Age factor to pursue Vet school

[Cp69]

I have been reading these threads for sometimes but never post anything. I just enjoyed seeing other people's opinion and it is about the time now I need some encouragment.

I've been working for one of the best company in the world for 10 years now. I like my job, I love where I live and what I am doing . About months ago, I got an opportunity to continue my education and got financial support till the end. I think there are not many people get this kind of opportunity .In a nutshell, after thinking here and there, I decided I want to do something for my life, something that its been my passion for so long ... I wanted to pursue pre vet program. It is a totally big change and I will have to start from the scratch. I am 38 now, and have not been back to school for almost 20 years and I will have to take all science courses , maths and calculus ( yuck ) . But my mind is set and I am going to pursue it. I am ready to give up everything, uprooting my life to unknown place to pursue something that I have been wanting to .

My question, has anyone here ever faced the same problem like me?
Anyone here pursuing vet program? How difficult is for someone around my age to study science ? Do you really believe age is the factor of reggression?

Appreciate any input , opinion in this. You guys are great !

[Doku]

Just so that you are aware... a vet program is a PhD program. Requires 7-10 years of school, including various surgical rotations, etc. The undergrad programs are easy to get into... the grad school, however, is a whole different animal, and generally much more difficult to get into.

[Lola]

Cp69 - Yay for you! And what a great opportunity to be able to pursue your education with the financing provided.

I don't think 38 is a big deal. (I know all the 20-somethings around here think we're ancient but they'll learn! )

I'm 46 and started back just this fall to complete an education I abandoned 24 years ago. And yes, it includes science.

I'm finding that I'm a much more focused and disciplined student than I was a couple of decades ago. (Then I was definitely more focused on boys and parties!) I am much more familiar with my unique learning style and can tailor my studies to optimally benefit. I am very clear about my goals, I know what I have at stake, and I'm passionate about what I'm doing.

As for Doku's point of your chosen program taking 7-10 years - you do need to look at the big picture, but determine how important is this goal to you? How committed are you to seeing it through to completion? And finally - if you're thinking about the age thing - How old will you be in 7-10 years if you DON'T go to vet school?

Lots of luck!

[Cp69]

hey Lola, thanks so much, you are right, I should think where am I going to be 7-10 years from now if I did not pursue this.

You mentioned about taking science classes.. how did you start to remember all the formula? I just bought math and chemistry book and I completely blind when I see this.My math level probably is about balancing my checkbook only. I want to learn, but just don't know how to start.How do you start?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I believe the key to success in Math and Sciences for people who've been out for a while or are not naturally inclined is finding a good teacher who can explain things in a way you understand. This is often hard because the people who teach these subjects usually don't seem to understand how someone can just not get it. I would try to get in touch with some other students to learn about teaching styles of particular teachers. If you already have your classes set, then think about a tutor. They can take more time to one on one with you through the tougher concepts.

Good luck. I am glad to see someone pursuing their dream.

[Love]

Congratulations!

To support you and give you strength, here's an article about about the oldest man to ever start primary school .

You're an inspiration!

[Lola]

Originally Posted by Cp69

hey Lola, thanks so much, you are right, I should think where am I going to be 7-10 years from now if I did not pursue this.

You mentioned about taking science classes.. how did you start to remember all the formula? I just bought math and chemistry book and I completely blind when I see this.My math level probably is about balancing my checkbook only. I want to learn, but just don't know how to start.How do you start?

Sorry I'm so delayed in replying to you, Cp69. I haven't been around much all week. Mostly I've had my nose firmly planted in an anatomy book studying for my first massive exam (98% - yay me!).

There's scads of info and resources available on the internet now which didn't exist last time I was in school - back in the dark ages of typewriters and libraries. To refresh for this anatomy class, I used a flashcard-type site Anatomy for MIDDLE SCHOOL students, or something like that. Very helpful actually and fun (point and click on the body part - description pops up). Right at my 'getting back in the swing of things' level.

I also second the tutor recommendation. Track down some sharp, young, broke thing that lives and breathes chemistry or whatever subject you're needing assistance with. Tutoring will be a great help to get you up to speed.

[Indeed]

I went back to vet school when I was 27 and I am now 32 and 4 weeks away from graduating as a vet. I am in Australia though and did not have to do "pre-vet" I just went straight into vet school which is 5 years. While I am glad to have made this decision, vet school has been no easy ride. The hours of study required are quite incredible. I hadn't done any science since high school either and before vet school I did a bridging course in maths and chemistry. If you can do something like this I recommend it.

Being at vet school means that most of your spare time is taken up with study. It is also quite stressful as there are a LOT of exams, including oral exams which I find nerve wracking. In my final years of clinical rotations I sometimes would put in 36 hours at the hospital without sleep. There is also financial considerations as no income for 5 years is hard to take.

That all being said and done I am really glad I am going to be a vet. As a mature age student I have been more motivated and had better discipline to study than when I was younger. I don't think you are ever too old to go back and study. If it's what you really want to do I say go for it. It's better to try than to live with the regret if you never did it.

[reddfoxx9999]

Hello, I'm posting here for several reasons. I'm 25 years old and just graduated with a Masters in the social sciences. I was planning to go for a phd. in Clinical Psych, but I think now that I want to go back to school to become a Vet. It's hard for me to make the decision between vet and psych. I feel I understand psych much easier, but I feel the actual job of being a vet will be more rewarding, and have a better salary. I have really no math or sceince since 8th grade, and I just wanted to hear from people who have gone back to pursue classes in math and science at the collegiate level. How hard is it? What should I be aware of? Any stories and advice that you have would be greatly appreciated. Also, I was curious how member id (CP 69) was doing in his pursuit of vet school. Cp69 if you read this please reply.