UC Davis c/o 2015

[AHorseOffCourse]

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Yeah, I'm worried about being the guinia pig for the curriculum, but from what i hear, I think I'll probably get out of it what I put in. I'm a good self learner, even if I do like the traditional classroom approach better, so I think I'll be fine. I like the idea that we will get to be in the teaching hospital almost immediately. I've never had trouble getting a job/intern doing something I was interested in, so I don't see that changing once I get into vet school - if I want something to happen (such as more experience with food animal), I'll probably be able to make it happen through my contacts in the industry.

Warning - I'm about to rant. I hear you about the CA government thing. It's ridiculous. I make right now, what is a really good wage if I lived anywhere else in the country. Here, it gets me the cheapest 1 bedroom apartment I can find, and enough money to have one hobby (horses), thrift store furniture/clothing, and a used vehicle. I take home 50% of what I make - probably close to the same $$ as if I had a couple of kids as a single mom and worked a part time minimum wage job and got state assistence. It's extrememly frusterating. It's not going to get better. I don't know if I want to stay here long term. BUT, Davis is a school the recognized all over the country, if I do want to stay in CA it will serve me well yada yada yada.

However, as a food animal person, I know that I will have to go in really focused on what I want out of vet school.

I can totally understand if you don't want to do that. I will probably spend at least one summer out of California in the midwest trying to get experience.

Also - I'm not sure what ultimate area of food animal you are leaning towards, but I'm looking at the MPVM program and public health, NOT private practice, so California will probably continue to be an option for my career. As a food animal private practice, it might be more difficult than one geared more towards public health.

 

[vacavet]

Thnx ahorseofcourse. Your feelings are pretty similar to mine. Now to figure out how I'm gonna act on it. I've considered both public health and private practice and currently desire more to have my own practice which I know is definitely going to be more difficult here. Did you happen to have offers to other schools? Just personal curiosity. Feel like if I didn't have the option itd make life a lot simpler at this point and time.

 

[BeagleVet]

WARNING... about to ramble too... I'll try to keep it short though. Vacavet, I know how you feel about almost wishing you didn't have a choice. My interests are a little different, tending toward neuro- but I've also been accepted to a midwest school and like that I could get a better broad mixed practice education whereas Davis with the new stream system looks like it will be really difficult to cross between equine, LA, and SA interests beyond the cross species info we will all need for the boards.

For both of you interested in production and LA (esp. if you were thinking about chickens--laying hens, and swine-- there are still a few small family run places in CA) have you considered what Proposition 2 will do to the industry. It doesn't take effect until 2015, when we'll be graduating, but I know some of the issue there expecially for the viability of the vet field in CA is that those producers won't neccesarily change their practices to abide by the new laws, but rather will move production outside of the state, that info may be kind of out of date-- from when i was taking an animal welfare course right when the prop got passed so it was more based on predictions, but something else to consider for you guys, not that I don't think Davis would provide you with a great education, probably more for when you're deciding where to settle in 4 years.

Last point I promise... the curiculum... so I was really nervous about what they meant by more independent study (like how much I wonderered?), and just showing us the block schedule I didn't feel that comforted, but on CERE (I'm really excited for when we finally get our IDs and access) things are broken down much more and most weeks look like they have lectures still from 9-12, and in the afternoons would be an occasional lecture, case study discussion, labs, and small group work, from 1-3or4, so really not that bad, and I think the block learning will reduce redundancy and make the learning more applicable... my roommate said one of the "hardest" parts about the structure old curriculum is they would teach you the basics or go over normal physiology and taunt you by saying like yeah that will be important in your medicine classes 3 year, but you'll get that later and move on. So yeah we'll be the guinea pigs, and there are some kinks they're going to have to work out, but I don't think we'll be worse for the wear.

 

[WildTurkey]

how and where can I get my physiology pre-req for UC Davis done by June 1? Any help greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[heylodeb]

2014'ers - How many family members/friends can be invited to the white coat ceremony? I know it's early to be thinking about this but my parents live on the east coast so they will need more advance notice than July.

Thanks!

