Has anyone appealed course requirements?

[ducbo]

Hello,
I'm a mature graduate student (MSc) applying to the DVM program. As I did not know I wanted to be a vet, unfortunately I did not meet Guelph's "full time studies" requirements.
I have 3 semesters where I took 5 courses (full time) and the rest of my semesters I took 4 courses (not full time according to Guelph). 
Most of my 6 prereqs were within the full-time courses, but 2 fall within the non full time courses.

Other than the fact that I didn't know about this program and was interested in academia at the time, I have a few sidenotes and reasons:

• My GPA is consistent between semesters that are 5 courses and semesters that are 4. In fact, in my 5-course semesters, I went over normal credit hours (15 credit hours) because some of the courses were labs (so 17, 16, and 16 credit hours instead.) During the 17 credit-hour semester I got a 4.0, so hopefully this demonstrates that I can still do well with a lot of work.
• During 2 of my 4-course semesters, I did independent research projects that I decided to focus my time on instead.
• I worked 2 part-time jobs throughout my undergrad, probably totalling to 20hrs per week to support myself (one was a scientific illustrator, one was a job recruiter). 
• I also tried to do lots of extracurriculars (I won an award for my extracurricular work).

Does this sound reasonable at all?
Has anyone had any luck appealing about this to the Chair of Admissions? How did you do it?

Thanks so much!

[lowenger]

If taking 4 courses was a choice on your part then you cannot get approval for an appeal. If you had to work then you would need letters from employers that support your claim to 20 hours a week.

You must fulfill the requirements so if you don't appeal, I would suggest you do a full time non-degree semester and take the missing prerequisite courses (at the next higher level).

[ducbo]

Thanks lowenger for the prompt responses, you rock.

[BrittanyRL]

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if there are people on this forum who are mature graduate applicants such as myself (or lucky admittees) who are more removed from their Undergraduate days, and who have had any success in appealing coursework when they didn't quite fit all the rules of eligibility? As I completed my Undergraduate degree 7 years ago, I was unfortunately not aware of the specifics. These are the three situations in which my courses/semesters would not be accepted:

1) In my second year (2007), I dropped an elective visual arts course due to personal illness. The University Family Doctor I was seen under has since retired, and I am unsure if contacting her to confirm this would be possible, considering it was a decade ago. However, the counselor I was seeing is still employed, and she would likely be able to vouch for my circumstances).
2) In my fourth year, I completed overall 60% of my courses in my final year at the 4th year level, but it worked out to 40% fourth year in one semester (below the accepted amount), and 80% in the other semester.
3)Finally, in my last year I took a 2nd year level Microbiology and Immunology course when I had previously completed a couple 3rd year level Microbio courses; However, it was not considered a pre- or anti-requisite for the 3000 level ones I had taken before, as it simply covered different material that I wanted to learn.

For some background information, I have three Science Degrees conferred from Ontario Universities: a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, a research-based MSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology, and a professional MSc in Physical Therapy (I really enjoy learning). In my research-based MSc degree, I was taught basic medical care of small laboratory animals and how to perform certain surgeries. I was also fortunate enough to gain experience as a Teaching Assistant for upper year science courses during this time, and to become a published scientific author. Over the years, I have gained considerable experience with animals, including veterinary assistant work, wildlife rehabilitation, horseback riding, Humane Society volunteer work, etc.

I am also completing coursework and case studies to be certified in Canine Rehabilitation as a Physio (one MC exam away!), and thus, I am well versed in the physical/neurological assessment and rehabilitation of canines. I feel so fortunate to be able to work with animals in this capacity, and the more I work alongside Veterinarians as a Physiotherapist, the more I realise that this is the field in which my heart and head truly belong. With a thorough understanding of mammalian musculoskeletal and neurological function and rehabilitation, I feel like I would be able to offer a unique and vauable perspective and skillset as a Veterinarian. Thus, I am incredibly disheartened to learn that despite my broad scientific background and skillset, I technically do not meet the qualifications to even apply.

If there are any other mature students or individuals going through appeals for similar coursework situations, please let me know how it has worked out for you! I am in the process of writing an appeals letter, and truly hope that I will not be told that I must go back tocomplete another semester of Undergraduate work to be considered a worthy applicant.

Thanks all, and best of luck in your pursuit of treating and helping animals!

[lowenger]

Oct 17, 2017 14:35:10 GMT -5 BrittanyRL said:

Hello everyone,


1) In my second year (2007), I dropped an elective visual arts course due to personal illness. The University Family Doctor I was seen under has since retired, and I am unsure if contacting her to confirm this would be possible, considering it was a decade ago. However, the counselor I was seeing is still employed, and she would likely be able to vouch for my circumstances).

The only way you can appeal the full time rule is to submit the necessary documentation. Your medical records should still be available to the physician who took over the doctor's patients.

2) In my fourth year, I completed overall 60% of my courses in my final year at the 4th year level, but it worked out to 40% fourth year in one semester (below the accepted amount), and 80% in the other semester.

The rule is 60% THIRD OR FOURTH year level. So please check that. Semesters are independent of each other.

3)Finally, in my last year I took a 2nd year level Microbiology and Immunology course when I had previously completed a couple 3rd year level Microbio courses; However, it was not considered a pre- or anti-requisite for the 3000 level ones I had taken before, as it simply covered different material that I wanted to learn.

Submit all your documents to [e-mail] as is stated on our website.

Please follow the instructions on the website and work with our registrar's office to verify what courses you can use and what you still might need to do.

[moneil]

Hi there,
I'm currently in a similar situation those described by BrittanyRL and dubco above. Just wondering if either of you would mind sharing the outcome of your appeals process?
Thanks,
Melissa

[animalsarethebest]

Hi Brittany and Moneil,

I was accepted through the graduate cohort and I had to write an appeal letter because I did not take one of my prerequisite courses with a full-time course load in undergrad. At the time, I had personal/family health issues that lead to financial issues which required me to work almost full-time hours to support myself throughout my undergrad degree. I provided a medical note and diagnosis form from my family members doctor, T4 and personal letter from my employer, letter from my grad school supervisor vouching that I would be able to take on a full-time course load, and wrote an appeal letter to explain my situation. I would suggest providing as much evidence/information as possible when applying for an appeal. OVC is understanding and realizes that people come from a variety of backgrounds and some may have to overcome certain barriers in their education and lives more so than others. As long as you are able to back up your situation then I am sure they will listen and approve your appeal.

Good luck I was nervous when I first proceeded with the appeal process thinking that it would automatically be denied, so don't let that deter you from trying!