WCVM/ UCVM c/o 2019

[JPML]

Hello everyone! I just want to start a thread for WCVM/UCVM 2019 applicants.

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[Sally and Z]

Thanks for starting this thread!
I've applied to both schools this year for the first time and have read that having a graduate degree isn't considered in selection for interviews. Does anyone have any knowledge of whether having another degree would be beneficial at all or if it's still just primarily undergraduate GPA that is used for interview selection?
It says that GPA is really all that is used for WCVM but then also says people with lower GPAs do get in and you don't need "straight A's" so I'm wondering, with so few interviews given, how that would ever happen if interviews are selected on GPA alone.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[dls116]

They will usually interview double the amount they admit per province. So yes, GPA is the only criteria used to decide interviews but after that you can help out your overall score by doing well on the interview. GPA counts for 60% and interview 40% of your overall total score, so GPA is still worth more in the long run but you don't necessarily need high 80s and 90s to make it in. I had mid-80s after calculating 1/3 best full year and 2/3 overall GPA and still managed to get a first round interview along with acceptance after the interview process was over.

 

[Sally and Z]

They will usually interview double the amount they admit per province. So yes, GPA is the only criteria used to decide interviews but after that you can help out your overall score by doing well on the interview. GPA counts for 60% and interview 40% of your overall total score, so GPA is still worth more in the long run but you don't necessarily need high 80s and 90s to make it in. I had mid-80s after calculating 1/3 best full year and 2/3 overall GPA and still managed to get a first round interview along with acceptance after the interview process was over.

I'm about mid-80's as well I think for undergraduate marks (if I converted everything right) so it is great to hear that it worked out for you, thanks for the reply!!

 

[ianyniu]

Hey guys, I'm applying to WCVM too, but I'm not sure how you guys converted your grades. I realize that 2/3 is from overall average and 1/3 from best full year average, but I'm going to a university out of province so my GPA is on a different system where 4.3 is the maximum for an A+ grade. Are there guidelines for how to convert my grades for universities with different GPA scales?

 

[Sally and Z]

I found this conversion from letter grades to percentages and so I think the 4.3 vs. 4.0 won't matter maybe? I can't say for sure but here's my best guess for converting. If anyone else has found something different, feel free to correct me.

A+ 93%
A 88%
A- 83%
B+ 78%
B 75%
B- 73%
C+ 68%
C 65%

 

[Sally and Z]

It does seem weird that the highest possible percentage is 93...

 

[noodle3]

Hey guys!

I've creeped on this forum for years and finally decided to join up! I've applied to WCVM from BC for the first time and I'm not expecting much, but I figured I would give it a go.

Regarding the grades and GPA conversion, your university should have information on how your grades convert to different scales. Do you not receive any sort of percentages?

 

[Sally and Z]

Has anyone taken the MMI interview prep course? Any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile/helpful would be great! It seems you have to register prior to finding out if you actually have an interview which is a bit strange!

 

[jcbunny]

Hey everyone

Lots of WCVM applicants here- any UCVM?

 

[Sally and Z]

Hey everyone

Lots of WCVM applicants here- any UCVM?

I've applied to both schools!

 

[ZoeZoe]

Hello Everyone! Are there any BC applicants on here? It's my first time applying this year, I'm already nervously waiting to here about interviews or not.

 

[Capucinus]

Hey everyone

Lots of WCVM applicants here- any UCVM?

Both schools, first time applicant from Alberta. Usually there are so many from BC and AB so I'm not getting my hopes to high. I just want to make it to the interview stage, fingers crossed Good luck everyone!

 

[noodle3]

Hello Everyone! Are there any BC applicants on here? It's my first time applying this year, I'm already nervously waiting to here about interviews or not.

Yep! First time BC applicant here. I hear you about the nervous thing :s.

 

[JPML]

Same here! I'm a first time BC applicant! Good luck everyone! Does anyone know when do they usually send out interviews?

 

[Sally and Z]

I think the first round of interview offers go out in early March.

 

[ZoeZoe]

Yep! First time BC applicant here. I hear you about the nervous thing :s.

Same here! I'm a first time BC applicant! Good luck everyone! Does anyone know when do they usually send out interviews?

