What are my chances?

[divine_K9]

Hello, I have been haunting these boards a lot lately and I figured now would be a good time to hop on board and see where I stand. I already have my application pretty much completed, however I want to know if I have wasted the time...and inadvertently the money by applying.

21 year old, Biology major, female attending a smaller catholic college. (Honestly no one has really tried to get into vet school, most biology students opt for Med school.)

Cum GPA: 3.65, (3.54 according to VMCAS)
Science GPA: 3.35
Last 45 GPA: 3.65

GRE: 151 V 152 Q 4.5 A ( I know this is extremely average, but it was the best of 3. I can't do the timed test thing very well)

Veterinary Experience
- 750 hours with 2 SA vets
- 300 hours with a LA vet (mostly cows and goats)
- 25 hours with a wildlife vet
-12 hours with an equine vet

Animal Experience
- Owned pets my entire life, but only claimed 100 hours
- 1000 hours working with rehabilitating wild animals

Research
-None

Awards/ Honors
Dean's list
numerous scholarships
tutored for a number of subjects
officer and VP of a few clubs

Letters of Recommendation
- DVM of a mixed practice
- DVM of SA
- Orgo professor
- Head of biology department at my college

- Boss from a local store that I worked at


So I really just want some opinions on whether I am too average to really have a good shot... it's already done, but now I am having some self doubt . My biggest worry is my lousy GRE score

The school's I went for are the following: Ohio, Mizzou, Mississippi, Tufts, Iowa, and Kansas

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[katatak]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting and I was hoping to get some feedback if you wouldn't mind. I just took my GRE and I'm wondering if I should retake it or not. I struggle with verbal, but I'm not sure if I should retake it and I was wondering if i should try to improve my Quantitative score. My top choice is UC Davis, but I am applying to other out of state schools as well. Thank you in advance for all your advice, I appreciate it!
4th year at UCI
GRE: V 150 Q157 W 4.5
CumGPA:3.7
SGPA: 3.66
Last 45:3.83

Vet experience:
380 Hours as a junior technician at specialty hospital
330 hours shadowing Holistic Vet
240 hours interning with Research veterinarian
100 hours internship from HS
6 hours monitoring anesthesia of pigs

Animal experience:
50 hours animal shelter
400 hours agility
400 hours flyball
100 hours obedience
100 hours rally
These are my junior handler experiences from owning a dog

Research
113 hours at finch lab

Employment: none

Awards:
Dean's Honor list x7
Sportsmanship Award
Varsity Coaches Award
Outstanding Track Award
Best Junior Handler
Coaches Award JV Cross Country
Junior handle Award of Merit

EC Activities:
Pre-Vet Society
UCI CRU
UCI XC/Track(1 year)

Highschool EC:
Hospitality Committee
Key Club
CA Scholarship Federation
Class Council
Science Club

Hey! Another fellow anteater!! I knew some people over at the Burley Lab

Seems like your GPA is pretty good. I would work on diversifying your animal experiences. Maybe some large animal and equine. I used to go to the Shea Center for horses and its out that way Any thoughts on applying into Western? As for your GRE I had a lower score but (miraculously) got in. If you don't get in this cycle just call the schools and ask them for what you can improve on, they will tell you if they want a better GRE, etc...

 

[divine_K9]

I feel like this thread was blowing up before I joined, anyone have an opinion on the stats I posted? I would really appreciate the feedback?

 

[Shepherd Lover]

Hello, I have been haunting these boards a lot lately and I figured now would be a good time to hop on board and see where I stand. I already have my application pretty much completed, however I want to know if I have wasted the time...and inadvertently the money by applying.

21 year old, Biology major, female attending a smaller catholic college. (Honestly no one has really tried to get into vet school, most biology students opt for Med school.)

Cum GPA: 3.65, (3.54 according to VMCAS)
Science GPA: 3.35
Last 45 GPA: 3.65

GRE: 151 V 152 Q 4.5 A ( I know this is extremely average, but it was the best of 3. I can't do the timed test thing very well)

Veterinary Experience
- 750 hours with 2 SA vets
- 300 hours with a LA vet (mostly cows and goats)
- 25 hours with a wildlife vet
-12 hours with an equine vet

Animal Experience
- Owned pets my entire life, but only claimed 100 hours
- 1000 hours working with rehabilitating wild animals

Research
-None

Awards/ Honors
Dean's list
numerous scholarships
tutored for a number of subjects
officer and VP of a few clubs

Letters of Recommendation
- DVM of a mixed practice
- DVM of SA
- Orgo professor
- Head of biology department at my college

- Boss from a local store that I worked at


So I really just want some opinions on whether I am too average to really have a good shot... it's already done, but now I am having some self doubt . My biggest worry is my lousy GRE score

The school's I went for are the following: Ohio, Mizzou, Mississippi, Tufts, Iowa, and Kansas

Are any of these schools your IS or are all OOS?

 

[divine_K9]

Are any of these schools your IS or are all OOS?

Tufts is but I have little hope with that one...

 

[tollersrule]

Hey! Another fellow anteater!! I knew some people over at the Burley Lab

Seems like your GPA is pretty good. I would work on diversifying your animal experiences. Maybe some large animal and equine. I used to go to the Shea Center for horses and its out that way Any thoughts on applying into Western? As for your GRE I had a lower score but (miraculously) got in. If you don't get in this cycle just call the schools and ask them for what you can improve on, they will tell you if they want a better GRE, etc...

