Son is in 2nd year BioChem - interested in the Vet field

[Graduate1]

Hello all - stumbled across this site via some google research on how to become a Vet. My son is in his second year at the University of Windsor in BioChemistry. He is looking into getting either into the Pharma world or becoming a Vet. We have done some research on the PharmaD program at Waterloo, Wayne State etc. Regarding the Vet program at Guelph (the 4 year Ontario Veterinary College program), we looked at the Pre-Req requirements and ideally would like some additional information from those who have gone through the application process.

1) Is there a University of Windsor course equivalency that can be used to fulfill the Pre-Req requirements? I assume being in BioChem that the courses he has taken and will take next semester will fulfill the said requirements?

2) Regarding the pre-req's, will he be required to take a course(s) that are specific to animals (ie. will a stand alone bio course be okay or will he have to take a course like Biology of Fishes (03-55-340))?

3) What type of grade's / average will he need to have a descent shot of being accepted being that he is not enrolled in Guelph regarding his pre-req's - from what I read, there are less open slots for non Guelph students?

4) Overall - experience of the program (from 1st year members to graduates)

5) Vet profession - what are the future prospects for this profession in Ontario in the short and long term regarding descent pay, stability, etc?

I do appreciate in advance any helpful info - I have a few friends who are Vets and truly enjoy what they are doing. Regarding myself, I am an Engineer thus have little knowledge regarding this type of field.

[oncovet]

Hi there,
I'm actually from Windsor although I have completed both my undergraduate and graduate degree at the University of Guelph. To answer your questions:

1). You need to get ALL of the pre-req courses and last-two full time semesters approved by DVM undergraduate admissions. In order to do that you should get him to send his transcripts to Kelly Hunter, the undergrad DVM admissions counselor. Her email is: [e-mail]

2). No pre-reqs are required to be animal biology courses, however they are "emphasized" because they will help you during the program. They don't care what you take though. It's all a big numbers game at first, they just look at numbers because they think that determines your success in the program (I beg to differ but anyways). You get to select what courses you put forth for admission, provided they follow the rules listed on the website (i.e. choose the highest marks; you aren't impressing anyone by content because they just look at the grade received).

3). Highest he can possibly get. Last year it was the highest average the college has seen in the past decade (an 88% pre-req and 89% last-two full time semester I believe). Even 90's will not guarentee him admission to the program if he has poor social skills or hasn't fully explored the profession. You need to have people skills and good referee assessments/letters of reference. If you are lucky enough to get an interview (i.e. the top 200 students based on grades) then they look at the rest of your application to select 100 students for admission into the domestic undergrad cohort (i.e. Ontario residents). These students go through an interview process which you can read about on the OVC website. OVC does not discriminate against people who choose to study else where, the statistics just reflect those who are very serious about getting into vet school. That's why I chose to come to Guelph in the first place. There are many benefits to studying here. They have tons of volunteer opportunities within the vet school itself and farms in the surrounding area, you can do research in the field of veterinary medicine and the courses don't need to get approved (we have a list of pre-approved Guelph courses that are acceptable) so the process is just so much smoother. The competition is still fierce, everyone around you wants to be a veterinarian so you work harder. To me a huge benefit is seeing the vet school everyday...it's a huge motivation even after 6 years of dreaming.

4). Can't tell you - they rejected me but I still framed my rejection letter. I strongly believe in celebrating your failures as much as your successes!

5). Veterinarians are in high demand in Canada, over 95% of them are employed within the first year of graduation. It may even be within the first 6 months (someone correct me if I'm wrong). They not only work in clinics but also work in industry, public health, research, zoos and food inspection among others. The pay is not the best but most people don't do it for the money. The average salary in Ontario is about $70,000.00 (after 8 years or more of rigorous study).

Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine are very different fields. I suggest your son get some experience at several veterinary clinics to see if he even likes the profession. I know Windsor has several veterinary clinics he can ask to volunteer at as well as the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society and Michigan State University across the border also has volunteer oppertunities at their veterinary teaching hospital. He will also be required to provide two veterinary references and a third reference (can be vet or non-vet) for admissions purposes.

Best of luck!

[Graduate1]

OnCovet - thank you for the above summary!

One additional question regarding the Course Evaluation test (copy and pasted below). They state to provide a list of 8 courses to be used as pre-req courses then the next sentence is you are allowed to present 1 or 2 for each of the 8 - what exactly does that mean? The reason I am confused is per the suggested template link that shows an example, only 2 courses are shown and not 8? Sorry for the confusion but was hoping for some clarification regarding the second (underlined) sentence below. Many thanks in advance for any help!


A list of the eight courses to be presented as prerequisite courses and detailed course descriptions for each. You may present one or two choices (no more) for each of the eight(??). Do not submit full syllabi with your request.

[lowenger]

Hello Curious1

To get the word from the 'horse's mouth' please contact Kelly Hunter at extension 58711 or me at 54430.

Thanks