Chances of Getting Into School....

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hanakanapuna

Michigan CVM 2012
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I dunno if this is the right place for me to be posting this question, but I wanted as much feedback as possible from veterinary students that have already been accepted into programs. Based on your applications, acceptances, and rejections, what do you think are my chances at being accepted into school with my statistics? I applied this year and am waiting to hear, no rejections recieved yet! 🙂

Overall GPA: 3.42
Science GPA:3.33 (w/o research) 3.4(w/research)
last 45 credit hours: 3.89
GRE: 500V and 680Q (5.0writing fo whoever cares)
Experience:
500 hrs at Animal Emergency Hospital (still working)
1150 hrs in developmental biology research lab working with mice
well over 5000 hrs in research lab including completion of my senior thesis
200 hrs as a lab assistant for microbiology
Schools Applied:
Penn, Tufts, Cornell, Minn, Wash, Mich, and Univ. Glasgow

I know these aren't the best stats, but I am hoping my work and research experience help me. Also my letters of recommendation are stellar from: my advisior and chair of bio dept, my thesis advisor, my two lab PIs, and 2 from the veterinary hospital.
 
I had very similar stats/research exp to yours and I'm in vet school now. I had more clinical experience though (about 3,000hr in mixed practice, 1,000 in small animal exclusive). I did have to apply twice, but I do not doubt that the year off did me a world of good. I certainly wouldn't discourage applying to intentionally take a year off but I feel like I am more mature and have a totally different mindset towards school than if I had gotten accepted right away.
 
Well your GPA is below average and your GRE is average/below average. While you have a lot of research experience, which is always a huge plus, the only other veterinary experience you have is with SA.

For schools such as Cornell - which don't interview - you will probably have a hard chance of getting in as your stats aren't as good as other applicants. For schools such as Penn you will probably also have a very difficult time as they interview very few applicants (though they do look highly upon research).

You will probably have a better chance at schools that interview and obviously at your state/contract school.

If you don't get in this year I would suggest raising your GRE to compensate for your low GPA. Also, you should try to gain some equine and large animal experience.
 
Well your GPA is below average and your GRE is average/below average. While you have a lot of research experience, which is always a huge plus, the only other veterinary experience you have is with SA.

For schools such as Cornell - which don't interview - you will probably have a hard chance of getting in as your stats aren't as good as other applicants. For schools such as Penn you will probably also have a very difficult time as they interview very few applicants (though they do look highly upon research).

You will probably have a better chance at schools that interview and obviously at your state/contract school.

If you don't get in this year I would suggest raising your GRE to compensate for your low GPA. A higher than average GRE can help to compensate for a low GPA. Also, you should try to gain some equine and large animal experience.
while i agree wiht most of what you said, i think the OP's last 45 GPA of nearly 3.9 is a huge plus. i'm assuming those are upper level science courses? also, if the LORs are as stellar as you say, that's another huge plus that's not immediately evident to us looking at your stats.

is research what you'd like to pursue? if so, that's great that your app is so strong there. if not, and i'm inclined to say do it anyway, get some LA experience like ri23 said. you obviously have a strength, so work on getting some variety IF you need to apply again next year.

best of luck 🙂
 
I am a philly resident, so Penn is my state school. thanks for all the suggestions so far, I am in the city so there are not too many large animal experiences to be had, but I am looking into the zoo and new bolton, just have to arrange the transportation as I do not drive!
 
I think if your GREs were stellar you'd get into Penn no prob since you're in-state. Right now it's kind of a craps shoot, but I think you have a shot if you nail the interview. Good luck.
 
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