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I wonder why it's taking so long for the mail to reach a lot of you. It seems weird that I got a letter 1 week ago today and people keep posting that nothing has come for them. 😕
UTK c/o 2016 Applicants
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Okay, so I talked to Deborah at admissions, and she said that not all the letters went out at the same time. She said to wait until Wednesday, and if it hasn't arrived by then to call... My letter still wasn't here today, but at least I can stop panicking for a couple of days.
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Well, I OFFICIALLY said yes to my interview 
Now to find a flight and not have to live on popcorn for a week!
Now to find a flight and not have to live on popcorn for a week!
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Well, I OFFICIALLY said yes to my interview
Now to find a flight and not have to live on popcorn for a week!
I'm still debating... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!! 😱
I just need to decide if I am going to UFL for sure, or if I should go to the UTK interview. I want to leave my options open, but for a $700 weekend and $21,000 more a year, I just don't know if it's worth it 🙁
Congrats on your decision though! 🙂
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See, you are in a different position than me. You have been accepted ::bi g gong:: I am senior grand pooh bah on waitlists. So, I'm not sure if I want to throw away an opportunity. Yah know?
I won't know about western until the 15th and Davis until 26ish. Plus I like options! I already wasted some money applying, so what's a little (a lot) more? Good luck on your decision though!!!!! Rooting for you, Emiloo.
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Yay, I got a phone call this morning as well! 😀 I was prepared for a rejection, so that was a ridiculously nice surprise on my way to work. My interview's on the 20th too at 4pm--what time is yours?
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Nice! How are you planning your travels around your interview?
I think so, but I'll have to see. I'd have to fly in the day before the interview and then fly out the day after my interview (not finding any good flights in the late evening...), so that means three days off of work and two nights in a hotel. But if I can afford it, I'll be there for the tour!
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I highly recommend going to the 8:45 overview (tour is optional - but gives you a good idea about how happy students are, etc).
The overview is led by Dean Brace and he outlines the interview process, and how the scoring actually works. I think it is important to understand that. I am interviewing for my 4th time, and will be going to it, like I have every year.
Also, they have a room full of students and food that will tell you information about the interviewers, which is very helpful.
The overview is led by Dean Brace and he outlines the interview process, and how the scoring actually works. I think it is important to understand that. I am interviewing for my 4th time, and will be going to it, like I have every year.
Also, they have a room full of students and food that will tell you information about the interviewers, which is very helpful.
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Does anyone who has interviewed before know if it's possible to pick up a parking pass the day before your interview to eliminate possible delay the morning of? I want to be sure I make it to the 8:45 information session.
Also, about how long does the info session + tour take? I have an afternoon interview so I'm just trying to plan my day, see if there is time between morning activities and the interview to possibly get some lunch in town. I've never been to Knoxville before so I want to explore a little and get a feel for the area.
I really really hope I get in this year!!! The odds seem pretty harsh on OOS students, though. I'm so surprised that I even got an interview.
ETA: Do we find out our phase one scores? Is a total score of 150 the usual cut off for full admission? *stressing*
Also, about how long does the info session + tour take? I have an afternoon interview so I'm just trying to plan my day, see if there is time between morning activities and the interview to possibly get some lunch in town. I've never been to Knoxville before so I want to explore a little and get a feel for the area.
I really really hope I get in this year!!! The odds seem pretty harsh on OOS students, though. I'm so surprised that I even got an interview.
ETA: Do we find out our phase one scores? Is a total score of 150 the usual cut off for full admission? *stressing*
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I don't know if it's possible to pick up a pass the day ahead, but they hand it to you right when you walk in and all you have to do is run it back out to the car.
If your interview is in the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to get lunch and hang out after the morning walk around. I don't remember exactly how long it lasts, but it doesn't take all morning.
They do not usually give you your phase one score until you do a follow up with Dean Brace after a non-acceptance. But their calculation methods are posted on the website and it's not too difficult to get close figuring it out by yourself. 150-ish was the average full admission that I was told, but that was back in 2009, so it may have changed over the last few years as the demographics change. I wouldn't be afraid to ask Dean Brace in the Q&A/info session in the morning when he explains the process, though. He'll probably be willing to tell you what last years cut off was.
