Same is true with vet school. I speak from experience. This is my third year applying and if it weren't for me getting out of my comfort zone this time around, I'd be waiting to apply next year. General rule of thumb for me now with any vet I work with (or anyone I work with for that matter)-- it never hurts to ask. It's how you learn and it's how others learn. Best of luck to you all.

I'm not so sure that's always the case. The vet I typically shadow always seems quite happy to see me. She explains as much as I ask, she lets me have the run of her clinic, and she's gone out of her way to pull old cases (or radiology) to show me - she just plain enjoys teaching, I think.

I think you just have to find a vet that enjoys teaching and meshes well with your personality.

I agree wholeheartedly with this. It's difficult to find but when you do, it's oh-so-rewarding. I now have a similar relationship with one of my LOR writers. She's amazing and is huge on teaching, education and helping others out.

The last place I shadowed, everyone was so negative and condescending. One vet heard that I was applying to a vet internship and he said, "Yeah, good luck with that. You have to know someone to get in at the zoo."

I know that feeling too but glad you didn't give up. First job I had in Columbus was working as a receptionist at a vet's office. Worked there for over a year... thought I had a good relationship with the vet... went to ask her for a LOR-- denied. She gave me a long speech about how she felt I didn't have enough 'hands on' experience shadowing her and pretty much the vibe I was getting was that she didn't feel I was fit to be a veterinarian. OSU requires an 80 hour of vet experience verification form... asked her to sign it (clearly I had surpassed that with working over a year for her at about 15 hrs/week)... she didn't want to sign it. Deep down inside I hope that someday I run into her at a conference when I'm a vet.......

Sorry for ranting... looking for every outlet possible to avoid doing actual 'work' today.

Squirrels terrify me also. We have this one in our yard that likes to pelt us with acorns when we cut the grass. I swear it's intentional....

 

[MotherOf3]

Gpa~low 2.98

Gre~general 1380
Biology 620

Animal Experience
Hunter Lane Stable~3000
JJ's Equestrian~200
Salem Equestrian~1800
Humane Society~1100
Person Pets(Cows, Horses, Dogs, Cats)in show/treating injury~3200
Farrier Specializing in lameness correction~100

Vet Experience
Mixed practice(large & small)~5820
Small Animal practice~1100
Equine Surgery/Internal Medicine~500

I am 23 years old with 2 children a 3 year old and a 2 year old and very excited to be welcoming baby number 3 this fall in August. I have held 2 jobs during the entire 6 years of college and have raised these fun loving children!!!😍 I have also remained active in my college through multiple clubs and been in the officer position for many of them. I ride for my college on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and was a Co-ed Cheerleader my first two years of college. I hope my vast activities and experience hours will help off set my lower GPA. I have already graduated with my BS degree in Biology with a Business Management Minor and I am currently working on my Masters of Business Administration!!!!🙂

 

[MotherOf3]

Oh yeah..I am applying to Mississippi State University, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Kansas State, and Oregon State!!! However, Mississippi State has my heart and I hope to be excepted there!!!!!!

 

[l2vet]

Welcome to pre-vet SDN, and best of luck to you in the next application cycle! =D

 

[ferretmom]

Honest question here, I'm really freaking out about it.
GPA is about average: 3.5-3.6ish
My science prereq GPa is higher, more like 3.8-3.9
My last 45 GPA is a littler higher too, about a 3.6
GRE was 1190 (I'll probably take it again this summer)
My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance. I have a significant amount of animal experiance (lived on a ranch for 9 years of my life - this includes working with large animals - also worked at a daycare/boarding facility and own animals myself), I have a fair (and still growing) amount of veterinary experiance (mostly small animal and exotics) from working as a Tech Assist - just over 500 hours now, but as I continue to work that will grow greatly. But not having any research is really worrying me, especially since I have no idea how to get involved in it, don't have much interest in it, and am completely lost! What do you guys think?
And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.
Thanks for the advice guys and good luck!

