Ross University c/o 2024

[FutureFelineVet]

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Honestly RUSVM seems like a really great option. It's been my top choice for many reasons; accelerated program, more freedom with clinicals (I don't like to stay in one spot for too long), the many hands-on opportunities, and overall just great. I live in south florida, so I don't think living on the island with hurricanes and humidity, heat, etc. would be much of a worry, and its tuition is relatively comparable to other U.S. vet schools, in fact, cheaper than some. The only con I can think of is the negative stigma associated with going to a caribbean school, but I don't really care about what anyone thinks so...

I read earlier on in the forum that exams follow block-scheduling now. How is that working out for everyone and how do you guys cope with burnout and its prevention especially due to its accelerated program?

With regards to stigma, legit no one cares what school you go to once you graduate. It doesn’t matter for getting a job, it doesn’t matter for internships or residencies. There’s honestly just stigma amongst pre-vet people usually lol, not amongst actual vets (yeah maybe the odd one out there, but overall, nope, they don’t care).

With blocks, I’ll be honest—I HATED them at first. Now... honestly, I actually kind of really like them. It’s nice having things being broken up into smaller chunks test wise and my grades have gone way up. I definitely feel burned out by the end of the semester because school is exhausting, but the breaks in between semester are usually enough for me to relax and recharge before the next semester. Throughout the semester I usually take one full day off a week to just do nothing and chill. I make it a mental health day and honestly it probably helps to keep me sane.

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

I'm possibly applying for the 2025 cycle and have addisons doggo. How hard is it to get meds for pets while on island - is it more practical to bring the supply of meds with me and to not have to worry about constantly shipping what I need to me through out the 2.5 years?

There are two vet clinics on island, there is the Ross clinic on campus and Ponds clinic which is located elsewhere on island about 10-15mins from campus. I don't have animals that need medications aside from flea and tick preventative, I would personally contact the clinic and ask if they carry your dogs particular medication on island, if so then you wouldn't need to worry about bringing a bunch as it should be readily available. If they do not carry it then I would recommend bringing however much you can with you. You can have it mailed, I'm not sure if its different for meds prescribed for your pet vs people. I know to get medication for yourself from customs you need to get a letter from the doctor that says you get XYZ medication at Xmg/dose and are receiving x amount (1 month, 3 month supply).

 

[youstinatutti]

At first I was pretty opposed to block scheduling, I have come around to it. In some degree I still like the regular exam schedule but there are benefits to the blocks. They may be changing the way blocks work after some students had some concerns, so admin sent out surveys to see if they would like to keep blocks how they are or change the number of blocks and when they start. We don't know the results of that survey yet nor do we know when or if changes will take place. As for now we have one block every week starting week 3, with a break week 8 (mid semester, no exam and Monday off ((ie: no classes))) then the remaining blocks week 9 to 13 on a designated day and time (the same every week) then finals in week 15. Each block is 6% so theres some wiggle room if you do poorly one block, most classes have 9 questions in 2nd and 3rd (I had regular exams 1st so idk about that) they go according to how many credits the class is. We were told they're trying to make blocks at a minimum 10 questions to help the grading a little bit. Some classes have 12 or 15 questions per block, although, anatomy is different cause you still have practicals so it isn't all blocks and finals, in anatomy II we had 6 blocks, 3 practicals and a final. Each block is normally 40-50 questions and you get 1 hour, unless you have accommodations for more time. Personally, for me I don't study the day of the block, so for example we had ours last semester on Wednesday at 10am, so after that exam, I wouldn't study that day and just relax after the block/ go to class. I thinks it's important to take breaks and not study 24/7 cause you'll burn yourself out very quickly, so I advise picking one day to just take off and not study to give your mind a minute to just relax. The other thing is during the breaks between semesters do not try to get ahead and learn and study just take the 2-3 weeks to just relax. Also theres plenty of TAs and tutors to help you throughout the semester, most of them are great at narrowing down the information you should really be focusing on, cause there is a lot of info and its very easy to get overwhelmed so pay attention to TA/tutor slides for some guidence.

