DVM's Who WON'T Euthanize?

[nyanko]

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Thanks! I'll check out those websites and try not to get too worked up over them. Seeing as I've missed the Fall 09 deadline I wouldn't enroll until Fall 2010...geez, that's a long way away!

Don't take offense to this, but it isn't that long and you need that time in order to get some veterinary experience. Do remember that to start in Fall 2010 you'll have to do the application during the summer of 2009 (it'll open again in like 8 months, and be due in 11) and you're just starting to get experience stuff in order now. You wouldn't have really been ready to apply this past cycle even if you hadn't missed the deadline, to be honest...

 

[Fairyblastt]

Also if you have no experience, you can maybe get a job as a kennel assistant in a humane society... I did that for 1 summer, and then got the same sort of job in a dog and cat clinic where I eventually moved up to teching. Humane societies are awesome, I loved that summer I worked there, and it exposes you to a very different side of vet med... a side that I think you would really benefit from, based off of this thread. You'll find, for example, that dogs and cats do get euthanized even in a 'no kill' shelter (though it happens much less often).

And yeah, you need to start working on that experience asap if you're going to be ready for next cycle, esp. as most people I know needed at least 2 years worth of experience before they applied for the first time in order to be competitive (though this obviously doesn't apply to everyone).

Fun vet med topics
· use of animals in research
· why is vet med important for the entire society
· why the study of animal diseases is important (again for the entire society)
· your opinion on euthanasia, tail docking, ear cropping, beak trimming, debarking, removal of canine teeth, etc etc
· ethics of animal agriculture
· biosecurity
· use of depopulation in preventing the spread of disease (ie would you volunteer your services if avian flu/ F&M/ BSE /etc broke out)
· shelter med
· animal cruelty (reporting clients etc etc)
· the ethics of keeping wild and exotic animals in captivity
· control of feral animal populations
· role of a vet as a leader in the community
· logistics of being a vet (ie how would you run your practice, what to do if you want a family, etc etc)
· how to pay for vet school on a vet salary
· I'm sure there's way more

 

[Catnapper]

SeaWorldVet, it sounds like you need experience and fast--otherwise I would say that starting out doing reception work at a busy animal hospital gives you a LOT of client contact--and you get the brunt of the client frustration/anger (i.e.: busy hospital, long wait, huge bill, etc.). So it's a great, trial-by-fire way to get a feel for what vets deal with! I'm not a certified tech, and that's where I started. Now I pseudo-tech, but it's taken quite a bit of kennel and reception work to get here. So I'd go with everyone else's recommendation that you look into kennel work (and maybe even pile on some shelter work if you can). --You (& I) are going up against people with YEARS of certified tech experience!

 

[SeaWorldVet]

This may be another naive statement but I know I don't have a lot of experience w/ animals but is it really different? I have a lot of experience working in the medical field and I feel like dealing w/ patients, complaints, billing, etc will be similar. So, I don't feel like I"m too far behind; I just need hands on experience w/ animals. What do you think?

I'm just bringing this up b/c the past few posts from people make it seem like I'm waaaaayyyy behind and I don' think I am. I've worked in plenty of medical offices and I've had a lot of hands on experience w/ "humans"...I just need experience with animals. Once I get that, everything else is pretty much the same...right? (Although, I know I need learn and research about vet med but a year of plenty of time...in my eyes.)

 

[david594]

Very different.

In human medicine the doctor decides what gets done.

In veterinary medicine the client's wallet decides what gets done.

In human medicine if the doc recommends an MRI, the patient will usually get one. In veterinary medicine if the doc is recommending an MRI the patient will usually end up getting put to sleep.

The medicine is the same, its just the other 95% that is completely different.

 

[Fairyblastt]

Human medicine is one thing, there are similarities, but not a whole lot once you get beyond the science and strict medicine parts (ie this is a virus). You tell the committee you think they’re interchangeable, and they’re going to tell you that you need more experience.

Here's an example:

Applicant A applies with 3,000 hours of human med experience. On top of that, they add maybe about 200-300 hours of animal experience (ie non-medical, volunteering at an animal shelter, equine therapy, dog shows, whatever).

Applicant B applies with 3,000 hours of experience in vet med (some kennel, some tech all at a clinic). And the same 200-300 hours of animal experience at the same place as Applicant A.

Everything else (pre-reqs, gpa, GRE, etc etc) is the same.

Applicant B gets into vet school, Applicant A gets asked why they changed their mind away from premed so late in the game. Depending upon how well Applicant A can convice the committee that they know enough about vet med, they may or may not get in. This depends on the committee, and how important they think ‘putting in the time’ is while they’re considering Applicant A.