 

[thedogisgreen]

So not many people are posting anything on the facebook page and I feel weird being the one to start any sort of roommate and housing discussion there, but i guess that's the better place to do it with more of the class. Anyone know how that worked last year? It's hard since it's a group so doesn't have a discussion tab that I can find, just statuses that you can comment on. Excited to start the roommate and house search, and then to decorate the place.. I was at Ikea a few weeks ago and got so excited that I would actually have a reason to buy things soon!

 

[nyanko]

2014'ers - How many family members/friends can be invited to the white coat ceremony? I know it's early to be thinking about this but my parents live on the east coast so they will need more advance notice than July.

Thanks!

Last year we were technically allowed to bring 3 family members/friends, but really it didn't matter all that much as many of my classmates had less than that and some didn't have anyone come out, and people could stand if they were out of seats so it wasn't a big deal. I actually brought 4 people (my parents and sister are on the east coast too).

Oh yeah, congratulations to you all!!! 🙂

 

[tigerkitten]

2014'ers - How many family members/friends can be invited to the white coat ceremony? I know it's early to be thinking about this but my parents live on the east coast so they will need more advance notice than July.

Thanks!

Oh wow, that didn't occur to me! If we're all allocated a certain number of seats for guests, y'all can have my extras; my parents are not only on the East Coast but also busy moving, my sister's in Zurich, my brother works a million hours a week... Everybody make sure to take pictures of lots of people, so we can find pics of ourselves to send to distant friends and family!

OMG I still cannot believe this is real. 😀

 

[heylodeb]

Oh wow, that didn't occur to me! If we're all allocated a certain number of seats for guests, y'all can have my extras; my parents are not only on the East Coast but also busy moving, my sister's in Zurich, my brother works a million hours a week... Everybody make sure to take pictures of lots of people, so we can find pics of ourselves to send to distant friends and family!

OMG I still cannot believe this is real. 😀

oh - I'm sure there will be pictures galore! 🙂 I'll have at least one person videotaping and 2 with cameras. ok. maybe not that much overkill. maybe. 😉 We need to have some proof that we were once happy normal people before we jumped head first into vet school! (OMG, we're GOING to VET SCHOOL!) oh man - 2014'ers: when does this feeling wear off?

I'm so happy. I think it will sink in a little more when my husband finally gets home and we can celebrate. It's a little bittersweet that I'm here celebrating and he's across the country saying his final goodbyes to his dying mother....

 

[PearlDVM]

Last year we were technically allowed to bring 3 family members/friends, but really it didn't matter all that much as many of my classmates had less than that and some didn't have anyone come out, and people could stand if they were out of seats so it wasn't a big deal. I actually brought 4 people (my parents and sister are on the east coast too).

Oh yeah, congratulations to you all!!! 🙂

Yep - what nyanko said. it was done in a large outdoor quad area. It wasn't a big deal for some people to bring extra people. worst case - some people stood during the ceremony. It's an exciting ceremony that is, of course, an important moment for ya'all. we got dressed up and felt so honored to receive our white coats. but it was also very laid back. 😎

I'm still so excited for you guys. congrats, again. and - i'm jealous. . . it sounds like the new curriculum is going to be very exciting. 🙂

 

[teatime]

So not many people are posting anything on the facebook page and I feel weird being the one to start any sort of roommate and housing discussion there, but i guess that's the better place to do it with more of the class. Anyone know how that worked last year? It's hard since it's a group so doesn't have a discussion tab that I can find, just statuses that you can comment on. Excited to start the roommate and house search, and then to decorate the place.. I was at Ikea a few weeks ago and got so excited that I would actually have a reason to buy things soon!

I would just start a discussion, people seem to jump on the bandwagon pretty easily.

 

[teatime]

guys, I'm having second thoughts about the mac...

I'm wondering when we'll get more info about the actual model of the tablet...?

 

[PearlDVM]

at the risk of flooding chris's email with sdn-ers questions.

you can email questions bout computers (i.e. the model of tablet) to Chris Brandt at: [email protected]

 

[nyanko]

I have a feeling they'll tell you about what tablet they're going to go with once they actually decide themselves - I wouldn't freak out about it yet. You'll have time to change your mind once you see.

