DVM class of 2014???

[lyndaelyzoo]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am interested in getting to know those of you who are applying to vet school this year, what you are currenty doing to prepare, and the schools to which you will be applying. I am a nontraditional student (38 years old!!!!!) who has taught at a public high school for nine years. I have a BS in zoology and a MS in forensic science and will be applying to UF, UC Davis, VAMD, and about ten other colleges!!! Look forward to meeting the class of 2014!!!!

 

[twelvetigers]

I'm in! I'm a second time applicant. I applied last year and skipped this year. I'm doing what I can to improve my GPA and I'm also gaining experience. I'll have a B.S. Zoology as well. I'm mostly traditional - I'll be 24 when I apply.

My definite list: OKSU (IS), Ohio, Kansas, Western, Missouri, Iowa.
My maybe list: Mississippi, Louisiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois. And Florida & Tennessee IF (a big if) I take calculus.

I'm up for any advice on my list of places to apply! I think these places have decent OOS numbers and a lower/no minimum GPA... 🙄

 

[nyanko]

Hi!

I'm applying this upcoming summer, too. It will be my second app cycle (my first was last year, and I applied to UC Davis and was interviewed and rejected).

I'm also a non-trad, 28 years old, with a BS in Computer Science (from a school in OH), a BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology (from UCF) and working on my MS in Animal Biology (at UC Davis) with my research in feline and comparative genetics. I am likely to finish this degree in Winter or Spring of 2010, so for now I am researching, TAing (gen bio this quarter and last, and genetics next quarter), and taking classes. I was rejected due to poor undergraduate grades combined with a lackluster personal statement and a mediocre interview.

I plan to go into veterinary academia ultimately (in genetics), because I love research and teaching and would like to do a little bit of clinical research and counseling along with basic science research.

I'm applying to DVM/PhD dual degree programs (and a VMD/PhD one 😉 ) but not expecting to get much out of those so making sure that I will be included in the DVM pool of applicants as well if I don't get into the dual degrees. My definite list so far:
UC Davis (obvious, in-state, #1 choice)
Tufts
Cornell
UPenn
Wisconsin
CSU

On the fence about:
UIUC
Michigan State
Minnesota
WSU
VMRCVM

I don't know if "look forward to stressing out with you in 6 months" is really a kosher thing to say or not, so like, HI! 😀

 

[jasps]

Me four! Though I'm still in the process of confirming that a vet degree will aid in my professional advancement over the Masters/PhD route. My "dream career" is still a little unclear.

I'm 20 and currently in the 3rd year of my undergrad in animal biology. I want to finish my degree before going to vet school so I'll be applying this coming fall for my first application cycle.

In the time I have left I plan on finishing my current semester with a 3.6+ GPA, gaining more clinical/research experience and finding 2 good veterinary references.

I'm considering applying to Guelph (Canada) and Edinburgh (Scotland).
And maybe applying to Dublin (Ireland) and Glasgow (Scotland). I've just recently started looking into applying to international schools after a friend of mine was considering it and sparked my interest.

I will only consider schools abroad that offer me the 4-year graduate entry program.

 

[aspiringDVM]

First time applicant this summer. I'm so excited!
I'm a traditional student (junior in undergrad, just turned twenty) planning to apply to Auburn, Tufts, UPenn, and Cornell. Preparation wise, at the moment I'm just working part time at a small animal clinic and studying alot. Still trying to get plans for the summer nailed down, but will definitely do something involving horses😍. I haven't taken the GRE yet either, so I need to do that sometime in the near future as well.

 

[stonefree]

Hi! I am a first time applicant. I am currently a junior and will graduate with a B.S. in Animal Science. I got started late in the game (I was a French major until this year!) and am trying to get all my requirements done in time. I am currently trying to get veterinary hours because I only have 15ish hours! I do have plenty of animal experience hours though. I am lucky that I have a high GPA or else I wouldn't think I had a shot! I am going to apply to Penn (IS), Mississippi, Auburn, Tennessee, and maybe some other places! Hopefully, I can get involved in some research next semester. I also have to take the GRE's.

I am glad you started this topic. 🙂 It is nice to get to know other people going through this!

 

[eventualeventer]

Oy, this is a subject that has occupied a lot of my brain this last month!