Hi!! yeah I have tried to get some equine experience, but it has been hard due to people not wanting any help. I am going to try to get some under my belt this year. I am applying to western, but I rather not go there as its extremely expensive!!
Do you mind if I ask where you got in?

 

[Lulu19]

Hi I'm new here, though I've been stalking these threads quite a bit recently. Hoping for some insight on my current app? I'm feeling nervous lately.

25 years old, B.S. in Interior Design at major university , Post Bac science pre-reqs at a different major university.

CUM undergrad GPA (according to VMCAS): 3.67
Post Bac GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.6

I'm still completing a few pre-reqs so that's minus a few.

GRE 150 V 152 Q 4.5 W

Elors:
-DVM UF alum, small animal
-DVM, small animal
-Math professor I took for Calc, Precal and Trig
-Owner of reptile genetic research/rehab facility

Vet Experience:
-4500 hours as kennel, receptionist and tech in SA hospital
-500 hours shadowing DVM in SA (surgeries, etc)

Animal/Research Experience:
-500 hours of genetic research in color traits in iguanas

Misc:
-Deans list
-State scholarships
-Honor society
-Tutor
-Theater/dance
-local Volunteer work

Applying to IS- UF, OOS- LSU, UGA, MSU (Mississippi)

I feel like my average grades and subpar GRE is going to kill me. Please be honest? Thank you!

 

[BuckGirl262]

Hi I'm new here, though I've been stalking these threads quite a bit recently. Hoping for some insight on my current app? I'm feeling nervous lately.

25 years old, B.S. in Interior Design at major university , Post Bac science pre-reqs at a different major university.

CUM undergrad GPA (according to VMCAS): 3.67
Post Bac GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.6

I'm still completing a few pre-reqs so that's minus a few.

GRE 150 V 152 Q 4.5 W

Elors:
-DVM UF alum, small animal
-DVM, small animal
-Math professor I took for Calc, Precal and Trig
-Owner of reptile genetic research/rehab facility

Vet Experience:
-4500 hours as kennel, receptionist and tech in SA hospital
-500 hours shadowing DVM in SA (surgeries, etc)

Animal/Research Experience:
-500 hours of genetic research in color traits in iguanas

Misc:
-Deans list
-State scholarships
-Honor society
-Tutor
-Theater/dance
-local Volunteer work

Applying to IS- UF, OOS- LSU, UGA, MSU (Mississippi)

I feel like my average grades and subpar GRE is going to kill me. Please be honest? Thank you!

Hey I majored in Interior Design too and am applying this cycle! I thought I'd be the only one…

 

[Lulu19]

Hey I majored in Interior Design too and am applying this cycle! I thought I'd be the only one…

No Way! I honestly thought I was the only one too. Best of luck!

 

[LyraGardenia]

Hi I'm new here, though I've been stalking these threads quite a bit recently. Hoping for some insight on my current app? I'm feeling nervous lately.

25 years old, B.S. in Interior Design at major university , Post Bac science pre-reqs at a different major university.

CUM undergrad GPA (according to VMCAS): 3.67
Post Bac GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.6

I'm still completing a few pre-reqs so that's minus a few.

GRE 150 V 152 Q 4.5 W

Elors:
-DVM UF alum, small animal
-DVM, small animal
-Math professor I took for Calc, Precal and Trig
-Owner of reptile genetic research/rehab facility

Vet Experience:
-4500 hours as kennel, receptionist and tech in SA hospital
-500 hours shadowing DVM in SA (surgeries, etc)

Animal/Research Experience:
-500 hours of genetic research in color traits in iguanas

Misc:
-Deans list
-State scholarships
-Honor society
-Tutor
-Theater/dance
-local Volunteer work

Applying to IS- UF, OOS- LSU, UGA, MSU (Mississippi)

I feel like my average grades and subpar GRE is going to kill me. Please be honest? Thank you!

Your GPAS are actually quite competitive, I'd say. I agree your GRE scores could be better, but they're not terrible, and most schools don't place a ton of weight on GRE scores anyway. Your unique major has a chance of making you stand out. Having some veterinary experience in an area other than SA would improve your chances, but you've got a ton of SA experience as well as research experience, so that's good. The GRE I think is too late to retake at least for UF at this point (I don't know about the others), but I'd suggest trying to get some more diverse vet experience and of course doing your best in your last few pre-reqs! Good luck!

 

[Lulu19]

Your GPAS are actually quite competitive, I'd say. I agree your GRE scores could be better, but they're not terrible, and most schools don't place a ton of weight on GRE scores anyway. Your unique major has a chance of making you stand out. Having some veterinary experience in an area other than SA would improve your chances, but you've got a ton of SA experience as well as research experience, so that's good. The GRE I think is too late to retake at least for UF at this point (I don't know about the others), but I'd suggest trying to get some more diverse vet experience and of course doing your best in your last few pre-reqs! Good luck!

Thanks for your opinion! I do wish I had some LA experience and maybe I'd feel slightly better if I did. Hopefully my reptile/exotic experience might balance out with the SA? I took the GRE twice (within about a month) and did exactly the same. So frustrating.

 

[Shepherd Lover]

Tufts is but I have little hope with that one...

