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Post by newstudent on Jul 10, 2020 10:32:52 GMT -5
Hi! I’m hoping current OVC students can provide some insight into the OVC experience, specifically whether or not it is enjoyable overall. I’ve been accepted for fall 2020 but I’m worried because all I’ve heard from former OVC grads is negativity about the program and how miserable their time was there. One vet I shadowed told me whenever she visits Guelph she avoids looking at the building while driving past it. I also gather there was an investigation into the working conditions at OVC a few years back, which concluded that OVC was a deeply unhappy place. I do find OVC to be very uncommunicative with applicants and students, but that's all I can say.
Is any of this true?
I guess I’m looking for reassurance that I’m not entering four years of living in a toxic, dysfunctional environment.
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Current DVM student
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Post by Current DVM student on Jul 10, 2020 22:35:58 GMT -5
Honestly, OVC is what you make it. The program is long and intense, and you will inevitably be frustrated, fed up, and angry at times. It's just the nature of the beast. If that is what you focus on, the experience will probably be a negative one! But, I can say that I met my best friends at OVC, I learned things I've always wanted to learn, felt accomplished and proud of myself, and by the end will have earned an amazing degree that lets me do what I want with my life. That's the perspective I personally try to focus on. I think one of the big challenges for people entering this program (especially with such brutal admission requirements) is learning to accept your shortcomings. You WILL suck at something. You'll probably fail something or multiple somethings.. it happens to ALL of us, even though you'd never know it by looking around at all your seemingly flawless colleagues. Accepting your failure as part of the learning process and checking yourself when you feel inadequate or not good enough will help you get through it. Lean on your peers and learn to celebrate your victories and learn from your mistakes. It sounds corny but trust me, this program is intense and will take every ounce of effort and sanity you have if you are willing to let it. Don't! Learn your limits, have a life, ground yourself and find passion in the profession. Not all of vet school is enjoyable (trust me) but you can learn to love the journey nonetheless. My relationship with OVC is a bit like a dysfunctional family member. It's NOT perfect, frustrates the heck out of me at times but deep down I love it, and am thankful for the doors it has opened in my life. It has made me stronger, more ethical, more confident, and proud of my journey. You WILL get through it and will become a veterinarian. How you experience getting there is largely up to you.  |
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Post by newstudent on Jul 11, 2020 8:32:23 GMT -5
Thanks Current DVM student, great practical advice and also reassuring!
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Post by Equi-Kraken on Jul 11, 2020 23:05:40 GMT -5
First of all welcome to the OVC family! I'm a new grad and overall really enjoyed my experience at OVC. The program will challenge you in ways you never thought possible. By no exaggeration there will be times where you walk into an exam without even having opened all the lectures. You will learn to manage 9 cumulative exams in 3 weeks with an incredible amount of material covered in each. You'll need to learn to accept whatever is your personal best - even if that means prioritizing self care over a few extra points on the next exam. I found it very important to really focus on how you learn best. I struggled to pay attention to 8 hours of lecture per day and it quickly became overwhelming finding time to be physically present in lectures then later review the material. This may sound very counter-productive but I found skipping certain classes to be very beneficial. I knew I wouldn't learn well in that setting and gained extra time in the day to practice self care and study in a way that was effective for me.
I would really encourage you to try to get to know every single one of your classmates. There's nothing worse than meeting a really amazing human in your last rotation of fourth year. Enjoy the small classes - its like high school with a little more maturity. Although it may seem overwhelming at first also do your best to find some extra-curricular activities you enjoy. There's a club for every interest and they can all use a warm body to help make things run. And of course don't underestimate the value of having an outlet outside of school. It was difficult but I managed to find time to ride my horse 4-5 times a week! It certainly helped me focus on studying when it was "study time".