 

[tigerkitten]

oh - I'm sure there will be pictures galore! 🙂 I'll have at least one person videotaping and 2 with cameras. ok. maybe not that much overkill. maybe. 😉 We need to have some proof that we were once happy normal people before we jumped head first into vet school! (OMG, we're GOING to VET SCHOOL!) oh man - 2014'ers: when does this feeling wear off?

I'm so happy. I think it will sink in a little more when my husband finally gets home and we can celebrate. It's a little bittersweet that I'm here celebrating and he's across the country saying his final goodbyes to his dying mother....

Oh gawd, heylodeb, that second paragraph sounds truly heartwrenching. I am so sorry. 🙁

 

[teatime]

^I missed that post somehow...

Yesterday when I found out and called my mom, she told me about a car accident she had been in. Definitely put a damper on the celebration.

 

[tigerkitten]

^I missed that post somehow...

Yesterday when I found out and called my mom, she told me about a car accident she had been in. Definitely put a damper on the celebration.

Ouch, teatime! 🙁 I hope she is okay!

I guess several of us have had some downers related to this. Mine is at least minor. When I called my mom, she said OH NO THAT'S TERRIBLE!! and spent half an hour pleading with me to accept Tufts instead because in 2012 the Mayans will dump California into the ocean.

 

[heylodeb]

I guess several of us have had some downers related to this. Mine is at least minor. When I called my mom, she said OH NO THAT'S TERRIBLE!! and spent half an hour pleading with me to accept Tufts instead because in 2012 the Mayans will dump California into the ocean.

That's awesome!

 

[tigerkitten]

That's awesome!

Isn't it? I'm the one who moved to California lo these many years ago, but she's the one who went nuts. I'm supposed to see the humor in this, right? 🙂

 

[Raptorlovr88]

Mine is at least minor. When I called my mom, she said OH NO THAT'S TERRIBLE!! and spent half an hour pleading with me to accept Tufts instead because in 2012 the Mayans will dump California into the ocean.

Make sure she's not aware of the earthquake zones in California!

When I informed my parents about vet school, they said ARE YOU CRAZY? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PPL FAIL AFTER MAKING A CAREER CHANGE??? They then bombarded me with plenty of examples to support their arguments. This was after I have been accepted to one school!

 

[AHorseOffCourse]

I was wondering the exact same thing about the ceremony! Thanks for asking teatime. If I'm limited to 3 people, I guess that's my parents and my SO for my "official" guests. I'll let anyone else who wants to go know that they will be standing. 🙂.

As far as being excited.....I lost so many days this week since finding out that I was in on Monday. I usually am good about the day of the week and date I'm living in....but this week has been a total mess. 🙂 In a good way of course. I live 2 1/2 hours away from most of my friends and family so tomorrow I'm taking a vacation day and going to visit for some celebrating. There will be wine, a movie involved. 🙂 I'm also going to open my PO box up there in prep for moving in 8 weeks....

Life handed me a bunch of lemons while I was waiting for the admissions decision. [deleted a bunch of whining that no body wants to hear anyways]. So my excitement is tempered a bit thinking was the h*ll is going to come next? This past year hasn't been the easiest. BUT I'm going to enjoy this as long as it lasts 🙂. And I'm looking forward to my summer adventures that will I count as officially starting in the 2nd week of April, even though my time off doesn't start until mid may. 🙂

 

[AHorseOffCourse]

Raptorlovr - that's hilarious. My parents actually reassured me, telling me that on average people make 2-3 career changes in their life, my dad went back to school to be an engineer with 3 kids in his late thirties and now has a job he loves and life is good etc etc. I was the one worried about stepping away from reitrement savings, lucrative career etc. Ha!!!!!!!! So yeah...I'm totally calling my parents to whine about the insane amount of debt and set back in my 401K and they are really good at bringing me back to the basics - "it's worth it to be a vet righ?" OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!! Even if I'm in debt to my dying day and never retire - this is what I want to do!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

And tigerkitten - your mom is hilarious. 🙂 I for one am THRILLED that we are going to be classmates!!!!!!!!!!! So glad you introduced yourself at orientation because I think you might be the only one I recognize in person.....

