WCVM or UCVM C/O 2017

[Escalla]

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Grr! So much waiting around, not fun. UCVM still hasn't even cashed my cheque :S

Only 1.5 months until interview invites go out! 👍

 

[jmf391]

I know! So close, yet so far away! Killing me!

 

[fishfinn]

I had a little panic attack yesterday trying to log into my WCVM app. I swear, my email and password were correct but it wouldn't let me log on multiple times! Finally I was able to log on, but then I tried again and I couldn't! I'm hoping it was just being glitchy....

The only tiny bit of progress is that they received my transcript.... Yay...

 

[jmf391]

Lucky, my school won't have official marks until February and I'm still waiting for my last unofficial mark so I can email them an unofficial transcript. UGH!

 

[Escalla]

Lucky, my school won't have official marks until February and I'm still waiting for my last unofficial mark so I can email them an unofficial transcript. UGH!

jmf, are you applying to any other schools besides UCVM?

 

[jmf391]

Yep, both WCVM and UCVM. How 'bout yourself? 🙂

 

[jmf391]

So, I feel like I know a total of 7 people who are applying this year - everyone I know has either been accepted somewhere or given up. I'm really kind of curious about your guys! Here's the basics on me, if you'd like to reply with the same kind of thing I'd be interested!

Applying to: UCVM and WCVM

Total # of applications: This will be my second attempt at both schools

Degree/Major: BSc in Ag (AnSc major, 2012)

Interested in: EVERYTHING. Spent 13 years riding hunters/jumpers competitively + pony club; worked in a SA regular practice for 5 years; SA emergency practice for 4 years; SA specialty + emergency >1 year (still employed); >1 year dairy (still employed); 4 months CFIA inspection (primary, pork); 4 months QA (avian, porcine, some beef); 2 avian trials (University, turkey and broiler). Aiming for more of a production animal focus.

Academics: Ugh. My first year was a cluster - 4 Fs, academic probation... picked it up but still really not a stellar cumulative GPA, but last year did a 3.5 and last semester was a 3.6.

Preference: UCVM

🙂

 

[thenuttyclub]

So, I feel like I know a total of 7 people who are applying this year - everyone I know has either been accepted somewhere or given up. I'm really kind of curious about your guys!

Big head nod to this. Most of my friends either gave up before they even applied, or those who continued were eventually accepted after several applications. I do know a few still struggling to get into Med/Pharmacy, but feels like I'm the only one still holding the torch for Vet Med. Does that make me crazy? 😛
...I think not! But it definitely seems like the days of getting in after 1 or 2 applications is becoming the minority. You definitely need a sense of perseverance!

 

[jmf391]

For sure! I totally agree. Kind of why I'm always so shocked to hear the number of applicants is going up. I'm always left thinking "where are these people coming from?". I hardly know any!

 

[Escalla]

jmf where are you located? I'm in Calgary and work at a SA specialty + emergency centre too! 🙂

Anyways, I figured I'd post a bit about myself too since some of us could possibly be classmates one day! 🙂xf🙂

Applying to: UCVM and WCVM

Application # : 2. Applied last year to UCVM and WCVM in addition to American schools. Was accepted to Kansas State, but declined due to financial reasons.

Degree/Major: BSc in Equine Science w/ second major in Biology

Interested in: Equine. Particularly theriogenology, but I don't want to get too ahead of myself just yet. 😉 Rode hunters/jumpers in Calgary competitively for 11 years, captain of the University of Minnesota Equestrian Team for 3 years, Assistant coach for the 4th year, TA of animal reproduction class for two years, worked for equine-exclusive vet for undergrad internship, currently work in a SA specialty + emerg clinic, volunteer at a local cat shelter and attended a spay/neuter campaign to Peru. Love the small animals, but I'm looking forward to getting back to horses at some point!

Academics: Didn't do well my first two years of undergrad here, so transferred to the U.S. and essentially started over. Best decision of my school career. 🙂

Preference: I honestly have no idea. I love both schools and would be extremely happy to attend either. 😀

 

[jmf391]

Escalla, looks like we're cut from the same cloth - I also have been very interested in theriogenology for the past few years! Love repro, just finished a cattle AI course over winter break and seriously considering becoming a registered AI tech.
I'm up in Edmonton, our specialty/emergency centre is just over a year old and is the result of a merger between the emergency clinic I used to work for and some specialists - its been an interesting experience.
Are you taking classes at the U of C or Mount Royal at the moment?
Peru? That's awesome, I'm so jealous. How long were you gone for?

