What's Your Plan B?

[csequine]

Hi everyone! So with the 2019 application cycle behind us... Those of us with iffy stats probably are formulating a "plan b" if we get that rejection letter in February. What is everyone's plan if they don't get in this cycle?

This was my first time applying and I am preparing myself (I know that sounds negative, but I am a realist). I am going back and forth about what I want to do about my situation... I am already retaking one of my poor grades (C+ in organic I, hoping for at least a B this time), so that leaves me with one C+ left on my transcript, in Physics. I attend an engineering school where the general level physics class is notoriously hard. I was very slightly above average, but that still landed me a C+ in the class. I am graduating with a BS in Biology in December to save the $10k+ I would spend on tuition/housing/etc if I postponed graduation to retake physics. However, I have the option to take it at a community college near my hometown this spring. It costs $800 and I hear that class isn't "easy", but it is very doable. If I do get into vet school, I'm going to hate myself for spending $800 on a physics class I have to finish. If I don't get in, I am not sure if retaking it there would even help me. Does anybody have insight on how the admissions people "view" community college classes? WWYD?

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[SkiOtter]

Hi everyone! So with the 2019 application cycle behind us... Those of us with iffy stats probably are formulating a "plan b" if we get that rejection letter in February. What is everyone's plan if they don't get in this cycle?

I believe this has been covered in other threads, but saying it again because it’s an extra 2 minutes of procrastinating studying for my midterm.
Don’t stop preparing and getting more experience and making yourself a better applicant just because the application cycle closed. If you end up getting in this cycle, great! You now have more experience under your belt and more exposure to vetmed. If you don’t get in this cycle, you’ve already started the process of making yourself a stronger applicant for the next cycle. If you don’t get in and didn’t start beefing up your application BEFORE you found out, you now have to do a lot more in a short amount of time to make yourself a better applicant.
If you don’t get in this cycle, DO FILE REVIEWS WITH EACH AND EVERY SCHOOL YOU APPLIED TO THAT WILL DO THEM. Theyll tell you where you were lacking and how to make yourself a better candidate for next cycle.

 

[forks4spoons]

Well, I'm going to respond, just because I feel like I need to put it out there for my own accountability.

This will be my final application cycle. I applied several years ago x2 and interviewed x2, but was never accepted (waitlisted then rejected), so I became a RN. I've got a pretty lucrative career, but have been left wanting and know it's because I'm not a vet, so I applied this cycle. However, if I don't get in, I realize that I need to put the dream aside and find other ways to connect to animals and make a living at the same time. I really enjoy volunteering for the local shelter and for a couple of other programs, so I think I'll likely focus more on that and cut back on hours at work so that I have a better work/life balance. But, let's hope that I don't have to and that I get accepted on my third and final try.

 

[sheltermed]

Well, I'm going to respond, just because I feel like I need to put it out there for my own accountability.

This will be my final application cycle. I applied several years ago x2 and interviewed x2, but was never accepted (waitlisted then rejected), so I became a RN. I've got a pretty lucrative career, but have been left wanting and know it's because I'm not a vet, so I applied this cycle. However, if I don't get in, I realize that I need to put the dream aside and find other ways to connect to animals and make a living at the same time. I really enjoy volunteering for the local shelter and for a couple of other programs, so I think I'll likely focus more on that and cut back on hours at work so that I have a better work/life balance. But, let's hope that I don't have to and that I get accepted on my third and final try.

I admire your perseverance! May I ask how many schools you applied to each time? I'm on my second application cycle - I applied to 4 schools two years ago, and just applied to 10(!) this cycle. I really don't think I have a 3rd cycle in me- I feel as though if my experiences and essays don't carry my application twice, I'm not meant to be in vet school

My backup is to get an MPH and continue working in public health (it's what I've been doing for the past year, and I don't necessarily need a DVM).

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

Hi everyone! So with the 2019 application cycle behind us... Those of us with iffy stats probably are formulating a "plan b" if we get that rejection letter in February. What is everyone's plan if they don't get in this cycle?

This was my first time applying and I am preparing myself (I know that sounds negative, but I am a realist). I am going back and forth about what I want to do about my situation... I am already retaking one of my poor grades (C+ in organic I, hoping for at least a B this time), so that leaves me with one C+ left on my transcript, in Physics. I attend an engineering school where the general level physics class is notoriously hard. I was very slightly above average, but that still landed me a C+ in the class. I am graduating with a BS in Biology in December to save the $10k+ I would spend on tuition/housing/etc if I postponed graduation to retake physics. However, I have the option to take it at a community college near my hometown this spring. It costs $800 and I hear that class isn't "easy", but it is very doable. If I do get into vet school, I'm going to hate myself for spending $800 on a physics class I have to finish. If I don't get in, I am not sure if retaking it there would even help me. Does anybody have insight on how the admissions people "view" community college classes? WWYD?