I was looking at a thread from last year and it looked like they found out around March 7th.

Honestly, the sooner the better for me. Most of my friends are pre-med and found out if they had interviews back in December and are just finishing their interviews now. So I'm always getting the question, "have you found out yet?" from not only my family, but also my friends.

 

[Capucinus]

Looks like last year UCVM went out as early as Feb 27th, although people kept getting emails regarding interviews for a few days. WCVM looks like they send out closer to the end of the first week of March. Two years ago UCVM went out on March 5th, and WCVM went out March 13th... who knows how different this year will be?

 

[LeilaFay]

Thanks for starting this thread!
I've applied to both schools this year for the first time and have read that having a graduate degree isn't considered in selection for interviews. Does anyone have any knowledge of whether having another degree would be beneficial at all or if it's still just primarily undergraduate GPA that is used for interview selection?
It says that GPA is really all that is used for WCVM but then also says people with lower GPAs do get in and you don't need "straight A's" so I'm wondering, with so few interviews given, how that would ever happen if interviews are selected on GPA alone.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!

Re: graduate degrees - in the past few years they have been taken into consideration. As long as you have demonstrated good grades with a full course load - which is often what research based graduate degrees will lack.

Again, past years have had a 2/3's emphasis on grades. Avg GPA differs by province with the most competition coming out of AB and BC.

In general, interviews are given out by GPA - and I think I saw someone post already... They will interview twice the number they accept (20 from AB -> interview 40).

UCVM a interviews on grades as well, but they have a different selection. Interviewing wayyyy more than are accepted. At least in the years that I was applying.


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[LeilaFay]

I'm a 3rd year WCVMer, interviewed at both UCVM and WCVM. I'm just checking in here to see how people are doing. I will try to check back as interview dates get posted in case people are anxious about that process.

Good luck everyone!


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[Capucinus]

I'm a 3rd year WCVMer, interviewed at both UCVM and WCVM. I'm just checking in here to see how people are doing. I will try to check back as interview dates get posted in case people are anxious about that process.

Good luck everyone!


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Thanks so much for posting,

I have a question about WCVM. I am really interested in exotics/wildlife and I have extensive experience in these areas. I was wondering if you had any experience with this side of the WCVM program or any additional clubs/resources provided in this area outside of regular class? Also what do you like/not like about WCVM? Also, what made you choose WCVM over UCVM? I am really interested in both sides, the good, and bad of each school.

I feel like I really need to get more first hand accounts of both schools so that I can make a more informed decision. I have visited UCVM but haven't had the opportunity to visit WCVM.

 

[LeilaFay]

Thanks so much for posting,

I have a question about WCVM. I am really interested in exotics/wildlife and I have extensive experience in these areas. I was wondering if you had any experience with this side of the WCVM program or any additional clubs/resources provided in this area outside of regular class? Also what do you like/not like about WCVM? Also, what made you choose WCVM over UCVM? I am really interested in both sides, the good, and bad of each school.

I feel like I really need to get more first hand accounts of both schools so that I can make a more informed decision. I have visited UCVM but haven't had the opportunity to visit WCVM.

Hey there,

What type of exotics/wildlife are you looking for?

We currently have an avian specialist who heads the exotic/wildlife/zoo service as part of the Veterinary Medical Centre. There is a resident and two interns who work with her.

Then there are pathologists who work on the disease aspects of wildlife.

As a DVM student I'm part of WEAMS (http://www.usask.ca/groups/weams/) and the club attempts to encompass the exotic/wildlife/zoo portion. While I believe the WDA student chapter does more of the field work with wildlife.

Most of the wildlife cases that I have seen are birds, mainly raptors. But I've also taken the time to join the interns with client cases in the exotic pets. If you're interested in learning more about the exotics/wildlife/zoo service, feel free to PM me.

I can't say much about the UCVM a program, since I haven't been through it. Perhaps a current UCVMer can pipe in here. I think they have to stream earlier in their education, whereas WCVMers graduate as more generalists. UCVMers get hands on very early in their education, while I guess we spend that time on the theory behind it. Where UCVM lacks is the teaching hospital that we have for our 4th year, which has been the deciding factor for some of my classmates who got accepted to both. My decision was made for me! I consider that a blessing, since I never had to decide which school to go to.