 

[Escalla]

That's really awesome! 😀 It's weird how that worked out, but definitely very cool! I went to U of C when I first graduated high school, but graduated from the University of Minnesota last May. I've just been working on diversifying experiences since graduation. 🙂 Peru was great and I definitely recommend anyone who's interested in a little bit of traveling + working with animals to go on a World Vets trip. I was gone for about a week and a half between my travel days, the scheduled trip and my side trip to Machu Picchu. It ended up being pretty pricey, but I felt it was well worth it.

Are you currently attending school?

 

[jmf391]

I think traveling is always worth the money! I definitely try and get out there every chance I get, but I never thought about combining travel and veterinary experience - way to be a smarty-pants 🙂.
Congratulations on your degree! Always such a nice feeling!
I am currently back in school, re-taking some pre requisite courses... We'll see if it pays off. Kind of nervous about it, I don't want to feel like I've wasted a whole lot of time and money. Ugh, my stomach hurts just thinking about it.

 

[Escalla]

It will totally pay off! Re-taking classes is a tough thing to do especially since it is such a commitment. It definitely shows that you're willing to do what it takes! 🙂

 

[jmf391]

Thanks! Yeah, it's been pretty difficult to sit through labs and lectures with 1st and 2nd years. Oh man. 😛

 

[thenuttyclub]

Thanks! Yeah, it's been pretty difficult to sit through labs and lectures with 1st and 2nd years. Oh man. 😛

BAHAHA! Don't I know it too. I took an introductory psychology course last semester and everyone was like 18. I had a moment where I felt really old. Then I put it into perspective and laughed.

Guess I could shovel out some details about me. Nothing to be intimidated about here, I guess!
Only applying to WCVM since I live in SK.
Unfortunately this is my 5th time applying 🙁 and will likely be 5th interview. I've been wait-listed twice.
BSc in Chemistry. Now just taking some post-bacc stuff in the Faculty of Arts.
Experience includes working at a dairy farm for a year, a small town mixed practice for 1.5 years, and I'm currently employed at a 24HR/emerg. clinic (going on 3 years now.) I like the idea of specialization and have definite interest in behaviour, although I'm not sure that's something I would pursue as a specialty. I want to see what's out there, first.
On the side I train agility at the RKOC, and spent 1.5 years as a trainer at PetSmart (I know, I know, but it was legitimately good information.) I've also volunteered in Costa Rica with a bird banding project (gotta love that dual-purposed travel! 😉)
Academically I've done fairly well, although I am taking what is intended to be a "best full year" right now. Because to be honest, some of my chemistry courses killed me. It makes me wish they would look at the size of the class and the class average to know that everyone was right around where I was! And that was considered "doing well." If only...!

Feels pretty miniscule after reading your guys' stuff. I guess everyone has their own niche... Come on, March!

 

[Escalla]

I would just like to say kudos to you for not giving up on your dream. It's emotionally draining to go through this process multiple times and it really takes something extra to keep going. Which organization did you go to Costa Rica with? That sounds like a lot of fun!

I'm also a former-waitlister. Did you move up the waitlist at all or is it really a crap shoot based on the applicant pool? The waitlist is beyond frustrating. The greatest torture always comes with a glimmer of hope. 🙁

 

[jmf391]

BAHAHA! Don't I know it too. I took an introductory psychology course last semester and everyone was like 18. I had a moment where I felt really old. Then I put it into perspective and laughed.

