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twelvetigers said:
I dunno if I'd listen to a grandpa's advice on anatomy...

"That doohickey right there - let's call that the funny bone."

(But I know what you meant. 🙂 )
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Haha that's funny you say that because a friend yesterday went into the exam calling the dens the "doodad process of the axis" and refused to learn the right name :laugh:. Um... sure 🙄
 
This past week was our first "hell week" with 2 anatomy exams on Monday on the thoracic limb and pelvic limbs (bones, OIAI, vessels, palpations, rads) and a bacteriology (micro) on Wednesday.
Our professors and TA's are great. They prepared us really well and did not try to trick us. Everything was really straight forward.
I'm really proud of my scores on all 3 exams. It's nice to know that hard work really can pay off.🙂
Histo lab exam on Tuesday. Not too worried about that one😀.
ANNND my boyfriend will be here on Thursday and we have a 3 day weekend next weekend and no tests the following week. So, I will not be doing any school work Thursday-Sunday while he is here. So excited! But I have to work hard this weekend to catch up and get ahead so I can relax with him.
 
psilovethomas said:
This past week was our first "hell week" with 2 anatomy exams on Monday on the thoracic limb and pelvic limbs (bones, OIAI, vessels, palpations, rads) and a bacteriology (micro) on Wednesday.
Our professors and TA's are great. They prepared us really well and did not try to trick us. Everything was really straight forward.
I'm really proud of my scores on all 3 exams. It's nice to know that hard work really can pay off.🙂
Histo lab exam on Tuesday. Not too worried about that one😀.
ANNND my boyfriend will be here on Thursday and we have a 3 day weekend next weekend and no tests the following week. So, I will not be doing any school work Thursday-Sunday while he is here. So excited! But I have to work hard this weekend to catch up and get ahead so I can relax with him.
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so jealous. i feel like our anatomy professors don't prepare us at ALL. we're having an exam on the ENTIRE DOG except the head about 1.5 weeks from now. and i feel like we get such little guidance in that class and are moving way too fast. i'm petrified of the exam :scared:😱
 
sunnex3 said:
so jealous. i feel like our anatomy professors don't prepare us at ALL. we're having an exam on the ENTIRE DOG except the head about 1.5 weeks from now. and i feel like we get such little guidance in that class and are moving way too fast. i'm petrified of the exam :scared:😱
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I feel like there is only so much they can do to prepare you. A lot of anatomy is just repeatedly looking at cadavers. With that said, I think our anatomy instructors are fantastic and very very helpful. Have you tried asking for help? Ours leave us alone until we ask for help. Once we ask, it's like they thrive on teaching us what we ask and more. Hope you start feeling better about it all soon.
 
sunnex3 said:
so jealous. i feel like our anatomy professors don't prepare us at ALL. we're having an exam on the ENTIRE DOG except the head about 1.5 weeks from now. and i feel like we get such little guidance in that class and are moving way too fast. i'm petrified of the exam :scared:😱
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I might buy a sleeping bag and camp out in the anatomy lab. I keep thinking of all the things I haven't really looked at like...like all the radiographs. Oh and the differences between the cat and dog...:scared:
 
Well there is zero chance I will be getting into OSU. My transcripts got there on there 3rd. I don't understand.... I had them sent so long ago..... :cry: They won't consider my application.
 
Abney said:
Well there is zero chance I will be getting into OSU. My transcripts got there on there 3rd. I don't understand.... I had them sent so long ago..... :cry: They won't consider my application.
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SO DUMB!!! Sorry Abney, did you talk to someone and explain when you sent them? Usually schools aren't annoying about this kind of stuff. 😕
 
Abney said:
Yeah, they said if they took my late transcripts they would have to take everyone's. 🙁
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What a load. I mean I understand from their point of view, but it's not like you sent them last minute and the rush didn't make it. And half the time when you call schools to make sure your transcript got in, they tell you they haven't looked through everything yet and can't tell you 🙄. So sorry Abs. 😡
Do you know if your transcripts made it to every other school on time?😕
 
Emiloo4 said:
What a load. I mean I understand from their point of view, but it's not like you sent them last minute and the rush didn't make it. And half the time when you call schools to make sure your transcript got in, they tell you they haven't looked through everything yet and can't tell you 🙄. So sorry Abs. 😡
Do you know if your transcripts made it to every other school on time?😕
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I've gotten emails from some of the schools that they have and I am calling the ones that I haven't.....
 