More than likely, should Applicant A say something limited to along the lines of "working with animals makes me happy/ I love animals/ animals love me/ etc etc" they get (hopefully secretly) laughed at by the committee and sent home. At the post-mortem interview they get told they need to show their commitment to vet med, and they need to learn a heck of a lot about it before applying again.

More than anything else, Applicant A will need to show the committee that vet school wasn't the backup plan in case they don't get into med school or pharm school or what have you. This is because, that is how it will look from the application.

You're going up against people who have your exact same stats except it's all been in vet med. There are a few ppl each year that seem to get into vet school with a min of experience, but I wouldn't count on it being me.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Oh, ok...uuuummm...yeah, I guess I do have a long way to go but it's all good; I'm up for it! 😀 Thanks for the feedback...

 

[Fairyblastt]

No problem! We all started out similarly to you. Your best bet might be to look for a small (small!!) one-vet practice and ask to work in the kennels. Lots of vet clinics honestly have a high turn-over in the kennels because cleaning up after animals (and bathing, clipping, and pedis) isn't everyone's cup of tea. The neat (and challenging) part of a very small practice is you often learn a little bit of everything as they're not going to have that much in the way of staff (when I teched for a 1 vet practice it was the vet, 1 receptionist, 1 tech, and 2 kennel assistants). The key is to look for someone who is willing to train you (this someone might be the vet, but will probably be the head tech). We also did a lot (A LOT) of boarding because it was a good way to pay the bills when the (only) doctor's time is a limited commodity. Of course, the only cool toy we had was the xray machine (ie no fancy toys).

 

[nyanko]

I have a lot of experience working in the medical field and I feel like dealing w/ patients, complaints, billing, etc will be similar.

Others have mentioned this as well but no, it is not similar, not at all. None of those things are similar. Dealing with patients is not the same as dealing with clients who are animal owners. The set of complaints will be completely different, and the billing will most likely be completely different as well.

As proven by your even making this thread, you need the experiences unique to vet med. Not only that, but most vet schools require a letter of recommendation from AT LEAST one DVM (and UF in particular says that 2 letters from DVMs are preferred) with whom you have worked.

Do a little more research - you really are a little bit behind a good number of the people who will be applying for Fall 2010.

 

[karmapple]

This may be another naive statement but I know I don't have a lot of experience w/ animals but is it really different? I have a lot of experience working in the medical field and I feel like dealing w/ patients, complaints, billing, etc will be similar. So, I don't feel like I"m too far behind; I just need hands on experience w/ animals. What do you think?

Oh wow. I don't think I've ever read anything that I found so painful and funny at the same time.

I know a pre-med student who had thousands of hours of experience as an medical assistant, and when she tried to work at a vet clinic, she quit in tears after a week.

There are simply some unique things you only deal with in veterinary medicine, and it takes a certain kind of person to stick with it.

 

[InfiniVet]

...There are simply some unique things you only deal with in veterinary medicine, and it takes a certain kind of person to stick with it.

I heard once that it takes about a week of working at a clinic to see if vet med if the proper fit for you, and 1 month to see if that particular clinic is a good fit.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Oh wow. I don't think I've ever read anything that I found so painful and funny at the same time.

I know a pre-med student who had thousands of hours of experience as an medical assistant, and when she tried to work at a vet clinic, she quit in tears after a week.

There are simply some unique things you only deal with in veterinary medicine, and it takes a certain kind of person to stick with it.

Hey...watch it buddy! At least I started w/ a disclaimer: "This may be another naive statement..."

 

[twelvetigers]

It's true, she did warn us!

Good luck finding the experience you're looking for. Be stubborn about it! That's my advice. Be pesky and insistent, but never rude. Don't let them forget about you! Have a resume! Try to sell yourself using your human med experience, but never indicate that it is equivalent to the experience you are trying to get at the clinic.

 

[karmapple]

Hey...watch it buddy! At least I started w/ a disclaimer: "This may be another naive statement..."

Sorry, I had just gotten off a rough 14 hour shift at the emergency clinic when I read that, so my bitter exhaustion came through. 😳

I've been where you are, and I'll admit I had some very naive ideas about vet med. It turns out that even though some of those idealistic ideas were squashed, I ended up loving it all the same. Hopefully I'll love being a veterinarian as much as I love being a tech! (If one of these vet schools will actually accept me, that is.)