Guess I could shovel out some details about me. Nothing to be intimidated about here, I guess!
Only applying to WCVM since I live in SK.
Unfortunately this is my 5th time applying 🙁 and will likely be 5th interview. I've been wait-listed twice.
BSc in Chemistry. Now just taking some post-bacc stuff in the Faculty of Arts.
Experience includes working at a dairy farm for a year, a small town mixed practice for 1.5 years, and I'm currently employed at a 24HR/emerg. clinic (going on 3 years now.) I like the idea of specialization and have definite interest in behaviour, although I'm not sure that's something I would pursue as a specialty. I want to see what's out there, first.
On the side I train agility at the RKOC, and spent 1.5 years as a trainer at PetSmart (I know, I know, but it was legitimately good information.) I've also volunteered in Costa Rica with a bird banding project (gotta love that dual-purposed travel! 😉)
Academically I've done fairly well, although I am taking what is intended to be a "best full year" right now. Because to be honest, some of my chemistry courses killed me. It makes me wish they would look at the size of the class and the class average to know that everyone was right around where I was! And that was considered "doing well." If only...!

Feels pretty miniscule after reading your guys' stuff. I guess everyone has their own niche... Come on, March!

That's awesome - in a sense - I'd be over the moon if I could get an interview, but I can understand being so close, yet so far with being wait listed. I have a good feeling though - this is your year! 🙂
You and Escalla are world travellers! Good stuff.
Seems like everyone is actually a good vet school applicant in here. I'm not sure about you guys but it's been pretty frustrating for me, watching some people who have little to no experience be accepted. I'm not saying I wish ill on them or that they didn't work hard, I just feel like there are going to be some very disappointed new DVMs in a few years.

 

[Escalla]

I'm not sure about you guys but it's been pretty frustrating for me, watching some people who have little to no experience be accepted. I'm not saying I wish ill on them or that they didn't work hard, I just feel like there are going to be some very disappointed new DVMs in a few years.

I find this especially with some of those accepted to UCVM. It seems like the process is made so that people with little to no experience can be accepted right away. No vet reference required, they don't ask about your vet experience in the interview, and I'm not sure if your experience even helps you get the interview. If you're good at BS'ing through the MMI, you're pretty much a shoo-in. 😡

 

[jmf391]

Yeah, I've witnessed this happening a couple times - especially the first couple of years they opened their doors. Although I think they're still refining their admissions, seems to me their getting more difficult. Could be wrong though, it's happened before 😛

 

[LeilaFay]

Oh man... I definitely don't miss that waiting period!

Re-taking classes: definitely worth it! It worked for me anyway!

Wait listed twice? That sucks... Especially since I hear SK wait list doesn't move much. You've had lots of practice interviewing so you should kill it this year!

About me: really like to procrastinate studying, and browse SDN 😉

BC transplant to AB for four years where I completed an after degree in Zoology. I had moved to AB so I could apply to both schools, but only got accepted at WCVM.

When I applied I knew less than a handful of people who were applying at the same time. Then when I got to the school I recognized a few more, which is nice. You make lots of new friends anyway, so it doesn't matter who else is applying next to you.

And there are a lot of "young" people in our class... So the applicants are getting younger??? 😉

The rest of my stats are on some other thread if you wish to review them.

 

[jmf391]

How is WCVM so far? I've heard the profs are pretty rough on the students (especially in 4th year).

 

[LeilaFay]

Yeah, I've witnessed this happening a couple times - especially the first couple of years they opened their doors. Although I think they're still refining their admissions, seems to me their getting more difficult. Could be wrong though, it's happened before 😛

Actually the first couple years were a more mature group of students - a friend of mine teaches there. Now with so many applicants, interviews that are given out are more and more related to grades. Good people ARE getting turned down because they aren't in the top 128 of the application pool as far as grades are concerned.

Yes, MMI only had one question about overall experience. But every question should be answered from personal experiences.

I don't know which is worse though! I'm kind of glad I only had to do MMI once. So tough when your odds of acceptance are still low even if you get to that stage! But like you said, if you're good at formulating your answers ahead of time, you can ace the MMI.

 

[jmf391]

All the people I know that got in 3-4 years ago were 2nd or 3rd year students - although I guess it's like anything, all depends on who you ask. I just hope they give me a chance this year (fingers crossed).

 

[LeilaFay]

How is WCVM so far? I've heard the profs are pretty rough on the students (especially in 4th year).

Oh I think it's awesome!

There will always be profs you prefer over others. I mentally catalogue little things about profs if I see or hear anything, but unless someone does something terrible to me personally it doesn't affect me.

