RVC entrance requirements

[ducktoller]

Hi everyone!

i'm currently a 3rd year animal biology student, studying at a canadian university (university of british columbia)

is anyone experienced with how strict rvc(royal vet college london) is with their entrance requirements?
They need 8 semester credits of organic chemistry but unfortunately I only have 4.
Realistically, getting another 4 semester credits of ochem is not really achievable unless I decide to major in ochem, pretty much all the ochem courses are restricted to chemistry students. Having said that, even if I do find a loophole through to take the other 4 credits, ochem is really my worst, and I mean worst course. Is rvc really strict on their admissions/who gets an interview place based on this?

It is unfortunate because really, I have more than enough credits for their other requirements- I had no idea rvc had such a huge emphasis on ochem.

Also, how flexible did everyone found the 3.4 gpa requirement? I read somewhere that they also offer interview spots for students slightly lower than that...but will it affect how they view you in the interview? (i'm currently at a flat 75% avg as opposed to the 80% required) and i REALLY need to kick it into high gear next year.

sorry for the long post. I went to London this past month and toured rvc in all its glory (both hawskhead and camden)- the classrooms, living on campus, the buildings, the staff, and students there- and can assure myself that it is my DREAM SCHOOL so yeah.. i want to get in prettttty badly. Any tips anyone? 🙂

if only I had applied straight from high school.. but you can't turn back time can you ..

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[orca2011]

As far as I know, most schools are adamant about their requirements. If you don't take a class or meet a GPA requirement, you pretty much don't get considered. Can you take O Chem at another university during the summer? Not sure how easily it is do that in the Canadian school system. And I'm pretty sure most vet schools anywhere require two semesters of O Chem, at least in regards to the US and other UK schools. I didn't really look at any of the ones in Canada to know their requirements.

As for the GPA requirement, I would imagine they'd be strict about that too if they explicitly state that 3.4 is their minimum cut off point. That seems kind of high for a requirement based on other schools, so are you sure they're just not giving you an average? If it is an average, yes, it is possible to interview and get accepted with a lower GPA as long as you have experiences, etc to make up for it.

 

[SnowyRox]

I think the GPA cutoff is actually pretty lenient. Definitely worth applying and seeing if they consider your application.

The pre-req requirements are not lenient. If they request 2 semesters of OChem, then you must have 2 semesters of OChem before you can matriculate. Talk to your advisor, the chemistry professor, look for the course at another school, etc.

Have you considered the other UK schools? I don't think they all require 2 semesters of OChem.

 

[Escalla]

Wow, I didn't know that UBC doesn't require 2 semesters of OChem for a biology degree. At the University of Calgary, we were expected to. Anyways, you will have to take it (like everyone else has said) one way or another. Speak with the Chem Dept. and see if you can get into the class by explaining your situation. If not, summer school is your best bet.

Try your best with your grades to get them as high as you can when you apply, but don't stress out too much about the GPA cut-off. Just do your best. 🙂 Are you applying to WCVM too or just RVC?

 

[orca2011]

Emailing the school these questions would also be a good idea since none of us work in admissions at RVC.

 

[ducktoller]

alrighty! thank you guys so much for such helpful feed back!
i was thinking about wcvm but realistically with my grades.. i don't consider it too likely. still does not stop me from applying though! but thats a very good idea with the summer school, i better look into that.
as for other european schools i just have edinburgh and glasgow in my mind so far.

 

[Escalla]

Glad to hear it!!! 😀 Good luck!!!