 

[Pandacinny]

I have to agree with previous posters who recommended working at an animal shelter. I had a LOT of trouble finding a clinic to work in when I was first starting to gain vet experience. I eventually found a great animal shelter and started cleaning cages in their spay/neuter clinic. It didn't take the vet long to realize that I was good for much more than walking dogs and cleaning cages. I eventually became the shelter's only licensed tech and have gone on to get some experience at an emergency clinic, to work on the board of a different non-profit organization, to get some exposure to specialty practices, and to work with lots and lots of lab animals. All of this got kick-started by my time scooping poop in a shelter.

If you're looking for shelters, try to find one with a dedicated veterinarian who you can work with. Even if they have a part-time vet who comes in twice a week, if you get to know them, you might be able to find some time working in/shadowing them at their "regular" hospital. Also, see if you can find hospitals with boarding or grooming services - they may need more help with kennel work or desk work.

Another thing you might try is visiting a rescue that works specifically with farm animals/large animals/horses/exotics/etc. They might need help and that could open doors for you. Another poster here has shadowed a hoof trimmer for awhile and got a lot of exposure to large animal stuff that way. Something like that could be a good option for you, depending on your area.

I know you think one year is enough to get all the experience you need, but you're actually cutting it really, really close. Good luck finding someplace! Also, please please PLEASE do NOT say something like "I changed from human med because I just couldn't deal with people as clients." or "I knew I loved medicine and I loved animals, so I just put it together!" during your interview. Unless you *want* a denial, that is... 😉

 

[SeaWorldVet]

I have to agree with previous posters who recommended working at an animal shelter. I had a LOT of trouble finding a clinic to work in when I was first starting to gain vet experience. I eventually found a great animal shelter and started cleaning cages in their spay/neuter clinic. It didn't take the vet long to realize that I was good for much more than walking dogs and cleaning cages. I eventually became the shelter's only licensed tech and have gone on to get some experience at an emergency clinic, to work on the board of a different non-profit organization, to get some exposure to specialty practices, and to work with lots and lots of lab animals. All of this got kick-started by my time scooping poop in a shelter.

If you're looking for shelters, try to find one with a dedicated veterinarian who you can work with. Even if they have a part-time vet who comes in twice a week, if you get to know them, you might be able to find some time working in/shadowing them at their "regular" hospital. Also, see if you can find hospitals with boarding or grooming services - they may need more help with kennel work or desk work.

Another thing you might try is visiting a rescue that works specifically with farm animals/large animals/horses/exotics/etc. They might need help and that could open doors for you. Another poster here has shadowed a hoof trimmer for awhile and got a lot of exposure to large animal stuff that way. Something like that could be a good option for you, depending on your area.

I know you think one year is enough to get all the experience you need, but you're actually cutting it really, really close. Good luck finding someplace! Also, please please PLEASE do NOT say something like "I changed from human med because I just couldn't deal with people as clients." or "I knew I loved medicine and I loved animals, so I just put it together!" during your interview. Unless you *want* a denial, that is... 😉

Well, you just took all of my answers from me. Hmph. No, but seriously, what's wrong with saying you like medicine and you like animals? What else are you supposed to say? I would assume people who go into vet med enjoy working w/ animals and enjoy medicine. I like solving problems (health probs), I like fixing things, I like healing things, I like animals...what's wrong w/ that? Clearly, I'm going to come up w/ a better answer than that (and increasing my knowledge about vet med will help) but I just don't see what's wrong w/ saying you like med and animals. B/c you said not to say it...I won't, but I'm just wondering. Is it a a cliche' answer similar to the pre-med, no-no, cliche' answer: "I want to go into medicine to help people."? (Oh, and I won't say anything about people as patients lol. They're ok...I've just learned I'd prefer animals)

Also, I just turned in my volunteer application for the animal shelter so hopefully I can volunteer there. I've already called about 10 places and no one accepts volunteers...besides the shelter and another place. I guess I only need 1 yes to get started...

 

[cuitlamiztli]

No, but seriously, what's wrong with saying you like medicine and you like animals? What else are you supposed to say? I would assume people who go into vet med enjoy working w/ animals and enjoy medicine. I like solving problems (health probs), I like fixing things, I like healing things, I like animals...what's wrong w/ that? Clearly, I'm going to come up w/ a better answer than that (and increasing my knowledge about vet med will help) but I just don't see what's wrong w/ saying you like med and animals. B/c you said not to say it...I won't, but I'm just wondering.

