Thread: Clinical Years?

Originally Posted by Beezer

Does SGU have plans to become affiliated with any other US schools in the future such as Michigan State or Cornell?

Michigan...I haven't heard anything and don't think so.

Cornell...According to Dr. B (the person in charge of these things) we are currently negotiating with them. They have taken Ross students for some time now so SGU is probably right around the corner. Alot of people want Colorado State as an option but I don't know if that will happen anytime soon either. Oh...word has it that Texas A&M may be forthcoming.

Don't believe it until it is signed and sealed though!

Thanks for the reply.

What determines where you go? GPA? Personal Preference? Board scores?

Originally Posted by Beezer

Thanks for the reply.

What determines where you go? GPA? Personal Preference? Board scores?

Pretty much GPA dependant as this is mostly how they can assess each student. However, extracurricular activities certainly play a role also. Unless you take the PAVE, you will not have taken any type of board exams before entering the clinical year.

Penn: historically will only take 1 person per term, and each person must apply separately and be interviewed, usually one of the top persons in the class, quite competitive...I think SGU sent 2 people this term.

North Carolina: these guys take quite a few people, but still quite a few want to go there

Auburn: Always a few people go there but I am not sure how selective they are

Purdue: same as Auburn

These are the only schools I can list because I don't have too much knowledge about the others. Traditionally, every student who makes it that far gets placed at a school as long as your GPA > 2.0 but from what I hear some of the schools not listed above are getting more selective also.

If Cornell is added I am sure they will be selective and, therefore, competitive.

Thought this might useful, although not the most current. Courtesy of Dr. Sis.

Thanks for the info platypusman.

I have a few questions for those of you in the know...

1. Why are there such a low amount of students placed each year? Like in Summer '06 they placed 57 students. Is it just due to the low enrollment of SGU DVM?

2. I see that Washington State didn't take any student and Oregon State took 2 students. Is it competitive to get into these schools? These 2 schools would probably be my top 2 choices.

3. How many months is the clinical year?

4. Any chance UCDavis would be willing to help us out?? I already know the answer to that one.

As per a previous post, Texas A&M is currently accepting students.

Originally Posted by Doc4Pets

1. Why are there such a low amount of students placed each year? Like in Summer '06 they placed 57 students. Is it just due to the low enrollment of SGU DVM?

I am pretty sure that was the size of that class. From what I have heard, except for a few rare exceptions, most are usually placed in their first choice. At least, as long as everyone doesn't pick Penn.

Originally Posted by Doc4Pets

2. I see that Washington State didn't take any student and Oregon State took 2 students. Is it competitive to get into these schools? These 2 schools would probably be my top 2 choices.

I don't know for sure, but I just don't think many students pick west coast schools. I know 1 person who went to Oregon and I don't think she was at or near the top of her class. Probably not the bottom either though.

Originally Posted by Doc4Pets

3. How many months is the clinical year?

As far as actual school time, I think it is 11 months with about 2 rotations as vacation. Most schools have 2 weeks per rotation. Or maybe it's only 1 rotation for vacation. This varies slightly with every school, I assume.

Originally Posted by Doc4Pets

4. Any chance UCDavis would be willing to help us out?? I already know the answer to that one.

Does Davis even take Ross students? I don't think they do.

Thanks for the reply!

I wouldn't use these stats as a measure of competitiveness (hope i spelled that right). If no students were accepted that term there is a strong possibility that simply noone applied for a spot there. This isnt always the case, but I haven't met to many disapointed clinical year students.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry to much about where you do your clinical year until you approach it. The affiliations change as does your feeling on the matter.

E.G. You might meet a great visiting professor, find a speciality you really enjoy, etc.

all the best

Originally Posted by theplatypusman

I wouldn't use these stats as a measure of competitiveness (hope i spelled that right). If no students were accepted that term there is a strong possibility that simply noone applied for a spot there. This isnt always the case, but I haven't met to many disapointed clinical year students.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry to much about where you do your clinical year until you approach it. The affiliations change as does your feeling on the matter.

E.G. You might meet a great visiting professor, find a speciality you really enjoy, etc.

all the best

All good points.

When you apply for a clinical placement, do you interview at the school or send in an application and transcripts? From the posts, I get the feeling that you only interview if the school is extremely competitive. And do you need recommendation letters from profs?