Have you applied to vet schools in past cycles? If so, did you have application reviews? This May give you a better understanding of where you stand this application cycle. I think you will have to really think about your options. If you don’t get accepted and have to wait another year, do you have a solid plan for that year of waiting. I am not in your shoes right now, but I can imagine how hard it is. I have quite a few friends in the Caribbean schools, and I know several who didn’t make it in their programs. I would never want to stray someone away. But, if you get the opportunity to go to a state school, really consider taking that opportunity. It would be next to impossible for me to even accept a spring start if offered at this time in my life. But, if I was offered and could do it, I would.