University of Tennessee c/o 2020 Applicants

[dyachei]

Cunningham's is good for physiology but it's not on our lists, I got it on my own, and it's in English.

I never use a physio book in practice. Just as an FYI.

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[DecoyVet]

Hey guys,
I'm late to the party here, but I'm so glad to have found this post! I'm in-state accepted and over the moon to finally be on my way to UTCVM! Congrats to all my new classmates! I've been reading this thread trying to catch up and I wanted to respond to several questions I've seen.

I grew up 45 minutes from Knoxville and moved to the city 2 years ago, so feel free to PM me any questions about the area. I completely agree with GAH about avoiding anything inside the "circle" made by the interstates. West Knoxville is a little on the pricey side but I lived in Amberleigh Bluff Apartments for a year while attending UT full time and found the commute very easy with very little traffic regardless of what time I left for class. The drive was about 12 minutes (timed repeatedly). Google the apartments for an idea how distance from the school translates into actual commute time, but keep in mind that only applies to west Knoxville because going the other direction on I-40 looked packed and slow in the mornings.

I live in North Knoxville now and the commute is not bad from here either, only slightly more traffic slowdown.

In response to laptop/tablet questions, I've taken handwritten notes (with a stylus) on both iPad and Surface Pro and they both work very well, but the Surface Pro is my recommendation. On iPad, the app Notability is the way to go and it really is a great option, but limited by no USB port (occasionally an issue), and a few other small problems. The Surface Pro is a MUCH more powerful note-taking tool in my opinion. The touchscreen uses a different technology than the iPad which allows the stylus pen to be much more accurate and, more importantly, it disables touch for skin which means you can rest your hand on the screen while writing (after taking notes on the iPad for 2 years this was a HUGE improvement). The ability to use literally any program available for a desktop computer on the Surface is very handy. And the note-taking program I use, OneNote, is hands down far more capable and useful than anything available on iPad. It allows me to search not only my hand-written notes, as well as the text within images (PDFs, JPEGs, etc), but also the spoken words in the audio recordings I take, so for example, if I wanted to search for "Hydrophobic effect" it would show me all the times I've written that, anywhere in the PDFs or slides that it's written, AND anytime my professor has spoken those words in the audio recordings. The audio recordings are also linked to whatever I was writing or typing at the time the words were spoken so I can click a little play button next to any picture I've drawn or whatever and it will start playback right where the professor was talking as I was writing. And sharing notes is easy! I plan to make all my notes available to my classmates as long as that's acceptable to the teachers.
There are so many features available in OneNote that I would HIGHLY recommend buying your tablet well ahead of time and getting used to the program before vet school starts.

Sorry for the LONG reply, I just love Knoxville and I love my Surface Pro. I could continue on a list of pros and cons of both for days so if you have any questions definitely message me!

 

[Cautiously Optimistic]

I don't mean to "pull rank" as they say, but what GAH is describing here in terms of dress code really only applies to the first years. As time passes and you start spending more and more of your day sitting in class, the dress gets progressively more casual and nobody in the administration seems to really care. I'm not suggesting you show up in gym clothes, but very few people are still dressing "business casual" in the classroom by the time first year is over.

But that's just in class. In the clinics the dress code is justifiably much more strict.

Listen to this man. Also listen to him regarding class attendance. GAH is in the DVM/PhD program, so she has clearly lost her mind.

 

[Cautiously Optimistic]

Listen to this man. Also listen to him regarding class attendance. GAH is in the DVM/PhD program, so she has clearly lost her mind.

She is right about first year though.

 

[FeartheDogMonky]

She is right about first year though.

I personally like that you quoted yourself. *high five*

 

[Pawsitive Vibrations]

Has anyone who is accepting thought about what to send as your written acceptance? Is there custom on this?

 

[FeartheDogMonky]

Has anyone who is accepting thought about what to send as your written acceptance? Is there custom on this?

