GPA Advice?

[prideprejudice]

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I am currently a sophomore in my undergrad career. I am currently struggling in my academics, b/c of the rigorous curriculum at my university (3.0 gpa) and my dedication to my extracurrics.

I would appreciate any advice as to what I should be doing to help with this. I know that I will have to be working extremely hard the next two years to counter my first few semesters. Do vet school admissions consider the degree of non-vet related experiences? Should I be focusing on grad school instead of hoping to go directly to vet school? Will a good GRE score help?

Thank you for your time and any help!

 

[dvm'08]

I am currently a sophomore in my undergrad career. I am currently struggling in my academics, b/c of the rigorous curriculum at my university (3.0 gpa) and my dedication to my extracurrics. Also, last year I had pneumonia for 3 weeks, and as a result my grades were far below par.

I have many hours of experience as a vet assistant (since I was 15) in both small clinic and large emergency hospital settings, lab research in vetebrate circadian rhythms, and volunteer work with horses and disabled children. Also, I am VP in my sorority and webmaster of my university's women's center.

I would appreciate any advice as to what I should be doing to help with this. I know that I will have to be working extremely hard the next two years to counter my first few semesters. Do vet school admissions consider the degree of non-vet related experiences (i.e. volunteering, involvement in the university community, and organizing a large scale social events in DC?) Should I be focusing on grad school instead of hoping to go directly to vet school? Will a good GRE score help?

Thank you for your time and any help!

ECs are an important part of the application - but they aren't a substitute for poor undergraduate academic performance. Its unfortunate, but its true. The best thing you can do is get stellar grades for the next two years, and do well on your GRE exam.

Showing an upward trend in your grades is important, as well as showing you can handle a reasonably heavy course load. If in your first two years you took pre-req courses you did poorly in, take higher level division courses to upgrade the mark.

Lastly - study hard and rock the GRE.

 

[HorseyVet]

ECs are an important part of the application - but they aren't a substitute for poor undergraduate academic performance.

I remember in one of my interviews they asked soemthing like "what do you do to relax/have fun" and I was like "other than animal stuff?" and they're like "um...yeah..." and I really didn't have much to say lol. I used to be something of a non-elite power gamer and comic hound, but I didn't really think that would sound great in the interview, so I sort of stumbled on that question lol...I have no life.

 

[wishes]

If you can demonstrate and upward trend in your GPA, I think you will probably be okay. In particular, many schools weight the last 45 semester credits.
Veterinary experience will be super important for you and your extracurriculars will also help you out, although I would not consider extracurriculars as an adequate substitute for inadequate grades.
As everyone else has been saying, study hard for the GRE and if you are not happy with your score take the test again.
Applying to a variety of schools will probably help you out as different schools weight things a little differently.
Good luck!

 

[KudzuSC]

I was in a similar situation where I graduated with a Psych degree and a low GPA, 2.75. I enjoyed college life a little too much 😉 Since I still wanted to be a vet, I went back to school for a Bio degree and graduated with a 3.9 taking almost all upper division bio classes. Although my overall GPA was barely above a 3.0, my bio degree grades and last 45 units were stellar. I explained this change on my essays ("my desire to be a vet is reflected by my high GPA"...). As long as you can show drastic improvement and explain it, I think you have a good shot. Also, many vet schools are looking for diverse interests and students that understand being a vet also involves a lot of human interaction (which you clearly have a lot of considering your EC's). Lastly, it sounds like you are getting great experience, I would spice it up a bit with wildlife or exotic experience. I have wildlife rehab experience and I think this helped my application, not to mention, I LOVED it! Good luck to you!!

 

[spikey]

I remember in one of my interviews they asked soemthing like "what do you do to relax/have fun" and I was like "other than animal stuff?" and they're like "um...yeah..." and I really didn't have much to say lol. I used to be something of a non-elite power gamer and comic hound, but I didn't really think that would sound great in the interview, so I sort of stumbled on that question lol...I have no life.

LOL same here! i played sports in high school and i like to draw now, but other than that, i work and go to school. 😛

 

[miltonmcdougall]

I am currently a sophomore in my undergrad career. I am currently struggling in my academics, b/c of the rigorous curriculum at my university (3.0 gpa) and my dedication to my extracurrics.