It goes deeper than just liking medicine and liking animals; the adcoms already realize that you have an interest in both. They want you to show (through your experiences) and articulate (through your personal statement, supplemental essays, and interview) that you have an understanding of veterinary medicine beyond "it's, like, medicine with animals! I chose it because I totally like both!!" and--more importantly, I think--that these experiences have shown you that this is truly what you want to do. Leaving the answer at "I like medicine and I like animals" is like writing an epic, Tolkien-esque novel and only letting publisher read the first page. They'll choose another novel before they choose yours.

In other words, you may leave the adcom with the impression that you don't know exactly what you're trying to get into if you only leave it at that.

Good luck!

 

[Pandacinny]

What else are you supposed to say? I would assume people who go into vet med enjoy working w/ animals and enjoy medicine. I like solving problems (health probs), I like fixing things, I like healing things, I like animals...what's wrong w/ that?

Because everyone who's interested in vet med "likes animals" and "loves medicine." It doesn't really say a single thing about you as an individual or about your understanding of the career. It is exactly like saying "I'm going into human medicine/psychology/whatever because I just LOVE people! I've always wanted to help them!"

Also, it makes it look like you think vet med is all fuzzy puppies and heroic doctoring when really, there's a lot more involved in the day to day.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Well, clearly, that's not going to be my only response to a "Why do you want to be a veterinarian" type of question, but that definitely has something to do with it (i.e. liking medicine and liking to help/take care of animals). I thought you guys were saying one shouldn't mention that at all...

 

[Fairyblastt]

I think it's not that you shouldn't mention, it's more that it's a waste of time to talk about it at all. It should be assumed. By all means, show that you love animals and medicine in your answers (and certainly don't contradict it!), but there is such a limited amount of space (personal statement, application, etc) and time (interview), that'd you'd do better focusing on something a little bit more interesting that's hopefully specific to you. The idea is that you don't want them to forget you as soon as you walk out the door (or even worse be so blah-boring that you never get in that interview door to begin with!).

Honestly, what would you think of someone giving you such a 'duh' moment? You might as well shoot yourself in the other foot and mention to that you want to play with little puppies and sweet kittens all day.

 

[david594]

Honestly, what would you think of someone giving you such a 'duh' moment? You might as well shoot yourself in the other foot and mention to that you want to play with little puppies and sweet kittens all day.

I actually almost wrote about that in my personal statement. 🙂 Figure I could almost pull it off since the majority of my experience is working with a board certified theriogeneology vet who does small animal medicine.

 

[Fairyblastt]

lol David! Did you see the line-by-line personal statement we had up here a couple months ago? That's the sort of impression I would like to make!

 

[SeaWorldVet]

I think it's not that you shouldn't mention, it's more that it's a waste of time to talk about it at all. It should be assumed. By all means, show that you love animals and medicine in your answers (and certainly don't contradict it!), but there is such a limited amount of space (personal statement, application, etc) and time (interview), that'd you'd do better focusing on something a little bit more interesting that's hopefully specific to you. The idea is that you don't want them to forget you as soon as you walk out the door (or even worse be so blah-boring that you never get in that interview door to begin with!).

Honestly, what would you think of someone giving you such a 'duh' moment? You might as well shoot yourself in the other foot and mention to that you want to play with little puppies and sweet kittens all day.

Apparently, you guys like the "puppies and kittens" comment.

Well, when interview time rolls around, I'm sure I'll be just fine. I've never had a problem "blending in w/ the bunch" (<--in a good way) 🙂

 

[Fairyblastt]

Seaworld, that's the spirit! (I know we've been hard on you, you've put up with it well.) As for liking the puppies and kittens comment....

Just wait until the 8th million time you're talking with someone you've just met and mention you're pre-vet. "Oh wow, I love animals too!"

Seriously, all the dang time.

 

[karmapple]

Just wait until the 8th million time you're talking with someone you've just met and mention you're pre-vet. "Oh wow, I love animals too!"

Seriously, all the dang time.

That reminds me: Yesterday at work we had a guy come in and ask if we were hiring. As I proceeded to get him an application form, I asked, "Do you have any veterinary experience?"

And with complete pride and confidence he answered, "Yes! I have four pets at home!" He was so sweet and proud of himself I couldn't even correct him.

 

[david594]

Yesterday at work we had the debate over if we had an obligation to shred the massive number of unsolicited resumes people drop off at our clinic.(we have a very low turnover)

Everyone wants to work at a vet clinic and yet no one ever has any experience.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

That reminds me: Yesterday at work we had a guy come in and ask if we were hiring. As I proceeded to get him an application form, I asked, "Do you have any veterinary experience?"

And with complete pride and confidence he answered, "Yes! I have four pets at home!" He was so sweet and proud of himself I couldn't even correct him.

