OVC Students are HERE FUR YOU

[ovcrubyrhino]

This thread was made to create a culture of support and understanding for all those applicants that are finding it challenging to deal with the news of not getting into OVC. You are not alone in this journey of becoming a future veterinarian. Many can empathize with similar challenges you are facing. We support you and we are HERE FUR YOU. I encourage other OVC students to post similar messages of support here!

[ovcrubyrhino]

With acceptances out, as promised in my interview debrief I'm posting here if anyone needs help and support with whatever news they received yesterday.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that got in - you did it! If the news was not what you were hoping for please don’t think any less of all the hard work that you have put in over so many years in preparation for this year’s application! DON'T give up and be kind to yourself! You deserve as much congratulations for your efforts as anyone else! There's no doubt that the pain of not getting in is a hard pill to swallow, but do what you can to learn from this experience and take comfort in the fact that students every year get in on their second, third, EVEN their fourth application.
If being a veterinarian is your dream, you will find a way of making it happen - I believe in YOU & you should believe in YOU too! The students at OVC are here to support you, so if you ever need to chat, please feel free to reach out to me on this forum or by email: [e-mail].

YOU CAN DO IT & YOU WILL DO IT!

[3TimeCharmed]

To anyone who may be reading this:

At times, I felt way behind. Health struggles delayed my transition from high school to university. Then they delayed my first application.

When I did finally apply, I didn't get in.

Since I'm being perfectly honest here, I was a wreck. But once the initial frustration and heartbreak had passed, I channeled them into trying even harder, and putting myself out there even more. And I applied again.

And I got rejected, again.

I'm not sure which time was more crushing, but it didn't really matter because both were awful. Yet somehow, the negative emotions were not quite strong enough to match the passion, desire, and dedication for a career in veterinary medicine. This profession is neither easy nor glamourous, and you have to truly want to be a part of it if you are to a) succeed and b) take care of yourself.

I got myself together, put even more experience under my belt, and applied for a third time.

I was accepted.

It was, by far, the most amazing feeling in the world. Not because I got into OVC, but because *I* didn't let someone or something else dictate my worth or discourage me from my dream. Again, I'd be lying if I said there weren't extremely difficult moments along the path. But despite the fact that I consider my colleagues who got in on their first try (most after only 3 years of undergrad) as competent as those who are arriving "later" in life, there is a distinct difference in the maturity and appreciation experienced by those of us who overcame significant barriers to get here.

What I'm saying is, be discouraged. Be angry, heartbroken, hurt, frustrated. Allow yourself to feel lost, if that's what surfaces. But whatever you do, shame, guilt, or embarrassment have no place. Unworthiness has no place. We all KNOW the admission system is flawed. Sometimes, OVC messes up and misses out on amazing future vets. But that isn't a reflection of you as an individual. Of you, someone who likely has so much to offer, and, wherever you end up, will give so much.

A rejection is not definite. It means the timing might not be what you hoped, but there is zero permanence to it.Please, if you are sure this is the career for you, try again.

Don't give up. I didn't - and I made it.

Good luck <3

[ovcrubyrhino2020]

As one that was not accepted on my first application, I can empathize with those that may be feeling sad, discouraged, or defeated. These are all normal feelings and it is okay to feel this way. Just know that all your hard work, dedication, and commitment is not lost. Think about the person you’ve become; how those experiences have shaped you, changed you, introduced you to people you may have never met. Take some time for yourself, surround yourself with people who encourage and support you. You were up against many other people who were much like yourself - hard working and determined. This does not make you any less smart or less capable than others. Believe in yourself. Try again. My biggest piece of advice is to never give up. I worked harder for my second application and was accepted. You can do that too. Try new things, meet new people. Have a plan B. Know that if you are meant to get into veterinary school, you will with your many hours of studying, volunteering and late nights. I know it feels like it sucks now, but the extra year for me allowed me to meet new people, get experiences I never knew were available to me, come up with a backup plan and really solidify the fact that I knew I wanted to get into veterinary school. You can do it.

[upset]

Hi guys,

I didn't get an interview this year and I was kind of okay with it since it was my second time receiving such news (my second application with no interview I mean). But, after seeing some friends of mine post on Facebook yesterday that they got in, I just got so upset. I think the reality just really sank in... it's so hard to know what to do next! I don't believe I'm lacking in much experience (maybe some more vet experience but it's really hard for me to get any), and my grades were about average (but should be better for next year). Yet, even if my grades will be better for next year, I know that the admission average will just go up anyways, so once again I probably won't be that competitive. I'm just in a spiral of "I'll never do it". Really not sure what to do next.