I have many hours of experience as a vet assistant (since I was 15) in both small clinic and large emergency hospital settings, lab research in veterbrate circadian rhythms, and volunteer work with horses. Also, I am VP in my sorority and webmaster of my university's women's center.

I would appreciate any advice as to what I should be doing to help with this. I know that I will have to be working extremely hard the next two years to counter my first few semesters. Do vet school admissions consider the degree of non-vet related experiences (i.e. volunteering, involvement in the university community, and organizing a large scale social events in DC?) Should I be focusing on grad school instead of hoping to go directly to vet school? Will a good GRE score help?

Thank you for your time and any help!

I agree with a lot of the other posters who have said that GPA and GREs are ultimately the most important. However, extracurriculars and non-vet related job experiences can go a really, really long way, methinks. I graduated six years ago from undergrad with degrees in Psych and English Lit. My GPA was good, not great (3.5), and I really spent the majority of my time having fun. After I graduated, I worked as a Social Worker, helping elderly and disabled victims of abuse, and I did various kinds of do-gooder volunteer things. I tutored mentally disabled kids, helped old ladies get their groceries, matched elderly people with elderly homeless pets, and so on. One day, I woke up and realized I wanted to be a Vet. Poof. Just like that. Anyway, I quit the job, went back to school full time and did post bacc work in Bio and Chem. The grades went up, but not too much (3.6). The GREs were good but 5 years old. Anyway, getting to the point....I thought that all of my outside activities would look like a lack of dedication ("yes sir, I decided just last week that I wanted to be a Vet.."). Apparently, it looked better than I thought it would. One program told me during the interview that, because of the variety of people oriented experiences, I would be an asset to the program. I swear, I almost peed my pants from excitement. One other program made similar remarks, and, despite having a measly 6 months of Vet experience, so-so grades, and an ancient GRE score, I still got 3 interviews and 2 offers. So, the point of this incessant rambling is this: find something that makes you a unique asset, play it up, and use it as your selling point in the interview. Pimp yourself. That's the best I've got......sorry for the wordiness.

 

[equineaggiegal]

Ok it seems I cant create a new thread (I bet I didnt follow directions somewhere 😉 ) so I will post something here since it relates.

Im a new poster. Im up all night tonight because I have to leave early in the morning. I have a rather complicated question but it boils down to GPA and how or can I repair it. Caution long post ahead

I have my BS in pre-vet and animal sci and ended up with a super crappy gpa of 2.7- yeah it's embarrassing. I didnt party or anything I was just NOT prepared for the pre-vet curriculum (wonderful 🙄 high school public education) or college life. I always felt I was playing catch-up. Just when I thought everything under control after my sophomore year, I started to experience a lot of personal turmoil that took more of a toll on me than I knew. I take total responsibility for what happened. I shouldn’t have let everything bother me so much. I always stayed active on and off campus through it all and had tons of vet hours.

When it came time to graduate I was burnt out, almost to the point of total physical and mental exhaustion. Maybe you can relate 🙂 I wanted to take classes I did poorly in over but, like a ***** I let myself believe I should just graduate. Honestly I felt at the time, if I needed to take these classes over again I didnt deserve to go to vet school (I never failed a class, just a lot of C's in select lecture classes & not labs) Never had a problem with my animal sci clases. I was ashamed to ask for help because I was intimidated. So, I made the call that I needed time off to find another "calling." Mostly I wanted to use the other side of my brain

After graduation, I spent about a year traveling and spending time with family. Then I did lots of volunteering to try to find my place. Originally I wanted to stay far away from science (ie biochem) while staying true to my background. Actually I applied to grad school this spring I have been accepted to a program this fall, sooo different from my animal sci years.

I was excited to go but a series of events have taken place that has made me question everything. Nothing has been going right and as stupid as this sounds, it feels like a sign that maybe Im settling? My little voice in my head keeps saying GO BACK!!! I miss it so much, especially the people.

So to the question. I was told you can not change your undergrad gpa. If I was to go back and retake those classes, would that do anything? Do they recalculate those grades? Should I go back and get another degree?? Or would this be a question of an admission officer? All this time has given me the opportunity to reconsider things. The thing that has stopped me all this time is I’m afraid to fail and let my family and myself down if I was to go back, just to repeat the past. My less than stellar performance really did a number on my academic confidence but I worked hard to rebuild it.

