Class of 2023 Hopefuls

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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WildZoo said:
There is also cost of attendance information on the VIN cost of education map, and I believe on the AAVMC cost comparison tool too. Might not be 100% accurate but it's a good place to start.
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Thanks for the heads up about this! I didn't know about the AAVMC comparison tool. It is helping me decide if it is worth it or not to try to transfer after my first year to save money.
 
I was wondering for schools that do want Fall Transcripts, should we snail mail them as official transcripts (vs unofficial) to the college of vet med, or email, or what? I've had schools ask to send fall transcripts but then don't actually tell you what mode they want them in or where...
 
cowsarecool said:
I was wondering for schools that do want Fall Transcripts, should we snail mail them as official transcripts (vs unofficial) to the college of vet med, or email, or what? I've had schools ask to send fall transcripts but then don't actually tell you what mode they want them in or where...
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Generally they want official transcripts. And if they don’t say what method to send them, call and ask so you can hopefully get an answer before they go on break. If you aren’t able to speak with anyone, safest route would probably be snail mail since some of the e-transcript links will expire after a couple weeks, where snail mail....does not:laugh:
 
Does anyone know if there's a comprehensive site that shows if schools require fall transcripts to be sent to them? I've been looking up individual school's websites but I'm having trouble finding information on some of them...
 
cbucks said:
Does anyone know if there's a comprehensive site that shows if schools require fall transcripts to be sent to them? I've been looking up individual school's websites but I'm having trouble finding information on some of them...
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Changes throughout the years so there isn’t. Best bet is to contact the schools individually.
 
SkiOtter said:
Generally they want official transcripts. And if they don’t say what method to send them, call and ask so you can hopefully get an answer before they go on break. If you aren’t able to speak with anyone, safest route would probably be snail mail since some of the e-transcript links will expire after a couple weeks, where snail mail....does not:laugh:
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Thanks!
 
Do schools really take into account your grades from your fall transcript or is it mostly to see if youve completed the pre-reqs?
 
c/o2023hopeful said:
Do schools really take into account your grades from your fall transcript or is it mostly to see if youve completed the pre-reqs?
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If they haven't sent out decisions yet they probably take them into account, but it's most likely not a major factor. Maybe if it results in a significant upward or downward shift in your GPAs.
 
c/o2023hopeful said:
Do schools really take into account your grades from your fall transcript or is it mostly to see if youve completed the pre-reqs?
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Like Lyra said it depends on the school. For example though Iowa wont send out decisions until after they get your fall grades and they do factor in quite heavily compared to other schools that just want to make sure you're not slacking and passing everything.
 
c/o2023hopeful said:
Do schools really take into account your grades from your fall transcript or is it mostly to see if youve completed the pre-reqs?
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And even if they don’t factor them SUPER heavily, if you slacked off that semester because you were assuming you would get in and ended up needing to reapply, it would DEFINITELY be a factor and hurt you then.
 
I just spent last night doing teeth with my mentor for free because her normal tech is sick and Im home for the holidays( helped hold to float 2 and stepped in to calm another) then today we did a lamness exam with about 2 hours of scrubbing to get a horse clean enough so we could inject ( sweet horse)..it's days like these I really hope that all of this means something. I don't expect anything in return but I hope im making good karma.

Anyone going into ambulatory practice...you will never need sleep meds let me tell you!
 
Old-Country-Vet-Tech said:
I just spent last night doing teeth with my mentor for free because her normal tech is sick and Im home for the holidays( helped hold to float 2 and stepped in to calm another) then today we did a lamness exam with about 2 hours of scrubbing to get a horse clean enough so we could inject ( sweet horse)..it's days like these I really hope that all of this means something. I don't expect anything in return but I hope im making good karma.

Anyone going into ambulatory practice...you will never need sleep meds let me tell you!
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Despite being a horse person, all the time I spent scrubbing for joint injections while shadowing an equine vet in undergrad made me 101% sure I didnt want to do equine. Oh and that day we had to sew up lacerations on like three horses in a row until like 2am in 0 degree weather. And I hate teeth. Lololol.

On another note, don’t work for free #justsayin’
 
mmmdreamerz said:
Despite being a horse person, all the time I spent scrubbing for joint injections while shadowing an equine vet in undergrad made me 101% sure I didnt want to do equine. Oh and that day we had to sew up lacerations on like three horses in a row until like 2am in 0 degree weather. And I hate teeth. Lololol.

On another note, don’t work for free #justsayin’
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Usually I don't but the circumstances were wonky this time. Im the opposite, working with equine solidified my passion for large animal. Working with what I did at UF made me sure of LA and food med.
 
