Any tips/advice for getting IN vet school? PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN OHIO STATE

[GirlintheSW]

I've been raised in the southwest (as is a no brainer from my name). I live with my parents still instead of in the wretched dorms, and cost of living in this town is high.I feel guilty for not being gone and off their shoulders by now, like they've served their time and i SHOULD be gone, but what the heck.
Anyways..I'm starting my Junior academic year at university this year as a Biology Major. I just turned 20. I'm "contemplating" vet school (my word for I probably have no shot of getting in, and can't make a comittment to what I want to do with my life at this moment, because there are so many choices )
I've looked up most of the 28 schools admissions requirements. I WILL be taking all required math, chem and physiology and genetics class requirements before graduation with my undergrad. I will have to look online for an online animal nutrition class else where, because my pathetic school does not offer one.
My GPA last semester sank like a stone, but I blame it due to lack of commitment and slight slacking on my part (I'm normally an A student, whos been taking college classes since I was 15 and graduated with 45 credits). My GPA is just over 3.0. I know I can bring it up at least to a 3.5. I know it.
I've started working (paid position) for a local small animal practice in my small town. It's a multi vet practice, and I only do administrative things, but it's a start. Does it count towards the so many hours I need?
Additionally I'm shadowing a large animal vet, for call outs, etc.
I know I need three ELRs to apply. Two should be from vets, right?
I'm taking 18 credits in the fall, and took 15 this spring. I know I need to take a heavy courseload to make my academic record look comepetitive. I will take the MCAT, GRE and VCAT upon graduation.
I am a 4-H alumni, raised livestock for years. (I still do). and was in a 4-H project where we got ot do necropsies extensively. I am now a alum and lead my own 4-H project of rascally, awesome kids 😛.

ANY TIPS FOR GETTING IN? ANY ADVICE FOR MAKING MYSELF COMPETITIVE ON MY APPLICATION? I live out of state for any vet school, so that automatically is against me.

ANYONE EVER BEEN TO ANY OF THESE SCHOOLS DVM PROGRAMS? THESE WOULD BE MY TOP CHOICES
1.) Ohio State (I was BORN and lived the first 8 years of my life in Ohio. My great grandfather, grand father, uncle and cousin are all received their DVMS at Ohio State. Does that help my chances at all?) What's it like? How hard is it in terms of vet schools to get into? I miss the midwest and its welcoming people dearly. What's life in Columbus around the campus like?

2.) UC Davis--I know it's ranked number 2, so I assume its REALLY HARDDD to get in. Anyone ever been? What's it like? WHat's davis like? WHat's the Kellogg farm like?

3.) Texas A & M

4.) Western University of Health Sciences--I know this one is pretty new. Anyone know of anyone who's attended their program? How did it turn out? Hows the area, the people, etc?

5.) U of F--I have family in Gainesville, at the university. I like to be warm, too. What's their department like?

6.) Cornell--a girl can dream, right? Anyone ever met someone who attended there?


I'm particularly interested in Genetics, a bit of special interest in Orthopedics, and always my heart will be in Equine and Poultry Sciences.

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[EllieGirl89]

First and foremost, a search of the forums will find you a lot of the info you're looking for. I'll just address a few points here.

How many credit hours do you currently have total? If you have a 3.0 now and you have a lot of credit hours (approaching 100) you're going to have a hard time getting it up to a 3.5 in the next year before you apply. Just keep that in mind, although a good last 45 credit hours GPA and a good math/science GPA as well as a stellar GRE can sometimes help take the negative attention off a poor cumulative GPA.

There is absolutely no need to take the MCAT if you are trying to get into vet school. Just focus all your time on one exam and take the GRE; some vet schools don't even take the MCAT, I think. As for the VCAT, I don't even think that is offered anymore.

I'm going to be a first year at Ohio State in the fall and spent the last two years of my undergrad at Ohio State so I'll try to help you out a little in that department. The fact that you were born in Ohio and lived there for eight years doesn't really matter unless you are still an Ohio resident. As for having family that graduated from there, I don't really think that can help you enough to tip the scales. Sometimes (positive) name recognition is a good thing, but you're going to have to get in on your own merits, not riding on someone else's coattails. More than likely it will have no effect on your application. As for how "hard" it is to get into, I mean, it's vet school. They're all hard to get into. Ohio State is good if you're an out of state resident because there are 160 seats and up to 80 of those are initially reserved for out of state residents. Here's the Class of 2015 Profile: http://vet.osu.edu/sites/default/files/userimages/u42/Incoming Class of 2015 Profile.pdf and the admissions info page: http://vet.osu.edu/education/professional-dvm-program-admissions

Life in Columbus, I love it. There's lots to do; lots of concerts, places to eat, museums, the zoo, shopping, galleries, bars, clubs, etc. There are definitely shady areas around campus (I've lived in a pretty bad neighborhood for two years now) but there are some really nice ones too (where I'm living in vet school is a pretty good area). Campus life is fun; the gym and libraries are great, the football and basketball games are a blast, there's a lot of school pride, the VMAB is beautiful, the small animal hospital just got renovated.

I can't help with the other schools but some people on here might be able to. Do a search of the forums to find out some of the answers to your other questions, and let me know if you have any other specific questions about Ohio State.

 

[laitmanvet]

First of all, you don't need the MCAT and the VCAT doesn't exist anymore (at least I don't think it does.) You only need the GRE. And this fall the GRE is changing, so if you want to take the current format do so before August.

UCDavis, Texas A&M, and UofF, while all great schools, don't take a lot of out of state applicants. Ohio State is a good choice to look at OOS, as is Western since it has no "IS" state. Have you looked at Penn? They specifically ask on their supplimental application if you have any vets in the family...which you clearly do. They also ask if you have any family who are Penn alums (not just vet med though).
I believe only Ohio has the 2 vet recommendation letter rule, most of the other schools just like to see at least 1.
In terms of GPA you should look and ask how each school takes this into consideration. For example, some care more about the last 45 credit hours, some look more heavily at the prerequisite classes, etc.