I am trying to weigh whether I am really committed to the idea of doing a DVM/PhD program, as opposed to doing vet school and then a residency/PhD program. If I decide that a dual program is really what I want to do, I'll probably apply to UC Davis (I'd love to end up in John Madigan's lab working on PHF research!) and UPenn, and maybe one or two other places. If I am applying to combined programs, I know that I am less likely to get in this cycle and will continue to get research experience and improve my GPA.

If I am just looking at DVM programs, this is my tentative list:
VMRCVM (in-state)
UPenn (if I get into UPenn as a VMD student, I'll probably defer for a year and move there to get in-state tuition, plus maybe apply again to the PhD program)
Michigan
Kansas
Tufts
Minnesota
maybe UC Davis and/or FL just for the heck of it (probably a waste of time)

 

[NittanyKitty]

Me, me, me! 😀 I'm a senior undergrad this year, and am thrilled to be taking next year to work, save some money, and live at home like a real grown-up (haha)! No, but I actually am excited to have a little break from school. I'm going to be finishing degrees in Toxicology and Animal Bioscience with honors in Tox. I'm interested in either doing traditional rural mixed-practice or a residency in pathology or oncology. But, things change a LOT, so we'll see where things take me.

I'm hoping to find a job this summer in the field (vet practice, pharmaceutical company, even a pet store) and volunteer/shadow with other vets with the rest of my time to get some more experience. The economy is making me a little nervous, so I hope I get lucky with a great job for the next year.

My definite schools include Penn (IS), Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, and North Carolina

Maybes include Florida, Washington, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Got to do some trimming of the list! My main things I'm looking at right now are chance of acceptance and cost; everything else is secondary at this point. Analyzing the "warm, fuzzy" feelings of the schools can come after I get some acceptance letters! 😀

 

[twelvetigers]

I'd like to know why you guys are choosing the schools you are... I'm surprised that our lists are so different when we want many of the same things (affordability, high OOS acceptance).

I can start, at least vaguely...
OKSU - in state
Iowa - high OOS #s, lower GPA requirement
Western - equal opportunity, PBL doesn't scare me (in theory)
Missouri - close, allows you to become IS
Ohio - high OOS #s, kind to lower GPAs (I think), allows you to become IS
Kansas - close, high OOS #s

 

[Duckylady]

Another first time applicant here and I am very excited and also quite nervous about it! I am 19 years old and I will be graduating with my BS in Animal Science next Spring. This first application cycle I am planning to apply only to Washington State, my IS school. Most of my veterinary experience is in small animal, but my main area of interest is in equine or possibly rural mixed animal.

In the meantime, I am preparing for the GRE (taking it in three weeks ) and making arrangements to get some more veterinary experience this summer. I am planning to do some shadowing at a small animal ER, with a holistic vet, and hopefully with an equine vet, plus taking a couple classes. So needless to say it is going to be a busy summer.

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting to know you all as we go through the process together!

 

[NittanyKitty]

Here's why I'm looking at each of my schools:

Penn: In-state (even if it's freaking expensive!!!), so it'd be kind of silly not to apply
Wisconsin: Definitely a "reach" in terms of acceptance, but good tuition rate and great program
Iowa: OOS numbers are high but so is tuition
Missouri: #1 pick! I like the 2:2 program, decent OOS acceptance rate, get IS tuition
Mississippi: 2:2 program, okay OOS acceptance, low cost of living
North Carolina: Get IS rate but kind of low OOS acceptance

Still sort of deciding on:

Florida: Get IS rate, but OOS acceptance isn't as big
Washington: Same as Florida. And it's FAR away. My mom went there for undergrad and wants me to apply.
Kansas: Expensive tuition balanced with high OOS acceptance
Oklahoma: Lower tuition but deciding if I want to take the Bio GRE
Texas: Lower tuition but something about the application procedure makes me think I won't be accepted (not sure what. Just a feeling)

 

[twelvetigers]

The biology GRE is basically all the stuff you've learned in your classes... genetics, ecology, botany, general biology, taxonomy... I didn't think it was too hard. But it was long, and $140, so it would be your call.

 

[1Vista1Grey]

To be honest, I loved taking/studying for the Biology GRE 🙂.. I love Oklahoma for requiring it.. Im a nerd.. Just make sure you study up on your botany if you didnt take the class

 

[twelvetigers]

I'm in botany now... it's required for my degree but I can tell it will help me out, so I'm hoping I can do way awesomer on the bio GRE next time. 😀 Secondary xylem is wood, woooooh!

