UC Davis c/o 2015

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fromthebox said:
First time, but TONS of family pressure. I come from a family in which you either get in first time or it doesn't count. My entire extended family except for my twin brother and I have professional degrees or doctorates. I'll be re-applying but I get to hang my head in shame at family gatherings all year because failure is not an option. They act like it's contagious. So, one more year of night shift and trying to fit in experience and boost my GPA without getting too sleep deprived.

Congrats on Ohio. Good luck for Davis, I'm pulling for you.
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to add on to what Squibby said - My family is VERY similar to yours when it comes to "ok, you tried, it didn't work - time to move on to something you can actually do!" However, when I had my file review with Davis last year, I made sure to explain to them what they said. They were all really understanding (OH - you didn't get in because you didn't have enough experience hours compared to others? Well, you can fix that!)

I know my family is not your family but I at least found that when I shared the reasons for not getting in and the numbers that I was up against they were more understanding.
 
First off Congrats to everyone for getting interviews!!! Make sure to get an interview host, they are a great way (if you don't know anyone on campus) to help you diffuse a little before the interview and can show you around the campus after the interview.
Last year since I couldn't make it up to the interview workshop, it was nice to talk to a student one on one to hear about the school and then get to look around a little bit.
Also, I live in Sacramento and highly recommend Sacramento airport. As others have said it is virtually painless to get in and out of.
For those still waiting to hear, I hope that it is good news! Can't wait to meet you all!!! 😍
 
I just got my rejection email. 🙁

Good luck to the rest of you.
 
Is it just me or does it seem like not alot of SDNers are getting Davis interview invites this year?
 
Oh crud, squibster. That sucks to get no love from your IS. So maybe you'll spend the next 4 years kicking EllieG around instead?
 
fromthebox said:
First time, but TONS of family pressure. I come from a family in which you either get in first time or it doesn't count. My entire extended family except for my twin brother and I have professional degrees or doctorates. I'll be re-applying but I get to hang my head in shame at family gatherings all year because failure is not an option. They act like it's contagious. So, one more year of night shift and trying to fit in experience and boost my GPA without getting too sleep deprived.

Congrats on Ohio. Good luck for Davis, I'm pulling for you.
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That's too bad about your family. Gosh if I was in your family they would have disowned me years ago, I always take the long way to get to anything. Best of luck next year. It happens when it is supposed to happen, well plus some hard work thrown in there too. 🙂
 
So probably very stupid...but I just have to vent my anxiety somewhere!

I was reviewing my application for Davis in prep for my Tuesday interview and realized that my GPA is only a 3.6!!!!! I thought it was a 3.8. OMG! and they are still giving me an interview? Now of course I feel like I have to nail the interview even better than the plan.....Eeeeek!

I'm trying to take deep breaths - because in all probability they are interviewing me based on experience - but still....a bit of a shock.

BTW - if anyone would care to meet face to face at the interview orientation tomorrow, or also have an interview on Tuesday, feel free to introduce yourself. I have short blond hair and if you check out my website (www.bootsandsaddles4mel.com) you will probably very quickly be able to see what I look like....anyways. I haven't been on the forum very long but already can see the benefit of having a support group like you guys through the process of application and attending school......
 
AHorseOffCourse said:
So probably very stupid...but I just have to vent my anxiety somewhere!

I was reviewing my application for Davis in prep for my Tuesday interview and realized that my GPA is only a 3.6!!!!! I thought it was a 3.8. OMG! and they are still giving me an interview? Now of course I feel like I have to nail the interview even better than the plan.....Eeeeek!

I'm trying to take deep breaths - because in all probability they are interviewing me based on experience - but still....a bit of a shock.

BTW - if anyone would care to meet face to face at the interview orientation tomorrow, or also have an interview on Tuesday, feel free to introduce yourself. I have short blond hair and if you check out my website (www.bootsandsaddles4mel.com) you will probably very quickly be able to see what I look like....anyways. I haven't been on the forum very long but already can see the benefit of having a support group like you guys through the process of application and attending school......
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Anyone can make a goof in calculations! You got an interview; that shows you're doing well. You're in-state, right? 220 interviewees for 133 seats = not such bad odds now.

