What if?

[taylorba]

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I

 

[DogtorAsh]

Not knowing your stats I'm not really able to make a guess as the whether you'd have a good shot reapplying or not, but I will give the perspective that every year the applicant pool changes, so even if you got on the waitlist this year, there's no guarantee you'll get on those same waitlists the following year. So that is always a concern. However, I feel like it it totally valid to be second guessing/feeling unsure.

For me personally I was working against a low GPA, and ultimately decided to turn down the island schools i got accepted into first cycle and try to reapply. That led to me having to apply for vet school a total of 4 times (which delayed my overall journey by close to 6 years) and every single time I was outright rejected from my IS, this year I was lucky to get multiple acceptances but had some misgivings about going to an OOS option considering the mass amounts of debt. Ultimately, I've got a very involved plan to keep my debt down and chose the school with the best fit/vibe for me and my lifestyle and i can say with full certainty there is nothing but excitement and joy to start this next chapter.

What I'm trying to say is, I had a similar conversation with someone about this where I basically said: "someone probably looks at my story and goes, 'what an idiot, she got into vet school at an island school years ago, she could already be a vet by now" but i learned a lottttt about myself in the years since then and the multiple applications, I can look back and realize i probably would have failed out if i went directly into vet school at one of the island schools right after undergrad because I was mentally burnt out. So overall at the end of the day, YOU know YOU best. But all I say is, whatever decision you make you need to live with it and make your peace with it. I definitely had moments of doubt when I saw friends get in other places and have now already graduated and started practicing, but I was able to set myself up so well going into vet school this fall, I personally feel like the "delay" was all worth it in the end. Not to mention I wouldn't have had some of the experiences I did, met the people I have met, adopted my dog, etc.

If it makes you feel a bit better, the AVMA protects students entering and going through a provisionally accredited school, so even if they lost it for some reason, you would still graduate and be able to sit for the NAVLE! As well, there are now more schools than there were before that don't have teaching hospitals and those graduates are showing up in specialties and internships/residencies. I was originally a bit concerned because the school I chose did away with ranking but that hasn't stopped people from getting placed across the country.

Sorry that was a bit rambly, overall i just wanted to say i totally understand your feelings and you are allowed to have them! Vet school is a huge decision, something that helps me is running the numbers, is it worth it to delay your career another year, reapply, spend more money to reapply, and then hope you get in somewhere else? I can't say it didn't run through my head that if I waited another year to try and get into my instate it would be worth it to come out with less overall debt considering i have a very nice job at the moment...but I then ran my stats and the fact my IS has not once looked at my application in any way that tells me they would ever give me a shot...it's not worth it to me.

Anyways, I hope a piece of this was at least helpful. I wish you the best on whatever you decide!!! And I'm sorry you're in this position/feeling this way! <3

 

[thenontraveler]

I would say if you think you have a good to excellent chance at making it into a school you would rather go to, wait another year. However, like DogtorAsh, I also struggled against a low GPA and after two cycles I got into what I think is the same school you are questioning now. I know it is going to be hard, and I too have questions about how it is going to go, but I am firmly a believer that with proper planning it will be a great experience. I would highly recommend checking out the clinical year Q and A that happened (on admit portal) to see how they address residency and internships. They speak about it specifically.

 

[taylorba]

I can enter my stats if it helps!

 

[taylorba]

Not knowing your stats I'm not really able to make a guess as the whether you'd have a good shot reapplying or not, but I will give the perspective that every year the applicant pool changes, so even if you got on the waitlist this year, there's no guarantee you'll get on those same waitlists the following year. So that is always a concern. However, I feel like it it totally valid to be second guessing/feeling unsure.

For me personally I was working against a low GPA, and ultimately decided to turn down the island schools i got accepted into first cycle and try to reapply. That led to me having to apply for vet school a total of 4 times (which delayed my overall journey by close to 6 years) and every single time I was outright rejected from my IS, this year I was lucky to get multiple acceptances but had some misgivings about going to an OOS option considering the mass amounts of debt. Ultimately, I've got a very involved plan to keep my debt down and chose the school with the best fit/vibe for me and my lifestyle and i can say with full certainty there is nothing but excitement and joy to start this next chapter.

What I'm trying to say is, I had a similar conversation with someone about this where I basically said: "someone probably looks at my story and goes, 'what an idiot, she got into vet school at an island school years ago, she could already be a vet by now" but i learned a lottttt about myself in the years since then and the multiple applications, I can look back and realize i probably would have failed out if i went directly into vet school at one of the island schools right after undergrad because I was mentally burnt out. So overall at the end of the day, YOU know YOU best. But all I say is, whatever decision you make you need to live with it and make your peace with it. I definitely had moments of doubt when I saw friends get in other places and have now already graduated and started practicing, but I was able to set myself up so well going into vet school this fall, I personally feel like the "delay" was all worth it in the end. Not to mention I wouldn't have had some of the experiences I did, met the people I have met, adopted my dog, etc.

