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dvmcatdog

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Can someone please tell my boyfriend that there's no point applying to vet school with a 2.75 cGPA along with probably about the same science and 3.0 last 45. He keeps telling me to "just apply" and see what happens. Just seems like a waste of money to me knowing that theres a slim, if any chance of getting in without getting a masters first or taking upper level science classes.

Is he right? Should I just apply and see what happens? I know theres always a what if but man it seems VERY unlikely.

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Is he right? Should I just apply and see what happens? I know theres always a what if but man it seems VERY unlikely.
I disagree with the concept of "just apply to see what happens" cause I believe that someone should only apply with their best application they can. That's a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of heartache to go through without submitting the best application you can. This is coming from someone who applied 3 times with 1 waitlist 3/3 and 1 acceptance 1/3 cycles. It took 3 cycles cause I did not apply with my best application, even the third time around.

What does the rest of your application look like? What is your back story? What would your school list be? What is your plan going forward?
 
I disagree with the concept of "just apply to see what happens" cause I believe that someone should only apply with their best application they can. That's a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of heartache to go through without submitting the best application you can. This is coming from someone who applied 3 times with 1 waitlist 3/3 and 1 acceptance 1/3 cycles. It took 3 cycles cause I did not apply with my best application, even the third time around.

What does the rest of your application look like? What is your back story? What would your school list be? What is your plan going forward?
The rest of my application is solid. Leadership experience, research experience with dolphins, I am a current vet tech (not licensed)

Honestly backstory is depression due to a highly abusive relationship, I failed too many classes to count. Everything is taken care of now but it's hard to get myself out of that mess.

I'd apply to CSU, UF (IS), LMU, MU, MSU, OSU, ISU, KSU, Western

My plan was to move to Colorado, get an animal science degree or masters and prove myself. I can become a food animal certified applicant which lines exactly with my career goals so I'd be IS at CSU if I took that route.
 
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It says they give preference to FAVCIP (food animal veterinary career incentive program) students, which is another reason I'd want to move there. CSU having that program shows me how much they care about the welfare of livestock and I just love it honestly.
 
The rest of my application is solid. Leadership experience, research experience with dolphins, I am a current vet tech (not licensed)

Honestly backstory is depression due to a highly abusive relationship, I failed too many classes to count. Everything is taken care of now but it's hard to get myself out of that mess.

I'd apply to CSU, UF (IS), LMU, MU, MSU, OSU, ISU, KSU, Western

My plan was to move to Colorado, get an animal science degree or masters and prove myself. I can become a food animal certified applicant which lines exactly with my career goals so I'd be IS at CSU if I took that route.
If by MU you mean Midwestern, they require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. If by OSU you mean Ohio State, they also require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as does University of Florida. CSU states that those with a cumulative GPA <3.2 will undergo early academic review to determine if they will move forward or not. 2019's cycle for Iowas science GPA for non-residents was a 3.0, however, that changes every year, and it could be higher this year and years going forward based on the number of applicants received, so that's something to keep in mind.
As someone who can sympathize with having a low cumulative GPA, it was about applying smart. I had a relatively high science GPA but my low cumulative GPA and classes that I retook limited where I could apply. Based on your list, you've just learned that you don't meet the requirements for 3/9 that you were planning on applying to, 1 you could be screened out early of, and 1 you may just barely meet the minimum science GPA requirements. I'd recommend a few things-
1. You do research and compare your stats with schools requirements and see what your options are, previous stats, etc, narrow your list down from there. You take your chances and apply based on that list.
2. Take a gap year (which I don't think is a bad idea) and re-do the classes you did poorly in to boost your science GPA, which will raise your cumulative GPA, opening up more school options for you, and benefit you for schools that honor grade replacement. You can take additional science courses to prove your ability to handle the rigor and boost your last 45 at the same time. During this time, you can spend the year making your application as well rounded and as competitive as possible.
3. Try to pursue a masters. However, this might be a different challenge with your undergrad grades.
 