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I had to decline my interview spot today due to financial issues. :cry: I hope someone will be able to take advantage of it instead!
AWW emiloo... well I guess we wont be classmates
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I don't even want to talk about it. I am so depressed. I just literally had no way to pay for the trip. UTK was in my top three for sure 🙁. And being your classmate was my #1 priority so all is wrong in my world!!!!!!!!! 😉
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I'd like to offer to give my opinion about the school, for those of you having to decide about interviews/acceptance. Obviously it's a bit late in the game, so I apologize, but I feel that you guys definitely need opinions that aren't just self-serving, especially for the out of state students on which this will have a huge financial impact. Just PM me, or I can even post it in here. Unfortunately, I won't be in town to give a tour during interviews, so this is the best I can do.
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What's your opinion??? I've already decided to attend UTK if offered acceptance, but I'm curious about what you have to say. Although, I'm kind of worried now because the way you framed that makes it seem as if what you have to say is negative. :/
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If you dont mind, could you post your opinion on here? I think there are a couple of people interested in hearing what you have to say. Thanks!
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.Unfortunately, this will come out as sounding negative. Equally unfortunate is the fact that it's all true. I'll preface this with saying: if this is the only school you have applied to, and you don't think you could stand another year of working and reapplying, especially if it means you may not get in anywhere the next year, take it. If you've got good personal motivation, read the books, etc, you'll come out strong. If you're also more interested in just getting that DVM, and not concerned about where you go/its rank, go ahead and accept. But if it's come down to a couple of schools, and money issues are all the same (worth noting, only select few get in state, and they usually already have financial/legal backing from parents, or they get married), definitely give this decision some thought. ...
.I'll start out with the students, and work my way up to the administration and teachers themselves. As is the case with any program, I'm sure, there are cheaters. Many teachers rely on an "honor code" for on-line quizzes and assignments, which unfortunately, doesn't seem to deter anyone. Several fellow classmates have admitted to cheating on these assignments. I'm going to refrain from naming people, as I'm sure this review will alienate me plenty. On-line cheating though, can be blamed more on ignorant or lazy teaching. What is worse is that there are students that cheat on tests, are caught, and admit to the deed, and are allowed to continue by the administration. Some cheat, fail out of other courses, and then still get to continue the program. The cheating ranges from projects to tests. While cheating and academic dishonesty are issues that stem from the students, failure to properly address issues reflects poorly on the administration and school. .
.There is a wide range of teaching styles here. Some genuinely care about their subject, teaching it, helping you understand, but then fall short on testing. Some teachers are complacent, and continuously administer identical tests, with full knowledge that old tests circulate. For many students, this reduces the impetus to study (which is why I mentioned that those that are self motivated would be ok). Some teachers will have you scratching your head as to why they are there (…and some of them may be wondering it too). A specific example of a poorly taught class is the surgical class second year. The teacher took about 6 weeks to get notes out to students. There were no teaching cadavers, no real practice (besides dismembered pig feet), and students were thrown into surgery unprepared, sometimes with faculty circulating, other days, without. Every year, the same issues are brought up on reviews, yet nothing is changed. There are a rare breed of teachers that deliver on all fronts. They genuinely care about their subject and making sure you understand it, and their tests reflect this. While it may seem odd to advocate challenging tests, it depends on the student you are. Here, as you will see, the better students are disappointed. They realize that almost every day, they are short-changed in some class. They see that they'll be competing against similarly ranked classmates for internships and residencies. Some people are graduating with 5+ Ds. The largest impact on you all will be having difficulty getting jobs, due to the stigma older classes secured for the program. Others enjoy the program because GPAs are almost handed out..
.Even the hospital portion of the school isn't without fault. Residents have killed patients due to negligence, and had hospital-wide cover-ups. A student, under the guidance of a clinician, administered 4x the dose of immiticide to a HW+ dog, killing it, and is still in the program. The teacher will be lecturing you second year. .
.So in the end, you could think this is just the rant of an angry student. In a way, I am angry. Angry that no one warned me, and disappointed to have UT associated with my DVM. I've put in too much time here, and not been able to transfer, despite multiple attempts. The least I can do is warn you, and hope that other schools are better. .