With regards to stigma, legit no one cares what school you go to once you graduate. It doesn’t matter for getting a job, it doesn’t matter for internships or residencies. There’s honestly just stigma amongst pre-vet people usually lol, not amongst actual vets (yeah maybe the odd one out there, but overall, nope, they don’t care).

With blocks, I’ll be honest—I HATED them at first. Now... honestly, I actually kind of really like them. It’s nice having things being broken up into smaller chunks test wise and my grades have gone way up. I definitely feel burned out by the end of the semester because school is exhausting, but the breaks in between semester are usually enough for me to relax and recharge before the next semester. Throughout the semester I usually take one full day off a week to just do nothing and chill. I make it a mental health day and honestly it probably helps to keep me sane.

You guys are seriously the best. I've started hearing back from other U.S. schools regarding interviews, but I think I am going to decline and just proceed with Ross. Thank you so much for all the help! Seriously!!

 

[Sunnyrae]

Anyone doing online classes now. Is it still possible to work while doing classes? Like do you need to check into each class at a certain time or do you just have to complete work and tests? I had deferred until January but I might decide last minute to see if I can start for the September semester. I'm not even sure if I can but I do want to continue working for now while I start online classes. If anyone has any info on how the online classes are run it would be much appreciated!!

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

You guys are seriously the best. I've started hearing back from other U.S. schools regarding interviews, but I think I am going to decline and just proceed with Ross. Thank you so much for all the help! Seriously!!

No problem, happy to help in anyway possible. Best of luck to you whether you end up choosing Ross or another school

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

Anyone doing online classes now. Is it still possible to work while doing classes? Like do you need to check into each class at a certain time or do you just have to complete work and tests? I had deferred until January but I might decide last minute to see if I can start for the September semester. I'm not even sure if I can but I do want to continue working for now while I start online classes. If anyone has any info on how the online classes are run it would be much appreciated!!

So most classes attendance isn't required and you can just watch the recorded lectures later so I know some people in my semester worked through last semester. In first I know VPF and Principals of Veterinary research are mandatory attendance and those are both once a week for 50 minutes. Anatomy lab is also mandatory but in terms of that being online I don't know how they plan on conducting that and if there will be mandatory attendance or not, but the anatomy lecture isn't mandatory. EVS is also mandatory, again cause of the online format I'm not sure how that will work. As we haven't even gotten all the info yet about how EVS will work.

 

[Sunnyrae]

Tjanks

So most classes attendance isn't required and you can just watch the recorded lectures later so I know some people in my semester worked through last semester. In first I know VPF and Principals of Veterinary research are mandatory attendance and those are both once a week for 50 minutes. Anatomy lab is also mandatory but in terms of that being online I don't know how they plan on conducting that and if there will be mandatory attendance or not, but the anatomy lecture isn't mandatory. EVS is also mandatory, again cause of the online format I'm not sure how that will work. As we haven't even gotten all the info yet about how EVS will work.

Thanks! I just heard back I won't be able to start for September because the class is full but I will be starting in January! I am super excited but it doesn't seem like my advisor could tell me for sure if it would be online or in person.

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Anyone doing online classes now. Is it still possible to work while doing classes? Like do you need to check into each class at a certain time or do you just have to complete work and tests? I had deferred until January but I might decide last minute to see if I can start for the September semester. I'm not even sure if I can but I do want to continue working for now while I start online classes. If anyone has any info on how the online classes are run it would be much appreciated!!

I worked 1-2 days a week and also tutored two courses last semester and am doing the same this semester. It is a bit stressful at times, but I’ve been able to get a good rhythm going with everything. Working back at a clinic has actually been super helpful because I get to keep up all my practical skills, looks at labs, rads, etc. So it’s been worth it to me!

 

[Sunnyrae]

Thanks! As for getting the first semester supplies that are on the list online are most of those things you can get on campus or do you need to bring those to the island with you?

I worked 1-2 days a week and also tutored two courses last semester and am doing the same this semester. It is a bit stressful at times, but I’ve been able to get a good rhythm going with everything. Working back at a clinic has actually been super helpful because I get to keep up all my practical skills, looks at labs, rads, etc. So it’s been worth it to me!