I hope this helps a little, there are lot of people from this forum from all of the US/UK/Carribean/Aussie/NZ schools who can tell you specifics.
The best advice you're probably going to get is it get the GPA up and do well on the GRE.

 

[jmo1012]

I'm "contemplating" vet school (my word for I probably have no shot of getting in, and can't make a comittment to what I want to do with my life at this moment, because there are so many choices )

the very first thing you need to do is decide whether or not veterinary medicine is the career for you. this is not a half in kind of field, you are either there 100% or not at all. this is because its an extremely competitive field. a lot of sacrifices have to be made. its financially a huge burden to take on (school is expensive-if you're out of state you're probably looking at a minimum of $150-200k in loans but probably way more, applying is expensive, interviewing is expensive, and a lot of times you have to do a lot of unpaid volunteering-i.e. lost time that could be spent working a job).

based on the rest of the post it sounds like this is something you want to do, but i'd be really do everything i could to be sure 🙂

I will have to look online for an online animal nutrition class else where, because my pathetic school does not offer one.

I'm going to assume that one of the schools you're interested in has a nutrition requirement. if not, i really wouldn't waste the time/money on an online distance course. in the end, you end up with another transcript to send (more money and another "i" to dot and "t" to cross when you're applying)

My GPA last semester sank like a stone, but I blame it due to lack of commitment and slight slacking on my part (I'm normally an A student, whos been taking college classes since I was 15 and graduated with 45 credits). My GPA is just over 3.0. I know I can bring it up at least to a 3.5. I know it.

have you done the math to make sure of this? i wouldn't be overly concerned except that you mention that you have a lot of additional credits. take it from someone who has been in that position-it is *very* difficult to budge a cum GPA once you have a large number of credits. this is because each one basically becomes a drop in the bucket.

I've started working (paid position) for a local small animal practice in my small town. It's a multi vet practice, and I only do administrative things, but it's a start. Does it count towards the so many hours I need?

maybe not towards veterinary experience at this time, but hopefully it will lead you to something with more hands on experience. have you talked to one of the vets about vet school at all? basically all life experiences you have make you into the person you are and thats what admissions is looking for. while administrative stuff might not be valuable from a clinical perspective, part of vet med is being flexible and people oriented-which i would think is something you get out of the administrative part?

I know I need three ELRs to apply. Two should be from vets, right?

Ohio does require 2 vet recommendations, but most schools only require one. you could have others from academia, jobs, etc.

I will take the MCAT, GRE and VCAT upon graduation.

not sure why you'd take the MCAT...all US schools will take the GRE (and I dont think it looks more impressive to have taken both)

GRE-yes! however, you have to have scores to apply so unless you are waiting until after you graduate, you need to take it before you apply (and traditionally students apply going into their final year of school)

the VCAT doesnt exist anymore (might you be thinking of the VMCAS? the application system used in the US?)

ANY TIPS FOR GETTING IN? ANY ADVICE FOR MAKING MYSELF COMPETITIVE ON MY APPLICATION? I live out of state for any vet school, so that automatically is against me.

being OOS is definitely against you in terms of cost/tuition, however, there is a growing trend in schools adding seats to their OOS pool.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Yes if OSU is your 1st choice, then you absolutely need 2 LORs from vets.

How many credits have you taken to be at the 3.0 GPA? If let's say you take the same number of credits in the last 2 years as the first 2 years (and this is assuming you take a year off after UG to apply since otherwise that last semester gpa won't really count), you will need a 4.0 to achieve that 3.5 you want. Is the 3.0 including your 45 college credits you've taken in high school? If it is, then it's going to be rough climbing out of that hole. If not, calculate with those 45 credits and see what that comes out to be. It might help you out some, even if VMCAS/some schools also ask for your GPA from your primary institution.

As for what sounds like receptionist work at the vet hospital, I believe that does count towards vet experience (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Can you ask to observe and follow the vets around on your lunch break and such?

Unless you're a masochist, you don't need to take the MCAT for vet school (though a couple will take your score). There is no such thing as a VCAT anymore. GRE is all you need! and just the general one too.

If anything, I think even more than your 4-H experience, the fact that you lead your own project of kids will look really nice. A lot of people have said that vet schools have liked seeing that you have community involvement outside of volunteering just to accumulate vet hours.

If you're OOS, I wouldn't even bother applying to Davis. I don't think they have this criteria anymore, but just a few years ago, they wouldn't even consider applications from students who have below a 3.7 GPA or below 80th percentile on the GRE. They still do say that their typical OOS admitted students have above a 3.8 GPA and 80th percentile GREs. Furthermore, their OOS acceptance rate hovers somewhere between 1-5%... Not sure I would waste money on that application. The only reason why I did was because I would have been considered for IS tuition even as an OOSer since I graduated HS in CA.

You might have a shot at Cornell if you do really well in all of your pre-reqs even if your overall GPA isn't too great. I personally knew someone whose GPA was like 3.2 but got in due to the fact that their pre-req GPA was really really high. Cornell is one school that has a supplemental that asks you to input and calculate just the pre-req GPA.

Isn't UF and TAMU another one of those exceedingly difficult for OOS student schools?

If you really want to go to vet school, I would really get a copy of the current MSAR (maybe wait until this year's comes out) and look at the OOS acceptance rates. Or alternatively, if you're already considering taking a year or two off after UG, then relocate to establish residency in a state that has higher acceptance rates for their IS students. About 25% acceptance rate is pretty typical for a lot of the vet schools for IS students, and in most cases it's out of a smaller applicant pool. Just be mindful of your age though. Some schools will consider your parents' residency unless you're 24 years old or older, regardless of where you personally live.