.I'll start out with the students, and work my way up to the administration and teachers themselves. As is the case with any program, I'm sure, there are cheaters. Many teachers rely on an "honor code" for on-line quizzes and assignments, which unfortunately, doesn't seem to deter anyone. Several fellow classmates have admitted to cheating on these assignments. I'm going to refrain from naming people, as I'm sure this review will alienate me plenty. On-line cheating though, can be blamed more on ignorant or lazy teaching. What is worse is that there are students that cheat on tests, are caught, and admit to the deed, and are allowed to continue by the administration. Some cheat, fail out of other courses, and then still get to continue the program. The cheating ranges from projects to tests. While cheating and academic dishonesty are issues that stem from the students, failure to properly address issues reflects poorly on the administration and school. .
.There is a wide range of teaching styles here. Some genuinely care about their subject, teaching it, helping you understand, but then fall short on testing. Some teachers are complacent, and continuously administer identical tests, with full knowledge that old tests circulate. For many students, this reduces the impetus to study (which is why I mentioned that those that are self motivated would be ok). Some teachers will have you scratching your head as to why they are there (…and some of them may be wondering it too). A specific example of a poorly taught class is the surgical class second year. The teacher took about 6 weeks to get notes out to students. There were no teaching cadavers, no real practice (besides dismembered pig feet), and students were thrown into surgery unprepared, sometimes with faculty circulating, other days, without. Every year, the same issues are brought up on reviews, yet nothing is changed. There are a rare breed of teachers that deliver on all fronts. They genuinely care about their subject and making sure you understand it, and their tests reflect this. While it may seem odd to advocate challenging tests, it depends on the student you are. Here, as you will see, the better students are disappointed. They realize that almost every day, they are short-changed in some class. They see that they'll be competing against similarly ranked classmates for internships and residencies. Some people are graduating with 5+ Ds. The largest impact on you all will be having difficulty getting jobs, due to the stigma older classes secured for the program. Others enjoy the program because GPAs are almost handed out..
.Even the hospital portion of the school isn't without fault. Residents have killed patients due to negligence, and had hospital-wide cover-ups. A student, under the guidance of a clinician, administered 4x the dose of immiticide to a HW+ dog, killing it, and is still in the program. The teacher will be lecturing you second year. .
.So in the end, you could think this is just the rant of an angry student. In a way, I am angry. Angry that no one warned me, and disappointed to have UT associated with my DVM. I've put in too much time here, and not been able to transfer, despite multiple attempts. The least I can do is warn you, and hope that other schools are better. .
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I'm going to second this portion of opinion. I feel like some of the classes here are absolutely stellar, but there are some that I feel like fall so short of the mark that I could have gotten better information out of an undergrad course. My largest problem is with the classes taught by multiple professors who do not bother to communicate with each other about what is being taught and in what form. Lectures in these classes are often disjointed and contain large overlaps and gaps in what professors are saying. Part of the problem does stem from the fact that certain species do not have a dedicated professor to teach on them (example, our GI horse lectures were taught by 3 different people with 3 different teaching styles, 3 different ideas of what was clinically relevant, and occasionally 3 different opinions about the truth of certain "facts"). Other times, lectures fall to clinicians who really have no interest in teaching (or haven't before), and don't put in the effort. For the most part, I still feel like I am getting a worthwhile education, but I am one of those highly motivated people who will find a way to get the information I feel is clinically relevant.
I also want to add that many of the hands-on skills are not well taught here unless you are willing to actively pursue it. The school has increased class sizes without increasing faculty or supplies, which has made passive learning much harder. To comment on the surgery lab in particular, I didn't feel unprepared, but I actively bothered the professor with tons of questions and made it a point to have him double check EVERYTHING that I did in the practice labs before hand. If you take a passive role, stand in the back, barely bother doing the lab because you just want to go home, don't ask any questions, and aren't willing to wait for the professors attention, you will not get enough out of the labs to function. The lack of faculty and supplies does make it much harder, but I have no pity on my classmates that stood around chatting while I ran our groups anesthesia lab practice by myself and then complained that they didn't know how to run anesthesia during surgery....😡 (sorry, pet peeve).