Abney said:
Well there is zero chance I will be getting into OSU. My transcripts got there on there 3rd. I don't understand.... I had them sent so long ago..... :cry: They won't consider my application.
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I wouldn't give up.. I would follow up and be annoying. I mean you paid your money already......

Send a letter to the director of admissions, and ask to discuss this on the phone... try to have some proof that it was not in your control that it got there late. If you don't have proof of when you sent in request do you have a cancelled check or e-mail, or maybe your school can note when it occurred. Literally a day late?

A lot of times admin staff don't want to be bothered but if you make yourself a pest, they will give in.

Really.. there is nothing to lose.

Also if you know anyone at OSU, ask them to go talk to the staff (nicely). Some people back down in face-to-face meetings. Not saying I have ever bullied people in person to do what I want (ok, I am saying that), but it is effective. I would definitely be willing to do that here for ya👍
 
Abney said:
I've gotten emails from some of the schools that they have and I am calling the ones that I haven't.....
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Sorry Abs. At least FL would never be that silly 😉

*Hugs* You still have several more schools. :luck::luck:
 
Abney said:
Well there is zero chance I will be getting into OSU. My transcripts got there on there 3rd. I don't understand.... I had them sent so long ago..... :cry: They won't consider my application.
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Ugh that sucks so bad! One day late?! Does your school keep track of when things are sent out? I know mine does, they can tell you exactly what day the transcripts were mailed out. I would check and see if your school does this, maybe to prove they were sent way before the deadline!
 
Kpowell14 said:
Ugh that sucks so bad! One day late?! Does your school keep track of when things are sent out? I know mine does, they can tell you exactly what day the transcripts were mailed out. I would check and see if your school does this, maybe to prove they were sent way before the deadline!
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I asked about the post mark, and it was on there clear as day but she said that that didn't make a difference.
 
Noooo! That's so lame, Abney, I'm so sorry. I would have thought that OSU would let that fly given the postmarked date. 🙁
 
Abney, I have my pitchfork and torch ready to go, when I get home in December I am fully prepared to march to the school and show them how silly they are being.
 
kernel said:
Noooo! That's so lame, Abney, I'm so sorry. I would have thought that OSU would let that fly given the postmarked date. 🙁
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I would think so too. Ugh.. Very sorry. My thought process is, if this is how it starts, it's only gonna get better from here!! :luck: :xf:
 
OSU meaning Ohio? That sucks. I know EllieG works in admission, if you can PM her (or I can message her on FB and see if they're really strict on that or if you bug them if it'll magically change their answer).
 
NStarz said:
OSU meaning Ohio? That sucks. I know EllieG works in admission, if you can PM her (or I can message her on FB and see if they're really strict on that or if you bug them if it'll magically change their answer).
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👍
 
Oregon? You mean snoregon?!? You don't need 'em!

(no offense any OSU peeps!)
 
Abney, that is so lame. I'm pretty sure other schools will let you know if they are missing material and will give you the chance to send it in- particularly in a case when there was miscommunication. I would contact the dean of admissions.
:wtf:
 
Abney said:
Well there is zero chance I will be getting into OSU. My transcripts got there on there 3rd. I don't understand.... I had them sent so long ago..... :cry: They won't consider my application.
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Abney said:
I asked about the post mark, and it was on there clear as day but she said that that didn't make a difference.
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Abney said:
Oregon
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:nono::bullcrap:

I'm happy to lend a hand... I've recently pine tarred my bat and have a fresh pair of batting gloves on hand. Additionally, I understand that Oregon is lovely this time of year. Besides, in my current downward spiral, a little stress management would be good for me!!
 
I'm filling out my supplemental for AVC right now and am wondering if horse ownership would count as general animal care experience? I would include responsibilities like ensuring that my horse received proper nutrition, regular exercise and wound care.
 