So I don't really have too much experience with those schools specifically (so take my opinion with a grain of salt), but you seem to be an average to better-than-average candidate. I think that it's awesome that you have such a wide range of vet experience, so that should really help your application stand out! The only places that you're hurting are in your science GPA and GRE scores. Mizzou is a very "number heavy" school so you may have a harder time getting into there based off of your science GPA. Again, I don't have a ton of knowledge about those schools aside from what I have read on here but that's just my opinion

 

[LyraGardenia]

So I don't really have too much experience with those schools specifically (so take my opinion with a grain of salt), but you seem to be an average to better-than-average candidate. I think that it's awesome that you have such a wide range of vet experience, so that should really help your application stand out! The only places that you're hurting are in your science GPA and GRE scores. Mizzou is a very "number heavy" school so you may have a harder time getting into there based off of your science GPA. Again, I don't have a ton of knowledge about those schools aside from what I have read on here but that's just my opinion

Mizzou doesn't calculate calculate a science GPA, just cumulative and last 45 if that helps. I could give more information about how they calculate your objective score when I have my academic eval sheet from last year on me! (Mizzou is my IS, I was rejected last year after my interview and am currently re-applying there and elsewhere)

 

[Shepherd Lover]

Mizzou doesn't calculate calculate a science GPA, just cumulative and last 45 if that helps. I could give more information about how they calculate your objective score when I have my academic eval sheet from last year on me! (Mizzou is my IS, I was rejected last year after my interview and am currently re-applying there and elsewhere)

Learned something new today!

 

[katatak]

Hi!! yeah I have tried to get some equine experience, but it has been hard due to people not wanting any help. I am going to try to get some under my belt this year. I am applying to western, but I rather not go there as its extremely expensive!!
Do you mind if I ask where you got in?

Hi again, I got into western after being on the waitlist. When I called to ask what to improve on they mentioned increasing variety in animal experiences. Not sure if this would hold true for you as well but my application at the time was mainly small animals.

As I mentioned shea center is great for horses. Also there is the Santa ana zoo, the aquarium of the pacific and the OC zoo. If you have the time to go to norco or pomona, they would have more opportunities for horse and large animal experience. Western is expensive but from my opinion they value applicant with extra curricular experiences and sociability. Good luck!!

 

[TheComfyCat]

Hi!! yeah I have tried to get some equine experience, but it has been hard due to people not wanting any help. I am going to try to get some under my belt this year. I am applying to western, but I rather not go there as its extremely expensive!!
Do you mind if I ask where you got in?

Small world... I'm a UCI grad as well.

Anyway, if you're still looking for equine experience, another place to volunteer in that area is Hanaeleh horse rescue.

 

[justanotherhopeful]

Just want to get some advice on what I can do to improve my chances.

Here's some background.. I'm a third year at THE OSU. I took last year off because I suffer chronic migraines and just couldn't manage to get them under control. As I'm sure you could imagine, having a splitting headache everyday of your life (literally) can get depressing. So, I withdrew, went home to CLE visited some doctors, and got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. I was put on a new medication (Hallelujah!) and got some counseling. I am feeling 10000000% better and back at it this year. Hoping to get into OSU's veterinary school within the next two cycles.

Health issues left my GPA slightly banged up but my major GPA held on strong.

GPA 3.3
Animal Science Major GPA 3.9

I got high C's and low B's all through gen chem and o chem but I'm taking biochemistry and microbiology this semester (along with molecular genetics and physics next semester) and so far so good. I'm hoping that if I show a major improvement they will be able to overlook the past. (What do you think?)

I completed an internship in my local science museum (one of the best in the country) as an animal specialist intern. I volunteer in OSU's Companion Animal Hospital ICU and I also have accumulated hours at a spay and neuter clinic. I have a good number of hours shadowing as well. My college advisor is on the admissions board also. We are very close, I really love her. She knows my situation and is so encouraging. I'm hoping this connection will get me a great letter of recommendation and improve my chances but I'm not really sure how much or how little it will help.

Before applying, I plan on doing some more shadowing and also volunteering at the wildlife hospital for the summer. I don't have my total hours as I have two years left to accumulate more. Just want an idea about whether or not I stand a good chance considering it'll be impossible to raise my GPA drastically. Hoping to get to a 3.5 by the time I apply. Any thoughts, suggestions, encouragement, etc. is really really appreciated.

 

[tollersrule]

Small world... I'm a UCI grad as well.

Anyway, if you're still looking for equine experience, another place to volunteer in that area is Hanaeleh horse rescue.

Always nice meeting a fellow anteater! Thank you very much for the information, I appreciate it

 

[that redhead]

Just want to get some advice on what I can do to improve my chances.

Here's some background.. I'm a third year at THE OSU. I took last year off because I suffer chronic migraines and just couldn't manage to get them under control. As I'm sure you could imagine, having a splitting headache everyday of your life (literally) can get depressing. So, I withdrew, went home to CLE visited some doctors, and got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. I was put on a new medication (Hallelujah!) and got some counseling. I am feeling 10000000% better and back at it this year. Hoping to get into OSU's veterinary school within the next two cycles.

Health issues left my GPA slightly banged up but my major GPA held on strong.

GPA 3.3
Animal Science Major GPA 3.9

I got high C's and low B's all through gen chem and o chem but I'm taking biochemistry and microbiology this semester (along with molecular genetics and physics next semester) and so far so good. I'm hoping that if I show a major improvement they will be able to overlook the past. (What do you think?)

I completed an internship in my local science museum (one of the best in the country) as an animal specialist intern. I volunteer in OSU's Companion Animal Hospital ICU and I also have accumulated hours at a spay and neuter clinic. I have a good number of hours shadowing as well. My college advisor is on the admissions board also. We are very close, I really love her. She knows my situation and is so encouraging. I'm hoping this connection will get me a great letter of recommendation and improve my chances but I'm not really sure how much or how little it will help.

