Successful Applicant Stats - Class of 2021

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Pretty surreal to even write a post like this!

22 year old female, New Hampshire resident, first time applicant

Applied:
U Penn, Tufts, Kansas State, Mizzou, Ohio State, Colorado and Iowa State
Interviewed: U Penn, Tufts, Kansas State, Mizzou (declined interview), Ohio State, and Iowa State
Rejected: Colorado
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: U Penn, Tufts, Kansas State, Ohio State, and Iowa State
Attending: Tufts!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.85
Science GPA: 3.81
Last 45 GPA: 3.94

Degree: BS Biology and Psychology minor (May 2017)

GRE (V/Q/W): 159 (82%), 159 (73%), 4.0

Veterinary Experience:
SA Animal Hospital- Technician- 560 hours (but continued full-time after submitting- 640 hours more)
NeAquarium Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Intern- 420 hours
SA/Avian/Exotic Clinic- Technician Assistant - 1612 hours
SA/exotic Rehabilitation Center- Technician- 30 hours

Animal Experience:
Live-in pet sitter (blind dog) - 25+ hours
Non-profit animal shelter - Volunteer- 39 hours
Pet owner (diabetic cat) - 106 hours
SA clinic- Shadow in HS- 20 hours
Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certification class - 3 hours

Research:
Field and lab technician studying White Nose Syndrome in little brown and big brown bats in the MA area - 729 hours (addit. second author on the SICB 16 published presentation)

Employment:

DRC Notetaker - 264 hours
Pure Barre ambassador - 52 hours
Hostess/Floor Manager/Waitress for restaurant - 760
Dunkin' Donuts crew member (HS job) - 1950 hours

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Sorority (President, VP, VP of Recruitment, Assistant) - 728
Pre-Vet Club (VP, Secretary, PR) - 243
Tri Beta Bio Honor Society (Historian, External communications) - 78
Listed various community service endeavors participated in while in sorority ~ 76

Awards:
Beta Beta Inductee
Order of Omega Inductee
Dean's List 2012-2016
CLT member (National sorority award)
(Listed other sorority awards achieved under description of it as part of extracurriculars)

AP Scholar 2012 (HS)
Rhode Island Scholar 2012 (HS)
Excellence in Christian Doctrine 2011 (HS)
Excellence in Poli Sci 2012 (HS)

eLORs:
SA/Avian Vet I worked with for 2 years
SA Vet/Clinicians Brief editor I worked with for 5 months
PI on research project
Psychology professor
Biologist from NeAq

Personal Statement:
My personal statement summarized about my paralyzing fear of birds, and how I accidentally accepted my first tech job at a practice whose patients were 75% avian species. My essay evolved to talk about how my whole journey in veterinary medicine has been overcoming challenges and fears of mine and how I aspire to continue to do that with my veterinary career.

Notes:
Seeing as I am a NH resident, I have absolutely NO in-state school or contract school! Which is why I applied to a lot of schools even though I was advised not to by previous applicants. I wanted to make sure I had options in case I didn't get into my top school (Tufts). I ended up declining my interview at Mizzou once I had received acceptance into K State (a school I loved) and could have saved some money not applying there. Do I regret applying to so many schools? No, but it is something to consider when applying for the next batch of applicants.

Hi other NH resident! Congrats! @PippyPony we got another one!

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25 yr old Female, Texas resident, first time applicant

Applied: TAMU
Interviewed/Accepted/Attending: Texas A&M University

(stats taken to TMDSAS calculations)
Overall GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.51
Last 45 GPA: 3.71

Degree: BS Animal Science, May 2013

GRE (Q/V/W): 153 / 165/ 4.0

Veterinary Experience
Vet Tech/Lead Vet Tech for spay/neuter clinic (2000hrs)
Veterinary Assistant - major equine referral hospital (900hrs at time of application)
Shadowing at equine clinic (10hrs - did this once in college)

Animal Experience
Little I competition - 25 hrs
PetSmart PetsHotel - 1200hrs
Pet Ownership - 100 hrs (obviously I've had more than that but that's all they'll count so it's pointless to try to add up how long I've owned pets)
Equitherapy facility volunteer - 350 hrs
Collegiate IHSA Equestrian Team - 480 hrs

Employment:
Zoology Lab Instructor - 3 semesters
Human Resources - Nov 2013 - Dec 2014
Cashier at a pizza place - June 2010 - August 2010


Non-Animal Volunteering
Habitat for Humanity - 20 hrs
Library Summer Reading Program - 36 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards
High School
Debate Team - 4 years
Softball Team - 600hrs
College
Dean's list - 6 semesters
President's list - 1 semester
Horseman's Association (club)
Photography hobby

LORs
DVM - Internal Medicine Specialist (equine clinic)
DVM - Small animal veterinarian (spay/neuter clinic)
DVM - Small animal veterinarian (spay/neuter clinic)

Personal Statement
I told a story from one of my favorite nights at work, and then talked about my long road to deciding to pursue veterinary medicine and some of the challenges I've faced (situations where I've demonstrated determination and dedication, skills I built while working in human resources). I mention being more mature and better able to assess my life goals than I was at my college orientation.

I did have to explain a D in organic chemistry on my supplemental application.

Looking at this how I've typed it out I think I forgot a lot, probably a lot of what I did in high school and some of what I did in college. I really had to wrack my brain to remember some of the things I participated in.
 
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Personal Statement:
My personal statement summarized about my paralyzing fear of birds, and how I accidentally accepted my first tech job at a practice whose patients were 75% avian species.

This made me laugh! I bet it made for a great essay. :) Congratulations on Tufts - I absolutely loved the school when I visited.
 
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28 yr old Female, Illinois resident, second time applicant

Applied: U of I, Minnesota, Colorado, Midwestern, St. George
Interviewed: U of I, Minnesota, Midwestern, St. George
Rejected: Colorado
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: Waiting on U of I, Minnesota, Midwestern, St. George
Attending: Probably Minnesota

Overall GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.56
Last 45 GPA: Not quite sure

Degree: BS Biology December 2015

GRE (Q/V/W): 155 / 150/ 5.5

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Assistant Volunteer at holistic small animal clinic (200hrs)
Veterinary Assistant/ Technician - holistic small animal clinic (900hrs)

Research:
Independent research on native butterfly/ host plant interactions in relation to chemical compounds found in host plants
Presented research on native floating plant growth in relation to chemical composure of water
Presented research on native butterfly survivability on different host plants
Research aid for several other professor-led projects

Animal Experience
Lived on an exotic animal reserve for ~5 years (probably 2000+ exotic animal experience)

Employment:
Zoology Lab Aid - 3 semesters
Student Services Aid- 3 semesters
Assistant Manager of retail art company- 5 years
Gift Shop Worker for local botanic garden- 4 years
Veterinary Technician- about 1 year

Non-Animal Volunteering

Student tutoring- 40 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards

Bird watching
Irish dancing
Scholarship for outstanding research in organismal biology
1st place winner of student-wide senior research presentation
2-time presenter at ASB research convention


LORs
DVM - Holistic small animal veterinarian
- Manager of animal reserve at which I lived/ volunteered for 5 years
- Professor, adviser
-Professor, research mentor


Personal Statement
I started out by stating that most of my life I wanted to have a career in art, and that I'm definitely not a traditional applicant, but having the experience of living on an animal reserve with tigers in my backyard sealed the deal for me. I spoke about always being interested in animals, nature, science, ecology, and conservation. I snuck in a few little stories about my time living with big cats, monkeys, exotic birds, and reptiles, and then I closed by discussing my future goals of working at a zoo or with conservation groups in hopes of protecting endangered species.

I may be forgetting some things, but this is the gist.
 
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25 yr old female, Texas resident, 3rd time applicant

1st and 2nd attempts:
Rejected w/o interview from Texas A&M

3rd attempt:

Applied: Texas A&M, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, LMU, Illinois, Mississippi State, Virginia-Maryland
Rejected: Oklahoma State, Illinois, Mississippi State, Virginia-Maryland
Interviewed: Kansas State, Texas A&M, LMU, Michigan State
Waitlisted: Kansas State
Pending: LMU
Accepted: Michigan State, Texas A&M
Attending: Texas A&M!!! :biglove:

Overall GPA:
3.36
Science GPA: 3.23
Last 45 (for A&M): 3.46; Last 18 (for Michigan): 3.80
These grades included my fall grades from my Masters and are according to TMDSAS calculations. My undergrad cum GPA was a 3.19 and both my science and Last 45 were a 2.99. My Masters helped and showed I could handle hard science classes.

