Glenda Pereira: 00:05
Welcome to the Maine Farmcast. This is your host, Dr. Glenda Pereira, an assistant professor at the University of Maine and the dairy specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For this episode, we are covering part two of the two-part episode where we had Maddy Philbrick discuss her vet school application process. So if you haven’t, be sure to listen to part one of this two-part series on vet school applications and acceptances. What has your experience been now that you’ve been accepted to vet school?
Glenda Pereira: 00:41
What are some things that you are working on? So what was acceptance like? And maybe before that even, what was the interview process like? Because that’s another piece of the equation. You should do some career prep, an interview prep before you do your interview because you will have to talk. If you get an interview, you will have to talk to people about why you wanna go to vet school.
Maddy Philbrick: 01:07
Yeah. So my interview process, I applied to schools that had rolling interviews. So they don’t necessarily have rolling admissions, but they have rolling interviews so they can offer at any time. Specifically, Lincoln Memorial, where I was accepted, I applied because they have a spring class and I was a nontraditional student, and I could easily start in January. But two of the schools that I interviewed with, they do what are called MMIs.
Maddy Philbrick: 01:29
So they’re multi mini interviews. They’re, depending on the school, eight to ten minutes long. And they bounce you around different Zoom rooms, Teams rooms, whatever the platform may be. And each person is getting a blind view. They have never seen your application.
Maddy Philbrick: 01:43
They know nothing about you. And it’s hard to remember that in the moment too. Here’s your question, and now you have to talk. Sometimes it’s a two-way street, or they’ll ask a follow-up question. But really, you have to be prepared to answer whatever it is they want to know and fill the seven to eight minutes that you have available.
Maddy Philbrick: 02:01
But also, if you’ve said your piece and answered the question, it is okay. I mean, you shouldn’t have a one-minute answer. Probably you should elaborate a little further. But it is okay to say, okay, I’ve concluded what I have to say on that. It’s perfectly acceptable. But making sure that you’re prepared going into that is huge.
Maddy Philbrick: 02:22
And some are situational questions too. So they’re not always just about you. It can be, this is a situation that you come across, and it’s more like an ethical, what would you do in this type of situation? And I guess the precursor to some of that is, before you’re offered an interview, at least at the two schools that I interviewed with, they sent— they both had like mini interviews that you had to do before the mini interviews. Mhmm.
Maddy Philbrick: 02:46
So it was a screening platform. And those were definitely more like, are you going to be able to answer interview questions in a timely fashion, in a timely manner, and offer something of value? So it’s almost like a two-series interview, honestly, or it really is in practice. So one of the schools, their last question in that pre-screening was, so why do you wanna come to this school? So also being aware that could come up before you ever even get to a full interview, and have your answer prepared.
Maddy Philbrick: 03:20
In the case for that school, I had done my research on them. I liked that, personally, I didn’t want to apply to a school with a teaching hospital. I liked the idea of being able to set up rotations the way I wanted them to be. So they had that. But then they also had a mandatory shelter medicine program that you had to come back to that town for, and you were going to do spays and neuters through their shelter medicine program.
Maddy Philbrick: 03:44
I liked the community service that that offered. And I liked that that was a standard-of-care thing that they offered to their community. I thought that spoke volumes for their program. But had I not done research or just randomly applied to 12 schools or something like that, I wouldn’t have had that to offer and share. Yeah.
Maddy Philbrick: 04:03
And I’d like to think that part of being prepared to answer that question is what got me offered an interview so early on in the process because both of my interviews were done before August. The VEMCAS application portal didn’t even close until September 14. I only applied to three schools. The last school I applied to, they didn’t require interviews. And because I received my acceptance about a week after the VEMCAS portal closed,
Maddy Philbrick: 04:31
I actually then had to contact the other two schools and resend my application to them. Which was great. But I did spend an extra like $300 in the application process because I didn’t just apply to one school. Which wasn’t a bad, bad move in any way. Like, you have to have— Yeah.