Before applying, I plan on doing some more shadowing and also volunteering at the wildlife hospital for the summer. I don't have my total hours as I have two years left to accumulate more. Just want an idea about whether or not I stand a good chance considering it'll be impossible to raise my GPA drastically. Hoping to get to a 3.5 by the time I apply. Any thoughts, suggestions, encouragement, etc. is really really appreciated.

Finish your classes strong to give yourself a good upward trend to point toward. I would consider putting together an explanation statement for your drop in grades due to health, but have good grades since then to show that you've addressed the problem. A 3.5 is great to aim for.

Sounds like you've got the vet hours under control with a good variety. Many schools like to see some large animal experience on the application, so I would find a way to address that as well.

Don't forget to study for the GRE!

Overall, I think you have the chance to be competitive. Have you considered applying anywhere else? Only applying to one school is risky.

 

[justanotherhopeful]

Finish your classes strong to give yourself a good upward trend to point toward. I would consider putting together an explanation statement for your drop in grades due to health, but have good grades since then to show that you've addressed the problem. A 3.5 is great to aim for.

Sounds like you've got the vet hours under control with a good variety. Many schools like to see some large animal experience on the application, so I would find a way to address that as well.

Don't forget to study for the GRE!

Overall, I think you have the chance to be competitive. Have you considered applying anywhere else? Only applying to one school is risky.

I'd love to get some large animal experience under my belt but I'm just not sure where. Anything experiences you had a lot of fun with or recommend?

I took the GRE this summer and did average. I didn't send the score anywhere. I'm planning to take it again so I have another chance to really knock it out of the park.

I don't really want to move out of state but for the right school I would. I want to avoid higher tuition. I didn't take my chemistry labs so I was looking at a few others. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all of your help I appreciate your advice!

 

[flora+fauna]

Hi everyone!
I'm a first time VMCAS applicant looking to apply to 2 American schools, Ross, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and possibly Australia. I would be applying as an international student to all schools, and was wondering if anyone could provide me with feedback on my chances. Anyone have experience with how difficult it is for international applicants in the US? Thanks!!

Academic:

B.Sc. Environmental sciences (currently completing my last year)
cGPA: 3.77
sGPA: 3.71
last 45: ~3.92
GRE: 159V (81%) 158Q(71%) 5.5A(98%)

Vet Experience:
1400 hrs at a small animal clinic (vet tech/receptionist)
200 hrs volunteer equine vet assistant
~30 hours volunteer zoo vet assistant

Animal Experience:
>1500 hrs raising sheep and different bird species
400 hrs horseback riding lessons

Extracurricular Activities:
Pre-vet club (co-funder and president)
Environmental club (executive member, VP, treasurer)
Volunteer at an environmental association

Research:
~15 hrs whale research

Work Experience:
Independent musician and music teacher
Lab TA for first year biology

Honors/Awards:
7x Dean's List recipient
2 academic entrance scholarships

 

[beatles1964]

Hi everyone!
I'm a first time VMCAS applicant looking to apply to 2 American schools, Ross, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and possibly Australia. I would be applying as an international student to all schools, and was wondering if anyone could provide me with feedback on my chances. Anyone have experience with how difficult it is for international applicants in the US? Thanks!!

Academic:

B.Sc. Environmental sciences (currently completing my last year)
cGPA: 3.77
sGPA: 3.71
last 45: ~3.92
GRE: 159V (81%) 158Q(71%) 5.5A(98%)

Vet Experience:
1400 hrs at a small animal clinic (vet tech/receptionist)
200 hrs volunteer equine vet assistant
~30 hours volunteer zoo vet assistant

Animal Experience:
>1500 hrs raising sheep and different bird species
400 hrs horseback riding lessons

Extracurricular Activities:
Pre-vet club (co-funder and president)
Environmental club (executive member, VP, treasurer)
Volunteer at an environmental association

Research:
~15 hrs whale research

Work Experience:
Independent musician and music teacher
Lab TA for first year biology

Honors/Awards:
7x Dean's List recipient
2 academic entrance scholarships

Your numbers are very good all around. I dont think there is any aspect in particular that you should be worried about. As comparison, I am a US citizen, and I can tell you I applied to Edinburgh (no interview) and SGU and was accepted to both. I also applied to Ross and although I was granted an interview I turned it down because I was accepted to more preferable schools by the time I had found out. My numbers were pretty average, lower than yours, but not by too much. If you are trying to get a feel for where you stand in comparison to others for the international schools, I would definitely email their admissions depts for the most recent applicant stats.

 

[2019hopeful]

Hi! This is my first shot at applying. I submitted my VMCAS and am working on supplementals now. I graduated undergrad a year early and am now working full-time while finishing an extra prerequisite. I think I have a realistic chance, except for my math GRE score, but my nerves are forcing me to post this anyway.

Education:

B.S. Biology
Cumulative GPA: 3.83
Science GPA: 3.9
last 45: 3.9
GRE: 164V (93%) 154Q(53%) 5A(93%)

Vet Experience:
1000 hours at a mixed practice as a tech
200 hours as a shelter medical tech
70 hours as a surgery volunteer
14 hours as a shadow at an exotic clinic

Research:
Independent study on mosquitoes- I earned $1600 in grants for this, and did 3 presentations around the country
~4 hours of research on dolphins

Animal Experience:
90 hours as a zoo intern (mammals)
48 hours as a wildlife rehabilitator
200 hours as a foster parent for underage kittens and puppies
140 hours cleaning stalls (paid)

Extracurricular Activities:
Biology Honors Society President
Phi Kappa Kappa
Surfing/running hobbies
Ecological Conservation Society member (did ~15 hours community service with them)
~20 hours mentoring 2nd graders as a freshman in college

Work Experience:
Waitress
Plant nursery (this was high school)

Honors/Awards:
Academic Scholarship
Dean's List

Thank you so much!!!

