Glasgow

[PJlovin]

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😀
I cannot WAIT until September!!!

I think I might have seen you when you were here for your interview. Your S.T.s friend, yeah? 🙂

 

[shortnsweet]

I think I might have seen you when you were here for your interview. Your S.T.s friend, yeah? 🙂

good guess! I am S.T.s friend (and future roommate!! 🙂 ) Now the question is...which one of the five billion people I met were you?? hehe

 

[pyxystyx]

And this is for pxystyxx: i was one of the few people there at the early morning presentation hahahahaha. So if you were there I must have seen you I was the asian girl that came in last.

Hey emy, I think you were sitting right behind me! Ha ha... I was in a black suit with a flowered blouse underneath, brown hair... There was a guy next to me, from Wisconsin or something... that's all I can remember. 🙂

 

[emy]

hahahah that day was kind of a blur for me too! But i think I did see you!

pjlovin- thanks for the advice! having already done the dorm thing for undergrad, even though I had a blast when i was 18, I think I would NOT want to live like that again. Its a once in a lifetime experience i think. What you said does make we worried about travel to campus and being placed in a random place with no vet students. I hope that its easy to meet my fellow classmates even if i don't live with any!!!

 

[PJlovin]

hahahah that day was kind of a blur for me too! But i think I did see you!

pjlovin- thanks for the advice! having already done the dorm thing for undergrad, even though I had a blast when i was 18, I think I would NOT want to live like that again. Its a once in a lifetime experience i think. What you said does make we worried about travel to campus and being placed in a random place with no vet students. I hope that its easy to meet my fellow classmates even if i don't live with any!!!

Don't get me wrong, there are people who like living in Wolfson because they stay here for all 5 years!! But now worries, there are people in my class who live in private flats and we all became the best of friends from day 1. Take advantage of facebook and myspace... start a group for your class. Get to know your future classmates in advance, swap stories and advice on the entire process (visa's, loans, etc). I started a myspace group and another started a facebook group for my class. Before we all moved out here, we already had a date set up to meet at a pub which is the local vet student hangout (Lock 27). It was so great!! We didn't know everything about each other, but we were able to say, hey you're so and so from wherever, yeah? It was such an easy starting off point so by the time classes started, you already had a great group of friends to hang out with. 😎

 

[PJlovin]

good guess! I am S.T.s friend (and future roommate!! 🙂 ) Now the question is...which one of the five billion people I met were you?? hehe

I don't think we ever got introduced; I remember seeing you with her... for some reason we thought you were a new student, starting class a term late, lol. I found out afterwards that you were interviewing. I'm sure you're really excited... you'll be living with a great group of girls!! 🙂

 

[shortnsweet]

I don't think we ever got introduced; I remember seeing you with her... for some reason we thought you were a new student, starting class a term late, lol. I found out afterwards that you were interviewing. I'm sure you're really excited... you'll be living with a great group of girls!! 🙂

Haha aww well I am sure I will meet you soon enough. I wish I had started already!!! I am super excited!! Can I graduate from college now???

 

[California1]

Now, I do know a couple who moved into the actual houses the university lets out. They say they're very happy there. I believe they only go to students who are married and/or have a family of sorts. So, if that's you... he told me he would recommend it. 🙂

Could you elaborate on the "family of sorts"? If my family= me + boyfriend + our dog...that probably doesn't qualify. So are we basically on our own for housing? I guess we just find a nearby apartment--right?

If that's the case, then what areas/neighborhoods do you recommend? I would like to browse the rental market in those areas.

This brings me to my next question: do you recommend getting a car? I know some people in Ireland and they said that obtaining a drivers license is nearly impossible. I'm just wondering if it's similar.

 

[PJlovin]

Could you elaborate on the "family of sorts"? If my family= me + boyfriend + our dog...that probably doesn't qualify. So are we basically on our own for housing? I guess we just find a nearby apartment--right?

My friends are married. You would really have to talk to the staff at Accommodation services to get more info about this. I want to say that none of the university housing accepts pets though 🙁 (double check that!)
Not only does Accommodation services deal with university housing, they also have a link for private housing. They have a database (PAD) where you can go to look up properties for let. You may have to talk to the office first though to get access to that site.

If that's the case, then what areas/neighborhoods do you recommend? I would like to browse the rental market in those areas.

