Background, I originally went to UVM for Animal Science/ Pre-vet. However, about my junior year, fall semester, I had a bit of a breaking point where I felt there was no way I was going to make it into vet school. After some many stressful nights and sessions with my advisor, I decided to essentially "drop" the pre-vet concentration and just focus on completing my major while also taking classes I found interesting. I started to take wildlife biology classes the following semester and fell in right at home so to speak but wanted to just graduate and be done school for while. I graduated in 2009 with my first Bachelors in Animal Science.
The next three years I spent working a variety of jobs, from lab animal technician, to avian field technicians, community health care stint, and even a ski bum job (I was young, why not??). Anyway, I kept coming back to the wildlife-field type jobs as I really enjoyed that type of work but felt as though I was lacking in some education, as I only took a handful of wildlife classes my last couple semesters at UVM. With that being said, I decided that I really wanted to go back to school. Fall of 2012 I enrolled full time at Unity College in their Wildlife Biology program and graduated in 2014 with my second Bachelors in Wildlife Biology.
Upon graduation, I was very fortunate to be hired on as a Seasonal Common Loon Biologist through a local non profit that does a lot of wildlife research. Past two summers I have done this work and absolutely love it, but I am finding myself becoming drawn back to the idea of my very original plan from when I was 17 of attending vet school.
This is where all you folk come in and hope you can give my some insight/advice!
1.) Because I stopped focusing on the pre-vet track my junior year at UVM, I actually do not have all of the pre-reqs, specifically Physics I & II and Biochemistry. I took an evolution and population genetics course, but am not sure if that is sufficient enough for the genetics requirement? How many people take pre-reqs at a community college and were those credits accepted? I feel like this would be my cheapest way of completing them as there is a school about 15 minutes away from my house that offers those classes.
2.) Animal experience, what counts? I have had several hours from my different field jobs, lab animal tech, milker on a dairy farm, etc. However, I have not had any in an actual vet clinic. I am planning to (hopefully) volunteer down at this wildlife center/clinic this fall/winter to gain more experience but am wondering if I should try to volunteer in a small animal practice as well to help round out the experience?
3.) How hard is it for the older students to get in? I just turned 28 and probably wouldn't apply for at least a year- year and half, as I would need that time to complete pre-reqs, retake GRE, etc.
4.) How do you manage your financials once in school? Like most people I have the typical bills, student loans, car payments, car insurance, phone etc. From the vets and vet students I know, working while in school is unlikely, so are you just primarily living on your loans/financial aid??
I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read this and any advice/feed back you may have to give! Thanks!!!
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Advice needed for older student
