Do I have a chance?? Here are my stats!

[hwolfe]

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This is my first post and I just wanted to see what you (possibly more experienced people) have to say about my stats.

Major: Biology, pre-professional track
GPA: 3.29
Last 45 sem GPA: 3.75
GRE: 1054 (640V 410Q 4A)

Animal/Vet Experiences:
SA clinic kennel tech/vet tech assistant 1.8 years
SeaWorld intern for one summer (researching orcas swimming patterns and observing vet techniques)
Hands on Wildlife intern (all types of wild animals)
Shadowing experience with a veterinary pathologist for Animal Kingdom and an equine veterinarian
SPCA vet clinic volunteer

Other:
Dean's List for 5 semesters
Two scholarships
Founder of Knights for Marine and Wildlife Conservation at my college
Pre-Vet club for 4 years
Campus Activities Board for 2 years
Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Member of National Society of Leadership

Other significant info: reason my GPA is low is due to failing orgo 1 and got a D in orgo 2 (but got an A the second time in both), and got a D in quantitative biological methods (before I changed my major)

Applying to: SGU, Kansas, Mississippi, UF (my in state school), and Western

I'm definitely working hard on my personal statement & supplemental applications, but those can only go so far. Do I have a chance?! Please let me know what you think and let me know if you think there are any other schools I should apply to!

 

[sunnyshine]

You stats look good, but not great.

Pros:
-Your experiences look awesome. You have worked in many different settings and you should be able to get some decent recommendations from those jobs.
- You have some really excellent community activities. I think it is pretty impressive that you have founded your own organization (or chapter there of) at your school.
-Your last 45 semester GPA is pretty high

Other Stuff:
- Your cumulative GPA is OK but not truly competitive. You might be alright though since you are applying to some schools that have lower GPA averages (i.e - SGU & Western).
-Your GRE is fairly low. I scored a 1070 my first time on the test and every school that I file reviewed with made a point of noting it. I would definitely retake the test.

I think you have a decent shot. Your experience says (at least to me) that you are motivated. I would just make sure you finish your undergrad with strong performance and retake the GRE.

 

[hwolfe]

sunnyshine:

Thanks for your reply!

I got really good eLORS, two from vets that I work with and one from the undergraduate coordinator for Biology.

I plan to retake the GRE within the next two weeks, but I'm scared that I won't do that great still! (I'm not too good with the math part.) What should I aim for? I was thinking 1200...but I don't know if I can :/

In the fall I'm signed up for 17 credits, so I'll definitely be able to raise my GPA if I do well, and another 17 in the spring semester. But I don't know if they'll even wait to consider that since they're going to look at my current GPA.

 

[luplodw]

I know that some schools accept/deny/interview you before even your fall grades come in. Don't count on grades after this point making much of a difference. I know that some schools that interview late like UTK will look at your fall grades, but schools like Ohio probably won't.

You definitely should retake the GRE. I'd say that most schools want you to have either a high GPA or GRE score to show that you have the mental capabilities to handle vet school. The math section of the GRE is the easiest to improve since you can know exactly what kinds of questions they will ask. Get a test prep book and practice all the problems and know all the formulas they suggest that you know. You can get a 1200!! Don't let yourself think that you can't. But you really should improve your quant. section score because schools mostly look at that.

Your last 45 hr GPA is pretty good. I'd play that up in your interviews/application so they know that you can handle it. I might address your poor scores in Organic somewhere in your application and talk about how you retook the class and got good grades....so even though you had a tough time, you never gave up and in the end were successful.

 

[jpeterman13]

I had stats that were very similar to yours and I got into 4 schools. In this situation I think that the things that will push you into a competitive position are your eLORs, PS, and (of course) your interview should you get one. Also, a lot of people are going to suggest to you that you apply to Western due to their low averages. Applying there simply because of their lower averages is a MISTAKE! They have a very unique curriculum and a very unique application process. 4.0 students have been rejected because they don't fit in the diverse class that they are aiming for (I'm NOT dissing Western btw!). Just make sure that you do research before you blow $1200 on a trip to CA just to find out that you didn't research the school and curriculum enough. SGU though is a good option, keep that as a backup. Also, luplodw gave good advice.

