The Colorado State University DVM program admits around 128 students each year. They also offer many post DVM-PhD degrees as well. Take a look at this “meet the residents” page to see what some students at Colorado State Univerisity are up to. “I am excited to go into this field. School is hard and it is easy to lose sight, but I love what I get to do.” -Sarah
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This book is a must for navigating the requirements for each of the veterinary medical colleges: Check out this book: Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR)
What veterinary school do you attend?
- Colorado State University DVM program
- Started: 2015
- Expected graduation: 2019
Who are the animals that you currently share your life with?
– Arie: female Catahoula dog mix
– Pippin: female domestic American shorthair cat
– Cricket: Palomino quarter horse filly
How do you balance caring for them with classes at the Colorado State University DVM program?
– I live with awesome roommates who are willing to let my dog out when I am not able to get home in time.
– My horse is boarded at a vets house who takes great care of her when I cant get out.
What was your major in undergraduate college?
- Animal Science
At what age did you first apply to vet school?
- 21
How many schools did you apply to?
- 4
How many application cycles did you apply to, before being accepted?
- 1
How many schools invited you for an interview?
- 1
- 1 of the 4 did not do the interview
How many of those gave you an acceptance letter?
- I accepted my offered position at the Colorado State University DVM program which does not do interviews
- I did not go to my interview at the other school
What was your GPA (in undergraduate)?
- 3.6
What was your GRE score?
- I am unsure, it was right on the average mark
Did you attend grad school?
- No
What types of paying jobs did you have before attending the Colorado State University DVM program?
- I worked part-time during school and full time during the summer. Overall I worked at two different cattle companies during my four years of undergrad schooling
How many people read your personal statement before submitting it?
- At least 5
Did you volunteer? If so, where?
- Yes, at the CSU veterinary school and with the local vets in my hometown and the town of my college
When did you decide to become a vet?
- When I was young I found I really loved animals, but I also really loved medicine.
- My love of medicine is why I chose to go to veterinary school and not just a job that dealt with animals
Did you interview any vets before starting the application process? If so how did you approach them?
- I interviewed the veterinarians that I saw as mentors. I asked them about their application process and any helpful tips they had.
- I found it most beneficial to talk to more recent graduates because their memory was more fresh on the subject than some of my mentors.
Were you a member of any clubs at your school? If so, which ones?
- I was not a member of clubs while in undergrad
- I focused my time on work and non-school organizations
Did you join any clubs at the Colorado State University DVM program? If so, which ones? Were they helpful?
- Yes, I belong to clubs focused on the particular species of the subject I am interested in.
- It really depends on the club, if the club is good at putting on activities I find them greatly beneficial. There are times I will join a club in school even though it is not on the top of my interests just because they have a well-run club with a lot of activities. Any experience can be a good experience.
Did you apply to vet school after, or during your Bachelor’s education?
- During my Bachelors Education
Who gave you your Letters of recommendation?
- I chose to have a professor, veterinarian, and personal reference
Are you happy that you chose this career?
- I am excited to go into this field. School is hard and it is easy to lose sight, but I love what I get to do.
Do you have any advice for students, once accepted?
- Know that vet school is hard, but they didn’t pick you because they thought you would fail. They picked you because they believe in you. They picked you because they think you can finish what you are about to start. School is important, but don’t forget to live your life while going through. Find something that refuels you and take time to do it even though it seems impossible to fit it into an already busy schedule.
Any study tips?
- Stick to what works best for you and go for it. There are so many ways to learn, but you know how your brain works. Your study style might need to change per professor’s teaching style, be a little flexible.
What has been the most challenging class, at the Colorado State University DVM program so far?
- Toxicology
Is there anything in particular about the Colorado State University DVM program or the school itself that you like?
– I enjoy the friends I have in my class throughout our journey. Without them, I would not have been able to make it through vet school.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about attending the Colorado State University DVM program?
– Come and visit! Our university does a great job at getting prospective students in contact with current students as well as running tours of the veterinary school.
Did you work a paid job during vet school at the Colorado State University DVM program? If not did you know of anyone who did?
- I did work throughout vet school, but my job was not scheduled. When my schedule allowed I helped manage cows at a local ranch. The ranch manager was very gracious of my schedule and allowed me to work when I could. Other friends of mine in my class have had jobs and it worked out well for them. Having a job in school is feasible, it is just a matter of what you can handle. I don’t think I would suggest it for your first year in school though. That was the busiest year by far.
As a Doctor, has there been any particular case that was your favorite?
- I enjoy PAP testing: pulmonary artery pressure testing
- A high PAP score is correlated to brisket disease and death in cattle in high altitude
Do you have a specialty or are you working towards one?
- For now, I am focusing on Large animal medicine
- In the future, I would like to specialize in something such as therio or bovine medicine
What has been your most challenging case?
- The most challenging case I had was performing my first solo spay on a dog
- It was nerve-wracking but successful!
Do you frequently have to research cases, on off hours?
- For the first two years of vet school, I have not had to look up cases
As a student, did you have to take out loans for your education? If so, are you concerned about the amount of debt you will have after graduation?
– I did have to take out loans for my education. I was lucky enough to get a few different scholarships each year which helped reduced the amount I took out a little bit. I am worried about the amount of debt I will have after graduation. But, I feel my school has prepared me for how to take care of my loans and helped me to budget and understand how to pay them back.
Do you have any last words of wisdom?
- Be the best you can be, don’t try to be anyone else.
How can people find you?
- Sarah McGinniss (facebook)
- Sarah.mcginniss@live.com
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