Dublin

[pyxystyx]

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Has anyone heard anything from them? A friend of mine just got a phone call acceptance yesterday, and I haven't hear anything and it's freaking me out.
I checked my application status on the website, and it just says "N/A". 🙁

Anyone else get a phone call/letter/...anything?

 

[shortnsweet]

When I went to visit them in the beginning on January, they were finalizing the details of the new masters programme, and preparing to send out letters within the two weeks following...so i'm assuming we'll hear something soon!!!!

 

[TWINCITIESMN]

.

 

[shortnsweet]

talked to them today...apparently the class is still not filled, but the next meeting to select is not until next week...just thought i'd update!!!

 

[kiki1983]

I just got my acceptance letter in the mail 2 days ago! I had received a phone call from the associate dean on January 23rd informing me that I was being offered a seat in the class. I'm so excited because I know that no matter what, I am finally starting vet school. But, with my usual run with luck, there is now a catch... when you receive your letter, it informs you of the 2 steps to take to reserve your seat in the class. You must:
1). wire transfer 2,000 euros (non-refundable) to their bank account, making sure your application number (listed in the letter) is recorded with that wire transfer. and 2.) Mail or fax your acceptance (letter is included with your packet) and copy of wire transfer receipt with application number to them. Here is the catch...this must be done within 21 days of the date of the acceptance letter. So, for me, I only have until the end of february. I thought all VMCAS schools agreed to give the student until April to decide (but I guess that is just US schools). I won't have every school's decision by the end of Feb....so do I gamble...wait to the last minute to see if any US schools or the RVC accept me...or put down the 2,000 euros (a little over 2,500 dollars!!!) and blindly choose UCD before hearing from my other schools? It's kinda rough that they are making rolling decisions with the North American students....I feel they should give all of us the same decision deadline and not just give us 21 days depending on when we receive our letters in the mail. It's a tough choice....I think I am going to wait as long as possible, because I should hear from RVC and Kansas before the deadline...and based upon those answers, I will have a better idea of my situation.

 

[sparkydoggie]

hey kiki1983, is the program at Dublin going to be 5 or 4 years?

 

[kiki1983]

Hey.... well typically the program is 5 years at UCD. However, they do have "graduate entry" into the program which is a 4 year program. It is by invitation. As a North American student that has already received a Bachelors degree in Animal Science, they have invited me to the 4 year program. They said there would be about 40 students comprising the graduate entry class...and after our first year, we would then join the "regular" students. So our second year would start at "Year 3" in the module.

 

[shortnsweet]

I just got my acceptance letter in the mail 2 days ago! I had received a phone call from the associate dean on January 23rd informing me that I was being offered a seat in the class. I'm so excited because I know that no matter what, I am finally starting vet school. But, with my usual run with luck, there is now a catch... when you receive your letter, it informs you of the 2 steps to take to reserve your seat in the class. You must:
1). wire transfer 2,000 euros (non-refundable) to their bank account, making sure your application number (listed in the letter) is recorded with that wire transfer. and 2.) Mail or fax your acceptance (letter is included with your packet) and copy of wire transfer receipt with application number to them. Here is the catch...this must be done within 21 days of the date of the acceptance letter. So, for me, I only have until the end of february. I thought all VMCAS schools agreed to give the student until April to decide (but I guess that is just US schools). I won't have every school's decision by the end of Feb....so do I gamble...wait to the last minute to see if any US schools or the RVC accept me...or put down the 2,000 euros (a little over 2,500 dollars!!!) and blindly choose UCD before hearing from my other schools? It's kinda rough that they are making rolling decisions with the North American students....I feel they should give all of us the same decision deadline and not just give us 21 days depending on when we receive our letters in the mail. It's a tough choice....I think I am going to wait as long as possible, because I should hear from RVC and Kansas before the deadline...and based upon those answers, I will have a better idea of my situation.

you could always shoot them an e-mail and ask about the VMCAS deadlines..maybe because this is their first year of accreditation they will be more forgiving with the time line?

 

[hopefulvet21]

I'm so jealous of you guys going to Dublin! I am taking a course in Gaelic right now and it's so much fun! I wish I had applied here, but for reasons I can't remember had ruled it out. What a great experience you'll have!

 

[Oysterboy]

I got a call last Friday the 6th. I felt pretty bad though because said call woke me up and my reaction was probably not as excited as it should be haha.