For your first year, the majority of your classes will be at the Vet campus. But you will have classes down at the main campus 1-2 times per week; you will also take all your exams (except anatomy practicals) down at main Uni.) Since the majority of your time is at the vet campus, I'd recommend looking in those areas: Anniesland, Hyndland, and Bearsden are all popular with Vet students... with the Bearsden area being more pricey. Still, some students choose to live closer to main uni - around the bontanical gardens is nice (and expensive).

For a better idea: http://www.maplandia.com/united-kingdom/scotland/scotland/city-of-glasgow/

You may have to zoom in; The Vet Campus is basically to the left of Dawsholm Park (Wolfson Hall is right above it). You'll see Bearsden Road right next to the vet campus, if you follow that road up (NNW) it runs into Bearsden (which is labelled on the map). If you follow Bearsden road down, it runs into Anniesland (not labelled on the map - but the road will run into a roundabout with great western and crow roads - basically all around here is Anniesland). If you follow great western road in a SE direction, Hyndland is right below it (you have to zoom close to see Hyndland rail station; otherwise it's above 'Partick'.

Phew! Hope that helps! 😳

This brings me to my next question: do you recommend getting a car? I know some people in Ireland and they said that obtaining a drivers license is nearly impossible. I'm just wondering if it's similar.

It's really a personal preference. I wouldn't recommend it, for at least your first term, unless you're really far away from both campuses. I know two americans who purchased cars in 2nd term. A lot of the American upper year students have cars - when I asked one about this, she said it's common for Americans to buy one since they're so used to having one back home. It makes things like traveling, grocery shopping, etc. easier, but it can be very expensive (gas and insurance are not on the cheap side of things). I'd say wait it out for one term and then decide on it... don't make it a priority.
For the UK drivers license - I believe (again, double check it), Canadian citizens can just transfer over there license without having to take a drivers test. North American citizens can drive on their home state license for up to 1 year; but then they are required to take a test. I'm told the test is not easy. I will say this, sometimes I really do miss my car (eg when it's freezing, raining, and the bus decides to show up 20 min late 😡) But public transportation is really easy to follow around here... if you're in one of the areas mentioned above (or at Wolfson) it's typically a short walk (10-20 minutes) to the vet campus! 👍

Lastly, when you start researching places, many ads (mostly in the above mentioned areas) will specify the flats' proximity to either the main campus or vet campus - it's a typical college town in that sense. 🙂

 

[jacquesthmonkey]

Hey, quick question for all of you guys planning to go to Glasgow.
How do YOU plan to pay for it? I ask because I would love to be able to convince myself that attending school in Glasgow would be financially prudent (or even POSSIBLE) but I'm having a really hard time doing so.

I've been accepted to Glasgow and to WSU, and at first when I applied both places it seemed that the cost would be about equivalent (a little over $40,000 for out of state tuition at WSU for 4 years vs a little under $30,000 at Glasgow for the same). But then I was told the only spots at Glasgow are for the 5 year program, which is one more year of tuition AND not getting paid. Also, if I am reading this right, one can become a Washington resident after a year in state, even while going to school....so that's just 1 year at $40,000 and 3 years at around $20,000....
So by my (addmittedly half-assed) calculations U of Glasgow will be about $150,000 plus living expenses and books (plus an extra loss of about 50,000 in first year's income), where WSU will be $100,000 plus much lower living expenses and books.

Ok, so that wasn't really a quick question.
I would love to hear people's thoughts on this.

 

[California1]

Thank you so much for the help! I can't wait to start browsing that apartment site!
I will definitely take all of the car stuff into consideration.

Again, very helpful!

 

[shortnsweet]

Hey, quick question for all of you guys planning to go to Glasgow.
How do YOU plan to pay for it? I ask because I would love to be able to convince myself that attending school in Glasgow would be financially prudent (or even POSSIBLE) but I'm having a really hard time doing so.

I've been accepted to Glasgow and to WSU, and at first when I applied both places it seemed that the cost would be about equivalent (a little over $40,000 for out of state tuition at WSU for 4 years vs a little under $30,000 at Glasgow for the same). But then I was told the only spots at Glasgow are for the 5 year program, which is one more year of tuition AND not getting paid. Also, if I am reading this right, one can become a Washington resident after a year in state, even while going to school....so that's just 1 year at $40,000 and 3 years at around $20,000....
So by my (addmittedly half-assed) calculations U of Glasgow will be about $150,000 plus living expenses and books (plus an extra loss of about 50,000 in first year's income), where WSU will be $100,000 plus much lower living expenses and books.