 

[psilovethomas]

Honest question here, I'm really freaking out about it.
GPA is about average: 3.5-3.6ish
My science prereq GPa is higher, more like 3.8-3.9
My last 45 GPA is a littler higher too, about a 3.6
GRE was 1190 (I'll probably take it again this summer)
My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance. I have a significant amount of animal experiance (lived on a ranch for 9 years of my life - this includes working with large animals - also worked at a daycare/boarding facility and own animals myself), I have a fair (and still growing) amount of veterinary experiance (mostly small animal and exotics) from working as a Tech Assist - just over 500 hours now, but as I continue to work that will grow greatly. But not having any research is really worrying me, especially since I have no idea how to get involved in it, don't have much interest in it, and am completely lost! What do you guys think?
And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.
Thanks for the advice guys and good luck!

Welcome!
You and I have similar stats (give or take a few GPA points in each category) and I was accepted to Michigan State (OOS). I didn't have any research experience, except some stuff I did in high school with my veterinarian and the local high school, which I doubt MSU counted as research experience. I think you will be fine without research experience. If you can get it, it will definitely help your application, but I don't think it's necessary. If you have a good amount of vet hours, I think you will be fine.

 

[tuckervet]

My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance.
And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.
Thanks for the advice guys and good luck!

I also have absolutely no research experience, and was accepted to three schools this year (second year of applying), so it is absolutely not a requirement. It can't hurt to get some reseach expeirnece, and that is probably easiest through a university or university vet hospital, but if you're sure that is not what you want to pursue, then I think it's fine to focus on getting experience that is relevant to you and your future.

For the personal statement, I would just expect to do many drafts, and even possibly write two or three different possible essays, which could then be pieced together if necessary. so I would start with one, maybe telling your story how it comes naturally to you, and then get some feedback from people about what parts seem too much about self pity or too many details, what parts should be elaborated or abbreviated, and then work from there.
that's just my advice, feel free to take it or leave it. if you do eventually have a draft you'd like some feedback on, I'm happy to read it and try to help (that's an open offer to all 2016 hopefuls, just PM me).

 

[squirrelsrule]

Honest question here, I'm really freaking out about it.
GPA is about average: 3.5-3.6ish
My science prereq GPa is higher, more like 3.8-3.9
My last 45 GPA is a littler higher too, about a 3.6
GRE was 1190 (I'll probably take it again this summer)
My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance. I have a significant amount of animal experiance (lived on a ranch for 9 years of my life - this includes working with large animals - also worked at a daycare/boarding facility and own animals myself), I have a fair (and still growing) amount of veterinary experiance (mostly small animal and exotics) from working as a Tech Assist - just over 500 hours now, but as I continue to work that will grow greatly. But not having any research is really worrying me, especially since I have no idea how to get involved in it, don't have much interest in it, and am completely lost! What do you guys think?
And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.
Thanks for the advice guys and good luck!

Welcome to our thread.

I am hoping that research isn't a big issue too! I have none (well I did a senior research project in college, but didn't know at the time I wanted to be a vet so I went with studying macroinvertebrates to find out if the diversity of restored wetlands ever returns to what it is in natural wetlands. Nothing to do with being a vet, but I did experience research, and determined it is NOT for me!). I have no interest in research, I respect researchers and think they are vital to what we as future doctors do, but I just don't see myself doing research. I want to use the info. researchers gather to help animals 😀.

I think your stats are pretty impressive 👍.

For your personal statement, I think that it is important to tell your story, if that involves some struggles along the way, you shouldn't not put them in, but you want to focus on the path in your life that has been pulling you towards becoming a vet. If you had struggles that made you a stronger person, that's great and should definitely be included in my opinion, but should be included as a struggle or disadvantage your situation presented followed by your triumph over it and how it has made you a stronger person and more determined to become a vet. You only have 5000 characters, so be sure that you focus on the parts of your life's story that have led you to become a vet.

 

[LetItSnow]

My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance.

You don't have a problem. You just have a weakness that you need to shore up by shining in some other area. FWIW, many people have zero research experience, myself included.

And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.

I think that it's a tough line to find. Where it exists, though, is at the boundary between telling them just enough so that they understand what you're talking about versus dwelling on it. You will find that 5000 characters means you have to write very tightly - especially since you'll be addressing other things like professional goals, demonstrating a depth of knowledge of the field, etc.

I think if it's a highly personal experience, you're likely to feel emotional about it, and that makes it all the more important that you have multiple people proof/edit/critique your statement. Whatever space you devote to this background, spend the bulk of it describing the (positive) outcome and what you gained from it as opposed to the (negative) experience itself.

