Q&A: Long Time to Complete Bachelor’s, When to Apply and Take the GREs

I was wondering if my situation would hinder me in any way application process. I started school at the University of Scranton as a biology/pre-vet major back in 2001 and switched to pre-med after much persuasion from friends and family. After putting in many of hours of volunteer at local hospitals and studying for the Read More …

Q&A: Do I Have a Chance? Experience, Areas of Interest & LOR’s Oh My!

Hi, I had a few questions and was wondering if maybe you could help me out. About me – I’m 27 years old, married and graduated from UCSD as a Biochemistry major last June. I was working in biotech labs for about 8 months before I moved up to Oakland in February. I only recently Read More …

Q&A: I’m Changing Careers! How Do I Get Experience & Fulfill Pre-Requisites?

Hi Sharon! I too am strongly considering taking the plunge into the world of veterinary medicine after obtaining a bachelors degree in Sociology (of all majors) and a Masters degree in education. I am simply not satisfied with where my education has taken me, and do not see myself happily teaching history several years down Read More …

Q&A: I’m 50, Am I Too Old To Change Careers?

Hi. I saw your website and was very interested in writing to you. I am fifty years old and work as a registered  nurse. I am currently working on my bachelor’s in nursing because it is a requirement for employment.Afterward , believe it or not I would like to work on prerequisites to get into Read More …

Q&A: Should I Focus My Hours of Experience on My Species of Interest?

Hi, My name is DS, and I am currently a sophomore at UC Davis (majoring in Animal Science). I wish to attend a veterinary school in the future, hopefully UC Davis, and I was wondering if you could tell me about the importance about animal-related experience because most of the hours that I have right Read More …

Q&A: Help Managing Student Debt

Hi Sharon, I’m a 2008 UCD-SVM alum and was reading your blog about student debt.  I’m drowning in my debt and read you guys have been getting some good info in lunch meetings on how to manage the debt.  Do you have any PowerPoints or handouts you can share from these meetings?   Thanks, LSC Read More …

Q&A: What Does A Strong Letter Of Recommendation Include?

Hi Sharon, Thanks a lot for that last tip, it did eventually help me get in. Unfortunately i had to postpone my graduate studies due to a family crisis. I’m applying again this year, and was wondering – could you please tell me what a strong recommendation letter includes?  Many thanks in advance! Sincerely, NK Date: 8/25/11 ~ Read More …

Q&A: Do I Even Have A Shot?

Hi Sharon – I just had a question about applications. As you know it is coming up super fast. I am super depressed because I don’t feel as though I can get in but I want to apply and at least try. My GPA is only a 3.19 just took the GRE so I do Read More …

The End of Subsidized Loans

Anyone who frequents this blog knows that I am very upfront about the costs of veterinary school and the debt that the vast majority of veterinary students must face to pursue the career of their dreams. Debt is virtually unavoidable for veterinary students, that is, unless you happen to have money yourself or in your Read More …

Learning to Live with Student Debt

I am confident that each student mentally grapples with their debt (and the prospect of paying it back) in vastly different ways. There are likely some who become mentally obsessed with the money and live very carefully and economically so as to not accumulate more debt than absolutely necessary. These students may work during school Read More …