 

[LetItSnow]

Hi! This is my first shot at applying. I submitted my VMCAS and am working on supplementals now. I graduated undergrad a year early and am now working full-time while finishing an extra prerequisite. I think I have a realistic chance, except for my math GRE score, but my nerves are forcing me to post this anyway.

You're fine. It will come down to where you applied, how well you put together your application, and how well you interview (if that's a factor at the schools to which you applied). But you have all the 'numbers' in place.

 

[2019hopeful]

You're fine. It will come down to where you applied, how well you put together your application, and how well you interview (if that's a factor at the schools to which you applied). But you have all the 'numbers' in place.

You don't think the GRE will destroy me? I applied to 18 schools as my boss recommended...

 

[LetItSnow]

You don't think the GRE will destroy me? I applied to 18 schools as my boss recommended...

I think 'destroy' is a little hyperbolical, and no, I don't think it will. Anxiety might, though.

 

[DVMDream]

You don't think the GRE will destroy me? I applied to 18 schools as my boss recommended...

Your boss is insane....

 

[2019hopeful]

Your boss is insane....

He said it's better to go all-out now than to wait a year and have to redo it all...I was worried about the money, but it's cheaper in the long run if it pays off this year.

 

[2019hopeful]

I think 'destroy' is a little hyperbolical, and no, I don't think it will. Anxiety might, though.

Yeah, once all the applications are done, the next task I have ahead of me is to learn to calm myself down!

 

[Gwenevre]

He said it's better to go all-out now than to wait a year and have to redo it all...I was worried about the money, but it's cheaper in the long run if it pays off this year.

How much is it for 18 schools though? I mean sure, its your money, but if you can narrow what schools you would be happy at and have the best chances at applying to, that seems like the best bet. And the money you save can go towards actual vet school.

 

[LetItSnow]

He said it's better to go all-out now than to wait a year and have to redo it all...I was worried about the money, but it's cheaper in the long run if it pays off this year.

Personally, I think that's silly. If your application is good enough to get in, and you apply at reasonable schools (i.e. not some place that gets 1000 out of state applications for 5 seats or whatever), your chances of getting in aren't really any better if you apply to 4 schools or 14. I don't know where the point is, but I pretty firmly believe there's a point of diminishing returns.

But out of curiosity ... if you're going to apply to 18 ... why not go all the way and apply everywhere?

 

[DVMDream]

He said it's better to go all-out now than to wait a year and have to redo it all...I was worried about the money, but it's cheaper in the long run if it pays off this year.

Depends...

How will you pay for say 18 interviews? Travel, hotel, etc? Let's say not all of them interview... I am sure at least 10 of them do. What if you do get an interview everywhere? Then what? You will probably have to decline some... which ones? Also many schools have interviews at the same time and will not reschedule for a conflict of interview time with another school... so I see great potential here for you to have possibly thrown hundreds of dollars down the drain.

 

[2019hopeful]

I excluded a few based on tuition and few OOS seats.

And yeah, I don't know if I will be able to interview at each school. But I guess I just have been trained so much to think "It's soooo hard to get into vet school" that I don't know if I will get more than 3 or 4 interviews. I don't know who will dislike my personal statement, who will disqualify me based on the GRE, who doesn't think I have enough types of experience, or who disqualifies me based on bad luck alone.

 

[LetItSnow]

I excluded a few based on tuition and few OOS seats.

And yeah, I don't know if I will be able to interview at each school. But I guess I just have been trained so much to think "It's soooo hard to get into vet school" that I don't know if I will get more than 3 or 4 interviews. I don't know who will dislike my personal statement, who will disqualify me based on the GRE, who doesn't think I have enough types of experience, or who disqualifies me based on bad luck alone.

Well. You've finished your app now. Go have a beer and forget about it for a few months.

 

[haley120892]

Wow and I thought applying to 10 schools was overkill...

 

[2019hopeful]

Well. You've finished your app now. Go have a beer and forget about it for a few months.

Trust me, I am...

 

[dyachei]

Trust me, I am...

I only find it hard to believe because you are stressing about it here

 

[LyraGardenia]

You don't think the GRE will destroy me? I applied to 18 schools as my boss recommended...

I agree that applying to that many schools isn't the wisest decision, especially with your solid stats, but what's done is done. Your quantitative GRE score is about the only thing that could be improved (at least that you mentioned here -- if your eLORs, PS, interview skills, etc are weak you might still have trouble), but your scores on the other two sections are great, and most schools don't put much weight on GRE scores. I've looked at a lot of schools' recent accepted class stats in deciding where to apply, and I think average GRE scores were usually mid- to upper-150s.