Ok, so that wasn't really a quick question.
I would love to hear people's thoughts on this.

With the economy, anywhere you go is going to be mad expensive. I am very fortunate my parents have decided to help me, but regardless of that fact, and even if they didn't , if vet school is what you REALLY want...you have to go where you think is best for you. A big chance to take, yes, but totally worth it. And plus, the dollar /exchange rate has gotten a lot better, so Glasgow in the end kind of works out to be similar to OOS schools anyways. Just my thoughts. Good luck with your decisions!!!

 

[2BaVet]

Yayy just got my official letter in the mail! Now I can believe that I am really going to vet school! Oh it's such a relief!

 

[2BaVet]

by the way there are many more people posting on this (glasgow) thread but not on the acceptances: class of 2013 thread.. I'd love to see some more ppl under U of Glasgow!

 

[emy]

In regards to finances, personally I am still waiting for some schools to give me their final decision but after weighing each program, etc. I've decided that Glasgow is for me even if I haven't found out about my other possible options. As much as money makes the world go 'round when it comes to grad school i've taken the stance that either way I will be in a hole of debt and I need to go where i WANT to go. Sure it is 5 years and in state would be better in regards to tuition amounts but not by much, and out of state tuition would come out just as much as glasgow in the end(though yes you would be in school for another year).

But I've made a list of things to do in my life and one was to live out of the country for more than a year and well this opportunity is once in a lifetime. So weigh your priorities and go where you will be happiest it is 4-5 years of your life. And yes I will be paying all of this by LOANS blah.

 

[emy]

I have to know HONESTLY how hard is it to practice in the states and get job offeres, etc. with an overseas degree. What are the hardships if you choose this route???

 

[Mistoffeles]

my good friend is graduating from Glasgow this year. She passed her NAVLE (1st try) and matched with her 1st choice internship. i've worked with several doctors who have graduated from overseas. one of the chief surgeons at Angell is BVetMed from RVC. i think that you may be overthinking it. 🙂

seriously, if you apply yourself and have a drive to succeed, i think that you'll find very few issues. there may be some doctors who take a "oh, you have an overseas degree, what's wrong, couldn't get into school here?" attitude, but my guess is that they're in the extreme minority. indeed the entire reason for AVMA accreditation is that they meet or exceed the AVMA standards that all US schools are held to as well.

personally, i'm looking forward to the choice between Glasgow and RVC. financially, i think that Glasgow may end up being a little less expensive - cost of living is likely more in London. but i'm anticipating a quality education with many opportunities when i'm finished.

 

[shortnsweet]

I have to know HONESTLY how hard is it to practice in the states and get job offeres, etc. with an overseas degree. What are the hardships if you choose this route???

I was talking to my vet about this on Monday. He literally listed all the FMG's he knew to me...and all of them did not even go to schools that were AVMA accredited. They went to Cambridge, Glasgow, Italy, France, etc and now all have successful businesses in Maryland...just as successful as his own, and he went to Penn. As long as you pass your NAVLE and boards...you have NOTHING to worry about!! I promise!!!

 

[pyxystyx]

I was talking to my vet about this on Monday. He literally listed all the FMG's he knew to me...and all of them did not even go to schools that were AVMA accredited. They went to Cambridge, Glasgow, Italy, France, etc and now all have successful businesses in Maryland...just as successful as his own, and he went to Penn. As long as you pass your NAVLE and boards...you have NOTHING to worry about!! I promise!!!

Uh,... 2 questions...

1. Glasgow IS AVMA accredited, yes?

2. Um,... que es FMG's? No se...

 

[jasps]

Yes, Glasgow is AVMA accredited. But it may not have been at the time the graduates were there that shortnsweet is talking about.

 

[hopefulvet21]

Uh,... 2 questions...

1. Glasgow IS AVMA accredited, yes?

2. Um,... que es FMG's? No se...

FMG is foreign medical graduates maybe? just guessing...

 

[shortnsweet]

sorry..I was out with my vet all day and just got home

FMG is foreign medical graduate

and at the time these people graduated, it was not AVMA accredited, but it IS now, and should be for a VERY long time!!!

