Dr. Johnson studied at Ross University vet school, graduated in 2015 and says “Your biggest fan and advocate is yourself, so be confident!”. She applied to vet school 3 years in a row before getting into Ross University and is now a practicing veterinarian.
If you are considering vet schools in the Caribbean then read through our interview with Dr. Johnson.
Name, veterinary school attended, and year that you started.
Stephanie Johnson, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2011
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What was your major in undergrad?
Animal and Veterinary Science, Biology, and English. I did 3 degrees.
At what age did you first apply to vet school?
23
How many application cycles did you apply to before being accepted to Ross University vet school?
3
How many schools did you apply to, before getting accepted to Ross University vet school?
6 for the 1st application cycle, 3 for the 2nd, and 2 for the 3rd.
How many schools invited you for an interview?
One, Ross University vet school.
How many of those gave you an acceptance letter?
Just Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Do you remember any specifically challenging interview questions at Ross University vet school?
They asked why my organic chemistry 2 grade was a “C”, and it wasn’t even required to get in.
Getting Into Ross University School of Vet School with A 3.2 GPA is Possible!
What was your GPA (in undergraduate)?
3.2
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What was your GRE score?
Average. I don’t remember the specific number.
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What types of paying jobs did you have before getting into Ross University veterinary school?
I was a vet tech for 12 years, barista, Old Navy, nanny, housekeeper, and a floral shop sales associate.
(Note from Editor: if you need a pair of vet tech shoes to protect your feet from all kinds of fluids on the job – check our vet tech shoe article.
Did you volunteer? If so, where?
Yes, 4-H leader for a swine group. Getting a job working with animals where no experience is needed can be tough, if you look into 4-H clubs you may find something worthwhile.
When did you decide to become a veterinarian?
At 3 years old.
Did you interview any vets before starting the application process? If so how did you approach them?
No, I had worked with so many as a vet tech for 12 years, so I already knew a lot about vet school and the career. The path from vet tech to veterinarian is a common one, being a vet tech first allows you to really get a feel for the profession.
Did you join student clubs/orgs in your DVM program?
Yes, I was in the Feral Cat Project Club and The American Association of Bovine Practitioners club.
Who gave you your letters of recommendation? Did you know them well?
I got them from veterinarians and professors. I knew them all really well.
Are you happy that you chose this career?
Yes, absolutely!
Do you have any advice for students thinking about attending Ross?
Balance rigorous study with hard play, and soak up the island life as much as possible.
Any study tips?
Repetition, repetition, repetition! Take 5 minute breaks every 30-40 minutes. Making homemade anatomy flashcards was not only useful but while making them you retain the information.
Have there been any classes, within your DVM program that were especially relatable to your current position?
Internal Medicine & Surgery as well as Pathology.
What was the most challenging class, in your DVM program?
All of them were challenging for different reasons but virology was especially hard.
As a Doctor, have there been any particular cases that were your favorite?
IMHA’s (hemolytic anemia) and foreign body obstructions.
Do you have a specialty or are you working towards one?
No
Tell me about a time when you had a challenging case.
There are no specific cases but generally difficult owners with unrealistic expectations can be quite a challenge.
Do you frequently have to research cases, on off-hours?
Yes, around 1-2 times per week.
Have you read or listened to anything worth sharing (doesn’t have to be vet related)?
I love Dr. Andy Roark’s Facebook page
Do you have any last words of wisdom?
Don’t let people tell you that you aren’t smart, capable, or good enough to get into vet school. You are. Your biggest fan and advocate is yourself, so be confident!
How can people find you?
IF YOU WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT LIFE AT ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CHECK OUT ANY OF THESE INTERVIEWS BELOW.
- Elizabeth only applied to vet school for one cycle and chose Ross.
- Hannah is now a practicing vet, she loved the island of St.Kitts and being near the ocean.
- Dr. Im works as a veterinarian with the U.S. Army, she LOVED Ross!
