Post by dreizehn on May 31, 2013 7:20:28 GMT -5
Firstly:
Secondly:
(Just a side note: most, if not all, of the OVC sites I linked to above also appear to be summarised on the following page of the "new" web site: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/helpfulresources/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.asp)
As always, if you have any specific questions please ask them, as I'm sure someone will be able to help.
Finally, above all keep in mind that, while you may not have been admitted this year, there is still a wealth of experience and knowledge you gained by preparing for and going through the admissions process. You may not fully appreciate it at the moment, but all of it can be put to work moving forward, whether that includes reapplying in the future, or following a different path. It may take some time to figure out exactly where you want to go from here, but there's always[/i] another opportunity out there. [/b]
Now, here are some baby giraffes:
I'm truly sorry this application cycle was not successful for you. While I'm sure you are understandably upset, do keep in mind that application to the DVM program is highly competitive and space is limited, so don't be too hard on yourself or discouraged. Admitted or not, all the work put into preparing for and going through the application process is invaluable experience that you can use moving forward. Best of luck for the future.
If you're having a really hard time, do remember there are many resources available for help: family, friends, and groups such as this are all there for you. Further, most universities have counselling services available to provide more structured assistance, if desired. (www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/faq/#hardtimecoping)
Secondly:
Keep your chin up - whether this was your first application or your fourth, this is just another bend in the road. If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the OVC's web site for some information geared specifically to unsuccessful applicants, which you may find helpful: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/faq/
Also, each fall (generally in early September, and I'm assuming one will happen again this fall) the OVC tends to run an open "debrief" session for unsuccessful applicants, as well as anyone else interested, where they go through information applicants may find helpful (e.g., FAQs, admission stats, rumours/myths, requirements, etc.); I believe there is also some time at the end for audience questions (Note: they are unable to provide individual feedback on applications, but I found this presentation is a good summary for applicants, and audience questions often bring up useful information). For the past couple of years I've been here, the meeting has been held on the OVC campus, but videos have also been posted for those unable to attend in person. Here is the video from last year's session (2012): www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtjLtwOGmQ. The date was provided on the "old" web site (both on the first page and on a dedicated page: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/debrief/); I haven't found a corresponding section on the "new" web site, but I'm sure it will be posted somewhere on there (plus someone may also post it to this forum, and maybe also the FVC Facebook page).
For all those interested in the hard numbers of the process - each year (usually a bit later in the summer or very early fall) the OVC provides a summary of the general stats for the applicant cycle, along with more detailed stats of the admitted class (e.g., averages for prerequisites, last 2 semesters, MCAT, interview scores). These are currently posted at the bottom of the following page: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/applyingtodvm/selectionprocess.asp. Also, applicants who reached the interview stage (whether ultimately admitted or not) are e-mailed their overall interview score. I previously summarised the stats provided for the last seven years (classes of 2010-2016) in a couple of Excel files if anyone's interested (due to their dimensions they generally don't work well in a "preview" format but, rather, need to be opened in a proper spreadsheet program):I found these stats can be quite useful for helping to determine what parts of an application would be best to focus on improving to increase the chances of success.
- On the second tab, summary tables and graphs for the undergrad cohort (e.g., prerequisites, last 2 semesters, MCAT, interview scores)
docs.google.com/file/d/0B08j-U1CX9S9M09UU1ZxNUJkZGc/edit?usp=sharing- A summary of the other stats provided (e.g., number applied, number interviewed, number accepted, etc. for all cohorts)
docs.google.com/file/d/0B08j-U1CX9S9M1FTeXdjdEFWVDg/edit?usp=sharing
For anyone for whom this was your first, second, or third time applying to the OVC, you will be able to apply again, if so desired.
Now, for anyone for whom this was your fourth time applying, unfortunately you will not be able to apply to OVC again as, per the policy on the OVC's web site for future students (at the time of this posting):In total, only four applications for admission to the DVM program will be considered from an individual. This includes applications in either the undergraduate cohort or the graduate cohort.HOWEVER, there are many options out there:
(per www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/faq/#howmanytimes, or the "new" web site: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/helpfulresources/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.asp)The OVC site has a brief listing of some other opportunities: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/faq/#othercareer
While a DVM is the first thought for many, there is a multitude of other related career paths available that provide many of the same or very similar opportunities as a DVM. I'm going to use myself as a brief example here: prior to coming to the OVC as a DVM student, I spent six or seven years bouncing around engineering, all the while convinced that it was what I wanted to and was going to do. Turns out it wasn't... and that was honestly one of the best decisions I've made. I spent some time figuring out what else I was interested in, did some additional work to make it possible, and am now on a path I am truly enjoying.
Now, with that said, that was just one of my experiences, and the same may very well not hold true for you (I'm also a DVM student myself, so I do understand the attraction to the profession). In which case, just consider this a detour along the way. There are many other veterinary schools, especially if you look into being an international student - the OVC web site (www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/future/dvm/unsuccessful/faq/#Otherschoolsapply) provides some additional information, as well as a link to the VMCAS site that nicely summarizes the information for many veterinary colleges (www.aavmc.org/College-Specific-Requirements/College-Specific-Requirements_College-Specifications.aspx). Also, keep in mind that the other Canadian schools are also a possibility, you just have to make sure you meet their specific admission requirements, and beforehand have to establish residency in the area they service (e.g., using the AVC as an example, you could live in an Atlantic province for 12 consecutive months without attending a university/college full-time). These schools would require a lot more research on your part into their individual admission requirements, and possibly additional work to meet those requirements, but all are valid alternate options for pursuing a DVM degree.
(Just a side note: most, if not all, of the OVC sites I linked to above also appear to be summarised on the following page of the "new" web site: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/helpfulresources/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.asp)
As always, if you have any specific questions please ask them, as I'm sure someone will be able to help.
Finally, above all keep in mind that, while you may not have been admitted this year, there is still a wealth of experience and knowledge you gained by preparing for and going through the admissions process. You may not fully appreciate it at the moment, but all of it can be put to work moving forward, whether that includes reapplying in the future, or following a different path. It may take some time to figure out exactly where you want to go from here, but there's always[/i] another opportunity out there. [/b]
Now, here are some baby giraffes: