Number of Bad Grades (to still have a chance)

[karlolliopo]

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deleted

 

[anesthtc]

It really depends on what classes they were, how long ago, and what the grades actually were. The more specifics you provide the more people can help. Getting like 3 D's in some humanities isn't going to be as bad as 2 F's in core science classes. Likewise a bad grade in an intro course can be ameliorated by a much better grade in a higher level course. Sometimes retaking the classes is a smart thing to do, but retaking isn't always the best option.

It really depends.

 

[karlolliopo]

Ok, so question is math considered in the science gpa and astronomy?

 

[anesthtc]

Math is. Probably not astronomy. There are multiple GPA calculations that schools use. The VMCAS app will calculate its own science GPA using their criteria (I don't know if astronomy goes into that) and then several of the schools will calculate their own pre-req GPAs (which won't include astronomy). In the end all of your classes will matter as part of your cumulative GPA, but pre-req classes will count extra because of the additional GPA calculations.

 

[karlolliopo]

Deleted

 

[Falina]

I would talk to a councilor or somebody at your college. Some schools will grant "academic renewals" and other things that can erase past semesters/grades. They are usually reserved for people who face severe hardships that affect their grades (death of a spouse, etc), but it can never hurt to ask and explore your options.

 

[that redhead]

If you search this forum for "successful applicant" threads, you can browse the stats of SDNers who have gotten in, where they got in, etc. You'll see that there are definitely people getting in with lower GPAs; I personally got in with a sub-3.0 cumulative GPA.

Some things to consider:
- You'll need at least a 2.5 cumulative (cGPA) to apply to most schools; some schools require at least a 3.0 cGPA.
- Pre-requisite courses typically require at least a C or better (some schools will accept a C-, others will not), so you will likely have to re-take any pre-reqs that you didn't get at least a C in.
- The better you do in your upper level science courses (such as biochemistry), the better it will look on your application. That being said, you need to be getting As in those courses, not just "better than a C". Schools want you to demonstrate your ability in these courses because vet school is just a bunch of upper level science courses, but much harder.
- Certain schools will put more emphasis on your last 45 credits; it may be worth looking more into them. Research the schools so you can maximize your chances and apply to schools that want what you have to offer.
- Make sure the rest of your application is as stellar as you can make it. GREs, experience hours, letters, personal statement should all be rock solid.

It's an uphill battle for you, but it is possible - I've done it and others have done it.

 

[T_Rose]

I had three "below C's" in required science classes during my 2nd/3rd year of undergrad. I retook those courses I didn't do so well in, and then I made sure my grades were good in my other sciences courses and last 45 credit hours. It took me two years of applying, but I received three acceptances last year. Some schools will take your last grade received in a course you repeated when calculating your science or pre-req GPA, so I applied to two of those schools (those were two of the schools where I was accepted). Repeat the required courses you didn't do so well in and make sure you do well in your upper level science courses.

 

[karlolliopo]

Thank you so mc for the feedback, it really helps!!

 

[Bernsters83]

Yup

 

[LyraGardenia]

TwistedRose, out of curiosity, which schools take the last grade received when calculating your GPAs? How did you find out which ones do?

 

[epivetlove]

TwistedRose, out of curiosity, which schools take the last grade received when calculating your GPAs? How did you find out which ones do?

Not directed to me, but I know a few schools. Ohio, Mississippi, and LSU. The schools' respective sites should list how they handle retakes.

 

[TheComfyCat]

Western also uses the most recent grade for repeated courses.

 

[StartingoverVet]

In answer to the title... how many bad grades can you have and still have a chance. ... the answer is 12. 🙂

 

[willbvet]

I got a D- (invert. zoology) that tanked my GPA. It is hard to bring it up once that happens, & it is awful. My heart completely goes out to you. 🙁

I also got some C's in genetics, O-chem & math. My final undergrad GPA was 3.1.

What I should have done is repeated the D-, that school had a repeat/delete option. Definitely look into that. If you can, do it, otherwise those grades will follow & haunt you in your quest to get into vet school. I was traumatized & didn't want to deal w/the teacher again, but I really wish I would have just retaken the class. It greatly complicated my route to vet school.

I recently went back for a MS degree, figured out how to I need to study and now have a 3.8 graduate GPA. My overall GPA is currently 3.3 (I thought it was like 3.5 ish till looking at my VMCAS corrected me-darn it!)
My overall science is 3.2 & my overall math is 2. something awful.

Some schools combine the math & science, but some don't. The VMCAS has them listed separately on the applications. I know OSU just looks at what VMCAS lists as "science" for the science GPA & WSU combines the VMCAS science w/math for what they consider the science GPA.

My GRE score for the math section really is horrible, in the 11%~(bleh!!!), my verbal is in the 88% & my writing score was in the 68%. So pretty much, my stats suck. I am by no means very competitive, compared to a lot of people.

I've hustled & gotten a lot & diverse animal/vet experience, great recommendations & I explained on my application why I got bad grades during my undergrad degree. Basically, when they look at applicants, they don't think," who will make a good vet" so much as they initially think " will this person make a good vet student; can they handle it?"

On my application, I have a clearly stated reason for the bad performance & how I figured out how to overcome it, so I seem like a better candidate than I do from just looking at my stats. I also now have semesters of good grades to back up what I'm saying.

I haven't gotten in anywhere yet. I applied at 4 schools, got an interview & just found out I'm on the alternate list for Midwestern (yay!!). Still pending for other schools & rejected by OSU (my science GPA was below their 3.5 cut off they have for this year). OSU did email me a reply that I was a "strong candidate w/diverse experience" & that I should reapply next year. I wasn't expecting to hear that, so it was most heartening & encouraging.

Anyway, for what it is worth, there is my experience. I don't expect I'll get in this year, my GRE score is so low & I'm not betting on being pulled off Midwestern's alternate list, although it could happen. I am retaking the GRE & will be studying like a crazy person. I also am continuing to diversify my experiences & increase my vet hours. I think next year, if I can get my GRE math score up, I have a really decent chance of getting in. My message is: if you want to work your tail off, be optimistic & do it, you can do it. It will take a lot of time & energy & won't be easy. You have to make up for your lower GPA w/ something else that makes you a better candidate. If you can fix at least the two lowest grades with something like repeat/delete, do it! I'm rooting for you!

 

[T_Rose]

TwistedRose, out of curiosity, which schools take the last grade received when calculating your GPAs? How did you find out which ones do?

Mississippi State and Michigan State were the two for me. There was a good thread here that listed these schools, and that's how I initially discovered which ones.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...-at-a-community-college.881545/#post-12000615

Not directed to me, but I know a few schools. Ohio, Mississippi, and LSU. The schools' respective sites should list how they handle retakes.

Are you sure Ohio does? I was under the impression that they didn't? I applied last year and had met with their admissions office. I don't remember them saying anything about that...I could be wrong.

 

[epivetlove]

Are you sure Ohio does? I was under the impression that they didn't? I applied last year and had met with their admissions office. I don't remember them saying anything about that...I could be wrong.

That's what admissions told me when I called at the beginning of the summer, since I had seen it mentioned on this site somewhere. The policy was implemented this year, so this is the first cycle to be affected.

 

[T_Rose]

The policy was implemented this year, so this is the first cycle to be affected.

That explains things. I probably would have had a much better chance there had this been the case last year. That's ok, though. OSU was not one of my top choices. 🙂

 

[LyraGardenia]

Thanks for the replies, epivetlove and TwistedRose!