Glenda Pereira: 04:50
Yeah. But something you said was the values aligned, right? Even though you had to answer that question, really, you did your research before and you said, do I wanna spend the next potentially four years, depending on whether you do a residency there or not? Do I wanna spend the next four years here? And you needed to align with their goals and their mission.
Glenda Pereira: 05:14
And that was part of your decision.
Maddy Philbrick: 05:16
Yeah. It definitely was. And just making sure, like, in the back of my mind, can I see myself living here? I know students that have gone to the island schools. If you’re never gonna go to one of the island schools, then don’t apply to them.
Maddy Philbrick: 05:30
Don’t say that’s my backup plan if you can’t see yourself going there. You have to want to make the commitment to go there. So I don’t know why you are applying. If you know you’re never gonna go, why did you apply there? That one kinda keeps me up when I think about it because I’ve seen people do it.
Maddy Philbrick: 05:49
Yeah. But just knowing what it is you’re looking for. So ideally, where I ended up, I’m hoping it is still a great fit, but they had what I was looking for in a program. And then it was in a lower cost-of-living area. And there was just, the opportunity was there, and it was aligning with what I wanted my schedule to be, ideally, if I was accepted.
Glenda Pereira: 06:12
Yeah. And then additionally, something that you mentioned just now was it’s okay to not apply the first year right out of your undergraduate program. Yeah. It’s okay to apply whenever you want. Right?
Glenda Pereira: 06:28
Yeah. But don’t give up. And, you know, I think in our society, there’s always this, what’s your next step? And if it’s, I don’t know, oh my god, everybody freak out, panic button. Not true.
Maddy Philbrick: 06:41
I haven’t known what I’m doing for four years. I made it through a master’s program, and that was kind of by chance that I— I don’t know. I made it through a master’s program. I’ve had three post-grad jobs, which in some ways I’m like, wow, that’s kind of scary that I’ve had three jobs in like two years. But at the same time, I’ve taken something and learned something from each of these experiences that I now get to bring into being a veterinarian eventually.
Glenda Pereira: 07:09
And you added value. I will say personally, I’ve worked with you in the capacity of all three positions. You added value back into those roles, which is part of what your vet school application and your vet school interview is. They wanna see, how can this person add value to our program. And I understand, right?
Glenda Pereira: 07:29
Vet school is very expensive. You’re paying to be there. But at the same time, the process for the application is to understand, will this person be a good fit for us? But you have to know if you’re a good fit. And Maddy, you said that.
Glenda Pereira: 07:41
Right? I like their values. I liked what they were doing with the community. I like the location. All these things fit for me.
Glenda Pereira: 07:48
So I’m a good candidate for this school. I know that. I fit there. But they’re doing the same thing to you. Both should be considered.
Glenda Pereira: 07:56
Right? It’s not only, I will apply to any school I want to, but you were adding value to those jobs that you had. And I think the vet school saw that in your application process, in your interview process. You are gonna add knowledge and value to their graduating class. So that’s really critical too. Right?
Glenda Pereira: 08:16
You’re gonna spend the next four years with people learning that will probably be your colleagues for the rest of your life, right? You’ll stay connected. But you are contributing to their program.
Maddy Philbrick: 08:29
Yeah. And I think self-doubt and impostor syndrome is always gonna be real. I’ve seen that in vets that I work with. They’re like, yeah, impostor syndrome never goes away. I know it in my own career.
Maddy Philbrick: 08:42
I find myself on the daily second guessing if the knowledge I just gave to a producer is accurate, and I go home and I do the research again. It was. I need to trust myself a little bit more. But knowing that on your application too, like, put it all out there. Don’t leave anything on the table.
Maddy Philbrick: 09:00
If you’re questioning if it should be on there, it should be on there. Because there’s some reason that you’re thinking maybe they wanna see that. Whether you’re a student athlete, whether you were in a sorority, if you have a leadership position in a different club, or play club sports. Club sports are just as important as if you’re an athlete for the school because it shows value in you as a person, and it shows depth and character. You could even— I mean, if you’re an artist and you like drawing, you could put that on there and put a link.