 

[Raptorlovr88]

Raptorlovr - that's hilarious. My parents actually reassured me, telling me that on average people make 2-3 career changes in their life, my dad went back to school to be an engineer with 3 kids in his late thirties and now has a job he loves and life is good etc etc. I was the one worried about stepping away from reitrement savings, lucrative career etc. Ha!!!!!!!! So yeah...I'm totally calling my parents to whine about the insane amount of debt and set back in my 401K and they are really good at bringing me back to the basics - "it's worth it to be a vet righ?" OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!! Even if I'm in debt to my dying day and never retire - this is what I want to do!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

And tigerkitten - your mom is hilarious. 🙂 I for one am THRILLED that we are going to be classmates!!!!!!!!!!! So glad you introduced yourself at orientation because I think you might be the only one I recognize in person.....

I probably met you at orientation since tk and I were chatting quite a bit. Unaware of SDN then, I didn't look for anyone. Sense the camaraderie already for c/o 2015. It is going to be great going through the next 4 years together.

Your parents are wonderful and absolutely right. This is my 3rd career. I am walking away from a steady job/life and starting all over again. I share your concerns about retirement saving and student debts. But we only get to live once, right? Money will come again when we excel at what we do.

 

[AHorseOffCourse]

I think I met Armerlin briefly too in the lunch line 🙂

I'm just totally stoked about having classmates/peers etc. Can. Barely. Contain. Excitement!!!!!!

OK - this should make EVERYONE feel better about their debt.....

I called my mom completely freaked about the amount of loans I would be taking out. I realized that even if I took out tution only it was going to be 130K+.

she said....

Some debts are like pnemmonia - you go to the hospital, you get better and you go on with life. This is like the car loans etc that you pay off as soon as you are able and move on with life.

Other debts are like cancer. You learn to live with them.....

At that point, I was like, OMG mom! Are you comparing my vet education with CANCER???????????????

She totally denies haveing this conversation now.

 

[tigerkitten]

I think I met Armerlin briefly too in the lunch line 🙂

I'm just totally stoked about having classmates/peers etc. Can. Barely. Contain. Excitement!!!!!!

OK - this should make EVERYONE feel better about their debt.....

I called my mom completely freaked about the amount of loans I would be taking out. I realized that even if I took out tution only it was going to be 130K+.

she said....

Some debts are like pnemmonia - you go to the hospital, you get better and you go on with life. This is like the car loans etc that you pay off as soon as you are able and move on with life.

Other debts are like cancer. You learn to live with them.....

At that point, I was like, OMG mom! Are you comparing my vet education with CANCER???????????????

She totally denies haveing this conversation now.

I am totally stoked too! Well, ok, a little bittersweet - I spent a month getting to know my possible future Tufts classmates, so now... arrrgh. But still! Stoked! THIS WILL BE AWESOME.

Your mom and my mom should get together! HOURS of entertainment!

 

[Raptorlovr88]

Your mom and my mom should get together! HOURS of entertainment!

Pls invite my mom over so we can have the female version of Atho, Porthos, and Aramis.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramis

 

[BeagleVet]

Wow your parents are amazing... and if the Mayans do throw us into the ocean no more worries about debt and career changes right?

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's mom deb, I don't know what it is about good news that has to be tempered with the not so great. Within 5 minutes of getting my acceptance I got an email from my doctor's office telling me to schedule an mri for some unexplained headaches I've been having :/

 

[Raptorlovr88]

Within 5 minutes of getting my acceptance I got an email from my doctor's office telling me to schedule an mri for some unexplained headaches I've been having :/

I am sorry to hear that. Sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[twelvetigers]

I'm jealous of you guys! UC Davis and Ohio have all the cool kids this year! 😉

 

[teatime]

^Just goes to show you that life doesn't stop when you hear good news.

BTW, in terms of recognizing me, I'm the tall Indian girl with the difficult name that doesn't really look Indian...

I was checking out the fb page and it looks like there's two other Indians in our class. That's exciting! Mostly because my experience with Indian parents is "WHAT? You're not going to MED school?" (not MY parents, but in general...)