Thanks for making this thread, I needed a vent

[Defeated]

After my second interview, I still haven't gotten in. I truly thought that this was my year and have no idea what I can do to make myself any better for acceptance. I feel so ashamed and embarrassed that I've failed yet again and I have no idea what my future holds right now. I'm dreading even having to see people I know because they genuinely believe in me, and having to tell them that I'm a reject again is so painful and embarrassing. I don't want to give up but I also don't want to put myself through this again because pursuing this dream has done nothing but make me unhappy. Thank you for this thread. I think it's the only place with people that know exactly how hard we work to achieve this dream, and how it feels to have it thrown back in your face.

[upset]

May 29, 2018 13:32:33 GMT -5 Defeated said:

After my second interview, I still haven't gotten in. I truly thought that this was my year and have no idea what I can do to make myself any better for acceptance. I feel so ashamed and embarrassed that I've failed yet again and I have no idea what my future holds right now. I'm dreading even having to see people I know because they genuinely believe in me, and having to tell them that I'm a reject again is so painful and embarrassing. I don't want to give up but I also don't want to put myself through this again because pursuing this dream has done nothing but make me unhappy. Thank you for this thread. I think it's the only place with people that know exactly how hard we work to achieve this dream, and how it feels to have it thrown back in your face.

I totally understand what you mean by putting yourself through trying to get in to vet school has made you unhappy! Something not many people are open to admit for sure. 

[Defeated]

Yes I think it's something that a lot of us feel but never speak about because it's our dream and we're supposed to just do what we have to do to get there. I'm trying to teach myself that there is more to life than being a vet, but that is quite hard to accept when my whole life has literally revolved around being one. The pressure around admissions has really blown my confidence and has made me feel that I'm a loser for even trying.

[3TimeCharmed]

May 29, 2018 14:00:03 GMT -5 Defeated said:

Yes I think it's something that a lot of us feel but never speak about because it's our dream and we're supposed to just do what we have to do to get there. I'm trying to teach myself that there is more to life than being a vet, but that is quite hard to accept when my whole life has literally revolved around being one. The pressure around admissions has really blown my confidence and has made me feel that I'm a loser for even trying.

I completely understand. It's easy for someone on the outside to encourage a 'Plan B,' make alternate suggestions, or tell you "next time"!. I won't say those things, because a) you've already heard them and b) they don't help.

What I will say is that I HAVE been there. As in, I legitimately know how you feel, having been through the process three times myself. When the first two resulted in a rejection (not even an interview), it didn't feel like it was just my attempt that was rejected - it felt like *I* was the reject. 

While it is certainly understandable that those who did get in want to share their news, I agree wholeheartedly that seeing multiple posts on Facebook about it can be extremely upsetting and make things that much harder. Social media may be a good thing to avoid for the next while, though of course I acknowledge it doesn't make any of the hurt go away.

I also lost pretty much any confidence I may have had. It's taken me a while to get some of it back, and I'm still working on it. But what I realized once I finally got into OVC is that it didn't "fix everything" like I hoped. That's when I finally realized that despite how it felt, OVC wasn't, and never was/never will be, my everything.

I am so happy to be here, but it was MY hard work that got me here, not OVC. And whether you are admitted or not, you HAVE to give yourself credit for your skills, smarts, and efforts. Try not to let OVC or anyone else take away from you how far you've come. And let me be an example of someone who once stood right where you are now - the steps forward are heavy, but move on you will!

[Disappointed]

Thank you so much for opening this thread! It's really encouraging hearing success stories from those of you who eventually made it into OVC. Also thanks to all the people who shared their feelings, it really makes me feel like I'm not alone in this.

This was my first attempt, I moved in Ontario 2 years ago, and had to wait 1 year just for the right to apply, when I finally got the interview I was so excited! Finally after 2 years of graduating with my undergrad I got a chance and I felt like I had a good one. My average was 92, I had almost 5 years of vet experience with animals and I thought the interview was pretty good as well.

Yesterday as many of you I was refreshing WebAdvisor every 5-10min or so since early morning. I was picturing how the status changes to "Admitted", how I'm gonna tell my husband, we already started looking for a house in Guelph, daycare for my baby and although I was trying not to make any plans before I have the final answer, my brain secretly was making them for me. Including what post I'm gonna write on Facebook

And then when finally the status changed, and I saw the "Refused Admission" it was like...what?! And silence. Suddenly all your plans, dreams, excitement, antisipation, conversations with friends and family about it..all gone at once.
Like stupid I kept refreshing the website a few times during the day yesterday in a stupid hope that maybe it's gonna change somehow hahaha..

I think this was the hardest part dor me, to loose this picture I draw in my mind of how my life is gonna look like starting this September.

