How Can I Improve My Application (Low GPA)

[ellenprk11]

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Hi,

So I graduated from Penn State in 2019 w/ an overall GPA of 2.89. My last 45 is a bit higher standing at around 3.1 because my senior year semester GPAs were the highest throughout my college career. I don't know what my science GPA is. I recognize that my GPA is extremely low and is most likely the reason I will be rejected from vet schools.

GRE score: 314
Vet Related Experience: Dairy Internship ~2000 hours
Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern 160 hours
Shelter/Clinic Volunteer 90 hours
Vet Assistant at 24 hour Small/Large Animal Clinic (Current Job) ~2000 hours if I end up working for about a year
Dairy Research at Penn State

I feel a bit lost as to how to proceed. Since my GPA is the most glaring issue, I was caught between deciding whether to retake classes from PSU or to pursue a masters. I applied this cycle to see where I was lacking and apply for the file review some schools offer but I wanted to come on this forum and see what some of you guys think and what your guys' experiences have been.

Thanks!

 

[c0smopolitan]

I'd recommend trying to calculate your science GPA and let us know what you get, that can help us make recommendations.

 

[TabbyCat2]

I second what c0smopolitan says! Also, VMCAS calculates undergrad and post-Bacc GPA separately, so doing a masters won’t necessarily bring up your undergrad GPA... I’m pretty sure some schools look at this differently so definitely do your research on the schools you’re interested in before pursuing a masters to improve total GPA. With a GPA under 3.0, regardless of science GPA, I would recommend retaking the courses you did poorly in and try to 4.0 them, and then apply to schools that do total grade replacement/use a holistic approach.

 

[Hopefulishvet]

I second what c0smopolitan says! Also, VMCAS calculates undergrad and post-Bacc GPA separately, so doing a masters won’t necessarily bring up your undergrad GPA... I’m pretty sure some schools look at this differently so definitely do your research on the schools you’re interested in before pursuing a masters to improve total GPA. With a GPA under 3.0, regardless of science GPA, I would recommend retaking the courses you did poorly in and try to 4.0 them, and then apply to schools that do total grade replacement/use a holistic approach.

Do you know what schools still do total grade replacement? After removing GRE I can’t find much

 

[TabbyCat2]

Do you know what schools still do total grade replacement? After removing GRE I can’t find much

I know Michigan State does, just because that’s the school I’m attending so I’m very familiar with their application process and requirements. Other than that, I would recommend contacting schools individually, or reading up on their pre-reqs/grade requirements to see if you can find the info 😊😊 I know researching schools takes a while, but it’s definitely worth it!!! Also helps you know exactly what is required. I have a coworker who applied, got accepted, and then realized he had to turn down his offer due to 4 classes he was missing and didn’t know about. If he would have done his homework on the school, it could have been prevented!!

 

[deleted676737]

Do you know what schools still do total grade replacement? After removing GRE I can’t find much

"Hey Does Anyone Know Which Schools..." - A List of Lists

I keep seeing questions about which schools highly consider last 45 GPA, allow in-state residency after one year, do grade replacement etc...and I thought it might be useful to compile those things in one place. If you think of more lists that might be useful to add to this list, comment below...

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