My long, checkered academic record...

[Mangojuice]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Ok...

I'm in my late forties, going back to complete the prerequisites for applying to vet school. I have an undergrad degree in English and some grad work in literature. When I was in college the first time at 18, my academic record was a crazy mix of 'A's and Incompletes, for the most part. I was living in a domestic violence household, and my brother dies somewhere in there as well. My academic record reflects all sorts of things, good and bad.

Fast forward to 13 years ago. I went back to school and got my undergrad degree. Did extremely well. Won all sorts of academic awards, got special permission to take grad courses in literature for credit, by invitation from the professor...

Went to grad school. Found myself in a domestic violence situation with the man I was living with. In the process of getting out of that, my grad school experience fell apart. Totally. I didn't even withdraw from my courses in time...

So, here I am, wanting to finally, finally do this thing right...and my overall grade point, from way back nearly 30 years ago to now is LOW. It does not even remotely reflect my abilities.

I am a licensed massage therapist by profession, for the past twenty years, in case that is relevant.

If I can manage straight A's in my prereqs and do everything else as right as I possibly can (contact hours, letters of recommendation, test scores, statement), do I even have a prayer? I really am saddened by how I look on paper and I fear that my past will follow me forever--even though I know how intelligent I am and believe I would make a wonderful veterinarian.

Please tell me what you think. Thanks. 😕

 

[Jess Monster]

Schools seem to be more lenient about old grades for non-traditional students. If you do really well in your pre-reqs now and meet all the other specific vet school requirements, it won't be impossible to get in.

It would be silly to judge a 40-something on circumstances and school performance from twenty years ago. You're probably a different person now and have different life goals. You do get to explain yourself in the personal statement and, of course, calling the schools you're interested in and asking for their policies on old grades will give you the best clue on how or if to mention those earlier college years.

 

[that redhead]

If I can manage straight A's in my prereqs and do everything else as right as I possibly can (contact hours, letters of recommendation, test scores, statement), do I even have a prayer? I really am saddened by how I look on paper and I fear that my past will follow me forever--even though I know how intelligent I am and believe I would make a wonderful veterinarian.

There are a few important points.

One - how low is low? You don't have to answer that on the forum, but if it's below a certain cut off (most are 2.5, some are 3.0) AFTER your pre-requisite courses, you won't be considered. If you're over the cut off and you rock your pre-reqs, it will be really helpful in getting adcoms to look past a low overall GPA.

In that same vein, do your research into what schools focus on last 45 (MN and KSU come to mind). Apply to schools that will look at the strengths in your application, not fault you for past mistakes.

If you can put together a really stellar application - and can explain yourself eloquently in your PS or explanation statement - I definitely think you have a shot.

 

[LetItSnow]

If I can manage straight A's in my prereqs and do everything else as right as I possibly can (contact hours, letters of recommendation, test scores, statement), do I even have a prayer?

For sure.

 

[ChittyBang]

Schools seem to be more lenient about old grades for non-traditional students. If you do really well in your pre-reqs now and meet all the other specific vet school requirements, it won't be impossible to get in.

It would be silly to judge a 40-something on circumstances and school performance from twenty years ago. You're probably a different person now and have different life goals. You do get to explain yourself in the personal statement and, of course, calling the schools you're interested in and asking for their policies on old grades will give you the best clue on how or if to mention those earlier college years.

Definitely 👍 I'm in my late 30's and was told, by adcoms, that my recent academic record holds much more weight. They recognize that I am no longer a nutty 18 y/o and that my GPA from 15+ years ago does not reflect who I am as a student now. I cannot, however, apply to every school I'd like to due to GPA requirements. Fortunately, the schools that I am most interested in do not have a minimum requirement.

Go girl! 😀

 

[Mangojuice]

HEY!

THANK YOU SO MUCH. 🙂🙂

All I can do is my absolute best.