WCVM/ UCVM c/o 2019

[Capucinus]

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Yes please anyone know? 🙁

Literally no one I know has heard back, and online only you Capucinus hahaha

I know this feels really weird! Dr. Cribb said a couple of days to get an email but since no one has heard anything maybe there has been a problem? I am going to call or email monday if I don't hear back - I also leave for London on Wednesday so if there are papers to sign/send I need to get those in before I go.

 

[Squeaksmom]

Congratulations @tidbit !

Some of my classmates have friends who have gotten acceptance calls. I only know one applicant this year, and it's been radio silence from her, so I'm assuming she didn't get a call. I haven't asked since if she isn't celebrating I don't want to rub it in, you know?

@Capucinus as I recall there is an official acceptance form that you have so many days to sign and send back.

 

[LeilaFay]

That is very similar to what I received in my rejection letter last year. I received first round interviews on each of my applications but they kept coming back saying I needed to improve on my interview ranking. First off I'd recommend calling and trying to get more specific feedback, I did so when I received my rejection letter last year and it was helpful. Obviously it is very advantageous to focus improvement on those areas they recommend you improve. Aside from that I'm going to recommend a book that was posted about on this site that I found very helpful "An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases" 2nd edition by Bernard E. Rollin. I found this book to be very helpful as it helps you frame answers to certain ethical questions in a more logical way than I was doing before. It also does provide insight into certain veterinary stances that perhaps you may not have thought about and provides some extra angles to discuss. However, I responded with what I believed was right. I would also recommend mock interviews with friends, family and colleagues.

Note: I did also do a semester of research with an animal related focus and was working part time at a mixed animal clinic as a tech assistant

I'll reiterate calling the admin office. I spoke with Dr Grahn after my last rejection letter. Having received several, I know the letter is pretty generic, so having specific feedback is helpful.

As well, Dr Rollins book is helpful. But have a stance and stick with it. Be able to stand up for your beliefs, even if you don't share the same belief as others. Just make sure you know why you feel the way you do, as in some instances there is no right or wrong answer.

Then practice your answer with friends or colleagues.

 

[LeilaFay]

Agreed with DPolaris, that sounds so amazing! But I could never afford it 🙁

Dr. Grahn called a few hours ago while I was at work, he could tell that I had already checked my emil haha but it was still nice. So I guess they hadn't done Alberta calls before today, which again just seems so weird considering UCVM was what, Tuesday?

So we don't get to know our ranks, or have any sort of feedback if we're accepted? Obviously I'm not complaining haha I'm just curious 😛

I think they still rank students. It probably helps them in their decision making process for future classes, because they track you during your time at WCVM as well.

 

[LeilaFay]

DOES THAT MEAN I STILL HAVE A CHANCE FOR UCVM HUHHH hahahaha.

I don't think you get a rank, maybe they don't want you to compare with others and be like "Oh I'm rank 5 you're only 20?" or " Sigh I'm rank 20 and my friends are top 10...."

Oh definitely do NOT compare yourself to your classmates... 80 type A personalities in one classroom. That is all...

 

[LeilaFay]

LOL hey I don't even know what's going on with UCVM, maybe there is still a chance! 😀

It's funny actually, when Dr. Grahn called me he was like "Oh, so have you decided between UCVM and WCVM?" and I said "well no, I haven't heard anything from UCVM so I don't think I got in" and he told me "that's funny, usually the vast majority of people who get into WCVM get into UCVM too."

just rub it in Dr. Grahn haha, apparently he doesn't know how horrible my MMI was 😛 I'm too elated at this point to even care though lol.

I mean he's the Dean so I trust what he says, but to me personally (again, just my opinion) I really felt like the two interview styles were really quite different as far as how they assessed the applicant, I don't necessarily think someone who did well in one would automatically do well in the other.

I guess that makes sense about feedback. I just would find it interesting to see what the interviewers had to say about my interview and what they thought of me.

I'm one of the ones who DIDN'T get accepted into UCVM, but accepted into WCVM.

Either way... You're going to vet school!!