What do I not like about WCVM? I'd say the worst of it is the winters. I grew up in the lower mainland of BC, and the minus 40 windchill gets to me. Calgary at least has Chinooks. But as far as the school and curriculum goes, you get through it. No one enjoys writing exams, but they're there. The admin folks are awesome at helping out those who struggle through tough times, academic or personal. But everyone knows that the second half of third year is the best time, so I'm speaking from the best time of our DVM I just keep telling 1st and 2nd years that it gets better!


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[Sally and Z]

Re: graduate degrees - in the past few years they have been taken into consideration. As long as you have demonstrated good grades with a full course load - which is often what research based graduate degrees will lack.

Again, past years have had a 2/3's emphasis on grades. Avg GPA differs by province with the most competition coming out of AB and BC.

In general, interviews are given out by GPA - and I think I saw someone post already... They will interview twice the number they accept (20 from AB -> interview 40).

UCVM a interviews on grades as well, but they have a different selection. Interviewing wayyyy more than are accepted. At least in the years that I was applying.


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Yes, my PhD is research based (with just a few classes, which will add to the GPA but not much since there are only 3!) so I wasn't sure if that would have any impact on whether I would get an interview or not. It seems from the way they describe it that interviews are 100% based on GPA so I thought likely not but figured I would ask! Thanks, its good to hear from someone who (successfully!) went through this whole process.

 

[Capucinus]

Yes, my PhD is research based (with just a few classes, which will add to the GPA but not much since there are only 3!) so I wasn't sure if that would have any impact on whether I would get an interview or not. It seems from the way they describe it that interviews are 100% based on GPA so I thought likely not but figured I would ask! Thanks, its good to hear from someone who (successfully!) went through this whole process.

I think one reason they say that is because its hard to know how to accurately compare two different graduate programs. They vary so much in content and expectations, even between departments in the same university. For example I had to go through a 3hr defence, but in another program they have to give a mini-lecture to the department, I was required to take 4 courses but another graduate student had to take 6. Its much easier for them to use grades because they are relatively simple to compare between students (even if the quality/difficulty of a course may vary from school to school).

That being said, I would think that your research will positively contribute to your interviews, it will be something that stands out and goes way beyond an undergraduate level research project. I would let that shine through.

 

[Capucinus]

Hey there,

What type of exotics/wildlife are you looking for?

We currently have an avian specialist who heads the exotic/wildlife/zoo service as part of the Veterinary Medical Centre. There is a resident and two interns who work with her.

Then there are pathologists who work on the disease aspects of wildlife.

As a DVM student I'm part of WEAMS (http://www.usask.ca/groups/weams/) and the club attempts to encompass the exotic/wildlife/zoo portion. While I believe the WDA student chapter does more of the field work with wildlife.

Most of the wildlife cases that I have seen are birds, mainly raptors. But I've also taken the time to join the interns with client cases in the exotic pets. If you're interested in learning more about the exotics/wildlife/zoo service, feel free to PM me.

I can't say much about the UCVM a program, since I haven't been through it. Perhaps a current UCVMer can pipe in here. I think they have to stream earlier in their education, whereas WCVMers graduate as more generalists. UCVMers get hands on very early in their education, while I guess we spend that time on the theory behind it. Where UCVM lacks is the teaching hospital that we have for our 4th year, which has been the deciding factor for some of my classmates who got accepted to both. My decision was made for me! I consider that a blessing, since I never had to decide which school to go to.

What do I not like about WCVM? I'd say the worst of it is the winters. I grew up in the lower mainland of BC, and the minus 40 windchill gets to me. Calgary at least has Chinooks. But as far as the school and curriculum goes, you get through it. No one enjoys writing exams, but they're there. The admin folks are awesome at helping out those who struggle through tough times, academic or personal. But everyone knows that the second half of third year is the best time, so I'm speaking from the best time of our DVM I just keep telling 1st and 2nd years that it gets better!


