Specializing

funny you mention this - we just got a talk from one of our admin people about this today.

I also am interested in surgery and asked similar questions... Interestingly, about grades: we were told that there is a phenomena across vet schools of grade hyperinflation - hence he said that they dont really look at grades when choosing residents. he said the biggest factors that determine who they chose are their letters of recommendation from internship preceptors, from clinical faculty that can attest to your skill level and from any current residents you are working under that ensure you are going to be personable, have a sense of humor, are well liked etc. The biggest thing they seemed concerned with was that they would be able to get along with you for 3 years.

They said more but thats all i can remember - and this info is specific to my school so i cant speak for others... i'm sure each program is different.

 

I think you should contact the VIRMP people (http://www.virmp.org) - they usually publish some sort of statistic book, or at least names and positions filled. I think you have to specifically order or request the book if you're not offering a position. Surgery, at least, should have statistics there. I'm not sure if clin path goes through the match, or if there's only a certain percentage that does.