non-trad Q: where to start with prereqs?

[looey]

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Hi,

I majored in Cell Biology in undergrad (graduated 2006) but had no idea I'd be pursuing vet school now... so I do have some of the prereqs done but I'm not happy with my gpa (too many Cs, I think...) and right now I'm pretty clueless to the whole application process for vet school...

- is it a waste of time/money/etc. to just do my prereqs all over?
- where are you guys doing your prereqs -- back to college/university or through a community college? Also, I heard it's better to take classes at a college/university rather than a community college, is this true?
- what about through a postbacc or maybe a masters program?
-does anyone know of any programs or schools that might give me a better shot at getting into a vet school?

I would appreciate any advice or help!! Thanks!

 

[ShelterGirl]

Welcome! First, take a look at this website: http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm

It has a lot of good information about the application process, links to the schools' websites, and a page with links to brief descriptions of the schools' admission requirements (http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/college_requirement.htm). Note that it does not include schools like Tufts who do not use the consolidated service. You would need to go to the school's website directly for more information.

Regarding question #1, whether or not you retake prereqs depends on the school. Some will take the higher grade, many others average them.

Regarding question #2, it varied. Some of us took them at a 4-year program, some at community college. I personally took some at an extension campus of my state school and others at a 4-year school as a visiting student.
There has been a lot of discussion about whether community college or 4-year programs are "better" with no obvious consensus. Again, best to check with the school(s) you are interested in.

There's no magic bullet program that will get you in. Get good grades, get good experience so that you know with all your heart that this is what you want to do, and then go for it.