 

[emy]

As far as vets that i talked to they seem to advocate both accredited foreign vet schools and state schools and do say that there are obstacles with any school which made me feel better of wanted to take my education overseas. But I was talking to a current student who is going in state and well she said that there is a stigma of a BVMS vs. DVM. So it made me wonder is it really or is it just a stigma among students? I just want my transition to be as easy as possible and I want to get as many offers/choices in internships and residencies and job offers as any other student that graduated from a school in the states. Does anyone have any concrete evidence that it will be truly bothersome???

 

[jellytea]

hi, i've also been accepted to Glasgow and am really considering on going. Has anyone heard anything about the cairncross dorms? i like that they have large single rooms.

 

[PJlovin]

In all honesty, I think the stigma between BVMS & DVM lies solely with state vet students and people who aren't in the field (eg family members, etc) I have not heard of anyone having a problem with their degree from Glasgow.

As a Glasgow student, of course I'm going to promote the school in all it's glory; but, while over here, I recently found out some things about some of the state schools... now this is hearsay (perhaps people from the schools below can chime in and clear things up) but I wish I had known prior to sending them (paying for) my application: LSU is on probation with it's accreditation, I think they have another year and a half to clean up their act before they lose it. (was no mention of that around the time I applied); & students who attend Davis, Cornell, or Tuskegeee (could be a few others as well) won't get to touch an animal until, from what I was told, 3rd year!! 😱

I'm only in my FIRST year at Glasgow: so far we've worked with dogs, horses, cattle, & sheep (pigs were supposed to be in there too but there was a problem with the scheduling); We've had clinical skills classes including communication, bandaging, suturing (smp cont, smp intrptd, & cruciate) & ultrasound; And we have EMS requirements during our vacation times (extramural studies - must complete 12 weeks within the first 2 years, some can be exempted based on your previous experiences; small internships: 2 weeks equine, 2 weeks sheep, 2 weeks cattle, 2 weeks intensive, 4 weeks your choice)

I was talking to a friend of mine, and we started wondering why on earth schools in the states are 4 years, and Glasgow is 5 years, when we're the ones learning everything much earlier. Now to us, we figured, gives us an advantage come graduation time (again, bias)... 😀

 

[Mistoffeles]

A new twist . . . visas.

From WorldBridge:

"Thank you for contacting WorldBridge Service, UK Border Agency’s
commercial partner. We appreciate your patience regarding the response
to your enquiry as WorldBridge strives to provide the most accurate
responses to all enquiries. Below you will find the response to that
enquiry.

The start date of entry clearances may be post-dated by a maximum of 3
months. For example if you wish to travel on the 1st of December, do
not submit your application until the 1st of September."

So, we can't apply by March 31st. And, this means that we fall under the new rules, which I've been looking over. The thing that concerns me is the money part (and this applies to RVC as well):

The Home Office website on visas

If we are getting loans, and the funds are not disbursed until soon after classes start, how are we supposed to qualify for visas under the new rules if the funds need to be in our account for 28 days before applying for the visa?

Or am I missing something?

 

[emy]

So i was so ready to leave everything for Glasgow and i just found out that i also got into Western which is in my home state and actually close by my family. And i have such mixed feelings right now I just wanted some of your opinions since many of you may being going through this or if you have any insights to each school, etc.

ANY opinion would be great!

 

[shortnsweet]

So i was so ready to leave everything for Glasgow and i just found out that i also got into Western which is in my home state and actually close by my family. And i have such mixed feelings right now I just wanted some of your opinions since many of you may being going through this or if you have any insights to each school, etc.

ANY opinion would be great!

Hey Emy,
I can't speak for Western, because I don't know that much about it, but I think what it comes down to, is that this is a very personal choice. I had to choose between Dublin and Glasgow, and I chose Glasgow because that is what felt right to me. I think you should sit down with a pros and cons list for both schools, and figure out what you want from there. Both schools will get you to your ultimate dream of being a vet, but would you rather be closer to home or go abroad?? Either way, you will do great and have amazing experiences!! Best of luck making a choice!!!

 

[ScottieGirl]

Hey everyone! So I have been accepted to Glasgow and rejected by home state (NC), but no big deal, I am more interested in Glasgow. I know there is a way of 'skipping' the first year, but is this really frowned upon, or is it something to consider? The only reason I am seriously considering it is to bring down the cost a but. Also, does anyone have advice on the best off campus housing? Is it possible to get it close to the vet school? If anyone from the states wants to be 'penpals' to talk about to immigration stuff I would really like to get to some fellow vet students! Plus it's all overwhelming!