 

[LeilaFay]

Like Novakin, I was also watching this board for a while and decided to sign on. I also received my acceptance letter from the WCVM today, and I only applied to the WCVM this year. I was in the first round of interviews, and was extremely nervous for the interview because I am a first time applicant and did not know what to expect. For the interview, the best advice I can give anyone for the future is to be honest. Many of the questions I was asked were ethical or opinion questions, not facts, and what they want to do is judge your personality. At one point, one interviewer looked like he fell asleep, and another was on his phone. I ignored these actions completely and kept going, hoping that they were trying to test my reactions. I made them laugh a few times, and was careful to engage them all in my answers and questions. I took reasonable pauses to think about my responses, but not long enough to leave an uncomfortable gap of silence, if that makes sense. I went into my interview with the mindset that I probably wouldn't get in because it was my first time and winged it a bit, which, in retrospect, probably wasn't the best decision I have ever made in my life. Not to say that I didn't take it seriously, but when I didn't answer a question "correctly" and the interviewers pointed it out, which seemed to be often, I didn't let phase me. I admitted when I didn't know something, and gave speculation where I could (which was NOT always the right answer. Again with the honesty). We went over time, but they told me just to ignore the timer and keep going, and the interview continued for at least 15 minutes afterwards, so if the timer goes off, don't be concerned and don't try to rush. I never had the time to do mock interviews, but they probably would have prepared me better and I would recommend that you do them. Make sure that you have good questions to ask at the end as well, because they show that you are interested and have been paying attention, and the interviewers will be able to answer your questions directly, which obviously helps you.

Congratulations to everyone who made it in this year, and all the best to future applicants 🙂

Congrats!! First try! Nice work!!

 

[DPolaris]

Woohoo

 

[SunnyAntia]

You should definitely try and see what rank you are! Like other people have mentioned every year there are people who get into both schools so there is definitely still a good chance being on the waitlist that you can get in, especially if you are near the top!

Did they finally send you an email?

 

[DPolaris]

Waiting for the official letter 😀

 

[SunnyAntia]

Yah, I mean acceptances for WCVM just came out yesterday morning, so anyone who got into both schools wouldn't have even known until then so the wait list probably will start to move soon.

Don't give up hope!

 

[vet_time_bdd]

I got waitlisted too!!

 

[LeilaFay]

Yah, I mean acceptances for WCVM just came out yesterday morning, so anyone who got into both schools wouldn't have even known until then so the wait list probably will start to move soon.

Don't give up hope!

It's very true for those AB residents wait listed! Don't give up! One of my classmates was on the waitlist and got a call two weeks in because someone dropped out.

Other provinces however... That's a tougher spot to be in 🙁

 

[Capucinus]

Got my official letter from UCVM - I'll be accepting but I hope those who are waitlisted get bumped up 🙂 I am excited to meet my classmates!

 

[DPolaris]

😛

 

[SunnyAntia]

LOL I think they probably know that you're all super on edge and anxious 🙂 I don't think they'll judge you for it! I have my fingers crossed for both of you DPolaris and vet_time_bdd!

I still haven't received anything from UCVM, I guess maybe they are trying to get all of the important waitlist and acceptance letters out first and then the rejection ones next week? Unless anyone else has received a rejection email and maybe they are just slow sending them out?

 

[deleted696403]

I agree. Best of luck! 🙂 Hopefully everything works out.
I would imagine that they would prioritize acceptances and waiting lists first, maybe? It is strange that they are sending emails out and making calls with so much space between applicants.

 

[Novakin]

Like Novakin, I was also watching this board for a while and decided to sign on. I also received my acceptance letter from the WCVM today, and I only applied to the WCVM this year. I was in the first round of interviews, and was extremely nervous for the interview because I am a first time applicant and did not know what to expect. For the interview, the best advice I can give anyone for the future is to be honest. Many of the questions I was asked were ethical or opinion questions, not facts, and what they want to do is judge your personality. At one point, one interviewer looked like he fell asleep, and another was on his phone. I ignored these actions completely and kept going, hoping that they were trying to test my reactions. I made them laugh a few times, and was careful to engage them all in my answers and questions. I took reasonable pauses to think about my responses, but not long enough to leave an uncomfortable gap of silence, if that makes sense. I went into my interview with the mindset that I probably wouldn't get in because it was my first time and winged it a bit, which, in retrospect, probably wasn't the best decision I have ever made in my life. Not to say that I didn't take it seriously, but when I didn't answer a question "correctly" and the interviewers pointed it out, which seemed to be often, I didn't let phase me. I admitted when I didn't know something, and gave speculation where I could (which was NOT always the right answer. Again with the honesty). We went over time, but they told me just to ignore the timer and keep going, and the interview continued for at least 15 minutes afterwards, so if the timer goes off, don't be concerned and don't try to rush. I never had the time to do mock interviews, but they probably would have prepared me better and I would recommend that you do them. Make sure that you have good questions to ask at the end as well, because they show that you are interested and have been paying attention, and the interviewers will be able to answer your questions directly, which obviously helps you.