Thanks! Also I heard that they give you an iPad to use for the ebooks and note taking, is that true or do you need to purchase one on your own?

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Thanks! As for getting the first semester supplies that are on the list online are most of those things you can get on campus or do you need to bring those to the island with you?

Thanks! Also I heard that they give you an iPad to use for the ebooks and note taking, is that true or do you need to purchase one on your own?

There’s no on campus store, but you can very often buy supplies from upper semesters. A lot of stuff on the list for 1st you won’t actually use. For instance, I’m just going into 5th and need the suture they recommended buying in 1st.

And you do get an iPad! They mailed them to the new firsts last semester since they were online all semester. You will need it to do certain tests, such as anatomy practicals or certain finals (when back on island). I just used that and my MacBook until last semester when I bought an iPad Pro. I wanted a larger screen and better battery, and I’ve found it to be very worthwhile.

 

[Sunnyrae]

Any current students: do you typically go home on your semester breaks? Also do you ever shadow/work when you go home or mostly just relax? The clinic I work in now would likely let me come back on my breaks to at least get some extra experience but I know unlike other schools that have a full Summer off to do research and work there are only a few weeks between the semesters.

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Any current students: do you typically go home on your semester breaks? Also do you ever shadow/work when you go home or mostly just relax? The clinic I work in now would likely let me come back on my breaks to at least get some extra experience but I know unlike other schools that have a full Summer off to do research and work there are only a few weeks between the semesters.

I’ve gone home over every break, although I will probably stay on island for the next April break so I can enjoy the island and hang out on Nevis a little (since due to Covid I’m back in the States until Jan & I’ll be leaving island for clinics in Aug 2021). Over breaks I usually go back to my old clinic for 1-2 days and take the rest of the time off to relax. Now that I’m back because of Covid I’m working 1-2 days a week and it’s been amazing to keep up my technical skills and also practice reading rads, labs, doing physical exams, etc.

 

[youstinatutti]

Does anyone know if the white-coat ceremony is open to family and if there's a limit, or is it explicitly for us?

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

Does anyone know if the white-coat ceremony is open to family and if there's a limit, or is it explicitly for us?

So usually the white coat ceremony is in the evening of first day of classes. Family is allowed to come and sit in the back of the room to watch the room is fairly large and fits a good amount of people. They also live stream the ceremony so that anyone that wants to/ is not able to make it can watch. With COVID though I’m not sure what’s going to be happening. Especially since current 1st and 2nd semester students didn’t have theirs so idk what the plan for them is. However, I’m sure they’ll let you guys know when the time comes.

 

[puglover22]

Anyone who interviewed recently have you heard anything? (For January)

 

[youstinatutti]

Anyone who interviewed recently have you heard anything? (For January)

Hi! I got accepted for January and interviewed July 17! I didn't hear back until August 30 though

So usually the white coat ceremony is in the evening of first day of classes. Family is allowed to come and sit in the back of the room to watch the room is fairly large and fits a good amount of people. They also live stream the ceremony so that anyone that wants to/ is not able to make it can watch. With COVID though I’m not sure what’s going to be happening. Especially since current 1st and 2nd semester students didn’t have theirs so idk what the plan for them is. However, I’m sure they’ll let you guys know when the time comes.

Awesome! Hopefully things open up for the January term... Thank you!!

 

[carolinelove]

Anybody who has interviewed heard anything yet or are we still on "committee review"?

 

[puglover22]

Anybody who has interviewed heard anything yet or are we still on "committee review"?

I interviewed on the 14th and have not heard yet

 

[youstinatutti]

I interviewed on the 14th and have not heard yet

Don't worry! Even though we were told two weeks after the interview, they won't give u a decision until 4 weeks after. I received my decision a month ago and my application still says "under committee review" even after I received my acception letter and placed a deposit. The biggest tell though is a date change where it says committee review. The day after the date change, I received the acceptance call.

 

[Savannah41212]

Are there any current students who can tell me approximately how much they are awarded for off campus housing. I know loans from the government are based on a lot of different factors, but I just want to see what I will be able to afford for myself and my two children.