 

[shortnsweet]

Hey everyone! So I have been accepted to Glasgow and rejected by home state (NC), but no big deal, I am more interested in Glasgow. I know there is a way of 'skipping' the first year, but is this really frowned upon, or is it something to consider? The only reason I am seriously considering it is to bring down the cost a but. Also, does anyone have advice on the best off campus housing? Is it possible to get it close to the vet school? If anyone from the states wants to be 'penpals' to talk about to immigration stuff I would really like to get to some fellow vet students! Plus it's all overwhelming!

I'm confused about the "skipping a year" part of your post...do you mean being accepted into the 4 year program? Were you offered that in your acceptance letter?

PJlovin is probably the best to ask about housing...i'm pretty sure she posted on this thread a while ago about housing..so you may want to take a look 🙂

If you want a penpal, i'm totally up for it :-D Congrats on getting in!!!!😀

 

[ScottieGirl]

Have you started the visa process? What area of vet med are you interested in?

 

[Mistoffeles]

Have you started the visa process? What area of vet med are you interested in?

We can't really start the visa process yet. The UK Home Office prohibits students applying for extended student visas (Adult Student under the new rules) from applying more than three months in advance, and you may not enter the UK prior to 1 month before commencing your course.

So, for Glasgow, with class commencing 9/18/2009, you may not enter the UK on your visa until 8/18/2009, and may not apply for that visa before 5/18/2009.

This means that our applications will fall under the new visa rules (Tier 4 of the new classifications). Here's a link to the document which the Home Office published to "help" out those applying as students under the new rules.

One of the requirements for the visa is to have funds available to cover the 1st year of classes, plus cost of living equivalent to 5400 pounds for nine months in the UK (if outside of London, the cost is 7200 pounds if in London). These funds must be in place for 28 days prior to making your visa application.

The good news is that they consider a loan in your name to be proof of funds.

I'm deciding between Glasgow and RVC, and I'm interested in both LA (primarily herd health) and SA/ECC.

 

[hopefulvet21]

I thought you could come up to 3 months before the course start date. Thats so ANNOYING. They had to go and change everything again.

 

[ScottieGirl]

So, I have been on the website for visa information. My boyfriend and I are engaged, and figured that the only way for him to come with me was to get married now. After reading the information, it seems that the only way for him to get a visa is to show that he has sufficient funds to support himself. Does anyone know if he will be able to get a work permit while we are over there?

 

[hopefulvet21]

I would try to set him up with a job before you go if you can. That way he can at least try to get a working holiday visa (which would last 2 years) and maybe by that time you'd be married and he can update his visa. If you go over there with any sort of visa there is usually a stipulated amount of time that you are allowed to work. (For example, a student visa allows you to work up to 20 hrs. per week). If he just goes there with you, with no visa, he is only allowed to stay in the country for 3 months and is not allowed to work. You need to apply and get a visa before you enter the country at the nearest British consulate.

 

[emy]

So I've decided and I will be in the new incoming class of 2014!!! HOORAY!

But just to clear things up we can't apply for a visa until may?? But they do accept loans, right?

Also Scottiegirl, I'm in the same boat as you but me and the bf are setting the date until 2010, which means long distance for another year, but such is life. But have you guys found out anything that will ease the transition when your SO comes over in terms of visas and jobs?

 

[2BaVet]

Hello Everyone,

I haven't posted for a while... I just heard from RVC that I got in and I decided to go there in September. I figured I should share this with you because we all shared so much throughout the year. And hopefully this will give some hope to those who are on the alternate list. I am waiting on the official confirmation ( because there is going to be a health check and stuff) but if all of that works out, I'm going to decline glasgow... But maybe our paths will still cross in the future as emerging vets? You guys have a contact in London now, and I guess I have some in glasgow! 🙂

 

[psjlg2]

I was curious what anyone knew about Glasgow's take on GPA or what a successful GPA would be for applying to the school.

 

[shortnsweet]

I was curious what anyone knew about Glasgow's take on GPA or what a successful GPA would be for applying to the school.

straight from their website:

"We would expect a cumulative average of around 70%, (3.2 GPA) and the subjects studied must include Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics. We also require some practical experience in an animal related environment, and with a veterinary surgeon."


