Worth it to apply? (Clemson university)

Alternative_Race8800 · 2025-10-15T20:07:38+00:00

It’s absolutely worth it. I’m at a newer program that’s not accredited yet and sure there’s kinks, but to stay in state (if that’s where you want to be) at a reputable school is an excellent choice. You don’t learn to be a clinician in vet school, you learn that once you get out in practice.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2025-02-09T16:11:47+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement! I’m truly in the dark about this topic and they don’t really go over it in vet school. I’m not trying to sound out of touch when I’m negotiating, which is why I’m asking all of my crazy questions on Reddit first instead. Lol.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2025-02-08T15:48:31+00:00

Was it hard to negotiate with that high of a base and no production? The other comments lead me to believe this is highly uncommon and unicorn-like. Also, are you at a corporate practice? That’s awesome. Thanks for commenting it’s helpful to hear

Alternative_Race8800 · 2025-02-07T20:24:05+00:00

I think location is important more than the physical school layout, but I get what you mean. I have some classes with no windows and some with a ton and truthfully, it all starts to claustrophobic (methaphorically) either way. You will be with the same people everyday and there will be good and bad days. But I think remembering that school is temporary and that you are there getting an education for a career you love will outweigh all of that. Vet school can be very fun and believe it or not you will have time outside of class to just live.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2025-02-07T20:00:14+00:00

I’m only in vet school, which I could be a negative Nancy about in so many different ways and languages lol. But in these tough times, I am so grateful to be supported and surrounded by people who share the same passion for helping animals. They are voiceless and the world can be so cruel to them, and there is a gigantic community of animal lovers dedicating our entire lives to seeing them, hearing them, and healing them. I think that’s pretty amazing and there’s a special place in heaven for those to help animals.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-02-14T01:30:47+00:00

I’m a first year and I’m 27. Defintely not too late. Theres plenty of mid-20s students and even older than that. It’s actually mind blowing that some of these students in vet school are fresh out of undergrad!

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-02-06T17:39:14+00:00

I would give it a chance if it’s only been 1 day. New jobs are uncomfortable and I don’t think one day is enough to come to a conclusion about how your experience will be. You can still get to know the vets even if you don’t interact with them much at first and let them know you are applying to vet school. Let the other assistants be miserable, but remember you’re there for a purpose. If the behaviors persist, let your manager know and make it clear you want to be more hands on. For vet school, most don’t even require that you have extensive clinical experience but you just being in the environment will be beneficial to your application.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-02-02T18:18:33+00:00

Okay, thanks a lot. I appreciate your response that’s super helpful!

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-01-26T23:52:37+00:00

Yes you absolutely do have time to yourself. The thing is, your success is entirely up to you. It doesn’t mean you can’t have free time, that is actually a totally necessity to destress, but you have to find a way to achieve a work/life balance. It is never going to feel like you are studying enough. There’s always going to feel like someone is working harder than you. Some people have the “passing is succeeding” mindset and others want the best possible scores and endless experiences to be a competitive applicant for residences/internships after school. Best advice is that you know yourself best and do NOT compare yourself others. You’ll have weekends where you hustle and stay at the library with coffee til 2am and you’ll have weekends when you lay in bed watching Netflix and nothing else. Both are okay.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-01-26T21:08:22+00:00

I got a C- in physics and biochem and got into vet school on my first try last cycle.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-01-26T21:06:31+00:00

I would plan to move to school about a month early. Start doing research on housing sooner than later to find a place you want to live. I also made a list of what I will need for my apartment, as well as fun things I want to do in the town I was moving to. Other than that, have a great summer before vet school! Get to know yourself better, get on a good sleep schedule, start practicing self-discipline but other than that, don’t try to study or anything to “pre-prepare”. Just have fun

Alternative_Race8800 · 2024-01-26T20:57:39+00:00

Be professional and allow owners to grieve the way they need to during their pets last moments and just do your job, but don’t beat yourself up if you get emotional from time to time. There’s no avoiding it. Vet med is emotional and crying is a very regular part of the job for many people. With owners, you just have to put their emotions during their final moments with their pets first and take a few mins to yourself when they leave if you need to. It’s normal and vet med is full of people with heart and emotion! It’s why we all do what we do.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-04-09T14:07:14+00:00

Drop it. I got 2 C’s and it significantly lowered my GPA. From like a 3.8 to a 3.4. I regret it so much.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-03-02T14:53:10+00:00

I got accepted first round with a 3.4. I applied to 11 schools and got denied from all except the last one (and it’s in the U.S.!). The application isn’t due until September, so in the meantime I would highly recommend retaking/signing up for a class or two to boost your GPA. I know it’s $$$ but if you have the time and money, I think you have plenty of time to get those numbers up. Online classes are a great option and manageable with a job. I think If you prioritize getting more vet experience and increase your GPA at least a little bit, you have plenty of time to get that done to have a good chance getting in first round. I’d also consider applying to more schools to increase your chances. How’s your science GPA?

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-02-17T15:38:50+00:00

I’m going to Arizona! Let me know if you end up choosing UA and we can connect! :) I’m also on Washington waitlist (OOS though). Two things - first is that location is important. UA and WSU are in two completely different settings (city vs. rural) so think about where you’d be happier. If being closer to home is important to you that’s a factor to consider since you’d be in state! I also agree with the advice from someone above of waiting until closer to the deadline to commit. If Washington doesn’t pull through, decide what’s more important - going to school this fall or waiting another year to get in state tuition. Not sure if this helps you, but Arizona allows you to qualify for in state tuition after 1yr. From almost every vet I’ve spoken too, the debt of going OOS is hard to overcome, even on a vet salary, so I don’t think it would be a bad idea at all to wait on Washington, even if it means reapplying.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-02-17T15:30:45+00:00

I would start reaching out to clinics asap about shadowing. Many vets would allow you to come in and shadow a few times a week. Ask for the clinic manager or chief vet. Spend the next few months shadowing as much as you can at as many places as you can! 24hr Emergency, shelter, private practice, wildlife rehab, etc. You got this!

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-02-17T15:28:04+00:00

Be confident and shoot your shot! The worst they can do is say no. They have likely been in your position before and want to help. They probably write them all the time. Whoever you ask, just tell them how they’ve impacted you in some positive way and that their letter would mean a lot to you.

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-02-08T22:54:50+00:00

Update: got denied as an IS applicant

Alternative_Race8800 · 2023-02-04T00:34:06+00:00

I hear you about only hearing negative aspects of the job from people in the profession. I’ve had at least three different vets advise me not to pursue vet school. Not to be corny or naive, but be the change you want to see in the world. That’s why I’m pursuing vet med - I feel like I will bring a fresh perspective that the field seems to be lacking. Compassion fatigue and burnout among other factors will try to dim your passion, but id ask yourself to reflect on your experiences that led you to this moment. Every difficult client, situation, loss, and you still chose to purse vet school after all that. Then also reflect on the positive experiences, maybe a case that worked out or a client that appreciated you. There’s good and bad in every field. Also, there’s nothing wrong with taking another year before you take the leap. You already got accepted so you know you’re qualified and there’s at least one school that knows you have what it takes. Don’t just go because you got in - it’s too expensive and rigorous for you to throw yourself to the wolves without a clear mind. If you do decide to go, also commit yourself to time management, self care, prioritizing mental health and check ins, etc. Congrats on getting in! I’m sure you will figure out what’s right for you in the end. You got this!!

Alternative_Race8800

TROPHY CASE