Realistic Goals??

[youthman]

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Hello,

I am a 30 year old graphic designer. I studied at UC Irvine as a bio major for 2 years, as an english major for 1 year, and finally as an art major for 2 to get a Bachelor of Arts degree. I have been working as a designer for about 7-8 years now, but as you can figure out I've decided to pursue a veterinary career.

My overall GPA was in the 3.75 or above range (I have to look into the records). My science related GPA I'm GUESSING was about 3.4-3.5.
I'm currently making a decent living as a designer, but you know I keep hearing this voice inside my head...

But, it's been so long since I've taken academic courses, so my plan is as follows:
1) start volunteering at an animal shelter
2) start working part time at a vet clinic
3) spend 1 year as full time student just to refresh myself and to meet all the course requirements
4) study for GRE
5) take GRE
6) appy for vet school, preferrably Western since I wouldn't have to move (I have 4 large breed dogs)
7) keep on volunteering, working and applying until I get in to vet school

Estimated time to get into vet school: 2 - 3 years

Okay it's kind of a simplified plan but how does it look to you guys? What questions come to mind after reading this? Am I being realistic or setting myself up for big disappointment?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[verbal_kint]

Hello,

I am a 30 year old graphic designer. I studied at UC Irvine as a bio major for 2 years, as an english major for 1 year, and finally as an art major for 2 to get a Bachelor of Arts degree. I have been working as a designer for about 7-8 years now, but as you can figure out I've decided to pursue a veterinary career.

My overall GPA was in the 3.75 or above range (I have to look into the records). My science related GPA I'm GUESSING was about 3.4-3.5.
I'm currently making a decent living as a designer, but you know I keep hearing this voice inside my head...

But, it's been so long since I've taken academic courses, so my plan is as follows:
1) start volunteering at an animal shelter
2) start working part time at a vet clinic
3) spend 1 year as full time student just to refresh myself and to meet all the course requirements
4) study for GRE
5) take GRE
6) appy for vet school, preferrably Western since I wouldn't have to move (I have 4 large breed dogs)
7) keep on volunteering, working and applying until I get in to vet school

Estimated time to get into vet school: 2 - 3 years

Okay it's kind of a simplified plan but how does it look to you guys? What questions come to mind after reading this? Am I being realistic or setting myself up for big disappointment?

Thanks in advance for your input.

i say go for it. i'm told western is looking for well rounded individuals. it's such a new program and they're trying to attract a wide round of applicants. i'm told from people that go there that they're not as strict when it comes to grades, but even then you seem to have fine grades. if you're willing to do all that after having a well paying job for so many years, it's got to reflect your passion/desire for veterinary medicine.

the only suggestion I have would be to get some more varied experience. small animal and shelter are pretty common for applicants. i;m not sure how easy that will be for you though. good luck!

 

[youthman]

i say go for it. i'm told western is looking for well rounded individuals. it's such a new program and they're trying to attract a wide round of applicants. i'm told from people that go there that they're not as strict when it comes to grades, but even then you seem to have fine grades. if you're willing to do all that after having a well paying job for so many years, it's got to reflect your passion/desire for veterinary medicine.

the only suggestion I have would be to get some more varied experience. small animal and shelter are pretty common for applicants. i;m not sure how easy that will be for you though. good luck!

Thank you for your encouraging reply. What type of varied experience do you mean? Like on a farm? Yeah that would be a little difficult since I live in a big city, LOL. Any suggestions on what I could delve into besides a vet clinic or animal shelter would be appreciated. 🙂

 

[chris03333]

Thank you for your encouraging reply. What type of varied experience do you mean? Like on a farm? Yeah that would be a little difficult since I live in a big city, LOL. Any suggestions on what I could delve into besides a vet clinic or animal shelter would be appreciated. 🙂

When you say a big city, where do you mean? I go to Western and there are many dairy farms about 10 miles away. Also consider taking some of the farm management classes (Cal Poly Pomona has one). Consider looking at university or college websites and apply to work or volunteer in a lab.

