DISCLAIMER: My stats/numbers are somewhat embarrassing. Despite this, I was accepted to vet school
so, perhaps others would benefit from seeing an atypical applicant. I feel Im more than just a number, Im a person with a story (and I am sometimes a bit verbose, so I apologize in advance for the novel).
First time applicant, 23 years old, female, Ohio resident.
Applied: Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, and Western
Rejected: Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri
Havent heard (but expecting rejections): Iowa and Western
Interview: Ohio
Accepted: Ohio!
Cum GPA @ time of application: 3.00 (@ time of graduation 3.15)
Last 30 credit hrs: 4.0
GRE: 1040; 4.0
Honors and Awards:
-Presidents List (4.0) twice
-Deans List (3.5-3.9) once
-English departmental award
Veterinary Experience:
- ~ 4,000 hrs at small animal practice
-150 hrs during at overnight emergency practice
-10 hrs mixed practice
-5 hrs at Wild Animal Park in San Diego
Animal Experience:
- 224 hrs at CARE (Baboon sanctuary in South Africa)
- 80 hrs at Makalali (Private Wildlife Reserve in South Africa)
- 40 hrs at farm open to public
-~ 35 total hours in horseback riding lessons
-~20 hrs wildlife raptor center
-pet sitter
Community Activities:
-cooking classes
-pre vet club
-promotional model for university
-womens music chorister
-volunteer for Meals on Wheels
-volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
-high school winter track
-middle/high school band: alto saxophone
-womens church group (multiple leadership positions over the years)
As far as my grades and gre scores
I know they are low in comparison. But, I feel I had valid reasons coupled with a massive improvement (which showed in my transcripts and then I explained when asked about it in my interview).
The quick version: My first few years in school, I struggled with my science pre-reqs. But
I also commuted ~10 hours a week, worked 10-25 hours while taking a full load of undergrad classes, and had to help take care of my younger siblings while dealing with difficult family circumstances. A couple years later, after I returned from volunteering in Africa, I became more motivated and appreciative for my education. I recognized my past errors and learned how to improve. I then obtained almost straight As in physics, microbiology, statistics, upper zoology classes, etc while still commuting, working, and helping to care for my younger siblings.
I was also told in my interview that my undergrad universitys GPA is worth .2-.4 points higher compared to other schools (therefore 3.0à ~3.2-3.4). My gre is just low
if I could do anything over, it would be to prepare for this test at least 1-2 months in advance.
My point is: a lower GPA is not an end all, be all situation. Don't let your past hold you back (because you cant change it), but you can learn from it and improve for the future. Please, do not be discouraged if your stats are below average, it does not mean that you are stupid or that you would not make a great vet. Just improve and keep on tryin'! It CAN be done! 🙂
You're right, it does look the majority of us who posted were accepted to OSU. I imagine that it's because they really wanted to get the majority of their decisions made as soon as possible.