Ok...I seriously laughed out loud when I read that. That's hilarious!

Yesterday at work we had the debate over if we had an obligation to shred the massive number of unsolicited resumes people drop off at our clinic.(we have a very low turnover)

Everyone wants to work at a vet clinic and yet no one ever has any experience.

Oh please! Spare me. Like you came out of the womb w/ vet experience. Get over yourself...

 

[david594]

\

Oh please! Spare me. Like you came out of the womb w/ vet experience. Get over yourself...

Never claimed I did. I have been very straight forward with the fact that I started out as a volunteer showing up 15 hours a week and that after 3 months I got hired when a position opened up.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Never claimed I did. I have been very straight forward with the fact that I started out as a volunteer showing up 15 hours a week and that after 3 months I got hired when a position opened up.

Some of your posts just come across as condescending and, to bring back an old school word, "douchey". I'm sure you did volunteer for a while...

Anyway, back to the thread...

 

[LucyLoo]

I actually almost wrote about that in my personal statement. 🙂 Figure I could almost pull it off since the majority of my experience is working with a board certified theriogeneology vet who does small animal medicine.

I actually did include something like that in my personal statement, but I was describing more of a personal journey of discovery and part of the discovery was how much I really loved medicine when I finally got the opportunity to work in a clinic. So I think it depends how you weave it in and if the adcoms get turned off by one sentence buried in the middle of a bunch of other experiences, so be it.

 

[nyanko]

Some of your posts just come across as condescending and, to bring back an old school word, "douchey".

And some of your posts come across as quite idealistic and very naive. Maybe it's a wash. It's quite clear that you had/have a lot of misconceptions about the vet field and schooling, and it's good that you came here to ask questions.

However I feel like (and maybe some others here do as well) you have come into this forum and basically been like "Hey guys! I've never worked at any vet hospital and decided I wanted to be a vet because I love animals! I really didn't bother to do much research on it, because I worked in human med and that's obviously the same thing!" Then when people (with experience in the admissions process or even in vet school) tell you things contrary to what you think, your attitude of basically brushing them off and being like "Well maybe, but I'll be fine anyway!" is pretty irritating. Just a bit of an observation, I dunno...but I'm kinda a jerk sometimes too, so.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

And some of your posts come across as quite idealistic and very naive. Maybe it's a wash. It's quite clear that you had/have a lot of misconceptions about the vet field and schooling, and it's good that you came here to ask questions.

However I feel like (and maybe some others here do as well) you have come into this forum and basically been like "Hey guys! I've never worked at any vet hospital and decided I wanted to be a vet because I love animals! I really didn't bother to do much research on it, because I worked in human med and that's obviously the same thing!" Then when people (with experience in the admissions process or even in vet school) tell you things contrary to what you think, your attitude of basically brushing them off and being like "Well maybe, but I'll be fine anyway!" is pretty irritating. Just a bit of an observation, I dunno...but I'm kinda a jerk sometimes too, so.

LOL...I think I like you.

Fyi: I'm an idealistic person (as I'm sure everyone can tell by my posts) and that's never going to change. I'm the friend who's just..."out there". Lol. It's always worked for me so no need to change. (Note: Not saying I don't work my *** off to get what I want, I just don't follow society and their means of saying what's achievable and what's not achieveable.) *See my signature*

Idealistc? Yes. Naive? No.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Delete

 

[nyanko]

LOL...I think I like you.

Fyi: I'm an idealistic person (as I'm sure everyone can tell by my posts) and that's never going to change. I'm the friend who's just..."out there". Lol. It's always worked for me and I've always gotten what I've wanted (eventually) so I'm not going to change. (Note: Not saying I don't work my ***** to get what I want, I just don't follow society and their means of saying what's achievable and what's not achieveable.) *See my signature*

Idealistc? Yes. Naive? No.

You edited your post after I was gonna respond so I'll just say

1) If you want us to see your signature you may want to try to attach it to your posts. 😉

2) Talking about euthanasia like you did in the first post here is quite naive, but I know that you understood better after it was explained to you a couple of times, so that's good. 🙂

3) It's great to be optimistic (I'm pretty cynical myself and could certainly use more optimism!) but there is also some measure of realism that's pretty necessary in this process - it's a competitive process and a lot of qualified people who'd make great vets are declined admission. To drive this point home, a common interview question is "What will you do if you don't get in this cycle?"

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Delete.

 

[Pandacinny]

Uhh....maybe it's just me, but telling people (especially people who've applied two and three times like a lot of the people you're addressing on this board) that the reason they didn't get in is basically because they didn't *want* it enough or didn't have enough confidence is the ultimate in jerkiness and insensitivity.