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This is super helpful, thank you. I really love working with birds and luckily thats mostly what we get at the wildlife center. I don't have much zoo experience but I am working on it because it is an area I am interested in - although its rather difficult to get zoo experience where I live. I'll look more into the avian specialist to help me prep for the interviews. The reason why I really enjoy working at the wildlife center is that we get so many interesting and diverse cases, I like the challenge of rehabilitation. I definitely know about WEAMS, and thats one part that makes WCVM attractive to me because I don't want to stall on all the things I have learned working at the wildlife center.

I guess my follow-up question would be, can you join more than one club? I've heard the course work can be pretty gruelling, do you feel you have enough time to join these clubs and really get what you want from them?

The teaching hospital is another aspect that is a really big draw for me over UCVM - obviously both schools set you up with a good education - but I really want to make the most of my four years, and a lot of the vets I have talked to say that the teaching hospital is a very valuable resource. In some ways I hope I am given a choice, but in reality I am just hoping to get an interview first. Thanks again for your help and if I think of any more questions I'll PM you.

 

[LeilaFay]

I think one reason they say that is because its hard to know how to accurately compare two different graduate programs. They vary so much in content and expectations, even between departments in the same university. For example I had to go through a 3hr defence, but in another program they have to give a mini-lecture to the department, I was required to take 4 courses but another graduate student had to take 6. Its much easier for them to use grades because they are relatively simple to compare between students (even if the quality/difficulty of a course may vary from school to school).

That being said, I would think that your research will positively contribute to your interviews, it will be something that stands out and goes way beyond an undergraduate level research project. I would let that shine through.

Agreed on the research part. If you ever want to specialize, that will definitely set you apart from those who did UG research/DVM.

 

[LeilaFay]

This is super helpful, thank you. I really love working with birds and luckily thats mostly what we get at the wildlife center. I don't have much zoo experience but I am working on it because it is an area I am interested in - although its rather difficult to get zoo experience where I live. I'll look more into the avian specialist to help me prep for the interviews. The reason why I really enjoy working at the wildlife center is that we get so many interesting and diverse cases, I like the challenge of rehabilitation. I definitely know about WEAMS, and thats one part that makes WCVM attractive to me because I don't want to stall on all the things I have learned working at the wildlife center.

I guess my follow-up question would be, can you join more than one club? I've heard the course work can be pretty gruelling, do you feel you have enough time to join these clubs and really get what you want from them?

The teaching hospital is another aspect that is a really big draw for me over UCVM - obviously both schools set you up with a good education - but I really want to make the most of my four years, and a lot of the vets I have talked to say that the teaching hospital is a very valuable resource. In some ways I hope I am given a choice, but in reality I am just hoping to get an interview first. Thanks again for your help and if I think of any more questions I'll PM you.

Yes, you can join as many clubs as you like! WEAMS is the only one where you will have weekly/monthly work to do, depending on caseload. As for other clubs, some labs are only offered to club members, so depending on what you want to try as far as labs go you may join a few clubs just so you can attend the labs. It only takes additional time if you take on an executive position. But that being said, having an executive position shows you have the leadership skills required out in the work place. Most clubs have third years running the exec, second years shadowing as junior reps to take over in third year, but it depends on how eager the class is.

But yes, get that interview!! You can't get accepted without it

 

[SunnyAntia]

Hey guys!

First time Alberta applicant here to both WCVM and UCVM. February is not even over yet and I'm already so nervous about getting an interview offer I feel like i'm going to jump out of my skin. Checking the portal every day even though I know there isn't going to be anything there hahaha

I applied as an equity acceptance this year as I have aboriginal heritage on my fathers side, out of curiosity are there any other aboriginal applicants here this year? They're always really good about posting grade averages and minimum acceptances for normal provincial applicants, but wondering if anyone has any idea about how the averages for equity applicants match up.

I know the pool is obviously a lot smaller, but my grades aren't amazing (around low 80's) fingers crossed!

 

[noodle3]

Ahh the nerves! Does anyone know how the second round interview invites work? Do they wait to see your term 2 grades before sending them out? I know that will make a big difference for me.

 

[LeilaFay]

Ahh the nerves! Does anyone know how the second round interview invites work? Do they wait to see your term 2 grades before sending them out? I know that will make a big difference for me.