 

[nyanko]

If I am applying to combined programs, I know that I am less likely to get in this cycle and will continue to get research experience and improve my GPA.

You should double check with the programs obviously, but I've been firing out emails and phone calls left and right to people in charge of dual degree programs, and I think all of the schools I've contacted say that if you aren't admitted to the dual degree you'll be considered with the regular DVM applicants, and many of them will accept applications from first (and even second in some cases) year vet students as well, so there's something to think about.

 

[1Vista1Grey]

Ya.. I took the Bio GRE just before I graduated so I had all the classes involved taken care of.. I kicked its butt if I say so myself.. .It was a nice feeling... My degree in biology actually helped me with the biology GRE. The only thing my degree has helped me with so far.. haha.. Although.. botany was a class I was taking during my last semester.. I dont remember any of it now..

 

[eventualeventer]

Nyanko, I meant getting into the dual degree program is less likely than just getting into vet school. Most of the sites I've looked at sound like the admission to each program is essentially separate -- you may be accepted to the DVM program or the PhD program without getting into the other.

What have you heard about, and what are your thoughts on, the difficulty of having to wait several years between the classroom based courses and clinical rotations? Honestly, besides getting in, the question of continuity is keeping me from feeling 100% committed to a dual degree program.

I'm already worrying about really liking a research program at one place and only getting accepted at another, since the philosophy of DVM and PhD programs is very different. For regular PhD programs in biology, at least at UMd, potential students correspond with faculty whose research they are interested in, and grades and GRE scores are not nearly as competitive or important as a mesh between your interests and your future advisor's. I'm afraid I'll fall in love with the research at UC Davis but not get in to the DVM program because my stats are not stellar enough for me to otherwise apply to a place that admits almost no out of state students.

 

[turnbackhelly]

Hi everyone - I've been lurking for a few months and am so glad this site exists, as I will be a first time applicant this fall!

I am slightly non-trad. I'll be 24 at the time of applying, graduated in 2007 with a BA in Psychology from a competitive liberal arts school in NY, then did one year of Penn's MSW program. I initially applied to MSW programs hoping to eventually go into animal-assisted therapy and chose Penn because of the social work opportunities that I was told existed in partnership with VHUP. To make a long story short, that didn't quite work out and in the process I realized that social work is not for me. In the meantime I had begun working at a large SA referral hospital outside of Philly during my first year at Penn (and have been LOVING it!), and after putting 2 and 2 together so to speak, decided to pursue vet school. I've been working on pre-reqs at a state school outside of Philly since June (full-time).

I am currently a PA resident, but was a NY resident for my entire life before this past summer and since my parents still live there, could feasibly switch my residency back within the next few months before applying. I have been going back and forth on this issue for some time (where I'd rather be IS, PA or NY), but I'm almost definitely set on applying as a PA resident. I am currently planning on going into equine medicine, but not 120% married to that and am eager to explore other areas.

My GPAs (BA, MSW, post-bac sciences/last 45, and all combined) are all very strong, and my GRE scores are respectable as well. I have thousands of hours of equine husbandry experience (worked at a barn since I was about 14 years old, and have my own horse), 100-200 hrs SA direct shadowing experience, and ~1500 hrs as an emergency receptionist at a 24-hr SA referral practice (where I currently work). Within the next few months I will be transitioning from reception to a position as a nursing assistant in order to get more hands-on experience. I'm also volunteering as a foal sitter at Penn's New Bolton Center this spring.

Definitely applying to: Penn (IS), Cornell, Tufts, OSU, CSU
Considering (pending more research): NC State, Iowa, Oregon, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, VA-MD, Florida

I look forward to getting to know all of you, and congrats to all of this year's successful applicants!

 

[smm482]

Heyooo,

After primarily lurking, it's horrifying to me that it's almost our time to start doing most of the talking! I'm a first-time applicant and 23. Graduated with a BS in Animal Sciences in Dec 2007. My vet experience hours are split between a small animal emergency clinic and an equine repro clinic. As far as animal experience goes, I've dabbled. Tons of equine, some LA (dairy cows), tons of food animal (pigs), and of course dogs and cats. I am waiting for the new version of the VMS Application Requirements book to come out before finalizing my list but so far it includes...