Hello there everyone. I'm new here and in need of advice.

Some backstory: I have spent what feels to me like a LONG time finishing school. I've almost always worked full time or the closest to full time. My parents are don't have money and have never been able to pay for school. Thankfully I was able to get financial aid but because i worked so mucht my grades suffered. Finally I'm at this place where I applied to vet school and by some miracle UF saw my potential and put me on the alternative list. Which I never thought would be reality. The problem is, it's not a guarantee. I basically applied to SGU and Ross as backups because knew there was a possibility I could get in there. In my head, I said school is school and wherever I go I'll do my best to learn and become the best doctor I can be. Now Ross has offered me an interview. Which I'm grateful for but I dont know if I want to continue forward. I'm afraid of burning out and I feel like the accelerated program is not what I want. For years I tried doing more than I could handle and it ended up backfiring. Something that I dont want to happen in vet school. The cost of going to St.kitts would also add onto the "OOS" tuition and massive debt that I know I will have at the end. At first I thought maybe I'll just do the interview so I can practice. Then I thought about how I could be taking up an interview spot from someone that really wants to be there.

I'm sorry for this rant. I guess I'm asking if I should do the interview knowing that in the end it's not something I really want. Thinking about living on an island going to vet school would be very interesting but is it worth all the extra $$$?

It also just feels good to get this off my chest and talk to people who are in the same boat. Ever since applying to vet school my anxiety has increased. I had to talk about stuff that I bury deep. My parents do what they can and it often feels like our family cant get a break sometimes. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2012 at the end of my senior year. Times have been ****ty to us but I've been working and going to school since I graduated HS. I worked at an 24/7 vet clinic and I'm passionate about what I do. My mom is still going through a lot of stuff which I carry with me everyday. I didnt think UF would ever want me. My plan was to reapply next year and since I graduate summer with me B.S I could just work and relax. Maybe that'll still be plan B.
 
sheltermed said:
Question for repeat applicants -- have you ever interviewed at more than one school (2+) in any given cycle?
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This is my third application cycle. The first two years I had interviews at Kansas state only. Got rejected from them my first year and then waitlisted for them and Iowa state last year. This year, I’ve been accepted to one school so far and have had more opportunities for interviews this year. It is devastating when you realize you don’t get to go to vet school this fall. Don’t get me wrong, I cried for a week straight and felt at my absolute lowest my first application cycle. The last two years I had been irrationally checking my emails/portals for updates. This year, I joke about refreshing my email 1000x a day but I’m taking everything with stride. It is what it is, I’ve done everything I can do to make myself competitive. The ball is now in the schools court, and I just need to (im)patiently wait. Hope this helps!
 
Meerkatnip said:
I guess I'm asking if I should do the interview knowing that in the end it's not something I really want.
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You answered your own question. Don't do something like vet school unless you know you're fully on board with your own plan. I didn't apply to any out of country schools my final cycle because I knew I wouldnt want to go there for school. Let someone who actually wants to go to the islands take the interview and the chance.
 
So I interviewed at Kansas State on the 3rd and heard back on the 8th that I was rejected. Does this mean that I really messed up my interview if I heard back from them so quickly? I thought the interview went alright and they told me we usually don't hear back until mid-late February.
 
LittleSparrow said:
So I interviewed at Kansas State on the 3rd and heard back on the 8th that I was rejected. Does this mean that I really messed up my interview if I heard back from them so quickly? I thought the interview went alright and they told me we usually don't hear back until mid-late February.
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It sounds like all decisions went out today, so don't take it personally! I'm an ambassador and that's when we were told to tell people to expect decisions, but I guess they got them done more quickly than expected. We have a new dean of admissions this year, so the timeline is a bit different this cycle.
 
LyraGardenia said:
It sounds like all decisions went out today, so don't take it personally! I'm an ambassador and that's when we were told to tell people to expect decisions, but I guess they got them done more quickly than expected. We have a new dean of admissions this year, so the timeline is a bit different this cycle.
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Thank you! I was really worried that I just botched it and they threw me out of the selection early XD
 
I'm starting to lose hope this cycle because because I havent heard anything. Besides a rejection and a waitlist ( which I think vmcvm waitlisted everyone who didnt get an interview invite)
 
Old-Country-Vet-Tech said:
which I think vmcvm waitlisted everyone who didnt get an interview invite
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(They do actually send out rejections to people they don’t want to interview too, not just interview waitlist)
Keep your chin up! No news means you’re at least still in the running and not rejected. It’s not over until you get that sad letter.
 