I have lost my objectivity... yall dont know me, what do you think?? Do you know if it possible to fix my mistakes.

Thanks for reading..

 

[Infamous]

Ok it seems I cant create a new thread (I bet I didnt follow directions somewhere 😉 ) so I will post something here since it relates.

Im a new poster. Im up all night tonight because I have to leave early in the morning. I have a rather complicated question but it boils down to GPA and how or can I repair it. Caution long post ahead

I have my BS in pre-vet and animal sci and ended up with a super crappy gpa of 2.7- yeah it's embarrassing. I didnt party or anything I was just NOT prepared for the pre-vet curriculum (wonderful 🙄 high school public education) or college life. I always felt I was playing catch-up. Just when I thought everything under control after my sophomore year, I started to experience a lot of personal turmoil that took more of a toll on me than I knew. I take total responsibility for what happened. I shouldn’t have let everything bother me so much. I always stayed active on and off campus through it all and had tons of vet hours.

When it came time to graduate I was burnt out, almost to the point of total physical and mental exhaustion. Maybe you can relate 🙂 I wanted to take classes I did poorly in over but, like a ***** I let myself believe I should just graduate. Honestly I felt at the time, if I needed to take these classes over again I didnt deserve to go to vet school (I never failed a class, just a lot of C's in select lecture classes & not labs) Never had a problem with my animal sci clases. I was ashamed to ask for help because I was intimidated. So, I made the call that I needed time off to find another "calling." Mostly I wanted to use the other side of my brain

After graduation, I spent about a year traveling and spending time with family. Then I did lots of volunteering to try to find my place. Originally I wanted to stay far away from science (ie biochem) while staying true to my background. Actually I applied to grad school this spring I have been accepted to a program this fall, sooo different from my animal sci years.

I was excited to go but a series of events have taken place that has made me question everything. Nothing has been going right and as stupid as this sounds, it feels like a sign that maybe Im settling? My little voice in my head keeps saying GO BACK!!! I miss it so much, especially the people.

So to the question. I was told you can not change your undergrad gpa. If I was to go back and retake those classes, would that do anything? Do they recalculate those grades? Should I go back and get another degree?? Or would this be a question of an admission officer? All this time has given me the opportunity to reconsider things. The thing that has stopped me all this time is I’m afraid to fail and let my family and myself down if I was to go back, just to repeat the past. My less than stellar performance really did a number on my academic confidence but I worked hard to rebuild it.

I have lost my objectivity... yall dont know me, what do you think?? Do you know if it possible to fix my mistakes.

Thanks for reading..

Some schools are moslty concerned with your Undergrad GPA 🙁 . I'm in the same boat (kinda of). I have 3.2, many EC's and good GRE's - realistically I may never get an interview at most US schools. It's extremely competitive. Don't despair though - we have other options in abroad vet schools. Some are even AVMA-accred'd (Murdoch, Massey,etc.) and others still give you a comprable US/UK education but are not AVMA-acced'd at the moment (SGU, Ross,etc.).

Unless, you nail the GRE - you would have a very hard time even getting into SGU (from what I hear). Ross may just take your money and fail you. I know ppl that have gotten a masters and still not one acceptance has come from the extra degree (sad but true). If you really want to become a vet realize - you have other options.

Good luck

 

[adenovirus]

I have 3.2, many EC's and good GRE's - realistically I may never get an interview at most US schools. It's extremely competitive. Don't despair though - we have other options in abroad vet schools.

My GRE was 4 years old (summer of 2002) and was like 1550 total, all three sections: Q, A, and V! My cum. GPA was 3.2 on the dot, with averaged retakes (and I retook 7 classes...none of which were science related really). Granted I have an MS degree and my last 60 credits were 3.8-ish, I applied to 8 U.S. schools this year and was invited to interview at 5 and subsequently offered admission to 4 of them.

Experiences and a good personal essay count for more than you might think. You don't always need a cum. GPA higher than 3.5 for admission...a lot of schools look at recent trends in your course work, too.

Hope this helps!