 

[kiki1983]

haha, yeah after I got off the phone I wondered if I sounded excited enough...I hope they do know I was excited. About emailing them, I did. I explained that most VMCAS schools agree to give the students until April....I'm just waiting to see what they respond with. 🙂

 

[kiki1983]

Hey guys...I just got an email from John Buckley (the UCD Vet Med Program Manager)... It directly answers my question that I wrote to him about, but I believe this email went out to all of the accepted/waitlisted North American students. Here is what the e-mail said:
" Dear Applicants- You will have received your offer letter recently of an overseas place on the UCD Graduate Veterinary Medicine program commencing in September 2009. The letter requested a reply with in 21 days of receipt. The period for acceptance of your offer and payment of deposit has now been extended to no later than Monday 30th March 2009 @ 5pm."

::huge sigh of relief:: At least now I know I will get to see all the rest of my decision letters before I have to make a choice or gamble losing my only seat!!! Hooray!😛

 

[sparkydoggie]

i got that email yesterday morning and a letter in the mail in the afternoon! I am soooo excited!

 

[kiki1983]

Congrats Sparkydoggie! I am pretty psyched about my acceptance too...I know I am going to be in the class of 2013 somewhere, no matter what! Now I am trying to do a lot of research into Dublin and the school, so if I do have to make a decision between schools, then I will feel confident I make the right choice for me! 🙂

 

[sparkydoggie]

Congrats Sparkydoggie! I am pretty psyched about my acceptance too...I know I am going to be in the class of 2013 somewhere, no matter what! Now I am trying to do a lot of research into Dublin and the school, so if I do have to make a decision between schools, then I will feel confident I make the right choice for me! 🙂

well good luck deciding! congrats to you. I hope we both figure it out before the deadline haha

 

[pyxystyx]

Ok,... should I call/e-mail them or something? I don't wanna be pushy, but if I'm going to be rejected I'd like to know sooner rather than later...

I didn't get the e-mail, btw... : /

 

[kiki1983]

yeah, I'd send John Buckley an e-mail.... hopefully they can give you an answer.... they sent that out to the students that got offered a seat in the 4 year program...maybe you will be offered a seat in the 5 year? Or, they haven't made all decisions yet so your letter will have the updated/correct deadlines.

 

[Tayaki]

Heya,

If you guys have any questions about the MVB program, let me know. I'm a third year at UCD.

And here's my blog if you're shy and would just rather read about it....

http://survivingvetschool.blogspot.com/

 

[AlleyKat]

Hi Tayaki,

I'm still a few years out from the application process but I believe when the time comes there is a fairly good chance I will be applying to UCD. I know I can probably find information on the school's website, but it's always nice to get firsthand opinions too! I'm interested in companion exotics....do you know anything about this area of practice in relation to the school? (i.e. do they have good electives/opportunities for hands-on experience in this area?)

 

[sparkydoggie]

Heya,

If you guys have any questions about the MVB program, let me know. I'm a third year at UCD.

And here's my blog if you're shy and would just rather read about it....

http://survivingvetschool.blogspot.com/

Tayaki....So how was it first adjusting to life there? Is the social scene exciting?

P.S. I like your blog!

 

[kiki1983]

I just got sucked in....Tayaki's blog is great and quite informative... I made myself stop after about 2 hours.... anywho, I sent you a PM Tayaki.... thanks for all the information/entertainment! 😀

 

[Tayaki]

Hi Tayaki,

I'm still a few years out from the application process but I believe when the time comes there is a fairly good chance I will be applying to UCD. I know I can probably find information on the school's website, but it's always nice to get firsthand opinions too! I'm interested in companion exotics....do you know anything about this area of practice in relation to the school? (i.e. do they have good electives/opportunities for hands-on experience in this area?)

I know we have an exotics club and that there are exotics electives you can take first year and second year (your pre-clinical years). Unfortunately (1) I'm an equine girl so I don't really have first hand knowledge as to how they are and (2) these electives started my third year so no one in my class was able to take them!

However, because UCD is the only veterinary school in Ireland it does have some great connections with the Dublin Zoo. There's a final year elective students can take where they basically do an externship at the zoo. Also, during second year, as part of the Animal Welfare course, Barbara O'Malley who is super nice, did about twelve lectures on exotics husbandry, veterinary care, etc. It ranged from budgies to chinchillas to iguanas to koi fish to rabbits, etc.

She is amazing and very great with taking on students to "see practice." Her hospital is only a short train ride away (she's on the coast in Bray).