I have not had a problem with about half of my prereqs coning from community college.

Is your community college in qusrter system? If so, you will have to take 2 quarters of physics to equal the one semester.

This is also my final year applying (3rd cycle). I feel like I'm in a rut, not happy making no money/not having a career/just feeling behind in life. My application is pretty well rounded so there isnt much left to do, and I was pretty dejected after being waitlisted everywhere this past year.

My backup plan is to go to school to be a US tech. In just one year I can become certified since I already have a BS and average salary is around 70k a year.

In order to compensate for the "empty" feeling I am heavily considering attending school in the Caribbean over any other offers should they come my way, as to where before I wasn't even considering applying there. It's just like that big life change I feel I need.

 

[SkiOtter]

My backup plan is to go to school to be a US tech. In just one year I can become certified since I already have a BS and average salary is around 70k a year.

*drops out of vet school after 4 weeks*

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

*drops out of vet school after 4 weeks*

Yeah and salaries top out at 100k!

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

Yeah and salaries top out at 100k!

Not to mention it only costs about 10k for the one year (depending on the school) based on my calculations...

 

[vethopeful_2]

This was my first time applying, and most of my stats are very much below average.... or right at average in a few categories. I'm like you, not trying to be pessimistic, but find comfort in pre-planning for the fact that I *statistically* won't get in this round. So I've decided I'm going to get my masters in veterinary science during my gap year if I do indeed have to take one. Gone back and forth about it, and finally decided that the extra couple grand is pocket change in the big scheme of vet school and my career so it's worth it to me. I also realize my downfall is primarily my science GPA so I feel like I need to prove to myself and ad coms that I'm worthy.

That being said, I've also decided that I'll probably give myself ~3 rounds of applications before I look at another career. I think my backup is going to be something related to veterinary social work.


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[CoffeeQuestionMark]

This was my first time applying, and most of my stats are very much below average.... or right at average in a few categories. I'm like you, not trying to be pessimistic, but find comfort in pre-planning for the fact that I *statistically* won't get in this round. So I've decided I'm going to get my masters in veterinary science during my gap year if I do indeed have to take one. Gone back and forth about it, and finally decided that the extra couple grand is pocket change in the big scheme of vet school and my career so it's worth it to me. I also realize my downfall is primarily my science GPA so I feel like I need to prove to myself and ad coms that I'm worthy.

That being said, I've also decided that I'll probably give myself ~3 rounds of applications before I look at another career. I think my backup is going to be something related to veterinary social work.


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I would suggest that if you're going for a masters, and thinking that if things didn't work out, looking at another career, PLEASE choose a master program that will aid you in doing just that. Veterinary science is not going to transfer to another job, and vet schools will not look any higher upon it than say a masters in conservation ecology, biology (general, marine, micro), etc which can all be used for field and/or research jobs, or even teaching.

 

[SkiOtter]

Yeah and salaries top out at 100k!

Not to mention it only costs about 10k for the one year (depending on the school) based on my calculations...

Jfc what are we all doing here

 

[csequine]

All great replies!! One of my older friends didn’t get into vet school, went on to be a anatomy professor at a nursing school and says she doesn’t regret it one bit. I think that’s what I would do, too. Go get my masters in advanced teaching. The starting pay and benefits is better than your average veterinarian anyway. Id get my animal fix from our cow herd and horses. I’m starting to not hate my plan b so much, but I think there’d always be that nagging feeling that I wish I would have gotten to do my dream job.

 

[muttmanager]

Jfc what are we all doing here

*Playing devil's advocate* Our licensed technician's/nurses start at just under $54K in NY. While some are in the 70s-90s, they've also been in our hospital going on 10-15 years, while it's possible, it isn't the norm. However, nurses are in high demand across the country so there's definite job security. (I'm new here so still learning how to quote others lol)

This is my first cycle. I'm a non-traditional applicant, have been out of school for about 4 years and working in animal welfare since graduating. My plan B is to keep my current job, do application reviews, and apply again next year. If I didn't get in the 2nd time, I would pursue a Master's in Shelter Medicine with the UF online program with a concentration in non-profit management.

 

[SkiOtter]

*Playing devil's advocate* Our licensed technician's/nurses start at just under $54K in NY. While some are in the 70s-90s, they've also been in our hospital going on 10-15 years, while it's possible, it isn't the norm. However, nurses are in high demand across the country so there's definite job security.