I'm going to go out on a limb, and probably will get soundly (and perhaps correctly) smacked by other SDNers, but I think strength and determination are a bit overrated in the personal statement because, frankly, most people are determined and 'strength' is a bit nebulous? Character is important. Consider other skills you may have that you can concretely describe through examples (people skills? business skills? leadership skills?).

Best of luck!!

 

[lareinesoleil]

Honest question here, I'm really freaking out about it.
GPA is about average: 3.5-3.6ish
My science prereq GPa is higher, more like 3.8-3.9
My last 45 GPA is a littler higher too, about a 3.6
GRE was 1190 (I'll probably take it again this summer)
My problem: I have aboslutely zero research experiance. I have a significant amount of animal experiance (lived on a ranch for 9 years of my life - this includes working with large animals - also worked at a daycare/boarding facility and own animals myself), I have a fair (and still growing) amount of veterinary experiance (mostly small animal and exotics) from working as a Tech Assist - just over 500 hours now, but as I continue to work that will grow greatly. But not having any research is really worrying me, especially since I have no idea how to get involved in it, don't have much interest in it, and am completely lost! What do you guys think?
And about the personal statement, I don't come from the greatest background. I want to talk about my experiance during high school because I feel like it speaks a lot towards my strength, character, and determination - but I don't know where to draw the line between telling my story accurately to portray my struggles and triumphs and just writing a pity fest. I guess until I have a completed rough draft its a little hard to help me with that, but I was wondering what some other students thought.
Thanks for the advice guys and good luck!

I have absolutely no research experience. Zero. I think if you said you wanted to do research, but had no experience, that would be more of an issue.

 

[that redhead]

I'm going to go out on a limb, and probably will get soundly (and perhaps correctly) smacked by other SDNers, but I think strength and determination are a bit overrated in the personal statement because, frankly, most people are determined and 'strength' is a bit nebulous? Character is important. Consider other skills you may have that you can concretely describe through examples (people skills? business skills? leadership skills?).

I agree with you! I think most people that apply to vet school have had to be determined in some way or another and while it's admirable it doesn't necessarily set you apart. You want your PS to set you apart.

Character is definitely a good thing to build through your PS but don't just say, "Well my life has been pretty ****ty but I've been determined and I've persevered and I've been strong!" because that sounds cliche. Advice I received on my own PS was to use strong examples to show these traits instead of just listing them. As long as you aren't going on and on about the terribleness of your life, you can mention obstacles that you've had to overcome.

 

[NStarz]

Thought I'd check in and see if anyone could offer any advice as to where to go from here 🙂

I'm really not sure what I should be doing this summer to get ready for my application (I'm taking a gap year so I will technically be looking for something to do from June 2011-July/August 2012).

GPA: 3.75, GRE 1300
Vet Exp (so far!):
~200 SA GP shadowing
~120 hours internship at EM/specialty hospital
~40 hours shelter med (definitely continuing)
~20 hours shadowing vet behaviorist (SA) (also continuing)

Unfortunately, my zoo internship didn't work out (I wasn't qualified--yet they offered me an interview...and then recanted?? So confused).

I definitely need some kind of LA/equine, but I'm not really sure what to do with the rest of my time. I could try to get a SA tech job, I could continue volunteering at the shelter (and do it full time--negative side would be the lack of money making, which I can do if necessary), or something else? I am still, unfortunately, on the hunt for people to write me LORs. I was going to use the first guy I shadowed, but I feel like he doesn't really know me well and he didn't really want to get to know me either (he was a friend of my dad's so he was helping me out more as a favor than anything else). I don't think I would enjoy being a tech there because I absolutely hate the tech staff (all catty and immature and I frankly question their ethics sometimes).

I can probably get a LOR from the shelter vet, and possibly the behaviorist if I keep going (it's hard to say because I don't know either of them a ton yet). I need 2 vet LORs because I am applying to Ohio.

Does anyone have any advice? What would you do in my position? I really enjoy the shelter work, but I'm not sure if I should be doing that full time (especially for free. A job may open up sometime, but there is no guarantee). If you have any thoughts, I would really appreciate it 😀😀😀

 

[NStarz]

Anyone have any advice to this lowly pre-vetter?

*unequivocal bump*