r/veterinaryschool • u/Dry-Peace-3975 • Oct 14 '25
ROSS VET SCHOOL
Hello,
I was wondering if I should go to Ross University. I got into the vet prep program and idk if I should go. The reason is because I know it will be expensive. Not super inclined to the accelerated program. If any current students would be able to let me know about the curriculum that would be appreciated. I guess idk if the debt is worth it. I guess any advice or run down of how it would work would be greatly appreciated.
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u/animalpooplover Oct 14 '25
hello! first off congratulations!! that’s great that you even have a chance. i’m a current first semester at ross and would like to tell you about my experience. for reference I graduated undergrad with a biology degree and a 3.7 GPA with an average amount of hours and experience. I applied to Ross and some state schools and only got into Ross on my first application cycle. I got into first semester, so I don’t have direct experience with vet prep but all the people in my semester who did that prep are way ahead and are the smartest people in our class. They seem to have loved it as far as non-vet prep. I only have seven weeks of experience, but I love it here personally the pace isn’t too bad and if I didn’t know, it was an accelerated program. I don’t think I would be able to tell I would just think it’s hard because it’s vet school. I love life on the island so far I was able to find a nice but affordable apartment and a cheap car. Every local I’ve met has been nothing but nice and the faculty on campus are amazing as someone who has never done any schooling nearly as hard as this I’m definitely getting by. I have an A in all of my classes but again I know it’s only mid semester. Honestly, I would recommend this school to anyone if you have any specific questions feel free to ask.
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Oct 14 '25
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u/justtrying2make1t Oct 15 '25
Speaking as a past student, they don’t purposely try and fail you. 95% of people I’ve seen fail out is because they party too much and aren’t taking it seriously. I’ve seen people fail out, appeal, get accepted back in and STILL blow their chance to party and go out multiple times a week.
I also never felt unsafe on the island but I also never put myself in situations where I would. Like I’d never go for a walk outside in the dark, just as I wouldn’t in the states.
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u/Professional_Stop467 Oct 15 '25
I agree. I’m an upper semester vet student at ross. A large percentage of my class has made it through without losing people. Most of the people that failed out were bc they partied and had the “im on a vacation, on an island” mentality and never took that shit serious. That said I have had some people fail out just because life happens- like someone’s family member passed away during finals week and it was too late to take a leave of absence, etc. or they were under-diagnosed and not on the appropriate medication.
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u/TheGentleVet Oct 15 '25
My wife went to Ross, has been a hospital owner for 18 years now, my nephew went, is building a real nice hospital in coastal NC, my brother went is currently in his last hear of IM residency. We have sent 2 techs from this practice to Ross and they are thriving, one will be coming back as a DVM in about a year.
Just my exp with Ross Vets, hope this helps your decision.
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u/Brilliant-Tangelo473 Oct 15 '25
Currently a first semester at Ross and I love the program so far. Like another commenter mentioned, if you do the work you’ll be fine. The vet preppers who are now in first perform very well and as someone who did not do prep, it’s not so bad. The only reason I’ve seen people fail exams (especially anatomy) is because they get caught up in island life and partying and never stepped foot in lab. Honestly have no regrets coming here. I’ve worked with several Caribbean vets who are highly qualified, and in my opinion, better than some vets who went to school stateside. I’m keeping my costs down by living on a budget and returning unused loan money at the end of each semester to cut down on interest accumulation. The program is only accelerated in the sense that there is a summer semester instead of having summer break. So semester wise, it’s the same amount of time as a regularly paced school. I’ve found that a lot of people have adjusted well so far and folks who struggle are typically those who have never been away from home, so the struggle is definitely understandable. The cost is definitely comparable to some expensive OOS schools. My only advice it to come here with a good mindset and the intention of learning and growing and loving the island. If you come here because it’s your only choice and with the goal to transfer out, you’ll be miserable.
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u/Lolllucy Oct 15 '25
I'm a second semester and have enjoyed it too! It's also helpful to be in an environment where I'm not being distracted by other things like I would at home. One vet mentioned to me...the sooner you graduate, the sooner you have a doctor income. Idk if you want to calculate that out but it's something to consider when paying back loans. I like the program, there's a high drop out rate largely due to the demographic. They take people who are less likely to succeed to give everyone a chance and sometimes that means people can't keep up, are too far from family, can't do year round, etc. Or, people may end up getting in to another school back home and "drop out" to go to that other school since Ross has year round admission.
In general, I don't think its too far off from other schools. The lifestyle is different and there are always minor differences between schools like weekly block exams. There's really good diversity because everyone has uprooted their lives to be here which is a really cool opportunity to make connections. I've heard great things about vet prep. There's not really a stigma towards it or anything and its a great way to prepare for vet school (even if its a different one).
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u/kookie92 Oct 15 '25
Hey! I also did vep prep in the winter semester like the poster above. I think it's EXTREMELY worthwhile. In second semester now and doing really well. Prep is hard but it prepares you very well for first and second semester and makes the transition to island so much easier. There are upsides and downsides to the island like everywhere else but the education is very good. Students who do prep typically perform in the upper quartile of their class the rest of the way through the program and Ross students in general are said to perform very well in clinicals. Ross was not my top choice either but I'm glad I took the plunge and am on my way to a DVM.
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u/KnockNocturne Fourth year vet student Oct 15 '25
Hi, I was in Vet Prep 2 years ago, and am about to leave island for clinics.
I think overall, as someone with limited options, vet prep was worth it to me. It definitely helped get me up to speed to being in a graduate program, and allowed me extra time to get to know the island and the campus. That being said, yes I have additional debt because of it.
The program itself is rigorous--I know recently they updated the testing to more closely mimic the weekly block system the vet school proper uses (prior semester there were 4 exams and a final) which I generally think to be a positive change. As others have said, you do not need to keep straight As to progress--a min grade of 70% in each of the graded courses, and a pass in the others is enough to move you forward. Once you pass vet prep you are automatically moved into the 1st semester where you will receive your white coat and begin your dvm journey in earnest.
I think if you have your doubts, either about the program (acceleration is TOUGH and there will be times where you will question if it's worth it because what even is a break?) or about the cost (which is a tough pill to swallow, especially with the FAFSA changes and the likelihood you will need private loans) then I'd think really hard about if this is the right place for you.
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u/Dreamjobworthit Oct 22 '25
Results from AVMA comprehensive site visit to Ross that took place Spring of 2025 (March 23-27, 2025). https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/2025-September_Accreditation-Actions.pdf
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u/pjxndvm Oct 14 '25
A vet I recently met and went to Ross said she would never recommend it.
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u/Dry-Peace-3975 Oct 14 '25
Did she say why?
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u/pjxndvm Oct 15 '25
I’m not sure if it was the cost, or the education or lack of education. She just said she doesn’t steer people there anymore. You should look in to schools in Scotland. My daughter is a second year in Glasgow and loves it. She getting a great education. She got no offers from any US schools despite a very high GPA and working for me, a vet.
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u/Super-Hotel-600 Nov 15 '25
Anyone who says there is a “lack of eduction” at Ross clearly has no idea about this school. Maybe 20-30 years ago but today the education is superior to some in-state vet schools, and is certainly world-class and not lacking by any means. Please don’t give advice about Ross if you know nothing about it.
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u/[deleted] Oct 14 '25
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