Anyone have an opinion...

[ScottieGirl]

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This may seem weird, but I really want to go to NCSU. I was rejected last year, and am reapplying. I know I can't change anything much more, but everyone I know just keeps saying they know I will get in this year. Honestly, they don't know about the statistics and procedure. What do you all think? I know no one can really say...I'm just really nervous about applying again, I'm sure there are some of you that can understand this...

BS in Zoology, Overall GPA 3.57, dean's list final 2.5 years
GRE: V 590, Q 690, AW:3.5...I know its a little low

Vet Experience: 1200 hrs with SA internist (did everything, including scrubbing in on big heart surgeries)
50 Hrs with Equine Vet
700 hrs at other SA Hospitals
150 hrs - Zoo Internship working with large cats
Animal Exp
100 hrs working at Equine Center
100 Animal Shelter
40 at a rural Sheep Farm

Research: all in human stuff before I went into vet medicine

200 hrs: Pychoneuroimmunology study
220 hrs: Genetics study

Few other standard jobs in high school

 

[Minnerbelle]

BS in Zoology, Overall GPA 3.57, dean's list final 2.5 years
GRE: V 590, Q 690, AW:3.5...I know its a little low

Vet Experience: 1200 hrs with SA internist (did everything, including scrubbing in on big heart surgeries)
50 Hrs with Equine Vet
700 hrs at other SA Hospitals
150 hrs - Zoo Internship working with large cats
Animal Exp
100 hrs working at Equine Center
100 Animal Shelter
40 at a rural Sheep Farm

Research: all in human stuff before I went into vet medicine

200 hrs: Pychoneuroimmunology study
220 hrs: Genetics study

Few other standard jobs in high school

I don't see why you wouldn't have a chance. You sound like a really well rounded applicant to me. Did you have a post-mortem done after last cycle? I'm interested to know what they thought was lacking. If not, I would go ahead and do it, it's not too late right? Were you offered an interview last year?

 

[ScottieGirl]

NCSU doesn't offer interviews and only holds a group counseling session for rejected applicants. They basically went over statistics, but it wasnt much help. I've also thought about writing in the explanation statement. I was straight A in high school, and even though Ive done well in college, I know I could have done better. I just wanted to enjoy my college experience. I know I could have gotten a 4.0, but I wanted a life too. Should I write anything in the section?

 

[bunnity]

I don't think you need to explain a 3.5. It's a good GPA, and I think it would look weirder to explain it. Good luck!

 

[Trilt]

I haven't applied, but when I've spoken to representatives of the CVM (open houses, PVMA stuff, etc.) they all emphasized breadth over depth. The magic number I always received was 400 in at least 3 areas, but basically get as much as you can. Since you have research and small animal down pat, maybe try shadowing an equine vet more, or find an exotics one?

The different groups they give on the admissions page are:

...small animal, large animal, research, food animal production, exotic, aquatic, wildlife, zoological medicine, etc...

 

[sumstorm]

that explanation of your UG gpa would make it sound like you can't balance life and school (and that when you get in vet school, since there will be even more school, you will struggle academicly if you value the other aspects of your life.) they spent a lot of time emphasizing balance here.

So, can you get your GRE up? Do you have unique experiences to draw on? Diversity is a really big deal here. Huge. and as Trilt mentioned, so is breadth with depth. Generally the recommendation is a minimum of 100+ hours each in 3 fields of vet medicine. Our class is really everywhere in where students plan on having careers.

So, after orientation, my understanding of selection priorities include: knowing what you are getting into based on previous experience, a knowledge of the different options with a DVM, ability to balance life/work/school/etc and stay healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally, the ability to bring unique perspectives and experiences to the class, the ability to survive the academic rigors, and the ability to get along with other people and behave professionally.

If you didn't get waitlisted, I would look at your LOR's, PS, and supplemental essays. Also, consider seeing if you can't get involved in the school since you live in Raleigh. We have several in the class who worked at the cvm hospital prior to admissions.

Also, the stats are a bit odd....many of us had thousands of hours of vet experience, and even more of animal. The ones who didn't had unique experiences or came in under specialized programs.