Penn (will be IS - moving there in June to start establishing residency if I can find a job 😳)
Minnesota
VMRCVM
Ohio (accept a decent # of OOS)
CSU and Texas A&M (not sure if it'll wind up being worth the money to apply but their equine programs are fantastic)

I'll be adding many more to this list but those are the only ones I'm certain on right now. GPA is my major weakness so I'll definately be looking at schools that don't have a GPA cutoff. Right now I'm taking a few classes to finish off prereq's and looking to find an equine vet with an ambulatory practice to shadow.

It's nice to start getting to know everyone! Thanks for starting this thread lyndaelyzoo!!!

 

[crittergal]

I'm a 27 yro non-traditional student trying desperately to overcome my low cumulative GPA. Coursework during the time of my life that I refer to as College 1 isn't pretty. I had myself involved in a horrible relationship that took years to "break the cycle", as the commercials say. (Not quite sure how or if that will work into my personal statement but it explains the poor grades in College 1). I'm back at it with a vengence and rockin' it in College 2. My last 45 and science are both hovering at ~3.9. I am an LVT-ECC with very diverse and extensive experience in many aspects of veterinary medicine, from critical care, assisting with equines at the sale barn, endangered species wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal rehab, oil spill work, etc. I will have my BS with a double major in Biology and Chemistry completed in May 2010.

My definite list includes: Texas A&M (IS), Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kansas, Tuskegee, and Oklahoma.

The not definite list includes everywhere else!

 

[gone2dogs]

a similar thread was my first post last year... I hope to not have to throw my hat in for class of 2015 too! But I am already considering that possibility.🙁

Anyway, I'll be a second time non-traditional applicant (I'll be celebrating my 29th birthday for the 4th time this summer I think... I may have lost count though!). I am currently a high school teacher.

I am definitely applying to Colorado again... my IS and my first choice as well.

I am also seriously considering Kansas (proximity to family and OOS acceptance #s favorable) and Tufts (location and OOS #s again). I need to do some more research, but thanks to SDN I may also consider Ohio and Iowa. And who knows, by the time I submit the application, maybe I'll try some others too? There are some other schools I'd love to go to, but the numbers just don't indicate that I'd have any chance.

I have finally called and scheduled my file review with CSU which will be in a few weeks. I am nervous but anxious to hear their suggestions. I know my limited experience will come up, but I'm interested to hear what else is holding me back and what I should try and emphasize on my application. I am hoping to get some specific suggestions on how to spend my summer... re-take the GRE (I am happy with my score, but maybe I shouldn't be)? Take more upper level bio classes? Rack up veterinary hours? Work on diversity of experience? What???? Just tell me what!!! Ok, sorry. Just anxious to move on to the next chapter of my life! Sometimes I get frustrated that I know this is what I was meant to do and want to do... I just don't have the evidence on paper yet.

 

[rachroo]

Hello everyone and welcome!

Good luck in the coming months while getting ready to apply and if you have any questions feel free to ask away (or PM)!

 

[TrocarKarin]

This will be my first year applying. I'm 24, have an AAS in mortuary science, and I'm on my junior year of a BS in organismic biology. Mediocre GPA (depending on what courses are counted its in the 3.0-3.2 range,) really good GRE scores (average of 83rd percentile,) and by the time I apply, I'll have about 1200 hours of SA experience.

Definitely applying to (choices are limited due to only taking 1 semester of organic):
Colorado (IS)
Kansas (high OOS #'s)
Penn (High OOS #'s)
Washington (my GRE scores put me in their "tier I" designation.)

Also thinking about:
Ohio
Wisconsin
Missouri
Minnesota
Illinois
Louisiana

 

[Lambgirl]

I am most definetly a non-trad in my junior year, but am waiting until 2015 to apply. After reading what everyone has been going through it is kind of daunting.

I was an office manager for clinic and have tons of hours of experience. Now that I am in the middle of chem I decided work needed to wait. I am sure most of you can appreciate that decision. In addition to school I am also a livestock 4-H leader and we raise a very small flock of sheep, that should start lambing inthe next week or so. I will post pictures.

It is so nice to have this forum, it has been a great comfort.🙂

 

[nyanko]

Nyanko, I meant getting into the dual degree program is less likely than just getting into vet school. Most of the sites I've looked at sound like the admission to each program is essentially separate -- you may be accepted to the DVM program or the PhD program without getting into the other.