I'll be at the interview orientation too. Blonde chin-length bob, about five foot three -- oh heck, who am I kidding with all that detail? I'm the one who is over forty!

This forum is truly wonderful. 👍
 
I absolutely want to meet some of you tomorrow! I am incredibly awful at finding people in a crowd - so please say hello if you recognize me!

Contrary to popular belief, I am not actually a labrador wearing antlers..... :idea:SO - I'll be in a maroon cardigan with my borwn hair pulled up in a pony tail. 🙂 Sorry it's not very specific.
 
You guys should write "SDN" on the back of your hands in marker or something, so you can potentially identify each other. XD
 
I definitely feel like there aren't alot of people getting Davis interviews in general. At my school there's a large number of students who got nothing and usally we have a really high rate of admittance to davis. I wasn't sure I was even gonna get an interview cause I didn't find out till the 18th. Even the interview scheduler was surprised how late I found out.
 
heylodeb said:
I absolutely want to meet some of you tomorrow! I am incredibly awful at finding people in a crowd - so please say hello if you recognize me!

Contrary to popular belief, I am not actually a labrador wearing antlers..... :idea:SO - I'll be in a maroon cardigan with my borwn hair pulled up in a pony tail. 🙂 Sorry it's not very specific.
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Heylodeb, I missed you! I did accost one young woman in a maroon sweater with a brunette pony tail, and she was quite confused. Whoops. 😳

AHorseOffCourse, it was good to meet you! 🙂

And oddly enough, I also ran into a person who looked reeeeeeally familiar... not a SDNer, not someone who comes in to the vet clinic where I work, not this, not that... took us a while to figure it out. We met for the first time in the waiting room before taking the GRE!

Good luck to everyone interviewing during the next few weeks!! :luck:
 
vacavet said:
I definitely feel like there aren't alot of people getting Davis interviews in general. At my school there's a large number of students who got nothing and usally we have a really high rate of admittance to davis. I wasn't sure I was even gonna get an interview cause I didn't find out till the 18th. Even the interview scheduler was surprised how late I found out.
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All the way from Illinois, I say: :wtf:
 
tigerkitten said:
Heylodeb, I missed you! I did accost one young woman in a maroon sweater with a brunette pony tail, and she was quite confused. Whoops. 😳
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yeee-ah...about that...I was told it's actually blonde...thus people not being able to find me - but REALLY it's brown with natural blonde highlights and some not so natural highlights... lol. oh well.

*wave*
 
Hey-tiger kitten it was great to meet u. Best of luck! I left early after lunch. My sister agreed ti come with me and I left her napping and reAding in the parking lot. 🙂. Her former roomates are current vet students or applicants with interviews so we spent the afternoon at their house chatting. 🙂 listening to the first years on the panel really solidified a lot of questions/doubts and I feel totally ready to take this on now. I was pleasently surprised by the number of first years I met that were in their mid 20s and approaching 30. I go to talk to alot of people with some of my same concerns and gears about getting out of school in my 30s and basically restarting my career. And it's going to be ok!🙂
 
For those who went to the workshop this weekend, what do you think about the new curriculum now that you've seen Dr. Ilkiw's presentation? I know quite a bit about it, but I'm still excited to watch her presentation once it's posted online 🙂
 
moosenanny said:
For those who went to the workshop this weekend, what do you think about the new curriculum now that you've seen Dr. Ilkiw's presentation? I know quite a bit about it, but I'm still excited to watch her presentation once it's posted online 🙂
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Thought it was awesome and just solidified how badly I want to go to Davis. It has elements of everything I want in a program. 😀
 
teatime said:
Thought it was awesome and just solidified how badly I want to go to Davis. It has elements of everything I want in a program. 😀
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Glad to hear it!

