Can I really do this?

[LaurenKittie]

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I'm a new member to the forums, but I've been visiting for a while! anyway, I recently graduated from college with a degree in biology (cumulative GPA 3.37, C in chemistry for one term really killed it). I went back and forth about becoming a vet because I was worried about my C, and I hadn't had any good experiences with vets yet (most of them have been kinda rude).
Since I was so unsure, I didn't take organic, biochem, physics, public speaking or pre-calculus during my under grad.
Since I've been out of school I've realized that being a vet is all I've ever REALLY wanted to do. So I'm applying to work as a veterinary assistant at a local clinic and plan on taking the other required courses at a community college. Though it will take at least 2 full years to complete these course requirements because I have bills and I need to work full time.
It just feels like I have so much time and work ahead of me. I really wish I had taken these classes while I was still working on my undergrad, it would have saved me a lot of stress and money!
Any of you going along a similar path? I'd just feel better if I knew this wasn't completely pointless.

 

[Pomona2006]

There are plenty of us on similar paths. I didn't work while completing my pre-reqs, but I was missing ALL my science courses when I went back to school. I am definitely a fan of taking courses at CCs to save money. Keep in mind however, that some schools require certain courses to be "upper division" or specifically from a 4-year school. Check with schools you are applying to ahead of time so you don't end up eliminating a school from your list for a silly reason or (even worse IMO) taking the class twice. I had to take biochem and genetics twice because of Davis' requirements and it was no fun and cost a whole lot more!

That being said, don't be discouraged by a few bad grades. Make it your goal to get straight A's from here on out and the adcoms might just overlook your previous grades - especially since you now KNOW what you want to do and are motivated!

 

[primatevetjess]

You are definitely not alone and it's definitely not pointless. If it's what you want, go for it! Just focus on getting fantastic grades on the rest of your courses.

My story: My first attempt at undergrad ended with no degree, several dropped semesters, and a cum GPA of 3.2. Then I dropped out completely at age 21, moved all over, and finally went back a few years ago. I worked full-time while completing my missing prereqs at a community college. It was definitely rough, but I got all As and one B to end with a cum GPA there of 3.94. I applied this past cycle and was accepted. I am turning 28 in 5 days, accepted 10 years after graduating high school.

Yes, it took a long time. And yes, it was a ton of hard work. But for me, it was all totally worth it because in four years I will have realized my life-long goal of becoming a veterinarian. If you want it badly enough, it will be worth it. You still have plenty of classes left to raise that GPA. If you have any more questions, please feel free to PM me. 🙂

 

[LaurenKittie]

You guys both really made me feel better. I just get really discouraged sometimes because I tend to be a very impatient person!
I am having a hard time narrowing down where I should apply, is there anywhere that (with my current GPA) I shouldn't even bother applying? I've heard Tufts is pretty rough.
I'm also hoping that wherever I apply looks at my last 2 years of college over the first 2. My last year I was on the Dean's list the whole time!

 

[twelvetigers]

A lot of schools factor in your last 45 hours of coursework separately from your overall GPA, so it's good to do well in your most recent classes! Many also consider your science or pre-req GPA separately as well.

 

[primatevetjess]

Like twelvetigers said, most schools do look at your last 45 units GPA. You still have quite a few classes left to take, so concentrate on acing those and it'll help a lot. Plus, they really like to see an upward trend. My overall cumulative was in the 3.5-3.6 range, but my last 45 was much better.

As far as where you should apply, the good thing is that you still have some time to figure that out. Research the schools and see which seem to be the best fit for what kind of veterinary medicine you'd like to do. Also, think about places you'd like to live, proximity to family, etc. Lastly, be realistic but don't count out places just because you don't think you're good enough (you mentioned Tufts). I applied to 3 schools that I considered complete long shots (well, I considered them all long shots, but those 3 especially). For two of them, I was right and rejected outright. But for my number one, I was wrong and will now be attending my dream school. You will almost surely think you're a worse candidate that you actually are.