Degree:
B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M (May 2014)
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M (Dec 2016)

GRE (Q/V/W)
1st attempt: 148/145/4.5
2nd attempt: 150/152/4.0
3rd attempt: 152/152/4.0

Veterinary Experience

Vet tech at small animal clinic (3700 hrs at time of app: current job)
Vet assistant on a trip to South Africa- exotics/big game, cattle, small animal (100 hrs)
Shadowed an equine veterinarian (100 hrs)
Shadowed a SA/ exotic veterinarian (200 hrs)
Vet assistant at a small animal clinic (500 hrs)

Animal Experience:

Kennel technician at a doggie daycare/boarding facility (2900 hrs)
Kennel technician at a doggie daycare/ boarding facility back home (150 hrs)
Feeding chickens for my old boss (20 hrs)
Feeding chickens for my new boss (10 hrs)
Pet ownership (100 hrs: A&M allows this)
Bottle feeding a baby calf at my old work (30 hrs)

Non-animal employment:
Secretary for window cleaning business (600 hrs)

Research:
Lead surgical assistant helping with open heart surgery on pigs (50 hrs)
Helped set traps and collect wildlife to monitor for diseases (5 hrs)

LORs:
SA vet at my current job (owner of the practice)
Other SA vet at my current job
Lead surgeon that I assisted during my research
My mentor and histology professor during grad school
Toxicology professor from grad school

Personal statement:

I wrote about my first surgery case I ever saw as a vet assistant and how I knew then that I truly wanted to be a vet and that I loved surgery. I went on to explain how I took on a full time job as a veterinary technician and that it made me grow a lot as a person. I learned to like interacting with clients (or people for that matter-major introvert here), and also how the vets taught me so much in regards to how hard this profession truly is. I then closed by stating my future goals of opening up my own practice in a rural area where they may not have the resources to good veterinary care.

Notes:
I want to first start off saying that this cycle, while very stressful, has been amazing. I am a bit of a nontraditional applicant that has a lower GPA so I am proof it can be done! I worked full time the last two years of undergrad and because of that my grades suffered. But I got my Masters and learned new study habits while still working 25-30 hours a week and did everything I can to improve my application. I am so ecstatic to be attending vet school in the fall!
 
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22 yr old female, Illinois Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied:
UIUC (illinois), MSU, RVC, Tufts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, UC Davis, Cornell, Oregon State, Ohio State, UPenn, Purdue, CSU (yes this is a lot of schools. I'm all over the place)
Interviewed: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, Penn, Purdue (Declined), MSU
Waitlisted: Cornell, Wisconsin (63rd)
Accepted: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, MSU
Rejected: UC Davis, Oregon, Ohio, UPenn, CSU
Attending: No clue. PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE READING THIS!!!! HELLPPPP SOS


Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.7
Last 45 credits: 3.73

Degree: University of Michigan - BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - High Honors

GRE (Q/V/W): 162 / 168 / 5.0

Veterinary Experience (150 hours)
Shadowing at a a local vet
Shadowing at the Shedd Aquarium

Animal Experience - a few thousand, i'm not sure
Wildlife Rehab - Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
Caregiving - Great Ape Trust/Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary
Caregiving - Center for Great Apes
Caregiving - Herpetological Resources and Management

Non-Animal Volunteering
Research/Thesis - Evolutionary Genetics Lab
Students for Sensible Drug Policy - President
Smile Bringer Singers (singing for retirement homes)

Employment
Tutoring - University of Michigan's Ross Academic Center
Docent -University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Inter-Cooperative Council - Vice President for Recruitment and Marketing
Internship - North American Students of Cooperation

Extracurriculars/Awards
High Honors Thesis
Hula Hooping


LORs
Small Animal Vet
Past Employer (Ross Academic Center)
Department Chair and Supervisor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UM

Personal Statement
My personal journey to Pre-vet from being Ecology focused my whole life and how that influences my perspective on veterinary medicine. To anyone who wasn't pre-vet their whole lives, there is hope for you!!!

Seriously y'all. If you have any advice - I am betweeen MSU, U of I (in state) and RVC. and maybe minnesota.
 
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Seriously y'all. If you have any advice - I am betweeen MSU, U of I (in state) and RVC. and maybe minnesota.


Illinois, no question. MSU, RVC, and UMN are much, much, much more expensive. It's not even close. You're talking about in-state tuition vs. some of the most (I believe UMN is the most) expensive OOS tuition.

Congrats on your acceptances!
 
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22 yr old female, Illinois Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied:
UIUC (illinois), MSU, RVC, Tufts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, UC Davis, Cornell, Oregon State, Ohio State, UPenn, Purdue, CSU (yes this is a lot of schools. I'm all over the place)
Interviewed: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, Penn, Purdue (Declined), MSU
Waitlisted: Cornell, Wisconsin (63rd)
Accepted: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, MSU
Rejected: UC Davis, Oregon, Ohio, UPenn, CSU
Attending: No clue. PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE READING THIS!!!! HELLPPPP SOS


Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.7
Last 45 credits: 3.73

Degree: University of Michigan - BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - High Honors

GRE (Q/V/W): 162 / 168 / 5.0

Veterinary Experience (150 hours)
Shadowing at a a local vet
Shadowing at the Shedd Aquarium

Animal Experience - a few thousand, i'm not sure
Wildlife Rehab - Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
Caregiving - Great Ape Trust/Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary
Caregiving - Center for Great Apes
Caregiving - Herpetological Resources and Management

Non-Animal Volunteering
Research/Thesis - Evolutionary Genetics Lab
Students for Sensible Drug Policy - President
Smile Bringer Singers (singing for retirement homes)

Employment
Tutoring - University of Michigan's Ross Academic Center
Docent -University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Inter-Cooperative Council - Vice President for Recruitment and Marketing
Internship - North American Students of Cooperation

Extracurriculars/Awards
High Honors Thesis
Hula Hooping


LORs
Small Animal Vet
Past Employer (Ross Academic Center)
Department Chair and Supervisor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UM

Personal Statement
My personal journey to Pre-vet from being Ecology focused my whole life and how that influences my perspective on veterinary medicine. To anyone who wasn't pre-vet their whole lives, there is hope for you!!!

Seriously y'all. If you have any advice - I am betweeen MSU, U of I (in state) and RVC. and maybe minnesota.

Congrats on getting in to so many amazing schools!! But my short piece of advice is go to your in-state Illinois, no question. Your wallet will thank you later. However if money is not the major concern, there are quite a few very active members on here from MSU, U of I, and Minnesota that I'm sure could help you with any questions or concerns you have. Good luck and congrats again!
 
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Illinois, no question. MSU, RVC, and UMN are much, much, much more expensive. It's not even close. You're talking about in-state tuition vs. some of the most (I believe UMN is the most) expensive OOS tuition.

Congrats on your acceptances!

Thank you so much!!!

That's a good point. I am going to see if I can swing in-state at MSU because I am sort of on the border of in-state and out of state.

(I have been living in Michigan during summers since 2013. I have stayed in michigan this year even though I graduated but I have still taken a few classes so I don't automatically qualify. But i have a sister in grand rapids and I plan on living in michigan for forever, I really love MI. I will see what I can do!!!)
 
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Congrats on getting in to so many amazing schools!! But my short piece of advice is go to your in-state Illinois, no question. Your wallet will thank you later. However if money is not the major concern, there are quite a few very active members on here from MSU, U of I, and Minnesota that I'm sure could help you with any questions or concerns you have. Good luck and congrats again!

Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated advice.

If anyone here from MSU has experience/knowledge about in-state tuition and how likely i might be to qualify, feel free to input!!!
 
Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated advice.

If anyone here from MSU has experience/knowledge about in-state tuition and how likely i might be to qualify, feel free to input!!!

I've heard it's very difficult to get IS tuition at MSU. However.. maybe they would be willing to let us trade?!
 
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22 yr old female, Illinois Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied:
UIUC (illinois), MSU, RVC, Tufts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, UC Davis, Cornell, Oregon State, Ohio State, UPenn, Purdue, CSU (yes this is a lot of schools. I'm all over the place)
Interviewed: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, Penn, Purdue (Declined), MSU
Waitlisted: Cornell, Wisconsin (63rd)
Accepted: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, MSU
Rejected: UC Davis, Oregon, Ohio, UPenn, CSU
Attending: No clue. PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE READING THIS!!!! HELLPPPP SOS


Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.7
Last 45 credits: 3.73

Degree: University of Michigan - BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - High Honors

GRE (Q/V/W): 162 / 168 / 5.0

Veterinary Experience (150 hours)
Shadowing at a a local vet
Shadowing at the Shedd Aquarium

Animal Experience - a few thousand, i'm not sure
Wildlife Rehab - Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
Caregiving - Great Ape Trust/Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary
Caregiving - Center for Great Apes
Caregiving - Herpetological Resources and Management

Non-Animal Volunteering
Research/Thesis - Evolutionary Genetics Lab
Students for Sensible Drug Policy - President
Smile Bringer Singers (singing for retirement homes)

Employment
Tutoring - University of Michigan's Ross Academic Center
Docent -University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Inter-Cooperative Council - Vice President for Recruitment and Marketing
Internship - North American Students of Cooperation

Extracurriculars/Awards
High Honors Thesis
Hula Hooping


LORs
Small Animal Vet
Past Employer (Ross Academic Center)
Department Chair and Supervisor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UM

Personal Statement
My personal journey to Pre-vet from being Ecology focused my whole life and how that influences my perspective on veterinary medicine. To anyone who wasn't pre-vet their whole lives, there is hope for you!!!