Good luck with interviews, everyone. Remember, adcoms want you if they've invited you to interview. Now it's your chance to shine and show them that you will make a wonderful vet student they'd want to teach 🙂
 
Hey everyone - got done with my interview yesterday. It went great. Best of luck to those of you that are still to interview in the upcoming weeks. If anyone wants to e-mail me about the interview, I'd be happy to chat if yours is coming up. 🙂

Had one adventure - forgot my blazer at home (1 hour away one way) so had to go into the interview in a button up shirt and slacks that I had not planned on wearing without the coat. 🙁 Huge bummer. Please tell me that someone else interviewed not wearing a jacket, and that I'll be just fine with pants+long sleeve button up shirt+belt+pumps?
 
Watching the interview workshop video right now, going through it for the next few nights after work. Agh, nervous for my interview!
Very, very easy to tell who you were, nyanko and moose! 🙂
 
haven't gotten to that part yet! i'm curious to see what someone said about sdn.
 
nyanko said:
I am not the one who mentioned SDN fyi!
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I saw you roll your eyes when they did, haha!

And then I saw a bunch of people around me furiously writing down "student doctor network, look up that up later". 🙄
It only frustrated me a little bit because most of us found this website on our own in an attempt to glean as much info about this crazy process. As much as I know we should be sharing that with everyone who wants to know, I'd hate to think people were only to come here to get info about their interview and that's all.
 
teatime said:
I saw you roll your eyes when they did, haha!

And then I saw a bunch of people around me furiously writing down "student doctor network, look up that up later". 🙄
It only frustrated me a little bit because most of us found this website on our own in an attempt to glean as much info about this crazy process. As much as I know we should be sharing that with everyone who wants to know, I'd hate to think people were only to come here to get info about their interview and that's all.
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Haha yes, we must preserve our specialness. They should have to find it for themselves! Though yeah, we may be being a little bit selfish! 😀
 
I just like feeling like part of a special little VIP club. 🙂
 
thedogisgreen said:
Haha yes, we must preserve our specialness. They should have to find it for themselves! Though yeah, we may be being a little bit selfish! 😀
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It's like...finding Narnia....

Goodluck to all of those interviewing!!!!:xf:
 
AHorseOffCourse said:
Hey everyone - got done with my interview yesterday. It went great. Best of luck to those of you that are still to interview in the upcoming weeks. If anyone wants to e-mail me about the interview, I'd be happy to chat if yours is coming up. 🙂

Had one adventure - forgot my blazer at home (1 hour away one way) so had to go into the interview in a button up shirt and slacks that I had not planned on wearing without the coat. 🙁 Huge bummer. Please tell me that someone else interviewed not wearing a jacket, and that I'll be just fine with pants+long sleeve button up shirt+belt+pumps?
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I'm sure you will be fine in terms of attire. At my Ohio interviews, there were quite a few girls wearing only dress shirts and slacks. Most of them still looked very professional. I think a lot of it just has to do with the way you carry yourself, so hopefully you didn't go into panic mode over forgetting the jacket. Glad to hear that it went well, I'm jealous you've got it over with already!
 
Okay, ended up watching the whole thing tonight. New curriculum sounds awesome, I really really like the idea of the integrated block system and having more practical bits without turning completely PBL. What I'm worried about, though, is being the guinea pigs.
When I was talking to first years in Illinois, where they changed to a similar new curriculum several years ago, they said that their third years (the guinea pigs of their new curriculum) absolutely hated what they had to go through. The professors had to entirely transition everything as they went through the year, change the format of things they had been teaching forever. Of course, a lot was planned in advance, but there ended up being tons of things that didn't work out as well as hoped and the guineas felt like they missed out on a lot of material or received in a rushed way. The professors will be learning the new system along with us, and I'm just afraid from what I've heard that our educations will suffer in the process. The entire way through, our class will be the test class. There are lots of things that will be improved along the way, but there will also be many consequences and things that are found not to work on us so need to be tweaked in the future but it will be too late at that point to fix it for us. Anything new will have unforeseen issues, and those may all come up for the Davis c/o 2015. So as much as I'm excited about what I've heard, I'm definitely concerned..
Nyanko and others involved in the new curriculum or have seen a similar transition process elsewhere, any thoughts or reassurances on this?
 