Yes, if you are in classes currently, they will ask for unofficial grades, since sometimes official grades aren't posted by the time they send out offers.

 

[noodle3]

Yes, if you are in classes currently, they will ask for unofficial grades, since sometimes official grades aren't posted by the time they send out offers.

Thanks!! Do you know when abouts WCVM sends out their second interview invites? My grades aren't stellar, so I'm not really holding my breath for a first round one.

 

[SunnyAntia]

I'm a little confused about how they calculate the grades, although I know it's been discussed a lot. So 1/3 is your best full YEAR, but how does the year you're currently finishing factor into calculating for first round interviews? The final grades for my fall semester were on my transcript when I sent them in, and it's definitely been my best semester so far, but because it's only half a year and not a full year does it just get counted into the 2/3 average, or will they take what I have so far from this year as "my best year"? If it is my best year will it not be counted as such until the full year is finished in April?

From what I've read in previous years forums it looks like second round interviews are usually in May. Waiting till June to find out is bad enough, but not knowing until May whether you even have an interview is brutal. I'm the type of person who loves to plan ahead and get things done, the thought of having next fall up in the air with no plans until June is going to have me chewing my nails off hahaha.

 

[ZoeZoe]

Hey guys!

First time Alberta applicant here to both WCVM and UCVM. February is not even over yet and I'm already so nervous about getting an interview offer I feel like i'm going to jump out of my skin. Checking the portal every day even though I know there isn't going to be anything there hahaha

I applied as an equity acceptance this year as I have aboriginal heritage on my fathers side, out of curiosity are there any other aboriginal applicants here this year? They're always really good about posting grade averages and minimum acceptances for normal provincial applicants, but wondering if anyone has any idea about how the averages for equity applicants match up.

I know the pool is obviously a lot smaller, but my grades aren't amazing (around low 80's) fingers crossed!

Hi SunnyAntia!

I'm a first time BC applicant and I'm also applying as an equity applicant! I couldn't find any statistics for equity applicants, but my average is in the high 80's. It's my understanding that you get ranked in your province first and then the equity pool.

Good luck!!

 

[SunnyAntia]

Hey! Nice to meet someone in the same boat!

Yah, I believe your right, you get considered in your province first. Thing is I definitely don't think my grades will be high enough to get an interview in the Alberta pool with it getting more and more competitive every year, I doubt my low 80's average will cut it. But who knows, just keeping my fingers crossed at this point and hoping for the best!

Good luck to you too!

 

[LeilaFay]

Thanks!! Do you know when abouts WCVM sends out their second interview invites? My grades aren't stellar, so I'm not really holding my breath for a first round one.

Hmm... If I can remember it was early May when they asked for unofficial transcripts. I want to say mid-May when they sent interview offers.

 

[LeilaFay]

I'm a little confused about how they calculate the grades, although I know it's been discussed a lot. So 1/3 is your best full YEAR, but how does the year your currently finishing factor into calculating for first round interviews? The final grades for my fall semester were on my transcript when I sent them in, and it's definitely been my best semester so far, but because it's only half a year and not a full year does it just get counted into the 2/3 average, or will they take what I have so far from this year as "my best year"? If it is my best year will it not be counted as such until the full year is finished in April?

From what I've read in previous years forums it looks like second round interviews are usually in May. Waiting till June to find out is bad enough, but not knowing until May whether you even have an interview is brutal. I'm the type of person who loves to plan ahead and get things done, the thought of having next fall up in the air with no plans until June is going to have me chewing my nails off hahaha.

In the past, first round interviews were given to the top ranked for grades. I don't know how they take into consideration the full school year, maybe it's best year up to that point. As much as people would like to try to figure this out from year to year, your rank can change drastically depending on the pool of applicants you're competing against. I don't know how they take that into consideration. My guess would be wait until your April grades are in.

Oh, always have a plan B! Even during your interview you might get asked that. Even if it is to continue to do well in your Bachelors and reapply the following year!

 

[SunnyAntia]

Oh definitely! Seems like no matter how much you try and analyze yourself and figure out where your going to stand at the end of the day you just have to wait and see where you end up in your pool.