Long story short to sum up: The program does have faults. Mainly a mis-match between class size and professor/staff availability; and a full spectrum of professors from really wonderful, all the way down to worthless as a box of rocks. But don't be discouraged to come interview, ask questions about the program from current students, and get a feel for if the program is right for you. I've really enjoyed the program, and have worked hard to make sure that I'm getting a good experience out of it. I'm also sure that there are problems at every school, and people who have bad experiences at every school, so I take the bad stuff with a grain of salt.
Good luck to everyone with interviews.
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I think Katryn makes some good points. Education is what you make of it, regardless of where you are enrolled. There are less than ideal situations happening at every vet, med, dental school. And every vet school class has a few students who will do the bare minimum to get by and rely on their classmates to pull their weight, we all knew those people in undegrad. It is frustrating to hear things like this as someone who has been rejected 3 times, because I would not be cheating nor be passive in my classes. What is important to take from what BomberCanoe and Katryn have said is that no school is a perfect, dream school. There will be challenges and difficulties, but that is to be expected. As long as all the applicants/accepted students understand that, then that is ok. I will not be deterred from applying, but I appreciate you offering your concerns. I am sure they are valid for many people here.
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Hm. Not a fan of all this depressing negativity. Surely not everyone at UTK hates the school, right?
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Lol, I love it in spite of the few bad things. Besides, my life wouldn't be complete if I didn't have a few things to complain about. 😀 And most of the people I spend my time with on a daily basis seem to like it. We all know it has flaws, and what bothers people, and how much, will vary with who you ask. I'd be highly surprised if more than a handful of people actually HATE the school enough to regret going.
On that note, Bomber, I'm really sorry you've had such a horrible time. 🙁
...I feel the same way. I need to hear some positive thoughts to get me pumped up for the interview! Anyone have some things the love about the school that they want to share??
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My love list is hard to put down on paper... 1. There have been a lot of classes/professors I have loved-most of the first year professors were awesome even when the class made you want to cringe, second year has been more hit or miss but still had it's fair share of wonderful. My personal favorites have been anatomy (profs and class), sections of physio (both), immuno and virology (prof), clin path (both-call me crazy if you want), surgery (prof and class, parts of lab), neurology (both), and both my clinical exposure rotations (surgery and physical therapy).
2. There are some really amazing wet labs put on by the clubs.
3. If you are into going to symposiums/conferences, the SCAVMA chapter has a pretty good system in place for helping you pay to go.
4. I feel like the schedule can be less stressful/crazy/hectic than some of the other schools (based solely on my own experience vs. what other people post here), but it can still be a nightmare. We've definitely had a few semesters where I was able to still have a life and relax.
5. Most of the staff and faculty are nice and very helpful, even if they don't make the greatest teachers. When I do venture into the clinics to poke around, I've always been welcomed to watch/participate, and I don't think I've ever been told to get out of the way or leave.
6. Even though the construction is a pain right now, I'm actually really excited that they are renovating the LA hospital (hopefully) in time for our class to be on clinics.
7. Open house rocks my socks off. I enjoy both going and participating.
I'm sure I could think of other things, but I'm procrastinating, so I should probably stop there.....
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Honestly, I think a big part of the regret comes from the debt load I took on as a OOS-er, which has resulted in me being more critical of my education than most others. I'll come out of it happy that I got the DVM, but will definitely be relieved that I'm following it up with more schooling. As far as love list:
1. Agreed on many teachers + courses. I second anatomy, physio, clin/gen paths, ophtho (though some of the courses are guilty of "grade inflation").
2. Clinicians - some of the worst teachers are great down in clinics- it just seems that the classroom isn't for them (so definitely go poke around if possible- managed to help with a sick eagle just by poking around)
3. Scheduling- we have tests M and F only, so you usually have enough time to study (though this rules in "hell months" sometimes).
But I don't think most people hate the school, including myself- there's just parts that make me sick, and I think the school some work to do once we're re-certified (especially if we're going to become a "Top 25" school.)
1. Agreed on many teachers + courses. I second anatomy, physio, clin/gen paths, ophtho (though some of the courses are guilty of "grade inflation").