Congratulations to everyone who made it in this year, and all the best to future applicants 🙂

Most definitely keep calm in the interview as vets need to remain calm as clients get frustrated. In my interview this year there were definitely some times that they really attacked a stance I had made but I stuck with my stance providing reasons for why.

Similar also to @tidbit I managed to make them laugh the odd time and I was in the interview room for ~1hr.

 

[deleted696403]

Yes, I definitely agree with @Novakin. I remember one of the interviewers commenting to me, "It is refreshing to hear you say something that is not cynical for a change. I would say that it is politics," and we had a small debate. Having a different perspective is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you are able to support it.

 

[Capucinus]

Oh definitely do NOT compare yourself to your classmates... 80 type A personalities in one classroom. That is all...

This makes a lot of sense to me. It doesn't foster any kind of collegiality if the school insights competition between students (and future colleagues!) before they have even met. So what if I am 10th and you are 20th, or I am 22nd and you are 5th. We both got in. We both both have our strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I don't see vet school (or professional school) as a competition with your peers, but rather a competition with yourself. But then I am really not an A-type personality and others may think differently. Either way, I don't think its the school's job to insight, or perpetuate that kind of competition between the students as they probably will create enough between themselves.

 

[DPolaris]

So how are you folks who got in preparing haha? Take time off work and chill for the rest of the summer? I'm gonna work and not be poor 🙁

Who here applied to both UCVM and WCVM? Which one are you going to/want to go to?

 

[SunnyAntia]

I agree, I really wouldn't consider myself a type A person. I don't really care about where I stand compared to my classmates, I was more curious about getting constructive feedback from my interview 🙂

I've heard vet school is stressful enough, who needs the added drama of competing with your class mates? It was already competitive enough trying to get in, can't we all just be friends now?

 

[SunnyAntia]

I've already started buzzing around Kijiji looking at possible places, but I'm definitely going to wait until they send us the housing list. I don't know anyone in Saskatoon so I would prefer to live with roommates.

Thing is I would definitely need a pet friendly place as I have a bird who will be accompanying me. He's very social and often out and about with me around the house, but that's an added difficulty as I know a lot of the pet friendly places have cats which I really can't see working. He is used to dogs, so that's a plus.

So if anyone hears of any exotic/bird friendly places for rent in sasktoon, I'd love to know!

 

[Capucinus]

So how are you folks who got in preparing haha? Take time off work and chill for the rest of the summer?

Who here applied to both UCVM and WCVM? Which one are you going to/want to go to?

Well I am from Calgary and got into UCVM - so I luckily don't have to worry about moving or logistics. I'm just going to stay where I am, although its a bit far from the Spy Hill Campus... I will keep my summer job - I actually just started a new one in May working as a receptionist/vet tech assistant in a new clinic. The vet there is very supportive and she really takes the time to teach and show me new things. So I'll keep that until about mid-Aug I think and take the rest of the summer off. She offered to keep me on during the Fall/Winter on Saturdays (2x/month) - For those in vet school how feasible do you think this is? Saturday is only part-day (9am-2pm) so I have plenty of time to study, but I was wondering if, as students, we are busy on Saturdays doing field trips etc? I like the idea of practising my skills and not loosing site of the end goal...

Edit: I don't have many plans in the way of preparing...although I am super excited to do back to school shopping - its my favourite time of year! (Yes I am a little weird, but who doesn't love new notebooks and pencils?!).

 

[DPolaris]

I love back to school shopping as well!! Hmm that sounds like a really good plan, getting some work over the weekends at a relevant place! I think I'd be too lazy to do anything like that, rather use that extra time to relax and just spend my summers working 😛

And @SunnyAntia, I'm sure you'll find a place! A bird's so cool, I'm sure there will be people happy to room with you!!