If by MU you mean Midwestern, they require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. If by OSU you mean Ohio State, they also require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as does University of Florida. CSU states that those with a cumulative GPA <3.2 will undergo early academic review to determine if they will move forward or not. 2019's cycle for Iowas science GPA for non-residents was a 3.0, however, that changes every year, and it could be higher this year and years going forward based on the number of applicants received, so that's something to keep in mind.
As someone who can sympathize with having a low cumulative GPA, it was about applying smart. I had a relatively high science GPA but my low cumulative GPA and classes that I retook limited where I could apply. Based on your list, you've just learned that you don't meet the requirements for 3/9 that you were planning on applying to, 1 you could be screened out early of, and 1 you may just barely meet the minimum science GPA requirements. I'd recommend a few things-
1. You do research and compare your stats with schools requirements and see what your options are, previous stats, etc, narrow your list down from there. You take your chances and apply based on that list.
2. Take a gap year (which I don't think is a bad idea) and re-do the classes you did poorly in to boost your science GPA, which will raise your cumulative GPA, opening up more school options for you, and benefit you for schools that honor grade replacement. You can take additional science courses to prove your ability to handle the rigor and boost your last 45 at the same time. During this time, you can spend the year making your application as well rounded and as competitive as possible.
3. Try to pursue a masters. However, this might be a different challenge with your undergrad grades.

I'm currently retaking classes right now and doing very well! What do you think about the idea of moving to Colorado to pursue their animal science degree, it will get me SO much livestock experience which is what I'm looking for but lacking in FL. I thought about seeing how I do and either applying after that or getting the 1 year masters they have in animal anatomy.
 
I'm currently retaking classes right now and doing very well! What do you think about the idea of moving to Colorado to pursue their animal science degree, it will get me SO much livestock experience which is what I'm looking for but lacking in FL. I thought about seeing how I do and either applying after that or getting the 1 year masters they have in animal anatomy.
Hello! I just want to offer you a word of warning about moving to a different state to do a food animal veterinary incentive program. I moved to Georgia so that I could take part in the FAVIP program offered at UGA. I'm not sure if it has similar guidelines or requirements as the one at Colorado, but even though the animal science faculty I met with said I was able to apply, the program was only open to Georgia residents. Residency at UGA does not equal "I currently live here" but instead, "I've lived here for several years before school and did not move here just to attend college." I learned this the hard way, unfortunately. I was accepted into the FAVIP program after an interview with animal science faculty, admissions people, and professors at the UGA vet school, on the condition that I become a Georgia resident. I was absolutely thrilled to be given this guaranteed admission to vet school through this program. I bought a UGA vet sweatshirt, flew my mom down from Pennsylvania to take pictures of me in front of the vet school, etc. As I progressed through the year though, I started to look into what that "become a Georgia resident" condition of my acceptance meant. I emailed the head of the vet school, the head of admissions for the vet school, the head of the UGA FAVIP program and the UGA registrar's office. What I got after months of emails and phone calls was that since I was considered out of state before starting vet school as an undergrad, I could not, under any circumstances, be considered an in-state resident for vet school. They basically accepted me to this program with an impossible condition. I was super lucky to be accepted elsewhere this application cycle, but I would 100% look into the residency requirements at CSU so that you aren't accepted with an impossible condition to meet. Do your research, ask the people who lead the program, and get it IN WRITING what exactly you need to do in order to become a resident if you are accepted to the program. My acceptance letter simply said "this acceptance is contingent on dana_may_b becoming a Georgia resident," with no outline or list of things I needed to do in order to accomplish that, simply because it wasn't possible. This has certainly taught me a lesson about trusting things at face value and after all of the crap I've gone through with this program, I truly truly truly do not want you to ever have to go through what I went through. I could definitely be wrong about the program at CSU, but I'd rather have you be extra cautious than have your heart broken. Also, nothing against FAVIP at UGA, I have friends who have had amazing experiences through that program, I just learned the hard way that it was for residents only 😆 PM me if you need any more info!
 