I'd keep out the interest in genetics/orthopedics for now. Chances are, that'll change, and if anything vet school is the time to figure that out. I doubt you have the knowledge base as of now to really decide that, and you'll risk sounding like a tool if you profess your love for those fields in your application but don't have the knowledge/experience to back it up. That being said, if Poultry sciences really interests you, I'd really encourage you to find a poultry vet to get involved with. Biosecurity measures are really really tight in poultry operations, but if you can get the clearance to get involved, that is something that might really set you apart from other applicants.

Anyhoos, good luck! It's great that you're thinking ahead, but don't tunnel vision too much yet and keep your options open! Keep your eyes open for opportunities that might come rolling along. That's probably the best advice I can give!

 

[twelvetigers]

Looks like some good answers have been given here. Good job, guys!

The VCAT was indeed a test many years ago. It's pretty much gone now. The general GRE is the only one to worry about now.

 

[Minnerbelle]

lol, it looks like all of us started lengthy responses at around the same time so there are a lot of repetitive advice. I love how people here are so thorough and prompt in replying to almost any question.

 

[lostbunny]

MCAT is required for OVC (Canadian school), and I think some international schools may take them as well. Just thought I'd put that out there. And if you can avoid it at all costs, I would advise you do lol.

 

[lareinesoleil]

ANY TIPS FOR GETTING IN? ANY ADVICE FOR MAKING MYSELF COMPETITIVE ON MY APPLICATION? I live out of state for any vet school, so that automatically is against me.

What state do you live in? You said you're in the "southwest", if you're in certain states, you'd qualify for WICHE where you'd get in-state tuition and special consideration at vet schools that accept WICHE students. (What I mean by "special consideration" is that you're not lumped in with all the other OOS applicants, there are a certain amount of seats set aside for WICHE students.)

Anyway, here's a link to check that out. http://wiche.edu/psep/vetmed

 

[Cautionary Tail]

As for what sounds like receptionist work at the vet hospital, I believe that does count towards vet experience (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Can you ask to observe and follow the vets around on your lunch break and such?

I listed some heavily reception-based work under veterinary experience, and nobody seemed to take exception to it.

You might have a shot at Cornell if you do really well in all of your pre-reqs even if your overall GPA isn't too great. I personally knew someone whose GPA was like 3.2 but got in due to the fact that their pre-req GPA was really really high. Cornell is one school that has a supplemental that asks you to input and calculate just the pre-req GPA.

Agree! I'm not overly familiar with Cornell, but there is a lot of variation in the ways that different schools evaluate scholastic performance. If you finish stronger than you started or have a strong prerequisite GPA, it's definitely worth looking into schools that emphasize these areas in the applications process. Some programs don't even take your cumulative GPA into consideration.

I'd keep out the interest in genetics/orthopedics for now. Chances are, that'll change, and if anything vet school is the time to figure that out. I doubt you have the knowledge base as of now to really decide that, and you'll risk sounding like a tool if you profess your love for those fields in your application but don't have the knowledge/experience to back it up.

I think it depends. I spent a considerable chunk of my PS discussing what my interests were and why. I can see how that could potentially go wrong, but I think it gave me an opportunity to showcase an understanding of certain aspects of the profession and a chance to work in some personal experiences that wouldn't show up elsewhere on my application.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I think it depends. I spent a considerable chunk of my PS discussing what my interests were and why. I can see how that could potentially go wrong, but I think it gave me an opportunity to showcase an understanding of certain aspects of the profession and a chance to work in some personal experiences that wouldn't show up elsewhere on my application.

Oh definitely agreed. My PS was pretty much all about parvovirus and euthanasia in shelter medicine. About as narrow as you can get really. But! I had multiple experiences to back it up. If you can showcase your understanding in that aspect of the profession, definitely go for it. But don't bring it up willy nilly if you can't.

That's why I said if the OP can get really involved in poultry medicine that might be a really good thing. But orthopedics and genetics are words/topic that a lot of people kind of throw around without really understanding what a career in those things mean, and how they're going to get there. Maybe that's not the case for the OP, but that's how i read her comment.

and lostbunny, psssssht, who wants to go to canada??? 😛
Gotta rub it in, though. The Bruins whooped your ass!

 

[Minnerbelle]

What state do you live in? You said you're in the "southwest", if you're in certain states, you'd qualify for WICHE where you'd get in-state tuition and special consideration at vet schools that accept WICHE students. (What I mean by "special consideration" is that you're not lumped in with all the other OOS applicants, there are a certain amount of seats set aside for WICHE students.)

Anyway, here's a link to check that out. http://wiche.edu/psep/vetmed

yeah, good point. what state is considered southwestern but not wiche? aren't they all?

 

[lostbunny]

and lostbunny, psssssht, who wants to go to canada??? 😛
Gotta rub it in, though. The Bruins whooped your ass!

*AHEM*... I read your previous post, and then Cautionary Tail's post... and I was going to back up your point and emphasize what you were trying to get across... BUT NO LONGER!!!

😡

 

[Minnerbelle]

*AHEM*... I read your previous post, and then Cautionary Tail's post... and I was going to back up your point and emphasize what you were trying to get across... BUT NO LONGER!!!

😡

 

[GirlintheSW]

I graduated from high school last spring. But because id been taking classes at community college for four years, I had all those credits, but they were all my liberal studies bsically. I didn't start math and sciences til this past fall. Im just starting my junior year. I probably have sixty credits to go, and virtually ALL of them will be chemistry classes, pre calc, stats, zoology, physics and my junior level writing req.

I haven't looked at Penn. Ill look into that.

I live in Arizona in a small town. Technically...OREGON WASHINGTON AND CSU are all wiche. But I have absolutely no desire to go to CSU or the others. If I had no option, I'm sure I would, but I have no desire to go to any of those three. AT ALL.

I miss my homeland. I miss the people of the midwest. My entire maternal side of my family lives in Ohio still.

And yes..my job does hold the potential for me to begin training and change to a nurse at the clinic one day.

I will take the MCAT anyways because I also intend to apply to med school at U of A, just for giggles (ok....more of a "to see what happens" and as a secondary plan if and when I don't get in vet school) At the same time.