 

[lunajett]

I had fairly similar stats as well and got in, although it took me two tries. My experience was nowhere near as diverse as yours, but my GRE was much better, although I also was weaker on the quant. I'd say that is clearly the biggest area that will hold you back at this point. You didn't say, but it sounds like you are looking at applying this cycle for 2011 admission? If you're taking GRE again in two weeks and haven't seriously been preparing for it, you might not do better and might actually do worse. That's what happened to me, I actually went down a little bit on my second attempt. Although most schools say they only consider the highest score for each section, I think it must have hurt me a bit.

On the plus side, it sounds like you are young and have time to try again if you don't get in the first time. I know it may not feel like it and nobody wants to hear it, but believe me, if you are only in your 20's, you have plenty of time. I didn't apply my first time till I was 41. So I'd say don't hang all your hopes on this first application cycle. Many, many fantastic vets I've worked with needed 3,4, even 5 attempts to get in. It's just very long odds for anyone, so if you really really want it, be prepared to go through the whole application process several years. Looking back now, I almost look at my first app as practice. I thought I was prepared, but maybe I wasn't really ready, and I definitely know I will be a much better student now after improving myself and applying a second round. But it will be tough to really focus much on GRE prep while you are taking two full semesters and trying to keep your GPA up, so I would plan on seriously devoting next summer to GRE work, taking the test again next Sept, and nailing it.

So yeah, I think you've got a good chance but don't get your hopes up too much for this round, it might take a few tries.

 

[nyanko]

Got a D in QBM? Did you go to UCF? I was a TA for QBM when I was there.

Your GRE score is rather bad, and your GPA isn't going to do you any favors either. As others are saying, throw your app out there but don't be too discouraged if you need to apply again. I did, and so did plenty of others who will make great vets. 🙂

What should you aim for on the GRE?? AIM FOR A PERFECT I mean obviously...I still don't understand why anybody would set their standards lower than that as a goal.

 

[hwolfe]

luplodw: thanks for the advice! I've been studying two gre practice books for a while now, so hopefully it will help. I feel like I don't fit in to the norm, seeing that most applicants doing really well on quantitative and not so good on verbal! I was planning on explaining those poor grades in the explanation statement section of the vmcas.

jpeterman13: I have looked into the curriculum at western (problem based solving, group learning etc) and I can't say I'm TOO impressed...not to mention I've heard bad things about the area the schools is in (not too sure how true they are) so I think that if that were the only school I got into, I'd decline and apply next year.

lunajett: Yes, I am applying for fall 2011. I'm sending my apps in at the end of next week! As I said above, I have been practicing more diligently for the gre since I last took, so I'm hoping to do better this time. I'm taking it right before school starts so I won't have to worry about it. I took this summer off to focus on applications and the gre. I definitely do agree with you, I feel that this is a practice round. Time is something that I worry about...and money as well! These fees are RIDICULOUS and to have to pay them again makes me sick! But I won't stop trying until I get in. Thanks for the advice!

nyanko: Yes I do! I hate this school so much to be honest. I was an M&M major, and I really didn't like it so I switched just to biology where I could take more diverse electives. I hated that course so much haha and now it's haunting me! I know I can't do perfect on the gre so I'm just being realistic in aiming for a 1200...I'm not too good at standardized testing 🙁

 

[moosenanny]

so I think that if that were the only school I got into, I'd decline and apply next year.

If you honestly feel this way, then DO NOT APPLY!!! It is a HUGE taboo to turn down a school if it is your only acceptance. Why would you waste the time and money (yours and the school's)???

 

[BlacKAT33]

only apply to schools you would 100% go to!

 

[nyanko]

nyanko: Yes I do! I hate this school so much to be honest. I was an M&M major, and I really didn't like it so I switched just to biology where I could take more diverse electives. I hated that course so much haha and now it's haunting me! I know I can't do perfect on the gre so I'm just being realistic in aiming for a 1200...I'm not too good at standardized testing 🙁

Ahh, sorry to hear that. I graduated in '07 in M&M with an HIM thesis, actually. I personally found that they were fairly accommodating with letting me sub in an elective or two since I was pre-vet that wasn't on their list - i.e. human anatomy was but not comparative vertebrate anatomy, and they let me sub the latter. Maybe it's changed since they put the med school in, though...

I do have to say that most of the pre-vets tended to be bio majors. I really liked the M&M major and felt that it prepared me well for further study in my field (genetics) and hopefully for vet school as well (I'll let you know ), but I think that bio would have prepared me well too. 🙂

Realism in goal setting? Pfft, that's how mediocre people go through life. You're better than that, so you should aim higher than that. At least, that's how I see it. If you don't hit perfect (not many people do!) that's fine, but why sell yourself short with psych-outs like "I don't do well on standardized tests?"