2. Clinicians - some of the worst teachers are great down in clinics- it just seems that the classroom isn't for them (so definitely go poke around if possible- managed to help with a sick eagle just by poking around)
3. Scheduling- we have tests M and F only, so you usually have enough time to study (though this rules in "hell months" sometimes).
But I don't think most people hate the school, including myself- there's just parts that make me sick, and I think the school some work to do once we're re-certified (especially if we're going to become a "Top 25" school.)
As a senior student, I unfortunately have to agree with the things BomberCanoe and katryn have said - and I, too, wish I had known exactly what I was getting into before I took on a debt load that could buy me a couple pretty nice houses. One of the reasons that I chose UTK was because I had worked with a of couple veterinarians who had graduated in the late '80s/early '90s from UT. They were both extremely knowledgeable, respected doctors who always had high praises for the education they received. Having seen old tests and course notes from their time at school, the comparison to the education I've received is extremely disappointing. It is not an infrequent occurrence for a professor to make large mistakes in our notes/lectures/tests, or to not know answers to pretty straightforward questions in class. Professors are so well known to curve grades or give us the tests ahead of time (many email out the previous years exams as "study guides" and make just a couple small alterations for the current year - and in the past couple years, a few courses have had open book tests and take home exams) that most of my classmates have either been unmotivated to go above and beyond and really learn the material, or have a false sense of security that they really know what they need to know because they're making good grades. I guess that's why we just found out that our class had a lower passing rate on the boards than last year's class.
That being said, I have had a small handful of teachers who I have really learned from, and who have been hugely influential to me. Unfortunately one of them became frustrated with the school and took a position at a very highly ranked school last year, and others are looking into positions at other schools because of similar frustrations.
As BomberCanoe and katryn pointed out, it certainly is true that you get out of education what you put into it. I am sure that every school has aspects about its education that can't be foreseen. I know that UT has graduated good veterinarians in the past, I'm just worried that the focus in recent years hasn't quite been on the DVM curriculum and that the consequences of this are really beginning to become serious (my classmates and I are all in job searches, and I have personally encountered 5 practicing veterinarians who have told me they were sorry, but they are "no longer considering resumes from UT graduates because of the poor quality of the graduates they have received from UT in the past 5 years" - they gave me specific examples, but this post is already getting long). Hope this isn't too large of an extra layer of doom and gloom on top of other posts, but I think anyone considering tuition prices as serious as these is owed as much information as possible!
That being said, I have had a small handful of teachers who I have really learned from, and who have been hugely influential to me. Unfortunately one of them became frustrated with the school and took a position at a very highly ranked school last year, and others are looking into positions at other schools because of similar frustrations.
As BomberCanoe and katryn pointed out, it certainly is true that you get out of education what you put into it. I am sure that every school has aspects about its education that can't be foreseen. I know that UT has graduated good veterinarians in the past, I'm just worried that the focus in recent years hasn't quite been on the DVM curriculum and that the consequences of this are really beginning to become serious (my classmates and I are all in job searches, and I have personally encountered 5 practicing veterinarians who have told me they were sorry, but they are "no longer considering resumes from UT graduates because of the poor quality of the graduates they have received from UT in the past 5 years" - they gave me specific examples, but this post is already getting long). Hope this isn't too large of an extra layer of doom and gloom on top of other posts, but I think anyone considering tuition prices as serious as these is owed as much information as possible!
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So all these reviews so far I have taken to heart and realized that I will get the education I want depending on my own motivation, blah blah. But are employers really not accepting UT grads??? I dont see how that can be if they passed the boards fine and are licensed. If thats true I'm seriously worried 🙁
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Sigh. Why are we having attack of the Debbie Downers the week before interviews? I'm going to have a hard time forming my own, unbiased opinion of the school next week after all this talk. In fact, even though this is pretty much my only chance of getting into vet school this year, I'm starting to feel doubtful and depressed about the whole thing.
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Don't give up yet. Let's at least give the school a chance, despite the explosion of negativity today.