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Are there any current students who can tell me approximately how much they are awarded for off campus housing. I know loans from the government are based on a lot of different factors, but I just want to see what I will be able to afford for myself and my two children.

I got about $12,500 this semester for living expenses. I can’t remember if it varies by semester, but I don’t believe it does (until clinics).

 

[Sunnyrae]

Does anyone know when we will find out if next semester will be in person or not? I have emailed my advisor but they just keep saying in the next several weeks they will have an answer. This makes me nervous that by the time a decision is made the cost of flights is going to be more expensive or just getting everything done is going to be more difficult. Any current students have you heard anything about next semester?

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Does anyone know when we will find out if next semester will be in person or not? I have emailed my advisor but they just keep saying in the next several weeks they will have an answer. This makes me nervous that by the time a decision is made the cost of flights is going to be more expensive or just getting everything done is going to be more difficult. Any current students have you heard anything about next semester?

hey there—I just replied on the Covid thread. But no, unfortunately we have no idea yet 🙁 a lot of it is very dependent on the government and since the island has had no active cases the last few months they’re being super cautious. My semester is expected to be flown back because we have to do our surgery labs, anesthesia labs, etc. But we haven’t gotten any updates yet (we have a town hall later this week). If borders are still closed, certain semesters may be prioritized over others unfortunately—but I don’t know who they would prioritize after our semester.

 

[Savannah41212]

I got about $12,500 this semester for living expenses. I can’t remember if it varies by semester, but I don’t believe it does (until clinics).

Is that just for your one self or for you and other family members?

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Is that just for your one self or for you and other family members?

Just for me by myself

 

[Savannah41212]

Do you know of anyone with dependents that got more or is it the same for everyone?

 

[Savannah41212]

Is it better to get a furnished apartment or unfurnished apartment? Unfurnished apartments appear to be a little cheaper but the issue becomes finding furniture (beds, mattresses, dressers, tables, couch)

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Is it better to get a furnished apartment or unfurnished apartment? Unfurnished apartments appear to be a little cheaper but the issue becomes finding furniture (beds, mattresses, dressers, tables, couch)

Hands down get a furnished apartment. Furniture and especially electronics are very expensive on the island. Furnished apartments usually include TVs and everything.

 

[mpotate]

Hi everyone! Just got my acceptance for the Spring of 2021 class on 9/30!!! I’m super excited!!!

I was wondering if anyone has gotten their physical welcome packet in the mail yet and when should I expect to get mine??

 

[carolinelove]

Hi everyone! Just got my acceptance for the Spring of 2021 class on 9/30!!! I’m super excited!!!

I was wondering if anyone has gotten their physical welcome packet in the mail yet and when should I expect to get mine??

Awesome, CONGRATS!! Hopefully we’ll be classmates! When did you interview?

 

[Sunnyrae]

Current students: what is the best phone plan to get when going to the island? I want to be able to easily get calls and texts from people back home without having to change my number but I also don't have an iPhone to be able to get imessage and things like that. I've heard tmobile has the best international plan, is this true?

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

Current students: what is the best phone plan to get when going to the island? I want to be able to easily get calls and texts from people back home without having to change my number but I also don't have an iPhone to be able to get imessage and things like that. I've heard tmobile has the best international plan, is this true?

So I’m not sure about t-mobile. I have at &t and get the $60 international a month, which is kinda pricey but my mom still pays for the plan since I’m in school and she wants to know she can easily communicate with me. A lot of students unlock their phones get a SIM card and then an island plan so its cheaper or a separate island phone. But a lot of people use WhatsApp or Facebook messenger to communicate with their friends and family as you can use that on WiFi to avoid having to get an international plan.

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Current students: what is the best phone plan to get when going to the island? I want to be able to easily get calls and texts from people back home without having to change my number but I also don't have an iPhone to be able to get imessage and things like that. I've heard tmobile has the best international plan, is this true?

I have had T-Mobile entire time on island and love it. Free unlimited data and calls are 25 cents a min, so I just FaceTime my family to avoid those charges and I also use WhatsApp for calls/texts (mainly for local calls/texts!).