This is my third application cycle. I've been preparing for veterinary school since I was seventeen. It's been a lot of long, hard work and I still didn't get in on my first try. The people who did get in on their first try also worked hard. For years. Hearing someone like you who (no offense) doesn't seem to have bothered researching the profession or getting even a minimal amount of experience (and I know it's hard to get started - I had the same problem) and yet, inexplicably, has decided that this is the only career for them tell someone like me or nyanko or David that we just maybe don't want it like you do, or that maybe it's our negative attitudes that got us denied is a little ridiculous. Seriously, you don't have a clue as to what the field's like, but you come in saying "That's okay, I just know I'll love it anyways and I know I'll get in. Because I want to."

Sorry for the run on sentences. That kinda touched a nerve.

 

[dyachei]

It may be a misconception, but after reading this thread, it seems like you're pretty sure of yourself, SeaWorldVet. Not that it's a bad thing, but with no experience (and yes, I know you're trying to get some) and what comes across as a cocky attitude about your chances of getting into veterinary school, I wouldn't be nearly as "idealistic". Remember that empathy is a good skill to have and that there are people on this thread who believe but haven't yet achieved. Saying things like "Well, when interview time rolls around, I'm sure I'll be just fine. I've never had a problem "blending in w/ the bunch"" cheapens the hard work that others put into their applications and interviews.

 

[sofficat]

4. If I don't get in this cycle (I don't really see that happening but anything is possible...especially for the "newbies"), I'll try, try again. If you really want something, you'll get it. It may not be on your timeline but you'll get it.

:

At least you said that. That's more how I felt (the time thing). I assumed I wouldn't get in on my first try but that I would keep applying (and hopefully stay sane in the process year after year), but that when the time was right for me to get into vet school it would be. But saying that you DON'T see yourself NOT getting in is a *bit* obnoxious (and I like you from your posts!). I didn't get even get an interview in my in-state school (i think about 250 applicants), but I was one of 10 who ended up at Auburn from 600 out-of-state applicants. It doesn't always make sense, and for someone who has essentially no vet experience and you still think you are going to get in in less than one year?... I'm a very optimistic person, too, but that comes off as very cocky.
Remember, you are going against people who have THOUSANDS of hours of vet experience. I hope you stay positive, though.... because if you are on your third application cycle- you WILL NEED your optimism! (I would never wish that one anyone- so I do hope you succeed!! 😀)

 

[twelvetigers]

I'll be on try number two when you're on try number one...

 

[Fairyblastt]

I really hate it when people delete posts when they realize what an image they've made of themselves.

Esp. when in one thread they're worried about their low gpa, another thread they're worried about how much money vets make, and in yet another thread they're worried about euthanasia and are oh so certain they getting into vet school asap. And marine medicine at University of Florida at that.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

Ok. I'm starting to get really misunderstood but that's ok. I'm not trying to be a jerk or downplay anyones "hard work". I know, and have heard, how hard it is to get into vet school. I'm well aware of that. But then again, I just don't focus on the negatives; I've always been like that. What's the point? Again, Idealistic? Yes.

Concerning the interview comment, I just said that b/c people who responded made it seem like I'd have a "silly" answer as to why I want to become a vet. Spare me. Not going to happen. All b/c I don't have vet exp now doesn't mean I won't have any in the future. We all have to start somewhere. By the time I apply, I'll be well aware of what I'm getting myself into and won't have foolish answers as to the ones that were eluded above. I won't apply until I feel that I am competitive...

Anyway, apparently, I've touched a nerve so we'll end this right now.

I really hate it when people delete posts when they realize what an image they've made of themselves.

Esp. when in one thread they're worried about their low gpa, another thread they're worried about how much money vets make, and in yet another thread they're worried about euthanasia and are oh so certain they getting into vet school asap. And marine medicine at University of Florida at that.

For starters, I don't care about an "image" I've made on a forum; it's not that serious. Secondly, I just deleted another one so don't get your panties in a bunch. I deleted one b/c it gave away too much info, one b/c I figured I'd keep my idealism to myself seeing as it seems to get people extremely rattled, and the other ones b/c my comp double posts sometimes...if that's ok w/ you.

