Western Updates

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
by the way, I am anxiously awaiting reports of SDNers that interview tomorrow!!! Good luck!!!!:luck::xf:
 
No.. there are on interviews past 2/13 at this point. If they feel they didn't get a good pool of students they may add a few more days.... but don't count on that happening as they didn't extend it last year or the year before.

Good luck to those of you that interview tomorrow!:luck:
 
Interview day was good 🙂.

I was in the third group of students to go through the interview so i was a little distracted during my tour and my student panel for question and answer but, the interview wasn't that bad.

They ask each applicant the same five behavioral based questions (well... the fifth question didn't really seem behavioral based---hint: be prepared to talk about yourself on this one 🙂 ). If you go through questions on the interview feedback or just basic behavioral based interview questions online i don't think anything will really catch you off guard.

Everyone in your group will be a whole lot more talkative after the interview.

As an aside: anyone who has gone to one of the workshop days at Western (like me), most of interview day, other than the interview itself, is going to be pretty redundant

Now the long wait: letters go out via snail mail by March 15th

:xf: :luck: :xf:
 
I called today and they said that my app was still being reviewed. Does anyone think that they are still actually sending out invites, or was that a way of saying, "thanks, but no thanks"?
 
Marsala said:
I called today and they said that my app was still being reviewed. Does anyone think that they are still actually sending out invites, or was that a way of saying, "thanks, but no thanks"?
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I'm waiting for the answer to this question as well.... my app is still under review. :scared:
 
i called today also and my app is under review. Im losing hope in western as well. they need to get it together already. hopefully we will hear back before friday. :xf:
 
Marsala, JerseyGirl, and Mitshu...looks like we're in the same boat...I hope the boat is headed for a Western Interview 🙂
 
I also called today to get an update on the status of my app and got the same "under review" answer. He said I should hear something this week.

I honestly do think they're still review our applications....My file wasn't considered complete until last week. They let me know about 3 weeks ago that there was trouble with my prereqs and I spent the next 2 weeks going back and forth trying to get them to accept different classes (not worth explaining fully). But finally, my file was complete as of last week. I think they just don't have they're stuff together enough to be giving us appropriate notice for our interviews...which I find really unfortunate. I'm pretty fed up with their lack of help and organization....yet I'm still holding out for an interview. Who knows! I guess we should all find out this week (theoretically)....
 
I just got an interview invite today. It is a push, but hopefully I will be able to get in on Feb. 13th. There is hope for you guys who still have their application "under review."
 
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That's awesome Wolphcats! There's still hope for us 😀
 
This will be my one and only interview invite for this application cycle and I know I SHOULD be excited, but I had a conversation with a veterinarian today who had nothing but negative things to say about Western! She said that the cost is too high and that the grads she worked with from there "did not impress" her at all. She graduated from Ross University and just told me that if I can avoid Western at all to do so. I'm sorry to sound so negative but she scared me!!! And has anyone looked into what their "partial accreditation" by the AVMA means? Is this going to impact our ability to work after graduation? Ugh, darn! I will most likely interview and hopefully I'll be able to get a better idea of what Western is all about, if anyone has any feedback or help, please share!
 
NeonCat said:
And has anyone looked into what their "partial accreditation" by the AVMA means? Is this going to impact our ability to work after graduation?
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Someone who graduates from a school that had limited accreditation at the time of matriculation presumably has the same qualifications as someone graduating from a school that has full accreditation. Legally, you are just as eligible for licensure (because a school with limited accreditation is accredited). For details on what exactly "limited" implies, see the AVMA page on accreditation: http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/coe_classification.asp
I hope this clarifies that part of your questions, and I hope someone more familiar with Western addresses your other concerns. Congrats on the interview, by the way 🙂
 
NeonCat said:
This will be my one and only interview invite for this application cycle and I know I SHOULD be excited, but I had a conversation with a veterinarian today who had nothing but negative things to say about Western! She said that the cost is too high and that the grads she worked with from there "did not impress" her at all. She graduated from Ross University and just told me that if I can avoid Western at all to do so. I'm sorry to sound so negative but she scared me!!! And has anyone looked into what their "partial accreditation" by the AVMA means? Is this going to impact our ability to work after graduation? Ugh, darn! I will most likely interview and hopefully I'll be able to get a better idea of what Western is all about, if anyone has any feedback or help, please share!
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Well, they're a new program, and I believe their first class graduated in 2007 (correct me if I'm wrong.) So there's only about 300 Western grads out in the field right now, so I'd imagine anybody wouldn't have much exposure to what kind of grads Western churns out, and probably won't for a few years.