Seriously y'all. If you have any advice - I am betweeen MSU, U of I (in state) and RVC. and maybe minnesota.
Seriously, do your in-state. I'm pretty sure Minnesota and MSU are the two schools with the highest OOS tuition (or at least they are in the top 5). You got into your IS, there really is no reason to go OOS. You won't get a better education, it won't affect your career, yada yada.

If there are any of those "The tuition doesn't matter to me, it's my dream!" thoughts in your head, squash those buggers! I'm pretty sure MSU is approaching $60,000 a year now in OOS tuition alone. Illinois IS is less than half of that.

On top of it, just by looking at your experiences listed, you seem to have wildlife/zoo interests. Illinois is the obvious choice and it just happens to be your in state, which is very lucky. Not a lot of students can say their IS has such a strong zoo/wildlife program.
 
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Seriously, do your in-state. I'm pretty sure Minnesota and MSU are the two schools with the highest OOS tuition (or at least they are in the top 5). You got into your IS, there really is no reason to go OOS. You won't get a better education, it won't affect your career, yada yada.

If there are any of those "The tuition doesn't matter to me, it's my dream!" thoughts in your head, squash those buggers! I'm pretty sure MSU is approaching $60,000 a year now in OOS tuition alone. Illinois IS is less than half of that.

On top of it, just by looking at your experiences listed, you seem to have wildlife/zoo interests. Illinois is the obvious choice and it just happens to be your in state, which is very lucky. Not a lot of students can say their IS has such a strong zoo/wildlife program.

I really needed to hear this, thanks.

PS - I know it seems like I am interested in Zoo medicine, but it turns out I am actually interested in sustainable farming/poultry. Did a full 180 on y'all!!!

I've heard it's very difficult to get IS tuition at MSU. However.. maybe they would be willing to let us trade?!

OMG yes let's trade lol. That would be awesome. I love East Lansing.
 
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Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated advice.

If anyone here from MSU has experience/knowledge about in-state tuition and how likely i might be to qualify, feel free to input!!!
If either of your parents were ever in the military (can be currently retired), you will get IS tuition.
My father retired from the Army in 1999. We never lived in Michigan. I got in state tuition at MSU.
 
Accepted: Tufts, Illinois, RVC, Minnesota, MSU

Attending: No clue. PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE READING THIS!!!! HELLPPPP SOS

Wherever is cheapest. If you can swing Michigan, swing it. Otherwise, it's just for years back in Illinois and then you can move. I feel that. I would love to go back to Nebraska. Lol.
 
22 yr old female, California Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Colorado State, Kansas State, Ross, Tufts, UC Davis, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota, U Penn, Washington State
Rejected: Cornell, Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn, Washington State
Interviewed: Kansas State, Ross, Tufts, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota
Waitlisted: Kansas State
Accepted: Ross, Tufts, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota
Attending: lord knows; heeelppppp

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.33
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.02
Last 45 Undergrad GPA: 3.5ish
Fall 2017 Graduate GPA: 4.0 (only Ross, U of Illinois, and Tufts accepted this)

Degree: BS in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis - June 2016
MS in Conservation Medicine from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine - expected August 2017

GRE (Q/V/W):
1st attempt:
153 (60%) / 158 (70%) / 4.0 (59%)
2nd attempt: 155 (69%) / 154 (55%) / 4.0 (59%)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Intern - Aquarium of the Pacific (180 hrs)
Vet Tech Assistant (208 hrs)
Raptor Care Intern (380 hrs)
Foal Team Volunteer (40 hrs)
Client Services Intern - UC Davis SVM (40 hrs)

Animal Experience
Licensed Probationary Specialty Judge - The International Cat Association (240 hrs)
Interpretive Center Intern - Sacramento Zoo Interpretive Center (344 hrs)
Keeper Aide - Sacramento Zoo (112 hrs)
Exotic Animal Training Intern (112 hrs)
Songbird Rehab Intern (40 hrs)

Research
Wildlife Genetics Intern (590 hrs)

Non-Animal Volunteering

Local Soup Kitchen

Employment
Tour Guide at UC Davis SVM (66 hours)

Extracurriculars/Awards
Executive Director of student-run, non-profit conservation organization
Department Citation for Outstanding Performance
Principles of Community Award
Dean's Honors List x2
Valedictorian Honor (high school)
Jazz Choir (high school)
Competition Cheerleading (high school)

LORs
Small Animal Vet x2
Department Professor x2
Research PI
Zoo Supervisor

Personal Statement
Talked about my experience rehab-ing a Barn Owl, and then that led into talking about the experience that fostered my interest in vet med, then other experiences related to my interest.

Notes
I'm currently doing my master's at Tuft's vet school, so I am already super familiar with the schools and have made a lot of connections. Therefore, I'm really having a hard time determining if it's worth it to leave Tufts for another school. helppp.
 
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So excited to finally post here!
22 year old female, Pennsylvania resident, first time applicant.

Applied: UPenn (IS), The Ohio State, VMRCVM, Iowa State, University of Illinois, LMU, St. George's, Midwestern, Kansas, Tennessee.
Interviews: Iowa State, University of Illinois, LMU, St. George's, Midwestern (Declined).
Rejected: UPenn, Ohio, VMRCVM, Tennessee, Kansas? (I got an email saying they may still send more interview invitations in April, but no official rejection yet).
Waitlisted: Iowa State (pulled off on April 5th)

Accepted: University of Illinois, St. George's, Iowa State (off waitlist), LMU (off waitlist)
Attending: University of Illinois!! :love:

Degree: BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor - April 2017

Overall GPA: 3.56 (3.63 with a grade replaced)
Science GPA: 3.40
Last 45 Credit GPA: 3.75

GRE: 152Q, 147V, 4.5W

Veterinary Experience:
4300+ hours - working as a veterinary assistant SA, VERY hands on - venipuncture, taking radiographs, assisting in surgery and euthanasias, etc.
1300+ hours - working as a veterinary assistant LA/Equine, VERY hands on - venipuncture, injections, etc.
330 hours - volunteer at Equine only hospital/surgery Facility, also VERY hands on - helped with lameness exams, placing catheters, venipuncture, assisted in colic surgeries.
80+ hours - veterinary assistant with Equine Acupunture
8+ hours - riding along with dairy vet, pregnancy checks, dehorning, etc.

Animal Hours:
6500 hours - 4-H showing/ riding horses at various saddle clubs, etc.
7000 hours - 4-H and FFA raising and showing livestock (goats, swine, some lambs)
350+ hours - dog/cat boarding facility (My parents own the kennel)
800 hours - barrel racing and pole bending (Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association)
30 hours - Supreme Showmanship competition, showed seven different species of animals (dairy goats, dairy cows, swine, steers, horses, meat goats, lambs)

Research:
180+ hours - undergraduate research in the biology department at my university. I was the lead on my project, studying the gene abnormalities and morphology in certain aquatic organisms after exposure to chronic drug contamination in the water.

Non-Animal Employment:
Sang Professional Theatre (came up in my interview!)
Genetics TA

Extracurriculars:
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society
President of Pre-Veterinary Society on Campus
Secretary and President of 4-H club
Secretary and President of FFA Chapter
Supreme Showmanship Judge (Horses and Swine Only)
County Fair Queen

Awards:
Dean's List multiple semesters
President's List one semester
Various 4-H and FFA Leadership awards
Who's Who among outstanding high school students
Various Public Speaking awards through 4-H and FFA
Multiple Scholarships

Personal Statement:
In my personal statement, I basically just went through my life up until this point and talked about my experiences and what I learned from them and why those experiences have molded me into an exceptional candidate for veterinary school.