 

[thesil]

hey guys, here is me in a nutshell

31 year old living in nyc graduated in 2005 with a bba, since then went back to do pre med/vet
my gpa is in the 3.4 range overall and a little higher in the science classes
my experience is nothing exceptional, about 800/300 hours at rescue shelters and vet shadowing respectively (looking to add zoo or aquarium experience now)
my gre is really lopsided v 150 q 162 (i dont expect any appreciable change, so probably no point in retaking)

so how do i stand competitively? where should I apply? any chance for within the us schools? and if so which would you suggest I try

thanks guys

 

[WildZoo]

There is a sticky thread at the top of the pre-vet forum titled "What are my chances?"
Your question would be best answered there, and in the future remember it is best to see if there is already a thread that fits your topic before you start a new one

 

[RoRey14]

Hi all,

So I posted in this thread back in June, but wanted to update my stats:
Non-traditional student. I graduated with a double major in Biology and Anthropology, B.S from UCLA. Here are my stats:

--Academics--

Post-Grad: 3.94 at my post-bac program (total of 46 quarter units completed)

--Experience Hours--
Veterinary:
500 working as a veterinary assistant at SA clinic
100 working as a veterinary receptionist at an emergency SA hospital
Animal:
500 volunteering at an animal shelter
400 at a rescue group which include:
-200 volunteering as a "catpal" socializing cats, and increasing their likelihood for adoption
-200 volunteering as a "dogpal" taking care of the dogs, conducting temperament tests, increasing their likelihood for adoption
Other:
500 as a microbiology research lab assistant at UCLA, working closely w/ the lab mice
3800 hours working as a lab tech at a clinical lab at UCI Medical Center (unfortunately, this was not veterinary-related )


I am thinking of re-taking my GREs next month. My scores are pretty average. I am going to try to get LA experience and research experience soon, and continue strengthening my hours at the same time. Any advice/thoughts/feedback? Appreciate it.

 

[MouseWrangler]

Hi everyone! I haven't posted on this thread yet, but I figured I might as well. I'm a little worried that my GPAs seem to be a little low compared to a lot of the average accepted GPAs. I've had straight A's for the last 2 semesters and my GPA has hardly changed because I have so many credit hours.

24 years old, female with a BS and almost done with a MS in Anatomy (should be graduating a semester early!)

VMCAS Cum GPA: 3.49 (157 credit hours)
VMCAS Science GPA: 3.28 (86 credit hours)
Last 45 GPA: 3.59 (52 credit hours)

GRE: 155 V 159 Q 4.0 A
MCAT: 08 Verbal 08 Physical Sciences 10 Biological Sciences M Writing (26M Total)

Veterinary Experience
- 45 hours with SA ER vets
- 250 hours with an equine vet (also worked with cattle, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and deer)

Animal Experience
- 24 hours as a surgery assistant at a service dog training center/shelter (animal, not vet experience because I was supervised by the facility owner, not the vet)

Research
- 840 hours studying effects of anticholenergic drugs and nicotine on serial pattern learning in rats at my UG school
- 80 hours enrolling patients in a study estimating weight based on height/body score at a major children's hospital
- 2735 hours crossbreeding and characterizing my new mouse model of Parkinson's Disease at a major university's COM

Employment
- Tutor at Tutor.com in anatomy and physiology, grades 7-8 math, and biology (4 months - current)
- Research Technician at a major university (25 months - current)
- Beta-tested an anatomy and physiology study tool for medical and graduate students through a major text book company (4 months)
- Seasonal security worker (1 week in July for the last 4 years) at a world-famous country concert (promoted to leader this year)
- Assisted in the morgue at a medical school (4 months)

Awards/ Honors
Accelerated BS degree - completed all of my coursework in 2 years without many AP credits
Dean's list for 4 semesters
Cum Laude Graduate

Publications
- Poster presented at Society for Neuroscience in San Diego by my PI (1st author)
- Poster presented at Ohio Miami Valley Chapter of Society for Neuroscience (1st author)
- Publication in Journal of Visualized Experiments (2nd author)
- Poster will be presented in November at Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (recent addition - not on my app, I just found out I was on this poster in the last week - 4th author)

Letters of Recommendation
- DVM that owns the equine practice I have been riding around with
- DVM that works at the SA ER
- PhD program director for my Anatomy MS program
- PhD PI I have worked for in the lab

I have applied to Ohio State (IS) and several OOS schools. My top choices of the OOS schools I have applied to are KSU, Tennessee, and Purdue.

If anyone has any advice on what I can do to be more competitive if I don't get in this round, I would really appreciate it!

 

[Coffeeincluded]

I'm reposting because a few things changed from May. And because even though I'm done with the VMCAS applications I'm still nervous as all hell.

Currently Attending: Cornell University (Biology major)
GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: Unknown but above a 4.0 for sure.

GRE Verbal: 169 (99th percentile)
GRE Math: 167 (95th percentile)
GRE Essay: 5.5 (97th percentile)

Employment:
I'm a tutor for the general chemistry class here at Cornell.

Vet Experience:
550 hours at small animal hospitals.
400 hours at two 24 hour specialized/referral small animal hospitals (the ones that do the really complicated, intensive, and technical procedures)
About 50 hours of equine veterinary experience


Animal experience:
Over 500 hours volunteering at an animal shelter (and I got over 400 animals adopted in that time)
Does raising pets count? If so, include my dog, and raising two litters of gerbils--all of them survived.
About 300 hours working with raptors. This includes feeding them, caring for them, health care checks, and education. The program does captive breeding, rehabilitation, and education. We have over 40 birds of all different species.

Research:
Nothing worth listing. I never got into research. This is where I'm most nervous.

Other:
High School: Some research/field work re-introducing trout in a nearby park
High School Swim Team
Pre-Vet society
A couple of environmental clubs

Letters of Recommendation:
The medical director of the large (over 20 veterinarians) emergency and referral hospital where I externed this summer
Equine Veterinarian (I didn't have many hours with him but he's a mobile practitioner so we spent a lot of time getting to know each other)
The head of the Cornell Raptor Program
My physics professor

Schools applying: My top choice is Cornell. I'm also applying to UPenn, Tufts, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia, North Carolina, University of Colorado, and UC Davis.