I'm finishing my bachelors in April, so will have to start another program in the fall if my grades fall short. I've got plans B, C and D, but i'm definitely anxious to know which plan is going to happen!

 

[dls116]

I'm a little confused about how they calculate the grades, although I know it's been discussed a lot. So 1/3 is your best full YEAR, but how does the year your currently finishing factor into calculating for first round interviews? The final grades for my fall semester were on my transcript when I sent them in, and it's definitely been my best semester so far, but because it's only half a year and not a full year does it just get counted into the 2/3 average, or will they take what I have so far from this year as "my best year"? If it is my best year will it not be counted as such until the full year is finished in April?

From what I've read in previous years forums it looks like second round interviews are usually in May. Waiting till June to find out is bad enough, but not knowing until May whether you even have an interview is brutal. I'm the type of person who loves to plan ahead and get things done, the thought of having next fall up in the air with no plans until June is going to have me chewing my nails off hahaha.

They will count your semester as a full year if it is the highest GPA out of your other years but once interview scores are in and your April transcript has been sent in to include this semester's marks they will re-add your GPA score to make sure this year is actually your "best full year" and then will take into account a full class load when calculating your final GPA score for ranking.

 

[dls116]

Yes, you can join as many clubs as you like! WEAMS is the only one where you will have weekly/monthly work to do, depending on caseload. As for other clubs, some labs are only offered to club members, so depending on what you want to try as far as labs go you may join a few clubs just so you can attend the labs. It only takes additional time if you take on an executive position. But that being said, having an executive position shows you have the leadership skills required out in the work place. Most clubs have third years running the exec, second years shadowing as junior reps to take over in third year, but it depends on how eager the class is.

But yes, get that interview!! You can't get accepted without it

I agree with LeilaFay! I'm in six clubs!! and a first year, which is...perhaps not the most glorious year out of the four ...But it's very low commitment as you choose what you want to attend (i.e. talks or case presentations - usually accompanied with free lunches!, wet labs, rounds, etc.). AND there are a lot of clubs to choose from: i.e. exotics, wildlife, production animal, large animal, small animal, equine, emergency medicine, radiology, pathology, animal behaviour, animal welfare, etc. etc. so beware of having the urge to sign up for all of them when the time comes as they all have really cool things they put on throughout the year.

 

[SunnyAntia]

They will count your semester as a full year if it is the highest GPA out of your other years but once interview scores are in and your April transcript has been sent in to include this semester's marks they will re-add your GPA score to make sure this year is actually your "best full year" and then will take into account a full class load when calculating your final GPA score for ranking.

Thanks dsl116, that's exactly what I was wondering!

 

[Capucinus]

I agree with LeilaFay! I'm in six clubs!! and a first year, which is...perhaps not the most glorious year out of the four ...But it's very low commitment as you choose what you want to attend (i.e. talks or case presentations - usually accompanied with free lunches!, wet labs, rounds, etc.). AND there are a lot of clubs to choose from: i.e. exotics, wildlife, production animal, large animal, small animal, equine, emergency medicine, radiology, pathology, animal behaviour, animal welfare, etc. etc. so beware of having the urge to sign up for all of them when the time comes as they all have really cool things they put on throughout the year.

Thanks, honestly I think the clubs sound so interesting and I would have a hard time not signing up for most of them.

Can I ask you the same question I asked her? What do you like/not like about WCVM? I want to get a better sense of that school because I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone about it except for graduates already well into their careers. How do you find your cohort? Do you generally get a long with other students? Do you have much down time away from school (I hear this can be really important)...what kinds of activities are available in Sask?

Thanks!

 

[dls116]

Thanks, honestly I think the clubs sound so interesting and I would have a hard time not signing up for most of them.

Can I ask you the same question I asked her? What do you like/not like about WCVM? I want to get a better sense of that school because I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone about it except for graduates already well into their careers. How do you find your cohort? Do you generally get a long with other students? Do you have much down time away from school (I hear this can be really important)...what kinds of activities are available in Sask?

Thanks!