Some people say profs have their "favourites" - everyone does when you develop close relationships with people, seeing them day in day out, and of course one would hope that doesn't change how they treat individuals. There are tough exams, and tougher markers - but not reflective of how they treat their students in my perspective. Some of my fave lecturers have written really tough exams, and marked even harder!

Long story short - yes, there probably are profs who are rough on their students! LOL but the ones I felt were the most intimidating, turned out to be super helpful when I had questions.

 

[LeilaFay]

All the people I know that got in 3-4 years ago were 2nd or 3rd year students - although I guess it's like anything, all depends on who you ask. I just hope they give me a chance this year (fingers crossed).

True! Plus I'm older, so the ones I know are likely older!

 

[jmf391]

Oh I think it's awesome!

There will always be profs you prefer over others. I mentally catalogue little things about profs if I see or hear anything, but unless someone does something terrible to me personally it doesn't affect me.

Some people say profs have their "favourites" - everyone does when you develop close relationships with people, seeing them day in day out, and of course one would hope that doesn't change how they treat individuals. There are tough exams, and tougher markers - but not reflective of how they treat their students in my perspective. Some of my fave lecturers have written really tough exams, and marked even harder!

Long story short - yes, there probably are profs who are rough on their students! LOL but the ones I felt were the most intimidating, turned out to be super helpful when I had questions.

That's good, sounds like you're enjoying it so far 🙂

 

[Escalla]

Hey Leila, I have question about transplanting -- can you still apply the year that you have moved? If for example, I didn't make it into either school this year and decided to pick up and move to a different province in the summer, would I still be able to apply next year? Just curious. 🙂

 

[Braki]

How is WCVM so far? I've heard the profs are pretty rough on the students (especially in 4th year).

Fourth year is rough depending on your rotation. On some rotations you'll be practically living at the school, sometimes getting less than an hour of sleep. Other rotations are very 9-5.

The first semester of third year was pretty hellish too, but I don't know, maybe it was just me.

 

[LeilaFay]

Hey Leila, I have question about transplanting -- can you still apply the year that you have moved? If for example, I didn't make it into either school this year and decided to pick up and move to a different province in the summer, would I still be able to apply next year? Just curious. 🙂

If you're moving, say to SK, and you move before the first day of classes (mid to late Aug), then you'd be considered a SK resident for the following application cycle, as long as you're not attending school. So if you moved to the East coast, then I think you wouldn't qualify for WCVM/UCVM.

If you're just moving for the summer, you'd still be able to apply as an AB resident. It's 12 months in a province before switching residency. So! If you find an awesome summer job traveling around the world, go for it! 😉

 

[thenuttyclub]

I would just like to say kudos to you for not giving up on your dream. It's emotionally draining to go through this process multiple times and it really takes something extra to keep going. Which organization did you go to Costa Rica with? That sounds like a lot of fun!

I'm also a former-waitlister. Did you move up the waitlist at all or is it really a crap shoot based on the applicant pool? The waitlist is beyond frustrating. The greatest torture always comes with a glimmer of hope. 🙁

I went to Costa Rica with International Student Volunteers. It was seriously an amazing experience. 2 weeks volunteering/learning the language and culture, then 2 weeks traveling and seeing bits and pieces of what Costa Rica had to offer. Completely surreal. Mostly because for 2 weeks I literally stayed in a solar powered, Swiss family Robinson-esque hut in the rainforest on a mountain. Seriously!

As far as waitlist... it doesn't seem to move much. The first time, one person dropped out or didn't accept (crazy!) so I moved up to #1 which was awful in its own right. This year it didn't move at all. So, yeah. Crapshoot.
I'm just hoping they are getting sick of seeing my application, and my face. They know me, and I'd like to think that being so close several times speaks to my candidacy. Every year I think, this has GOT to be the year!

 

[Escalla]

I'm just hoping they are getting sick of seeing my application, and my face. They know me, and I'd like to think that being so close several times speaks to my candidacy. Every year I think, this has GOT to be the year!

I'm rooting for you!!!! I really hope it happens this year!

And I'm definitely looking into going to Costa Rica if I don't get in this year. That sounds amazing!