What are my chances of getting in anywhere? Cornell?

Thanks, everyone! And now I need to go to bed.

 

[WildZoo]

I'm reposting because a few things changed from May. And because even though I'm done with the VMCAS applications I'm still nervous as all hell.

Currently Attending: Cornell University (Biology major)
GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: Unknown but above a 4.0 for sure.

GRE Verbal: 169 (99th percentile)
GRE Math: 167 (95th percentile)
GRE Essay: 5.5 (97th percentile)

Employment:
I'm a tutor for the general chemistry class here at Cornell.

Vet Experience:
550 hours at small animal hospitals.
400 hours at two 24 hour specialized/referral small animal hospitals (the ones that do the really complicated, intensive, and technical procedures)
About 50 hours of equine veterinary experience


Animal experience:
Over 500 hours volunteering at an animal shelter (and I got over 400 animals adopted in that time)
Does raising pets count? If so, include my dog, and raising two litters of gerbils--all of them survived.
About 300 hours working with raptors. This includes feeding them, caring for them, health care checks, and education. The program does captive breeding, rehabilitation, and education. We have over 40 birds of all different species.

Research:
Nothing worth listing. I never got into research. This is where I'm most nervous.

Other:
High School: Some research/field work re-introducing trout in a nearby park
High School Swim Team
Pre-Vet society
A couple of environmental clubs

Letters of Recommendation:
The medical director of the large (over 20 veterinarians) emergency and referral hospital where I externed this summer
Equine Veterinarian (I didn't have many hours with him but he's a mobile practitioner so we spent a lot of time getting to know each other)
The head of the Cornell Raptor Program
My physics professor

Schools applying: My top choice is Cornell. I'm also applying to UPenn, Tufts, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia, North Carolina, University of Colorado, and UC Davis.

What are my chances of getting in anywhere? Cornell?

Thanks, everyone! And now I need to go to bed.

The only thing that would concern me is that although you worked at different kinds of small animal hospitals, the overwhelming majority of your vet experience is only small animal. But your academic stats are so awesome, I'm not sure that would even cause a problem for you since you do have a good number of hours. To answer your question about pet raising, it depends on the school. Some look at it, some don't, but as far as I know it doesn't hurt to include it as long as you were honest about the amount of time you actually spent caring for your pets (as opposed to the amount of time they just existed in the house with you).
I also have no research experience, so I'm in the same boat with you there - it's something that I have worried about a lot. But from what people around here have told me, having research experience can help you, but not having it doesn't necessarily hurt you, if that makes sense. I think you have a good shot of getting in to more than one of the places you're applying. I don't know about Cornell specifically (haven't looked into them much), but I could see you getting into NCSU at least. I think your stats would look good to them and they seem to like a lot of small animal experience.

 

[Conflagration]

Hello, Pre-Vets. I'm a year out at least, but was advised to post here.

20, female, NC resident;

B.S Mathematics, Campbell University, (projected conferment date is May '16)
GPA: 3.295 cumulative, 3.28 science (BCPM, my BCP sucks right now since it's one class)
GRE: (Practice score) 158 V/161 Q/No Writing
I'm a rising junior, so my last 45 and last 60 credit hour GPAs look the same as my cumulative right now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

...

Update;

Do schools round up credit hours for the 45 hour GPA? If so, I have ~3.45 with 44.5 hours (so close!).

Research- Studying the history of statistics; at least 150 hours last year, 20 and counting this year. I presented at a symposium hosted by my college last year, and in addition to being invited to come back this year, I've also been recommended to present at an intercollegiate symposium we're hosting within our division.

EC's- I'm trying out for a mock trial team because it sounds fascinating. I'm also still a part of the quiz bowl team, which I was a part of the founding group. I'm a member of the math club and I'm a recipient of an endowed scholarship and the upper-level merit scholarship.

Animal Experience; I'll have 4 hours after this Saturday! (I've owned pets all my life, but outside of that, I don't have much experience.)

Veterinary Hours; I haven't had any luck finding a vet to shadow. Anyone from SDN know someone who takes shadows on weekends in the RDU area?

 

[WildZoo]

Update;

Do schools round up credit hours for the 45 hour GPA? If so, I have ~3.45 with 44.5 hours (so close!).

Research- Studying the history of statistics; at least 150 hours last year, 20 and counting this year. I presented at a symposium hosted by my college last year, and in addition to being invited to come back this year, I've also been recommended to present at an intercollegiate symposium we're hosting within our division.

EC's- I'm trying out for a mock trial team because it sounds fascinating. I'm also still a part of the quiz bowl team, which I was a part of the founding group. I'm a member of the math club and I'm a recipient of an endowed scholarship and the upper-level merit scholarship.

Animal Experience; I'll have 4 hours after this Saturday! (I've owned pets all my life, but outside of that, I don't have much experience.)

Veterinary Hours; I haven't had any luck finding a vet to shadow. Anyone from SDN know someone who takes shadows on weekends in the RDU area?

For the last 45, it includes all the semesters that are needed to get up to 45 credits, even if that means going over 45. So say your last 3 semesters were 15, 15, and 14 credits. Even though that is 44 credits they would go back one more semester to get 45, so the credit total would obviously come to more than 45.

