Updates, Reader's Digest Version

Visited UC Davis, first day of classes so we were too self-conscious to take any photos. It was shocking to me how many students there were.

Applied to local animal shelter and local Guide Dog school as a volunteer.

Got the spot at Guide Dogs, every Saturday morning until we move.

Application at animal shelter approved, orientation same day/time as classes (Valentine’s Day). Need to work around it. WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Moved the orientation to a nearby shelter, set for January 26^th.

Will be submitting my application to Oregon State. Actually, will not. Not necessary.

Sent email to Joel, horse barn manager at UC Davis, on Thursday of last week. As of yet, no reply. WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Joel emailed me back, said I should contact the animal science advising center to get an application, and that he is looking forward to reading mine.

We spoke to a peer adviser (Sydney), a junior in the animal science department:

Housing – apartments and dorms do not allow pets, which of course we asked about. I asked about the option of the work exchange I had heard about before, from the meeting I’d had with one of the other advisors at the beginning of the summer. She said that applying for a spot in the barns can be difficult; the barn managers need to know who you are. She said it’s especially hard for transfers, impossible even, there need to be special circumstances.

Classes – If I take the easier organic chemistry class, I will only be able to apply to the western US veterinary schools

She advises I take physics at one of the local community colleges

Orientation – there is going to be an orientation day in the summer. They spread it out over two weeks, bringing us in groups of five or six at a time. I will have to fly up there, but if we play our cards right and I go alone it should only be around $100 for a plane ticket. During orientation, Sydney said they will plan at least our fall class schedule, if not the entire schedule. If we don’t get the entire thing planned, I will have to make an appointment and go back later to finish it.

Priority – there is no way to get higher priority through a club or program like at College of the Desert. ACES gives me priority one registration, which has been very nice. She thinks that being in the honors program might give one a higher priority, but she doesn’t think transfers can enter that program.