Letters of Recommendation:
VMD - owner of small animal hospital that I worked at through high school and college
VMD - associate doctor at the small animal hospital I worked at through high school and college and doctor I assisted with equine acupuncture
Advisor/ Professor - this was a committee letter composed of 5-6 different professors and my academic and research advisors

Overall, I was very worried about my GRE scores and I think they were a big part of my rejections, but DO NOT GIVE UP!! Congratulations to the class of 2021!!!!!:soexcited:
 
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Finally decided to stop lurking and make an account! You all have been unbelievably helpful during the application process :biglove: Hopefully this is encouraging to people with lower GPAs!

23 year old female, NJ resident, first time applicant

Applied: Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn, Tufts, UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State, Wash State, Wisconsin, Cornell
Interviewed: Tufts, UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State, Wash State
Rejected: Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn
Waitlisted: Tufts, Wisconsin, Wash State, Cornell
Accepted: UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State
Attending: most likely UTK!

Overall GPA: 3.26
Science GPA: 3.23
Last 45 GPA: 3.43

Degree: BE Engineering 2016

GRE (V/Q/W): 161 (87%), 168 (95%), 4.0

Veterinary Experience:
SA clinic- 150 hours

Animal Experience:
Wildlife rehab clinic- 180 hours
Animal shelter volunteer- 100 hours

Research:
Undergrad assistant (anion selectivity of pyrrole compounds)- 30 hours
Undergrad assistant (microfluidic device design)- 60 hours
Postbac assistant (cancer metabolism and imaging research)- 280 hours at time of application

Employment:

Summer swim coach- 480 hours
Lifeguard- 160 hours

Extracurricular/Community Service:
D1 athlete - 4000 hours
Student Athlete Advisory Committee- 50 hours

Awards:
Couple Dean's Lists & athletic awards
National Merit Scholarship
AP Scholar

eLORs:
SA veterinarian
Undergrad advisor
Professor/PI

Personal Statement:
Talked about unique engineering background and how it could complement vet med. Described personal characteristics gained/lessons learned from my main experiences. Ended with why I'm drawn to a career in veterinary research where I can help animals and humans.
 
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22 year old female, Pennsylvania resident, first time applicant

Applied:
UPenn (IS), The Ohio State University, University of Illinois, Kansas State, University of Minnesota, University College Dublin.
Interviews: University of Illinois, University College Dublin
Rejected: UPenn, Ohio State, Minnesota, Kansas? (no official rejection).
Waitlisted:
Accepted:
University of Illinois, University College Dublin
Attending: Unsure

Degree: BS in Animal Science
Overall GPA: 3.26
Science GPA: 3.10
Last 45 Credit GPA: 3.28

GRE: 158Q (70%), 158V (80%) , 5.0W (93%)

Veterinary Experience:
2000+ hours - working as a SA veterinary assistant
200+ hours - working as an equine veterinary assistant
<50 - working with swine veterinarian
50+ - University Veterinary Hospital Oncology Volunteer
200+ - observational student at a small animal hospital in high school

Animal Hours:
600+ - kennel staff and assistant groomer
800+ - zoo docent in the education department; animal husbandry, outreach, and education
8000+ - raising service dogs in-training

Research:
50+ hours - research assistant for a dairy cattle nutrition project

Extracurriculars:
Program Coordinator for Pre-Veterinary Medical Association
Co-Founder and President of Service Dog In-training Organization
Pre-Medical Sorority

Awards:
Dean's List - 2x
Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship

Personal Statement:
I discussed the relationship between animals and humans and why I feel so drawn to that bond and the various aspects of it. I am interested in veterinary public health and small animal medicine. Additionally, I focused on my range of experience in the field and my in-depth understanding of all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Letters of Recommendation:
DVM - doctor at small animal practice I worked at throughout college
Advisor/ Professor - my personal academic advisor who I also had two classes with throughout undergrad
DVM - additional doctor at small animal practice

I think if I was able to get an interview, the interview really helped me! I think my interview went smoothly and felt very confident in my answers (I love public speaking). I discussed the difference between failing an exam or getting a C in a class, and true personal, life failure and how failure in combination with learning from mistakes and moving forward has prepared me to enter a tumultuous, exciting, heart-wrenching field. I honestly enjoyed the interviews and felt like I was able to showcase myself in the best light!

Hopefully this gives hope to some people with low GPA's. To clarify, I had a C/C+ in Chem 2, Ochem 1, MicroBio, and Physics 1. I mean seriously... that's a lot of C's. BUT IT'S TOTALLY DOABLE, even your first time applying! Congrats everyone who has been accepted for Class of 2021!
 
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I've been dreaming of posting on this thread for years. Alas. :bow:

23 year old female, Illinois resident, first time applicant

Applied:
UIUC, UCDavis, UPenn, Cornell, Ohio State, Auburn, and Mizzou
Interviewed: Illinois, UPenn, Mizzou, Ohio State (declined), Auburn (declined)
Rejected: UCDavis
Waitlisted: None
Accepted: Cornell, UPenn, Mizzou, UIUC
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: 3.54 (top 20 university + community college combo)
Science GPA: 3.46
Last 45 GPA: no clue
Majored in Science Preprofessional Studies, Philosophy minor

GRE (V/Q/W): 157 (idk%), 153 GAH (idk%), 4.5 (80%)

Veterinary Experience: 1000+ hours
Shadowing veterinarians at a big zoo: 35
Shadowing veterinarian at SA hospital: 230
Veterinary technician at a rescue: 30 hrs/ wk

Animal Experience: 1,639
Zookeeper Intern (2 diff. zoos): 750
Seasonal Zookeeper: 590
Misc. (animal shelters, laboratories, hobby farms): 299

Extracurricular/Community Service:
VP Pre-Vet Club
Literacy Tutor
Beginner’s Blues Instructor, Competed in Blues Dancing (Scramble Light Blues, BluesSHOUT)
Urban Latin Dance
Women’s Liturgical Choir
Chamber Choir: Soprano I/II
Student Ambassador
Phi Theta Kappa
Zoo's Youth Scholar's Program
Substitute Secretary
Free-lance Face Painting

Research: 117
Laboratory Technician Assistant: 18
Independent Undergraduate Research Project: 75
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: 24

Awards:
CC Student Spotlight
CC Student Spotlight (alumni)
COS-JAM participant
Scramble Light Blues: Strictly Blues, 4th place
Women’s Board of the CZS Scholarship Recipient
Honors Program
Phi Theta Kappa
Student Commencement Speaker
National Merit Scholar

eLORs:
My god-sent advisor <3
SA vet I shadowed
Mentor from a zookeeping internship

Personal Statement:
This was hard because I've worked/ shadowed in a bajillion different places in a million different states, hahaha. I started my essays a million different ways before going with an ethical dilemma I faced when I was young; why a career that "benefits animals over humans". I talked about my honest grappling with justifying my interest in veterinary medicine. Then I was able to talk about how exploring veterinary medicine through so many different lenses actually showed me the strong correlation between animal caretaking and other aspects of society. Public health, food safety, education, research, public safety/ security, emotional health, and more. I also love philosophy (particularly ethics and morality) and I managed to incorporate my interest in ethics with my fascination of the science. What's nice about having a lot of different experiences working with animals is that I felt totally confident offering a perspective on what it's like working in the animal caretaking community. And I had no shortage of points and perspectives to offer. What was hard was stream lining everything to pick my most potent lessons about the profession.

Notes:

My biggest piece of advice: don't trust anyone who says your essay is $h1t. I had wayyyy too many people reading my essays and giving me opinions on this because I was so incredibly nervous and afraid going into this application cycle. If someone tells you that all the hardwork and soul you put into an essay is horrible, and gives you a very rough and mean review of your essay, then don't trust them. Anyone who truly knows you and knows what you're made of will not crap on one of the most important essays you'll ever write. I had someone (from SDN) read my essay and tell me that it was "tacky" and that they "honestly couldn't" picture seeing me attending any university with the essay I wrote. Someone else I knew in person read it and said the same thing. They both edited it and removed every bit of myself from it. I was devastated and thought they knew everything because they were both grad students that were accepted. Then I remembered something great...

I *KNOW* my writing is my strongest point. I'm an immensely passionate person in every aspect of my being. I could not write this essay without painting the most honest portrait of myself. So I ignored their advice. I took a gamble on my writing and it worked. Every word I wrote was true. And every word I wrote was instrumental in getting me into graduate school. In every interview I attended and with every person that I spoke to in admissions, I was always asked to reference a point in my writing.

To any other 1st gen college students reading this in the future/ to anyone who had it rough in undergrad (even a little rough). You will have an opportunity to explain any off semesters on your application. I did and I mentioned it only in that tiny part. My main essay mentioned NOTHING of my 1st gen status/ rough semester. And I personally preferred to keep it that way.