 

[Polar Opposite]

I wouldn't sweat it that much...people have gotten in to schools with less (myself included: Cum GPA: 3.4, Science: 3.2, Last 45: 3.1, GRE: 1060, Bio GRE: 500). You just have to make yourself stand out in other ways--you've got some great and diverse experience (I'm an older applicant that has racked up LOTS of veterinary experience.) I would address the things that you've learned from those experiences in your personal statement.

I say apply this year but know that it may take another go 'round.

 

[BHantler]

This is my first post and I just wanted to see what you (possibly more experienced people) have to say about my stats.

Major: Biology, pre-professional track
GPA: 3.29
Last 45 sem GPA: 3.75
GRE: 1054 (640V 410Q 4A)

You sure about that?

 

[hwolfe]

moosenanny: You know, I was thinking that too...but then I though what if I decided to go anyway if I got in?! I'm still not sure about it though..

BHantler: Sure about what, my score? I'm pretty sure that's what those numbers add up to. hahaha

 

[nyanko]

You don't count the AW when you report your score like that, is all. 🙂

 

[BHantler]

You don't count the AW when you report your score like that, is all. 🙂

Yeah that's what I was getting at. I hadn't seen anyone add in that score before.

 

[hwolfe]

Ohh I see, hahaha. I've seen a few people do that. Not like it adds much!

 

[hws14]

I was waitlisted at CSU and my GRE scores were less than 1060. I did a file review and they didn't have much to say about those at all. They even went as far as to say "average". I was surprised because I figured that was the problem. I think if you are a well rounded individual and they think you have something to offer the program than you are golden. Less than "average" GRE scores aren't the end of the world. Just sayin'.

 

[nyanko]

I was waitlisted at CSU and my GRE scores were less than 1060. I did a file review and they didn't have much to say about those at all. They even went as far as to say "average". I was surprised because I figured that was the problem.

What was your verbal/quant split?

edit: The OP actually has a rather good verbal score but a 410 quant is a very low percentile. Also, why would you want them to be "average" when they aren't looking for "average" applicants to fill a vet school class. 😉

 

[hws14]

You do want to be above "average"...agreed. 🙂

My split was 440V and 540Q...4.5 AW. Not spectacular by any means. I didn't get from my file review that my GRE scores are what sent me to the waitlist. I feel like they are not the end all. Would I like to do better on the GREs? Heck yes! Standardize testing is not a strong suit of mine at all, so I struggle with them.

 

[LoveTheMICES]

How are you all calculating your GPA? I went to 3 different undergrads and trying to do it on my own, but afraid Im doing it wrong haha.. I know certain school may calculate differently, but how do you know for yourself and to put on the apps?

Sorry to Butt in 😉
Thanks

 

[hwolfe]

I've only attended one university so I just used that one, so I have no idea how to do that!

P.S. Not sure if any of you are still following this thread, but I retook the GRE and received a 530 verbal, 690 quant!!! So using my two highest scores I will have a 1330 🙂 Does this up my chances?!

 

[luplodw]

It obviously does...

 

[psilovethomas]

I retook the GRE and received a 530 verbal, 690 quant!!! So using my two highest scores I will have a 1330 🙂 Does this up my chances?!

Are GRE scores superscored?

 

[breenie]

Are GRE scores superscored?

Depends on the school. I believe that some average them.

 

[twelvetigers]

Some take the best from each section, some take the best overall. One (Purdue!) takes the most recent one no matter what. It's a mess.

 

[luplodw]

UTK also only takes the most recent (sucked for me since I did worse my 2nd time)

 

[hwolfe]

I almost 100% sure all the schools I'm applying to take the best of each 🙂 yaaaaaaay

 

[PearlDVM]

How are you all calculating your GPA? I went to 3 different undergrads and trying to do it on my own, but afraid Im doing it wrong haha.. I know certain school may calculate differently, but how do you know for yourself and to put on the apps?

Sorry to Butt in 😉
Thanks

I had a similar problem, because I took summer classes at a different school than my university. Last cycle, VMCAS instructed me to just list the one from my main university (the one i got my degree from) in the main slot on their form, and that each school will calculate their own based on your transcripts. I was paranoid, so I did put the different GPAs from other schools in the explanation section as well. I would recommend double checking with the vet schools you're applying to, tho! You can find some GPA calculators online, but I remember deciding to skip those (my OCD tendencies would have me worrying about mistakes for months!)