If it makes you feel a bit better, the AVMA protects students entering and going through a provisionally accredited school, so even if they lost it for some reason, you would still graduate and be able to sit for the NAVLE! As well, there are now more schools than there were before that don't have teaching hospitals and those graduates are showing up in specialties and internships/residencies. I was originally a bit concerned because the school I chose did away with ranking but that hasn't stopped people from getting placed across the country.

Sorry that was a bit rambly, overall i just wanted to say i totally understand your feelings and you are allowed to have them! Vet school is a huge decision, something that helps me is running the numbers, is it worth it to delay your career another year, reapply, spend more money to reapply, and then hope you get in somewhere else? I can't say it didn't run through my head that if I waited another year to try and get into my instate it would be worth it to come out with less overall debt considering i have a very nice job at the moment...but I then ran my stats and the fact my IS has not once looked at my application in any way that tells me they would ever give me a shot...it's not worth it to me.

Anyways, I hope a piece of this was at least helpful. I wish you the best on whatever you decide!!! And I'm sorry you're in this position/feeling this way! QUOTE]

 

[taylorba]

Sorry I’m not good at using SDN so I had a hard time replying [emoji23]

Thank you so much for the response I really appreciate hearing so many stories and perspectives. It’s such a good reminder and so nice to hear someone say that no matter what it will all work out how it’s supposed to. I did get waitlisted at my in state so it’s hard to give up fully.

 

[taylorba]

I would say if you think you have a good to excellent chance at making it into a school you would rather go to, wait another year. However, like DogtorAsh, I also struggled against a low GPA and after two cycles I got into what I think is the same school you are questioning now. I know it is going to be hard, and I too have questions about how it is going to go, but I am firmly a believer that with proper planning it will be a great experience. I would highly recommend checking out the clinical year Q and A that happened (on admit portal) to see how they address residency and internships. They speak about it specifically.

Thank you so much for pointing that out I really appreciate it. It’s such a tricky decision and I’m so grateful for any and all advice or perspectives.

 

[DogtorAsh]

Sorry I’m not good at using SDN so I had a hard time replying [emoji23]

Thank you so much for the response I really appreciate hearing so many stories and perspectives. It’s such a good reminder and so nice to hear someone say that no matter what it will all work out how it’s supposed to. I did get waitlisted at my in state so it’s hard to give up fully.

No problem ♥️ You still have some time to decide what you want to do and I would definitely reach out to admissions or current students if possible to answer your questions and concerns. If you haven't I would go tour the place and area too. I had been to MN multiple times because we always fly in as a stop over to roadtrip to relatives, but I hadn't just wandered around the Twin Cities. After meeting current students, touring the campus, and just doing things around the city (hockey game, eating different places, going to watch curling, etc). I truly felt a calling there (my parents and friends thought I was hilarious because i as like "what if i hate it??" and they were like..."are you serious?" but I'm a class A over thinker LOL).

Visiting and touring will give you a better idea of the vibe and admissions and the school SHOULD be able to answer your questions. I know they answered a lot of mine that I had since my mom and I are very unfamiliar with FAFSA and financial aid.

I would just be mindful if you do decide to reapply there is the possibility you will get denied from all these places next time. If you are comfortable with that possibility and prepared to possibly have to reapply another time, then you just need to be sure in that decision. You can also see if your IS will do a file review and see if there's anything you can fix before the next application if you do reapply. I would just make sure your application is bomb-proof tbh, make sure someone reads all your essays, reviews everything, make sure you have all your experiences tracked, etc.

And I know it can be hard to give up on your IS, I wasn't ever on the waitlist so I can't speak to that, but I definitely had a mourning/grieving period when I got that denial from them. It kind of sucked the joy out of my other acceptances for a week or two. Then I let that dream go and decided to move forward.

I hope you make the best decision for you and that it all works out!

 

[thenontraveler]

Thank you so much for pointing that out I really appreciate it. It’s such a tricky decision and I’m so grateful for any and all advice or perspectives.

And I will also say that having the ability to go and see the campus and area was GAME CHANGING in terms of seeing myself there. Talking with a current student also really helped get an idea of where the struggles were and how to get help. They pointed me to resources and people who can help me along the way. As well as people in my proposed line of vet med to reach out to. I liked what I saw so far and they were upfront about the new program struggles. So I felt that was well addressed for me, but definitely going and getting a feel for the area (if that is feasible, I know not everyone can do that) might help you decide if it is the place for you. But vet med is just a job at the end of the day, so if the price is not worth it, then definitely follow what will make sense for your situation and your life path. There is nothing wrong with deciding to throw your hat back in the ring, but as was stated before make sure you will be at peace with it.
I wish you so much luck in this tough decision. I know it is so hard to deal with this on top of the roller coaster of emotions that is the application cycle.