 

[cleo227]

how and where can I get my physiology pre-req for UC Davis done by June 1? Any help greatly appreciated!!!!

It depends on where you live... I think your best bet is to communicate directly with the Admissions office about this, that way you can be sure to pick an option that they'll approve. Good luck!

And for what it's worth, Physiology was one of the only pre-req's that I felt was directly applicable to what we've learned so far in 1st year. I've even looked back at some of my physiology notes to fill in the gaps. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[mantobucks]

Ouch, teatime! 🙁 I hope she is okay!

I guess several of us have had some downers related to this. Mine is at least minor. When I called my mom, she said OH NO THAT'S TERRIBLE!! and spent half an hour pleading with me to accept Tufts instead because in 2012 the Mayans will dump California into the ocean.

So here's mine: I called my mom when I first found out and through the tears of joy she thought "I'm gonna be a Doctor" was really "My dog just died". Not sure how that translation happened but it took us a few seconds to calm each other down and get on the right page...... Dog is alive and well. 👍

 

[tigerkitten]

So here's mine: I called my mom when I first found out and through the tears of joy she thought "I'm gonna be a Doctor" was really "My dog just died". Not sure how that translation happened but it took us a few seconds to calm each other down and get on the right page...... Dog is alive and well. 👍

There should be a thread for this stuff! 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

Here's one:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=610230

But I dunno if it's mostly funny stores or grumpy stories or what.

 

[tigerkitten]

Here's one:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=610230

But I dunno if it's mostly funny stores or grumpy stories or what.

Oh, that's perfect! Lots of stories of people getting reactions from friends/family who don't really understand how big a deal this is, but also a few completely goofy ones. 🙂

 

[thedogisgreen]

My mom refused to believe that I had gotten accepted yet when I called her on Monday because she said they were sending out letters Monday so I couldn't have gotten anything yet, it was impossible. Took quite a while to get through her confusion and convince her that I got it by email, and then she started crying when she realized I was in.

 

[havockid]

hello all!
freshie here, i realise everyone here are pre-vet students APPLYING to davis's vet school. but im still at the initial point where im seriously wondering which school would be better!! UCLA or UCdavis? it seems davis is more applicable to the study of vet in the future (majors such as animal science.. etc) and somehow UCLA's majors just seem really irrelevant T_T... does anyone have any tips? i come from singapore, so i guess we would be considered conservative chinese in your society (though i'd liek to think we arn't THAT conservative. HAHA)

thank you so much for any help anyone can offer 🙂

 

[wchen09]

hello all!
freshie here, i realise everyone here are pre-vet students APPLYING to davis's vet school. but im still at the initial point where im seriously wondering which school would be better!! UCLA or UCdavis? it seems davis is more applicable to the study of vet in the future (majors such as animal science.. etc) and somehow UCLA's majors just seem really irrelevant T_T... does anyone have any tips? i come from singapore, so i guess we would be considered conservative chinese in your society (though i'd liek to think we arn't THAT conservative. HAHA)

thank you so much for any help anyone can offer 🙂

Hmmm, I think if you're interested in Vet. Medicine and want to practice in Singapore in the future, you can directly apply to Vet schools in Australia and the UK. These programs are usually maybe 6-7 years (not exactly sure). Most practicing vets in S'pore fall into this category. If you're confident you want to be a Vet, it might be easier to go to AU or the UK, since it's a lot quicker. In terms of UCLA and UCDavis, I'm sure both offer great pre-vet science courses.

 

[havockid]

Hmmm, I think if you're interested in Vet. Medicine and want to practice in Singapore in the future, you can directly apply to Vet schools in Australia and the UK. These programs are usually maybe 6-7 years (not exactly sure). Most practicing vets in S'pore fall into this category. If you're confident you want to be a Vet, it might be easier to go to AU or the UK, since it's a lot quicker. In terms of UCLA and UCDavis, I'm sure both offer great pre-vet science courses.

i've been told that too! but as a US citizen and UCdavis being a pretty prestigious vet school, think it would be a good idea to go down that path too? that and i like the US culture more for some reason @_@.. Is anyone here from UCdavis or UCLA who are applying/applied to UCDavis vet school? any tips? anyone have the same dilemma as me? UCLA VS UCdavis!?

