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[SLilaT]

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Hey everyone, I need help about veterinary experience. I have been volunteering at a veterinary hospital for a few months now and it is a great learning experience, however I feel as if I need more hours to apply for Vet school in the future. There is this pre-vet student summer program at another animal hospital, which I really want to do, however the program is 5 days a week from 9-5 for ten weeks. I would do the program in a heart beat, but I was planning to take summer classes as well. I wanted to know what is more important for Vet school, experience or school. I also wanted to know if anyone has done this program, it is in New York City at the animal medical center and would like to know how was your experience. -thanks 😀

 

[Nechochwen]

As always, it depends.

Since you want to finish your degree before applying, I would not do the program if it sets you back in graduating.

On the flip side of that, getting experience now instead of right before applying won't make you scramble for LOR's from people who have only had a short time to get to know you.

Experience is always good (both for getting in and through vet school), and I would have felt so much more confident in my application if I could have added 400 hours of vet experience.

Would not taking summer classes set back your graduation?

 

[SLilaT]

I don't think it would set me back, but I was thinking of graduating a half a semester late anyway. If I due finish on time, I would not apply during my senior year, but after I graduate with a bachelors in biology. A year ago I was rushing to finish earlier, but it effected my grades due to piling so many courses which I wasn't able to handle. Now I am taking it a bit slow so I can pick up my grades.

 

[Nechochwen]

Well, if that's the case, you would be able to get experience between graduation and application. Taking the summer courses would let you distribute your classes so that you don't get overwhelmed and you can concentrate on bringing grades up.

Do you think the pre-vet program will still be available in a couple years after you graduate?

 

[bee83]

Personally, I would pick the experience over classes in a heartbeat.

 

[Tator17]

Personally, I would pick the experience over classes in a heartbeat.

👍

 

[VeganSoprano]

Are there evening classes you could take? You may be able to do a class that starts at 5:30 pm and still do the program.

 

[SLilaT]

Nechochwen- I don't know how long this program will run, that is why I feel I should go for it now & I don't want to worry about not having enough of hours done when I apply to vet school.
cowgirla- you are probably right, the program seems very competitive, but if i do get into the program I don't know what is more important, classes or the experience.
VeganSoprano- I thought about that and I am willing to take night classes but my school is so slow that they don't know what classes are available during the summer yet.


Thanks for all the advice, I just need to wait if I get accepted into the program and then I will make my decision. I'll keep everyone posted. 😀

 

[squibby]

Thanks for all the advice, I just need to wait if I get accepted into the program and then I will make my decision. I'll keep everyone posted. 😀

That sounds like a good idea.

If your gpa isn't going to be your strongest part of your application, your veterinary experiences, letters of recommendation, and a good GRE score can make up for that. Some people are strong in all 4, and some of us need to focus on one or two of them to help our chances.

Nechochwen had a good point, that it would help you build strong LOR's.

Also, for most schools you don't HAVE to graduate before you apply, (I'm not sure what Nechochwen was referencing).