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Yeah, all of these negative posts, while informative, are freaking me out a bit. But since I've already said yes to the interview, bought my plane tickets, and booked my hotel... I'm gonna make the best of it! I mean, I look at half of the interview process as the interviewers determining if I'm right for the school and the other half as making sure the school is the right fit for me. So that's what I'm going to focus on--not to mention I get a mini-vacation from work in a town that I've never been to. 🙂
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I agree- if you already have your travel plans finalized, go ahead and take the interview. At the very least, it'll be good practice, and can be a mini vacation if you use it right. Be sure to talk to other students, and actually ask good questions of the faculty and administration. If you're too afraid to bring it up, I get that. Plenty of people here are perfectly content if they just focus on themselves, and don't care about the rest.
If you do end up coming here, just know what you'll have to do to ensure you get what you need/paid for.
If you do end up coming here, just know what you'll have to do to ensure you get what you need/paid for.
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Some of it depends on location as well. The teaching hospital recently changed its policy about how interdepartment transfers work; meaning that if your dog comes in for a derm consult, and they find a lipoma, derm can transfer the patient to surgery without sending it back to the referring vet first.... Thus resulting in lost money for the referring vet, which is making A LOT of local vets really irate. Combine that with some of the educational factors, and you have practices that are flat out throwing UT resumes in the trash. It's not as much of an issue if you are not dead set on staying in Knoxville or Tennessee after you graduate. But if you were planning on settling here, you may end up fighting to prove that you are worth something to employers.
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Well, I feel depressed from these posts and I've already spent almost two years in the vet school here! (I have been at UT since undergrad, though, so maybe I'm just used to what is known as "The Big Orange Screw." Undergrad experience here was way worse than vet school!) In all seriousness, I think the program definitely has its ups and downs, just like any school would have. katryn makes some good points about putting in the effort to learn things. Some classes have a lot of old exams circulating, so you could just study those and pass the class if you wanted to. Most of them don't, and you actually have to learn the material. There are a few professors that I didn't really care for, but there have also been some really great ones.
One of the classes that really annoyed me was surgery in second year. I liked the material, I just didn't like the way the labs were set up. As far as I know, we did always have faculty circulating in the actual surgery labs--it just felt like not enough faculty. Maybe that was the point--to push you out of your comfort zone. The worst part was often not having enough equipment for everyone in the lab. If things were more organized, the labs would be a lot more efficient. But I think that some of the professors are stuck in their ways and things won't change until someone new steps in. I do feel like I learned a lot from the class, just in a very stressful way.
The amount of hands-on skills you are taught is lacking, aside from a few electives. If you want to learn techniques, it's really up to you to participate in wet labs or get more experience over the summer. The elective I am in now is all hands-on (blood draws, local anesthetic techniques, etc.) and I feel like it is immensely helpful.
As far as grades...I don't agree with the idea that GPA's are practically handed out. I study a lot and feel like I work pretty hard for the grades I get. (Or maybe I'm just stupid and have to study more than everyone else...) I thought there was a limit on how many D's you could get before you were placed on academic probation, but maybe I was wrong?
My vet that I use is a class of 2000 UT grad--he said he felt like he had a pretty good education, but once he was out in practice, it took him 5 years to feel comfortable as a vet. But he also thinks that is applicable for any school. There is no way that they can teach you everything you need to know in 4 years of school.
I can't speak about the job market, and I really hope that it isn't as bad as it sounds. I don't want to stay in Knoxville, but I do want to stay in TN. 🙁
If anyone has any further questions about the school, feel free to PM me.
One of the classes that really annoyed me was surgery in second year. I liked the material, I just didn't like the way the labs were set up. As far as I know, we did always have faculty circulating in the actual surgery labs--it just felt like not enough faculty. Maybe that was the point--to push you out of your comfort zone. The worst part was often not having enough equipment for everyone in the lab. If things were more organized, the labs would be a lot more efficient. But I think that some of the professors are stuck in their ways and things won't change until someone new steps in. I do feel like I learned a lot from the class, just in a very stressful way.
The amount of hands-on skills you are taught is lacking, aside from a few electives. If you want to learn techniques, it's really up to you to participate in wet labs or get more experience over the summer. The elective I am in now is all hands-on (blood draws, local anesthetic techniques, etc.) and I feel like it is immensely helpful.
As far as grades...I don't agree with the idea that GPA's are practically handed out. I study a lot and feel like I work pretty hard for the grades I get. (Or maybe I'm just stupid and have to study more than everyone else...) I thought there was a limit on how many D's you could get before you were placed on academic probation, but maybe I was wrong?