I'm aware of this. You could be accepted into the DVM and the PhD and not be accepted into the dual degree program, too 😉. But, as I stated, if you start on the DVM (at UC Davis, as an example), you can apply the next year and the year after for the VSTP again, and may be more competitive as a first year or second year DVM student.

What have you heard about, and what are your thoughts on, the difficulty of having to wait several years between the classroom based courses and clinical rotations? Honestly, besides getting in, the question of continuity is keeping me from feeling 100% committed to a dual degree program.

I don't have a problem with it, personally. I've had enough breaks in continuity that it wouldn't really spaz me out much. My entire academic career has been broken into pieces separated by one to two years.

I'm already worrying about really liking a research program at one place and only getting accepted at another, since the philosophy of DVM and PhD programs is very different. For regular PhD programs in biology, at least at UMd, potential students correspond with faculty whose research they are interested in, and grades and GRE scores are not nearly as competitive or important as a mesh between your interests and your future advisor's. I'm afraid I'll fall in love with the research at UC Davis but not get in to the DVM program because my stats are not stellar enough for me to otherwise apply to a place that admits almost no out of state students.

Many (I'd wager to say most) PhD programs are like that for admissions, but it's not always the case. Here at UCD, if you're admitted into the Genetics graduate group for a PhD, you start off with a year of lab rotations, not working with an advisor yet. This means they overvalue grades in the admissions process (trust me on that one - I'm in classes with first year Genetics PhD students who have less research experience and affinity than I do as a MS student - one who was doing a rotation in our lab had pretty much never set foot in a lab before...). I came into my MS here with an advisor already set, though, and a thesis project already begun.

My main concern with the admissions process is the dilemma of what to do if I got into a dual degree program at another school but only the DVM here, as well. I would love to stay in my current lab to do my PhD here, and get my DVM here as well, but if I am assured a place elsewhere in a dual degree it'd be a really tough decision for me. I figure that's a bridge to cross if I come to it, though. I did go and meet with the director of the VSTP yesterday - I'm sure if you email her with questions she'll be more than happy to answer you. She had a lot of good advice for me (and was honest about a lot too, which I always appreciate). One thing that was mentioned though - don't apply to the dual degrees if you aren't 100% serious about it - they really seem to want to know why you are pursuing that option and what drives you.

 

[jakem333]

Hey all,

I'm about as traditional as it possible gets, only 20 yrs old right now (will turn 21 this summer). I'll graduate in 2010 with a BA in Biology, having done a bit of research on Geoffroy's Tamarins, and ton in the areas of genetics/molecular biology. I'm extremely new to this entire process (quite low on the experience side), so I'm fully prepared to go through another application cycle if necessary. School:

VMRCVM (IS)
Ohio (High OOS/hoping they'll care that i went to undergrad in Ohio?)
Penn (heard they occasionally favor solid academics over experience)
Edinburgh (currently studying abroad here- absolutely love it)
Glasgow (again, love scotland)
RVC/Dublin (Don't know much about them, just thinking about it)

I'll probably pick a couple more schools in the states, but i need to do more research to figure out which ones.

 

[lyndaelyzoo]

Its so exciting meeting all of you so that we can stress out together!!! I cannot wait to start applying!! It is never too late to follow your dreams!!

UF- IS and equine and exotic program
UCDavis-the dream!!!! equine and exotic program
VAMD-excellent equine program!!
Ohio- OOS acceptance rates
Kansas- OOS acceptance rates
UGA- large animal program but low OOS acceptance rates and GRE Biology
Cornell-equine program
Tuskegee- OOS acceptance rates
Penn-equine program

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

.

 

[badcats]

Another 2014-er (hopefully). And also pretty traditional, 19 in junior year of Biology degree. I have a lot of animal experience, but not so much in the vet area so something that needs to be bumped over the summer. So far I just have it narrowed down to schools that I meet the pre-reqs for, but not independently wealthy, so might have to cut that list down a bit...

Good luck everyone

 

[absvet]

Class of 2014 hopeful as well. Slightly non-traditional - graduated in 2008 with a degree in Law, Letters and Society, but took biology, physics and general chemistry in college, took the GREs and had small and large animal experience. I work in research now doing lots of mouse surgeries, and am taking Ochem and biochem in the fall. I feel like that is going to hurt me, but I figured I'd try it out this cycle anyway (unless you think it's not worth it?) - hopefully my high GPA and GRE scores will help push me through. I am only applying to Tufts and UPenn - I am instate in neither (NY, though I grew up in MA) but I like their programs (especially Tufts wildlife) and locations.