Loren

 

[mochavet]

I had a 3.2 GPA and an average GRE score when I applied to three schools this year. I got no interviews but did manage to get on an alternate list (which I'm still on). I have a range of vet experience and I have good recommendations. At one school I applied to, they simply sent me a letter in January saying I didn't meet their GPA average and therefore I would not be considered further. They didn't even bother to look at the rest of my app. That being said, there are schools out there that look at more than just grades. Schools like Iowa State and Kansas (and there are probably more) seem to take a lot of out of state students and they generally are better at considering more than just grades. Also, Minnesota throws out your previous grades if you retake a class more than three years after you took it the first time and Minnesota takes the highest of up to four GRE scores (they don't average them). If all else fails, apply to Murdoch, Massey, Ross, SGU or other abroad schools. I applied to Murdoch and got in. Their application is pretty easy and you don't have to submit a GRE score. Better yet, Murdoch is accredited by the AVMA.

Good luck with everything!

 

[HorseyVet]

I have lost my objectivity... yall dont know me, what do you think?? Do you know if it possible to fix my mistakes.

Thanks for reading..

To add to some of the other posters...Look at the schools that evaluate you on your most recent grades....It's not always obvious which do or don't.

I'd also try to figure out which schools you'd be applying to and really have a site down with the admissions people about where you stand and what you can do to improve your application.

Look at your financial situation and see if its possible to do a MS (or at least start taking some grad courses). However, it sounds like you still might have some pre-reqs to finish for vet school? If so, take those and make sure you do very very well....you might consider re-taking organic if you got C's in it...some schools really still believe that this is the litmus test of how you will do in vet school/what you are able to acheive academically......I've talked to some people that retook organic many times and the schools simply were happy to see that they could eventually get A's (because some people really never can).

Just make sure that what ever you do that it's "worth the effort" ..... there's a lot of hidden info for all the schools and you may think you're doing something constructive and then find out later it was all for not.

The GRE will be very important for you...study study...that aspect of your application is still entirely within your grasp.

I would also "hunt" for very good vet experiences that will yeild quality recommendations....if you're at a place where you don't think you're able to develop very soild relations with the doctors, find another place.

Your GPA will haunt you, but there is still a lot you can do to improve your chances.

Good luck.

 

[equineaggiegal]

Wow… thanks for the stories and input... it really helps.

Yes horseyvet I need to retake some pre-reqs... especially organic. And there lies my other problem/reason I originally wanted to seek a non-science related masters- they are more willing to look past the fact I didn’t do well in lets say… chemistry lectures. I had trouble justifying even applying for many MS degrees because of my lacking background.

Every time I put vet school (or other medical related field) out of my mind something makes me regret going into another area of study. I guess I don’t want to end up starting my masters program just to find myself thinking "what if" or becoming stuck in a profession I was wasn’t as passionate about.

I wouldn’t have applied to the graduate program i was accepted to, if I didn’t want to go. But, ever since I was a wee one I have only wanted to be a doctor/vet or to work in the medical field in some form (you know the story). I loved working in the vet office, taking pre-vet classes, and being in a "scholarly" environment. By moving on… well… a part of me feels like I’m giving up something great.

I might drop an email with the admission folks at a couple of schools in regards to my story. I want to see if retaking the classes would be worth my time given that it wont do a thing for my gpa. It never hurts to ask I guess

Once again thanks 😎

 

[youthman]

I personally think it would be a waste of time and energy to retake any course you didn't actually flunk. Now if those were 10 year old courses that would be different.

 

[equineaggiegal]

Oh I agree youthman.

However with that being said, it is more of a psychological thing- retaking the classes. I would need to prove to myself I could make the A. In my mind, it wouldn’t hurt to review the material too. Plus I would like to take some classes that I could never find time to fit in... like cell bio.

Bottom line I suppose is what would the admission committee think about me retaking classes, after I graduated. They might have some suggestions on what I could do to become a competitive candidate... if I was really serious.

I'm not sure what I will do. I keep playing with the idea of giving vet school another try. So much time and effort has been channeled into ultimately getting to vet school, it hurts to walk away. Deep down I know I could do vet school especially after all I have been through. I'm not the same person I was as an undergrad- I've learned from my mistakes. I put so much pressure on myself and spread myself so thin that I rigged myself to fail. Only if I could go back, knowing what I know now.

My whole saga is very complicated sorry to bore you LOL. I tend to ramble... its a bad habit

 

[FutureDocHopefl]

Ok it seems I cant create a new thread (I bet I didnt follow directions somewhere 😉 ) so I will post something here since it relates.