Well, someone feel free to correct me if there's a more appropriate way to send an acceptance letter... But... all I wrote was that I was accepting their offer and thanked them for their time. Nothing fancy about it. They just need something firm from you to put in your file that you are accepting. I'm guessing the deposit will come soon though to make it more of a solid commitment.

 

[WildZoo]

Well, someone feel free to correct me if there's a more appropriate way to send an acceptance letter... But... all I wrote was that I was accepting their offer and thanked them for their time. Nothing fancy about it. They just need something firm from you to put in your file that you are accepting. I'm guessing the deposit will come soon though to make it more of a solid commitment.

There's no deposit for UTK unless they changed things from last year

 

[Doktor Timo]

I think my acceptance was one sentence. Maybe two. They just need it in writing that you're coming, there's no other formality required.

 

[TotesMahGoats]

I love Tennessee more and more. Ahhh!! So excited! Is anyone going to the open house? Or has anyone gone before? What's it like? I'm considering making the trip so I can tour/enjoy the school when I'm less stressed.

 

[xicywind]

I love Tennessee more and more. Ahhh!! So excited! Is anyone going to the open house? Or has anyone gone before? What's it like? I'm considering making the trip so I can tour/enjoy the school when I'm less stressed.

I will be going! I will be there from 9am-1pm so if anyone wants me to show them around campus, you can private message me! Or if you just want to chat, you can message me as well!

 

[GAH-47D]

Has anyone who is accepting thought about what to send as your written acceptance? Is there custom on this?

I opened a word document, typed a few sentences about thank you, thank you, I love you, I'm so happy to be a member of the class of 2019, yadda yadda, done. Then signed it. No fancy paper, no letter head, I did date it. But that was it. Popped that sucker in the mail the day I received my acceptance. Also UT doesn't have a deposit....awesome isn't it?

 

[GAH-47D]

I love Tennessee more and more. Ahhh!! So excited! Is anyone going to the open house? Or has anyone gone before? What's it like? I'm considering making the trip so I can tour/enjoy the school when I'm less stressed.

A LOT of the current students from c/o 2017, 2018, and 2019 will be participating in open house! Please do come! Visit all of the areas, say hi to your future classmates, please introduce yourselves if you can on your way through!! We love knowing there are future schoolmates in the crowd! Don't be shy! I'll be in the Anatomy lab with several of my c/o 2019 classmates, so don't hesitate to identify yourselves!

 

[Zoebeau]

Im still making decisions after being denied to my IS. Are there any OOSers that can talk about their reasoning for choosing UT??

 

[WildZoo]

Im still making decisions after being denied to my IS. Are there any OOSers that can talk about their reasoning for choosing UT??

It was the only school that accepted me. Heh.

But actually even before Penn rejected me I was seriously considering choosing UT even though Penn had been my dream for a long time. OOS for both and tuition is pretty similar so money wasn't much of a consideration (COL in Philly is higher but I have friends/family there so would have gotten a deal on housing at least). A lot of my reasons are very personal to me so may not apply to you - that's why you really have to figure out your own pros and cons. I'm really into exotics/zoo and felt like I would get more exposure for that at UT, so that was a big factor. The smaller class size appealed to me as well. Plus TN is closer to home than PA and at the time I was going to be heading into another year of a LDR and was looking forward to being closer to my bf than I was during undergrad. Also I kind of just fell in love with the place. It was very welcoming and homey.

 

[FeartheDogMonky]

Im still making decisions after being denied to my IS. Are there any OOSers that can talk about their reasoning for choosing UT??

Well first and foremost, your decision should strongly consider which program is the more financially sound one to minimize the amount of debt you'll have. This horse has been beaten time and time again though so I'll move on...

