Last two prereqs for C/O 2014 application cycle

[crittergal]

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Inaugural posting from a longtime lurker 🙂

I have a question on timing for my last two prereqs. I will be applying this summer for the class of 2014. I'm going shot gun style, any school I meet the requirements for gets an app. College I was not pretty for a number of reasons, the details of which I will spare everyone. I returned to school for a try at college II in spring 2007 and have been in damage control mode ever since. I have my science GPA, depending on how the each school calculates it, between 3.6-3.75 and my last 45 hours at 3.85. Cumulative is ~2.5 (ugh). GRE 1100

My only two remaining prereqs are Biochem 1 & 2. Should I take them this summer or the fall/spring? Yes, I am aware my summer will be most unpleasant. I took both Gen Chem 1 & 2 in one summer- been there done that.

Which is better for my application: 1) have all the prereqs completed at time of submission and run the risk of taking a B (or gasp, even worse) in the classes and hurting both my last 45 and science GPAs or 2) submit an application without all my coursework completed, knowing some schools don't use fall/spring classes for GPA calculations?

I fear that because of young, dumb, and stupid college I, I'm a shaky applicant at best. My veterinary, animal and extracurricular experience are outstanding and incredibly diverse. I've got to keep up the grades to undo prior transcript damage.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Oh and secondly, how do I make a picture show up next to my name? I can't seem to find the magic button...

 

[david594]

Which is better for my application: 1) have all the prereqs completed at time of submission and run the risk of taking a B (or gasp, even worse) in the classes and hurting both my last 45 and science GPAs or 2) submit an application without all my coursework completed, knowing some schools don't use fall/spring classes for GPA calculations?

I fear that because of young, dumb, and stupid college I, I'm a shaky applicant at best. My veterinary, animal and extracurricular experience are outstanding and incredibly diverse. I've got to keep up the grades to undo prior transcript damage.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Oh and secondly, how do I make a picture show up next to my name? I can't seem to find the magic button...

Is your cumulative GPA really that low? How many credits did you take at school 1 and school 2?

If I were in your shoes, I would take both Biochems during the summer. Especially if you were going to take those individually during the fall and spring semesters. In your shoes I would say even thinking of taking a B shouldn't be an option. You need A's. To show that you can handle the work but to also help salvage your cumulative GPA.

Your cumulative GPA is really going to be an issue though because it falls below many schools minimum GPA requirement. Might sound like a cheap option but you really need to be taking as many credits as you can to help bump that up. So even if you hold off on biochem until the fall I would see what other options you have for the summer so you can take 8+ credits that you know you can get A's in.

 

[CatVet2Be]

Here's some good news: my stats sound very, very much like yours including the very low initial GPA and I still got accepted into vet school (Ohio). When I applied I still had 2 prereqs (Micro and Biochem) left and am just now finishing Biochem so I don't think it makes that big of a difference. I would take the classes you have left when you think you have the best chance of getting the best grade possible just in case you don't get in on your first round. That way you won't negatively affect the GPA you've worked so hard to fix.

As for schools I chose not just the ones whose prereqs I met but the ones who took in a large amount of OOS. Also there are some schools who are known for placing a heavier emphasis on GPA/GRE while there are a few others where you can apply for grade forgiveness if the classes were taken more than 6 years ago.

As for the icon I just recently figured it out, click on my account on the top left then click edit avatar under settings and options.

 

[crittergal]

david594- Yes, I know my cumulative GPA will be an issue, and is below the minimum for some schools. There are also quite a few schools who state that a 3.0 in prereqs also qualify one for application. Obviously, if I don't meet the application requirements, it is of no use to apply to that school.

Either way, whether it is a required course or just a science filler to boost my GPA, the summer will be packed with courses that I can make an A in. My stats certainly need it!

Catvet2Be- Thanks for the encouragement. I have analyzed ad nauseaum which schools take in the most OOS applicants, who puts more weight on student maturity, etc. I will reapply if I need to but I would prefer to get it done right the first time!

 

[Skillet9886]

I don't really think it matters if you take Biochem over the summer or during the fall, as far as your application is concerned. It sounds like you've done fairly well in science/prereqs, so I don't think this is a make or break situation. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably take it during the fall/spring just in case I couldn't pull off the A, especially while working on my application.

Either way, I think applying to every school you meet the prereqs for isn't necessarily the best idea. First and foremost, applications are expensive. You have to send your GRE scores and transcripts to each school, plus the VMCAS and supplemental fees. It really adds up quickly. I guess if money isn't an issue....but I don't know any pre-vet/vet students that aren't worried about money.

Anyway, since you're not applying for a few months, I would take that time to research the schools you're interested in. Start by eliminating schools whose requirements you don't meet, but I wouldn't make that the only consideration. Look at schools that have programs that align with your interests, and look at their statistics for admitting out of state students. I would also call the admissions offices to get more information on schools you're really interested in. Most of the admissions offices are very friendly and will be more than willing to talk to you.

Just my two cents.