[rhino]

A rejection of any form is a hard experience to work through, especially one that you have poured so much passion and dedication into. By NO means is a rejection a measure of your worth, your passion, or your commitment. Every single person in the application pool (YOURSELF INCLUDED) will bring such value to their work and others’ lives. I know this because here’s the thing; just by being in that pool, just by working towards the application, YOU have demonstrated passion, compassion, resilency, drive, and so many other important personal and professional qualities which will take you in any number of wonderful and fulfilling directions. The profession, future patients, and society would be lucky to have all of you making the world a better place.



I think when rejections happen it can help us process and work through it by remembering other times in our lives that we have faced rejection. How did you cope with that? What strategies and people/ resources in your life were really great at helping you move forward? Can you think of some positive experiences that helped you grow into the amazing person you are right now, that you wouldn’t have been exposed to or tried out if that original rejection never occurred? This rejection is not the end and whether you apply again next year or are carrying out another plan now, you are going to grow in so many ways and have new experiences throughout the next year and beyond. Its ok to ask for help in working through this, its ok to feel all of the feelings you are feeling right now and in the coming days ahead, but please do not stop trying to work towards the things you love. You are worthy, you are strong, and you have such potential!



I want to extend a warm virtual hug to each and every one of the future vets reading this. I have no doubt that wherever you go in the next step of your journey, the world and those that you work with and for will benefit so much from your presence.

<3

[OVC Student]

Hi there:

My journey to vet school wasn't an easy one. I didn't even get an interview until my fourth attempt and was finally accepted during this fourth attempt. After my first rejection I looked into obtaining a Master's degree to enhance my application and also improve my marks to show OVC that I can succeed at the graduate level. I also expanded upon different areas of veterinary medicine to show diversity of experience on my application.

Also during this time I was hospitalized and diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder which added to the stress of applying to veterinary school.

My advice is to take the opportunity to expand your experiences and look to improve any area that you may be not as strong in as others. In doing these things, you never know who you will meet or what new experiences you will have that inspire you and make your next application that much more competitive.

[canadagoose]

As someone who didn't get into OVC until their third application, its hard to read these posts as they bring all of the hurt and suffering back to the surface. After being rejected a second time, I was utterly crushed. I had done everything 'right' and it still wasn't enough. I lost confidence in myself and believed others had lost confidence in me as well. I didn't apply the following year and instead returned to school to improve my grades, which had been competitive but after 2 years were no longer high enough. By the time I was accepted, I had spent 4 years of my life gaining additional experience and done two extra terms of university schooling. During this time I felt like I was in limbo, I never knew what my future would hold, and it was a huge time and financial drain. However, I believe that through experiencing what I did and living through those rejections, working nights and volunteering during the day, really made me appreciate my place in my class and gave me an additional level of maturity that has helped me through the program and in life. I think that persevering after being rejected DOES make you a stronger person, not just as a candidate but as an entire individual. You CAN do it, you ARE resilient and you are DEFINITELY worth it.

And if you're tired, or angry, or want to give up, that's ok too. Give yourself today, tomorrow, even this week and practice good self care and protect your mental health. And hey, be mad! Be mad at the system. If you are frustrated and don't want to devote more of your life to this elusive magical place called OVC, you don't have to. There are a million things you could be doing other than putting life on hold for OVC. You could be a human doctor, an animal behaviourist, a researcher. You can become the best you that you can be, or a trailblazer in another field, or an expert that veterinarians consult daily for your opinion. Take control of your life and don't let OVC take away years you could have been using to get to another amazing and magical place.

I believe in you, and I promise that the people around you believe in you too. Trust yourself and know that nothing you've done or fought for is ever wasted, you gain something from every experience. Whatever you choose to do, be it continue with your dreams of OVC or chase another dream, you can do it <3

[OVC2022]

Hi everyone,

I, along with MANY others, know exactly the hurt you are dealing with right now. I know that nothing anyone says will change how you are feeling but I just want to say one thing: EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! This was what really got me through one rejection and what kept me going through waiting for this year's application results. As cliche as it sounds, you were not admitted this year for a reason. This reason may not be clear and you're allowed to be frustrated and angry and upset but remember that being admitted will happen if/when its supposed to. You will carry on the next year, gain extremely valuable experiences, meet people, travel, get a new job, find a new passion and everything will fall into place. Please trust in this! Don't give up on OVC because of a rejection & remember: if you learn from defeat, you really haven't lost.

Try and use this rejection as inspiration. You WILL get where you need to be and remember that nothing worth fighting for ever comes easy. Please reach out on this forum if you need to talk. I am all ears and would be more then happy to talk or even just listen <3

[NextYear]

Hey Disappointed,

Your comment really applied to me, it was exactly how i felt! I couldn't help but get my hopes up, so seeing that refused admission really shattered this picture I was building in my head...

Definitely need some practice in the interview, I am eager to receive my score though.

