Hi all!
I ended up having to apply twice. The story is kind of long, but IF I had gotten in the first time, I would have had to defer anyway, so I was kind of glad for the second opportunity.
First time I applied to 7 schools. No interviews, no requests for secondary apps, nothing. Bummed out, but distracted from the personal stuff.
Second year, in hospital bed when VMCAS opens up. Tell family "no way, NOTHING CHANGED" (I had only gotten in 1 quarter of school that year). Hubby and Daddy brought me laptop, said "DO IT, NO EXCUSES" (they were really mean- I was on morphine, so very suggestible).
I filled out the forms (everything but the LOR's), and went back to school for summer. Did 2 sessions working at the UC Davis Veterinary Pathology lab as an intern. Killed lots of mice, did hundreds of necropsies. Then, with less than a week before the eLOR's were due, hit up the head Dr. to write me a letter. I had literally only seen him twice (once for the interview, once for employee lunch). Was THRILLED when he said he would do it.
Also went and re-took the GRE. BIG mistake. Did worse than the first time. If you are going to do that, take the d*mn class with an expert. I suck.
In any case, I applied to 10 schools and was "granted" 2 interviews: Davis and MSU. Traveled halfway across the country during finals to interview here. Had to explain myself (Why did you apply to so many schools? Don't ever answer "I was trying to increase my odds.") Anyhow, both interviews went great, but only was accepted here. That's ok, I wasn't really into Davis, anyway (but the financial difference is HUGE).
I mainly would suggest taking the "year" to get in more experience- even go outside your comfort zone... I am so way not into Lab Animal Med or Path, but I knew it would show me as adaptable to new situations, and give me some sx experience as a bonus (not to mention the letter- I really needed a better letter).
I also would suggest taking some more classes to raise up the GPA. This is easier for some than for others. I graduated with over 300 units in undergrad. One or two measly classes (even 5 unit ones) were not going to raise my GPA substantially, so I added a minor in something out of my comfort zone (well, not really, I have always been good in English classes). That looks good as well- again with the "rounding" thing. (I present to you the reason that I am overweight is that the Vet Schools wanted me to be round, so I complied😱)
Finally, the PS is personal, that's why its called that. I did "revamp" mine, but did not fully re-write it... and then I had every English student and tutor and mentor and person on the street read it and suggest changes. I got some really good suggestions, and the thing looked brand new- new eyes really can make the difference- even if the thing is "personal."
I am almost done rambling. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL OF THE PRE-REQ's covered for all the schools you apply to. It costs too much to take a shot in the dark through VMCAS. (don't ask me how I know). That can really help you narrow down the list- whatever you do, don't try to add in EVERY CLASS for EVERY SCHOOL in this one year- it sucks, and you probably won't get admitted to any of those schools, anyway (take it from me- I took 2 quarters worth of Economics to apply to Auburn and VA-MD... and was rejected as soon (maybe even before!) as the packet was sent).
I am pulling for you guys. It's what you want, and I am so happy for you to be so determined to get it! (Be prepared to hate me for encouraging you... I talk to my old mentor and ask him why he helped me... Vet School really does kind of suck- it's really hard, but you don't believe me, do you???)
Good luck.
J
