Post Bac Programs for Vets

[InsprdByPheobe]

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Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum ...let me introduce myself. I have recently finally committed to working towards becoming a vet. I have dabbled with the idea since high school, but never really committed to it because I had the idea that I would step into the business world. However, I have not found any fullfillment with this decision and have decided to go with my passion.

I will be graduating from my undergrad program at USC this May and afterwards will be working towards this goal. I have not had any science courses besides one GE, so I need to first go through a post bac program. I have been reading through the post bac section in this forum but most of the people there are working towards Med School and not Vet Med School. I was wondering on what type of Post Bac program would be best for a prospective vet student. The formal programs don't include the extra prerequisites for vet school (microbiology, embryology, etc.). I've been researching and need some help on figuring out what is best. What have your experiences been? What do you think you did right or wrong? Any responses regarding Post Bac for prospective vet students would be great.

I'm going to start my search for volunteer opportunities soon and was also wondering if you know whether someone who does not have any experience in the sciences in their undergrad career would be a viable candidate.

I'd appreciate any help.

 

[chris03333]

It might be better to apply as a second bachelors degree student and complete you prereqs that way. It might be tough in a graduate science program if you haven't taken many science classes. You can apply to vet school after completing your prereqs (about 2 years).

 

[bern]

I'm doing post-bac stuff to finish vet school requirements as a second degree student. I don't know much about them, but I'm guessing a formal post-bac program might be more of a hindrance than a help. While I'm officially a bio major, it's just a formality and I'm only taking classes that are either required by the vet school I'm applying to or that I think will help me most once I get there (physiology, histology, that sort of thing). Why waste time in a formal program that may require unnecessary classes? I like having a bit more freedom.

 

[youthman]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum ...let me introduce myself. I have recently finally committed to working towards becoming a vet. I have dabbled with the idea since high school, but never really committed to it because I had the idea that I would step into the business world. However, I have not found any fullfillment with this decision and have decided to go with my passion.

I will be graduating from my undergrad program at USC this May and afterwards will be working towards this goal. I have not had any science courses besides one GE, so I need to first go through a post bac program. I have been reading through the post bac section in this forum but most of the people there are working towards Med School and not Vet Med School. I was wondering on what type of Post Bac program would be best for a prospective vet student. The formal programs don't include the extra prerequisites for vet school (microbiology, embryology, etc.). I've been researching and need some help on figuring out what is best. What have your experiences been? What do you think you did right or wrong? Any responses regarding Post Bac for prospective vet students would be great.

I'm going to start my search for volunteer opportunities soon and was also wondering if you know whether someone who does not have any experience in the sciences in their undergrad career would be a viable candidate.

I'd appreciate any help.

Hey there,

I graduated from UCI 8 years ago as an art major so I need to take all my prereq's as well. I've done a lot of research so maybe I can give you some helpful info.

Most post-bac med programs also work for vet programs. Formal programs don't mean you have to take graduate courses, nor do you have to take unnecessary courses. Most are catered to your individual needs, but with the support of advisors, other post bac students, and in some cases a committe letter of recommendation. With that in mind, if you want to stay in CA, you have the choice of:
1) formal program like Scripps, or Mills - very good reputation, very high percentage of admittance into med school. Must have an exceptional GPA, and costs $$.
2) extension courses through UC schools. Tough to get into the prereq classes since you are second priority. No access to advisors, no community, end up paying the same as with a formal program. (if you are an underrepresented minority you can do a formal post bac at a UC)
3) go to a cal state U - questionnable about how it will look to vet schools if you did your undergrad at USC or a UC school.

If you don't think any of the above fit you, then you may have to look at an out of state post-bac program. Some are "second bacs" and some are "post bacs" but it's all the same, with both you get the benefits of a regular student.

But wherever you go, make sure you do exceptionally well. This is your second time around, you are more mature now, and the vet schools EXPECT you to do better than others. If you go to a less prestigious school and get straight A's, I don't think it will make much of a difference that it wasn't a top ranked school. But if you get more than 1 or 2 B's or any C's, you've pretty much shot yourself in the foot.

Also many are accepting applications already and most have deadlines by June, so if you want to get in by Fall start applying ASAP. I've been working full time for a vet clinic (and still working my other job), and I'm attending the adventures in vet medicine program at Tufts in May. I also started a math refresher course at a CC just to get the other side of my brain thinking again🙂 Get involved as much as you can to show the schools that you have made a well informed decision on wanting to become a vet. Good luck!

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

My $0.02.... I agree with the above advice, with the exception that going to a "not so great" school for your postbac will hurt you. Vet schools seem to be understanding that not everyone can afford or are next to the really great schools, and if you have other priorities (a full time job) then you have to accomodate for that schedule when taking your classes. But Cs never look good to anyone. 🙂

My friend was a sociology major and worked in consulting for 8-10 years. She finished her post-bac as she could, taking classes in Boston, Chicago, etc. as she was assigned to different projects and moved around a lot. I think she said she had to send in 4-5 different transcripts. Didn't hurt her much in the end as she was accepted right away.