But I have heard of GPAs that are lower than 3.2 and still got in 🙂

 

[psjlg2]

Thanks, yeah I think i've stared at that page more than a few times. I was just wanting someone who has been accepted to let me know what kind of GPA they had. I have a 3.35 and was considering re-taking O-Chem 1 this summer and some other science courses to bring it up to a 3.45 or something. I was born and currently still live in Alaska and since we don't have a vet school or participate in WICHE anymore I'm skeptical about getting into any OOS school. (I frequently drift between optimism and pessimism). I got my Vet Tech License and have 2 years small/large animal (exotics like Musk-Ox from our Musk-Ox farm and eagles, loons and owls) vet and 3 years strictly small animal emergency experience. Probably just like every other vet school hopeful I "want to know my chances".
Its kind of an all-consuming sense of excitement coupled with an impending sense of doom.


Finals Next Week 😱

 

[shortnsweet]

well if it helps you any, here are my stats that I posted on the successful applicants thread:

22 year old female
1st time applicant
Rejected: Tufts, VA-MD(my in state), Ohio, FL, Miss, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Penn ,Minnesota
Interview: Dublin and Glasgow
Accepted: Dublin and Glasgow

GPA: 3.34
Last 45: 3.74
Science:
GRE: 1070 (530 V, 540 Q, 4.5 W)

Vet Experience(at time of app):

Equine Veterinary Asst. 500 hours
Small Animal Veterinary Clinic 100 hours
Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Summer 2004

Animal Experience:

Research Assistant/ Student Worker
-- Drosophila research
--Maintained animal husbandry of boa constrictors and work on research regarding arboreal preference
--Human performance lab
--Phage Genome Research/Bioinformatics

Asst. Supervisor/Unit Lead, Parakeet Landing, The Maryland Zoo,
--Assisted with Management of animal husbandry for 500 Australian birds. Scheduled and supervised staff of exhibit. Budgeted for the exhibit and guest operations (8000 hours)

Horseback Riding/ Equine Care---15 years

SPCA Volunteer (2 years)

Other Activities:

Recruitment Chair, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Captain (SP 2007/FA 2007) /Treasurer (FA 2006), College Equestrian Club/Team
Residential Advisor
Vice President Pre Health Society

Honors and Awards:
High Distinction from Dean at University of Queensland(study abroad)

LOR:
Equine Veterinarian
Academic Adviser: Pre Health Committee Letter
Supervisor from Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

 

[psjlg2]

Thank you, that does make me feel better. I guess I just want reassurance that I don't have to have a 3.6 to get into anywhere that I want. I would love love love to go to Glasgow (my parents aren't too thrilled but its the next 4-5 years of my life). Congrats to everyone who got it, I am so excited for you!!!
Did you have to request the 4-year graduate entry program or did they give you the option? I guess I'm just confused if you need to specify that you would like to do the 5 years or the 4 years, or if they decide for you.

 

[vet2Be13]

Hello everyone.

I can answer most of your questions because I sent there. Anything from financial stuff to housing, Glasgow, test format and I may be able to send you a sample, who knows. Don't underestimate this school though. I know the locals start at 18 but they usually pass. I transferred to another school in the states after the 1st year. Let me know if you have anymore questions. I know most of the answers.

 

[vet2Be13]

Required course GPA 3.63
overall: 3.66
last 45 credit hours; 3.5

GRE:
1140 total
90percentile writing
80%ile in math
34%ile on verbal

I won't go into all the experience I have because it could take hours to write it down. I think I have about 11,000 in volunteer/work related experience to animals. I also have a lot of hours with underprivelaged childen.

 

[vet2Be13]

I hope you're ready for very rainy days, most students fail 1 class during that time and either have to resit it in August, and if you fail again, you have to wait another year. The rules have become extremely strict and Cindy and Rebecca who went there dealt with a system a little different to ours.

Another thing I should mention is that you should procrastinate, as it will hurt you as the tests come fast. Most of the americans who come aren't prepared for the difference in testing methods.

I hope you like farm animals because you will primarily be dealing with farm animals.

 

[vet2Be13]

The answer is I believe no one can skip the first year.

 

[vet2Be13]

hi, i've also been accepted to Glasgow and am really considering on going. Has anyone heard anything about the cairncross dorms? i like that they have large single rooms.

