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I have an interview in Boston in February. I actually applied to Glasgow two years ago, but I was rejected (thank goodness because I would NOT have been ready!) and I did the interview in Sacremento then.
A lot's been said about the city (Thanks guys!) and it's great that they're so close so you can experience both! I'd mostly like to know more about the academics/testing/program in general and basically anything that you think makes Glasgow a better choice then Edinburgh.
Thanks!
Haha...welllll I shall try and pick out the highlights for you from my Glasgow experience (I apologise if some of you recognize what I am saying from PMs, I got lazy and copy pasted....)
So far I love Glasgow!! Here goes my rambling....
The curriculum takes some getting used to, but when you sit down and think about it, the way they break it down is great. The first two years are 4 classes...Anatomy, Physiology, Biomolecular Science, and Animal Husbandry. 3rd year is the "dead year" where you get parasitology, pharmacology, pathology, and something else I am forgetting right now...microbiology maybe?? 4th and 5th year are the clinical years. Also, throughout your time here, you do something outside of class/school called EMS. The first two years you do 12 weeks of preclinical EMS...basically animal experience. Then your final 3 years, you do 26 weeks of clinical work. Most people do all of this on breaks, and a lot of American students get exemptions because of previous experience (I already have 8 weeks of my 12 done). You can also do EMS all over the world..a lot of people I know from Glasgow go to Vets Gone Wild in South Africa for EMS..others go back to the states, so roam around the UK...you can do it wherever you want!! Go global!!!...Networking like a fiend...
The grading is a bit weird, but you deal. 70% is an A, which is hard to get into your head as an American student. Luckily Glasgow just switched its grading system, so my class does not have endure negative marking (+1 for correct answer -1 point for incorrect...like the SATs/GREs). With that system, negative grades were still possible...so yay for change!!! In the 3 months I have been here, I have only had 4 exams...but as these are only class exams, they are worth 7.5% of my total class grade. The professional exams in May are cumulative for the year and 85% of my grade..so check in again with me after those!!If you fail a professional, you take orals in June, if you don't pass those, you do a resit exam in August, if you still do not pass, you get another oral...so they WANT you to pass and move up a year...and try to provide you with ample chance to succeed. Sounds a bit scary I know, but it all works out!! Glasgow also has tutorials for some of the classes, which breaks down your class into groups of 10-20, and you are given a set of discussion questions. These are SUPER helpful for test review, as they revolve around test questions, and some are even from previous exams...very very helpful if you don't understand something and need a bit more personal attention. CALs are another tool Glasgow uses to review material...it is computer based learning that has simulated dissections and labs, topic quizzes, and overall review for all of the classes. Very handy for testing yourself and seeing how your studying is coming along.
The testing style for each department is a bit different, but seems to pretty standard with the other schools. Anatomy we had a 2 hour written, 1 hour lab practical (think naming this pin prick). It was a nice first exam though, because Anatomy, being two years, we only had the forelimb to worry about for our very first exam...a lot of information, don't get me wrong, but breaking down the anatomy really helps you learn it. The other 3 exams (physio, biomolec, and husbandry) were all during "finals" week...each lasting around 1.5-2 hours...and mostly multiple choice and short answer format..not so bad!!!
You will end up doing every type of animal (well especially the big 6 --sheep pigs cows horses cats dogs), but they throw pretty much everything in there. There is no tracking. In anatomy, you will learn everything on the dog, compare to the cat, then study the horse and cow etc. Same with all the classes...Even if you want to do small animal, you will do it all, which in my opinion is better, because you might be introduced to something you never have been before..and post grad you can go into any type of practice. They do a little bit of exotics, but not too much so far...if it interests you though, you can do research with the professors also interested in it. They even let first years get involved with research..and our wildlife/exotics guy is so much fun!!
Do you like hands on?? OMG all the time..the first week here I was on the school's farm restraining cattle and tossing sheep!! We also have dissection every Friday, where about 4 people work per station. We all get time practicing and helping each other. Plus, they usually have live animals around in another room so we can practice palpating what we are learning in the lab onto a live dog. It really helps associating all of that!! Oh and the dissection guide many vet schools here use, was written by our Professor...Dr. Boyd...amazing man...absolute legend. You also have wet labs in Biomolec..which most Americans have done..think electrophoresis...but it is a good refresher.
I love the people..I recommend finding a private flat with American students as opposed to dorm living...living with 17yr olds again gets old after you have done the college thing..or so I hear..I am living with 4 second years and loving it. There are tons of flats all over the city for pretty cheap!!
Take advantage of where you are..travel..have a good time..for at least in your first year...you should still live by the motto work hard play hard, otherwise the stress level may be too much. It's weird because you read all of these things about American students in vet school not having social lives and working all the time, but here, it is part of your growth as a vet, and you really can make lasting friendships in a very short time who can help you get through the hard times and homesickness. Glasgow vets definitely know how to live by that motto...and we have many social outlets, sports teams, and class/school parties all the time just to relieve stress!! Lock 27, the local pub, is also a fantastic place to walk to and unwind after a tough exam..and somehow, all the vets end up there together, and have a great time!!
A big thing I have noticed about Glasgow is how close-knit a group we really are, especially the overseas kids. I do get homesick every now and again, esp right now around the Holidays, but we try and support each other and make up for it...like having a huge 30 person Thanksgiving!! I have met so many people from all the different years, and they are not only a great resource for studying and getting through, but are some of the most fantastic people I have ever met. Glasgow also has a mentor program, so a faculty member checks up on you a few ties a year to see how you are doing, takes you out to drinks, and is a great resource for whenever you need them. And if they can't help you with what you need, they will find someone who can!!
Phew..ok...enough for now...let me know if any of that doesn't make sense...or you want to know more!!
PS....I keep a blog, which you are welcome to look at, to update family and friends back home...PM me if you want the link..I try to update it once a week...so a day in the life of a vet student if you will...