(Was mostly a joke, I don’t think I’d be happy as an u/s tech)

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

*Playing devil's advocate* Our licensed technician's/nurses start at just under $54K in NY. While some are in the 70s-90s, they've also been in our hospital going on 10-15 years, while it's possible, it isn't the norm. However, nurses are in high demand across the country so there's definite job security. (I'm new here so still learning how to quote others lol)

This is my first cycle. I'm a non-traditional applicant, have been out of school for about 4 years and working in animal welfare since graduating. My plan B is to keep my current job, do application reviews, and apply again next year. If I didn't get in the 2nd time, I would pursue a Master's in Shelter Medicine with the UF online program with a concentration in non-profit management.

I think you misunderstood the term US tech - ultrasound technician, or sonographer, they work in human medicine and make bank

 

[muttmanager]

I think you misunderstood the term US tech - ultrasound technician, or sonographer, they work in human medicine and make bank

That I did, my mistake disregard the first half of my previous post

 

[forks4spoons]

I sure as hell wish I made that much as an RN. :/

*Playing devil's advocate* Our licensed technician's/nurses start at just under $54K in NY. While some are in the 70s-90s, they've also been in our hospital going on 10-15 years, while it's possible, it isn't the norm. However, nurses are in high demand across the country so there's definite job security. (I'm new here so still learning how to quote others lol)

This is my first cycle. I'm a non-traditional applicant, have been out of school for about 4 years and working in animal welfare since graduating. My plan B is to keep my current job, do application reviews, and apply again next year. If I didn't get in the 2nd time, I would pursue a Master's in Shelter Medicine with the UF online program with a concentration in non-profit management.

 

[SkiOtter]

I sure as hell wish I made that much as an RN. :/

Yes but you’re also forgetting the COL difference

 

[vethopeful_2]

I would suggest that if you're going for a masters, and thinking that if things didn't work out, looking at another career, PLEASE choose a master program that will aid you in doing just that. Veterinary science is not going to transfer to another job, and vet schools will not look any higher upon it than say a masters in conservation ecology, biology (general, marine, micro), etc which can all be used for field and/or research jobs, or even teaching.

I knew there would be at least one person who would yell at me for that lol but in all seriousness....I decided on that type of masters program because I feel it will be most beneficial to my overall situation. It's the most "interesting" to me so I would likely want to do it regardless of vet school (I am NOT interested in marine bio, ecology, etc. in comparison to this program) and I am nervous about first year vet classes so it will allow me to build up my knowledge repertoire. Amongst many other reasons.

My undergrad school has prepared me with a great biology background (I'm on the coast, have lots of marine and ecology experience), but literally zero percent in the "traditional" animal science category. So I'm probably the opposite of most candidates that have traditional ani sci experience and would probably enjoy doing something more "exotic". I'm tired of exotic and looking to hone in on my career goals more haha. Putting my eggs in one basket and not looking back. Plus I certainly don't think having a masters in veterinary science will hinder any of my plan B's anyways since I will stay in the field.


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[SkiOtter]

My undergrad school has prepared me with a great biology background (I'm on the coast, have lots of marine and ecology experience), but literally zero percent in the "traditional" animal science category. So I'm probably the opposite of most candidates that have traditional ani sci experience

Lol saaaaaaame
No animal related classes or majors at my undergrad.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

I'm currently living my backup plan. I originally wanted to be an anatomic pathologist, didn't end up doing the vet school thing, and now I'm in grad school for molecular genetics. I gave up after a rejection and a waitlist spot. I also spent a lot of time talking to residents and specialists in the field I was interested in, and although I still love pathology, I'm pretty confident that I did the right thing by walking away. I'm only six weeks into grad school though, so I might not always be this cheerful and optimistic about it

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

I'm currently living my backup plan. I originally wanted to be an anatomic pathologist, didn't end up doing the vet school thing, and now I'm in grad school for molecular genetics. I gave up after a rejection and a waitlist spot. I also spent a lot of time talking to residents and specialists in the field I was interested in, and although I still love pathology, I'm pretty confident that I did the right thing by walking away. I'm only six weeks into grad school though, so I might not always be this cheerful and optimistic about it

Lol if you cross the mountains to Seattle the pathologists that I work for would be happy to talk you back into it

 

[Animal Midwife]

I haven't applied yet, but I'd more than likely become a medical translator instead if it doesn't work out. Always had a love for languages.