Here's her website for more info...

http://www.veterinary.ie/

I do have a classmate who is very passionate about exotics and she spends her weekends volunteering at the Dublin Zoo. They usually don't take on inexperienced volunteers (like lay people) but once they saw her CV they took her on. Hopefully that can be a possibility for you as well.

Also there is a wildlife park in Cork, which is also a train ride away however it's basically a day trip (to get there, see the park, come back). Students though have been able to get some hands on experience with seeing practice there as well.

Hope this helps!

 

[Tayaki]

Tayaki....So how was it first adjusting to life there? Is the social scene exciting?

P.S. I like your blog!

Hiya,

So, adjusting at first was...hard. I think it's because the first two days I was here I didn't know ANYONE, didn't have a cell phone and had no internet! So I felt kind of trapped. But once I went into town, got a mobile, upgraded my living situation to where I had internet, things got a lot better. Also, I met my other classmates I think the fourth day I was here during orientation, so finally I was able to make friends.

After I got over myself I really enjoyed my first year here. Ireland has probably one of the most beautiful countrysides in the world. Everything is so green, there are sheep EVERYWHERE and cattle grazing on pasture to be seen next to every highway.

This city of Dublin itself is really young. Literally. 50% of the population is 25 years old and under. It has a really great vibe and the night life here is insane. There are so many pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes....You can't go anywhere being hungry or thirsty, Dublin definitely has a thriving food industry.

Does this help? Let me know if you need me to be more specific...

 

[Tayaki]

I just got sucked in....Tayaki's blog is great and quite informative... I made myself stop after about 2 hours.... anywho, I sent you a PM Tayaki.... thanks for all the information/entertainment! 😀

glad you liked the blog! hopefully others will discover it and enjoy it as well...some days it's the bane of my existence but, it's my baby, i mean, erm, project, that i've had since first year.

 

[sparkydoggie]

Hiya,

So, adjusting at first was...hard. I think it's because the first two days I was here I didn't know ANYONE, didn't have a cell phone and had no internet! So I felt kind of trapped. But once I went into town, got a mobile, upgraded my living situation to where I had internet, things got a lot better. Also, I met my other classmates I think the fourth day I was here during orientation, so finally I was able to make friends.

After I got over myself I really enjoyed my first year here. Ireland has probably one of the most beautiful countrysides in the world. Everything is so green, there are sheep EVERYWHERE and cattle grazing on pasture to be seen next to every highway.

This city of Dublin itself is really young. Literally. 50% of the population is 25 years old and under. It has a really great vibe and the night life here is insane. There are so many pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes....You can't go anywhere being hungry or thirsty, Dublin definitely has a thriving food industry.

Does this help? Let me know if you need me to be more specific...

Perfect. Thanks for all the info. Where did you live the 1st year?

 

[Tayaki]

Perfect. Thanks for all the info. Where did you live the 1st year?

I lived in Merville at first, back in the day when they didn't have internet. But then was moved my second week to Glenomena. Merville now has internet. My case was kind of "special" since I was accidentally notified a little "late," ie 2 weeks before classes began! So they had to rush to put me somewhere. Thankfully it all worked out. I'm still in Glenomena now (on-campus housing).

 

[sparkydoggie]

I lived in Merville at first, back in the day when they didn't have internet. But then was moved my second week to Glenomena. Merville now has internet. My case was kind of "special" since I was accidentally notified a little "late," ie 2 weeks before classes began! So they had to rush to put me somewhere. Thankfully it all worked out. I'm still in Glenomena now (on-campus housing).

Thank you so much for all the info. you can stop replying if u get tired of answering haha. ....Well would you say Glenomena is the best place to live? and what do u do with your stuff during the summer.

 

[Tayaki]

Thank you so much for all the info. you can stop replying if u get tired of answering haha. ....Well would you say Glenomena is the best place to live? and what do u do with your stuff during the summer.

i'm pretty sure all first year international vet students get put in glenomena if they request to live on campus.

i use this storage company run by a mother and her two sons. it's excellent. they give you cardboard boxes and tape and charge 30 euro per box for storage. over the years i've accumulated a lot of junk (notes, books, binders all from previous years) so i usually have 6 boxes to store during the summer including my clothes and cooking stuff. this year i'll probably have 8 boxes.

who knew i'd own so much crap!