 

[supershorty]

I recommend posting your stats in the WAMC subforum.

In most situations, if you have an acceptance in hand, I would say that you're better off taking that because reapplying runs the risk that you do not get in again, and that has to be a risk that you're comfortable taking should you choose to go that route. However, I have some pretty strong misgivings about the 3 year programs, so I'm not going to say that here. I will say that you can survive living anywhere for 3-4 years, even if it's not your forever home.

 

[battie]

The school is so far away from my home and family

I’m extremely close my Grandpa and he recently has had health complications, which has also left me having a difficult time.

On one hand, I would say a ton of students go through this level of anxiety in regards to home sickness because just about half of vet students are out of state. How bad that home sickness is varies student by student. I was 1000 miles away from all family and friends initially. I also didn't bond well with my original classmates (repeated first year). So it can be tough.

Likewise, my younger sister died while I was in second year, and being far away from those with health problems and potentially loss is really hard. I missed 2.5 weeks of class and it was very difficult to manage all of that so far from home. So this is definitely a valid concern. If you eventually commit to going to this school, having a plan in place now will help a lot with the home sickness and anxiety.

much more expensive than my in state

This is my big thing. The ROI for vet school/vet med is financially not worth the heavily expensive schools. My limit was 300k, but that limit is going to change person to person. The school you are considering (since we all know what school we're all talking about here) is the 34th most expensive school for an OOS student. Even with it being more expensive than your IS, its also more expensive than a lot of other schools (if you include accredited international schools). VIN puts this school at 355k with interest accrual, which would have bumped them from my list automatically.

It also is new, not fully accredited yet, has no teaching hospital, and goes year round.

I may be interested in specializing as well and dont know how this school would look when applying for residencies.

So the school not being accredited yet most likely will not matter depending on what happens with the next graduating class and how the school fixes it's COE deficiencies. This is the first school to not gain its full accreditation with the AVMA following graduating its first class, though, which is an interesting development. That's really the only hesitancy I have here; if this school continues to fail its accreditation stuff, then that may influence what happens to students (though they would still graduate as fully accredited veterinarians regardless cause the AVMA does understand that the students are not necessarily at fault for the school failing).

There is zero reason for a school that does not have a teaching hospital to cost more than those that do. That's more of a principle stance than a functional one since nearly all the new schools that have opened don't have one; but it's something I stand by.

Year round is up in the air for me, though something I lean away from due to how vet med education is structured. Human med schools are structured year round with some/minimal effect on the students. But their educational expectations are also set up for year round schooling; they also get two years of clinics vs one at the vast majority of vet schools.

Overall, the new schools have not been struggling getting people into specialties. For one thing, most students could get an internship, where you would make up for the fact you might not have a specialist at your school in regards to your hopeful future job. However, it's hard to say how *this school* will be perceived if it continues to struggle.

but I also feel like I shouldnt be dreadful about it. I just wish I had gotten in anywhere else, but I havent.

You need to evaluate why you truly deep down feel dreadful. It's not the distance; because of where this school is located, there are likely schools farther from your home town is. So the homesickness and family anxiety aren't the true reason; or else you wouldn't want to go to *any* school outside a certain radius from your home town. Is it the newness? Is it the struggles this particular school is going through? Those are relatively unique to this school. The cost is not unique to this school; while I think 355k for this school is ridiculous, its on par with many others.


You overall have a lot of soul searching to do between now and matriculation. Keep in mind that declining this acceptance very well may mean never becoming a veterinarian. You have to be okay with this and, more importantly, have a back up plan if you are.

 

[wayne455338]

everyone definitely has home sickness when going to a new environment, and of course we all have things that we are worry about during the school. I am an international student coming from the other side of the Earth and all my family are in my country. I can’t go back visiting them due to some immigration limits, and I have not seen them for 4 years, and another vet I know he has not been back home for 15 years, and finally he can go home this year. My gramma recently was just diagnosed cancer and I was so frustrated that I can’t be with her. But life is still going, I can’t have these “homesickness” to stop me because I know I must leave this beautiful country if I failed out. I spent my whole life, working so hard to be here, and I can’t fail out like this. You are lucky because you are still in your country. You can go home any time if you want, and I feel school will help you out. Like everyone said, you never know if you have second chance being accepted to vet school again. Homesickness personally is not a thing to me in school because I know school is just the temporary place, and 3 or 4 years goes really quick after you start the program. You are the one making decision, but don’t let “ home sickness” be the key factor to turn your acceptance down if you really want to be a vet.

 

[supershorty]

that may influence what happens to students (though they would still graduate as fully accredited veterinarians regardless cause the AVMA does understand that the students are not necessarily at fault for the school failing).

Honestly, my biggest concern here is that they’re graduating students who may have significant deficiencies. Being a fully accredited veterinarian on paper is one thing, but … yeah.

But as I said, I have very strong misgivings about that program in general, so that’s just one more strike against it in my world.