Improving applications - I need advice!

[CanadianHope]

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I've raised this issue in the new FAQ section but I'd like to put it out there for some help from more of you. Here is my status - I'll be graduating with an undergrad science degree in the spring. My grades fluctuate - I have some poor marks on my record - but my school won't allow me to re-take credits that I've passed (even if the marks are poor). Here is my question - am I better to:
A. Take a couple of undergrad credits from another school (say, in the city where my family lives) over the summer? If they are upper level credits and the marks are good, would this impress admissions committees?
B. Expand my hands on experience, which to this point only involves working for a small animal vet clinic? I know, though, that the vets have given me terrific ELOR letters.
Thanks in advance for your advice!!

 

[168135]

I see that you're Canadian. What school are you applying too? The reason why I'm asking is because different schools have different requirements and a different way of looking at your application.

Take AVC for example:
- They only look at your pre-req averages
- I cannot replace a mark. I need to take an upper level course in order to replace a mark.
- Marks + GRE are the first thing they look at. If you make the cut, you get an interview. Then they look at your extracurriculars, experience, etc. You could have a million hours of diverse experience but if you're grades aren't good enough to make that first cut, they're not even going to look at that.

I've looked at some requirements for international schools. With some, you need to have at least a C in every pre-requisit. If you do poorer than a C, you must retake it. Taking upper level courses won't do you any good unless you've already made a C in your pre-reqs.

There are a LOT of differences among schools.

Does your school look only at your pre-req GPA, overall GPA and/or last 45 GPA? What is the school's policies on re-taking courses? What do they look at first when judging an applicant? Finding the answers to those questions should give you an idea of what you should do to improve your application.

Also... I'm a horrible chemistry student. When I took organic, I grasped nothing. In order to replace my organic I mark, I need to take organic II. I didn't feel prepared to take organic II, so I retook organic I, even though AVC will not look at it.

 

[that redhead]

I think that doing well in an upper level science course is never a bad thing in regards to admission to veterinary school. If you're sure that you can get an A (or even a B) in some of the courses you have to choose from, I'd say take that course/courses. I remember that my summer schedule was hectic but not to the point that I didn't have time to still work/gain experience. Depending on what class you take, you could still most likley squeeze in some hours, so long as it didn't result in a bad grade in the course. Both aspects of your application are important, but grades probably moreso (depending on what your GPA is).

 

[CanadianHope]

Thank you both. My Canadian choice is limited to Guelph and I know that they will not look at grades from semesters that are not full-time (2.5 credits), so my question is more for other options, like Scotland, Ireland or Australia. The schools in these countries are very vague about prerequistes so it's hard to know which courses they focus on specifically.

 

[bonaparte]

There are a LOT of differences among schools.

Does your school look only at your pre-req GPA, overall GPA and/or last 45 GPA? What is the school's policies on re-taking courses? What do they look at first when judging an applicant? Finding the answers to those questions should give you an idea of what you should do to improve your application.

I completely agree with this — I might even call the schools up myself and ask about what they recommend.

 

[mslala]

Hey Canadianhope!

I'm from Canada and was limited to Guelph too. I felt that I wasn't really qualified for anything really (not that great GPA, horrible MCATs, although I did manage to up my last semester GPA 10% higher than my previous one, but that's besides the point). Anyhow, I decided to look into international schools, mostly Australia and Caribbean schools (Melbourne, Ross, SGU...etc).

Anyhow I didn't think I'd have a shot in hell chance with vet school, but apparently Melbourne saw something in my application that attracted them. The day I was going to send out my Ross application, I got an acceptance letter from Melbourne.

All in all, I think when you apply for any international school that has vague guidelines, just make sure you emphasize your strong points (I wrote them why I was interested in vet school, sent them a brief resume of my experiences, got my prof to write a good LOR, even though none of this stuff was actually required) and hope for the best.

I believe a good way to improve your application is to not only have good vet experience, but also other stuff. Show that you can balance a life outside of vet school. I joined a club, played intramural sports, was a school ambassador and took various interest classes such as yoga, dance and so forth. I don't know if that helped, but I'm sure it can't hurt.

I'm sure as long as your passionate about your career choice, someone out there will give you that opportunity, don't give up on your dreams! If you want to chat more, you're definitely more than welcomed to PM me.

Good luck with your applications!

 

[CanadianHope]

Hey MSLALA - your stats, etc. sound exactly like mine! I've applied to Edinborough, Dublin and a few US schools (no hope there) and will apply to Guelph for fall 2011. Guelph is a real long shot for me though. I plan to apply to Australian schools after I finish my degree in the spring.
Applying to Caribbean schools will be the next step for me - likely next summer.
Thanks for all the advice! It's hard to keep my hopes up but I'm trying!
Good luck to you with your career!

 

[SocialStigma]

I'd say try to bump up your grades, maybe consider retaking the MCAT (unless you did amazing on it). Since Guelph only looks at marks and MCAT score when ranking the top 200 applicants for an interview, marks > experience (at least initially).

Give it a shot anyways, I'm applying this cycle (but I'm only in my 3rd year undergrad) and while my grades are good, my MCAT score and experience are below par..but you never know!

 

[CanadianHope]

Thanks Social Stigma - I am definitely trying to bump up my grades but this year is my last shot at that, as far as Guelph is concerned. I've thought about retaking the MCAT but I'm not stellar when it comes to standardized testing. Just an FYI, though. Guelph also looks at nonacademics when ranking the top 200, as far as I know. They weigh it 60/40 academic/non academic. Good luck with your application!