 

[hopefulvet21]

hi absvet!
Those are the only two US schools I applied to for basically the same reasons as you! I think I would have applied to CSU and Davis, but I didn't have all the pre-reqs they wanted and didn't feel like taking extra classes. Good luck!

 

[Lechatnoir]

Hello, all. I'm getting ready to apply for this coming cycle. First time applicant, 21 years old, graduating in 2010 with a B.S. in Biomedical Science and minors in chemistry and French. I've been working at a small animal clinic about a year now, volunteered last summer with a large animal vet, volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center, and have been doing functional morphology research on primitive frogs. I'll be applying to several schools near my home state (IL) mainly due to the expense of getting to interviews in states far away. I've taken the GRE once already and am taking it again next week to try for a better score. Any Illinoisans out there?

UIUC (IS)
Purdue
Michigan
Ohio
Iowa
Wisconsin
Kansas
Missouri
Mississippi
Possibly NCSU

 

[ckd816]

Hi everyone! I'm really on the fence on whether or not I should bother applying this year... I'm mostly traditional-- 20 years old but will be 21 this summer. I will graduate May 2010 with a BS in Biology from my state school. My GPA isn't stellar (3.3, but hopefully 3.4 by the end of this semester), my experience isn't anything to brag about (mostly SA, some wildlife rehab, some zoo animal), and I haven't taken the GRE yet. I will, however, have my pre-reqs completed by this fall and I plan on loading up on experience over the summer while taking a couple courses. I feel like I'll be in a much better position for c/o 2015... I'd like to have time to get some research experience in before applying. Also, I do not have a state school but I will be a WICHE applicant (AZ resident). As of now, my school list looks like this:

Definites:
CSU (WICHE)
Oregon State (WICHE)
RVC
Edinburgh

Possibilities:
WSU (WICHE)
Western
Tufts
Ohio State

I chose my schools based on location mainly. I fell in love with London, which is why I chose RVC. I have some extended family near CSU in Loveland, and my brother just moved to Portland, which is about an hour from Oregon State. Another factor was definitely OOS acceptance numbers! 😉

 

[GellaBella]

well hey there, this will be my first application cycle as well! so hello potential classmates !!

I'm a non-traditional 26yr old. I got my BA in Biology (chem minor) in 2004 and immediately went into a PhD program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. I'll be done with my PhD (research is on antimicrobial resistance in bacteria) this summer WOO HOO!! (or early fall).

Since this fall will mark the 5 year mark for me taking my GREs, I've got to take them again. BOO. so I'm studying for that now.

I'm also taking Animal Science and Animal Nutrition courses and shadowing an exotics vet. I currently have ~200 hrs shadowing in exotics, ~500 hours research (large animal) at University of Cambridge Veterinary School with a vet, and about 10,000 hours of research experience..thank the PhD for that.

Despite all those hours I don't have a ton of animal experience besides the pets I've owned and I'm not sure if they count (potbellied pigs, pygmy goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats etc)

Schools I'm applying to are:

Tufts (in state)
UPenn
CSU
NCSU
UFlorida
Ohio State
Michigan
Minnesota

based almost entirely on proximity to dental schools in the country (fiance is applying for dental schools as well). My first choice is Tufts, I loved the campus, facilities, and people and being closer to my family would be awesome! (maybe not for the fiance but definitely for me 👍)

 

[eventualeventer]

Nyanko, thanks for your input. I guess it wouldn't be helpful to say that I want to do them at the same time so that I get my tuition covered! In all seriousness, I am becoming more and more sure that I want to go into academics, and it's just a question of how I'm going to do that. I.e., via VSTP vs. residency PhD, which school, etc.

In terms of being accepted to the DVM program, I know that UC Davis is a long shot. I wonder if it's possible to start doing your PhD and then gain admittance into the vet school and VSTP program. I suppose it's possible to do a Master's in the lab you're interested in and reapply, which is also something I've been considering.

It's true, if anything I found that breaking up my college career and taking a year off made my work ethic improve! Maybe I'll be so glad to get my thesis done that I won't care if I have to stay up late reviewing textbooks during rotations.

