international prerequisites

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I know there are lots of threads about the international schools, but I am a bit confused. I was reading over the prerequisites of certain schools on the aavmc.org website and this is what I came up with.

Massey:
Gen Chem
Organic Chem 1 yr w/ lab
Physics
Biology year w/ lab
Cellular Biology year w/ lab

Murdoch:
Math/Stats
Cellular Biology w/ lab

RVC:
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Math
Biology

Glasgow:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Math

If you were accepted into these schools, did you have all of these classes completed? This website seems a bit more strict on requirements than what I found on the actual schools' websites. I think I remember reading on SDN that certain schools, like Massey, for instance were great if you had another major because you can do the 5 year program and the extra semester or two functions as gaining the prerequisites. Also, is this just for international applicants because the residents of those countries can attend straight from their high school equivalent?

I am asking because I am currently working on a few last random prereqs to supplement my science degree and if I have the option of accumulating classes/knowledge/debt overseas in a 5 year program rather than here going into debt before vet school, I would like to take it, working and saving money in the US before my extended vet school experience.

Does this make sense? Basically, I'm asking if I have most (chem, physics, biology, math) but not all (cell bio lab, biochem) prereqs exactly, will I be rejected flat out or have you gained admission missing a few?

Thanks for your input and my apologies for the novel, its late and I ramble

 

[PJlovin]

I know there are lots of threads about the international schools, but I am a bit confused. I was reading over the prerequisites of certain schools on the aavmc.org website and this is what I came up with.

Massey:
Gen Chem
Organic Chem 1 yr w/ lab
Physics
Biology year w/ lab
Cellular Biology year w/ lab

Murdoch:
Math/Stats
Cellular Biology w/ lab

RVC:
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Math
Biology

Glasgow:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Math

If you were accepted into these schools, did you have all of these classes completed? This website seems a bit more strict on requirements than what I found on the actual schools' websites. I think I remember reading on SDN that certain schools, like Massey, for instance were great if you had another major because you can do the 5 year program and the extra semester or two functions as gaining the prerequisites. Also, is this just for international applicants because the residents of those countries can attend straight from their high school equivalent?

I am asking because I am currently working on a few last random prereqs to supplement my science degree and if I have the option of accumulating classes/knowledge/debt overseas in a 5 year program rather than here going into debt before vet school, I would like to take it, working and saving money in the US before my extended vet school experience.

Does this make sense? Basically, I'm asking if I have most (chem, physics, biology, math) but not all (cell bio lab, biochem) prereqs exactly, will I be rejected flat out or have you gained admission missing a few?

Thanks for your input and my apologies for the novel, its late and I ramble

Don't know if I'll be much help, but I actually had 2 undergrad degrees before applying to Glasgow. You may want to send an email to the admissions office and ask about the biochem requirements. We're essentially taking Biochem in our first 2 years (it's all lumped under Biomolecular sciences). So far this first year has been a refresher course from what I was taught in undergrad. I've talked to some of the UK students and most think the course is going fast (they came with little background in the subject), while most Americans feel it's going slow. Not really sure if it's actually required or just highly recommended. So if you came here without taking it... you'd may be a little stressed with the pace of things. As for cell bio....I think I dropped that course in undergrad, so I don't think I had that one, but I still got in. =) As a side note, the minimum GPA listed on that site should be taken with a grain of salt. 😉 In otherwords...there's definite leeway there. 😛

 

[Nexx]

I am currently attending Murdoch and was given advanced standing in their 'older' course. My roommate is also in their new course and was given similar exemptions.

Cell Biology is more like General Biology in the states, it is not the same as US Cell Biology courses. Instead think of Bio 1 (and possibly Bio 2) put together and calling it "cell bio"

Murdoch also should have listed on there General Chemistry.

If you don't have one or more of the courses they may accept you into their "biomedical science" program, with entry into vet the following year. However if you do have their courses, and veterinary experience... chances are at Murdoch you would be accepted -- although competition for spots is getting more competitive every year.

For the record, I do not have a complete Bachelors degree at this time 🙂

 

[laurafinn]

I'm in the midst of final exams now, so can't get into this too much, but Massey's pre-selection semester (ie, the 5-year option for people without any/all the pre-reqs) has gotten more competitive every year. Nowadays I believe 1 in 4 international students who start the pre-selection semester are accepted. I think they may have capped the number of international students who make the attempt (that's the rumor, get the facts from Massey administration!)

It's a high-stakes gamble and thus very stressful. Plus, your grade is based largely on your final exams, so you don't really know where you stand until the bitter end 😳

Email Massey to verify, though. It's been years since I did pre-selection.

 

[pixel]

Thank you all for the information so far. It is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time.

It seems like the longer I wait to apply, the more competitive the process will get. But if I wait longer and take more classes I will be more competitive but will be too much in debt to go comfortably. Wait less time, save money, and not take the classes and I may never get in because it is too competitive. *runs around in circles*

I failed an exam this week in organic chemistry. I've never failed an exam! Being a failure makes this kind of decision even harder! 😱

I hope you guys are rocking your exams/finals. 🙂

 

[Nexx]

Well, the worst thing about applying early is the possible 'waste' of money (some schools have a free application however) on application fees and postage to be turned down. You can keep on taking classes at the same time or take more if you do get turned down--same thing you would probably do in the states.

If you are really interested in it, chances are like I said, probably have the pre reqs for Murdoch.

 

[littlehooves]

This might be a bit late- but something to consider is to look for agents to cut down on application fees.There are 2 that I'm going to apply through- I think they're just for Canadian students, but there are probably some in your area too. They make the application process alot easier, help you find accomodation etc. Just a really good resource to look into if you're going over seas.http://www.oztrekk.com/http://www.komconsultants.com/I'm applying to Murdoch and Melb/Syd (if I get orgo of course)😀

 

[Nexx]

Just a note about using agents for applying...

They can be a great help in applying, that is getting general information, pamphlets, coursebooks, submitting your application, answering questions about the process/moving. But just keep in mind they are not knowledgeable with the specifics to the course or exceptions that occur. Bottom line being if you use an agent and get an answer that doesn't sound right, or heck an answer that you aren't happy with--check other sources!

I had one agency tell a friend of mine that she wouldn't be able to get a Graduate level loans -- something that was needed for her to even consider going overseas to study.

As a side note, I used AustraLearn and would recommend them with the caveat from above.

🙂

 

[littlehooves]

Nexx I totally agree with you- we had an agent come to our school and I bombarded him with questions he had no idea about- and I've also been torturing the lady at the other agency.

So in accordance with Nexx, definatly *definatly* do your own research. Agents are great resources, but they are not gurus!!! 🙂

P.s.
In addition, you want to try and contact the registar too. The VMCAS website doesn't have Glasgow's pre recs down right- they actually require Organic chem and the VMCAS website has conflicting info. Even on Glasgows' website they say they just need chem, but after emailing the registar lady and getting really frustrated- they do need Orgo...