SkiOtter said:
(They do actually send out rejections to people they don’t want to interview too, not just interview waitlist)
Keep your chin up! No news means you’re at least still in the running and not rejected. It’s not over until you get that sad letter.
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I was wondering if they did do rejections, so that makes me feel a lot better as even if its a long list I wasnt outright rejected and thats a small victory.

I'm in limbo right now because im looking for work but if I get an offer to interview I must go. Then for some schools if im waitlisted I wont hear until almost the next cycle. Im lucky to have enough family help now due to better financial circumstances and due to living at home during undergrad to be ok where I am now but I still feel like im in limbo.
 
Okay friends. I still have 2 interviews and am trying to remain hopeful, but my contingency plans are in motion.

I sent in an application for an online, 18-credit MPH certificate (can transfer courses to MPH program if desired) toward which I've already taken 2 classes (possibly only 1 but I'm gonna argue with them), and have emailed the WSU Global Campus person to try to take Cell Bio this summer. The latter class will allow me to apply to a couple additional schools to which I was otherwise unable before.

Next step would obviously be registering for courses for next semester and this summer, and then trying to find a job that would start around this September. My present job was temporary and 2 years long, it ends then.

I've said many times that I don't think I will be able to stomach another application cycle, but this is what I want to do and it's what I'm going to do. I don't think I will reapply to KSU because they don't put graduate courses into consideration, but other than that I'm going to try to gear myself up for the best possible success in the coming months and for the next cycle, if need be.
 
sheltermed said:
Okay friends. I still have 2 interviews and am trying to remain hopeful, but my contingency plans are in motion.

I sent in an application for an online, 18-credit MPH certificate (can transfer courses to MPH program if desired) toward which I've already taken 2 classes (possibly only 1 but I'm gonna argue with them), and have emailed the WSU Global Campus person to try to take Cell Bio this summer. The latter class will allow me to apply to a couple additional schools to which I was otherwise unable before.

Next step would obviously be registering for courses for next semester and this summer, and then trying to find a job that would start around this September. My present job was temporary and 2 years long, it ends then.

I've said many times that I don't think I will be able to stomach another application cycle, but this is what I want to do and it's what I'm going to do. I don't think I will reapply to KSU because they don't put graduate courses into consideration, but other than that I'm going to try to gear myself up for the best possible success in the coming months and for the next cycle, if need be.
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I am a 3rd cycle applicant myself and said that this would be my last cycle
It's not that I want to do it any less, but that how much more time and money could I stand to invest (I'm 24 and antsy to start my career!)

I am so fortunate to have found a pathplogy company with a veterinarian who loves to see her employees succeed and pays me a livable wage. But I have dreams of traveling the world (requiring a larger salary) and having the prestige of the doctor title so I've kept on.

So my backup was ultrasound technology (in 1 yr, can pay 10k for certification and be making 70k to start!)

But I realized I didn't need a backup plan if I was willing to leave the country. So right now I have an SGU acceptance, and I realized I'd be stoked to go there, enjoy the island life, warm weather, new culture, and experience of living in another country. But, will be more stoked to have in state tuition.

Anyways, what I'm getting at is if this is what you want to do I would suggest applying to Carribbean schools next cycle if you don't get in this cycle (still fingers crossed for you)

Cause if this is what you want to do, it shouldn't be "I only want to learn veterinary medicine at certain schools" 😉
 
I think “I’ll only study vetmed if I can go to certain schools” is perfectly legitimate if for reasons other than personal ego.

I want to be a vet more than anything, and I love it even more since starting vet school. But for me it isn’t worth it to spend 150,000+ over what my IS school would have cost me. If I had tried and couldn’t manage to make it into that one school, I wouldn’t be a vet. Plain as that. That doesn’t mean I don’t want it bad enough.
 
I am a third time applicant as well and am sticking with my IS. I have been told by people on here that "my only option is international with my grades" which I get. I probably would not have needed to apply this many times, and I KNOW I want it enough, but I would rather keep applying here, working on my application, and get into a school that sets the rest of my career up for success. Not be impatient with my career and go with the first school that will accept me. Knowing what you need and do not need to do for the rest of your life is not a reflection of how badly you want to become a veterinarian.

Anybody who does this grueling process any amount of times wants it, this process sucks. Lol
 
It took me three cycles to get in and that was my limit. Had I not been accepted, I would have moved on to my backup plan. I did not apply to any international schools because I simply don't want to live in a different country and deal with all that goes with it.

