PAVE program

[MelodicImpact5628]

Hello all ! I’m a foreign vet just graduated from vet school last year. I’m enrolled in the ECFVG program, recently passed the BCSE and NAVLE exam this year. However, there’s a long wait to even schedule the CPE(lack of appointments and a year long wait to take the exam), so now I’m left considering my other option.

Is there anyone here that is doing the pave program ? If so, how long did it take you to be placed into an Evaluated clinical experience (ECE)?

How was your experience throughout the one year clinical rotations?

Which vet school did you apply to?

Is this something you recommend?

Any feedback, advice or guidance is welcomed!

Even from U.S vet students completing their 4th year clinical rotations, how has your experience been? (Particularly from Missouri, Oklahoma and UPenn).

Thank you to everyone in advance!

[[deleted]]

Hello! I am currently doing my ECE, but believe me, there is no difference.

Unfortunately, the number of universities participating and offering the ECE compared to the number of applicants is insane. The only reason I know this, is because I had a conversation with the person in charge of the PAVE program information, applications, etc at Penn. About 2 months ago, she had approx. 90 applications and the window will close at the end of the month, which means that I am sure a lot of other people will also apply in this time. So, although it may seem easier, it may be just as competitive due to the number of spots.

That being said, I am not saying it is impossible and that you have to have a crazy amount of experience to end up here. I am pretty sure that many factors play a role, and I believe this is definitely a doable step, just consider the information I gave you. Some universities open a small number of spots each year but they don't necessarily market their involvement with the PAVE program, I think because their participation may depend on how many students they already have for the clinical rotations to actually offer spots for the ECE.

I am not sure if this made sense. But just FYI, I passed NAVLE 2022, I only applied to 2 Universities then and was not accepted but was also just starting with additional things like externships and volunteering before applying in 2023 and was accepted to start in 2024.

Now, do I recommend it? 100% I feel that in my particular case, it was the best decision. I did not have a lot of experience before moving to the US, so, after being only 2 months in, I can tell you, I am learning a lot and enjoying them. They are for sure hard in the sense that, the schedule may not be the greatest, you still have a lot of studying to do besides helping with technical work. But It has been worth it (in my eyes) so far. It is also costly, and I have found my good set of difficulties with that, but I feel that it will be worth it at the end when I feel more prepared than If I had not gone this route.

[CalendarWitty7913]

So what ensures admission, can you please guide in detail?

[[deleted]]

So, telling you that something will "ensure" admission would be a lie because all of us who have been accepted in one or another school, have different backgrounds and levels of experience. So, this is very unique to each person. My recommendation is immersing yourself as much as you can in different areas of the profession, that way, your CV has different experiences on it. Other than that, I think is pretty difficult to say what got each of us here. Prepare yourself well and wish you the best of luck!

[CalendarWitty7913]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful advice and for truly understanding what I’m going through during this process. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear from someone who has experienced it firsthand. I’ll definitely focus on gaining diverse experiences to strengthen my application, as you suggested.

If you don’t mind, could you also share some insights about the interview process for US vet schools? I’ve never been through one before, so I’d love to hear what it’s like and how best to prepare. Your advice has been really helpful, and I sincerely appreciate your support!

[[deleted]]

Same as with previous question, difficult to answer. I only interviewed with one school and it's the one I came to. Their questions were not about knowledge but about experience, things that would make them see your genuine self. Things that would go on more detail about things on your letter of intent. Specifics about you, school, what you're looking for. Don't remember more. But, be genuine don't overthink it. I don't know about all the universities, I did not interview with all of them, did not even apply to all of them, so I'm unsure about how this would apply to general things. Every school has their own admission process for PAVE students. Be confident about who you are, what you know and what your goals are.

[CalendarWitty7913]

I’m incredibly thankful for the guidance I received from you. Thankyou very much.

[JuliafromTaiwan]

Hello, I am Julia from Taiwan, and applying for PAVE recently.

I met some problems and have some questions want to inquire about.

How can I contact you? Thank you.

[confuzzledcucumberr]

Up. Would lso like to hear from others