I'm not sure what your exerience is, but you may want to start working at a vet clinic and/or getting a lot of animal experience before commiting yourself to a post-bac. Vet med is a lot of fun but can be very different than what people perceive it to be... and before you take all those science classes you may want to discover if you want to mix business with vet med and be a practice manager or something along those lines.

 

[InsprdByPheobe]

What do you guys think about enrolling as a non-degree student?

Would Vet Schools look down on that?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[youthman]

What do you guys think about enrolling as a non-degree student?

Would Vet Schools look down on that?

Thanks for all your help!

Degree or non-degree means nothing as far as I know. Again, just make sure you get A's whatever you do.

I'd start working at a vet clinic ASAP. No matter how much you think you know, you will learn a lot about how these operations are run. Depending on your position and the size of the clinic, you may or may not get to know the vets though. Think about whether you want to volunteer or do paid work. I took a paid job at a large clinic, and a large portion of the job has very little to do with becoming a vet and more to do with learning how to be a good, and most importantly FAST janitor. LOL. Hey, it's good to be humbled by someone half your age once in a while, he he. But either way if you are observant you will learn a lot about how the operation is run and you will very quickly learn if you can handle "getting dirty" so to speak with various animals all day. I imagine a volunteer position will get you closer to the vets but they are HARD to come by around here, nobody wants the liability, unless it's an animal shelter or wildlife rescue.

 

[bern]

It won't matter to the vet schools if you're non-degree or not. But, depending on which school you take your prerequisites at, it might affect whether or not you get financial aid. The first school I did post-bac stuff at only offered financial aid to matriculated students.

As others have already said, it doesn't matter to vet schools how you do it - just that you take the required classes and do well in them.

But don't worry about not having been a science major as an undergrad. From what I've gleaned from these boards and from speaking to a vet school admissions counselor, it isn't a problem at all. In fact, it may even help you - not only does it make you stand out from the many applicants with bio/biochem degrees, but it shows that you are capable in more than one area. Getting good grades in your science prereqs will show them that you have an aptitude for science and your undergrad degree should make you seem well-rounded.

By the way, since you haven't really taken much in the way of college science classes before, you might want to be careful about not overloading yourself your first semester. In my experience, the way you study and go about learning things in the sciences is different from in other disciplines. And certain labs, while they're usually only worth one credit, require almost as much work as the lecture that goes with it. The animal experience part of your application can be easily improved by more volunteering, but you can't do much to fix mediocre grades once you've gotten them. My first semester as a post-bac (after getting an English degree) I took 18 credits - I did very well, but it took some work for my brain to shift gears even though I had originally started off as a chem major years before. If I'd known how much of an adjustment it would be, I probably would have taken fewer classes that one semester.

 

[youthman]

It won't matter to the vet schools if you're non-degree or not. But, depending on which school you take your prerequisites at, it might affect whether or not you get financial aid. The first school I did post-bac stuff at only offered financial aid to matriculated students.

As others have already said, it doesn't matter to vet schools how you do it - just that you take the required classes and do well in them.

But don't worry about not having been a science major as an undergrad. From what I've gleaned from these boards and from speaking to a vet school admissions counselor, it isn't a problem at all. In fact, it may even help you - not only does it make you stand out from the many applicants with bio/biochem degrees, but it shows that you are capable in more than one area. Getting good grades in your science prereqs will show them that you have an aptitude for science and your undergrad degree should make you seem well-rounded.

By the way, since you haven't really taken much in the way of college science classes before, you might want to be careful about not overloading yourself your first semester. In my experience, the way you study and go about learning things in the sciences is different from in other disciplines. And certain labs, while they're usually only worth one credit, require almost as much work as the lecture that goes with it. The animal experience part of your application can be easily improved by more volunteering, but you can't do much to fix mediocre grades once you've gotten them. My first semester as a post-bac (after getting an English degree) I took 18 credits - I did very well, but it took some work for my brain to shift gears even though I had originally started off as a chem major years before. If I'd known how much of an adjustment it would be, I probably would have taken fewer classes that one semester.

Good point. Another reason I don't mind going out of state for a formal post-bac or second bac, is I can get financial aid, which helps offset the cost of moving (especially after 2 or 3 years)!

 

[MicheleVet]

Since you haven't been grooming your pre-vet status since high-school/early undergrad, it may take a try or three to secure a spot. (Even those that have often take a couple tries.) Based on my classmates and the dean of admissions here at UF, I'd recommend considering a second degree and maybe working towards completing a Masters program. I know I may sound a little pessimistic, but UF letters were received today and one of our good techs was rejected for the 3rd time...