 

[jmf391]

I too have a good feeling about this year for you! Will send good vibes!🙂

 

[jmf391]

So a little off-topic, but I want to adopt a dog later this year - any suggestions on where to look? Experiences?

 

[LeilaFay]

So a little off-topic, but I want to adopt a dog later this year - any suggestions on where to look? Experiences?

I don't know anyone in the Edm area. But I know people in Calgary and area who are foster parents.

 

[Escalla]

So a little off-topic, but I want to adopt a dog later this year - any suggestions on where to look? Experiences?

I have only adopted two cats thus far, but I would recommend looking on the internet for a dog that would match what you're looking for and then going from there. One of my cats was from AARCS and they were pretty good to go through and I know they mainly shelter dogs. They get new ones in all the time. Calgary Humane, AARCS, ARF, Pound Rescue, etc. are all good places to check out. 🙂

 

[Katrina2260]

Escalla do you go to school while you work at emerg? I want to apply for a job at Guardian in Edmonton, but worried it might be too much with school. Are they pretty flexible with hours at emerg clinics? I will have to email them.

 

[Escalla]

Katrina, I graduated last May but I can't say I would be working there if I was attending classes as well. It may be different at other emerg clinics, but it's usually 10 hr shifts in reception and 12 hr shifts in the back at my clinic. I only fill in for people now as it became too much since I work for an engineering firm as well. If you're really interested in emerg, I would recommend shadowing. That way you don't have the same time commitment as a job and you can keep school at #1! 🙂

 

[jmf391]

Katrina, I agree with Escalla - I worked both regular practice and emerge throughout my entire BSc and it was pretty rough especially for my first two years or so before I developed some good study habits and learned what worked for me. It's do-able but you have to plan ahead, schedule carefully and put school first. I would actually try applying to a regular practice first for a couple of reasons:
1. Emergency isn't for everyone, it's stressful and upsetting sometimes and I found it useful that I started in regular practice and developed skills there before moving to emerge. (Additionally training for part-time people sometimes has gaps - just the nature of the beast, never know what's going to happen during a shift)
2. In general, emergency practices are hard-up for full time people - they have lots of people who just want day shifts on weekends so you might be at a disadvantage from a hiring perspective with having school during the week.
If it's something you want to dive into can't hurt to apply right? But I would start with regular practice (example: nice 6-8 hour shift on Saturday) and see how it mixes with school. 🙂

 

[Katrina2260]

I will definetly have to look into it. I volunteered at an emerg clinic, but this other one is also a speciality clinic that does not allow volunteers, but pehaps they would offer shadowing!

Thanks guys! Def some good suggestions.

 

[jumpergirl]

Hello All!
Just needing a moment to stress... I was looking at my transcript and my GPA isnt quite as high as I thought it was. I def picked up my socks in the last two years, especially the last year but I am still worried that my not so hot first year and stupid physics is going to hold me back! gah
I just want to get in already! I just moved to Stoon and I have a friend in WCVM so I get to hang out with her and her friends and it kills me that we still have so long to wait until we even hear if we get an interview!

I really enjoyed reading the little blurbs about you guys so Im going to continue to trend...

I am applying to WCVM
Application #: this will be my third year applying (knocking on wood that this year will be the year)
Degree: I got my Bach of Science this April, majoring in Animal Biology
Interests; my life has pretty much consisted of riding in the hunter/jumper circuit in BC, Alberta and Northern States. It is pretty much my life but now that I dont have my horse in my "backyard" my main focus has changed to my dog and discovering agility with him! I have worked in large and small animal clinics (I work in a small animal one full time right now) as well as in a pig barn. My life is horses but I am almost starting to lean towards small animal so I have the luxury of enjoying my horse and not having to deal with other peoples...of course I am so open to either one. I was in 4-H for 12 or so years when I was young and that was great as well.

Academics: I have the same story as most...stupid first year holding me back. but I picked my GPA each semester and managed to graduate on the Deans List with an awesome last year GPA

 

[Escalla]

My life is horses but I am almost starting to lean towards small animal so I have the luxury of enjoying my horse and not having to deal with other peoples...of course I am so open to either one.

This has crossed my mind many times! Especially after working in a SA clinic for a bit. Horse owners being the less desirable clients in general.

Where are you from originally? I'm hoping it works out for you this year!

