Waiting to hear back from schools.

[elkk]

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I applied to Colorado State and Michigan State (attending there for undergrad) for admissions next year. The catch is I'm trying to get in without my undergraduate degree. I'm on track with prerequisites but I'm just sitting here checking my email daily waiting to hear back.

I'm a male, 3.81 GPA, 1270 GRE, tons of vet experience. I'm just hoping I can get in this cycle but can't shake the feeling that when it comes down to it they're going to want to see me run through another year of undergrad. I'm a couple months shy of being 20, academic junior but sophomore by attendance. My numbers are pretty good, especially for MSU, but I worry they'll judge me based on age.

Anyone else had similar experiences?

 

[Chinola]

I can't tell you from my personal experience but I had a friend that was kind of in your position so I'll tell you what they told her. She applied her junior year (though she was also finishing that year). She had just turned 21 when she went for an interview at UF (her in state school). They rejected her and when she asked why they told her it was because she was too young and "needed to take some time for herself". They said "we think you'll be a great vet one day but you really need to take a year to get to know yourself more. You've put all your time into school and haven't taken any time for yourself."

But...at the very end of July she got a call saying she was accepted and now she's at UF.

So there's hope for you!

 

[laitmanvet]

There is already someone on here (psilovethomas) who got accepted to Mich state's early acceptance program and she is 19. In the threads at the top of the forum theres one "C/O 2015 threads" & the first post has a successful applicants stats link in it...her stats are in there.

 

[pennyonthefloor]

I can't tell you from my personal experience but I had a friend that was kind of in your position so I'll tell you what they told her. She applied her junior year (though she was also finishing that year). She had just turned 21 when she went for an interview at UF (her in state school). They rejected her and when she asked why they told her it was because she was too young and "needed to take some time for herself". They said "we think you'll be a great vet one day but you really need to take a year to get to know yourself more. You've put all your time into school and haven't taken any time for yourself."

I wish you the best but I have to wholeheartedly agree with the admissions board's perspective. I was in my Masters program with students fresh out of undergrad... there is something to be said about experiencing life. I know OSU is leaning toward that perspective too. For me, being rejected from vet school fresh out of undergrad was a blessing in disguise- it has driven me to pursue more than I believed I could and has taught me a lot about life. Don't be discouraged if that's what an admissions board tells you... just continue on trying to pursue your dreams.

 

[moosenanny]

I'm a first year vet student straight out from undergrad (22). I was warned before my interview by a faculty member that the admissions committee was going to especially note my maturity level, and the decision would most likely come down to that. We also have a girl who graduated from college in 3 years, so she must have demonstrated maturity and commitment in her application and interview as well. Just be sure to show dedication and that you have learned how to handle the pressures of school and life even during your shortened college experience. That's all you can do, and as a back up, you can always finish college if you need to reapply . . .

 

[katryn]

I'm a first year vet student straight out from undergrad (22). I was warned before my interview by a faculty member that the admissions committee was going to especially note my maturity level, and the decision would most likely come down to that. We also have a girl who graduated from college in 3 years, so she must have demonstrated maturity and commitment in her application and interview as well. Just be sure to show dedication and that you have learned how to handle the pressures of school and life even during your shortened college experience. That's all you can do, and as a back up, you can always finish college if you need to reapply . . .

I second this. One of my friends is finishing up 4th year clinicals and just turned 25 this past week. She got in on her first try after three years of undergrad, but in that time she had a lot of life experience too(lived on her own, worked full time, etc). It all boils down to whether or not you actually have the maturity level, not necessarily your real age.

 

[breenie]

I'm 20 years old and applying my junior year (I won't have a degree at the end of this year). Mizzou just gave me an interview, so at least they think I'm worth some of their time. I'll let you know how it works out for me. 😉

 

[skittles12]

I'm 21, and I was in the same boat as you last year--finished all the pre-reqs and applied with no undergrad degree completed. This was brought up in my interview when they asked why they should consider someone who had only completed 3 years of college. They must have liked my answer, because now I'm here about to finish my first semester! (and I will actually never have a bachelor's degree!)
Just be ready to answer why they should consider someone so young, and be sure to let them know what you can offer. Good luck!

 

[bonaparte]

I'm 19 and already done with my undergrad degree and applying for c/o 2015... I know my maturity is definitely going to come into question due to my age, but that's what an interview is for— to prove that you are able to carry yourself in a mature/dignified manner and ready to take on the responsibility of veterinary school.

 

[psilovethomas]

I think it really depends on your level of maturity and how you present your self in your application (msu doesn't interview), how you communicate with the admissions office (if you do contact them), and how you perform in your interview (at CSU).
I applied to an early admit program after only one year of college. I have junior standing but am only a sophomore by year. I felt like I was ready to apply this cycle. I had 4 years of experience under my belt and three excellent LORs that were willing to back up my love for veterinary medicine, as well as my maturity, if that ever became a question in my application.
Do you think you're ready? Are you 100% sure that this is what you want to do? Are you mature enough to handle the curriculum and and be a professional?

 

[bonaparte]

. I felt like I was ready to apply this cycle. I had 4 years of experience under my belt and three excellent LORs that were willing to back up my love for veterinary medicine, as well as my maturity, if that ever became a question in my application.
?

Oh yes, having good letter writers will definitely be a big help, especially since you can't exactly go and write about your own maturity (in your PS, for example).

 

[katryn]

I'm 21, and I was in the same boat as you last year--finished all the pre-reqs and applied with no undergrad degree completed. This was brought up in my interview when they asked why they should consider someone who had only completed 3 years of college. They must have liked my answer, because now I'm here about to finish my first semester! (and I will actually never have a bachelor's degree!)
Just be ready to answer why they should consider someone so young, and be sure to let them know what you can offer. Good luck!

....I think I know who you are now.....and yes you will have a bachelors degree. You get an honorary bachelors in animal science for finishing your first year at UTCVM if you didn't have anything already. Unless they've changed the system.

 

[laitmanvet]

....I think I know who you are now.....and yes you will have a bachelors degree. You get an honorary bachelors in animal science for finishing your first year at UTCVM if you didn't have anything already. Unless they've changed the system.

That's definitely true. You can enter vet school w/o a bachelors degree but you can't graduate w/o one. To get around this the school will award a bachelors degree before graduation.

 

[Willowhand]

I successfully applied at 19 (last year), and nobody said a thing about my age. I was finishing my bachelor's degree at the same time, but I know other young applicants have been accepted without a degree. Age is just a number; I think the important thing is to demonstrate that you are adequately mature and experienced. Your references, interview, and personal statement should all reflect that.