FINALLY. To anyone out there who is struggling to push forward, who works hard, and who feels alone in college. To anyone who feels like they're slipping and uselessly fighting against obstacles and tsunamis of work. To anyone who has no support and no one to push them forward. I'm so incredibly proud of you, YES YOU. I love you, random stranger reading this. And I believe in you. With each day that passes, you're one step closer to reaching your goals. I'm rooting for you.
 
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I've been dreaming of posting on this thread for years. Alas. :bow:

23 year old female, Illinois resident, first time applicant

Applied:
UIUC, UCDavis, UPenn, Cornell, Ohio State, Auburn, and Mizzou
Interviewed: Illinois, UPenn, Mizzou, Ohio State (declined), Auburn (declined)
Rejected: UCDavis
Waitlisted: None
Accepted: Cornell, UPenn, Mizzou, UIUC
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: 3.54 (top 20 university + community college combo)
Science GPA: 3.46
Last 45 GPA: no clue
Majored in Science Preprofessional Studies, Philosophy minor

GRE (V/Q/W): 157 (idk%), 153 GAH (idk%), 4.5 (80%)

Veterinary Experience: 1000+ hours
Shadowing veterinarians at a big zoo: 35
Shadowing veterinarian at SA hospital: 230
Veterinary technician at a rescue: 30 hrs/ wk

Animal Experience: 1,639
Zookeeper Intern (2 diff. zoos): 750
Seasonal Zookeeper: 590
Misc. (animal shelters, laboratories, hobby farms): 299

Extracurricular/Community Service:
VP Pre-Vet Club
Literacy Tutor
Beginner’s Blues Instructor, Competed in Blues Dancing (Scramble Light Blues, BluesSHOUT)
Urban Latin Dance
Women’s Liturgical Choir
Chamber Choir: Soprano I/II
Student Ambassador
Phi Theta Kappa
Zoo's Youth Scholar's Program
Substitute Secretary
Free-lance Face Painting

Research: 117
Laboratory Technician Assistant: 18
Independent Undergraduate Research Project: 75
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: 24

Awards:
CC Student Spotlight
CC Student Spotlight (alumni)
COS-JAM participant
Scramble Light Blues: Strictly Blues, 4th place
Women’s Board of the CZS Scholarship Recipient
Honors Program
Phi Theta Kappa
Student Commencement Speaker
National Merit Scholar

eLORs:
My god-sent advisor <3
SA vet I shadowed
Mentor from a zookeeping internship

Personal Statement:
This was hard because I've worked/ shadowed in a bajillion different places in a million different states, hahaha. I started my essays a million different ways before going with an ethical dilemma I faced when I was young; why a career that "benefits animals over humans". I talked about my honest grappling with justifying my interest in veterinary medicine. Then I was able to talk about how exploring veterinary medicine through so many different lenses actually showed me the strong correlation between animal caretaking and other aspects of society. Public health, food safety, education, research, public safety/ security, emotional health, and more. I also love philosophy (particularly ethics and morality) and I managed to incorporate my interest in ethics with my fascination of the science. What's nice about having a lot of different experiences working with animals is that I felt totally confident offering a perspective on what it's like working in the animal caretaking community. And I had no shortage of points and perspectives to offer. What was hard was stream lining everything to pick my most potent lessons about the profession.

Notes:

My biggest piece of advice: don't trust anyone who says your essay is $h1t. I had wayyyy too many people reading my essays and giving me opinions on this because I was so incredibly nervous and afraid going into this application cycle. If someone tells you that all the hardwork and soul you put into an essay is horrible, and gives you a very rough and mean review of your essay, then don't trust them. Anyone who truly knows you and knows what you're made of will not crap on one of the most important essays you'll ever write. I had someone (from SDN) read my essay and tell me that it was "tacky" and that they "honestly couldn't" picture seeing me attending any university with the essay I wrote. Someone else I knew in person read it and said the same thing. They both edited it and removed every bit of myself from it. I was devastated and thought they knew everything because they were both grad students that were accepted. Then I remembered something great...

I *KNOW* my writing is my strongest point. I'm an immensely passionate person in every aspect of my being. I could not write this essay without painting the most honest portrait of myself. So I ignored their advice. I took a gamble on my writing and it worked. Every word I wrote was true. And every word I wrote was instrumental in getting me into graduate school. In every interview I attended and with every person that I spoke to in admissions, I was always asked to reference a point in my writing.

To any other 1st gen college students reading this in the future/ to anyone who had it rough in undergrad (even a little rough). You will have an opportunity to explain any off semesters on your application. I did and I mentioned it only in that tiny part. My main essay mentioned NOTHING of my 1st gen status/ rough semester. And I personally preferred to keep it that way.

FINALLY. To anyone out there who is struggling to push forward, who works hard, and who feels alone in college. To anyone who feels like they're slipping and uselessly fighting against obstacles and tsunamis of work. To anyone who has no support and no one to push them forward. I'm so incredibly proud of you, YES YOU. I love you, random stranger reading this. And I believe in you. With each day that passes, you're one step closer to reaching your goals. I'm rooting for you.

I think we can all agree your writing is fantastic, just from this brief example. Wow, the feels!
 
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yay @Chimikins!! So proud of you - excited that we can finally say we're officially classmates!
 
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23 year old female, Illinois resident, first time applicant
First time poster! SDN was so so helpful for all my interviews, I can't believe I'm finally posting here! :cat:

Applied: Illinois, Western, Midwestern, St. Georges, Mississippi State, Virginia-Maryland
Interviewed: Illinois, Western, Midwestern, St. Georges, Mississippi State
Rejected: Virginia-Maryland
Waitlisted: Mississippi State
Accepted: Illinois, Western, Midwestern, St. Georges
Attending: Edit: Illinois!!

Overall GPA: 3.52
Science GPA: 3.36
Last 45 GPA: Around 3.6

Degree: BS June 2016, Biological Sciences (Pre-Med Concentration), Minor in Environmental Studies

GRE (V/Q/W): 161 (88%), 155 (59%), 4.0 (59%)

Veterinary Experience:
76 hours- CELA Belize Large animal study abroad
200 hours- Wildlife rehab center
1200 hours- SA Clinic Assistant-turned-technician
50 hours- Exotic Clinic Shadow

Animal Experience:
132 hours- Lab Animal Caretaker- I have a lot more hours now
70 hours- Zoo Guest Volunteer (hands-on with goats and cows)
50 hours- TA for field research course working with SC DNR and wildlife
720 hours- Kennel attendant at canine rescue
145 hours- Dog shelter volunteer

Employment:
500 hours- Cashier/Server at a diner in my hometown near Syracuse, NY

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Pre-Vet Club, President senior year, VP junior year
Colleges Against Cancer- Helped plan Relay for Life at my school and planned pre-Relay dinner for cancer survivors

Research:
300 hours- Studied ion regulators in trout gill epithelia for part of a larger project, last author on publication
Presented at several poster symposiums
Project in Orgo III lab, our whole class were listed as authors in a publication (pretty lucky!)

Awards:
Senior Appreciation Award
Scholar's Award Scholarship
Dean's List
NHS Member in HS

eLORs:
Two vets from SA clinic above (one had left to work for the CDC)
Professor I did research for
Professor I TA'd for

Personal Statement:
Talked about my golden's progressive retinal atrophy and how that got me interested in veterinary medicine. Went on to talk about my passion for the environment and hopes for incorporating this into my interest in One Health. Connected my experiences to traits I believe are important in veterinary medicine like teamwork, communication, and learning as much as you can from everyone you can. I went through about completely 3 drafts before I was finally happy with it!

Notes:
I had a few interviewers get really excited that I was interested in research and One Health! I loved my undergrad project and was able to connect with the interviewers at a few schools about it, I think it helped me stand out.
I got C's in gen. chem, orgo and physics, so I tried to make sure I had lots of varied experiences to make up for it. Don't give up hope if you don't ace all your science classes!

