Potentially being a 6th time applicant...

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Julia243

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Hi everyone,

I had been waitlisted this previous cycle at LMU TN. My stats are as follows: 2.9ish science, 3.1 overall, 3.08 overall science, last 45 of 3.4, and masters degree 3.5. I have a bachelors in zoology and a masters in toxicology. In previous cycles, I have applied to CSU, LMU, VMCVM, Iowa, Oregon (before I was educated on competitiveness), Washington (same as Oregon), LIU (same as Oregon). While not all hope is lost yet for me to still get pulled off the waitlist for Tennessee, as we get closer to the end of May the odds do thin out significantly and I am not willing to wait till the last minute, AKA when their semester starts, for a rejection letter. I cannot apply to island schools due to their significant and additional costs. I was planning on applying to Rowan, Iowa, LMU-TN, CSU, UMES (assuming they get accredited in June) and VMCVM. I know those with a lower GPA should cast a wide net though and I am very open to any and all suggestions. I was planning on retaking biochemistry, genetics, and immunology, all courses I initially got C's in to show some upward movement. I'd love to take more classes, but unfortunately I work full time and can't accommodate much more. I have between 2-4k hours in emergency, general practice, and specialty combined. I have plenty of volunteer hours (working with elderly, teaching, etc) and regular animal experiences (wildlife rehab, working with raptors). I did a file review with LMU-TN who said that they typically admit people off the waitlist that are 3.3-3.4ish and that otherwise I was 'a very strong applicant'. I am waiting to do a file review with CSU and waiting for feedback from Iowa. VMCVM file review slots filled up within 5 min of posting! I am looking for any and all feedback possible to try and make this the last cycle. I am aware GPA's limit me. I am aware I should ideally be repeating more course work, but the time I have until applications are due in September plus working full time makes it difficult. I am likely going to hire a consultant who is a DVM to help give me suggestions for essays to bring out the best in me and rework them as needed. I would appreciate any constructive feedback as I am still waiting for feedback from other vet schools - it is the first year I've actually been able to get feedback. Thank you for your time!
 
The best advise i can give you here is to carefully research which vet schools have a more holistic approach to reviewing applicants. It sounds to me like the only thing really holding you back right now is GPA. Off the top of my head I would suggest looking into Mizzou and Ohio State because I know they both are trying to be more holistic.
(I helped screen OOS applicants to Mizzou last year and they are really trying to move away from basing everything on GPA. So I think if you have good experience, incredible personal statement and explanation statement, and glowing letters of rec, you stand a chance of getting an interview invite at Mizzou).