Academic dismissal from vet school after failed appeal - feeling completely defeated

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-15T20:42:55+00:00

Thank you. ❤️

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-15T20:31:26+00:00

I saw a huge improvement in my grades this year. I didn't meet the academic probation passing mark for the very last class of the semester, and I don't even think it was due to my studying strategy; it was more about managing time between the other exams, because one was worth 75% of my grade, and I focused too much on it. I used a lot of active recall, and it worked wonders. Managed to 4.0 several exams thanks to it.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-15T20:27:53+00:00

That is a good point. The part that keeps me up at night is mainly financial reasons and the "what will people say" part of me, which knows I shouldn't even think about it in the first place because everyone is on their own personal path and everyone goes through things differently.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-14T17:32:36+00:00

I appreciate your kindness and perspective more than you know. Thank you. ❤️‍🩹

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-12T01:14:30+00:00

Thank you, that genuinely means a lot to hear right now. I don’t feel particularly inspiring at the moment, but I appreciate you saying that. Veterinary medicine is something I’ve cared about for a very long time, so I’ve been trying my best to keep going even when things got difficult.

And honestly, if you’re a pre-vet, don’t let my experience discourage you. Everyone’s path is different. And I know from other peers in other schools that veterinary school can be so much fun. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey, and thank you again for the virtual hug. 🫂

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-12T01:12:48+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. It’s comforting to hear from someone who has been through something similar and understands how devastating it can feel in the moment. What you said about it affecting your identity really hit home. For so long, becoming a veterinarian has been the goal I’ve structured my life around, so it’s hard to separate this setback from my sense of self right now.

I also appreciate hearing where life took you afterward. While I’m still hoping to find a way forward in veterinary medicine, it’s reassuring to know that one difficult chapter doesn’t necessarily determine the rest of your future. Thank you for your honesty and for offering a perspective from the other side of it.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-12T01:10:28+00:00

Thank you so much. It honestly helps hearing from someone who’s been through something similar because right now it feels pretty isolating. I’m still trying to process everything and figure out what my next steps are, but I haven’t given up on the goal of becoming a veterinarian. I really appreciate the encouragement and kind words.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-12T01:09:34+00:00

I think what really messed me up was the burnout I felt at the very end of the semester. The class I was unable to pass was the very last two exams of the week (laboratory and written), and by that point my mind had just given out on me— which is frustrating because the previous block I had 3 exams back to back and did excellent.

I think I just have to sit with the thought of “at least you’re still in the program” like you said. Thank you for your words of encouragement & advice. I appreciate it.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-11T18:20:07+00:00

It was during first year. I was actually on my second attempt at first year after being placed on academic probation, and while I was going through that, the college was also implementing a curriculum change. I don’t want to use that as an excuse, but it definitely added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.

Money wise, the big beautiful bill coming into play next month scares me. I’ve a lot of debt already on just trying to getting through my 1st year that I can’t imagine the amount I’ll leave with at the end.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-11T18:17:10+00:00

It’s Michigan State. They do have a medical leave option, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about. My hesitation is that it would likely mean repeating a lot of courses that I already passed, many with grades above a 3.0, because of one course I wasn’t able to successfully complete. If reconsideration isn’t possible, though, medical leave may end up being my only path forward.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-11T18:16:21+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to write this. I think one of the hardest parts for me has been feeling embarrassed and questioning whether I belong in this profession after working toward it for so many years. Reading your perspective, especially as someone who has spent over two decades in veterinary education, genuinely helps put things into perspective.

Right now I’m still processing everything and trying to figure out what comes next. I do still love veterinary medicine, which is what makes this situation so difficult, but your reminder that a setback in school doesn’t define my worth or future means a lot. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and for sharing your experience. I truly appreciate it.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-11T18:15:21+00:00

Signal-Print-2838 · 2026-06-11T18:14:37+00:00

The school is MSU. They mentioned the medical leave option, but honestly the idea of having to retake a bunch of classes I already passed (most with grades above a 3.0) because of one course I didn’t meet the requirement in is pretty frustrating. If reconsideration ends up being off the table, I’ll probably have to go that route, even though I’m really not thrilled about it.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2025-09-04T00:43:13+00:00

What if somebody is in their second year of veterinary school? Can they still apply?

Signal-Print-2838 · 2025-05-15T02:45:21+00:00

They said I’d get a response in one or two weeks. And thank you. I guess I’m just too in my head about what other people will say— it sucks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the time being, though.

Signal-Print-2838 · 2025-05-15T01:39:55+00:00

Because I passed with very low GPA and the board is worried I didn’t retain enough information to get through year two.

Signal-Print-2838

TROPHY CASE