I chose UT for several reasons. 1) The program could not be more of a perfect fit for what I want to do after I graduate. I want exposure to large animals (big cats, exotics, ruminants, etc.) to help prepare me for my wildly mixed career passion and UTK offers that through the school and other side programs. 2) As has been said over and over on here, the family feel I get from the staff, faculty and current students is great. I'm sure you'll find this at most other places to some degree, but I didn't have to search for it there. 3) Their facilities are amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on the resources available to us over the next 4 years. 4) The Knoxville area is within close proximity to the type of country I want to live in and the people are extremely friendly (I live in South Florida right now and can't wait to leave almost for that reason alone). 5) Cost of living is great. 6) For some reason I didn't realize this and therefore it had no impact on my decision, but they do not have a deposit. Why does this matter to me? I don't care about giving them money upfront to secure my seat since it eventually goes towards my tuition and yada yada. It matters because (strictly IMOO) the school wants to make sure the students accept and keep their decision to attend without feeling stuck. By only sending a letter to accept, we are not bound to the school by anything more than our signature. Someone correct me if I'm missing something, but a student would lose nothing if they later changed their mind and opted to attend another university for whatever reason. This is not the case with programs that require a deposit where the student would then face the decision to swallow the loss of a $500-2500 deposit if they changed their mind. As I said, this is strictly my opinion, but it says a lot that they want those that truly want to be there to attend rather than feeling stuck due to a deposit.

I'm sure I can think of more reasons, but these are what immediately pop into my head. Regardless, I'd still stress the more financially smart choice should carry a lot more weight. Think it over though and make the best decision for you.

 

[wrk2020]

Anyone here OOS and worried about the cost of tuition? UT was by far the most expensive school I applied to.


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[WildZoo]

Anyone here OOS and worried about the cost of tuition? UT was by far the most expensive school I applied to.


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Yup. Puke a little every time I think about it.

 

[IzzyIsTheBestCat]

Hey! I know this has been talked about a little already but could any current students (or prospective students with the knowledge) name-drop some apartment building complexes that are within a 15 minute walk of the campus? My boyfriend and I would be moving down there with just one car between the two of us so it would be awesome to find a place from which I could walk to class. Thank you!

 

[WildZoo]

I was just thinking about contacting them to make sure everything would be in order for me for the fall and Dr. Kirk emailed me i guess now i feel less like I'm in limbo and more like I'm an actual member of the class of 2020. So much excite!

 

[moxshorpun]

Im still making decisions after being denied to my IS. Are there any OOSers that can talk about their reasoning for choosing UT??

I was wait listed at my IS (Cornell). I could have waited to apply the following year (my GRE probably tanked me for Cornell) but I decided to come to UT instead.
They have a great exotics program, which is hard to find in any vet school (Cornell's is excellent also), as well as shelter medicine electives, which were big draws for me. Also, the ability to do an MPH here at the same time was another big plus. Very nice facilities. And yes, I loved the vibe of the school. Cornell had a nice vibe too, but I felt like I personally "fit" better with UT. I don't regret my decision at all. The tuition at Cornell for IS is not that cheap, so I try to console myself with that when I think about money, lol.
Also, I have a friend who graduated from UT in 2010 and she absolutely loved it here. She couldn't stop saying enough good things about UT and I knew she would be up front with me about that, so that also weighed into my decision.
I will admit I am an non-traditional (read: older) student and I didn't want to wait the extra year to try to get accepted at my IS.
Zero regrets here, even after my neuro exam today. When I had a medical issue right before school started, they could not have been nicer and more helpful and got me in to to see a specialist ASAP. That meant a lot to me.
I know money is a big issue, and you always need to take that into consideration, but all the OOS students in my class seem very happy with their decision to come here. If you have the luxury of being younger (ahhh, youth) then maybe getting the application review from your IS and then working on what they recommend and reapplying there for next year is the best path for you. You can also work and save up some more money. We would love to have you here, but you need to do what makes the most sense for you

 

[Vetskoldreama]

I was just thinking about contacting them to make sure everything would be in order for me for the fall and Dr. Kirk emailed me i guess now i feel less like I'm in limbo and more like I'm an actual member of the class of 2020. So much excite!