Congrats to everyone and good luck to future applicants! :bow:
 
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22 yr old female, California Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Colorado State, Kansas State, Ross, Tufts, UC Davis, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota, U Penn, Washington State
Rejected: Cornell, Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn, Washington State
Interviewed: Kansas State, Ross, Tufts, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota
Waitlisted: Kansas State
Accepted: Ross, Tufts, U of Illinois, U of Minnesota
Attending: lord knows; heeelppppp

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.33
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.02
Last 45 Undergrad GPA: 3.5ish
Fall 2017 Graduate GPA: 4.0 (only Ross, U of Illinois, and Tufts accepted this)

Degree: BS in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis - June 2016
MS in Conservation Medicine from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine - expected August 2017

GRE (Q/V/W):
1st attempt:
153 (60%) / 158 (70%) / 4.0 (59%)
2nd attempt: 155 (69%) / 154 (55%) / 4.0 (59%)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Intern - Aquarium of the Pacific (180 hrs)
Vet Tech Assistant (208 hrs)
Raptor Care Intern (380 hrs)
Foal Team Volunteer (40 hrs)
Client Services Intern - UC Davis SVM (40 hrs)

Animal Experience
Licensed Probationary Specialty Judge - The International Cat Association (240 hrs)
Interpretive Center Intern - Sacramento Zoo Interpretive Center (344 hrs)
Keeper Aide - Sacramento Zoo (112 hrs)
Exotic Animal Training Intern (112 hrs)
Songbird Rehab Intern (40 hrs)

Research
Wildlife Genetics Intern (590 hrs)

Non-Animal Volunteering

Local Soup Kitchen

Employment
Tour Guide at UC Davis SVM (66 hours)

Extracurriculars/Awards
Executive Director of student-run, non-profit conservation organization
Department Citation for Outstanding Performance
Principles of Community Award
Dean's Honors List x2
Valedictorian Honor (high school)
Jazz Choir (high school)
Competition Cheerleading (high school)

LORs
Small Animal Vet x2
Department Professor x2
Research PI
Zoo Supervisor

Personal Statement
Talked about my experience rehab-ing a Barn Owl, and then that led into talking about the experience that fostered my interest in vet med, then other experiences related to my interest.

Notes
I'm currently doing my master's at Tuft's vet school, so I am already super familiar with the schools and have made a lot of connections. Therefore, I'm really having a hard time determining if it's worth it to leave Tufts for another school. helppp.

You are actually me we are the same person and this is weird
 
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22 yr old female, Illinois Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Lincoln Memorial University, University of Minnesota, Purdue University, & University of Wisconsin
Interviewed: University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Lincoln Memorial University, & Purdue University; Declined University of Minnesota’s offer
Waitlisted: Purdue University, University of Wisconsin (#71), & University of Illinois :nailbiting:
Accepted: University of Missouri & Lincoln Memorial University
Attending: Most likely University of Missouri :joyful:, but I am holding out for a while to see if I get pulled off of the Illinois waitlist

Overall GPA: 4.0
Science GPA: 4.0
Last 36 GPA: 4.0

Degree: BS Biology with a concentration in zoology, Pre-vet program, & Chemistry minor– May 2017

GRE (Q/V/W): 155 (60%) / 155 (67%) / 4.5 (80%)

Veterinary Experience/Employment

-Kennel Worker/Vet Assistant (1680 hrs) + shadowing/volunteering at same clinic (224 hrs)
-Kennel Assistant at another S.A. clinic (190 hrs, much more since application) + Small Animal Shadowing/Practice Tech Work at same clinic (18 hrs)
-Small Animal Shadowing at another clinic (20 hrs)
-Large Animal Veterinarian Shadowing (12 hrs)

Non-Animal Employment
Student Secretary (20 hrs at the time of application, but much more now)
Biology & Chemistry Tutor at my University (245 hrs)
Dining Employee at my University (105 hrs)

Animal Experience
Wildlife Rehab Center Intern (336 hrs)
Volunteering at an Animal Shelter (64 hrs)
Therapeutic Riding Center Volunteer (24 hrs)
PetTech PetSaver and Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

Non-Animal Volunteering
Tutor for under-served kids (20 hrs)

Extracurriculars
Pre-Vet and Animal Welfare Society- member (1 yr), Committee Leader (0.5 yr), VP (1.5 yrs)
The Wildlife Society- member (3 yrs)
Timmy Global Health- on fundraising committee (1 yr)

Awards
Will County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship- 2x
Amvets Scholarship
University Scholarship
Dean’s List every semester of college
Illinois State Scholar
National Honor Society Membership
Tri-M Music Honor Society Membership

LORs
Small Animal Vet/Employer- worked/volunteered with him since I was in 7th grade
Small Animal Vet
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator/Director of Wildlife Rehab Center where I interned
Biology Professor/Pre-Health Advisor

Personal Statement

I began with how my interest in veterinary medicine began as a crazy young child that “ran barefoot with my herd of barn cats and my hyper GSP”. I talked about how I began seriously shadowing/volunteering a veterinarian in 7th grade, which blossomed into my job I had throughout high school. I talked about how after high school I tried exploring other career paths, but ultimately came back to my passion of veterinary medicine. Once I changed my major to biology and began focusing on becoming a veterinarian, I thrived under the more challenging environment. I talked about how I became more involved in clubs, how I balanced a large number of credit hours with 2 jobs, and how I have had a variety of non-animal related jobs that have made me adaptable and have taught me many different skills that can be transferred to vet med. I talked about my internship at a wildlife rehab center, where I became so much more confident and became more open-minded with the types of animals I might work with in my future career as a vet. Lastly, I ended with emphasizing how my early exposure to vet med mixed with my variety of other experiences/non-animal employment has made me someone that is adaptable, that fully understands the pros/cons of vet med, that has great people service/teaching skills, and that will care for both people and animals to the best of my ability.


I am proof that grades are not everything! Yes, I accomplished the overall goal of getting accepted to vet school, but I definitely could have used some more variety in my veterinary experiences to give me even more options. Also, I feel like I was a good interviewer, but not a GREAT interviewer. I struggle with “bragging” about myself. It goes against everything in my being, but you have to do it in a non-snobby way to make yourself stand out of the crowd! Looking back at my interviews for Purdue and U of I where I was waitlisted, I failed to make myself unique in my interview and could have added so many more stories/experiences I have had. Looking back will do me no good. It is what it is, but I hope that my thoughts will help someone out in the future!

:banana: WOOOOOOO GO CLASS OF 2021!!!! :banana:
 
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I'm hope for people with actual low GPAs and so-so GRE scores. I am completely amazed that I was accepted.
Those in the similar situations, diversify your experiences and apply smartly!


23 yr old female, Texas Resident, 1st time applicant


Applied: LMU, Iowa State, Florida, Midwestern, and Minnesota
Rejected: LMU, Iowa State, Florida, and Minnesota
Interviewed/Accepted/Attending: Midwestern

Overall GPA: 2.92
Science GPA: 2.93
Last 45 GPA: 3.07

Degree: December 2015
BS General Biology and minor in English
BS Animal-Science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine

GRE (V/Q/W): 155 / 143 / 3

Veterinary Experience:
Veterinary Technician Apprentice at wildlife refuge (1900+ hrs) -> Big talking point
Animal Health Technician at high intake spay/neuter clinic (1000+ hrs) - Current
Equine Hospital Shadow (130 hrs)
DOD Miltary Working Dog Clinic Shadow (100 hrs)
SA Hospital Shadow (60 hrs)

Animal Experience:
College Equestrian Team Member (2 yrs - 2400 hrs)
Foster for underweight, mange-y pup (500 hrs)
Animal Care Intern at wildlife refuge (300 hrs)
Working Student at a stable (150 hrs)
Wildlife Center Intern (100 hrs)
Pet Sitter for large Reptile Breeder (60 hrs) -> Big talking point
Pet Sitter for teammate's horses (30 hrs)
Kitten Nusery Attendant for bottle babies (30 hrs)
AZA Zookeeper Shadow (10 hrs)

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Habitat for Humanity
Women's shelter kitchen volunteer
Food Bank Volunteer
Children's foster home volunteer
Math and science tutor for middle school children
Community theatre volunteer
Children's theatre volunteer
Reader's theatre volunteer

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Secretary, Humanitarian Chair, and Risk management officer for Equestrian team
Diversity and Inclusion committee member for college
Multicultural Ambassador for college -> Big Talking Point
Minority Student Leader for college
LGBTQ+ Ally with level 2 training
Pre-Vet club

International Thespian Honor Society since freshman year of high school
International Student Host/Buddy throughout high school

Non Animal Employment :
Student Technician for university
SeaWorld Hostess
Student Caller for university
Waitress throughout high school


LORs:
Wildlife Veterinary where I did my apprenticeship
Animal-Science academic advisor
Biology academic advisor
Director for Diversity & Inclusion office

Personal Statement:
I talked about stumbling upon my interest in veterinary medicine and how I began college as a petroleum engineering major , which resulted in some horrible grades my first two years. I also discussed transferring schools and basically covering four years in two while working about 30 hours a week. I took 19 hrs each semester and was able to earn two degrees and graduate on time when my advisors thought it would take at least an extra year.

I also discussed my apprenticeship at a wildlife refuge that included 14-16 hour work days, weeks where we didn't get a full 24 hours off, dealing with sleep deprevation, etc. It was a crazy, wild experience and I earned over 1900 hours in exactly 6 months.

I basically explained how I would be able to survive the long hours and course load.