Just curious...can an undergrad take the GRE? Like a junior, undergrad? Should I take it this year just for the heck to see how it goes?

Additionally and very importantly..does anyone have any advice on how to let my vets..know about each other? Both my shadowing the large vet and working for the small vet started simultaneously, in the last few weeks. I was thrilled..but I also feel slightly like a benedict arnold. Especially this morning, when the vet who I'm shadowing's tech called the practice where I WORK "jerks". I feel like I cant hide the fact I spend four days a week in another clinic, but I dont want to lose my shot shadowing there either. Any tips on how to let them know that? I dont want to ruin waht I have going, but I know it will come up eventually and it would have been better had I been just up front about it.

 

[cowgirla]

Apply to whatever schools will be the cheapest. A cost difference of 50-150K is nothing to laugh at. And note I said "difference." Western will probably run you about 250++K. Cornell isn't exactly cheap either. do whatever you can to minimize your debt so that someday, you can afford to live where you want instead of wherever the highest paying job is. Seriously, vet school is only four years. How bad can it be?

IMO you'd be silly to not apply for WICHE and limit yourself to a few schools where you really just want the atmosphere. From the sounds of it, you dont know much about any of the vet schools yet-- why are you so against the WICHE schools? If you are accepted and they save you money.... And if you aren't accepted to WICHE, no harm done, you can just keep racking up the debt, but at least you'll know there was no other option.

I'm in OK and honestly, I don't like the state all that much. Can't wait to get back home. But, I'm saving myself a lot of money by being here, so I believe it will be worth it in the end. During the school year, you wont have much free time to worry about the town that you're in, and how nice random people are to you.


And like someone else said, vet med isnt something you go into half heartedly. Most people dont get into vet school their first application cycle. If you aren't willing to give it two cycles and are planning on jumping straight to med school.... why vet school at all? why take on so much debt for so little payout in the end when you could just go the med route and bring in the big bucks?

 

[twelvetigers]

I live in Arizona in a small town. Technically...OREGON WASHINGTON AND CSU are all wiche. But I have absolutely no desire to go to CSU or the others. If I had no option, I'm sure I would, but I have no desire to go to any of those three. AT ALL.

UC Davis is also a WICHE school. You probably have a better chance applying there through the WICHE program than you do as a regular OOS student. But, to apply for WICHE, you have to apply to all four schools. The opportunity to get in-state tuition would definitely be enough to get me to apply for that, although it's fairly competitive.

Ohio is a decent choice because you can get in-state tuition after a year. Same for Missouri. Otherwise, you are stuck with OOS prices, so you should look at those before you officially decide where to apply. You have plenty of time, of course.

Western is probably more like $260k, which would nearly double with the cost interest before you repay it completely. Keep this in mind. Try to have a cheaper option.

I wouldn't waste time taking the GRE just yet. It will change in just over a month, and by the time you apply, schools will want the new version. Take it the summer before you plan to apply - give yourself time for a retake is necessary. or, just take it when you have time to study for it (breaks are ideal). You can take it whenever you want, but you can only take it once a calendar month.

And, finally... I would just tell them about it. It should matter. If the tech has anything else to say, just shrug and say, "They seem nice enough to me..." and then move on. It shouldn't be an issue, and if it is, maybe you're better off at some other clinic anyway.

 

[GirlintheSW]

UC Davis is also a WICHE school. You probably have a better chance applying there through the WICHE program than you do as a regular OOS student. But, to apply for WICHE, you have to apply to all four schools. The opportunity to get in-state tuition would definitely be enough to get me to apply for that, although it's fairly competitive.

Ohio is a decent choice because you can get in-state tuition after a year. Same for Missouri. Otherwise, you are stuck with OOS prices, so you should look at those before you officially decide where to apply. You have plenty of time, of course.

Western is probably more like $260k, which would nearly double with the cost interest before you repay it completely. Keep this in mind. Try to have a cheaper option.

Thanks guys! How do you guys know this stuff?! I looked at the requirements and it was probably all there and I missed it like the broad side of a barn! haha. If I had to apply to all four to qualify, I would. But still...I know they're vet schools, and I know loads of people who have gone to CSU, but I cant stand colorado, and I really dont know if I'd want to pratice in the west. I heard something about WICHE where you have to practice in the western states for 4 years following? Is that true?

I like Ohio state, because from the time I could understand what universities are, it's been my dream school--for undergrad, grad or a doctorate. Sadly, my parents screwed me a good one when we moved here and I would have to pay twenty some thousand each year for tuition as an out of state undergrad.

I've also thought, reguarding residency, if I couldnt get in, or needed a year off inbetween UG and Vet school, I could try for a job at the Cincinnatti Zoo, with my Bio degree, and if I get one, it's just more experience I can chalk on that application while estabilishing residency. My grandparents live just north of Cinci, and they're at that point wheere it really would be nice to have someone around to check in on them, go to the dr appointments with them occasionally, and help them with things.
I was at the zoo not too long ago..and I must say, if I didnt go to grad or vet school, working as a zoo keeper and getting to educate the public would be amazing as well..ANYONE KNOW ANYONE WHO'S WORKED AS A ZOO KEEPER WITH A BACHERLORS IN BIOLOGY? Am I just crazy. 😳

By the way..Regarding that GPA..I was doing a little reading last night. Because all of my community college credits transferred, but the grades did not. I started last fall at Uni with a fresh slate. Meaning my 3.0 after only 2 semesters of work. Technically if I was smart and could do it..I could pull it all the way to a 3.8 by graduation due to the number of credits more I need.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I heard something about WICHE where you have to practice in the western states for 4 years following? Is that true?

Depends on the state. Some require it, others don't. I'd look up Arizona's contract and see.