Edit: 1. My GPA isn't low. For some reason, I've kind of turned into a perfectionist so I'm not satisfied w/ my uGPA. But, w/o trying to be cocky, I guess "it'll do" 🙂. 2. Everyone is entitled to know the avg salary of a career they're choosing; what's the big deal? There isn't one. 3. Yup...I'll be a Gator...eventually. Want a postcard? lol

 

[SeaWorldVet]

At least you said that. That's more how I felt (the time thing). I assumed I wouldn't get in on my first try but that I would keep applying (and hopefully stay sane in the process year after year), but that when the time was right for me to get into vet school it would be. But saying that you DON'T see yourself getting in is a *bit* obnoxious (and I like you from your posts!). I didn't get even get an interview in my in-state school (i think about 250 applicants), but I was one of 10 who ended up at Auburn from 600 out-of-state applicants. It doesn't always make sense, and for someone who has essentially no vet experience and you still think you are going to get in in less than one year?... I'm a very optimistic person, too, but that comes off as very cocky.
Remember, you are going against people who have THOUSANDS of hours of vet experience. I hope you stay positive, though.... because if you are on your third application cycle- you WILL NEED your optimism! (I would never wish that one anyone- so I do hope you succeed!! 😀)

I like you too sofficat but it's true, I don't see myself *not* getting in. If people take that as being cocky...uumm...ok. Why would I pursue something if I didn't think I could get in (or be good at it)? That's just my line of thinking. I'm well aware that I may not get in on my 1st try (like hundreds of people) but that's ok w/ me...I'm not going to focus on that. What's the point? I know I'm going up against people who have a lot of experience but I'll still give it my best shot; you never know. If I have to reapply...fine...it's not the end of the world. I believe I'll get in...eventually. Lol.

People always seem to attack "idealistic" people. What for? Maybe everyone should have a little idealism in them. Or, perhaps, maybe I was being a tad cocky. We'll see. I'll re-read some of my posts...

 

[InfiniVet]

I don't see myself *not* getting in. If people take that as being cocky...uumm...ok. Why would I pursue something if I didn't think I could get in (or be good at it)? That's just my line of thinking. I'm well aware that I may not get in on my 1st try (like hundreds of people) but that's ok w/ me...I'm not going to focus on that. What's the point? I know I'm going up against people who have a lot of experience but I'll still give it my best shot; you never know. If I have to reapply...fine...it's not the end of the world. I believe I'll get in...eventually. Lol.

The underlined statement above is what separates out applicants out during interviews. All other stats aside, GPA, experience, etc. = ENTHUSIASM is what gets you in to vet school! You have no shortage of it, & it will take you very, very far. It is not cocky at all, it's fantastic. 👍

You may not get in the first time, or the third time, but you would crawl through a bucket of AIDS infected needles to work as a veterinarian (ok I exaggerate). If you carry this attitude during your shadowing, volunteering, and working, taking every opportunity to learn something new - your boss and older techs will notice, and go out of their way to help you. Cheerful enthusiasm takes you far in vet med, keep it up! 🙂

 

[sofficat]

you make a good point. i think you just hit a nerve when you said you don't see yourself not getting in on the first try (hey! i remembered the *not* that time!) I very much agree that I knew I'd go to vet school..... someday. In my interview when they asked what I would do if I didn't get in I simply told them I'd keep applying until I did (and keep my clinic job and start volunteering with wildlife rehabers etc). Anyways, it's awesome that you KNOW you want this and that you are very confident (that you will get into vet school, that you know you'll be good in and love this field etc). That will get you very far in vet med. Some weird exotic creature might walk into the door and you might not even know what type of animal it is, but if you have confidence that will show and mean a lot!
ok- back to studying.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

The underlined statement above is what separates out applicants out during interviews. All other stats aside, GPA, experience, etc. = ENTHUSIASM is what gets you in to vet school! You have no shortage of it, & it will take you very, very far. It is not cocky at all, it's fantastic. 👍

You may not get in the first time, or the third time, but you would crawl through a bucket of AIDS infected needles to work as a veterinarian (ok I exaggerate). If you carry this attitude during your shadowing, volunteering, and working, taking every opportunity to learn something new - your boss and older techs will notice, and go out of their way to help you. Cheerful enthusiasm takes you far in vet med, keep it up! 🙂

I love exaggeration. It makes for good entertainment!

you make a good point. i think you just hit a nerve when you said you don't see yourself not getting in on the first try (hey! i remembered the *not* that time!) I very much agree that I knew I'd go to vet school..... someday. In my interview when they asked what I would do if I didn't get in I simply told them I'd keep applying until I did (and keep my clinic job and start volunteering with wildlife rehabers etc). Anyways, it's awesome that you KNOW you want this and that you are very confident (that you will get into vet school, that you know you'll be good in and love this field etc). That will get you very far in vet med. Some weird exotic creature might walk into the door and you might not even know what type of animal it is, but if you have confidence that will show and mean a lot!
ok- back to studying.