 

[sparkydoggie]

i'm pretty sure all first year international vet students get put in glenomena if they request to live on campus.

i use this storage company run by a mother and her two sons. it's excellent. they give you cardboard boxes and tape and charge 30 euro per box for storage. over the years i've accumulated a lot of junk (notes, books, binders all from previous years) so i usually have 6 boxes to store during the summer including my clothes and cooking stuff. this year i'll probably have 8 boxes.

who knew i'd own so much crap!

haha well thanks again for all the info.....its good to know that there are nice people over there like u that help newbies out!!! 😀

 

[pyxystyx]

Ok, just e-mailed John Buckley....

<fingers crossed> ...

 

[kiki1983]

hey...for those of you who have already gotten notice of acceptance.... how many of you have been offered a seat in the 4-year program? I'm just curious (I was offered a seat in the 4 year program)....I asked john buckley last week what the accelerated program entailed (how they were cramming years one and two together into just one year).... I got a response today saying that for our first year, we take 12 x5 credit courses....then after our first year, we combine with the 3rd year undergraduates, and finish out years 3, 4, and 5 with them.

Also, have any of you decided yet that this is where you are definitely going? I still have a few schools to hear from before I decide....

 

[sparkydoggie]

hey...for those of you who have already gotten notice of acceptance.... how many of you have been offered a seat in the 4-year program? I'm just curious (I was offered a seat in the 4 year program)....I asked john buckley last week what the accelerated program entailed (how they were cramming years one and two together into just one year).... I got a response today saying that for our first year, we take 12 x5 credit courses....then after our first year, we combine with the 3rd year undergraduates, and finish out years 3, 4, and 5 with them.

Also, have any of you decided yet that this is where you are definitely going? I still have a few schools to hear from before I decide....

i am definately going and im in the 4yr program. 😍

 

[Tayaki]

By the way, just to help you freshers out, I have a "Rough Guide Ireland," that someone can use when they come over...As long as they don't tear off the pages or anything like that. It should save you 22 euros if you just borrow mine. In all honesty, I don't even know if I need it back...Let me know!

 

[sparkydoggie]

By the way, just to help you freshers out, I have a "Rough Guide Ireland," that someone can use when they come over...As long as they don't tear off the pages or anything like that. It should save you 22 euros if you just borrow mine. In all honesty, I don't even know if I need it back...Let me know!

Oh well that sounds cool. Thanks. I guess I'll call dibs lol. or ill ask politely, can i borrow it. 🙂

 

[shortnsweet]

Got accepted today!!! 😀

 

[Sadiego]

Tayaki-

Do you know of any international students (ie: from the US) that have successfully brought their animals with them? If so, do you have any good housing suggestions for pet friendly places?

 

[Tayaki]

Tayaki-

Do you know of any international students (ie: from the US) that have successfully brought their animals with them? If so, do you have any good housing suggestions for pet friendly places?

Bringing pets over is expensive. But, you probably already know that. Pets need things like a Pet Passport and needs to be microchipped to come over here.

You can find all information regarding bringing your animals over with this link: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/index.jsp?file=pets/travel.xml

As for housing, living on campus with pets is not a possibility. There are several places you can find on www.daft.ie that allow pets. It's listed on the lease description.

If I could suggest anything, that would be to not bring your pets over for your first year. It's so much easier to live on campus, especially when this is your first time in a new country. But, that's my opinion...

 

[kiki1983]

Hey Sadiego...I am in the same boat (kinda). I haven't made any final decisions, but as of right now, it looks like I will be going to UCD...which then open's up a lot of "what ifs" for me. I would definitely prefer to live on campus the first year, just to adjust to the area...however, if I do go to ireland, my sig. other of 7 years, is dead set determined to find work over there and come with me (which I don't mind)...HOWEVER, we have a dog together(that would have stayed with him in the states, but has to come with us if we both go)... just in case we do both go... we started the whole process yesterday (www.defra.gov.uk) ...that website outlines the whole process needed to bring your pet over without putting them in quarantine for 6 months... the entire process takes a minimum of 6 months (absolute minimum), so we are preparing just to be ready...and if I do go to UCD, and my bf does manage to find work there...then we will be ready to cross the next bridge...finding a place near UCD that allows pets!!

 

[kiki1983]

Tayaki... what are the facilities like at UCD?

 

[Tayaki]

Tayaki... what are the facilities like at UCD?

...can you be more specific?

do you mean like the farm? the actual college? or the vet building? or the university vet hospital?