ANYONE KNOW ANYONE WHO'S WORKED AS A ZOO KEEPER WITH A BACHERLORS IN BIOLOGY? Am I just crazy. 😳

Yes, a few of the people I interned in wildlife with are now zoo keepers, but it's a loooong road with very little pay. All of them had to do years of free labor in animal care before they were seriously considered for a position that paid living wage + benefits. You can get past that if you know someone on the inside that can get you in the back door I guess... but otherwise you're SOL.

I started last fall at Uni with a fresh slate. Meaning my 3.0 after only 2 semesters of work. Technically if I was smart and could do it..I could pull it all the way to a 3.8 by graduation due to the number of credits more I need.

Well good thing is that it sounds like you've only taken 2 semesters worth of classes (<40 credits)h so that's easier to dilute out than someone who's taken 100 credits with a 3.0 GPA. So even if you can't manage to bring up your GPA to the level you want with 60 more credits, you can post-bacc and you could still improve it a little bit more.

However, Very Very IMPORTANT: Even if you split the courses evenly and take ~15 credits/semester for the next 2 years, it sounds like you'll be taking virtually a full courseload of just sciences. That's a huge jump for someone who's never taken college science courses. I understand that you've always been a good student in high school, but that doesn't always translate into a 4.0 with 15 credits of weed out science courses or upper level science courses. I'd hate to see you go in over your head with a big load of science courses and do poorly just because you haven't figured out study skills that work for you. Because 15 credits of bomb could very well do you in. I highly advise you to take your writing and precalc your first semester so that you only have to take 2 real science courses along with it. See how that goes. If you can't ace that, you're going to have a really rough time later when you have to take an atocious combination of something like Organic, biochem, and genetics... Because with your current GPA, you have to excel at these courses and not just get by.

If you're not able to get by with very good grades with that "softer" 1st semester, I think it might be smart to attend college 1 extra year (or leave some science courses for post-bacc) to parcel the rest out. I know that would suck, but you would still be saving 1 year of tuition regardless. And if you are really committed to going to vet school... a bad GPA is a hard one to follow through on. Many people in that situation have to apply 2-3x+ to get over that hump and/or get a higher degree. I think in the end, that might end up being more costly, both money and time wise.

I live in Arizona in a small town. Technically...OREGON WASHINGTON AND CSU are all wiche. But I have absolutely no desire to go to CSU or the others. If I had no option, I'm sure I would, but I have no desire to go to any of those three. AT ALL.

I miss my homeland. I miss the people of the midwest. My entire maternal side of my family lives in Ohio still.

[...]

I will take the MCAT anyways because I also intend to apply to med school at U of A, just for giggles (ok....more of a "to see what happens" and as a secondary plan if and when I don't get in vet school) At the same time.

soooo... do you really want to become a vet or not? This post makes you sound flaky at best. Remember that your goal is to become a vet, not to go to vet school. I understand if there are certain regions of the US that you're opposed to spending your 4 years, but then again, it's only 4 years of your life. You'll spend most of your time in classes and at home studying anyway, where it wouldn't matter too much where you go to school. And to be blunt, with your stats I wouldn't be very picky. I don't even understand your location preference either. If you miss the people of the midwest so much that you absolutely hate washington, oregon, and colorado, then why the hell would you even consider Penn??? It's in the smack center of Philly! Or nasty Pomona for that matter??? If you really want to go to a midwest school though, why don't you look into some of the other midwest schools? Or are those not good enough for you either? Maybe the approach should be that you apply WICHE as well as all your other dream schools. If you get into your dream school, great! If you get rejected from all schools, try again. And if you get into the WICHE schools, just go! You can go practice where you want afterwards. I mean seriously, I had no intentions of ever actually living in the states where most of the schools I applied to were located, but a vet school is a vet school.

And seriously, don't even bother taking the MCAT (for ****z 'n gigglez) because if your GPA is marginal for vet school, it will be impossible for med school. Vet school is way more forgiving of low GPAs. Plus, the MCAT takes waaaaay more time to study for than the GRE. If you have time to do that, I'd work on bettering your GPA. And the MCAT isn't the cheapest thing either.

 

[NStarz]

Thanks guys! How do you guys know this stuff?! I looked at the requirements and it was probably all there and I missed it like the broad side of a barn! haha. If I had to apply to all four to qualify, I would. But still...I know they're vet schools, and I know loads of people who have gone to CSU, but I cant stand colorado, and I really dont know if I'd want to pratice in the west. I heard something about WICHE where you have to practice in the western states for 4 years following? Is that true?

I like Ohio state, because from the time I could understand what universities are, it's been my dream school--for undergrad, grad or a doctorate. Sadly, my parents screwed me a good one when we moved here and I would have to pay twenty some thousand each year for tuition as an out of state undergrad.

I've also thought, reguarding residency, if I couldnt get in, or needed a year off inbetween UG and Vet school, I could try for a job at the Cincinnatti Zoo, with my Bio degree, and if I get one, it's just more experience I can chalk on that application while estabilishing residency. My grandparents live just north of Cinci, and they're at that point wheere it really would be nice to have someone around to check in on them, go to the dr appointments with them occasionally, and help them with things.
I was at the zoo not too long ago..and I must say, if I didnt go to grad or vet school, working as a zoo keeper and getting to educate the public would be amazing as well..ANYONE KNOW ANYONE WHO'S WORKED AS A ZOO KEEPER WITH A BACHERLORS IN BIOLOGY? Am I just crazy. 😳

By the way..Regarding that GPA..I was doing a little reading last night. Because all of my community college credits transferred, but the grades did not. I started last fall at Uni with a fresh slate. Meaning my 3.0 after only 2 semesters of work. Technically if I was smart and could do it..I could pull it all the way to a 3.8 by graduation due to the number of credits more I need.

I worked as a 'zoo keeper' (at an aquarium) with less than a bachelor's at 16. It's certainly possible, but you will probably never make enough money to live off of.

Technically, you started at your university with a fresh slate, but not for vet schools. They count every single class you've ever taken that is being put towards your undergraduate degree as part of your GPA. (Ie, the two college courses I took in high school when I was a senior become part of my "UG GPA".) You'll need to send transcripts from your CC when you apply, so they will count those courses as part of your GPA, and you will also need to include them on the application.