 

[vsm321]

Tjanks

Thanks! I just heard back I won't be able to start for September because the class is full but I will be starting in January! I am super excited but it doesn't seem like my advisor could tell me for sure if it would be online or in person.

Hi! I just joined SDM because I'm having a lot of questions. I also was going to start at Ross this month, but I decided to wait until January because of COVID and so I could save a little more money working. Has anyone else starting in January 2021 received their welcome packet or know when we might be receiving them? I want to make sure I'm staying on top of things!

 

[Sunnyrae]

Hi! I just joined SDM because I'm having a lot of questions. I also was going to start at Ross this month, but I decided to wait until January because of COVID and so I could save a little more money working. Has anyone else starting in January 2021 received their welcome packet or know when we might be receiving them? I want to make sure I'm staying on top of things!

I haven't received anything yet. Last time I spoke with my advisor they said we should be receiving things early-mid October they were waiting to know for sure if the boarders were going to open.

 

[Sunnyrae]

Hi! I just joined SDM because I'm having a lot of questions. I also was going to start at Ross this month, but I decided to wait until January because of COVID and so I could save a little more money working. Has anyone else starting in January 2021 received their welcome packet or know when we might be receiving them? I want to make sure I'm staying on top of things!

Actually I just got an email with some preliminary information but it doesn't seem like it's anything new or different from stuff I have received before. It also doesn't give us an answer on if we will be in person or not for next semester.

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Borders reopen Oct 31st, but not sure yet what that means for students. Government has strict restrictions for social distancing so lectures will almost likely be online and number of students on campus will be limited. They’re not sure yet about how things will be working exactly with getting students down to island but will hopefully have more information soon. I think the trouble is probably with the testing and quarantine period. There are only so many dorm rooms and to quarantine at a hotel starts at $1400 usd and at home/apartment about $2500 usd because you have to have a security guard stationed outside your place 24/7 for two weeks to ensure you’re not leaving your room/residence at any time. Have only heard rumors, but sounds like might be able to bring pets back, which would be great. But obviously would have to use potty pads, fake grass, etc. for the two week quarantine period since would be unable to take them on walks.

I know it sounds a bit extreme, but the island has only had 17 cases and no active cases for at least three months now, so they’re being understandably cautious when it comes to letting people back on island.

Hopefully more info coming soon.

 

[vsm321]

Borders reopen Oct 31st, but not sure yet what that means for students. Government has strict restrictions for social distancing so lectures will almost likely be online and number of students on campus will be limited. They’re not sure yet about how things will be working exactly with getting students down to island but will hopefully have more information soon. I think the trouble is probably with the testing and quarantine period. There are only so many dorm rooms and to quarantine at a hotel starts at $1400 usd and at home/apartment about $2500 usd because you have to have a security guard stationed outside your place 24/7 for two weeks to ensure you’re not leaving your room/residence at any time. Have only heard rumors, but sounds like might be able to bring pets back, which would be great. But obviously would have to use potty pads, fake grass, etc. for the two week quarantine period since would be unable to take them on walks.

I know it sounds a bit extreme, but the island has only had 17 cases and no active cases for at least three months now, so they’re being understandably cautious when it comes to letting people back on island.

Hopefully more info coming soon.

Thank you for the information! While it would be ideal to know more at this point, I understand the need for them to move cautiously and I appreciate everything being taken seriously. Please let me know if you hear anything else!

 

[vsm321]

Actually I just got an email with some preliminary information but it doesn't seem like it's anything new or different from stuff I have received before. It also doesn't give us an answer on if we will be in person or not for next semester.

I just received that email as well, but I think you're right - it doesn't seem different than what we received before. Hopefully, we'll learn more soon!

 

[carolinelove]

I just received an interview! Any tips??
hope I can start in January 🙂

Congrats! I interviewed with Phil, and it sounds like every interviewer has their own set of questions they like to ask—mostly just be confident in your answers; they want to make sure you can handle the coursework and you’re confident in your ability to be in this field. Also, take your time before you immediately answer a question..really think about what they’re asking and take a moment to think before answering. Don’t be afraid to smile/laugh, and definitely come up with some questions for your interviewer! At the end you’ll get a chance to ask them, and I was told by someone on a committee (different vet school) that they take positive notice when the interviewee has thought of questions to ask of their own.