 

[purplepup21]

hey guys!

i will be a 21-year-old first time applicant for the class of 2014. I'm graduating in December 2009 with a BS in Cell & Molecular Bio, so I will have a little "break" between schools if all goes well!!

I'm planning on applying to U-Tenn, U-Penn, U-Wisconsin and Michigan State (my in-state and #1 choice, I love it there. almost wish I would have chosen it for undergrad, but going out of state gave me good life experience, I think 🙂)

so, hi and good luck everyone! i'm sure i'll be checking here frequently!

 

[BrumleyVet]

I'm still here as well. This is my first year that I'll be applying.

• WSU (IS)
• Western - like their style!
• Ohio
• Anywhere I don't need to have Calc!

Also a non-trad, I will be a first time grandma next week! I'm a junior and have just started as an Intern at a pet emergency hospital, and will be starting as a research assistant next month.

Just got my GRE scores, and I STILL can't figure them out! ugh.

 

[eventualeventer]

Congrats on being a grandma!

Urgh, I can't sleep because I was stupid and had two glasses of strong iced tea with dinner tonight. Instead, I'm sending emails to admissions people with questions. The whole thing seems surreal. There's no way that lil' ol' me could even be thinking about going to vet school!

 

[mrboh]

Hi everyone, first time poster but I've been lurking for a little while. Hoping to become the world's first vet with an astrophysics degree! Definitely planning to apply to Massey, and if the Australian government will pay me Austudy then I'll also be applying to: Murdoch Adelaide Queensland James Cook

 

[nyanko]

Urgh, I can't sleep because I was stupid and had two glasses of strong iced tea with dinner tonight.

You're lucky if that amount of caffeine is enough to keep you going.

 

[Ninnerfish]

Hey everybody! I applied this cycle for the class of 2013, but got the dreaded "somewhat unlikely to be offered admission" alternate position at Illinois. I was super nervous for the interview and 2 out of 3 of my interviewers were pretty unfriendly, so it was doomed to failure. I'll be scheduling my post-mortem interview soon to hear exactly what went wrong.

I'm non-trad: will be 26 in a month, BFA in painting. My GPA isn't stellar (3.5 overall with ~200 credit hours) and my GRE scores were in the 77% percentile. I'm hoping to get more diverse experience this summer and apply to more schools this fall.

Definite:
Illinois (really want to re-confront those interviewers and knock their socks off)
Ohio (IS)
Tennessee
VMRCVM

Maybe:
Western
Iowa
Florida (although I'd have to retake Calc to up my C- I got in it the first time, ugh).


Nice to meet you all and good luck this year!

 

[mooturkey]

This will be my second time around applying. I am slightly non-trad (25y/o) and I learned a lot from applying this first round. I was somewhat rushing this first application process, trying to jam my classes in and work full time. But I am glad I did it, because it helped me establish where I really want to apply to, what I want to do, and what I need to do to get there. I was somewhat naiive going into it, but I feel I will have a much better chance the second round. I visited a few schools, and that helped a lot to decided who/what progam I liked, and where I could see myself living for the next 4+ years.

I will be retaking the GRE to push myself into a slightly more competitive category (no matter what they tell you, GRE scores are pretty important). And I will try to get a few more hours of actual small animal veterinary experience (even though that's not what I want to go to vet school for... I want to do research, which I have thousands of hours in). I will also be trying to move to a state that has a veterinary school. I currently live in New Jersey, so no matter what, I am out of state. At least I'd have a better chance of getting into an in-state school (I know it's not guaranteed, but it's worth a shot!)

Schools applying to next round:
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Colorado
Ohio
Kansas
Iowa (maybe)

I am trying to weigh whether I am really committed to the idea of doing a DVM/PhD program, as opposed to doing vet school and then a residency/PhD program.

EventualEventer: I was also debating on whether to apply for a dual degree program. A veterinarian gave me pretty good advice... He said it may take just a little bit longer, but to go to vet school first, then do residency/phd. He said the regular program is a challenge in itself (getting accepted and going through the progam). He also said the experiences in those four years will help direct you where to go for your PhD (plus networking). Concentrate on the first four years and do really well... that way you won't be overstressed trying to jam in a PhD also, or start the PhD then decide it's not what you want etc.

