Dvm/phd

[IHeartGoldens]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As I have an interest in lab animal/research medicine, I have been contemplating about applying to DVM/PHD programs. Does anyone have any insight on these programs?

Quick background. My research history is impressive (according to others, not my own opinion) as an undergrad. My grades, eh. I've been wanting to apply but I don't think my grades are strong enough, whereas my research experience would be competitive. I don't know if it's better to just stick to a DVM (and HOPE I GET IN) or apply DVM/PHD. Has anyone had this issue in the past?

This isn't a "what are my chances thread". I just want to hear others opinions on these programs, experiences.. etc etc

 

[Minnerbelle]

As I have an interest in lab animal/research medicine, I have been contemplating about applying to DVM/PHD programs. Does anyone have any insight on these programs?

Quick background. My research history is impressive (according to others, not my own opinion) as an undergrad. My grades, eh. I've been wanting to apply but I don't think my grades are strong enough, whereas my research experience would be competitive. I don't know if it's better to just stick to a DVM (and HOPE I GET IN) or apply DVM/PHD. Has anyone had this issue in the past?

This isn't a "what are my chances thread". I just want to hear others opinions on these programs, experiences.. etc etc

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you'll ever have more of a chance of getting into a DVM/PhD program if you don't think you can cut it for just the DVM program. As far as I know (again correct me if I'm wrong), you need to get accepted separately to the DVM program, the PhD program, AND the combined program in order to get in as a DVM/PhD.

Plus, a strong research experience is also a very big plus for DVM programs, which is why they consider it veterinary experience. So if you have a really good research background, that may be something that compensates for your less than stellar grades. If DVM is what you really want to do, go for it!

I'm kind of curious though, why do you not think you have an impressive research history?

 

[nyanko]

If you're applying this cycle, it might be a bit late to first be contemplating these programs. There's a lot of extra stuff you have to do for them.

 

[sumstorm]

actually, for some schools the deadlines for the phd portion are far later than for the dvm program. I applied to combined programs, but the various application processes were torturous, and I had to dredge up stuff from ages ago. Also, several programs will allow you to apply for the joint program through your first or second year. I won't decide for my current school until after the summer (I am hoping to do research over the summer.)

 

[IHeartGoldens]

I'm kind of curious though, why do you not think you have an impressive research history?

I never said I don't think my history is impressive, I said that others have commented on it as a point of reference (other than just my POV). Make sense?

Also, I was thinking about applying once I was already in the DVM program like Sumstorm mentioned. I just wanted to get some opinions and thoughts on the matter.

 

[nyanko]

^^ Are you actually interested in research itself as a career, or just in lab animal medicine?

actually, for some schools the deadlines for the phd portion are far later than for the dvm program. I applied to combined programs, but the various application processes were torturous, and I had to dredge up stuff from ages ago. Also, several programs will allow you to apply for the joint program through your first or second year. I won't decide for my current school until after the summer (I am hoping to do research over the summer.)

For Cornell, UPenn, UC Davis and CSU it's the same deadline. Writing extra essays and gathering stuff isn't really the issue though. I was more thinking of the extra rec letters that I'm having to get for Cornell and UC Davis because of applying to the dual degree programs. I personally feel like it's a little late to first be asking someone for a rec letter now, especially if you want one good enough to endorse you for a dual degree program.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I never said I don't think my history is impressive, I said that others have commented on it as a point of reference (other than just my POV). Make sense?

haha, yeah that makes a lot of sense. i totally read that wrong 😛
(you'll have to excuse me, english isn't my first language)

for some reason i took it as other people were pushing you to consider the dual degree program.

 

[IHeartGoldens]

No problem 🙂
English isn't my first language either, even though I was born and raised in the US 😎
Didn't know a word of English until kindergarten.