 

[LeilaFay]

Well I am from Calgary and got into UCVM - so I luckily don't have to worry about moving or logistics. I'm just going to stay where I am, although its a bit far from the Spy Hill Campus... I will keep my summer job - I actually just started a new one in May working as a receptionist/vet tech assistant in a new clinic. The vet there is very supportive and she really takes the time to teach and show me new things. So I'll keep that until about mid-Aug I think and take the rest of the summer off. She offered to keep me on during the Fall/Winter on Saturdays (2x/month) - For those in vet school how feasible do you think this is? Saturday is only part-day (9am-2pm) so I have plenty of time to study, but I was wondering if, as students, we are busy on Saturdays doing field trips etc? I like the idea of practising my skills and not loosing site of the end goal...

Edit: I don't have many plans in the way of preparing...although I am super excited to do back to school shopping - its my favourite time of year! (Yes I am a little weird, but who doesn't love new notebooks and pencils?!).

There are several in my class who have part time jobs, usually once a week. In your situation, it's nice to keep your foot in the door. There were a few people from UCVM that looked for jobs in Calgary and Edmonton that couldn't find a job in the city after they graduated. The large animal and rural folks didn't have a problem, but knowing someone definitely helps.

 

[DPolaris]

There are several in my class who have part time jobs, usually once a week. In your situation, it's nice to keep your foot in the door. There were a few people from UCVM that looked for jobs in Calgary and Edmonton that couldn't find a job in the city after they graduated. The large animal and rural folks didn't have a problem, but knowing someone definitely helps.

Uh oh, no jobs 🙁🙁?

 

[Capucinus]

Uh oh, no jobs 🙁🙁?

Well that's for me to worry after I get in after who knows how long, AND graduate after the 4 years haha

I think the problem is exacerbated in Calgary because we have a school now (thats what 3 vets at 3 different places have told me in Calgary), I mean I totally understand why someone wouldn't want to uproot again after four years of school. However, to the best of my knowledge the situation in Calgary is not indicative of the general job market in Canadian cities without vet schools (so like all but 5 haha?)...so if you keep you mind open to moving then I think we will have no problem finding suitable jobs once we graduate. But correct me if I am wrong...

 

[SunnyAntia]

although I can honestly say I don't know much about which cities have be biggest demand for vets, I would definitely agree with you Capucinus.

At the WCVM info session Dr. grahn mentioned a similar problem, that with the Caribbean schools getting more popular and pumping out so many new graduates each year Canadian students could have a harder time finding jobs. But his thoughts on the matter echoed yours, as long as people are willing to move and be flexible it shouldn't be a problem, but if your looking exclusively for a job practicing small animal medicine in down town Calgary you might have a problem haha.

 

[LeilaFay]

I think the problem is exacerbated in Calgary because we have a school now (thats what 3 vets at 3 different places have told me in Calgary), I mean I totally understand why someone wouldn't want to uproot again after four years of school. However, to the best of my knowledge the situation in Calgary is not indicative of the general job market in Canadian cities without vet schools (so like all but 5 haha?)...so if you keep you mind open to moving then I think we will have no problem finding suitable jobs once we graduate. But correct me if I am wrong...

Yes exactly. The farther you move away from those city centers the more jobs you will find. Having an open mind in general with what you want to practice, and where you want to go is the best approach. The more you narrow what you want, the harder it will be.

If you want to be a small animal practioner in Calgary, it will be tough. But small animal in AB anywhere, then it will make your life easier. Or mixed animal, a lot of the mixed practices are mostly small nowadays.

 

[LeilaFay]

although I can honestly say I don't know much about which cities have be biggest demand for vets, I would definitely agree with you Capucinus.

At the WCVM info session Dr. grahn mentioned a similar problem, that with the Caribbean schools getting more popular and pumping out so many new graduates each year Canadian students could have a harder time finding jobs. But his thoughts on the matter echoed yours, as long as people are willing to move and be flexible it shouldn't be a problem, but if your looking exclusively for a job practicing small animal medicine in down town Calgary you might have a problem haha.

There are a few Canadian students from Caribbean schools that have to do their fourth year at a different school. But from what I have heard, most of the Carib schools are filled with Americans. The U.S. is even a tougher market. I don't know how they handle their debt.

I went to the ABVMA dinner they hosted for WCVM students, and I asked if they found WCVMers having a tougher time in AB to find a job, since UCVMers do their practical year out in these practices... I thought perhaps WCVMers would have a disadvantage in that respect. One vet said, most of the clinic owners are WCVM graduates, so they didn't really see it as a problem, being biased either way.