 

[jmf391]

Sounds like you're doing everything right, jumpergirl - I have my fingers crossed for you 🙂

 

[jumpergirl]

Im from BC originally. Thanks Escalla and jmf391! right back at you guys!
Is it just me or does it seem like the whole process is easier when your in a forum...the more info the better! mind you...as i experienced last year, the part that sucks about the forum is when everyone else is getting interviews and acceptance except you! haha not this year for us tho right!

 

[jmf391]

Completely agree! I actually have a counter on my phone counting down until March, can hardly stand it. You're right though, I always feel like I'm stressing out or bothering my friends when I talk about this stuff. Hope not! Anyway, you're right - this is our year. They have to let us in sooner or later!!!

 

[thenuttyclub]

Is it just me or does it seem like the whole process is easier when your in a forum...the more info the better! mind you...as i experienced last year, the part that sucks about the forum is when everyone else is getting interviews and acceptance except you! haha not this year for us tho right!

The way I see it:
Pro of the forum - It's like a mini-support group. Only less intimidating because I know none of you face-to-face (haha!) Plus there is the added bonus of seasoned advice.

Con of the forum (not just WCVM/UCVM thread, but SDN in general) - You constantly stack yourself up against others and creep on other threads reading the credentials of people who are irrelevant because they don't even live in your country... and you panic just that much more...!

PS. Everyone on this forum is getting in this year. It's the positive brain-waves we're emitting here...

 

[fishfinn]

Lol I honestly hate this whole forum, except for this thread only. Everyone else is already getting interviews and even acceptances. Plus, this whole forum seems to be full of vet students who act like they run the place.

 

[jmf391]

So just thought I'd change up the topic a little (again) - a couple of friends attending the UCVM posted an article regarding the "what human physicians can learn from veterinarians" topic. (Here's a link: http://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/20...n-from-vets/blxikDkBpd4YCG3OJq9k1N/story.html)
I actually bought this author's book last year, entitled "Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing". I think it makes some interesting points and definitely recommend reading it!
Some other books that I found particularly interesting or useful are:
Temple Grandin "Animals in Translation"
Nick Trout "Tell me Where it Hurts: A Day of Humour, Healing and Hope in my Life as an Animal Surgeon"
Temple Grandin "Animals Make Us Human"
There are a couple more that the title and author escapes me... Does anyone else have any recommendations for good reads?

 

[windyharlow]

Thought I'd chime in as well!

Applying to: WCVM

Total # of applications: This will be my second attempt.

Degree/Major: BSc. in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph

Interested in: Everything. Hoping to become a mixed animal vet. 🙂 I have a rather interesting situation.. I'm originally from Manitoba. I went to college for Vet. Tech. and then decided to move to Ontario as I had a wonderful job opportunity at the Ontario Vet. College as a vet tech and have worked in departments all over the hospital such as large animal and small animal wards, small animal ICU, and anesthesia. I'm now just part-time working there, and full-time in my third year of my BSc.

Academics: Pretty well the same as everyone.. did not so hot some semesters, but have picked up my socks.

Preference: WCVM. People often ask me why if I'm in Ontario why I don't apply to the OVC.. and to be quite honest.. I want to be closer to home, and have heard wonderful things about the WCVM. 🙂

 

[LeilaFay]

Thought I'd chime in as well!

Applying to: WCVM

Total # of applications: This will be my second attempt.

Degree/Major: BSc. in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph

Interested in: Everything. Hoping to become a mixed animal vet. 🙂 I have a rather interesting situation.. I'm originally from Manitoba. I went to college for Vet. Tech. and then decided to move to Ontario as I had a wonderful job opportunity at the Ontario Vet. College as a vet tech and have worked in departments all over the hospital such as large animal and small animal wards, small animal ICU, and anesthesia. I'm now just part-time working there, and full-time in my third year of my BSc.

Academics: Pretty well the same as everyone.. did not so hot some semesters, but have picked up my socks.

Preference: WCVM. People often ask me why if I'm in Ontario why I don't apply to the OVC.. and to be quite honest.. I want to be closer to home, and have heard wonderful things about the WCVM. 🙂

You have tons of experience! Good luck on this cycle!