 

[JunieB10]

If I don’t get in to Veterinary School (fingers crossed that’s not the case.. giving myself 3 chances) I plan on pursuing a masters in conservation biology and pursuing a job with National Park Service (also state park or national forest) or wildlife fish and game! I love exotics and wildlife... I also love biology— I just love practicing medicine more.
To be honest, as disappointed as I’ll be if I don’t get in my goal in this life is to make a positive impact for wildlife/our public lands and be happy... so either way I’m excited to see where this all takes me. Hearing everyone’s unique story is so encouraging!

 

[Pistachio556]

Curl up into the fetal position and cry until next application cycle... rinse and repeat

 

[Vet_Squared80]

My advice (and what I did in case I didn't get in): Make yourself stand out! Grades only go so far. So, yes, I re-took several classes to boost the GPA portion. But I also worked in a vet's office so I could add additional veterinarian's to my next application and I volunteered locally. I have other things that were already on my application, like military experience and an internship working with bats, but I wanted to add as many varied experiences as I could so the next application wouldn't be the same as the first. Many vet schools are looking for unique individuals who stand out from the rest of the applicants. This shows in my class profile and what I love about my classmates is not only that the they are some of the most interesting people I've ever met, but also how many varied experiences they brought with them.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Currently pursuing my plan B since I am no longer in veterinary school. Actually, this was my original career plan before I started shadowing and found a passion in veterinary medicine; it's kind of funny how my life sort of came around full-circle like that.

Anyway, between high school and college, I took 7 years of classes in Spanish, 2.5 in Japanese, and 1.5 in Mandarin Chinese. I wanted to take more classes in the latter two, especially, but wasn't able to because the course availability at my college was very spotty due to low demand for the higher levels. So I've been studying both pretty intensively for the past couple of weeks, especially Japanese (4-5 hours per day, almost every day), while I continue to search for a job that will at least support me somewhat financially. My eventual goal is obtain TEFL certification and pass at least N2 of the JLPT (I am currently prepping for the N3; haven't decided yet if I want to challenge myself and take it this year or wait until next) and, hopefully, jump onto a JET/ALT or other TEFL program to teach English in Japan.

If that doesn't work out, I have contacts to teach English in Central/South America or Taiwan, but Japan would be the dream.

Also, self-studying a foreign language is, I've found, exceedingly difficult. Honestly, if I didn't already have some academic background in Japanese and Mandarin, I don't know that I would be able to do it. Ha.

But that's where life currently stands on my end.

Do you also know programming languages? I always thought you were talking about computer stuff when you'd mention languages.

 

[SkiOtter]

Do you also know programming languages? I always thought you were talking about computer stuff when you'd mention languages.

I think she does?

Edit: I’m now remembering the beautiful prereq site she made so yeah I’m pretty sure

 

[WildZoo]

My plan B is still to drop out and write the great American novel

 

[Old-Country-Vet-Tech]

I did a masters ( am doing a masters) in animal sciences. However I focused on extension as my undergrad was heavy into natural resources and soils. With anisci I have a good extension background and thats my plan B. I'd still apply again doing that but I like helping people and extension agents get to do that a lot.

 

[emlady09]

I'm on my third cycle, I still have it in me to do one more if necessary. I'm completing my MPH now so I would continue down a path for that if fate says this isn't meant to be.

I admire your perseverance! May I ask how many schools you applied to each time? I'm on my second application cycle - I applied to 4 schools two years ago, and just applied to 10(!) this cycle. I really don't think I have a 3rd cycle in me- I feel as though if my experiences and essays don't carry my application twice, I'm not meant to be in vet school

My backup is to get an MPH and continue working in public health (it's what I've been doing for the past year, and I don't necessarily need a DVM).

@sheltermed What are you doing in public health now? What do you want to do if you don't get into school this cycle?

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Lol if you cross the mountains to Seattle the pathologists that I work for would be happy to talk you back into it

I'm too far gone. I'm in love with the idea of getting an education without that vet school price tag.

 

[sheltermed]

@sheltermed What are you doing in public health now? What do you want to do if you don't get into school this cycle?

I'm in state service - mainly regulatory medicine alongside my state veterinarians with some public health aspects. Been here about a year and have another year to go - happy to discuss further if you'd like to send me a PM - I've actually taken a couple of MPH courses myself but decided against pursuing the degree presently due to the cost and uncertainty of whether vet school is on the horizon. Ideally I'll pursue a DVM/MPH, if possible.

If I don't get in this cycle, I'll probably head down the MPH path and try to work for my state's department of health.

 

[LadyOtheFarm]

Currently pursuing my plan B since I am no longer in veterinary school. Actually, this was my original career plan before I started shadowing and found a passion in veterinary medicine; it's kind of funny how my life sort of came around full-circle like that.