Maddy Philbrick: 09:31
Oh, I don’t think you could link your art. But you could put something about that and show them why that’s important and why it should be on your application. Cause you really need to sell yourself. So that means you need to believe in yourself and that you can do it.
Glenda Pereira: 09:45
Yeah. And so now finally, let’s talk about the post-application and what the next few months look like for you since you’ve been accepted. I know a lot of change is coming your way, and chaotic. And throw a toddler in there. Yes.
Glenda Pereira: 09:59
I don’t know if folks know, but Maddy’s also a mom. She also wears a mom hat in addition to the other billion hats she wears. But what has that been like, communication with the school? What to expect on that forefront once you’ve been accepted?
Maddy Philbrick: 10:14
Yeah. So the communication with the school, it’s been good. Some of it, they definitely have deadlines for like, we’ll have most of our class accepted by this point. So that’s when we’re sending out communication. But so, like recently, we got our vaccines.
Maddy Philbrick: 10:29
So you have to submit your vaccines just like when you go to college, but also you get to go get rabies vaccinated. That’s right. Which is so much fun. I have mine scheduled now. Yes.
Maddy Philbrick: 10:38
And there’s also quite a bit of cost after the fact that I was aware some of it was there, but not all of it. So like, there’s a background screening, drug screening, and each of these tests have costs associated with them, as well as your deposit to go to the school, working on your financial aid and trying to figure that out. So you have to— if you haven’t done your FAFSA, which I did mine this summer just because I didn’t want to deal with it later. But doing that piece, and then working with the school on financial aid, like, are there scholarships available? What can I apply for?
Maddy Philbrick: 11:14
Are there private loans that maybe are a better option than a federal loan? Again, that’s up to you and what you want your repayment to look like. I have looked into a couple of private loans, and I’m likely maybe taking some because they’re a lower interest rate and it’s a fit for me. Does that mean it’s a fit for everybody? No.
Maddy Philbrick: 11:34
And then, you know, the moving process, which being in Maine and not going down there to look for an apartment was kind of nerve wracking. Luckily, I was able to connect with a student Facebook group. And then I actually have a couple friends that already attend the university. So they connected me with friends. And through there, I was connected with a landlord to find a place.
Maddy Philbrick: 11:54
So I feel confident that I have signed a lease with a legitimate landlord sight unseen, which is nerve wracking for me because I’ve never done that before. I’ve always put boots through the door. But I mean, he seems great. So I think it’s all good. But just that process there was slightly overwhelming.
Maddy Philbrick: 12:13
Yeah. And yeah, figuring out childcare for vet school is still interesting. We found a place, but it’s definitely a different hurdle that when I called the vet school— because I called them to ask— I was like, I don’t know what’s in the area. Like, Google’s not helping me to find childcare.
Maddy Philbrick: 12:29
Do you have a list? And they didn’t. But they did help. They went to a faculty member that has children. They were able to get lists.
Maddy Philbrick: 12:36
They were able to connect me with Facebook groups. So some of those, you don’t know what the resources the vet school has until you ask. So if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed with whatever it is in your moving journey, reaching out to them and asking can be very valuable. Because while those weren’t resources they had on hand, they were resources that within forty eight hours I had. Yeah.
Maddy Philbrick: 12:58
And places to at least start looking. Yeah. Which to me is a little bit above and beyond, to like go that extra mile to help a nontraditional student. But I mean, I’m sure they do a lot of that with the undergrads that are—
Glenda Pereira: 13:12
Coming straight— Yeah. In as—
Maddy Philbrick: 13:23
And I think getting ahead of some of this stuff helps because you’re gonna move and then classes start shortly.
Maddy Philbrick: 13:23
Yeah. My timeline’s tight. I get the keys to my apartment January 1, and that’s a Thursday and also a holiday. And classes start Monday the fifth. Right.
Maddy Philbrick: 13:34
And
Glenda Pereira: 13:38
Depending on where you enter your undergrad program, these classes will look like you hit the ground running. Right? It’s not like, oh, here’s the syllabus. Here’s what we’re gonna be talking about today. No.