Tonight marks the end of my 2010-2011 application season. What a ride! And now....we wait. 😛
 
I definitely have the same concerns. Anything can look good on paper. I think no one can possibly know for sure but since Davis has a great faculty and program already, I think that although it might be frustrating at times I dont think the class of 2015 will get any less of an education. That being said...its probably the class of 2020 that will really be reaping the benefits of the new curriculum once its been tweaked.
 
One of the benefits of the new curriculum (IMO) is that a lot of what you end up getting out of it is dependent on you. There will be assessments to make sure that you're getting what the AAVMC says is essential for an entry level veterinarian, but by and large you'll need to put in the effort. There's also more flexibility inherently built into it, because rather than coordinating a group of unlinked courses you're now dealing with a cohesive "block" of faculty. So if something doesn't seem to be working changes can be made quicker than you'd think.

For me, I think it would be exciting to be a "guinea pig" of sorts for something like this. That's because (1) I'm a sucker for novelty and (2) I really like to analyze and critique things. As the first class to go through with the new curriculum, you can bet that your input on the whole thing will be taken very seriously. And IMO that's a big deal - how cool is it to have such a lasting impact on the classes that follow you?

And I don't think any curriculum is going to be perfect - there's a lot that I feel like is gone through too quickly in the current curriculum that we've had for 20 years or whatever, or even stuff we missed out on in classes due to misjudging length of lectures/professors getting sick.
 
I had the same concerns as another poster here on the new curriculum. I guess for me it boils down to the facts: I want to go to UC Davis. I will make it work. If I have to stumble through the new curriculum, so be it. Because I'm not tyring to decide whether or not to go to Davis (if they accept me I'll go), I don't have to decide whether I like the curriculum, and thus I'm tyring to be positive about it.....

BTW - one thing that was very reassuring was talking to nyanko about the switch to the semester system. She asked my WHY i didn't like the semester system - which has to do with sitting in a single class for long periods of time and it taking FOREVER. It sounds like even on the semester system, vet school is structuered very differently and there won't be the issues with the system that I found at the lower levels.
 
AHorseOffCourse said:
Please tell me that someone else interviewed not wearing a jacket, and that I'll be just fine with pants+long sleeve button up shirt+belt+pumps?
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Honestly, I didn't wear a jacket... I didn't even plan on it. 😳
 
It was definitely fun seeing moosenanny and nyanko (via youtube...I wasn't there in person)

As someone who had the quarter system as an undergrad I am excited about the change to semesters.
 
Moosenanny,
Thank you so much for posting those videos. So helpful!

I have been uber impressed by how willing you guys from UC Davis are to share what you know and think about your school. It makes it apparent that you are very excited about your school - and it is infectious!

I have a question about the curriculum for anyone who may know... how much time is spent in groups? And what does the group work actually consist of? I understand it is meant to discuss cases, but how much time and work is expected to be spent on the group work?

I am a very independent learner, and am not sure I get as much out of a group setting. I really really like the structure of the new curriculum, but would be worried about a shift toward group learning.
 
Along with what gracietiger asked, I also noticed a fair amount of Self-Directed Learning group study periods on the prospective schedule Dr. Ilkiw showed, particularly on Fridays. What exactly does this involve? Is it just a suggestion that we take the time to learn more about what we're interested in or is it an actual class that we go sit in and discuss things with a group/professor? I generally don't like studying in groups because I think through things in a different way than most people, and often find my time better spent studying on my own. Does anyone know if we're essentially forced to attend these group study sessions?

I also see a lot of what is labelled as DIS which I assume stands for discussion. I'm curious if anyone knows if we'll be broken into groups for these discussions or if we're expected to participate in a 133 person discussion.

I'm really excited about the increased clinic time, the switch to semesters, the blocked curriculum, but am mainly concerned that I, like gracietiger, will have to switch to a type of learning style that has not worked well for me in the past...
 