Honestly, I think you're being a bit foolish with the WICHE thing (sorry to be blunt). I live in NJ, where there are no vet schools and next to no contract schools. I will be paying OOS tuition at every single school I'm applying to. I'd rather buck up and live in a place that was not my favorite for 4-8 years and be significantly less in debt so I could have freedom of movement and practice when I was finished than be stuck in my situation, where I'm guaranteed to rack up at least $250,000 in debt from tuition alone at most places. If you really wanted to be a vet, that should be your end goal, not the location you need to practice in or the school you go to. Just my $0.02.

No one is saying not to apply to Ohio. But just keep your other options open.

ETA: Minnerbelle beat me to it! Curse these long posts!

 

[lareinesoleil]

+1 to minnerbelle and nstarz's posts above me.

Giving up WICHE for location? Not worth it in my opinion, especially if it took 2+ application cycles to get into your dream school OOS. If you were married to that school for other reasons, it might be a slightly different story...but honestly, many of the vet schools are in less than desirable locations. Colorado seems honestly like one of your better bets for being in a nice city.

CSU, WSU, UC Davis, and OSU are all really great schools and I wouldn't be so quick to discount them. I definitely understand wanting to be closer to your family, but it's just 4 years. I mean yeah, go ahead and apply to the school you want to go to, you've got nothing to lose. But I'd apply to the WICHE schools too. And do be aware that in your interviews (if you have them, not all WICHE schools require them) it would be wise not to act like these schools are your "last choice" as they have students lined up that would be more than thrilled to go there.

Not to be blunt, but are you sure this is something you really want? If so, be aware that it's going to take certain sacrifices. Being in an ideal location might be one of them.

 

[moosenanny]

Sadly, my parents screwed me a good one when we moved here and I would have to pay twenty some thousand each year for tuition as an out of state undergrad.[/B]

I think it is very strange that you are relatively prudent when it comes to not wanting to pay $20,000+ per year for undergrad, but then are potentially pursuing some of the most expensive vet schools out there (Western, Penn, other OOS options). In addition to agreeing with what most everyone has already posted, I think this comment about tuition makes you seem even more confused in this whole process. Davis' in-state tuition is $30,000+ per year, and that doesn't even take into account cost of living and other school-related expenses! Very few people have the luxury of being picky in the application process. Haha, a catchy phrase just popped into my head (sorry for the corniness): "Be picky and you won't be picked."

 

[jmo1012]

Technically, you started at your university with a fresh slate, but not for vet schools. They count every single class you've ever taken that is being put towards your undergraduate degree as part of your GPA. (Ie, the two college courses I took in high school when I was a senior become part of my "UG GPA".) You'll need to send transcripts from your CC when you apply, so they will count those courses as part of your GPA, and you will also need to include them on the application.

yes! to reinforce this point, this means that your cumulative GPA that vet schools will look at is the one that includes every college class you've ever taken, not just your current undergrad institution. this also means that you have 85 credits behind your name right now instead of 40 (45 taken from your OP). this isn't meant to be discouraging, just a major FYI.

 

[bunnity]

^What the OP meant is that the 3.0 GPA they mentioned is only taking into account the classes they have taken as an official college student and not the 45 credits of dual enrollment. So if you take into account all the credits the GPA would be higher than 3.0.

You can calculate an overall GPA pretty easily - basically multiply the number of credits for a particular class by 4 for A, 3 for B, 2 for C, and so on. Then add everything up and take an average. I don't remember if VMCAS uses pluses and minuses but you could factor that in numerically as well.

 

[jmo1012]

^What the OP meant is that the 3.0 GPA they mentioned is only taking into account the classes they have taken as an official college student and not the 45 credits of dual enrollment. So if you take into account all the credits the GPA would be higher than 3.0.

hmm okay. i didnt get the feeling that the OP had really looked at all of the credits for a GPA and just want to make sure that person realizes that those credits and grades do indeed count. a lot of the pre-vet students i meet tend to ignore the transfer credit classes because they only got credit not a grade at their home university and while a class or two may not make much of a difference or any at all, i have seen cases where it has. since this person has substantially more than a class or two elsewhere, just wanted to make sure they realize this is likely to really impact their actual GPA (hopefully for the better!).

 

[GirlintheSW]

Bunnity hit the nail on the head. I just used the calculator to estimate my GPA based on all that. Im not quite as clueless as ya give me credit for 😉 well..most of the time.


I honestly have looked at admission rqs, but not tuition, because I figure it will change a little until I get to the point where I would be able to apply.

Im allowed to dream. I always dreamed as a little gir I would get my college degree at somedream school, be in love and then married, and work somewhere I loved ever after.
Fifteen years later im attending a university I hate so much I wont evenwhere something with my alma mater on it, no social life and no desire for one, and chronically single and THRILLED because I know its given the chance to focus on doing something with my future.


Im just saying...four years from now, I probably wont beattending my dream school, but I can dream about oohio state right?

I will definitely apply to all four wiche states, because I will not look a gift horse in the mouth. If one school were willing to interview me, id be happy. I just really wish it were the buckeyes.

I know I sound flaky..and that's because, right now, that's what I am. Haha. I have a really hard time committing to things, even things I know I want, so I cannot comity to vet school right now. Nor med.

But I would compare it to when you start training a horse...you give it the best foundation possible so it has the building blocks to go any way you want. So if I coverall of my bases just in case, I can go anyways I want in two years.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Im just saying...four years from now, I probably wont beattending my dream school, but I can dream about oohio state right?

No one said that OSU is far out of reach. If you end up going out of state, that's probably one of the more likely places you'll end up. Relatively good admission chances for OOS students, and IS tuition after your first year (after that ungodly first-year tuition at >60k).