 

[heylodeb]

i've been told that too! but as a US citizen and UCdavis being a pretty prestigious vet school, think it would be a good idea to go down that path too? that and i like the US culture more for some reason @_@.. Is anyone here from UCdavis or UCLA who are applying/applied to UCDavis vet school? any tips? anyone have the same dilemma as me? UCLA VS UCdavis!?

Havoc - both schools are good schools. They are in very different areas of the country. I'd reccommend visiting both schools and you can decide from there. (or contact an admissions person) It doesn't matter which school you go to for applying to vet school. They will both look equally great on an application. Look at things like amount of debt that will be accrued duing undergrad, comfortability in surroundings, cost of living, friends/family nearby, etc. Unfortunately, it's difficult for us to tell you which one is best for you since we don't know your personal preferences.

Your undergrad institution isn't really that important. What is important is getting good grades in your prerequisite courses, that you get ample experience hours, that you establish relationships with people who can write you letters of reccommendations, and that you study hard for the GRE.

 

[tigerkitten]

Anybody know whether UCD recommends a particular stethoscope? I'm looking to spread out some of the early expenses, and if they don't tell you what kind to get, I know what I'd like.

 

[Chaco]

Anybody know whether UCD recommends a particular stethoscope? I'm looking to spread out some of the early expenses, and if they don't tell you what kind to get, I know what I'd like.

The bookstore seems to carry mostly Littmans (several models), but other than that they don't make any specific recommendations. I would go with something basic and not terribly expensive at first, if you don't already have a specific preference. My experience is that people find out, after using their first stethoscope for awhile, that some features are really important to them and others aren't, and you may very well end up upgrading later in school once you figure out what you like.

 

[moosenanny]

Anybody know whether UCD recommends a particular stethoscope? I'm looking to spread out some of the early expenses, and if they don't tell you what kind to get, I know what I'd like.

There are no specific recommendations (at least there weren't for us last year). Most people get the Cardio III. The bookstore here does price-matching to the best internet price you can find (new products only). So, I'd suggest finding a good deal online and then waiting to buy the product here. That way you support the school, plus don't have to pay for shipping 🙂 Btw, the store does price-matching for everything (books, etc.)

 

[Raptorlovr88]

Does anyone know the coverages or restrictions on GSHIP? I need to decide whether to keep or terminate my current insurance policy (medical only). Is it convenient to use Student Health Services on campus? Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[cleo227]

Does anyone know the coverages or restrictions on GSHIP? I need to decide whether to keep or terminate my current insurance policy (medical only). Is it convenient to use Student Health Services on campus? Any input is greatly appreciated!

This heavily depends on your individual healthcare needs... Personally, I have scoliosis and long-standing lower back problems, which means I visit a chiropractor about once a week. Because of this, I decided to stay on my husband's insurance rather than switch to the school insurance. If you only go to the doctor a few times a year and don't have any major concerns, maybe the GSHIP would be more convenient for you (and it may be cheaper, depending on what you're paying now).

This website should have the information you need: http://healthcenter.ucdavis.edu/insurance/gship/1011/index.html

 

[heylodeb]

I went to the bookstore yesterday and bought the "required" hoodie and license plate holder. My car has NEVER looked this good. 😉

 

[thedogisgreen]

There are no specific recommendations (at least there weren't for us last year). Most people get the Cardio III. The bookstore here does price-matching to the best internet price you can find (new products only). So, I'd suggest finding a good deal online and then waiting to buy the product here. That way you support the school, plus don't have to pay for shipping 🙂 Btw, the store does price-matching for everything (books, etc.)

I think my clinic is secretly getting me a stethoscope as a going away present (which my manager completely gave away when she ever so subtly asked what color stethoscope I liked best ). So that's one less thing to buy!
For the bookstore - we won't have any time to go there during orientation week, so would we need to go get books the week before? Is that too late to buy them/do they ever have issues with running out? Do you just need a printout of an online listing to get it price-matched?
It's frustrating that we won't get the list of materials and supplies until July. I'll be out of the country until the end of July and that doesn't give much time to collect everything! Any 2014s willing to share the list from last year? I know it will be different with the new curriculum, but it would be helpful just to get a general idea.

