University of Connecticut
Questions and Answers for Pre-veterinary and Pre-graduate Students
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University of ConnecticutQuestions and Answers for Pre-veterinary and Pre-graduate Students |
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Yes, there is an excellent publication that would be of great interest to you. It is published by the Purdue University Press, Lafayette, IN. The title is "Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements in the United States and Canada (Current Year)" (ISBN# 1-55753-314-8).
Yes, very much so, and this should be a consideration in deciding to which schools to apply. The Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements book given above lists the current tuition rates and the applications and admissions for out-of-state students. The applicant/admission ratios are inflated because most students apply to several veterinary schools, however, they give some guidance as to the acceptance rates of the various schools.
First you need to understand that application classification is based on the state of residency and not the undergraduate school you attend. Most veterinary schools classify applications as from a state resident, from a contract-state resident or from someone usually referred to as "at-large" or "non-resident". Currently the state of Connecticut does not have any contracts and Connecticut residents are in the non-resident (at-large) category for all veterinary schools.
You should apply before each school's published deadline. Submit your application in the fall semester one year before you hope to attend. Some deadlines are as early as mid-October, others as late as early January. This will normally be the first semester of the senior year and students should plan to complete most of the veterinary school requirements by the end of the seventh semester.
Most of our qualified preveterinary students apply to several schools. It is costly to do so but enhances possibilities for admission.
It is wise to take them in the second semester of your junior year for experience and again in the fall of your senior year after completing more course work. Schools require only one test, but not all schools require the same test. UConn's Career Services in the Wilbur Cross Building will have application booklets with test dates and deadlines. Application deadlines are several weeks before the tests are given, so be sure to plan ahead. Your advisor will help you if you have additional questions.
In general, this is not necessary as such courses are expensive and most students can do well using one of the many books or CDs on how to prepare for GRE exams. However, some students will benefit from the discipline of a formal course. If you have questions, see your preveterinary advisor.
Yes, veterinary schools appreciate patience and persistence. You can use the extra year to enhance your qualifications and application. For example, additional work experience, or graduate course work may be helpful. Be sure to contact the schools and ask what can be done to strengthen your application.
Many students do this. In addition to strengthening your application to veterinary school, a Masters (M.S.) degree opens other career opportunities after veterinary school. Many complete their M.S. at a university where there is a veterinary school and sometimes even take a course or two offered by the veterinary school.
The animal science curriculum provides an excellent background for many career opportunities. In addition, the recommended courses in the basic sciences for PreVet students open opportunities in graduate school, biotechnology and other professional programs (See "Employment Opportunities" section).
Most graduate programs offer top graduate students an assistantship. This is also called a stipend and will assist you in meeting your financial obligations while completing your degree. At the University of Connecticut, an assistantship includes a salary, health benefits and tuition remission. In addition to your research project and academic programs, the assistantship carries additional responsibilities, including assisting in teaching courses and other departmental needs.
Yes, The Peterson Guide is a very good source of information. A current copy is on file in the Kinsman Library, Room 110 of the George White Building.
No. Typically all programs are a combination of course work and research. The most common plan is the Master of Science (Plan A) in which a significant research project is undertaken and results in a written thesis. Some programs have more emphasis on course work (Plan B) and do not require a written thesis. The latter are generally not considered desirable if further graduate work is contemplated.
Yes, almost all graduate programs require the general GREs. It is best to contact the program of interest to determine whether specific content exams are required.
Unlike veterinary school, there are rarely specific course requirements for admission to graduate school, but coursework in the basic sciences, such as biology and chemistry is important. The Department of Animal Science at The University of Connecticut requires the general GREs and gives preference to students with GPAs above a 3.0. Courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry as well as in animal science related classes are also an advantage.
Dr. Robert Milvae - (860) 486-1065, Rm. 201 George White Building, email: Robert.Milvae@uconn.edu
Dr. Sheila Andrew - (860) 486-0803, Rm. 202 George White Building, email: Sheila.Andrew@uconn.edu
Dr. Steven Zinn - (860) 486-0861, Rm. 102 George White Building, email: Steven.Zinn@uconn.edu
Dr. Lawrence Silbart - (860) 486-6073, Rm. 302E Ag. BioTech Bldg., email: Lawrence.Silbart@uconn.edu
Dr. Theodore Rasmussen - (860) 486-8339, Center for Regenerative Biology, email: Theodore.Rasmussen@uconn.edu
Dr. X. Cindy Tian - (860) 486-9087, Rm. 203A Advanced Technology Institute Building, email: Xiuchun.Tian@uconn.edu
They advise pre-veterinary medicine and pre-graduate students in the Animal Science Department. Plan to visit with either and review the Peterson's Guide in the Kinsman Library, Room 110.
Dr. Michael Darre, Interim Head of the Animal Science Department (Rm. 108 George White Building - (860) 486-2413; e-mail: Michael.Darre@uconn.edu) would welcome the opportunity to visit with you about graduate school, as would other members of the faculty.
Whether you decide to focus on vet school or graduate school, let your advisor know of your interest or unanswered questions. Any member of the faculty will be willing to assist you. Get acquainted with as many faculty as possible and learn about their individual interests and programs.