 

[Olddodger]

Hi all,

Great thread. It answered some of the questions I had myself. I'd posted over on the non-trad forum, but it seems to be more geared towards the MD/DO side.

Personally, I'm more than a bit older than the traditional student, and I'm seriously considering a change of careers. My ex-wife was a vet, and I learned quite a bit of the business from her. It's something I always wanted to do, but an 18-21 year old in my past decided to be a screwball instead <G>.

I've got a BS in engineering, with a fairly horrible GPA (2.5 -ish), and a masters in a unrelated field, but with a 4.0 (finally learned how to study). I took the GRE, but that was in 1989, and have no idea what I got, other than it was good enough to get into grad school.

I have a plan, set up in stages, without too much risk, to see if this is even possible. First, I am going to enroll in a local, non-CC, university (Nova University, in SoFL). I plan on taking some of the biological sciences first (I never took any college level bio courses). If that works out (assuming I have ANY mental faculty left from being in the real world), I'll take/retake the other pre-recs (the ones I already have were Bs/Cs) while hopefully working P/T as a vet tech or volunteer at the HS. Somewhere in there I should re-take the GRE.

Since I'm from, and live in FL, U of F is my first choice. I've got the money set aside and could afford U of F (resident) without going into debt, but out-of-state would probably be much more of a struggle.

Advice is always welcome!

Best,
Oldie

 

[medtechv79]

I'm in the same boat too...I am a non-trad looking at post-baccs to retake/take some of the prereqs at. I might take some at U of MD. They say your best chances are in-state schools so I might be looking at Va. Tech. for right now.
I looked at most post-baccs for the medical school profession b/c like med school I know vet school wants the orgo, gen chem, physics, calculus and biology courses. After I take that I can focus on the upper level bio-courses of embryology, and other animal courses.
Drexel in Philadelphia has a post-bacc specifically for veterinary students. If you have finished all the required pre-reqs than you can take the upper level bio: histology, genetics, anatomy geared to getting you into vet school. I think so far its the only one in the country. I'm looking into it after I take my pre-reqs b/c right now my GPA is too low to get into any vet schools and the competition seems pretty tough...

http://www.drexel.edu/med/biograd/vms/

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

Oldie --
What I've learned about FL is that they absolutely, definitely, positively require a high GPA. Good news is that your other grades are probably too long ago to count... most vet schools require you to have taken the pre-reqs within the last 10 years. So look at it as taking them for the 1st time, and be sure you check with the schools you want to go to as to what courses they require.

 

[Olddodger]

Oldie --
What I've learned about FL is that they absolutely, definitely, positively require a high GPA. Good news is that your other grades are probably too long ago to count... most vet schools require you to have taken the pre-reqs within the last 10 years. So look at it as taking them for the 1st time, and be sure you check with the schools you want to go to as to what courses they require.

Hiya Coffee,

Yep, that's what I heard as well, plus what I gathered from their newbie stats.

I have to figure on jamming on the pre-recs, plus a 1250+ on the GRE to even have a shot.

The bad news? Bah, I'm older (37), but then again, I'll be the same age anyway, so why not.

The good news is my current work allows for a LOT of free/idle time to bust on the pre-rec coursework. My current work is VERY technical, and involves periodic bursts of insane study (figure a semester or two of material condensed into 6 weeks) and involves oral, written and practical exams. So I hopefully know how to study...

I've poured over the UFVet site, and have made a list of the pre-recs. The physics and math shouldn't be a problem. But I'm going to take the bio classes firsts, as I see those as the critical benchmarks.

Thanks for the info!

Oldie

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

As an engineering major myself, I know the science bio/chem classes will be the hardest to adjust to. 🙂 That's a really good plan on your part. Some people make flashcards to study because it is a lot of straight memorization. I suck at drilling myself on those, though, so I've found it works best for me to read the book, read the notes, take notes on the notes (forces me to slow down and think about it) and then re-read my notes.

GRE math should be a cinch for you, it's really simplistic. 🙂 They expect you to be well read and have an obscenely huge vocabulary from college, but math classes? No way! I find it a little disturbing... but Princeton Review has some really good tips and tricks for guessing your way through the test.

If you aren't dead set on staying in FL, you might want to look at some out-of-state schools. Schools like Kansas are very open minded to out of staters and you can always look in to establishing residency.

Good luck! You're younger (by 10-20 years) than a couple of my classmates so I know it can be done.

 

[Olddodger]

If you aren't dead set on staying in FL, you might want to look at some out-of-state schools. Schools like Kansas are very open minded to out of staters and you can always look in to establishing residency.

Thanks again Coffee...

I'm actually a native Floridian (and a rare Southern sub-species, at that 😉 ) , so I have a lot of hope in staying in FL, not and just for the $$$ aspect.