I haven't gotten an email yet. What did it say?


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[WildZoo]

I haven't gotten an email yet. What did it say?


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Oh this was for me personally since I had to defer from last year, she was checking in to make sure I was set to start this year. You guys will probably get emails with info about your UTK email and such a couple weeks after you send in your letters accepting your spots

 

[GAH-47D]

You guys are going to go through periods of weeks on end with no communication from the school, especially after April 15th. You'll get a letter in late June or sometime in July about the new school year and things you need to do, but don't freak out b/c they're not all that chatty. They just handle most things when you get here and just before you get here. As always, if you're feeling antsy, (although we should have the FB page open for the c/o 2020 by the end of next month), you can always call the school or send an email to ask questions. You're in, you sent in your acceptance....sit back and enjoy the summer - you need it!!

 

[Vetskoldreama]

Is there a supply list somewhere for first years? I'm not really sure of what to expect supply -wise and I want to start on that as soon as I can to scout for deals.
Does anyone know of such a list?


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[Vetskoldreama]

PS, I'm an annoying planner full of questions.


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[GAH-47D]

Is there a supply list somewhere for first years? I'm not really sure of what to expect supply -wise and I want to start on that as soon as I can to scout for deals.
Does anyone know of such a list?


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They send it to you. It's really short. Kind of like my comment, LOL

 

[FeartheDogMonky]

So I'm just going to put this out there for any nice souls in the area that would be willing to assist me in the unloading of a Uhaul into a storage unit (for now). Due to my military obligations this summer, I need to drop my junk off in TN before I leave my pets with my grandma in MO while I leave the country for the summer. If anyone is interested in picking up and putting down a few heavy things with me, then I'd greatly appreciate the help... beer and dinner will be provided. It should only take 1 person (I'm not greedy).

Since I have impeccable timing, I understand that this will be during Finals for everyone up there so feel free to use this as a study break

I'm shooting to leave Florida on April 30th and unload on May 1st (Sunday) as long as I'm able to get access to the storage place (also TBD... recommendations are also appreciated).

Takers? Please... please, not everyone all at once!

 

[WildZoo]

So I'm just going to put this out there for any nice souls in the area that would be willing to assist me in the unloading of a Uhaul into a storage unit (for now). Due to my military obligations this summer, I need to drop my junk off in TN before I leave my pets with my grandma in MO while I leave the country for the summer. If anyone is interested in picking up and putting down a few heavy things with me, then I'd greatly appreciate the help... beer and dinner will be provided. It should only take 1 person (I'm not greedy).

Since I have impeccable timing, I understand that this will be during Finals for everyone up there so feel free to use this as a study break

I'm shooting to leave Florida on April 30th and unload on May 1st (Sunday) as long as I'm able to get access to the storage place (also TBD... recommendations are also appreciated).

Takers? Please... please, not everyone all at once!

I didn't realize you were a fellow Floridian

Or I did and I forgot about it...

 

[Ceens]

Got a call about them setting up my UTK email yesterday up until now I've been convinced it was a mistake that they sent me that email/letter


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[Vetskoldreama]

Got a call about them setting up my UTK email yesterday up until now I've been convinced it was a mistake that they sent me that email/letter


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All I keep getting is junk mail from the UT undergrad department saying they haven't received my application yet.


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[FeartheDogMonky]

I didn't realize you were a fellow Floridian

Or I did and I forgot about it...

Haha yep. I'm not originally from here, but I've been in the Ft Lauderdale area for about 5 years now. The sun is nice, but I'm ready for the change in scenery... and people haha

 

[wrk2020]

All I keep getting is junk mail from the UT undergrad department saying they haven't received my application yet.


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I got like 4 of those emails lol. I thought I messed up on my FAFSA or something at first.

I am also a fellow Floridian!!!