Im a new poster. Im up all night tonight because I have to leave early in the morning. I have a rather complicated question but it boils down to GPA and how or can I repair it. Caution long post ahead

I have my BS in pre-vet and animal sci and ended up with a super crappy gpa of 2.7- yeah it's embarrassing. I didnt party or anything I was just NOT prepared for the pre-vet curriculum (wonderful 🙄 high school public education) or college life. I always felt I was playing catch-up. Just when I thought everything under control after my sophomore year, I started to experience a lot of personal turmoil that took more of a toll on me than I knew. I take total responsibility for what happened. I shouldn’t have let everything bother me so much. I always stayed active on and off campus through it all and had tons of vet hours.

When it came time to graduate I was burnt out, almost to the point of total physical and mental exhaustion. Maybe you can relate 🙂 I wanted to take classes I did poorly in over but, like a ***** I let myself believe I should just graduate. Honestly I felt at the time, if I needed to take these classes over again I didnt deserve to go to vet school (I never failed a class, just a lot of C's in select lecture classes & not labs) Never had a problem with my animal sci clases. I was ashamed to ask for help because I was intimidated. So, I made the call that I needed time off to find another "calling." Mostly I wanted to use the other side of my brain

After graduation, I spent about a year traveling and spending time with family. Then I did lots of volunteering to try to find my place. Originally I wanted to stay far away from science (ie biochem) while staying true to my background. Actually I applied to grad school this spring I have been accepted to a program this fall, sooo different from my animal sci years.

I was excited to go but a series of events have taken place that has made me question everything. Nothing has been going right and as stupid as this sounds, it feels like a sign that maybe Im settling? My little voice in my head keeps saying GO BACK!!! I miss it so much, especially the people.

So to the question. I was told you can not change your undergrad gpa. If I was to go back and retake those classes, would that do anything? Do they recalculate those grades? Should I go back and get another degree?? Or would this be a question of an admission officer? All this time has given me the opportunity to reconsider things. The thing that has stopped me all this time is I’m afraid to fail and let my family and myself down if I was to go back, just to repeat the past. My less than stellar performance really did a number on my academic confidence but I worked hard to rebuild it.

I have lost my objectivity... yall dont know me, what do you think?? Do you know if it possible to fix my mistakes.

Thanks for reading..

I have a fairly simple solution, just do what it takes to do what you want to do. Overall, I would say giving up your dreams is the worst option. Keep trying and don't give up! GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[OceanAngel]

Oh I agree youthman.

However with that being said, it is more of a psychological thing- retaking the classes. I would need to prove to myself I could make the A. In my mind, it wouldn’t hurt to review the material too. Plus I would like to take some classes that I could never find time to fit in... like cell bio.

Bottom line I suppose is what would the admission committee think about me retaking classes, after I graduated. They might have some suggestions on what I could do to become a competitive candidate... if I was really serious.

I'm not sure what I will do. I keep playing with the idea of giving vet school another try. So much time and effort has been channeled into ultimately getting to vet school, it hurts to walk away. Deep down I know I could do vet school especially after all I have been through. I'm not the same person I was as an undergrad- I've learned from my mistakes. I put so much pressure on myself and spread myself so thin that I rigged myself to fail. Only if I could go back, knowing what I know now.

My whole saga is very complicated sorry to bore you LOL. I tend to ramble... its a bad habit

I speak from experience...I really, really, really wouldn't give up on what you have always dreamed about especially for something you are less passionate about. Unless you are fully commited to what you will be pursuing and genuinely think it will satisfy you, it may not be worth giving up on something you have worked for, for so long regardless of the past. I nearly let this dream of being a vet slip away from me, by not believing in myself and going into a genetics grad program. Though a great program, not for me in any way. I found myself constantly daydreaming, from the very beginning, of vet school. Though my GPA is not low, I have had to spend the past 6 months gaining all my vet experience and other prereqs. Though lacking much sleep and having to put other parts of my life on hold, it all seems work it to me.

I would really talk to some admissions staff and see what they sugeest and what you can do help your application. I think it can be done. From my encounters admissions people seem to be genuinely helpful and interestedin helping you. Good luck on your decision!!!! 🙂