If I were to move back to the mid-west (been there, lived there, worked there, BRRRRR!), I might look at Minnesota. I could stay with my current employer and get residency before making the jump. LSU is also on my list.

Oldie

 

[JIKJen124]

Hi there,

I think I can be of some help. I'm currently finishing up my first year in Penn's Post-Bacc program, with the hope of starting vet school in fall of 2007. I'm not sure if you are interested in relocating to the East Coast, but in general I am quite satisfied the program. Unlike many post-bacc programs, we have our own classes (no undergrads), and the profs tend to treat us more like grad students than undergrads. Also, the courses are at night and on the weekends so you can work/volunteer. It being Penn and having a vet school right here on campus, provides awesome volunteer opportunties. The program has all the extra classes that you need too. I know the application for the fall isn't until mid summer, so you may want to check on it. The advisors are great as well!

I hope this helps!


UOTE=InsprdByPheobe]Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum ...let me introduce myself. I have recently finally committed to working towards becoming a vet. I have dabbled with the idea since high school, but never really committed to it because I had the idea that I would step into the business world. However, I have not found any fullfillment with this decision and have decided to go with my passion.

I will be graduating from my undergrad program at USC this May and afterwards will be working towards this goal. I have not had any science courses besides one GE, so I need to first go through a post bac program. I have been reading through the post bac section in this forum but most of the people there are working towards Med School and not Vet Med School. I was wondering on what type of Post Bac program would be best for a prospective vet student. The formal programs don't include the extra prerequisites for vet school (microbiology, embryology, etc.). I've been researching and need some help on figuring out what is best. What have your experiences been? What do you think you did right or wrong? Any responses regarding Post Bac for prospective vet students would be great.

I'm going to start my search for volunteer opportunities soon and was also wondering if you know whether someone who does not have any experience in the sciences in their undergrad career would be a viable candidate.

I'd appreciate any help.[/QUOTE]

 

[Pennbound]

Hi JKIJen124 I am currently looking into Penn's post bacc program. I was wondering if you could give more information. I am hoping to attend Penn's vet school and I need to work on my GPA so I have been looking into local schools and the post bacc programs they offer. I will have established my residency here in PA in Aug. and I hope to start classes then. Any info or advice you can offer would be great.
Thanks, Pennbound

 

[Koukla18]

Hi all,
I am looking for post bacc programs too. I know practically all of the post bacc's out there are for pre med, so being that I have a pre vet focus, is there anything to look out for in a specific post bacc pre med program? Or are they typically all the same, just depends on where I am accepted?

Any information would help greatly!

Thanks 🙂

 

[david594]

Hi all,
I am looking for post bacc programs too. I know practically all of the post bacc's out there are for pre med, so being that I have a pre vet focus, is there anything to look out for in a specific post bacc pre med program? Or are they typically all the same, just depends on where I am accepted?

Any information would help greatly!

Thanks 🙂

I'd look to apply as a second bachelors student to any local university as opposed to doing a dedicated post-bacc program. You can do it pretty much anywhere and generally you will have a big advantage when it comes to class registration.

A "post-bacc pre-med" program is useless after you get in and they then tell you that they will have to put you on the wait lists to get into your most basic science classes behind every matriculated undergrad.

 

[Ben and Me]

I only had a few classes to take (Animal Nutrition, Orgo I and II, Microbiology, a business class, Biochem) after graduating, and ended up doing them "on my own" as a non-degree student at NC State. I had a really easy time getting into the classes that I took during summer school, and a slightly harder time getting into my fall and spring semester courses--but I did eventually before the class even started...and even when classes were full, lots of people ended up starting out in them knowing that others would drop out (and they always did).

As a non-degree student, you're exempt from a lot of the random expenses of a full-time student and my tuition was super cheap. The worst part was that I got a really terrible parking spot!

If you have a lot of classes to take though, it might be better to apply for full admission like David suggested.

I was also lucky that I had an employer that was willing to set my work schedule around my class schedule.

Doesn't CSU have some sort of pre-vet post-bacc program? I think caninerepro was involved in some capacity so you may want to get in touch with him.

 

[quantized]

I'm doing post-bacc through the UC system, and it has been fine. I have been able to get into classes no problem. When I first tried as an open university student (where you are only allowed to sign up the first day of lecture), it was hell getting into courses, so I apped for the post-bacc program for the next term and it has worked out great. At least this way I have priority for the courses over people who are retaking the course for the 40th time and I can sign up ahead of time. This probably depends on where you take classes, so I assume I'm worst case post-bacc scenario as UC is a cluster**** at the moment now with the budget cuts - don't even get me started on the travesty that is furlough days.

I met up with the medical school advising prof here, and she got me all set pretty easily. As long as you are proactive and know which courses you need and know that they transfer, I don't see see the need to do a program specifically for pre-med/vet/dental/whatever.