We all have our own goals and limits of what we can and cannot do. Specific schools are a part of the goals (IS tuition being the prime example) and limits (capability of moving, family dynamics, personal preference, etc). There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone has to do what works for them.
 
My advice was not meant to come off as judge-y or saying there is anything wrong with preferences, or that limits aren't ok.

In this specific case, of her having gone through multiple rounds already, openly being open to other schools, and then wanting to go through a grad program.

Because she says this is what she wants to do, and is potentially delaying it longer (I missed that it was a PH certificate and not a degree) and that taking another 2 years (to finish grad program and then reapply) is not only costly but doesn't guarantee anything.

When the Carribbean is an easier gateway to get there sooner.

I like to point out that each year you miss getting in is another $XXXk salary you are missing, so there is a point where IS doesn't even make much of a difference.

So, and it wasn't worded well, but making so many sacrifices when there are certain schools that are more obtainable is questionable, and hopefully not because of feared stereotypes which have been dismissed by a large part of the community
 
CoffeeQuestionMark said:
My advice was not meant to come off as judge-y or saying there is anything wrong with preferences, or that limits aren't ok.

In this specific case, of her having gone through multiple rounds already, openly being open to other schools, and then wanting to go through a grad program.

Because she says this is what she wants to do, and is potentially delaying it longer (I missed that it was a PH certificate and not a degree) and that taking another 2 years (to finish grad program and then reapply) is not only costly but doesn't guarantee anything.

When the Carribbean is an easier gateway to get there sooner.

I like to point out that each year you miss getting in is another $XXXk salary you are missing, so there is a point where IS doesn't even make much of a difference.

So, and it wasn't worded well, but making so many sacrifices when there are certain schools that are more obtainable is questionable, and hopefully not because of feared stereotypes which have been dismissed by a large part of the community
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I waited to finish my M.S degree in animal science ( not online as many schools look down on those as not rigourous and I wanted experience in animal science research) to reapply so I have a back up. That degree cost less that half a semester at a Carribean school. I rather not put myself into extreme debt with them unless they are my only choice.
 
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Old-Country-Vet-Tech said:
I waited to finish my M.S degree in animal science ( not online as many schools look down on those as not rigourous and I wanted experience in animal science research) to reapply so I have a back up. That degree cost less that half a semester at a Carribean school. I rather not put myself into extreme debt with them unless they are my only choice.
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The tuition at SGU is actually cheaper than OOS tuition at I would gather any U.S. school. Of course this does not take into consideration the establishing of residency at some schools, but with 2 semesters costing less than $40k it is a completely reasonable option. I acknowledge that Ross is much pricier of course
 
CoffeeQuestionMark said:
The tuition at SGU is actually cheaper than OOS tuition at I would gather any U.S. school. Of course this does not take into consideration the establishing of residency at some schools, but with 2 semesters costing less than $40k it is a completely reasonable option. I acknowledge that Ross is much pricier of course
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Its on par with OOS tuition with most schools yes, but the cost of living and travel is much higher. I know a lot of vets ive worked with from SGU and Ross. Crime is high on the islands and so is the cost of living. From what I hear the living conditions for students aren't that great either. I would rather try for a US not for profit or land grant university that has a good pass record on the NAVLE and has facilities where I can gain as much experience as possible.

Don't down others for not wanting to go into debt to live on the islands. I know quality vets from there but they went 300-400k into debt doing it.

I also have an 11 year old dog I rather not leave behind because pets aren't allowed first year.
 
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Old-Country-Vet-Tech said:
Its on par with OOS tuition with most schools yes, but the cost of living and travel is much higher. I know a lot of vets ive worked with from SGU and Ross. Crime is high on the islands and so is the cost of living. From what I hear the living conditions for students aren't that great either. I would rather try for a US not for profit or land grant university that has a good pass record on the NAVLE and has facilities where I can gain as much experience as possible.

Don't down others for not wanting to go into debt to live on the islands. I know quality vets from there but they went 300-400k into debt doing it.

I also have an 11 year old dog I rather not leave behind because pets aren't allowed first year.
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Cost of living goes kinda multiple ways. Yes shopping is more expensive because things need to be imported. But then again rent can be cheap. Traveling is a fair point if it is important to go home for the holidays but in the scheme of things, at least to me, a *couple* thousand difference doesn't make much of a difference. So when you look at total anticipated cost for schools, yes many OOS schools list tuition + other expensive as between $70-$80k a year which puts you in the same exact range. Edit: forgot to include that maid service is a cultural thing there so is included in whatever you pay in rent, a maid 🙂

You also have a misconception re. Pets on the island. Pets are not allowed in campus housing. If you tell the school you have a pet you are allowed to live off campus. My dog is 16 and SGU appealed to me because entry requirements are lax-no quarantine needed.