As for how they handle half credits, I'm not sure, because I didn't know that was a thing

 

[Conflagration]

For the last 45, it includes all the semesters that are needed to get up to 45 credits, even if that means going over 45. So say your last 3 semesters were 15, 15, and 14 credits. Even though that is 44 credits they would go back one more semester to get 45, so the credit total would obviously come to more than 45.

As for how they handle half credits, I'm not sure, because I didn't know that was a thing

My school has a required mass for four semesters, and they have it tabulated as a .5 credit hour class.

A part of me is considering applying to a combined program of DVM/PhD in Mathematics, but I'm not sure if schools allow for someone to get a PhD while doing a combined program in a non-biology, non-chemistry field. I truly think that it would help immensely, and I have research experience in math (albeit, it's historical research and not necessarily "let me conjure a theorem and prove it" research).

I was thinking of visiting the biology department and asking if they need a number monkey so I might get some biological research experience that way.

 

[Cautiously Optimistic]

I'm reposting because a few things changed from May. And because even though I'm done with the VMCAS applications I'm still nervous as all hell.

Currently Attending: Cornell University (Biology major)
GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: Unknown but above a 4.0 for sure.

GRE Verbal: 169 (99th percentile)
GRE Math: 167 (95th percentile)
GRE Essay: 5.5 (97th percentile)

Employment:
I'm a tutor for the general chemistry class here at Cornell.

Vet Experience:
550 hours at small animal hospitals.
400 hours at two 24 hour specialized/referral small animal hospitals (the ones that do the really complicated, intensive, and technical procedures)
About 50 hours of equine veterinary experience


Animal experience:
Over 500 hours volunteering at an animal shelter (and I got over 400 animals adopted in that time)
Does raising pets count? If so, include my dog, and raising two litters of gerbils--all of them survived.
About 300 hours working with raptors. This includes feeding them, caring for them, health care checks, and education. The program does captive breeding, rehabilitation, and education. We have over 40 birds of all different species.

Research:
Nothing worth listing. I never got into research. This is where I'm most nervous.

Other:
High School: Some research/field work re-introducing trout in a nearby park
High School Swim Team
Pre-Vet society
A couple of environmental clubs

Letters of Recommendation:
The medical director of the large (over 20 veterinarians) emergency and referral hospital where I externed this summer
Equine Veterinarian (I didn't have many hours with him but he's a mobile practitioner so we spent a lot of time getting to know each other)
The head of the Cornell Raptor Program
My physics professor

Schools applying: My top choice is Cornell. I'm also applying to UPenn, Tufts, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia, North Carolina, University of Colorado, and UC Davis.

What are my chances of getting in anywhere? Cornell?

Thanks, everyone! And now I need to go to bed.

Unless you are a TERRIBLE interviewee, I would think you would get in anywhere you applied. Those are superstar stats.

 

[Gwenevre]

I'm reposting because a few things changed from May. And because even though I'm done with the VMCAS applications I'm still nervous as all hell.

Currently Attending: Cornell University (Biology major)
GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: Unknown but above a 4.0 for sure.

GRE Verbal: 169 (99th percentile)
GRE Math: 167 (95th percentile)
GRE Essay: 5.5 (97th percentile)

Employment:
I'm a tutor for the general chemistry class here at Cornell.

Vet Experience:
550 hours at small animal hospitals.
400 hours at two 24 hour specialized/referral small animal hospitals (the ones that do the really complicated, intensive, and technical procedures)
About 50 hours of equine veterinary experience


Animal experience:
Over 500 hours volunteering at an animal shelter (and I got over 400 animals adopted in that time)
Does raising pets count? If so, include my dog, and raising two litters of gerbils--all of them survived.
About 300 hours working with raptors. This includes feeding them, caring for them, health care checks, and education. The program does captive breeding, rehabilitation, and education. We have over 40 birds of all different species.

Research:
Nothing worth listing. I never got into research. This is where I'm most nervous.

Other:
High School: Some research/field work re-introducing trout in a nearby park
High School Swim Team
Pre-Vet society
A couple of environmental clubs

Letters of Recommendation:
The medical director of the large (over 20 veterinarians) emergency and referral hospital where I externed this summer
Equine Veterinarian (I didn't have many hours with him but he's a mobile practitioner so we spent a lot of time getting to know each other)
The head of the Cornell Raptor Program
My physics professor

Schools applying: My top choice is Cornell. I'm also applying to UPenn, Tufts, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia, North Carolina, University of Colorado, and UC Davis.

What are my chances of getting in anywhere? Cornell?

Thanks, everyone! And now I need to go to bed.

Superstar stats, yes. And a generally balanced applicant. But the only place I see your app potentially lacking is in your vet experience. Have you had any experience with large animals other than horses? And your high school research may still count towards research, even if it was a long time ago. The raptor experience is really cool by the way!

 

[hagel100]

For the last 45, it includes all the semesters that are needed to get up to 45 credits, even if that means going over 45. So say your last 3 semesters were 15, 15, and 14 credits. Even though that is 44 credits they would go back one more semester to get 45, so the credit total would obviously come to more than 45.

As for how they handle half credits, I'm not sure, because I didn't know that was a thing

Okay so I thought they just did the last 45. What if summer courses were taken to reach the 45?

For example I have:

Summer 2013 - 8 cr.
Fall 2013 - 17.66 cr.
Spring 2014 - 15 cr.
Summer 2014 - 4.66 cr.
----------------------------
Total = 45.32 cr.

This is what I've done since getting my Bachelor's. I assumed they'd use this. If they have to dig into my senior year I might as well throw in the towel now.