My vet that I use is a class of 2000 UT grad--he said he felt like he had a pretty good education, but once he was out in practice, it took him 5 years to feel comfortable as a vet. But he also thinks that is applicable for any school. There is no way that they can teach you everything you need to know in 4 years of school.
I can't speak about the job market, and I really hope that it isn't as bad as it sounds. I don't want to stay in Knoxville, but I do want to stay in TN. 🙁
If anyone has any further questions about the school, feel free to PM me.
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I apologize if this comes across as grade elitist- I'm definitely not. But if you have to get your class rank (like I had to do for a few internship applications), compare your rank to your GPA, and you will realize that there's definitely some heavy inflation. While saying they are practically given out was a partial overstatement, the grades are higher than a professional program should have.
There is supposedly a D limit, but people seem to get through the cracks based on various circumstances. I'm sure a big factor is finances for the school as well (especially since the St. George students are threatening to not come anymore due to high costs). If you think the student:teacher ratio is bad now, you'd be shocked at the number of professors advocating that class sizes of 100+ being manageable in clinics.
I'll agree to disagree about tests. I'd say it's fairly close to a 50/50 split, its just that the better taught and tested courses usually don't have their tests out.
Again, interview here, and come here too, I just want the incoming class (and even my classmates) to be more aware of the things that go on here (that they either don't see, or refuse to see).
There is supposedly a D limit, but people seem to get through the cracks based on various circumstances. I'm sure a big factor is finances for the school as well (especially since the St. George students are threatening to not come anymore due to high costs). If you think the student:teacher ratio is bad now, you'd be shocked at the number of professors advocating that class sizes of 100+ being manageable in clinics.
I'll agree to disagree about tests. I'd say it's fairly close to a 50/50 split, its just that the better taught and tested courses usually don't have their tests out.
Again, interview here, and come here too, I just want the incoming class (and even my classmates) to be more aware of the things that go on here (that they either don't see, or refuse to see).
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I definitely don't think that bigger class sizes are a good idea, but I think can understand why some of the professors would want a bigger class size for clinics. Some of the rotations (especially the electives) only have 2 students, while core rotations may have 5 or 6. When I was on orthopedic CE, there were only 2 students on, and they were slammed all week. Meanwhile, soft tissue surgery had 5 students and had no patients one day. Maybe the professors think that a bigger class would even things out? Personally, I think the rotation system itself needs to be evaluated to make the distribution more even. Surgery rotations should at least have 3 students, in my opinion.
I think this applies to a lesser extent to the vet school itself, but the UT system has an overwhelming sense of greed. Business, engineering, or nursing student? Extra fees. Nowhere to park because of the 2:1 permit to spot ratio? Multiple parking tickets on the same day. Didn't get into a class? Too bad it's only offered at one time during one semester--that will delay your graduation a bit. Did you remember to pay your graduation fees? That was one of the big things that bothered me as an undergrad--UT was always looking for a way to squeeze the money out of you. I think now I'm just used to it. (I am an IS student, so fortunately the tuition is totally outrageous...yet.)
And I haven't asked for my class rank yet...I think I'd rather not know unless I have to, haha
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I really think it is pretty sh***y that you chose the week before interviews to bring all these issues up. Why now, after all these people have already spent $$$ on plane tickets. You joined SDN in 2010, BomberCanoe, not like you just realized this thread was here.
I hope all the people here that have interviews go, and try to make your own opinions. I have 3 friends that are in their clinics right now, and all of them LOVE the school. Sure there are things they want to change, that is normal. And all 3 of them have jobs/internships lined up after graduation in a few months.
I am off work at noon on 3/20 and 3/22, and would love to meet up with anyone who wants to chat. I know Katryn said she would join in if possible. Maybe Skittles will too?
I hope all the people here that have interviews go, and try to make your own opinions. I have 3 friends that are in their clinics right now, and all of them LOVE the school. Sure there are things they want to change, that is normal. And all 3 of them have jobs/internships lined up after graduation in a few months.
I am off work at noon on 3/20 and 3/22, and would love to meet up with anyone who wants to chat. I know Katryn said she would join in if possible. Maybe Skittles will too?