As long as you start while they're under limited accreditation, you're grandfathered in, so no worries there.

As far as cost - yes its high. But compare the cost to going to other schools as an OOS student, and there's not a huge difference. I think going to Penn costs about the same amount.

I would go wherever you get in, and not worry about it.
 
Thanks for your feedback. I just sent out my preferred interview dates, so maybe I will see some of you there 😕 😀. I am so glad I came across this website, it's like having hundreds of people who just... understand you... and the ups and downs of this crazy vet school application process. Good luck to everyone on your interviews!!! 😉
 
I would take comments like that with a grain of salt. I think every vet school has and probably will turn out a few DUDS. For example, if I went by one of the equine vets I know and used in the past from University of Florida you wouldn't catch my going there no MATTER WHAT. But this is obviously not true, I have met many vets from UF that are incredible and I am sure there are plenty incredible ones from Western as well. Some people base opinions simply by the actions of a few. Judge for yourself and go with an educated decision, not the word of another. GOOD LUCK!
 
I had my interview today and I was quite impressed by Western. They separated everyone into 4 groups and each group did things at different times. The interview was really laid back. They asked me 4 or 5 questions and all but one was behavioral based. All of the students and faculty were really excited about being there and really excited about the PBL curriculum. The only bad thing was the PBL video they were supposed to show did not work for my group but later on in the day they had a PBL scenario with all of the interviewees and 4 professors. They allow you to gain clinical experience immediately. The students told me they were getting clinical experience on day 2 and they started doing surgeries in 2nd year. Rotations are done within the state of California and across the US as well as internationally. Whatever rotation you are in they make sure that you are paired with someone that specializes in the specific rotation. So 4th year you could go to a different country for 4 weeks, come back to the US for 4 weeks, go to another place in the US, etc, etc. You are also not limited by what cases happen to come into the hospital on campus like other schools are. So, it seems like a good curriculum if you are driven enough to go find the answers on your own and direct your own learning, but if you like lectures and writing notes then the PBL will not work for you. Overall, the day went much faster than I expected and the interviews were very relaxed. Do not worry and just be yourself!!
 
Awesome report DVMdream! It makes me more pumped about this school. 😀
 
Hey Neoncat! I wouldn't worry about what that vet said. I intern with a vet from Auburn who was on the accreditation board for vet schools and he was involved with Western since it opened. He had nothing but good things to say about Western and he's seen a lot of different vet schools. He said the PBL system is great if it's right for you. He also said that everyone that goes there is so enthusiastic and loves their school, which I think says a lot. That's so weird that that vet would say that! You'd think someone that graduated from Ross would have a little more understanding and wouldn't judge an entire group of graduates based on a couple of people!
 
The vet I work with said that the Western graduates she has met have all been capable and confident vets.
..
 
Thank you so much for the support. My interview is tomorrow and I am super excited for it! I just want to do my best and not let my fears hinder me.
 
Tambotie here. I am still waiting and hoping as well.
 
marcwood said:
Marsala, JerseyGirl, and Mitshu...looks like we're in the same boat...I hope the boat is headed for a Western Interview 🙂
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Sorry meant add this to my reply. I am still waiting as well.
 
sara2438 said:
Thank you so much for the support. My interview is tomorrow and I am super excited for it! I just want to do my best and not let my fears hinder me.
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Mine is tomorrow too!! I'm so excited/nervous, but I think more excited. I'll be in the pink sweater. You are going to do great, just refresh yourself on all the experiences you ever had. I didn't have any problems coming up with specific situations and I got on the waitlist last year.


Western is my first choice. I'm not going to be able to wait for the middle of March. I want to get in soooooooo bad!
 
sara2438 said:
Thank you so much for the support. My interview is tomorrow and I am super excited for it! I just want to do my best and not let my fears hinder me.
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AM or PM? I'm there at 10:45. ~6'1, dark hair, black suit with bright red tie. hope to see you there.
 
Loolical said:
The vet I work with said that the Western graduates she has met have all been capable and confident vets.
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I work at the Waynesboro VA Wildlife Center on the weekends. It is a teaching facility as well that has students coming in four or more weeks at a time doing externships..... One of the senior vet students....she was in her fourth year....was one of the brightest and smartest I've interacted while there ...she goes to Western. 🙂
 
Hey All,
I just wanted to check in and say hi and good luck. We are all excited here to see all the people interviewing. I know it is nerve racking, but soon it will all be over.
I love Western, PBL is defiantly my learning style, but it does take some getting used to. I remember worrying about accreditation, reputation and all of that about Western, but if you think this type of curriculum sounds interesting to you than don't worry about that. The accreditation is fine, and I think Western is making quite a name for its self in the Veterinary community. I personally think it is great because there are only a few graduates so we each get to truly represent our school.
You will find Western is rather laid back, they want to really see who you are and what you can bring to the class. But remember to still be professional, even around the students. There was a girl in my interview group last year who was a little too casual with jokes (kinda dirty) and was a little inappropriate the whole day. Needless to say she is not part of our class this year.
Anyway good luck all :luck:
 
Congrats on the interviews jpeterman and radio! (i missed that earlier!)