Wolfson Hall is the closet to the school. I really like it and you can get double ensuite rooms by yourself.

 

[PJlovin]

As a current Glasgow student... I feel the need to insert my opinion on some things...

I hope you're ready for very rainy days

it doesn't rain every day...and when it does, it's not full on down pours. It tends to drizzle in glasgow. Just bring a raincoat and you'll survive just fine. 😎

most students fail 1 class during that time and either have to resit it in August, and if you fail again, you have to wait another year.

Having just taken finals... I passed all my classes first time 'round. "Most" people DID NOT fail one class. At the end of finals, a list is put up. Your final grade is based on your class exams thru-out the year, any class assignments, and your final exam. (final exam being 85% of your final grade 😱). If all your points from all of the above don't add up to the pass mark, but you're within 5 percentage points of passing, you are invited to take a pass/fail oral exam. If you're final grade is more than 5 points away from the pass mark, you are asked to come back in August to resit the final exam (for whichever class you fail). If you don't pass the resit, but come with 5 points of passing, you're given a 2nd opportunity for an oral exam. Don't pass again... then you can appeal to the board to let you resit the entire year. It may sound a little complicated, by my point is that the professors want you to pass(you're given 4 chances to do so, before having to re-take the entire year). With our class of about 120 students, 3 of the courses had probably around 7-9 people with orals and about 7-15 people with resits (the 15 being the extreme end and happened only in 1 class). I can't say for sure, but I believe the majority of all the students on the oral/resit lists were UK students.

Most of the americans who come aren't prepared for the difference in testing methods.

I will agree with this... the negative marking takes a while to get used to. I just finished 1st year and I'm still not used to it. Growing up in the states I was always told, "if you don't know the answer, make an educated guess... don't leave it blank." That doesn't apply when it comes to negatively marked exams and it's certainly a hard habit to break.

I hope you like farm animals because you will primarily be dealing with farm animals.

While most of your hands-on class time deals with cattle, sheep and equine... your 1st year dissection classes are on small animals and equine. Your lectures will include large, small, exotic and cage pets, reptiles, and poultry. I came to Glasgow with a background in small animal medicine and wildlife... I don't regret coming to this school because of all the farm animal classes. I feel the school is trying to make everyone well-rounded. I didn't know anything about cattle before coming here... I didn't know anything about sheep either. But because of the program, I just spent 3 weeks delivering around 1500 lambs (with the help of 2 other 1st years). The things we saw and had to deal with ON OUR OWN can only benefit us in the future. I'll be able to apply all this knowledge to work on a variety of other animals (not just sheep) in the future. Bottomline - if you're a SA medicine person... don't be turned off by all the large animal stuff.

Hope the info helps. Again, soley the opinion of a 1st year student (well, I guess, technically, I'm a 2nd year vet student now!! 😀)

 

[Nkakar1]

The only effect it would have is if you chose to work in the UK after graduation. From my knowledge, you would not be referred to as "Doctor" here.... for whatever the reason (I believe only Medical Doctors are called such).

Other than that, no change. It's considered a graduate program back in the states and people will know that. I filed for US loans as if it were a graduate program... not undergrad just because the UK considers it to be so. I'm not worried about it, none of my classmates are worried about it... 🙂

So just to clarify if you were to come back to the States and practice you would be referred to as "dr"?? Also my other concern is how well international schools prepare you for the NAVLE. Some schools have their schools passing rate. Do you happen to know what it is?? Again, thanks a lot for taking time to answer our questions. It's really helpful 🙂

 

[PJlovin]

So just to clarify if you were to come back to the States and practice you would be referred to as "dr"?? Also my other concern is how well international schools prepare you for the NAVLE. Some schools have their schools passing rate. Do you happen to know what it is?? Again, thanks a lot for taking time to answer our questions. It's really helpful 🙂

I think you can be called "Dr." in the states because it's considered a doctored grad program there; but it's really not something I'm concerned with so I never did research on it. You may want to send an email to AVMA and ask them what the deal is regarding that. I definitely know that Vet's are NOT called Doctors in the UK.

The last time I saw anything about Glasgow's NAVLE pass rate, I think I remember it being 80-somthing percent. It is on their website, just can't remember where I saw it. Joyce Wason would probably know the answer to that one. 🙂