Anyway your goals are very realistic. Many of my classmates had a sucessful career in another field prior to comming here so it is possible.

:0) Chris

 

[chris03333]

Oh also I forgot, The Wildlife Waystation is always looking for volunteers:

http://www.wildlifewaystation.org/c...e&MERCURYSID=29c3e2918ac3127d2bbafa31e9369663

🙂

 

[youthman]

When you say a big city, where do you mean? I go to Western and there are many dairy farms about 10 miles away. Also consider taking some of the farm management classes (Cal Poly Pomona has one). Consider looking at university or college websites and apply to work or volunteer in a lab.

Anyway your goals are very realistic. Many of my classmates had a sucessful career in another field prior to comming here so it is possible.

:0) Chris

Hi Chris, I live in Westminster - Orange County. Not a big city like LA but overcrowded and farmless nonetheless. I will look into what types of classes/volunteer programs UCI may have to offer. I also really like the Wildlife Waystation. It's a bit of a drive but I wouldn't mind doing it a couple times a month. How does one go about working at a dairy farm? Do you just drive up and ask if they need help?

I would love to stay in touch with you Chris. My sister goes to Western as an MD but I think you could offer me invaluable tips and advice. The fact that many of your classmates were in the same position as I am is very encouraging. There are so many things I would like to ask you.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[chris03333]

Hi Chris, I live in Westminster - Orange County. Not a big city like LA but overcrowded and farmless nonetheless. I will look into what types of classes/volunteer programs UCI may have to offer. I also really like the Wildlife Waystation. It's a bit of a drive but I wouldn't mind doing it a couple times a month. How does one go about working at a dairy farm? Do you just drive up and ask if they need help?

I would love to stay in touch with you Chris. My sister goes to Western as an MD but I think you could offer me invaluable tips and advice. The fact that many of your classmates were in the same position as I am is very encouraging. There are so many things I would like to ask you.

Thanks,
Mike

Yup just drive up there (Or call they are in chino, CA) and ask if they need help (maybe you can alternate volunteering with the waystation if they do not have a paying position). Make sure to tell them that you are interested in vet school and you will get a better reception.

I would be glad to help answer questions for you. email: [email protected]

Chris

 

[UCPharm]

i say go for it. i'm told western is looking for well rounded individuals. it's such a new program and they're trying to attract a wide round of applicants. i'm told from people that go there that they're not as strict when it comes to grades, but even then you seem to have fine grades. if you're willing to do all that after having a well paying job for so many years, it's got to reflect your passion/desire for veterinary medicine.

the only suggestion I have would be to get some more varied experience. small animal and shelter are pretty common for applicants. i;m not sure how easy that will be for you though. good luck!

don't hold yourself back... i not sure how difficult it is to get into western but you should call them and ask the counselor for help. Maybe someone at western call help with your plans

 

[VeganSoprano]

I think it sounds like a great plan. The only thing I would add would be to make sure you get some experience beyond working with small animals. Plan to get some wildlife, large animal, and/or research experience too. Even in a big city, there will be opportunities to work in farm, large animal rescue, and equine settings not too far away.

 

[youthman]

Do you guys think I should get vet clinic experience in addition to the wildlife and large animal experience - or is it unnecessary? Since I am still working my volunteer time will probably be limited to weekends - so there's only so much I can fit in and devote a fair amount of time to.

I have signed up for an "information session" at Western next month!

 

[VeganSoprano]

You need a certain amount of "vet experience", working directly with a vet. You also need a diversity of "animal experience", which can include just about anything. You don't need vet experience with both large and small animals but you really do need one or the other. If you are interested in small animal medicine then ideally that's where your vet experience should be.

Vet schools look more for breadth than depth of experience. Four hours a month for a year or so would be just fine for a particular type of experience.