AspireInspire said:
I'm filling out my supplemental for AVC right now and am wondering if horse ownership would count as general animal care experience? I would include responsibilities like ensuring that my horse received proper nutrition, regular exercise and wound care.
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Most include personal animal care on the VMCAS, don't know about AVC, but I don't see why you can't use it.
 
Well, it's been awhile since I've been here. Since being waitlisted at AVC, I've fallen in love with my Plan B, my B.Ed program. I'm shocked as to just how much I love it how happy the thought of being a teacher makes me. My classmates are awesome and my professors are pleasant to work with. I will be starting my practicum in less than two weeks and I'll be teaching Physics 12 and IB Chemistry. I'm excited at the thought of starting my career in less than 2 years.

Why did I feel the need to share this? Applications are due in less than I week and I'm not even excited to apply. My heart just isn't in it anymore and I feel like i have moved on. Perhaps this may change come interview times or maybe I won't enjoy teaching as much as I think I would.

I seriously would have given ANYTHING to go to vet school last year and now I can't even bring myself to work on my application. I will apply and if it comes to deciding whether or not to take my seat if accepted, it will be a seriously huge decision to make. That's a lot coming from a person who would have given their left arm to be called off the waitlist.

Needless to say, I'm happy where I am. Thank you all for the words of encouragement and thoughtfulness over the past 2 years. I won't be around much this app cycle. I do however want to wish the best of luck to those applying to AVC and anywhere else. Don't be scared to try a back up plan, you'll never know what you fall in love with.
 
AspireInspire said:
I'm filling out my supplemental for AVC right now and am wondering if horse ownership would count as general animal care experience? I would include responsibilities like ensuring that my horse received proper nutrition, regular exercise and wound care.
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I didn't include any ownership of anything on my application, except for one horse who was a neglect/rehab case because I felt she required more than basic horse care. It was overseen by my coach and my vet, so I was able to use them as a contact. You could add it, I suppose, but IMO, you'd need a third party (not family) to vouch for the hourse, and it wouldn't be at the top of the list. I'd worry that it would like trying to artifically inflate your hours. 😳

LabRat: So great to hear from you, and I'm THRILLED to hear that you're so passionate about your BEd. I also love that you're going to teach Physics and Chem. High school science totally turned me off due to some seriously lousy (in hind sight) teachers. I am a huge advocate for fresh, inspiring (and female) STEM teachers. 😀
 
Lab Rat83 said:
Well, it's been awhile since I've been here. Since being waitlisted at AVC, I've fallen in love with my Plan B, my B.Ed program. I'm shocked as to just how much I love it how happy the thought of being a teacher makes me. My classmates are awesome and my professors are pleasant to work with. I will be starting my practicum in less than two weeks and I'll be teaching Physics 12 and IB Chemistry. I'm excited at the thought of starting my career in less than 2 years.

Why did I feel the need to share this? Applications are due in less than I week and I'm not even excited to apply. My heart just isn't in it anymore and I feel like i have moved on. Perhaps this may change come interview times or maybe I won't enjoy teaching as much as I think I would.

I seriously would have given ANYTHING to go to vet school last year and now I can't even bring myself to work on my application. I will apply and if it comes to deciding whether or not to take my seat if accepted, it will be a seriously huge decision to make. That's a lot coming from a person who would have given their left arm to be called off the waitlist.

Needless to say, I'm happy where I am. Thank you all for the words of encouragement and thoughtfulness over the past 2 years. I won't be around much this app cycle. I do however want to wish the best of luck to those applying to AVC and anywhere else. Don't be scared to try a back up plan, you'll never know what you fall in love with.
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I'm happy you found something you love! As much as I would love to have you at AVC if you're more satisfied with your Plan B, I think that's great, too. Best of luck :luck:
 
Lab Rat: I think it's great that you've found so much enjoyment in teaching! Rock on!