I remember someone once saying "Its difficult to get into OVC, but d**n near impossible to get out" - meaning theres a lot of support around you and the OVC as a whole is rooting for you to pass and join the next generation of veterinarians. You will be challenged. Not a single one of my friends didn't feel challenged in one way or another. Find your strengths and use them. Do your best to improve upon your weaknesses but don't dwell on them.
Congratulations on your acceptance - you deserve it!
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Post by dvm2024 on Jul 12, 2020 11:58:25 GMT -5
Anyone else worried that with orientation and most classes being online this semester (and possibly longer), it will be hard to meet people and make those connections everyone has been saying are so important? We all know the program is tough but I'm really worried about being feeling isolated and overwhelmed by the course material.
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Post by newstudent on Jul 13, 2020 9:57:41 GMT -5
This may sound very counter-productive but I found skipping certain classes to be very beneficial. Is attendance optional for most classes, and do professors usually post the lecture notes online for students to access? Could one get by only showing up for labs, clinical skills classes and exams? I realize this will be the case during covid, but I'm referring to normal times. |
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Post by coralcoral2024 on Jul 13, 2020 10:29:25 GMT -5
Hey everyone! For what it's worth, I've worked a lot at OVC and while it was incredibly demanding, it was all an awesome learning experience. Based off of previous comments, I think that seems to be the general consensus on the curriculum itself. Anyways, I'm actually in the class of 2024 so if anyone wants to chat, shoot me a dm! |
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Post by OVC c/o 2023 on Jul 13, 2020 12:09:48 GMT -5
Anyone else worried that with orientation and most classes being online this semester (and possibly longer), it will be hard to meet people and make those connections everyone has been saying are so important? We all know the program is tough but I'm really worried about being feeling isolated and overwhelmed by the course material. I think it will be harder but OVC thrives on relationship building with your class and practise group. The second years will work hard to make sure your experience is as positive as it can be given the circumstances. We promise! |
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Post by Otter23 on Jul 13, 2020 17:01:43 GMT -5
This may sound very counter-productive but I found skipping certain classes to be very beneficial. Is attendance optional for most classes, and do professors usually post the lecture notes online for students to access? Could one get by only showing up for labs, clinical skills classes and exams? I realize this will be the case during covid, but I'm referring to normal times. Attendance is totally optional for classes! The profs post everything online and there’s nothing that they say in class but not in the lecture slides that will be tested on. Over the course of the year attendance numbers really start dwindling. Don’t feel pressured to go to class or follow the schedule if you can’t focus. You can 100% get by only going to labs if that’s how you learn best! |
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Post by newstudent on Jul 15, 2020 19:00:58 GMT -5
Is attendance optional for most classes, and do professors usually post the lecture notes online for students to access? Could one get by only showing up for labs, clinical skills classes and exams? I realize this will be the case during covid, but I'm referring to normal times. Attendance is totally optional for classes! The profs post everything online and there’s nothing that they say in class but not in the lecture slides that will be tested on. Over the course of the year attendance numbers really start dwindling. Don’t feel pressured to go to class or follow the schedule if you can’t focus. You can 100% get by only going to labs if that’s how you learn best! This is the best news I've heard since getting my acceptance! Terrific! |
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Post by qwerty on Jul 20, 2020 1:07:48 GMT -5
What's a day in life like for first years? Are classes 8AM-5PM every day?
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Post by 2023OVC on Jul 20, 2020 7:44:48 GMT -5
Hey Qwerty,
Some days are like that: 8:30-5:30, but often it's varied with some days being shorter or longer depending on lab times.
That said, with the hybrid model this year it will mostly be independent learning so the mandatory schedule will only be labs.
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Post by 2023OVC on Jul 20, 2020 7:45:56 GMT -5
Hey Qwerty, Some days are like that: 8:30-5:30, but often it's varied with some days being shorter or longer depending on lab times. That said, with the hybrid model this year it will mostly be independent learning so the mandatory schedule will only be labs. Sorry, 8:30-5:30 is the longest day for classes so everything else would be shorter |
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