 

[CoffeeCrazy]

It sounds like a good plan and realistic... varied experience can also mean working with exotic animals (reptiles, avian, fish), not just farm animals. And not just vet experience but animal experience is good to have too. Work with horses, volunteer at a local zoo or aquarium (or even pet store), and learn about handling and the husbandry of different animals. Vets have to deal with the care (environment, diet, behavior, breeding, etc.) as well as the medical aspect.

 

[Beauty2597]

hi Youthman
I sincerely think you will have a great shot if you stick to your plan. However i wanted to warn you that alot of schools want the sciences to be done in a timeframe of 5 or 6 years. meaning, your grades may be too old. i would check each schools requirements and call them up to let them know your situation.

i also agree with the person who told you to diversify your expereince. i would start in a small animal hospital but work your way around- there are so many aspects to this profession beyond small animal work. who knows, you may even like cows!!!

good luck!

beauty2597

Hello,

I am a 30 year old graphic designer. I studied at UC Irvine as a bio major for 2 years, as an english major for 1 year, and finally as an art major for 2 to get a Bachelor of Arts degree. I have been working as a designer for about 7-8 years now, but as you can figure out I've decided to pursue a veterinary career.

My overall GPA was in the 3.75 or above range (I have to look into the records). My science related GPA I'm GUESSING was about 3.4-3.5.
I'm currently making a decent living as a designer, but you know I keep hearing this voice inside my head...

But, it's been so long since I've taken academic courses, so my plan is as follows:
1) start volunteering at an animal shelter
2) start working part time at a vet clinic
3) spend 1 year as full time student just to refresh myself and to meet all the course requirements
4) study for GRE
5) take GRE
6) appy for vet school, preferrably Western since I wouldn't have to move (I have 4 large breed dogs)
7) keep on volunteering, working and applying until I get in to vet school

Estimated time to get into vet school: 2 - 3 years

Okay it's kind of a simplified plan but how does it look to you guys? What questions come to mind after reading this? Am I being realistic or setting myself up for big disappointment?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[nychilla]

Sorry, I haven't read all the replies, so some of what I say may have been covered. I'm 32 and switching careers - just got accepted to Cornell Vet. I think your plan looks great - some things I did that I found really helpful:
1) Calls the schools you're interested in and ask for informational interviews. They will basically tell you what to do to get into that school.
2) Check the admissions statistics and find out the average hours of veterinary experience most incoming students have. This will give you an idea of what you need to do.
3) Call all the schools and find out if they will accept grades that are over 8 years old - some will ask you to retake old classes. They all RECOMMEND that you take pre-requisite classes within a few years of admission.
4) Get varied experience - large and small animal. I live in NYC, it was tough to get large animal. I currently volunteer at the Hospital for the NY Zoological Society - I had to get on a volunteer waiting list. Some friends of mine volunteered at riding schools and stables to experience. Some schools look for depth of experience, some look for breadth - call the school and find out what they like.
5) DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! My family thought I was insane and I'd never get in - but I'm starting school in August!!!!!

 

[Iain]

As far as gaining varied experience you can volunteer at Santa Ana Zoo, or Orange County Zoo (in Irvine Regional Park). Although it does not operate like a farm, you will get experience with sheep, cows, and other 'farm' animals.

There are also plenty of Equine vets whom would likely let you shadow as would the equine ambulance. There is also an Equine Hospital in Norco, which would be interesting (you will certainly see plenty of suturing!).

 

[Julia22]

Sorry, I haven't read all the replies, so some of what I say may have been covered. I'm 32 and switching careers - just got accepted to Cornell Vet. I think your plan looks great - some things I did that I found really helpful:
1) Calls the schools you're interested in and ask for informational interviews. They will basically tell you what to do to get into that school.
2) Check the admissions statistics and find out the average hours of veterinary experience most incoming students have. This will give you an idea of what you need to do.
3) Call all the schools and find out if they will accept grades that are over 8 years old - some will ask you to retake old classes. They all RECOMMEND that you take pre-requisite classes within a few years of admission.
4) Get varied experience - large and small animal. I live in NYC, it was tough to get large animal. I currently volunteer at the Hospital for the NY Zoological Society - I had to get on a volunteer waiting list. Some friends of mine volunteered at riding schools and stables to experience. Some schools look for depth of experience, some look for breadth - call the school and find out what they like.
5) DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! My family thought I was insane and I'd never get in - but I'm starting school in August!!!!!

