Recommendations for improving application c/o 2028

[ChildlessCatLady]

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I currently have a 3.6 GPA (I can get it to 3.7 this school year)

GRE: don’t plan on taking

Experience: ~250 hrs GP shadowing and doing tech type stuff

250 hrs at specialty center, similar responsibilities as GP, but in departments such as surgery, internal medicine and urgent care

~60 hrs animal care volunteer at animal sanctuary with exotics and farm animals

~ 200 hrs kennel attendant at dog rescue

In the year before I apply I plan on trying to boost my GPA. I also plan on continuing to work at the shelter, increasing hours there. What else should I do to be competitive? I’ve applied for internships at zoos/aquariums near me and either been rejected or ignored. Am I in a promising place for entering my third year of undergrad? Or am I a weak candidate?

I also have a strong resume of extracurriculars, non-animal employment, leadership, etc

If it helps, I plan on applying to Ross, tufts (in state), Long Island, Arizona , Illinois, and University of Florida

 

[honeypot999]

You need more experience hours, many of these hours wouldn't be consider veterinary experience as you weren't under a veterinary supervision. Alot of these hours would be considered animal experience. Even with a 3.7, I struggle to see that you truly understand the career. This shouldn't be taken as a negative determinent as you can improve these hours.

Secondly, if you're not taking the GRE cross Ross off your list because they still require the GRE. I think you could wait a year before applying to get more vet experience hours.

 

[moony22]

It may be helpful to get more diverse experience. I personally think it is quality over quantity. Try to get some LA hours, exotics, specialty vets, etc. I have over 3000 hours at a GP/emergency clinic but it is SA and exotics. I also have 300 hours with a LA/equine vet plus wildlife experience. I became interested in ophthalmology so I shadowed an ophthalmologist.

What I'm getting at is I don't think you need that many hours but do need experience that is more than just SA/GP. It allows them to see that you know the profession and what you are getting into. A lot of schools ask if you have a specific interest and for me, it is ophthalmology and exotic medicine. I know some schools favor applicants that do a public health internship or something along those lines. For example, I know a girl that got into Oregon with a 3.0 but they accepted her because of her PH experience.

I think your GPA is great so overall you just need to stand out from everyone else with your type of experience.

Maybe try SGU instead of Ross if you don't want to take the GRE.

If you have the money, try to apply for C/O 2028. I mean, you do have the GPA and say you have a good background outside of animals, which shows you are well-rounded. Just make sure you understand what you are getting into and can articulate that in essays.

There are always people that are told they will never get in or should wait to apply. But sometimes you have to do what you think is best and I know many people that it has paid off for them. Again, this is only if you have the finances to do so.

 

[ChildlessCatLady]

It may be helpful to get more diverse experience. I personally think it is quality over quantity. Try to get some LA hours, exotics, specialty vets, etc. I have over 3000 hours at a GP/emergency clinic but it is SA and exotics. I also have 300 hours with a LA/equine vet plus wildlife experience. I became interested in ophthalmology so I shadowed an ophthalmologist.

What I'm getting at is I don't think you need that many hours but do need experience that is more than just SA/GP. It allows them to see that you know the profession and what you are getting into. A lot of schools ask if you have a specific interest and for me, it is ophthalmology and exotic medicine. I know some schools favor applicants that do a public health internship or something along those lines. For example, I know a girl that got into Oregon with a 3.0 but they accepted her because of her PH experience.

I think your GPA is great so overall you just need to stand out from everyone else with your type of experience.

Maybe try SGU instead of Ross if you don't want to take the GRE.

If you have the money, try to apply for C/O 2028. I mean, you do have the GPA and say you have a good background outside of animals, which shows you are well-rounded. Just make sure you understand what you are getting into and can articulate that in essays.

There are always people that are told they will never get in or should wait to apply. But sometimes you have to do what you think is best and I know many people that it has paid off for them. Again, this is only if you have the finances to do so.

Thank you!!! This was really helpful