You were just getting the responses you did only because of the tone of your posts, which may or may not have just come across wrong.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I know I sound flaky..and that's because, right now, that's what I am. Haha. I have a really hard time committing to things, even things I know I want, so I cannot comity to vet school right now. Nor med.

That's actually a really good thing, considering the future of vet med, and how it's becoming harder and harder to make a comfortable living off of it. It is a great thing to keep your options open, and a great thing to get as educated as you can instead of prematurely tunnel visioning and getting stuck in a career that ultimately isn't for you. Not sure though if you'll be ready in 2 years given your current outlook. But who knows, only time will tell.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Just wanted to echo what Minnerbelle suggested about easing into the sciences.

I saved the majority of my prereqs and more intensive science classes for last because my first attempt at college was a total bust, and when I went back, I felt like I needed to take it easy at first for confidence-building purposes. It worked well in the sense that those initial gen ed courses gave me a chance to develop my (nonexistent) study skills and get myself on the right track before I started taking the more critical stuff. It didn't work so well in the sense that I ended up getting stuck with a few majorly ugly semesters.

In retrospect, I wish my last two years of undergrad weren't quite so intense. There were times when I would get hit with three or four upper-level science exams one on top of the other, and it was brutal. I was seriously burned out by the time I graduated, and still don't feel like I'm really "ready" to return to the classroom yet.

 

[GirlintheSW]

Just wanted to echo what Minnerbelle suggested about easing into the sciences.

I saved the majority of my prereqs and more intensive science classes for last because my first attempt at college was a total bust, and when I went back, I felt like I needed to take it easy at first for confidence-building purposes. It worked well in the sense that those initial gen ed courses gave me a chance to develop my (nonexistent) study skills and get myself on the right track before I started taking the more critical stuff. It didn't work so well in the sense that I ended up getting stuck with a few majorly ugly semesters.

In retrospect, I wish my last two years of undergrad weren't quite so intense. There were times when I would get hit with three or four upper-level science exams one on top of the other, and it was brutal. I was seriously burned out by the time I graduated, and still don't feel like I'm really "ready" to return to the classroom yet.

Dont say that! Lol! Tell me I can do it haha. Seriously, community college wasn't a complete breeze. I got good grades..but developed good study skills too.

I make the flashcards, do my homework, make study guides every couple weeks, read my notes aloud to myself and record them and reply while i walk, and recopy everything a notebook. I get into active study groups, I stay in communication with my professors, and if I need help, I pay for tutoring (like I did this spring 😡) with other faculty. I take every available extra credit opportunity in each class, and have perfect attendance. I KNOW how to study..its more of a mtter of making sure I do. this spring, I didnt study like I knew i should have. I slacked, because i didtn care as much as I should of.

This....suddenly..feels different. It's a whole new ballgame when you ahve a goal ahead of you, and feel like you can work towards it. When youre wandering aimlessly wondering why you're getting a degree, then its hard. A goal to work towards, gives me purpose 🙄 Be it med, vet, or grad school or something else...setting a goal makes it feel worth it.


And no! No one on thos forum has offended me! YOU're ALL so helpful! and informative! And nice. And practical to boot! I'm amazed and grateful youve taken time out of your busy schedules to answer my questions! Im sure I'll have more. Probably even in this thread! haha. You all are amazing! Thank you for the advice. Ive learned more in depth, real life advice from real students on here than I have in months of reading admission reqs. 😍😍

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Dont say that! Lol! Tell me I can do it haha. Seriously, community college wasn't a complete breeze. I got good grades..but developed good study skills too.

If I could do it, I have no doubt that the majority of applicants can probably handle it. 😉 It was just a little less enjoyable than I'd anticipated.

I should also confess that in order to make myself more competitive (given the rough start) and prove that I was capable of handling the material I'd encounter in vet school, I took a number of extra science electives during that time frame. I'm sure things would've been less intense if I hadn't, but by the same card (prior performance and all), I don't know that I'd have gotten in.

It also depends on where your interests and abilities lie. If you're fascinated by all things molecular, you might not mind taking Organic II, Cell & Molec, and Developmental simultaneously. I, on the other hand, hated that semester. A lot. 😉

This....suddenly..feels different. It's a whole new ballgame when you ahve a goal ahead of you, and feel like you can work towards it. When youre wandering aimlessly wondering why you're getting a degree, then its hard. A goal to work towards, gives me purpose 🙄 Be it med, vet, or grad school or something else...setting a goal makes it feel worth it.

Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life was the number one reason I encountered problems with college my first time around. I'm not someone who really enjoys academia for the sake of academia, so I found it hard to push myself sans purpose. Once I found direction, everything else started falling into place.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Seriously, community college wasn't a complete breeze. I got good grades..but developed good study skills too.

I wasn't implying at all that community college is a breeze or that you haven't developed good study skills. I was just saying that you need a distinct set of study skills to excel at a heavy science courseload. Just like how there are students who did very well in UG, who can't handle the academic rigor of vet school.

I was also a really good high school student with a GPA of >4.3 out of 4.0. I even finished calculus sophomore year of high school and went on to ace linear algebra and multivariable at Stanford by the time I was a junior. I pretty much also took and aced every science AP course that was offered.

Fastforward to college: while I didn't cram all my science pre-reqs in just 2 years, I graduated a semester early after completing all my pre-reqs as well as 11-14 extra science courses (almost all upper level WITH LAB) beyond the pre-reqs. That's like 60 credits beyond the pre-reqs. So I would say that my science courseload was about as heavy as yours will be from the very start.

Like you, I definitely had great study skills and a good foundation of sciences coming in, but it didn't matter too much. I still struggled to get that solid A! I had B+'s and A-'s galore... which before senior year had me stable at around a 3.4. It finally clicked after that, and I was able to bring up my GPA to a 3.6 in that final year. Had I allowed myself to acclimate to a full science courseload instead of diving right in, I'm sure I would have had a much better time/grade. I do have to say that I went to a school with a grade deflation policy, so only 1-2 people in any class got a solid A... but regardless, I still feel as though it took me a few semesters to really learn how to excel with this kind of coursework.