HI - i am also thirtysomething (!!) and switching careers - - from being an attorney in NYC to a full time post-bac student applying to vet school!! it is a HUGE undertaking and you need to be sure about what you are doing - - definitely volunteer or go to your local vet and ask if you can shadow him or her for a few days a week for 6 months or so. get out to the front lines and KNOW what the career and life are like before you give up a life, your free time, your income, etc.
Even if you are not uncertain, get the experience under your belt - - the number one question i hear from EVERYONE is "wasnt there anything in the law you could have done?" well, of course there was - - i just chose not to! and thats the decision you will have to defend, over and over! so get experience and be sure - then your confidence in your decision will speak for itself.
hope that helps.

 

[youthman]

HI - i am also thirtysomething (!!) and switching careers - - from being an attorney in NYC to a full time post-bac student applying to vet school!! it is a HUGE undertaking and you need to be sure about what you are doing - - definitely volunteer or go to your local vet and ask if you can shadow him or her for a few days a week for 6 months or so. get out to the front lines and KNOW what the career and life are like before you give up a life, your free time, your income, etc.
Even if you are not uncertain, get the experience under your belt - - the number one question i hear from EVERYONE is "wasnt there anything in the law you could have done?" well, of course there was - - i just chose not to! and thats the decision you will have to defend, over and over! so get experience and be sure - then your confidence in your decision will speak for itself.
hope that helps.

Hi Julia, where did you decide to go back to school? The same one you got your bachelors from, or a community college?

And thanks for the advice. I am not giving up anything yet. I will definitely get experience on weekends first and go from there.

Can I get your email address? I would like to discuss this with you further since your situation is so similar to mine. [email protected]

 

[birdvet2006]

Youthman,

There are plenty of places to get vet and animal experience in southern California. I'm from Chino Hills, which is right next to Pomona. I did my small animal experience at a 24 hour small animal hospital (trained to be a vet assistant) and my large animal experience was done at Cal Poly (my undergrad school). If you'd like to gain experience with farm animals, Cal Poly is a possibility (even if you're not a student there). Get in touch with one of the herdsmen (er, herdswomen?) and ask if you can volunteer. You'd have to fill out some form for insurance, but then you could spend time with the farm animals (sheep, pigs, and beef cattle). They also have an excellent equine centre which always can use some volunteers.

Chino Valley Equine hospital (Chino is right next door to Pomona) may let you volunteer there (and they always need help with the foals this time of year). In Orange Co., there's the Santa Ana Zoo you can look into. The aquarium in Long Beach...keep your mind open and you can find lots of places to go. Good luck!

 

[MicheleVet]

Many schools will say that "working" for a vet or in a desired animal field is better than "volunteering." This is beacuse a volunteer can be as uninvolved as a visitor but an employee will be learning and doing.

 

[VeganSoprano]

That's interesting. My volunteer experience involves pretty heavy responsibility - injecting, anesthetizing, drawing blood, logging controlled drugs, managing other volunteers, etc. In terms of experience, this is a whole lot better than cleaning up vomit and walking dogs as a kennel assistant. It's frustrating if vet schools wouldn't look at it that way.

 

[MicheleVet]

I think if you are able to talk knowledgably about anesthesia, controlled drugs, managment during the interview, it'll come across fine.

 

[verbal_kint]

I'm surprised they let you do all that based simply on insurance. A lot of places here in California in my experience won't take volunteers because of that fact. You have a good deal going at where you are volunteering.

 

[VeganSoprano]

I volunteer for nonprofit spay/neuter clinics. They use volunteers for everything except the things that require a license. Plus I've been doing cat rescue and adoptions for a few years and have experienced quite a bit from fostering and managing a small network of foster homes.