I'm kind of assuming at this point (with no interview and "under review") that a rejection is most likely in my case... unless there's a spot on the last day... who knows. I can't stomach this anymore!
 
ImaJerseyGirl said:
Congrats on the interviews jpeterman and radio! (i missed that earlier!)

I'm kind of assuming at this point (with no interview and "under review") that a rejection is most likely in my case... unless there's a spot on the last day... who knows. I can't stomach this anymore!
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At the Edinburgh reception, one girl mentioned she already got a rejection from Western. I'd say, you still might have a shot and they really are still reviewing your application! Good luck I hope you get an interview! 🙂


DVMDream said:
I had my interview today and I was quite impressed by Western. They separated everyone into 4 groups and each group did things at different times. The interview was really laid back. They asked me 4 or 5 questions and all but one was behavioral based. All of the students and faculty were really excited about being there and really excited about the PBL curriculum. The only bad thing was the PBL video they were supposed to show did not work for my group but later on in the day they had a PBL scenario with all of the interviewees and 4 professors. They allow you to gain clinical experience immediately. The students told me they were getting clinical experience on day 2 and they started doing surgeries in 2nd year. Rotations are done within the state of California and across the US as well as internationally. Whatever rotation you are in they make sure that you are paired with someone that specializes in the specific rotation. So 4th year you could go to a different country for 4 weeks, come back to the US for 4 weeks, go to another place in the US, etc, etc. You are also not limited by what cases happen to come into the hospital on campus like other schools are. So, it seems like a good curriculum if you are driven enough to go find the answers on your own and direct your own learning, but if you like lectures and writing notes then the PBL will not work for you. Overall, the day went much faster than I expected and the interviews were very relaxed. Do not worry and just be yourself!!
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Thanks for the update!!! I hate to completely compare Western to Edinburgh, but I think the interview day might be Western convincing me to stay in this country! I guess we'll just have to see how I like the PBL session.
 
It's like dating someone you know is going to dump you :meanie: Stop stringing us along 😡 ...unless of course you want to give me an interview :laugh:
 
jpeterman13 said:
AM or PM? I'm there at 10:45. ~6'1, dark hair, black suit with bright red tie. hope to see you there.
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Can't wait to see you all! I will be in gray pants black vest. short brown hair
 
So for those of youthat have had your interview in Pomona or have been there, how bad of an area is it, if bad at all. I spoke with a friend of mine about staying in Baldwin park and she said....noooooooooooo and continues on about how dangerous it is there or anywhere east of LA. I am pretty well traveled and have encountered my fair share of interesting areas but shebmade it sound like I couldn't get out of my car to get gas! anyone who has been there this week able to give a clear objective picture? To be honest I don't care what it is like if I get in. Western here I come!
 
radio2020 said:
So for those of youthat have had your interview in Pomona or have been there, how bad of an area is it, if bad at all. I spoke with a friend of mine about staying in Baldwin park and she said....noooooooooooo and continues on about how dangerous it is there or anywhere east of LA. I am pretty well traveled and have encountered my fair share of interesting areas but shebmade it sound like I couldn't get out of my car to get gas! anyone who has been there this week able to give a clear objective picture? To be honest I don't care what it is like if I get in. Western here I come!
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I did my undergrad at Cal Poly and its honestly not that bad, actually I'd disagree and say the further east you go the better it gets up to a point, Pomona itself isn't wonderful but I lived there for 4 years (including in west covina, pomona, chino) for my undergrad and didn't have a problem, I'd say west covina was by far the worst (which is right next to Baldwin Park and I would recommend looking elsewhere for housing. Chino/Chino Hills is a nice for quite a bit of the areas, North Orange County is ~ 20 minutes no traffic and has nice places to live. Phillips ranch is nice (right in pomona) as is san dimas, diamond bar. Would I live directly in downtown Pomona? no probably not. I grew up in Orange County which is very sheltered so Pomona seemed ghetto to me but I survived and I rarely heard of any problems (there were some car break-in but it was usually someone who went out drinking and left their car parked in some ghetto parking lot, not near their apartment or what not).