 

[Ian46]

I received my Welcome Packet with information about heading down to St. Kitts and to Ross two days ago. I had a question about the Health Certificate, so I emailed Bill, and this was his response: “At this time we are instructing students to wait to complete, until we know for sure training will be online or in person.”

Has anybody received any other information about being in person or online for the January 2021 Class?

 

[vsm321]

I received my Welcome Packet with information about heading down to St. Kitts and to Ross two days ago. I had a question about the Health Certificate, so I emailed Bill, and this was his response: “At this time we are instructing students to wait to complete, until we know for sure training will be online or in person.”

Has anybody received any other information about being in person or online for the January 2021 Class?

I haven't received any other information either. I just got my welcome packet as well and I was hoping it would be a little more informative. The packet made it seem like we should begin booking flights and applying for our student visa, but I guess we shouldn't be... Let me know if you learn more!

 

[FutureFelineVet]

I received my Welcome Packet with information about heading down to St. Kitts and to Ross two days ago. I had a question about the Health Certificate, so I emailed Bill, and this was his response: “At this time we are instructing students to wait to complete, until we know for sure training will be online or in person.”

Has anybody received any other information about being in person or online for the January 2021 Class?

I haven't received any other information either. I just got my welcome packet as well and I was hoping it would be a little more informative. The packet made it seem like we should begin booking flights and applying for our student visa, but I guess we shouldn't be... Let me know if you learn more!

We learned borders will be reopening Oct 31, but there’s very strict guidelines in place and it sounds like potentially not all the current semesters will be heading back (unless you want to pay to quarantine on your own). Due to strict social distancing guidelines from the government, lectures will most likely be online in the spring, with labs in person for those there. Ross is still trying to get clarification from the government about the return guidelines—the government wasn’t really clear in what they had released. So I imagine that’s a big part of why current students & new students haven’t heard much yet unfortunately.

Obviously I would wait to hear the official response from the school, but I would honestly be prepared to potentially spend first semester off island... This is just my personal view, knowing that there’s a limited number of dorm rooms and priority will given to blue as we have to get back for surgery/upper semester labs, and then green & purple would probably have priority. Pink also needs to get back. But you never know what could happen, hopefully you guys will be able to make it to the island!

 

[carolinelove]

So nobody else has interviewed and is waiting to hear back?

 

[puglover22]

So nobody else has interviewed and is waiting to hear back?

I interviewed 9/14 and have not heard anything yet!

 

[carolinelove]

I interviewed 9/14 and have not heard anything yet!

Yeah I think we should be hearing back this week. I emailed just to check in but haven’t received a response yet. They really need to not tell us “within 2 weeks” if they know it will be more than a month...

 

[FutureFelineVet]

Actually I just got an email with some preliminary information but it doesn't seem like it's anything new or different from stuff I have received before. It also doesn't give us an answer on if we will be in person or not for next semester.

Just as an update (you might’ve already heard too), but Vet Prep & first will be completely online in the spring

 

[Sunnyrae]

Just as an update (you might’ve already heard too), but Vet Prep & first will be completely online in the spring

I just heard from someone else, but they said they got an email. I haven't received an email yet but I'm sure I will soon. I'm so sad to not be able to get to go I was really looking forward to traveling to the island

 

[FutureFelineVet]

I just heard from someone else, but they said they got an email. I haven't received an email yet but I'm sure I will soon. I'm so sad to not be able to get to go I was really looking forward to traveling to the island

You guys should be heading there in May hopefully <3 I know it sucks though and probably not how you imagined starting vet school 🙁

Does this mean for January and May terms or just January?

January. Won’t know about May for at least a few months I’d say

 

[OtterlyVetMed]

Does this mean for January and May terms or just January?

Just January as for now, we won’t know about Summer semester until we get into next semester. As of right now us current students don’t even know what’s happening with our semesters.