--

Honestly, my interview went extremely well and I think that gave me a lot of leverage.
I was calm throughout, we went overtime because the interviewers kept asking questions, they said that I spoke well, and was told that I answered several questions perfectly.
I think I didn't freak out because I thought that I had no chance of getting in so there was nothing to lose with being "chill"
 
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Well, I finally decided to post, even though I kind of feel like I don't deserve to be here. I didn't have the most stellar stats or experiences, and I have even thought about going for a Master's and getting more varied experiences, but the fear of possibly not being accepted next cycle, when I have at least one option this cycle, scared me too much. Due to where I lived I had limited access to places I could volunteer and I did not have my own car, or even license, until the end of my Jr. year in college, so I could not make commitments if I could not travel there, plus I spent so much time year-round with my field hockey... whoops...
Also, I have been told a million times already that I should have applied IS at Penn, but for my own personal reasons I decided against it.

23 yr old female, Pennsylvania Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Virginia-Maryland, Washington, Cornell, Missouri, Purdue, Auburn, St. Georges, Atlantic Veterinary College
Rejected: Virginia-Maryland, Washington, Cornell, Missouri, Purdue, Auburn
Interviewed: St. Georges, Atlantic Veterinary College
Waitlisted: Atlantic Veterinary College
Accepted: St. Georges (If I am pulled off of AVC's waitlist, I would accept their offer. I absolutely fell in love with the school during my interview)

Overall GPA: 3.29
Science GPA: ~3.3 (orgo, gen chem, and physics 1 kicked my butt, and they are all 5 credit classes at my school )
Last 45 GPA: ~3.5

Degree: BS in Biology

GRE (V/Q/W): 150 / 147 / 4

Veterinary Experience:
SA Emergency and Referral Hospital Shadow: 2200 hrs
Veterinary Assistant at same SA Emergency and Referral Hospital: 27 hrs (The hospital employed me only days before sending in my app.)
Intern at an Animal Therapy Center: 100 hrs

Animal Experience:
Shelter Volunteer: 75 hrs
I had other experiences that I sadly forgot to add such as helping at my friends dairy farm and with her rabbit breeding

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains
Toys for Tots
You Go Girl (FH related, taught inner-city at risk boys and girls about sports, education and healthy lifestyles)
Sandy Hook Run For The Families 5K


Extracurriculars/Awards/Honors:
USA Field Hockey's Futures (HS)
USA Field Hockey Women's High Performance Team (College)
USAAI (This was a field hockey team I was invited to play for that travels to different destinations around the world)
Honor Roll (HS)
Dean's List (College)
Key Club (HS)
Varsity Sports Club (HS)
Peer Mediator (HS)
College Science Club
Sr. Year Field Hockey Captain (College)
Sr. All-Star Team (College)
4 Year Varsity Starter (HS and College)
Mountain Valley Conference All- Conference Selection FH (HS)
Edith Lukens/Gertrude Bensinger Jennings Scholarship
Most Outstanding Player Award (College)
FH Team MVP (College)
Most Improved Player Awards (HS and College)
NE-10 Commisioner's Honor Roll (College)
Senior Music Award (HS)
Athletic and Academic Scholarships

LORs:
Veterinarian from SA hospital I volunteered/work for
College field hockey head coach
Biology academic advisor

Personal Statement: (I am really bad at paraphrasing myself, I apologize in advanced but I promise the real thing was better :writer:)

I talked about how growing up my family did not have a lot of money, and so to make up for that my parents made being outdoors big deal (hiking, canoeing, camping, and other activities) and mentioned early wildlife experiences that helped me cultivate my desire to work with animals because of how I was raised. I went on to talk about how in Jr. High I was required to job shadow, and that I picked the veterinarian that I took my dog to, and my first impressions of the profession. That next summer I went back to that practice and they took me on as a volunteer and talked about that, then talked about a particular experience that made up my mind about wanting to be in the veterinary field. Next, I talked about how sports have played such a huge roll in my life, what values and life skills being a teammate has taught me, and how I could use what I learned in vet school.
Then I brought up my internship at a therapy center and how as an athlete who has had to undergo hundreds of hours of rehab, I felt a strong connection to the specialty and to the patients. I talked about how I was able to make parallels between my own rehab and animal rehab, and that I was amazed on how similar it was. I mentioned that this internship showed me what I wanted to do in veterinary medicine: sports medicine and rehabilitation, then talked more on it. Then summer up how my unique experiences and attributes have prepared me for the challenges of vet school, how I have a clear understanding of the profession, and reiterated what I believe is my final goal for myself in vet med.
 
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Well, I finally decided to post, even though I kind of feel like I don't deserve to be here. I didn't have the most stellar stats or experiences, and I have even thought about going for a Master's and getting more varied experiences, but the fear of possibly not being accepted next cycle, when I have at least one option this cycle, scared me too much. Due to where I lived I had limited access to places I could volunteer and I did not have my own car, or even license, until the end of my Jr. year in college, so I could not make commitments if I could not travel there, plus I spent so much time year-round with my field hockey... whoops...
Also, I have been told a million times already that I should have applied IS at Penn, but for my own personal reasons I decided against it.

23 yr old female, Pennsylvania Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Virginia-Maryland, Washington, Cornell, Missouri, Purdue, Auburn, St. Georges, Atlantic Veterinary College
Rejected: Virginia-Maryland, Washington, Cornell, Missouri, Purdue, Auburn
Interviewed: St. Georges, Atlantic Veterinary College
Waitlisted: Atlantic Veterinary College
Accepted: St. Georges (If I am pulled off of AVC's waitlist, I would accept their offer. I absolutely fell in love with the school during my interview)

Overall GPA: 3.29
Science GPA: ~3.3 (orgo, gen chem, and physics 1 kicked my butt, and they are all 5 credit classes at my school )
Last 45 GPA: ~3.5

Degree: BS in Biology

GRE (V/Q/W): 150 / 147 / 4

Veterinary Experience:
SA Emergency and Referral Hospital Shadow: 2200 hrs
Veterinary Assistant at same SA Emergency and Referral Hospital: 27 hrs (The hospital employed me only days before sending in my app.)
Intern at an Animal Therapy Center: 100 hrs

Animal Experience:
Shelter Volunteer: 75 hrs
I had other experiences that I sadly forgot to add such as helping at my friends dairy farm and with her rabbit breeding

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains
Toys for Tots
You Go Girl (FH related, taught inner-city at risk boys and girls about sports, education and healthy lifestyles)
Sandy Hook Run For The Families 5K


Extracurriculars/Awards/Honors:
USA Field Hockey's Futures (HS)
USA Field Hockey Women's High Performance Team (College)
USAAI (This was a field hockey team I was invited to play for that travels to different destinations around the world)
Honor Roll (HS)
Dean's List (College)
Key Club (HS)
Varsity Sports Club (HS)
Peer Mediator (HS)
College Science Club
Sr. Year Field Hockey Captain (College)
Sr. All-Star Team (College)
4 Year Varsity Starter (HS and College)
Mountain Valley Conference All- Conference Selection FH (HS)
Edith Lukens/Gertrude Bensinger Jennings Scholarship
Most Outstanding Player Award (College)
FH Team MVP (College)
Most Improved Player Awards (HS and College)
NE-10 Commisioner's Honor Roll (College)
Senior Music Award (HS)
Athletic and Academic Scholarships

LORs:
Veterinarian from SA hospital I volunteered/work for
College field hockey head coach
Biology academic advisor

Personal Statement: (I am really bad at paraphrasing myself, I apologize in advanced but I promise the real thing was better :writer:)

I talked about how growing up my family did not have a lot of money, and so to make up for that my parents made being outdoors big deal (hiking, canoeing, camping, and other activities) and mentioned early wildlife experiences that helped me cultivate my desire to work with animals because of how I was raised. I went on to talk about how in Jr. High I was required to job shadow, and that I picked the veterinarian that I took my dog to, and my first impressions of the profession. That next summer I went back to that practice and they took me on as a volunteer and talked about that, then talked about a particular experience that made up my mind about wanting to be in the veterinary field. Next, I talked about how sports have played such a huge roll in my life, what values and life skills being a teammate has taught me, and how I could use what I learned in vet school.
Then I brought up my internship at a therapy center and how as an athlete who has had to undergo hundreds of hours of rehab, I felt a strong connection to the specialty and to the patients. I talked about how I was able to make parallels between my own rehab and animal rehab, and that I was amazed on how similar it was. I mentioned that this internship showed me what I wanted to do in veterinary medicine: sports medicine and rehabilitation, then talked more on it. Then summer up how my unique experiences and attributes have prepared me for the challenges of vet school, how I have a clear understanding of the profession, and reiterated what I believe is my final goal for myself in vet med.