Well besides the clubs, WCVM is a pretty reputable school throughout North America. The profs have been fairly awesome across the board, I do like the fact that the teaching hospital is attached to the school, and a lot of resources are readily available for all types of learning experiences. I don't know about UCVM but WCVM also has a buddy program with a second year and fourth year student who help guide you through the first scary couple weeks of school and I found that helped a lot!

But, I love my class and we all generally get along really well which is saying a lot because we go through long periods of high stress and exhaustion haha. I've made lifelong friends already and it makes going back home weird because you're so used to being around them everyday, all day! To be honest and I'm not trying to be depressing or discouraging but it's a ton of studying and there will be long days/weeks where you are at the school longer than you're ever at home. Speaking for first year, there's at least one exam a week once you get through September but you get used to it and there's always small breaks in the craziness to have nights off, party, or go to the gym on campus. The school also pays for you to join WCVM rec teams so there's lots of options there and a lot of people take part as a nice break from school stuff. Each class year is also responsible for putting on happy hours which are usually themed and followed by pub crawls which are always a fun time! So although it doesn't sound like an amazing good time all the time, it makes nights off from studying that much more rewarding and fun - and you just have to remind yourself why you wanted to be here so badly in the first place

 

[dls116]

Thanks, honestly I think the clubs sound so interesting and I would have a hard time not signing up for most of them.

Can I ask you the same question I asked her? What do you like/not like about WCVM? I want to get a better sense of that school because I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone about it except for graduates already well into their careers. How do you find your cohort? Do you generally get a long with other students? Do you have much down time away from school (I hear this can be really important)...what kinds of activities are available in Sask?

Thanks!

Oh, and not to mention, the first and second years get Wednesday afternoons off which is the highlight of every week!

 

[LeilaFay]

Well besides the clubs, WCVM is a pretty reputable school throughout North America. The profs have been fairly awesome across the board, I do like the fact that the teaching hospital is attached to the school, and a lot of resources are readily available for all types of learning experiences. I don't know about UCVM but WCVM also has a buddy program with a second year and fourth year student who help guide you through the first scary couple weeks of school and I found that helped a lot!

But, I love my class and we all generally get along really well which is saying a lot because we go through long periods of high stress and exhaustion haha. I've made lifelong friends already and it makes going back home weird because you're so used to being around them everyday, all day! To be honest and I'm not trying to be depressing or discouraging but it's a ton of studying and there will be long days/weeks where you are at the school longer than you're ever at home. Speaking for first year, there's at least one exam a week once you get through September but you get used to it and there's always small breaks in the craziness to have nights off, party, or go to the gym on campus. The school also pays for you to join WCVM rec teams so there's lots of options there and a lot of people take part as a nice break from school stuff. Each class year is also responsible for putting on happy hours which are usually themed and followed by pub crawls which are always a fun time! So although it doesn't sound like an amazing good time all the time, it makes nights off from studying that much more rewarding and fun - and you just have to remind yourself why you wanted to be here so badly in the first place

Yup!!! In first year I lived in the anatomy lab - by choice... And the other times in the physiology labs... Not by choice! Those labs were brutal...

Second year - there are more exams than there are weeks in the school year. Enjoy first year while there are fewer exams

I personally say second year is better than first. And that high cortisol just becomes the new norm! So most people have found their coping outlets... Rec sports, yoga, music, partying, whatever works for them!

I hardly know any first year students, they should have done 1st yr-3rd yr buddies!

 

[DPolaris]

Just got an offer from UCVM!

Anyone going to the tour of the new campus? Dang if we get in guess we all need to buy a car...

 

[MemberS33]

Just got an offer from UCVM

 

[SunnyAntia]

Also just received an offer for an interview at UCVM!!! So excited!

I'm already attending the UofC and will be finishing my undergrad in April , I'm so excited!!

 

[SunnyAntia]

Question for anyone who has knowledge of the UCVM interview process, any idea how many people they usually interview? I know for WCVM it's around double the amount of people that get accepted, but what about UCVM? I've always heard that they interview a LOT more people than they have seats for, can anyone confirm this?

 

[DPolaris]

The previous admission year I believe they interviewed 124 and accepted like what, 30-34 people

 

[SunnyAntia]

Ah ok, that's about what I figured, thanks!