 

[deleted696403]

So how are you folks who got in preparing haha? Take time off work and chill for the rest of the summer?

Who here applied to both UCVM and WCVM? Which one are you going to/want to go to?

I'm also waiting for the information package. I do not know anyone in Saskatoon, and have no idea right now where I will want to live, although I'll start browsing online very soon. I will be working until mid-August. I must say that am glad to be able to make commitments now that the results are in. Before, I didn't know if I was going to go to vet school, back to my undergrad, or take the year off to work and gain more experience. After that stress and anticipation, working does feel like chilling for the rest of summer haha.

 

[dls116]

Don't worry, there will be lots of vet students with rooms to rent when the housing list is sent out to you guys (WCVM)!!

 

[SunnyAntia]

Well, finally got the official reject email from UCVM today. Close to the top 45, but not quite! You know what Calgary, I DON'T EVEN CARE 😛

Like others have said, I'm just going to be spending the rest of my summer working and relaxing. I'm also going to try and hang out with my family as much as possible before moving, as I doubt I'll be wanting to do the drive to and from Saskatoon many times during the year.

For now I'm anxiously waiting the arrival of the info package they said they'll be sending us at the beginning of July. It's probably really premature, but to be honest I'm so excited that all I want to do is go out and buy stuff haha 😀

 

[DPolaris]

All of you sound like you have your summers planned out, so have fun and good luck with everything! Hope vet school will be a blast, and let's drop by the c/o 2020 thread that will probably be made later this year closer to the winter!

 

[SunnyAntia]

Man that sucks 🙁 I guess they don't want people to see where they are and then try to bribe off other students to turn down their spot or something haha (I'm half joking, but I'm sure stuff like that probably does happen)

 

[smann715]

I got waitlisted for UCVM as well.

 

[LeilaFay]

Well, finally got the official reject email from UCVM today. Close to the top 45, but not quite! You know what Calgary, I DON'T EVEN CARE 😛

Haha! 🙂

 

[ianyniu]

We should start a facebook group for WCVM class of 2019!

 

[LeilaFay]

We should start a facebook group for WCVM class of 2019!

Your welcome committee may have started one... Take a search on FB just in case.

 

[dls116]

We should start a facebook group for WCVM class of 2019!

The 2nd year welcome committee will be making one soon! They don't get the class list until Monday!

 

[ZoeZoe]

We should start a facebook group for WCVM class of 2019!

Your welcome committee may have started one... Take a search on FB just in case.

The 2nd year welcome committee will be making one soon! They don't get the class list until Monday!

Hi everyone! I got in to WCVM too! I couldn't remember my password for this for the longest time but congrats to everyone!!!

There has been a facebook group started. Someone added me to it last night. If you haven't been added yet you can DM me and I can try to add you!

 

[DPolaris]

Official letter for UCVM arrived, should frame this piece of paper 😛

 

[Squeaksmom]

Congratulations @DPolaris ! Today is the one year anniversary of my acceptance call. It was a Friday the 13th... lucky day for me from now on!

 

[deleted696403]

I got into UCVM!

Congratulations!!! 🙂

 

[SunnyAntia]

I got into UCVM!

OMG yay!! Congratulations that's so exciting!!

 

[DPolaris]

Thank you everyone! Can't wait to meet everyone going to UCVM and good luck to everyone as well, heard there's a lot of work in vet school haha!

And wow...tuition is pretty pricy, double of undergrad fees (one term of vet school is almost one year of undergrad), but at least we're not paying law/med fees!

 

[ianyniu]

For those of you who are going to WCVM, what do you guys plan on doing for living arrangements? I'm waiting for that housing list that is supposed to come out early July, but as of right now I think I'm leaning towards living in the graduate house residence.

 

[deleted696403]

I am also waiting for the housing list, though I feel the same towards the graduate house residence.

 

[groff00]

Congratulations to all of you who got accepted into UCVM and WCVM. I still remember the day I found out that I had been accepted - it's a great feeling. For those who didn't get in don't give up, I applied numerous times before being accepted to WCVM.

On a side note there are a couple of you who mentioned you are looking for a place to live in Saskatoon - send me a message if you have questions as I have a room available for the upcoming year. I will be in my 4th year and so will my other roommate.