Anyway, between high school and college, I took 7 years of classes in Spanish, 2.5 in Japanese, and 1.5 in Mandarin Chinese. I wanted to take more classes in the latter two, especially, but wasn't able to because the course availability at my college was very spotty due to low demand for the higher levels. So I've been studying both pretty intensively for the past couple of weeks, especially Japanese (4-5 hours per day, almost every day), while I continue to search for a job that will at least support me somewhat financially. My eventual goal is obtain TEFL certification and pass at least N2 of the JLPT (I am currently prepping for the N3; haven't decided yet if I want to challenge myself and take it this year or wait until next) and, hopefully, jump onto a JET/ALT or other TEFL program to teach English in Japan.

If that doesn't work out, I have contacts to teach English in Central/South America or Taiwan, but Japan would be the dream.

Also, self-studying a foreign language is, I've found, exceedingly difficult. Honestly, if I didn't already have some academic background in Japanese and Mandarin, I don't know that I would be able to do it. Ha.

But that's where life currently stands on my end.

My sister in law moved to South Korea to teach English with only a beginner's level understanding of Korean and little understanding of the culture. She studied to be a history professor, had an MS in some form of advanced history program, but couldn't find a decent job in the US.

Way more power to you if you have the native language under your belt, but don't let it hold you back if you feel ready to step forward.

 

[LadyOtheFarm]

I am also on plan... D?

Couldn't get into vet school, though I was alternate listed and had professors on admissions tell me I was "guaranteed a spot." After enough years, I couldn't justify doing the stall game to my family anymore.

I couldn't afford to work as a vet tech forever.

I took an MS program in Assisted Reproductive Technology and became a bovine embryologist. The job that I first went to work for was awful, then lots of other bad stuff happened, and I have landed in a safe, but much lower paying job as a researcher still playing with embryos, but also gene editing (stuff I kinda hated in school because I have trouble remembering names, especially of things I can't see or touch).

Once my family recovers from the last few years, I am debating continuing in research, but moving slightly into a field I care a bit more about (though I should be working toward a huge paper soon if any of this stuff works out!) Or going into human IVF and making the big bucks.

We'll see.

 

[dragonfroot]

If I don’t get in this cycle, I’m thinking of going into coding. It’s a super hot field right now and I want in on the action.
I might try again next year, but I’m tired of hating my dead-end job and really need to get my life going (I’m a few years out of college).

 

[forks4spoons]

I admire your perseverance! May I ask how many schools you applied to each time? I'm on my second application cycle - I applied to 4 schools two years ago, and just applied to 10(!) this cycle. I really don't think I have a 3rd cycle in me- I feel as though if my experiences and essays don't carry my application twice, I'm not meant to be in vet school

My backup is to get an MPH and continue working in public health (it's what I've been doing for the past year, and I don't necessarily need a DVM).

I'm a jerk and just realized that I didn't respond to this.

For all of my application cycles, I've only applied in-state to one school. My father has since passed, but in prior years (2012/2013) when I applied, I wanted to stay close to my parents and now, it's the same except I only have one parent to stay near.

Work-life-family balance is very important to me, especially now that I've been out in the work force and have a life of my own. So, being able to take the 2 hour drive to see my mom is paramount. God forbid anything happen to my mom, but if the situation were different, I'd definitely consider applying to OOS schools with similar costs to my IS.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

I am also on plan... D?

Couldn't get into vet school, though I was alternate listed and had professors on admissions tell me I was "guaranteed a spot." After enough years, I couldn't justify doing the stall game to my family anymore.

I couldn't afford to work as a vet tech forever.

I took an MS program in Assisted Reproductive Technology and became a bovine embryologist. The job that I first went to work for was awful, then lots of other bad stuff happened, and I have landed in a safe, but much lower paying job as a researcher still playing with embryos, but also gene editing (stuff I kinda hated in school because I have trouble remembering names, especially of things I can't see or touch).

Once my family recovers from the last few years, I am debating continuing in research, but moving slightly into a field I care a bit more about (though I should be working toward a huge paper soon if any of this stuff works out!) Or going into human IVF and making the big bucks.

We'll see.

I'm so glad you found a good job! The pay cut sucks, but it sounds like a much better situation than where you were before. Will your job take you to any genetics conferences? If so, we might cross paths!

 

[LadyOtheFarm]

I'm so glad you found a good job! The pay cut sucks, but it sounds like a much better situation than where you were before. Will your job take you to any genetics conferences? If so, we might cross paths!

Maybe, especially if I can stop screwing up this experiment so we get a publishable result. Then, it is quite likely that some or all of us will go talk about it somewhere (probably not me, but I might get to tag along.)