Post-bacc vs. Grad degree vs. 2nd bacc programs

[muttmommy]

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Hi all,

I'm an old member who hasn't been on in a long time. I recently decided to look into vet school again after a period of discouragement. I would like anyone's opinion, advice etc. about which they think or know is the better route to go for someone with a non-science bacc degree - a post-bacc pre-vet program, or grad program (hard to get into w/o science background) or a 2nd B.S./Science degree altogether? Which do the vet schools look more favourably upon? Does it matter?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Muttmommy

 

[youthman]

I would go with either the post-bac pre-vet or 2nd B.S but I wouldn't worry about getting the degree - just get your prereq's done. You could also just make your own program, but you miss out on benefits like priority registration, advising, and some financial aid. Also, for some schools post-bac and 2nd B.S. are the same thing.

 

[lazyjayn]

Also, though this might not interest you, you might get in contact with the Atlantic Bridge people, if you have a first degree in something different, dublin or rvc might be interested- you could at least sound them out.

What? me? all about the international thing? Can you imagine being a 20 dollar flight from fresh pastry in paris? Talk about a way to de-stress after exams...

j.

 

[Iain]

RVC, and Dublin would still require a strong science background - -

Not sure where you got the idea of getting the pastry in Paris for $20 - if you go to RVC, it costs 3 times that to get the bus to Heathrow.

 

[JIKJen124]

Allow me to chime in with a little experience having done it both ways. When I first decided to become a vet 2 years ago, I thought a structured post-bacc program would be the best thing for me. Having been lucky to be admitted to one at a university with a vet school, I packed my bags and off I went. The problem for pre-vets which I didn't realize until a semester in, was that because we have more courses required than pre-meds do, its extremely difficult to finish the program in less than 3 years. Also, I found it to be hyper competative, which really got old fast. It was nice having courses with other career changers and bonding with people in that sense, but it all became highly over-rated fairly quickly.

So, after 1 year I left the program and moved back home to save money, and accelerate things a bit. I did a DIY program at a local but well regarded university where I essentially told their adult/continuing ed department what courses I needed to take. After the initial shock of being 25 and taking courses with 19 year olds, I found myself quite a bit happier. The university has taken me in as one of their own, and has even prepared a committee letter for me to use, should I so wish.

I guess my take-away advice is just find a local university that you seem to be comfortable with, take what you need and go for it!

I'll be glad to field any more of your questions should you have them.

Jen

RVC, and Dublin would still require a strong science background - -

Not sure where you got the idea of getting the pastry in Paris for $20 - if you go to RVC, it costs 3 times that to get the bus to Heathrow.

 

[muttmommy]

Thanks everyone - you all have some great advice and really cleared up things for me. I have been accepted to my local university which offers a post-bacc/customized program but wasn't sure which would look better to the admissions committee when I do finally apply for vet school. I can't wait - I never ever thought I'd actually even take the steps to get this far. I know that sounds elementary to some, but in my case, these are huge steps for me.

Thanks again - you've been very helpful!

Cheers!