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What I do not love about UTCVM is that someone sent me an anonymous email almost exactly like this 2 weeks ago. I included the text below. I am on "academic probation" because I had health problems my first term. I am returning in the Fall to join the class of 2016.
Who the hell sends out anonymous messages like this? Who is "concerned about UTK's reputation" but maligns them on a public forum?
PS. UTK is pretty awesome. The Dean and teaching staff have been incredibly supportive of me during my struggles. If any of you interviewing students want to ask me any questions about how frickin' awesome UTK is, please PM me.
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Ok I think that all these comments need to be reigned in. All schools have the good and bad about them. And especially with our current economy, schools are struggling. This means they are having to enroll more students (many schools have increased their class size in the past couple of years or are planning increases in the coming years). Some resources are a bit lacking. We had five people sharing a dog last semester in anatomy. I really don't think that one more person negatively affected my learning though. Especially with three teachers present to answer questions. You will also get good and bad teachers anywhere you go (or teachers whose styles better facilitate your learning). My class is one of the bigger ones, but the teachers still know our names and are very available outside of class to answer questions and give advice. As far as cheating, I really think that cheating on online assignments is inconsequential. On many of those assignments you are allowed to work with classmates and it doesn't amount for much of your grade. If a student doesn't want to use these opportunities to learn, then the student will suffer later. Many schools have test boxes that are passed down from class to class with old exams and notes. This is not unique to UTK and it is not cheating. I personally use old tests after I've studied to make sure that I am on the right track. People that memorize answers or use these tests in the wrong way will suffer later. And many teachers are returning tests anymore, so you don't have the opportunity to look at old tests. And on the other side, yes we get old tests but some of these teachers then try to make this not advantageous and make hard or obscure tests.
I think saying that people are not hiring doctors that graduated from UT is ridiculous. You will always meet doctors who say that this or that school doesn't graduate competent veterinarians while this other school is the best. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and will base this off personal experiences. Ultimately, you are the only one responsible for your learning and your success. You can't rely on your school reputation to get you a job/externship/internship. If you have networked, made good impressions, and gotten good references during your 4 years of veterinary school, you will be able to succeed.
When I came for my interview last year, I was really impressed with how nice and incredibly caring the staff were. Since I have been here, I've only had wonderful experiences with the administration. They really do care and here to help and support the students. Obviously the current students who are posting negative comments about our school are angry/bitter for their own personal experiences and NO ONE should allow those 2 opinions to convince them to back out of interviewing here. UTCVM is an excellent program that I have had an extremely positive experience in thus far. You should most definitely come to your interview and see if you feel that it is the right fit for you. There are some great things about to happen here that incoming students are going to be so fortunate to enjoy. A huge extension of the large animal clinic is being completed right now and will be filled with state of the art equipment. The incoming training/orientation program for first year students has been modified and is so much fun and a great experience for new students.
I think saying that people are not hiring doctors that graduated from UT is ridiculous. You will always meet doctors who say that this or that school doesn't graduate competent veterinarians while this other school is the best. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and will base this off personal experiences. Ultimately, you are the only one responsible for your learning and your success. You can't rely on your school reputation to get you a job/externship/internship. If you have networked, made good impressions, and gotten good references during your 4 years of veterinary school, you will be able to succeed.
When I came for my interview last year, I was really impressed with how nice and incredibly caring the staff were. Since I have been here, I've only had wonderful experiences with the administration. They really do care and here to help and support the students. Obviously the current students who are posting negative comments about our school are angry/bitter for their own personal experiences and NO ONE should allow those 2 opinions to convince them to back out of interviewing here. UTCVM is an excellent program that I have had an extremely positive experience in thus far. You should most definitely come to your interview and see if you feel that it is the right fit for you. There are some great things about to happen here that incoming students are going to be so fortunate to enjoy. A huge extension of the large animal clinic is being completed right now and will be filled with state of the art equipment. The incoming training/orientation program for first year students has been modified and is so much fun and a great experience for new students.
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I'm stoked for UTK!!
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Sold! To TW on a ridiculously expensive plane flight!
Oh, where do you recommend staying for cheap?