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[WildZoo]

I'm in the Jacksonville area and have been for almost my whole life, except the time i spent in Pittsburgh during undergrad. Definitely ready to leave Florida. I get really sick of the heat and humidity.

 

[TotesMahGoats]

Anyone else from NJ?

Ditto about the emails... I was sure I messed up my FAFSA too.

 

[TotesMahGoats]

Did anyone else get an email from Anna Hernandez asking for a return phone call for some information? She asked for my SSN, so just wanted to see if anyone else got this too, lol!

 

[Ceens]

Did anyone else get an email from Anna Hernandez asking for a return phone call for some information? She asked for my SSN, so just wanted to see if anyone else got this too, lol!

Yep, it's legit. She called me and I gave her the info, then emailed Deborah to confirm it wasn't a scam ha


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[TotesMahGoats]

Oh good. I gave her my info without a second thought, and then saw that no one had posted here and freaked out a little. Haha!

 

[GAH-47D]

Ms. Hernandez works in the front office, however, it's always a good idea to confirm people's identities before providing personal identifiable information. Whenever you receive a telephone call like that, first ask the person for their UTK email address - which we can all spit out without thinking - so you "have it in order to send them emails/questions, etc." That way you'll know right off, whether or not they're legit, and you can freely provide the requested info....or not. It's much less likely that someone shady will be able to rattle off a UTK email address as quickly as expected. Then, once you get to know everyone's voices, it'll all be copacetic!

 

[IzzyIsTheBestCat]

I'm from NJ! Bergen County born and raised. What about you?

Also, does anyone know when we would start classes? I didn't see a current vet school calendar but historically it seems to have been the middle of the third week in August

 

[TotesMahGoats]

Yay! Jersey buddies! I'm down in South Jersey, close to Philly.

 

[GAH-47D]

I'm from NJ! Bergen County born and raised. What about you?

Also, does anyone know when we would start classes? I didn't see a current vet school calendar but historically it seems to have been the middle of the third week in August

Classes start August 17th. "Camp" is the 11th or 12th, so you will need to be here no later than the 8th or 9th to make sure you get here in time. I highly recommend getting here no later than the end of July in order to really get to know the area before classes start b/c you won't have all that much time once classes begin. Don't ask about camp, you'll find out about it later.

 

[WildZoo]

Classes start August 17th. "Camp" is the 11th or 12th, so you will need to be here no later than the 8th or 9th to make sure you get here in time. I highly recommend getting here no later than the end of July in order to really get to know the area before classes start b/c you won't have all that much time once classes begin. Don't ask about camp, you'll find out about it later.

Rule number 1 of camp: Don't talk about camp

 

[WildZoo]

Does anybody know whether we get any pet food or medical discounts?

 

[GAH-47D]

Does anybody know whether we get any pet food or medical discounts?

Yes. Hill's, Purina, Oxbow, and some others (maybe?), have 50% off through the school programs. This includes Rx diets. Medical is 20% off products and services.

 

[FeartheDogMonky]

Classes start August 17th. "Camp" is the 11th or 12th, so you will need to be here no later than the 8th or 9th to make sure you get here in time. I highly recommend getting here no later than the end of July in order to really get to know the area before classes start b/c you won't have all that much time once classes begin. Don't ask about camp, you'll find out about it later.

Does this camp deal with boots? Or early morning PT and smokings? Because I won't get suckered into that nonsense again... it'll be fun they said...

 

[Doktor Timo]

And here you all were, thinking you were too old to get sent to summer camp anymore...

 

[Ceens]

Rule number 1 of camp: Don't talk about camp

Dangit, now all I think about is this elusive camp!


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[Floridavet94]

I will be declining my seat offer tomorrow, Im OOS so y'all know! Accepted a position at another school. Best of luck to those on the wait list! #futurevetsunite

 

[CeiKay]

I'm giving up my OOS seat so I hope someone gets it from here!