I will say Western is probably one of the most fortunate vet schools as in location. You have the beach, mountains, LA, great shopping all in less than 30 minutes away, as well as desert/motorcycle tracts, pretty much anything you could want to do at just a short drive away.
 
radio2020 said:
So for those of youthat have had your interview in Pomona or have been there, how bad of an area is it, if bad at all. I spoke with a friend of mine about staying in Baldwin park and she said....noooooooooooo and continues on about how dangerous it is there or anywhere east of LA. I am pretty well traveled and have encountered my fair share of interesting areas but shebmade it sound like I couldn't get out of my car to get gas! anyone who has been there this week able to give a clear objective picture? To be honest I don't care what it is like if I get in. Western here I come!
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My aunt has lived in California for quite some time said that Pomona is a bad gang area. I honestly thought the school wasn't in too bad of an area and I know some of the students live in apartments right across the street and walk to the school. I did not go for a detour through Pomona though. It has some kind of run-down looking houses and streets and there are some questionable people walking around. I am kind of used to seeing some of these things though. I have watched the neighborhood I have lived in for the past 18 years start to go downhill and not too far from my neighborhood are some fairly ghetto-looking areas that I have driven and walked through. I think it is a matter of perspective and could be a big shock for some people.
 
I am attending school in Pomona now and honestly there are some parts where you are in the barrio but on the other side of the freeway it is completely different. When you get off the 10 at town, western is on the shady side (south side). However a few exits away is the Indian Hill exit, and if you go north you hit Claremont which is lovely. La Verne and Walnut also arn't bad, along with what QeeQued said about San Dimas, Phillips Ranch, Diamond Bar, Chino and Chino Hills. Some are closer than others and prices will vary, but there are definitely some good options out there.
 
Hey everyone... for those of you who are listening to veterinarians put down Western students.... this is what you can say... Western has officially exceeded the 90% on pass rate of the national board exam... and this was done in only a few years. The last I heard the last set of students who took the boards ALL passed! People don't like change and Western is definitely a change. Just some food for thought. I am glad everyone's interviews are going well. I talked to a facilitator yesterday and he said that he just submitted like ten files that are eligible for interview, so I wouldn't give up completely for those of you that have not herd! He also told me that they are interviewing approximately 300 or so students this year, which was the same as last year.... but another facilitator told me that they were interviewing more students than last year.... Good luck to those of you who interview in the next couple of days! If there is anything the tour guides can do better please let us know!!! We want you to get the most out of your time here!
 
mdnghtdnc said:
Hey everyone... for those of you who are listening to veterinarians put down Western students.... this is what you can say... Western has officially exceeded the 90% on pass rate of the national board exam... and this was done in only a few years. The last I heard the last set of students who took the boards ALL passed! People don't like change and Western is definitely a change. Just some food for thought. I am glad everyone's interviews are going well. I talked to a facilitator yesterday and he said that he just submitted like ten files that are eligible for interview, so I wouldn't give up completely for those of you that have not herd! He also told me that they are interviewing approximately 300 or so students this year, which was the same as last year.... but another facilitator told me that they were interviewing more students than last year.... Good luck to those of you who interview in the next couple of days! If there is anything the tour guides can do better please let us know!!! We want you to get the most out of your time here!
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I called again today and they said my app is still in review and that I should hear by Friday. Thanks for the info mdnghtdnc! It's good to know that they really are still reviewing apps.

As far as the quality of vets that come from Western, I think people are basing their judgments on a few grads that they have met. I have met vets from different schools and I don't form opinions on their school based on their performance. I don't believe the "top ranked" schools necessarily produce more superior vets.

I grew up in different parts of L.A. so Pomona doesn't bother me at all. I can see where people who grew up in suburban/rural areas might not be used to this neighborhood in the same way I get nervous in rural areas because I am not used to it. (For some reason, I feel that if I was attacked out in the middle of nowhere, no one would hear me to come to the rescue. Where as in the "hood" where I grew up, there's always someone within earshot.) Best advice I can give, keep your wits about you & have common sense. Also, you shouldn't be out&about anyway, you should be studying :laugh: who's gonna mug you in a library.
 
who's gonna mug you in a library.
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"Your book or your life!" *shhhh!* "Your book or your life!"
 
DVMDream said:
Congrats!!! Way to go!! You will do great!!! :claps: :highfive: 👍 :luck:
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Thank you!!! Hey, we could be classmates! I'm still shaking... lol I woke up the house because it came around 930 east coast time my family was pretty much done for the day.