I don't think anyone's going to try to make you "switch to a different learning style." The idea of group work is that you will have to work with people forever - as a vet you will have colleagues that will know more than you on some things and less on others, you will have techs that play important roles, office managers, receptionists, etc...and utilizing everyone in the group's strengths will generally lead to a better outcome in the end.

How your group will handle it is likely largely dependent on your own group's dynamics. Often I'll end up in groups where each of us will still end up working independently on one problem or the other, but then at the end kind of share what we've got and the product is still a collaborative effort. That tends to work better for me, and I share the same issue where I tend to think differently than a lot of other people.

It's also important for those of who do have that tendency to be able to communicate our ideas properly to people who might think differently, and group work is pretty good for that too.
 
Thanks, nyanko. I understand - and agree with - everything you are saying. However, I don't want my statement about being concerned with the group work to lead one to infer this means I don't like working with people. I love working with people! But, I find that learning in groups in a didactic context is totally different than collaborating with people in the real world. I worry that group work/projects leads to a lot of wasted time (gossiping, getting off task, talking about last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy... all of which I am completely guilty of, which contributes to my nervousness about more of an emphasis on group learning). When I learn a concept for the first time, my process of learning is very, very independent. I often get more confused in a group... or anxious if I feel like I am behind. So, I am concerned about a shift towards group learning for these reasons, not because I don't like sharing ideas and working alongside others.

So, for anyone who may know, I am wondering if you may give us an idea of what the group work actually entails. Is it monitored by a faculty member? Does it require group members to work on projects outside of the designated meeting times? Or, is it more like each individual member of the group becomes responsible for something independently and then teaches it to the rest of the group? Is it like a discussion, or does it involve more lecturing to one another?

It is very possible that none of you have any idea, since it is not implemented yet, but I would be so appreciative of a little bit more insight since the group work seems to be a somewhat significant chunk of time and hence, I think it is fair to consider what its implications may mean for certain styles of learners.
 
I'm definitely with you on that gracie. I'm a little nervous about the new curriculum now, since I'm also an independent learner. In my experience, group labs have always become a race to finish in order to leave early. I'm taking a microbio lab right now, where we usually do 2-3 exercises per day. Instead of sequentially going through the exercises, my group(and every other group in the class), divides the work out to save time. So instead of actually going through each exercise, I'm doing steps 2,5, and 6 of the first, and 3,4,5 of the other. I don't learn anything, I'm just following a recipe in the manual. We end up skipping steps so that we dont' "waste" any time. I wish I were able to go through the labs at my own pace and actually learn why I'm staining this slide this way or culturing on this plate.

It's been like this for every lab I've taken. So while I like the idea of the new curriculum, I'd still like to have my own time to study at my pace.
 
Nyanko perhaps you could correct me if I am wrong but from what I understood the group learning would be case based....sort of like pbl. Am I way off??
 
My interview is on Tuesday and I've spent almost all day(on and off) going over questions and answers, trying to bolster the weak points of my app, etc.

I'M GOING CRAZY! I know I just need to relax and breathe, I've made it this far and I don't want the overpreparation to blow up in my face but I also don't want to feel like I could have done more after the fact.

Anyone else had their interviews and want to share how it went? Pretty please. :help:
 
teatime said:
My interview is on Tuesday and I've spent almost all day(on and off) going over questions and answers, trying to bolster the weak points of my app, etc.

I'M GOING CRAZY! I know I just need to relax and breathe, I've made it this far and I don't want the overpreparation to blow up in my face but I also don't want to feel like I could have done more after the fact.
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Listen to yourself and relax, I had mine on the first day last week, and I will admit I was right where you are, and to be honest nothing really helped until I got there and talked to Kathleen from admissions a little to ease my nerves, and then just actually going in there.

What everyone on the student panel said was true, know your application, your weak points of your app, any ethical questions especially that might relate to your experience, and some general knowledge relevant to your experiences in your app (diseases/vx), nothing really threw me for a loop and they were all really nice so relax, they don't want to see you fail (although if it helps me get in maybe I do...a little... jk), ooh and try not to babble, they will let you continue to talk for as long as you want on one question, but 25 minutes goes by really fast.
 
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