Maddy Philbrick: 13:50
I think the only— We have—
Glenda Pereira: 13:51
a limited time to cover content, and we’re gonna hit the ground running. So getting ahead of some of this and trying to, like you said, be prepared to then have that mindset. So on that first day of class, you’re not worried about, oh, do I have a place to stay, or etcetera. You’re focusing on your schoolwork.
Maddy Philbrick: 14:12
Yeah. My biggest thing right now that’s vexing me, but I understand it, is your vet school schedule can change throughout the semester depending on classes. Some might only be like a two-week class, or some may be a full semester. But your schedule is constantly changing. So I don’t actually know what a week to week is gonna look like at this moment.
Maddy Philbrick: 14:33
When they send out more on orientation, we should know more. But it’s one of those things that it’s a moving target. Right. And that’s kind of hard for me to wrap my brain around because I already want to block out in my calendar. Like, these are when classes are gonna— because that’s what I did in undergrad.
Maddy Philbrick: 14:48
Right. And you can’t. It’s not the same. It’s not the same style setup. It’s not necessarily when you take immunology that you go to immunology class three times a week for sixteen weeks. You might go to immunology class twice a week for two weeks in a row, and then one week is an exam week. Or it can be— it’s a moving target there.
Maddy Philbrick: 15:08
Right. And that’s new. Yeah.
Glenda Pereira: 15:11
And that’s for a reason. Right? The way they cover content is very different than the way that they cover content in undergraduate because you’re not building the same skill base and the same knowledge base. Right? You’re going to depth on some of the things that you probably did a surface-level dive into during your undergraduate degree.
Glenda Pereira: 15:28
Right? So you talked about immunology. You’re probably covering that in depth. Right? What are all the processes that happen?
Glenda Pereira: 15:36
Immunity, the animal, etcetera, etcetera, all these things, maybe even some vaccine stuff. So the way you’re covering content is different, which reminds me to discuss this. Building study habits ahead of time is something that folks should be thinking about because it only gets busier and you have to study. There is no, I’ll worry about it later. There is no ands, buts, ifs, ands, or buts.
Glenda Pereira: 16:06
You have to study. And like Maddy mentioned, you cover content really quickly. So finding a good study pattern that works for you ahead of time, learning that in undergrad, learning that before you get there will really help you succeed, especially in your first semester when everything is new. You’re building new relationships, a whole new set of professors, a new location. You’re still finding your way around town.
Glenda Pereira: 16:35
Where’s, you know, the closest Walmart or store or whatever? All these new things are happening at the same time. So building a study habit is maybe not gonna be the priority. But those grades that you get in those first couple weeks of classes are gonna be just as important as the grades when you are taking classes at the end of your coursework.
Maddy Philbrick: 16:56
Yeah. And I mean, I guess the final goal is a little different when you get into vet school because at the end, it’s to pass that licensing exam. If you’re going for like a residency, your grades probably matter a little bit more as well. And they do always matter, but it’s more about absorbing the knowledge and being able to apply it. So learning study habits that allow you to do that.
Maddy Philbrick: 17:16
If you are one of those people that typically, in your undergrad, you’re studying, regurgitating, forgetting, that’s not actually a true study habit because it’s not internalizing the information into your brain to be able to recall later, which as a vet is what you’re going to have to do. You’re going to have to apply that knowledge every single day. So finding a study habit that works, that allows you to actually do that, is really important because it’s not about passing the test. And I’ve heard this from other podcasts I’ve listened to on vet students. I’ve heard vet students talk about it, and I’ve heard mentors talk about it.
Maddy Philbrick: 17:53
And I think everybody struggles with it at first because they’ve all told me they struggled with it at first, and switching that mindset from studying to pass a test versus studying to apply in the future. So the earlier you can do that, the better.
Glenda Pereira: 18:09
Yeah. Yeah. And just something else to add to that. When you do become a veterinarian, now this is way ahead into the process. Your clients, whether it’s the physical human, because most of your clients will have an owner.