Anyone have tips for getting on a plane? I've never been on a plane before and I know it's like 6 hours to fly out... :laugh:
 
ImaJerseyGirl said:
Thank you!!! Hey, we could be classmates! I'm still shaking... lol I woke up the house because it came around 930 east coast time my family was pretty much done for the day.

Anyone have tips for getting on a plane? I've never been on a plane before and I know it's like 6 hours to fly out... :laugh:
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Tips for plane travel:
Get to airport early (2 hours is best).
If you do not plan on checking in luggage all liquids need to be placed into a clear ziploc bag and the liquids can not be any greater than 3.4 oz. Only one Ziploc bag is allowed per person and this bag needs to be separate from all other luggage so it can go through the x-ray.
Laptops have to be taken out of their cases and placed into one of the bins to go through the x-ray machine.
Wear simple shoes that can be taken off easily because these have to go into a plastic bin and to through the x-ray thing too.
Try not to wear any jewelry because you have to take it all off when you go through the medal detector; the same thing goes for belts.
Have your driver’s license and boarding pass ready. You can print off your boarding pass at home 24 hours before your flight to save time waiting in lines.

This is what I like to do: Have all liquids already in a Ziploc bag and place this in the front pocket of my carry-on bag. Wear flip-flops (easily said when you live in AZ) and I do not wear any jewelry or belts. Have my boarding pass and driver’s license ready to go in my hand while in line. When you get to the line they will check your boarding pass and driver’s license and then let you go through security. When I get to security I grab two plastic bins. I place my shoes, and bag o’ liquids in one and my laptop on top of the laptop bag in the other. Then my carry-on bag just goes on the conveyer belt. Then they have you go through the medal detector thing and then you go and pick up your stuff. I slip my shoes back on. Place the laptop back in its bag and the liquids back in the front pocket of my carry-on bag. After this the fun part of waiting for the plane to board begins. The actual flight is the easiest part of the whole experience.

It can be quite intimidating going through security at an airport for the first time. The first time I road on a plane I was 17 and I was traveling from Tennessee back to AZ. I have since flown to CA more times than I can count and I also flew to Chicago once.

Wow this ended up being really long, but I hope it helps some with getting through airport security and onto the plane quickly and easily.

Good Luck at the interview! Be yourself and you will do great! I will keep my fingers crossed for you! :xf:
 
If you fly Southwest, you're not assigned seats, you just go onto their site and check in and then get a letter and number (Like A - 18) which is your boarding order. You want to check in early (starting 24 hours before your flight) so you can get a rockin' window seat. Also sit near the front so you can get off quickly.

Buy gum and chew it when going up and down. Ears clogging and then popping is NOT fun and can get extremely painful (for me at least).
 
Hey everyone.....congrats to those who have interviews and good luck to those who are still waiting. I know it is an agonizing process! I just wanted to give my opinion on being a student here at Western and being new to CA. My interview day was my first time to CA since I was 5, and Pomona was a little disheartening at first. However, now that I have been here for almost six months, it is definitely growing on me. I live about 15 mins from Pomona and it is really nice and fairly affordable (with roommates). We are about 40 mins from the beach and about an hour from the mountains. Security is great on campus and I always feel comfortable walking around. A security guard is always a few steps behind when I walk to my car after dark, even if I am walking with friends. So don't get too caught up in the reputation of Pomona, it could definitely be worse!

Please feel free to ask me any questions about the school, curriculum, or interview process! The anxiety is palpable in the groups of interviewees walking around and I wish that I could help! I know it is cliche, but the best advice is to be yourself. They are looking for particular personality types that will be a good fit for the school and vice versa. I truly believe that they want you to be as happy with your decision to come here as they are of theirs to accept you.

Good luck! 🙂
 
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Hi guys,
I am a current veterinary student at Western, and I just wanted to let you all know that I (And everyone here) can relate to your feelings of anxiety and stress. It's just all a part of the process. In the interview just be yourself and everything will be fine. Seriously. It's more about that than what exactly you say to a given question. Be confident in yourself and just be honest.
As far as Pomona goes, it's really not that bad. I had heard the same things that you had, about it being dangerous and unsafe and all that, but really it's not. I'm not saying that it's the best area, but you just have to use common sense (Lock your car, don't walk around at night by yourself, etc...). The school does everything to keep the students safe and they do a really good job of it. I never feel unsafe here. I don't live in Pomona, but there are a lot of nice areas within a 10 or 15 minute drive.
Try not to stress too much (I know that's impossible, right?), and do your best!
GOOD LUCK!
🙂
 
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