 

[kiki1983]

hah...like, all of the above...I've never met a farm I didn't love, so I guess more specifically the UCD buildings...like where you attend lectures...the animal hospital...and the main campus too....

 

[Tayaki]

hah...like, all of the above...I've never met a farm I didn't love, so I guess more specifically the UCD buildings...like where you attend lectures...the animal hospital...and the main campus too....

ok i'm writing up a post about this for my blog for the incoming freshman class. it's a big one though, so it's taking me awhile.

in the meantime, if you're really interested as to what the city of dublin is like, you can get a taste of it below in a segment of Anthony Bourdain's show, No Reservations where he sees some of the best parts of the city center. as for the more posh part of dublin, Samantha Brown's Passport to Europe features dublin's famous cobblestone grafton street which well...all tourists seem to love.

Anthony's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuAOkch9HA&feature=related&fmt=18

Samantha's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpiOu88PIyI&fmt=18

i hope this is useful to the newbies and gives you a sense as to how wonderful dublin is.

 

[Tayaki]

p.s. i've talked to Kieran outside of Brown Thomas and he IS that nice! then again, most Irish are very nice...

 

[Sadiego]

Sorry to keep piling the questions on you Tayaki but you are our only resource....Do you pick tracks at UCD (small/large animal) or does everyone learn everything?

 

[kiki1983]

Hey guys...I've been stressing so hard about what my final decision will be (should I actually end up having more than one acceptance)...and I just want to know from those of you who have already decided to accept UCD's offer (or have UCD high at the top of your list)....why are you choosing UCD? What impresses you most about the program? Are any of you slightly apprehensive (moving to a new country, converting your currency, etc...)? I just wanted to get a poll going, hoping maybe it will help me form a more concrete idea of what I am going to do!! I just wish they would extend the March 30th deadline just a few days so I could see my IS decision letter before I have to make my ultimate choice!!!

P.S. I attached a document to this post...It is 9 pages (pdf), and basically lays out what to expect for the graduate entry class...how its put together and what classes we are going to take...it's quite informative (A really nice woman from the offices of the UCD vet school sent it to me).

 

[Tayaki]

Sorry to keep piling the questions on you Tayaki but you are our only resource....Do you pick tracks at UCD (small/large animal) or does everyone learn everything?

heya,

we do not do tracking over here at UCD. which i guess is a good thing because by learning everything it'll help you pass boards!

 

[sparkydoggie]

Hey guys...I've been stressing so hard about what my final decision will be (should I actually end up having more than one acceptance)...and I just want to know from those of you who have already decided to accept UCD's offer (or have UCD high at the top of your list)....why are you choosing UCD? What impresses you most about the program? Are any of you slightly apprehensive (moving to a new country, converting your currency, etc...)? I just wanted to get a poll going, hoping maybe it will help me form a more concrete idea of what I am going to do!! I just wish they would extend the March 30th deadline just a few days so I could see my IS decision letter before I have to make my ultimate choice!!!

P.S. I attached a document to this post...It is 9 pages (pdf), and basically lays out what to expect for the graduate entry class...how its put together and what classes we are going to take...it's quite informative (A really nice woman from the offices of the UCD vet school sent it to me).

well i feel weird responding since I feel like you are trying to address other people out there that have gotten accepted haha i guess no one is on here , or is willing to talk.


But I'm going to UCD because I need a change. I hate where I am at (Fresno). I want a new adventure. I've never traveled outside of Cali/Nevada before, never been on a plane. I am scared to go to a new country, etc. but I figure Ill get used to it pretty quick (I live in a sorority house w 35 girls, I can deal w/ anything!) and I will probably move over there early to get all my crap organized. Since the 4 year thing is new it will be cool to be in a foundation class. I think that they will cater to us and help us out, so that will make it easier. A vet school is a vet school, but since they combine problem based learning and lectures it will be a nice balance. They seem to cover everything I want (thanks for the document!). I like the idea of meeting new people, and new boys!!! so thats why im going

 

[Tayaki]

pssst sparkydoggie we also have 2 bars on campus. haha so talk about convenience for your social life!...when you have the time.

 

[Tayaki]

i can't find the thread with the two canadians asking about coming to dublin from canada....

my friend said she'd be happy to talk about dropping everything and moving over here. i just need your email addresses. can you PM me?

thanks!

 

[sparkydoggie]

pssst sparkydoggie we also have 2 bars on campus. haha so talk about convenience for your social life!...when you have the time.

oh yeah and that too!!!!!!🙂