Glenda Pereira: 18:28
You know, animals are only in shelter med. Animals, and even aquaculture veterinarians, right? Those species, they don’t speak. You’re not able to speak with them. So they’re gonna have an owner that you’ll have to speak with beforehand.
Glenda Pereira: 18:43
They’ll ask a lot of questions, and you’ll probably sit there and say, oh, I remember that one lecture on this one thing. And so, like you mentioned, you have to recall back to that because your clients are coming to you with specific questions about a specific thing. And you can always say, hey, I don’t know. I really wanna get back to you. But your clients are gonna come to you with those questions, and they expect you to have some, you know, a resource, some form of reference for them because this, at the end of the day, they’re the owner of this animal and this is important to them.
Glenda Pereira: 19:21
So like you’re saying, Maddy, the recall part will happen for the rest of your life after you leave vet school. And so vet school is really the learning place. Right? It’s a safe bubble. You can learn a lot.
Glenda Pereira: 19:34
And then you’re gonna have to start applying a lot of what you learn in vet school.
Maddy Philbrick: 19:38
Yeah. If you can learn and apply, I think while you’re at vet school, that’s the most valuable part is starting to do that. And that’s just reflecting on some of my other experiences is, the more I started applying my knowledge from undergrad and from my master’s program, the more I understood what I had learned previously. Because having to disseminate what a reproduction protocol is to a producer that has never taken a repro physiology, you have to be able to explain it to them. Maybe you’re not going into full depth, but you have to at least understand, how can I talk to them through this?
Maddy Philbrick: 20:16
So having those skills, I just think it’s very valuable. If you can find opportunities in undergrad, or if you take a gap year to do that, it is very important.
Glenda Pereira: 20:25
Yeah. Well, was there anything else that we didn’t talk about that you want to mention or close off with some closing remarks or thoughts about getting into vet school, applying to vet school, thinking about the vet school process?
Maddy Philbrick: 20:43
I guess the big one is just, if you feel it in your soul that it’s right, you’ll find the pathway to get there. It’s okay to doubt yourself. It’s okay to go and find other experiences. But at the end of the day, if it’s what you wanna do, you’ll find your Joe Harkins that says, why didn’t you apply? Why didn’t you follow this dream?
Maddy Philbrick: 21:05
And if you find yourself questioning yourself and you can’t come up with an answer— it’s not, I fell out of love with the industry or whatever it may be— then it was probably right for you. And just take the leap of faith. Submit the application. If you get told no the first time, don’t take it personal.
Maddy Philbrick: 21:25
Go through, do your reviews with the colleges if they offer it. See what you can do better to make yourself a better applicant because that also shows them that you truly wanted it. Sometimes it just is, you never know who’s in that applicant pool. There could be a bunch of me’s that have four years out of undergrad applying that year, and it saturates it.
Maddy Philbrick: 21:46
And you just need more time doing something else to make yourself a better applicant. But I truly believe you can get there if you want to.
Glenda Pereira: 21:55
Well, I mean, I’m just gonna leave it at that, folks. Follow your dreams. It’s never too late. Here’s Maddy, four years later. And she said, what do I have to lose?
Glenda Pereira: 22:05
I’m gonna do it. Pretty much. And whatever path you take to get to vet school, I just want to add that I’m incredibly thankful for all of the veterinarians in my life. Because from my cat to my colleagues, right? As the dairy specialist, I work with a lot of vets that are supporting clients that I work with.
Glenda Pereira: 22:28
And we couldn’t do it without these people, right? They have a lot of knowledge, an incredible skill set. So I’m incredibly thankful for everybody. So thank you, Maddy. You’ll be that colleague soon for us here.
Glenda Pereira: 22:43
And hopefully, you and your adventure decide to come back to the State of Maine, and we’d love to have you here because we’ve— like I said— you’ve added so much value to our industry and our university. So thanks so much, Maddy. Thanks for having me. Yeah. This is so much fun.
Glenda Pereira: 23:01
So for folks who have future topics, suggestions, comments, questions for the podcast and Farmcast, Colt will catch me for that. Be sure to email us at extension.farmcast@maine.edu.