Hello! I just want to offer you a word of warning about moving to a different state to do a food animal veterinary incentive program. I moved to Georgia so that I could take part in the FAVIP program offered at UGA. I'm not sure if it has similar guidelines or requirements as the one at Colorado, but even though the animal science faculty I met with said I was able to apply, the program was only open to Georgia residents. Residency at UGA does not equal "I currently live here" but instead, "I've lived here for several years before school and did not move here just to attend college." I learned this the hard way, unfortunately. I was accepted into the FAVIP program after an interview with animal science faculty, admissions people, and professors at the UGA vet school, on the condition that I become a Georgia resident. I was absolutely thrilled to be given this guaranteed admission to vet school through this program. I bought a UGA vet sweatshirt, flew my mom down from Pennsylvania to take pictures of me in front of the vet school, etc. As I progressed through the year though, I started to look into what that "become a Georgia resident" condition of my acceptance meant. I emailed the head of the vet school, the head of admissions for the vet school, the head of the UGA FAVIP program and the UGA registrar's office. What I got after months of emails and phone calls was that since I was considered out of state before starting vet school as an undergrad, I could not, under any circumstances, be considered an in-state resident for vet school. They basically accepted me to this program with an impossible condition. I was super lucky to be accepted elsewhere this application cycle, but I would 100% look into the residency requirements at CSU so that you aren't accepted with an impossible condition to meet. Do your research, ask the people who lead the program, and get it IN WRITING what exactly you need to do in order to become a resident if you are accepted to the program. My acceptance letter simply said "this acceptance is contingent on dana_may_b becoming a Georgia resident," with no outline or list of things I needed to do in order to accomplish that, simply because it wasn't possible. This has certainly taught me a lesson about trusting things at face value and after all of the crap I've gone through with this program, I truly truly truly do not want you to ever have to go through what I went through. I could definitely be wrong about the program at CSU, but I'd rather have you be extra cautious than have your heart broken. Also, nothing against FAVIP at UGA, I have friends who have had amazing experiences through that program, I just learned the hard way that it was for residents only 😆 PM me if you need any more info!
So this link says this: "Non-Colorado resident students enrolled at CSU as undergraduates in FAVCIP may be eligible to convert their domicile to Colorado prior to applying to the DVM Program. Applicants who are domiciled (not the same as residency) in Colorado for one year or more prior to the date of matriculation in the DVM Program are eligible to be included in Page 3 of 8 3 the Colorado pool, and if qualified, will have their obligation to pay a support fee funded by the State of Colorado. Questions concerning eligibility for Colorado domicile should be directed to the Colorado State University Office of Student Financial Services, 103 Administration Annex (970) 491-7515, https://financialaid.colostate.edu/doctorveterinary-medical-students/. Please specify that you are applying to the DVM program."

Of course I'd have a job there hopefully and an apartment for a year as well. I'd give up being IS to Florida which is fine!
I'm terrified about moving across the country for a degree but it seems great for me and my future which it seems like you understand!
 
So this link says this: "Non-Colorado resident students enrolled at CSU as undergraduates in FAVCIP may be eligible to convert their domicile to Colorado prior to applying to the DVM Program. Applicants who are domiciled (not the same as residency) in Colorado for one year or more prior to the date of matriculation in the DVM Program are eligible to be included in Page 3 of 8 3 the Colorado pool, and if qualified, will have their obligation to pay a support fee funded by the State of Colorado. Questions concerning eligibility for Colorado domicile should be directed to the Colorado State University Office of Student Financial Services, 103 Administration Annex (970) 491-7515, https://financialaid.colostate.edu/doctorveterinary-medical-students/. Please specify that you are applying to the DVM program."

Of course I'd have a job there hopefully and an apartment for a year as well. I'd give up being IS to Florida which is fine!
I'm terrified about moving across the country for a degree but it seems great for me and my future which it seems like you understand!
Trust me, I definitely understand the appeal of joining a program like that! But I would 100% email the office of student financial services to find out what exactly you need to do to establish colorado residency before giving up your florida residency. The key word in that paragraph is that the non-residents "MAY" be eligible to convert their domicile to Colorado. If you can get their exact requirements in writing and then make sure you'd be able to check off all those boxes, I definitely think it would be worth it to look into applying! Good luck!!!!
 
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