Pass rate is significantly higher at SGU than Ross. 2017 pass rate was 94% which is not significantly lower from U.S. schools and is even higher/on par with some. I also think this shows something about their teaching methods because they *do* attract people with lower GPAs and less experience, and these people still thrive.

I am not sure what you would expect to be exposed to in U.S. but not internationally. The clinical years are done wherever you would like. So, U.S., but England, Ireland, Australia, etc are also options. And many faculty members are from the U.S.

So I'm not like saying, uh yeah you better go to the islands. Just that if you have an idealized vision of U.S. schools that makes them better than (SGU specifically), be aware for the reasons you think this is may be misconstrued. Rather than waiting year after year, cycle after cycle, accepting that they are great options is good, because they are.
 
I also have an 11 year old dog I rather not leave behind because pets aren't allowed first year.[/QUOTE said:
Pets are allowed at Ross as well, I thought. I didn’t apply there, but did talk to them on the phone and they said you just have to fill out some paperwork and pets can come with you right away.



Sent from my iPhone using SDN
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CoffeeQuestionMark said:
Cost of living goes kinda multiple ways. Yes shopping is more expensive because things need to be imported. But then again rent can be cheap. Traveling is a fair point if it is important to go home for the holidays but in the scheme of things, at least to me, a *couple* thousand difference doesn't make much of a difference. So when you look at total anticipated cost for schools, yes many OOS schools list tuition + other expensive as between $70-$80k a year which puts you in the same exact range.

You also have a misconception re. Pets on the island. Pets are not allowed in campus housing. If you tell the school you have a pet you are allowed to live off campus. My dog is 16 and SGU appealed to me because entry requirements are lax-no quarantine needed.

Pass rate is significantly higher at SGU than Ross. 2017 pass rate was 94% which is not significantly lower from U.S. schools and is even higher/on par with some. I also think this shows something about their teaching methods because they *do* attract people with lower GPAs and less experience, and these people still thrive.

I am not sure what you would expect to be exposed to in U.S. but not internationally. The clinical years are done wherever you would like. So, U.S., but England, Ireland, Australia, etc are also options. And many faculty members are from the U.S.

So I'm not like saying, uh yeah you better go to the islands. Just that if you have an idealized vision of U.S. schools that makes them better than (SGU specifically), be aware for the reasons you think this is may be misconstrued. Rather than waiting year after year, cycle after cycle, accepting that they are great options is good, because they are.
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The only thing better about US schools is the living conditions and cost of living. I said numerous times they churn out great vets. Heck one of my LoRs is from an SGU grad but im speaking from what ive heard from SGU grads and Ross grads.

SGU seems like a good school have fun there.
 
CoffeeQuestionMark said:
My advice was not meant to come off as judge-y or saying there is anything wrong with preferences, or that limits aren't ok.

In this specific case, of her having gone through multiple rounds already, openly being open to other schools, and then wanting to go through a grad program.

Because she says this is what she wants to do, and is potentially delaying it longer (I missed that it was a PH certificate and not a degree) and that taking another 2 years (to finish grad program and then reapply) is not only costly but doesn't guarantee anything.

When the Carribbean is an easier gateway to get there sooner.

I like to point out that each year you miss getting in is another $XXXk salary you are missing, so there is a point where IS doesn't even make much of a difference.

So, and it wasn't worded well, but making so many sacrifices when there are certain schools that are more obtainable is questionable, and hopefully not because of feared stereotypes which have been dismissed by a large part of the community
Click to expand...

I'm not going through a 2 year grad program or delaying anything. I'm taking a few classes for a small GPA boost and to add an additional pre req to my repertoire and applying during the upcoming cycle if I need to.

None of what I said had anything to do with Caribbean schools or where I'm willing or unwilling to go. I was merely outlining my plan to enhance my potential application for the upcoming year, wherever that may be.

I'm not sacrificing anything, especially not a "$XXXk salary." I have a decently paying, adult job with just my bachelor's degree and will remain just as qualified for another when this one ends. I'm gonna be A-OK.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
 
amwildlife said:
How are all the hopefuls doing?



Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
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No longer hopeful, stuff just got real!

One acceptance, waiting to hear from one school post-interview, and one interview left to go.

Best of luck to all still waiting to hear your fate; the sweet release when you get that "yes" is indescribable! And to those who don't get good news, I've been there. Stick with it and good things will happen!
 
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