Great Experience...Lower GPA...what else should I do?

[Hopeful2014]

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To go along with the typical pre-veterinary explanation, I have wanted to do nothing else my entire life but go to veterinary school. I have tried looking into other careers but cannot face the possibility of leaving the field of veterinary medicine.

I have several national and state-wide leadership experiences, over 2,000 hours of experience in animal and veterinary related fields, and a lot of volunteer experience. Due to some mistakes my freshman year, my GPA is around a 2.9. What else can I possibly do to bolster up my application in time for next fall's application deadlines?

Thank you all so much!!

 

[twelvetigers]

Similar situation here! Sent you a PM. 🙂

 

[pupsforseeing]

I'd say your best bet is to really step it up this year and get as close to straight A's as possible and study hard for the GREs. Show them that, although you screwed up at the beginning, you have what it takes, and you're willing to work hard to get there.

 

[cuitlamiztli]

This is kind of off-topic, but since I saw that you're at ISU... are you from Iowa? Because that would make, like, two of us 🙄

Anyway, in addition to what pupsforseeing said, you may also (if you haven't already) want to look into getting more diverse experience. The Wildlife Care Clinic's a great place to start!

 

[No Imagination]

Get a grad degree. It has it's plus and minus's, but its an opportunity to take some harder classes, get your GPA up, and you can apply with a Masters or Doctorate under your belt. Be warned, tell your PI your intentions as soon as possible, and most vet schools (like med schools) will not even consider you if you are 1/2 through. I think its pretty much all or nothing if you go that route. Ill let you know how it turns out, as i'm in you boat with an even lower undergrad GPA.

If you do go that route, try to get a research gig that lets your work with research animals.

Plus, I learned more and am more confident from 2 years of grad work/teaching/research then 4 years of undergrad (by far)

 

[Hopeful2014]

I'm an ISU student but I'm actually from Wisconsin...thanks for the advice, though! I was looking into the wildlife care clinic...do you volunteer there?

 

[cuitlamiztli]

I'm an ISU student but I'm actually from Wisconsin...thanks for the advice, though! I was looking into the wildlife care clinic...do you volunteer there?

Well, you made an excellent choice for school!

As for the WCC... I volunteered until last May. If you're thinking about it, go for it! Like I said, it's a wonderful place to get experience. There are five or so shifts during the week: the first moves animals to clean cages and cleans the dirty ones, the next finishes cleaning, etc. I was a weekend volunteer, so I got to do a little of everything. The staff (other students) are really good at letting you handle anything you want to try handling or already feel comfortable with--with the exception of non-baby-squirrel-or-bunny mammals, unless you've had your rabies shots--and, depending on the person, letting you administer medication, fluids, etc. Another plus is that it counts as veterinary experience.

If you have any more questions or anything, feel free to PM me.

 

[OSJ]

I would do your best to gets A's now (alot of schools calculate your last 45 hours.) Retake a couple courses over the summer if possible, or some higher level courses. Do great on your GRE. I'd focus on those over getting more experience. It seems like alot of schools won't even look at your experiences if your GRE/GPA are below certain mystery numbers!