[upset]

May 29, 2018 18:06:37 GMT -5 canadagoose said:

As someone who didn't get into OVC until their third application, its hard to read these posts as they bring all of the hurt and suffering back to the surface. After being rejected a second time, I was utterly crushed. I had done everything 'right' and it still wasn't enough. I lost confidence in myself and believed others had lost confidence in me as well. I didn't apply the following year and instead returned to school to improve my grades, which had been competitive but after 2 years were no longer high enough. By the time I was accepted, I had spent 4 years of my life gaining additional experience and done two extra terms of university schooling. During this time I felt like I was in limbo, I never knew what my future would hold, and it was a huge time and financial drain. However, I believe that through experiencing what I did and living through those rejections, working nights and volunteering during the day, really made me appreciate my place in my class and gave me an additional level of maturity that has helped me through the program and in life. I think that persevering after being rejected DOES make you a stronger person, not just as a candidate but as an entire individual. You CAN do it, you ARE resilient and you are DEFINITELY worth it.

And if you're tired, or angry, or want to give up, that's ok too. Give yourself today, tomorrow, even this week and practice good self care and protect your mental health. And hey, be mad! Be mad at the system. If you are frustrated and don't want to devote more of your life to this elusive magical place called OVC, you don't have to. There are a million things you could be doing other than putting life on hold for OVC. You could be a human doctor, an animal behaviourist, a researcher. You can become the best you that you can be, or a trailblazer in another field, or an expert that veterinarians consult daily for your opinion. Take control of your life and don't let OVC take away years you could have been using to get to another amazing and magical place.

I believe in you, and I promise that the people around you believe in you too. Trust yourself and know that nothing you've done or fought for is ever wasted, you gain something from every experience. Whatever you choose to do, be it continue with your dreams of OVC or chase another dream, you can do it <3

Hey canadagoose, what you said really stuck with me about not putting your life on hold for OVC, and being allowed to be mad at the system. I think the system is pretty crazy! I will be eligible for another Canadian vet school soon enough, and let me tell you- their averages of those accepted are substantially lower than OVC. So, yes, I'm a little upset that admission averages keep going up and up- but maybe this other vet school might cut me some slack. Not going to let OVC stop me from being a vet that's for sure. 
Thanks guys for all your stories and support it's super encouraging. 

[xenaxavier]

Hey 3 TimeCharmed and canadagoose,

Congrats to you both!! I really hope I get in third try like you I have applied twice, been interviewed twice AND been rejected twice. Which is really heartbreaking since I hired tutors to help me with my interview skills after my first interview and I applied with an 89 average for my first application, 90.225 for my second and so next year (my third) my average will be 90.7, so I know it was not my grades. I think I will take a year off to work and gain more experience and practice my interview skills even more. I find rejection especially difficult since social media lets me see all those my year or younger getting in

[Disappointed]

May 30, 2018 6:20:17 GMT -5 NextYear said:

Hey Disappointed,

Your comment really applied to me, it was exactly how i felt! I couldn't help but get my hopes up, so seeing that refused admission really shattered this picture I was building in my head...

Definitely need some practice in the interview, I am eager to receive my score though.

Thanks for saying that! It really helped me to vent my feelings and it makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone. There are so many dedicated, worthy,talented people here who didn't get in and feel frustrated so it's not all about me

Sharing really helps, and especially talking to family and friends who believe in you and remind you who you are - strong, smart, dedicated, hard working and that no mater what you'll make it!

Today I feel much better and a bit less disappointed - it's not the end of the world. We'll use this year to improve and be even better for next year! Good luck to all of us

[LTA]

May 30, 2018 6:30:31 GMT -5 xenaxavier said:

Hey 3 TimeCharmed and canadagoose,

Congrats to you both!! I really hope I get in third try like you I have applied twice, been interviewed twice AND been rejected twice. Which is really heartbreaking since I hired tutors to help me with my interview skills after my first interview and I applied with an 89 average for my first application, 90.225 for my second and so next year (my third) my average will be 90.7, so I know it was not my grades. I think I will take a year off to work and gain more experience and practice my interview skills even more. I find rejection especially difficult since social media lets me see all those my year or younger getting in

Hey!!

I was in the same boat as you. Applied twice got interviewed twice and rejected twice. My average went up between applications but my interview stayed the same so I realized I had to switch up my strategy. I took time for myself and started working full-time at a vet clinic and gained soooo much more experience but more importantly gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I also practiced a tonne for the interview and got feedback from vets and vet students. Third time I got it.

Also, remember;

Getting into OVC isn't a race. You don't need to get in on your first try or from third year and it doesn't matter who else is getting in. This is your life so go at your pace and don't feel like you are behind or something like that. your time will come

[Guest555]

I declined my offer today. Life has some different plans for me. I truly hope one of you get the spot! And if not this year, don't give up, you can do it!