 

[moosenanny]

For the bookstore - we won't have any time to go there during orientation week, so would we need to go get books the week before? Is that too late to buy them/do they ever have issues with running out? Do you just need a printout of an online listing to get it price-matched?
It's frustrating that we won't get the list of materials and supplies until July. I'll be out of the country until the end of July and that doesn't give much time to collect everything! Any 2014s willing to share the list from last year? I know it will be different with the new curriculum, but it would be helpful just to get a general idea.

You won't really have time during Orientation to visit the bookstore, like you said. However, there is no real need to. I am the type of person who totally wants to get everything in advance and be ready weeks ahead of time, but honestly, there isn't really anything much you need to get right away.

We did not have a supply list (there was a link to one on our welcome website but they never actually posted anything). Basically you'll need a stethoscope, ceil blue scrubs, a white coat for labs (but I just used the one from the White Coat Ceremony), and boots. All of these things can be purchased sometime during the first few weeks of school at the bookstore (or you may have rain boots/rubber boots or the correct color scrubs already).

The bookstore is tiny and only serves the vet students. They don't really "run out" of things, and if you want something and request it they can try to order more copies for you.

For price matching you need to print out a sheet from the internet on the SAME DAY as you want to redeem the refund. You have 2 weeks to get your money back after the initial purchase, or you can present the price matching at the time of purchase. Please confirm these details at the bookstore.

You may be a "textbook person," but I personally never really was, and don't buy textbooks now either. I bought Miller's and regret it. If the professors want you to know something, they put it in the powerpoint slides/notes/syllabus - including all pertinent scanned images from Miller's and other textbooks. The ONLY book I would recommend is the cardio book, but you guys will have cardio second year, so don't worry about that for a while. I DO buy lab syllabi from the bookstore (approx $5 per course). I've also been buying lecture syllabi for about the same price, but I think I'm even going to stop doing that unless the professor really recommends it heavily.

My suggestion is to talk to your big sib and other current first years about book recommendations. Everyone is slightly different in their learning style and utilization of textbooks. Figure out what has worked for you in the past. Take your time to figure out what you really need, and then buy it. You don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on books that you never read (my Miller's is in pristine condition - I'm hoping I eventually use that ~$300 investment)!

 

[teatime]

As far as scrubs go, does the cut/brand matter or we just have to make sure it ciel blue? I basically have to get tall pants or I end up looking like a weirdo after a few washes. I also prefer a more fitted top rather than the standard v-neck. Also, how many pairs should we stock up on/how often will we be wearing them?

Anyone have suggestions on boots? I know there was a brand that the zookeepers I use to work with wore a lot, but I can't think of it at the moment. They were definitely water-proof but hugged the ankle/bottom part of the leg more than rainboots.

 

[havockid]

Havoc - both schools are good schools. They are in very different areas of the country. I'd reccommend visiting both schools and you can decide from there. (or contact an admissions person) It doesn't matter which school you go to for applying to vet school. They will both look equally great on an application. Look at things like amount of debt that will be accrued duing undergrad, comfortability in surroundings, cost of living, friends/family nearby, etc. Unfortunately, it's difficult for us to tell you which one is best for you since we don't know your personal preferences.

Your undergrad institution isn't really that important. What is important is getting good grades in your prerequisite courses, that you get ample experience hours, that you establish relationships with people who can write you letters of reccommendations, and that you study hard for the GRE.

Thanks so much for the reply! 🙂 ok i guess i kind of knew most of the things you have said, but its just.. i really have no idea what to choose. no going down and experiencing it before hand too since i live halfway across the world 😛

what i noticed is what you said about the experience hours. someone once commented to me about how i would get my experience hours in UCLA -- a city campus without "animals" would you agree with this? i mean i guess there would be a few vet's i could probably get an attachment at, but otherwise...

hmm. i'm so stuck...