My rant/worry: My VSTP app for Davis is due on Friday and I just can't bring myself to keep working on it. All I need to do is edit my essay and put another two experiences on my CV, and I just can't do it somehow! Every time I pull up my essay to look at it I start freaking out and anxiety-stressing and can't get anything done. Fortunately it's a 5th draft already, so it won't be the end of the world if I can't edit it again - but I KNOW it's not as good as it could be, and I was told that last year only 3 applicants to the VSTP got interviews, and only 2 got in.... I really, really, really want to do this, and I just can't get my act together. 🙁
 
I am a non-traditional student. I had been taking 8-12 credits a semester while working full time to get my prereqs in (I have a prior BA). Last year I was told I was rejected because I didn't demonstrate that I could carry a full science load. So I thought, I'll show them. I quit my job, took out loans, and signed up for 18 credit hours of 4000 level and grad/undergrad combo biology courses. Its been going great- I have either a B+ or an A in all of my classes except one. Immunology. In which I have a D. The first test was awful, due to the professor deciding to move the exam back a week and add an additional chapter to it TWO DAYS before the original date. This made it fall the day before the VMCAS deadline and in a period I had two other exams. I had been relying on getting it out of the way and then studying for the others/finishing my app. I was unable to even get the additional material read. I just had a second exam, which while it was greatly improved, don't think it was an A or even a B.

So I'm on the fence. Do I withdraw (still within the okay time frame) and ruin the whole 18 credit hour plan I made huge sacrifices for, and have a W in a recommended class, but then have the time to bring those B+ up to As to have a 15 credit 4.0 semester? Or do I spend the next month studying my rear off just to get a C in Immuno, show I can survive 18 credits of advanced classes, but maybe risk having a rainbow semester with some Bs in other classes because of the time I have to spend on Immuno?

Edited to add: BTW, the professor postponed the second exam too, a five days before the exam, so he could cancel class to watch his favorite team in the playoffs. Really pissed that the unprofessionalism of this dude is going to waste my money, time, and possibly my shot at vet school.

(my instate school does count fall semester, fyi)
 
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nyanko said:
You're in a tough spot, but honestly I think that withdrawing from immunology might be your best bet at this point.
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With the way your review went, I tend to agree with this. JMO though.
 
btw crap like that will happen in vet school too (exams changing times/days, changes to the material on exams, having multiple exams in a week, having other obligations that you have to balance...) so I would definitely drop the "it's the professor's fault" attitude right now. Not trying to be mean, just saying...
 
I agree that dropping Immunology seems to be your best option. I doubt that it's worth sacrificing your GPA for. Also, if you are still taking four other science classes (which is what it sounds like your course load is), I think that most schools would consider that to be a pretty good representation of a "full science load" at an undergraduate level. (If you think you can handle it, you can also pick up some additional extracurriculars like shadowing or volunteering so it's clear that you were still doing other things with the credit hours you're sacrificing.)

One thing that you might consider doing before you make a final decision is talking to your school's pre-health advisor or a dean for advice. They might have a better idea of how this will affect you (especially if they are looking at your whole academic record). I know you said you're non-traditional (I am too!), but these types of resources may still be available to you. I have used the pre-vet advisor at the school where I am taking Non-Degree classes, and she has been really supportive of my path.
 
dvmdreamer said:
I am a non-traditional student. I had been taking 8-12 credits a semester while working full time to get my prereqs in (I have a prior BA). Last year I was told I was rejected because I didn't demonstrate that I could carry a full science load. So I thought, I'll show them. I quit my job, took out loans, and signed up for 18 credit hours of 4000 level and grad/undergrad combo biology courses. Its been going great- I have either a B+ or an A in all of my classes except one. Immunology. In which I have a D. The first test was awful, due to the professor deciding to move the exam back a week and add an additional chapter to it TWO DAYS before the original date. This made it fall the day before the VMCAS deadline and in a period I had two other exams. I had been relying on getting it out of the way and then studying for the others/finishing my app. I was unable to even get the additional material read. I just had a second exam, which while it was greatly improved, don't think it was an A or even a B.

So I'm on the fence. Do I withdraw (still within the okay time frame) and ruin the whole 18 credit hour plan I made huge sacrifices for, and have a W in a recommended class, but then have the time to bring those B+ up to As to have a 15 credit 4.0 semester? Or do I spend the next month studying my rear off just to get a C in Immuno, show I can survive 18 credits of advanced classes, but maybe risk having a rainbow semester with some Bs in other classes because of the time I have to spend on Immuno?