 

[Lambgirl]

I also plan on applying to WSU but I am waiting one more year. I am very much a non-trad I don't have grandchildren yet, but my two oldest are in college right along side me. I love that there are others out there like us. I can totally relate to the calc. Yuck!!!😱
🙂🙂🙂

 

[Truth74]

Hey there, everybody. I'm facing the inevitable and getting ready for the next run. I'm currently on the waitlist for Illinois, but they don't usually get farther down than a few In-state people.

This will be my 3rd time around. I only apply to Illinois, because I have a husband and children (3 of them) that I don't plan to move, In-state tuition, and a job that says they waive part of (if not all of) my tuition as long as I work for them part time. 😀👍 Did I mention that I love my job? I do!!😍 They totally Rock!

Ninnerfish, I'm sorry you had a bad experience at Illinois. I know they try hard to make a student feel comfortable, but if you haven't had an interview like that, it can be stressful.

I didn't get in on my first run, because I bombed the interview. I didn't say enough about myself, or have more than one answer for the questions. Some people think behavioral interviews are easier, but if you HATE talking about yourself, it can be torture.

 

[eventualeventer]

You're lucky if that amount of caffeine is enough to keep you going.

What can I say, I'm a lightweight. I don't have much tolerance for alcohol, either.

Mooturkey, thanks for one more piece of data. (OK, I'm a nerd.) I've gotten a lot of conflicting advice on the subject, so I guess I have to figure it out for myself! I am going to try to talk to some people who have done the combined programs, and then do some soul-searching and make a decision. I guess I still have a few months to decide.

 

[Ninnerfish]

Truth74 - that interview was the single most stress-filled experience of my entire life! I have no problem with public speaking and love talking 1 on 1 with strangers, but get me in a small group where I'm the center of attention and I get all nervous and squirmy and my mind just shuts down. I was shaking so hard during the first two questions that I could hear my shoes clacking under the table! I'm sure I looked like a total nutter. When I do this again next year I'm getting a Xanax prescription! The person they saw at the interview is totally not the person I am and that just frustrates the hell out of me.

 

[JumpHigherLivie]

Hey guys --

Just wanted to pop in to say this, because I see some dual-degree interest (YAY!) and some Mich State Interest (yay!)... and there is some room for dual-degrees at MSU although it's done on a case-by-case basis, but something worth considering! THey have an MS/DVM program in place and there have been some case-by-case considerations for PhD/DVMs.

Also, there is more than one way to ... hmmm ... well, skin the cat (bad phrase!). When I applied to vet school the first time around I applied to PhD programs and DVM programs ... I got rejected from vet school but into some great PhD Programs at vet schools. I went for the PhD and it's been a great experience ... doing my thesis research in the lab of a vet, being able to take some DVM classes as a grad student (and not paying for them since we have a tuition waver!) and even TAing a vet school class. i'm hoping to start to offically "dualing it" this fall, and do not regret the decision to start my PhD without vet school almost 3 years ago ... I think that it's going to allow me to make MUCH more of the curriculum. Also, being around the school, I've gotten to know a lot of the residents quite well, which is always a good thing!

Thing creatively! Don't simply take "NO" for an answer if it's something you believe it and good luck! 😀

 

[GellaBella]

i'm hoping to start to offically "dualing it" this fall, and do not regret the decision to start my PhD without vet school almost 3 years ago ...

Wait, so you've been in a PhD program for 3 years already but are willing to change out of your current program and start an entirely new one to do the DVM/PhD?

Is it possible to get into the DVM program at the school you're at now and just continue in the PhD program you're in now?

Sorry, its just that Im finishing up my PhD now, and I can't imagine having to restart over, even if I was only 3 years into it. You are a brave, strong soul!

 

[nyanko]

I think that's what she's saying she's going to try to do, GellaBella (apply to the DVM program at the place she's in now).

I've considered that as an option (starting a PhD program here in 2010 if I don't get into combined program then applying while I'm in the PhD) but am on the fence about it because I fear putting all my eggs in one basket like that.

 

[JumpHigherLivie]

Hi GellaBella --

No, not switching! 🙂 I'm still finishing my thesis with my PhD program (my plans are to defend a year from this summer...) but to start vet school along side finishing it up this fall. I could not imagine walking away from this thesis ... far far too much time and energy (not to mention, tears, frusturation and anxiety!) are already invested in it. 🙂

hope that made sense!