Because a really bad semester will tank you at this point, my advice was just to not risk it until you KNOW FOR SURE from experience that you can handle it. If you want to just assume that you'll be fine and risk it, that's totally up to you. It's your transcript, do whatever your heart desires!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Apply to whatever schools will be the cheapest. A cost difference of 50-150K is nothing to laugh at. And note I said "difference." Western will probably run you about 250++K. Cornell isn't exactly cheap either. do whatever you can to minimize your debt so that someday, you can afford to live where you want instead of wherever the highest paying job is. Seriously, vet school is only four years. How bad can it be? .......

I'm in OK and honestly, I don't like the state all that much. Can't wait to get back home. But, I'm saving myself a lot of money by being here, so I believe it will be worth it in the end. During the school year, you wont have much free time to worry about the town that you're in, and how nice random people are to you.

THIS

Take it from a graduate. The debt you can take on in vet school is enormous. The cheapest option is ALWAYS the best - to be honest, you will get a good education at ANY vet school.

It is very easy, from where you are sitting right now in undergrad, to not be able to see the effect of debt clearly. There is a lot of starry-eyed optimism. All of the numbers sound big, what's the difference between 150 and 250K? "I'll pay it back eventually, somehow", etc

But trust me - when you are having to make loan payments, you will be thanking your lucky stars you went to a cheaper school. Of course, if you *have* to go OOS, that's not your decision and yeah, it will stink even if you love the place. But be realistic. Our salaries are NOT proportionate to the amount of debt we take on.

 

[PetPony]

So you guys keep saying that AP classes in high school count for the overall GPA too, right? What if I didn't get credit for it in college because I didn't send my scores in?

 

[2CatMatt]

AP classes in high school do not count towards your overall GPA. You can get credit for taking the class, but I believe it has to be listed on your college transcript, which it wouldn't be if you didn't send your scores in.

 

[deleted266066]

.

 

[PetPony]

So if I don't really like my scores or would just rather take that class again, it'd be easier to not send n my scores and then I don't have to worry about it?

 

[jtom]

I agree with the debt issue. I am a Florida applicant but recently moved here from new england. While I have met alot of great people down here, found a mentor and am very happy at the clinic I work at, I definetly prefer the northeast. I would love to go to Tufts, cornell, UPENN but it is at least double per year than UF so I have to look at all aspects (assuming I get in somewhere).

While I am not in vetmed for the money, I have to consider what it would be like to have 200k+ in debt and have to deal with that for most of my life.

 

[twelvetigers]

So if I don't really like my scores or would just rather take that class again, it'd be easier to not send n my scores and then I don't have to worry about it?

I think you are supposed to send transcripts from all universities, no matter what.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I think you are supposed to send transcripts from all universities, no matter what.

Yep. In theory you could be shady and not send a particular transcript in as long as there's not trace of it elsewhere (e.g. if credits transferred to your college now). I don't think there's a way for schools to search by social security number every school you've ever been enrolled in or anything... BUT, again it's shady, AND it could be grounds for automatic rejection if they find out before decisions are made, and even worse, it could be grounds for dismissal if you've already gotten in.

 

[deleted266066]

.

 

[PetPony]

Yeah, thanks EvilShoe. I never took them at a college. Only in high school to not have to take those classes in college. But while I like my scores, I don't like my grades in those classes. I'd have to count those into the GPA right? Which I don't really want to..

 

[Minnerbelle]

Yeah, thanks EvilShoe. I never took them at a college. Only in high school to not have to take those classes in college. But while I like my scores, I don't like my grades in those classes. I'd have to count those into the GPA right? Which I don't really want to..

ooooohhh sorry, I thought you were talking about actual college transcripts. As for AP classes, Evilshoe is definitely right.

Scratch what I wrote earlier. SR got the correct info from VMCAS, so I must've gotten that confused with some of the supplementals. There are some schools that will actually ask you to supply the AP scores from ETS because they only will accept certain scores. For instance, Cornell requires a 4 or above for Physics/math, and because some UG institutions will give you credit towards graduation with just a 3, they require the actual AP score report. I have not heard of any vet school requiring a high school transcript to verify AP credit. I mean, who cares if you got an A+ in an AP class, if you fail the AP test?

Just make sure that the courses you want to use AP credit for are kosher for the vet schools you're applying to. For things like Biology, some vet schools will require that you still take 2 bio courses (even if you place out of intro), to report grades on. Same thing with accelerated/Honors intro science courses that are 2 semesters in 1. They'll still make you take another semester of upper level, so choose your classes wisely.

 

[twelvetigers]

There's some way to indicate AP credit on VMCAS, I think. Don't worry.

 

[squirrelsrule]

Here is what the VMCAS instructions says about listing AP courses:

AP COURSES- You will need to list the AP courses in the coursework section under the first semester of your freshman year where the credits first transferred to. Select “No Grade” and list it as “Advanced Placement” under classification description.

 

[bunnity]

Yep. In theory you could be shady and not send a particular transcript in as long as there's not trace of it elsewhere (e.g. if credits transferred to your college now). I don't think there's a way for schools to search by social security number every school you've ever been enrolled in or anything... BUT, again it's shady, AND it could be grounds for automatic rejection if they find out before decisions are made, and even worse, it could be grounds for dismissal if you've already gotten in.

yeah there is a way for them to search you. It's called Academic Clearinghouse or something...

 

[Minnerbelle]

yeah there is a way for them to search you. It's called Academic Clearinghouse or something...

wooow scariness. I knew that's where you verify enrollment when you defer loan repayment and stuff, but I didn't know they could just search your enrollment history from the time you were born. I don't remember signing a waiver for them to ever access that info, and it seems like an invasion of privacy. Or am I just paranoid?

I wonder if schools actually do this check, and how many people get caught with some issue...

 

[bunnity]

found it
http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/