Edited to add: BTW, the professor postponed the second exam too, a five days before the exam, so he could cancel class to watch his favorite team in the playoffs. Really pissed that the unprofessionalism of this dude is going to waste my money, time, and possibly my shot at vet school.

(my instate school does count fall semester, fyi)
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I'm a non traditional student too and I was just perusing here panicking about a similiar situation. That's a really impressive course load, and if it's just a recommended course, I might consider withdrawing if the best you could pull at this point is a C. I can see your point about the tremendous sacrifice et though.

I am working full time and taking only 12 credits (calc, genetics, bio chem) and struggling in biochem. I have been taking this or a heavier course load up until now, but I think biochem was the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak. In my case, even though my average is unspeakable in that class and could ruin my last 45 credit avg, I can use my final grade to replace either the grade for the class or one test grade, so I literally made myself a schedule involving 3-6 hours of study per day for that one class and am going to stick to it until the bitter end. If you have the ability to add more study time at the cost of your sanity, that may be an option. If you're already maxed out with your time between other classes, then maybe accept that limit. I've definatley dropped classes before because I felt completely overwhelmed, but it was before the 'W' period kicked in, so I know that adds more potential harm et. I also work in an ER so when it's quiet I can study a little at work which helps.

I would definatley talk to an advisor first before withdrawing. I'm impressed with your dedication though, 18 credits! I think the fact you stopped working to take classes full time should say a lot to admissions in terms of your drive to succeed and commitment to veterinary medicine.
 
FWIW, I have two W's on my transcript from my freshman year. I withdrew from Gen Chem because I had a D in the course and wasn't confident I could pull it up to a C (although my professor thought I could). At my undergrad, if you dropped a lecture that had an associated lab with it, you had to drop the lab as well, so I also withdrew from the Gen Chem lab despite having an A.

Even with those W's and a C in O Chem II, I received interview invites/acceptances. Getting a C in a class or withdrawing to avoid a failing grade, is not a death sentence to your application if it doesn't appear to be a trend. There are people who have been accepted with more W's or who have retaken classes.


However, if all your courses are hard science courses, I would probably recommend dropping the Immuno course, especially if you're questioning you ability to raise your grade up to a C. I don't think any school has it as a requirement, so it shouldn't hold you back in that regard if you do poorly in the class, but earning a low grade in an upper division isn't the best thing either. 15 credits of all upper division science classes is still pretty intense on it's own.
 
I just came from my advising appointment and feel much better now about classes etc, but I have a question. I'm always focused on having a high course load so I always tried to take 17 or 18 hours. My advisor now said that 15 is already great and I don't need to take 17 next semester if I don't want to. What do you guys think?
 
PetPony said:
I just came from my advising appointment and feel much better now about classes etc, but I have a question. I'm always focused on having a high course load so I always tried to take 17 or 18 hours. My advisor now said that 15 is already great and I don't need to take 17 next semester if I don't want to. What do you guys think?
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I've almost always had to take 17 or 18 credits just because of how many classes I need between vet requirements, unrelated major, and general requirements. I feel like taking a heavy courseload is a good thing because it proves you can handle a lot of tough classes at once, but if you don't need that many classes I don't think you need to take as many credits as possible just to prove you can. 15 should be fine.

I'm taking 15 or 16 credits next semester for the first time since freshman year. 🙄
 
I took mostly 12 credit semesters and got in :shrug:
Not that I'm suggesting it, just that its possible. I was also working 30 hrs a week at the time though, so it was quite a bit.
 
I might drop PoliSci then. I was told it's a ton of work more than it's hard, but that it might not be enjoyable while taking Bio and Ochem. That's what I want to focus on most next semester. Maybe I'll just take PoliSci online over the summer then.
 
Also, I'm applying next year already. That seems way too soon. :scared:

It's only for practice and I don't have any hopes of getting in, but that means it's still only one year after that that I'm applying again. :scared:
 
Emiloo4 said:
I took mostly 12 credit semesters and got in :shrug:
Not that I'm suggesting it, just that its possible. I was also working 30 hrs a week at the time though, so it was quite a bit.
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I think what's important is to show them that you can handle a busy schedule. Generally if you're working hard, I think challenging yourself is what shows your dedication. I usually take 15 hour loads, but I also work and get involved in extracurriculars.
 
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