I never meant to insinuate that I, 100%, know for sure, that I'll get in on my first try (I don't remember saying 'I know I'll get in on my 1st try'...). When I said, "I know I'll get in"...I just meant, I know I'll get in...eventually. 😀 If it's the first try, cool. If not...try, try again.

 

[nyanko]

The underlined statement above is what separates out applicants out during interviews. All other stats aside, GPA, experience, etc. = ENTHUSIASM is what gets you in to vet school! You have no shortage of it, & it will take you very, very far. It is not cocky at all, it's fantastic. 👍

No I disagree with the bolded part. The sentiment expressed by this poster "I can't see myself NOT getting in" is by its very definition cocky, but whether that matters really depends on the value on the moral continuum one attributes to the arbitrary state "cocky." 😉

It's cool to be enthusiastic, and I think all of us have to be or else we couldn't have gotten this far. I also don't think that you can really "set aside" all other stats. But you can certainly be enthusiastic without being arrogant, and that isn't really the case here. Again, there's no intrinsic right/wrong to being cocky/arrogant in a neutral situation, it's just putting it out there for consideration as to:
a) whether that's the sort of attitude you yourself want to exude, and
b) knowledge that it will affect the way others perceive you in one way or another depending on the situation and context.

 

[david594]

To be fair if SeaWorldVet applied this cycle, I wouldn't bet on her getting in. But by the time next year rolls around she could definitely be a fairly competitive application.

Assuming her cumulative GPA isnt much before 3.5, its about average for the field.
She is/was a premed so hopefully her science GPA is at least a 3.5 also.
She is done with school, so could potentially rack up ~1600 hours of veterinary experience by app submission
Time to prep and take the GRE's and hopefully do awesome.
Plenty of time to find some good letters of recommendation.
Plenty of time to come up with some sound ideas for a good personal statement.

So I definitely think she could line herself up to be pretty competitive for the next cycle. Still shooting for one of 16 seats with 600 other people competing for also...

And if you really want to be a marine mammal vet, you MUST get experience working with a marine mammal vet.

 

[SeaWorldVet]

...Still shooting for one of 16 seats with 600 other people competing for also...

What do you mean by one of 16 seats? Is 16 the number of OOSers UF accepts? If so, that won't be a problem b/c I'll be a FL resident; I'm FL-bound!

 

[InfiniVet]

No I disagree with the bolded part. The sentiment expressed by this poster "I can't see myself NOT getting in" is by its very definition cocky, but whether that matters really depends on the value on the moral continuum one attributes to the arbitrary state "cocky." 😉

It's cool to be enthusiastic, and I think all of us have to be or else we couldn't have gotten this far. I also don't think that you can really "set aside" all other stats. But you can certainly be enthusiastic without being arrogant, and that isn't really the case here. Again, there's no intrinsic right/wrong to being cocky/arrogant in a neutral situation, it's just putting it out there for consideration as to:
a) whether that's the sort of attitude you yourself want to exude, and
b) knowledge that it will affect the way others perceive you in one way or another depending on the situation and context.

Adcoms are looking for that enthusiastic attitude in applicants in interviews.

I'd say cocky is more like: I know I will get in because I am better than all of you.
Whereas enthusiasm looks more like: I know I will get in, because no matter how hard it is, how much crap I have to go through, I will never give up or slow down. I will never let anyone get between me and my DVM.

Setting aside all stats is in an interview setting: 2 applicants both with 4.0 gpa, 10,000 hours of varied experience. The one who looks like "she might hunt me down and slash my tires if I don't let her in" is the one that gets in.

Know why they want folks like that? Because vet school literally beats the &*^$ out of you, and you need that rabid drive to keep you coming back each day. That wasn't very uplifting was it....sorry...I just mean, I'd rather see someone risking cockiness cuz I'll bet they'll have the commitment. And anyways both the enthusiasm and confidence gets muted after a few wash cycles anyways - why should new people coming into our profession, who do enough research to find to these forums, get the beat down from us?

:GROUP HUG:

 

[david594]

What do you mean by one of 16 seats? Is 16 the number of OOSers UF accepts? If so, that won't be a problem b/c I'll be a FL resident; I'm FL-bound!

I take this back until I can find more details.... as the whole thing is kind of vague....

http://gradschool.ufl.edu/students/faqs-residency.html

Here are the grad school requirements for residency. Not sure how much they differ from the vet school requirements.