Girl, you got into vet school, of course you deserve to post here! Congrats!
 
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Proof you don't have to have thousands of veterinary hours to get into vet school!

20 year old female, Oklahoma resident, first time applicant

Applied:
Oklahoma State
Interviewed: Oklahoma State
Rejected:
Waitlisted:
Accepted: Oklahoma State
Attending: Oklahoma State

Overall GPA: 4.0
Science GPA: 4.0
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

Degree: BS May 2018, Zoology

GRE (V/Q/W): 157 (75%), 158 (70%), 4.0 (59%)

Veterinary Experience:
Intern at SA Practice - 480 hours
Shadowing Equine at OSU-VTH - 20 hours

Animal Experience:
Foal Team - 10 hours
Kitten Rescue Med Tech - 90 hours
Operation Catnip TNR - 56 hours
Tulsa Fair Birthing Center - 4 hours
Volunteer at Therapeutic Riding Center - 70 hours
Humane Society Volunteer - 20 hours

Research:
Evaluation of heat-in bag products for taste, off-flavor detection, and microbial production - 60 hours

Employment:

Assistant Zookeeper at Tulsa Zoo - 250 hours

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Pre-Veterinary Club - 16 hours
Leadership Conference - 30 hours
Foster Care Family (for infants with medical needs) - 9100 hours
Various church volunteer positions - 400 hours

Awards:
President's Honors Roll (x6)
Freshman Research Scholar
Community Leader Award
Various Merit-based Scholarships

eLORs:
SA Practice Veterinarian
Kitten Rescue Director
Zoological Manager at Tulsa Zoo

Personal Statement:
I started off telling a story from my childhood about befriending a litter of feral kittens by returning every day and sitting quietly until they approached me. I explained how I would use the same persistence in veterinary medicine that I showed here. I discussed my fascination with learning and how my experiences at the veterinary clinic and the human-animal bond solidified my desire to go into veterinary medicine

Notes:
 
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More proof that you can get in without a ton of clinic hours, although I think that's why I was waitlisted.

22 yr old female, IN Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State
Interview: Purdue, Illinois
Rejected: Wisconsin
Waitlisted: Purdue, Illinois
Accepted: Oklahoma State
Attending: Oklahoma, unless I get off Purdue's waitlist (or maybe IL)

Overall GPA: ~3.7
Science GPA: ~3.5
Last 45 GPA: ~3.5-3.6 (depending on which semesters are counted)

Degree:
BS in Marine Biology and BA in Spanish-graduating May 2017

GRE (Q/V/W): 166 (97%)/160 (76%)/ 5.5 (98%)

Veterinary Experience
Vet shadowing at avian/exotic clinic (8 hours)
Vet shadowing at VCA hospital (8 hours)
Vet shadowing at private practice (8 hours)
Volunteer at low-stress clinic (~80 hours)

I did try very hard to get kennel tech jobs, or volunteer at more clinics, but the ones near my school in SC were not interested and I was lucky to get what I did in my summers at home! :(

Animal Experience
Internship at wildlife rehab center (at minimum 720 hours, which is what I think I put on my app)
Volunteering at same clinic the next summer (200 hours)
Volunteering in bird husbandry at South Carolina Aquarium (200 hours)
Volunteering at no-kill shelter in HS (at min 200 hours)
Volunteering at no-kill shelter in college (200 hours)

I did get some veterinary experience at the rehab center but I'd classify it more as animal experience.

Non-Animal Volunteering
Volunteering at Honors College events (~50 hours)
Not much else...

Research Experience
No proper science research, although most of my marine bio labs are basically semester long research projects, so I discussed that in my personal statement.
Linguistics research on Spanish pronoun use in Colombia

Employment
Cashier at grocery store

Extracurriculars/Awards
Intermediate High OPI score (test of Spanish fluency)
A couple of merit scholarships, including one covering out of state tuition costs.
Study Abroad: 1 week in Medellin, Colombia as part of a class/research trip
I didn't include anything from high school in this section, but I did do some study abroad and more ECs then.

LORs
Boss from wildlife rehab center (has affiliations with Purdue)
Vet from low-stress clinic (Purdue alum)
Spanish professor who I did research with, traveled with, and knows me really well
Aviculturist at South Carolina Aquarium

Personal Statement
I mainly talked about how veterinarian had always been the dream until high school, when I was torn between it and marine bio and then how my veterinary experiences vs my marine bio experiences had made me certain that I'd rather have a veterinary career. I also included that while I'm currently interested in wildlife/zoo med I don't know if that's what I'll be doing after vet school, but that I definitely want to be working in this field.

Conclusion: Looking back, I think I should have joined all of those clubs and honors societies that I kept ignoring because HS made me hate extracurriculars! But, I still managed to get in somewhere and get on 2 waitlists which is pretty rad for my first time! I'm really, really excited!!
 
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I'm hope for people with actual low GPAs and so-so GRE scores. I am completely amazed that I was accepted.
Those in the similar situations, diversify your experiences and apply smartly!


23 yr old female, Texas Resident, 1st time applicant


Applied: LMU, Iowa State, Florida, Midwestern, and Minnesota
Rejected: LMU, Iowa State, Florida, and Minnesota
Interviewed/Accepted/Attending: Midwestern

Overall GPA: 2.92
Science GPA: 2.93
Last 45 GPA: 3.07

Degree: December 2015
BS General Biology and minor in English
BS Animal-Science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine

GRE (V/Q/W): 155 / 143 / 3

Veterinary Experience:
Veterinary Technician Apprentice at wildlife refuge (1900+ hrs) -> Big talking point
Animal Health Technician at high intake spay/neuter clinic (1000+ hrs) - Current
Equine Hospital Shadow (130 hrs)
DOD Miltary Working Dog Clinic Shadow (100 hrs)
SA Hospital Shadow (60 hrs)

Animal Experience:
College Equestrian Team Member (2 yrs - 2400 hrs)
Foster for underweight, mange-y pup (500 hrs)
Animal Care Intern at wildlife refuge (300 hrs)
Working Student at a stable (150 hrs)
Wildlife Center Intern (100 hrs)
Pet Sitter for large Reptile Breeder (60 hrs) -> Big talking point
Pet Sitter for teammate's horses (30 hrs)
Kitten Nusery Attendant for bottle babies (30 hrs)
AZA Zookeeper Shadow (10 hrs)

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Habitat for Humanity
Women's shelter kitchen volunteer
Food Bank Volunteer
Children's foster home volunteer
Math and science tutor for middle school children
Community theatre volunteer
Children's theatre volunteer
Reader's theatre volunteer

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Secretary, Humanitarian Chair, and Risk management officer for Equestrian team
Diversity and Inclusion committee member for college
Multicultural Ambassador for college -> Big Talking Point
Minority Student Leader for college
LGBTQ+ Ally with level 2 training
Pre-Vet club

International Thespian Honor Society since freshman year of high school
International Student Host/Buddy throughout high school

Non Animal Employment :
Student Technician for university
SeaWorld Hostess
Student Caller for university
Waitress throughout high school


LORs:
Wildlife Veterinary where I did my apprenticeship
Animal-Science academic advisor
Biology academic advisor
Director for Diversity & Inclusion office

Personal Statement:
I talked about stumbling upon my interest in veterinary medicine and how I began college as a petroleum engineering major , which resulted in some horrible grades my first two years. I also discussed transferring schools and basically covering four years in two while working about 30 hours a week. I took 19 hrs each semester and was able to earn two degrees and graduate on time when my advisors thought it would take at least an extra year.

I also discussed my apprenticeship at a wildlife refuge that included 14-16 hour work days, weeks where we didn't get a full 24 hours off, dealing with sleep deprevation, etc. It was a crazy, wild experience and I earned over 1900 hours in exactly 6 months.

I basically explained how I would be able to survive the long hours and course load.

--

Honestly, my interview went extremely well and I think that gave me a lot of leverage.
I was calm throughout, we went overtime because the interviewers kept asking questions, they said that I spoke well, and was told that I answered several questions perfectly.
I think I didn't freak out because I thought that I had no chance of getting in so there was nothing to lose with being "chill"

Congrats on your acceptance! You have inspired and given hope to all those, myself included, that a mediocre GPA/GRE does not mean it's the end of the road to an acceptance by any means! I'm so happy for you that a school was able to see beyond the numbers and you as a person that they believe will make a great veterinarian!
I know I don't know you but this really gave me hope after seeing all the above average GPAs getting acceptances and I am still waiting on my last chance for an acceptance this year.
 
Seriously cannot believe I'm posting in this thread!

I'm putting my notes of encouragement at the top for those that don't read all the way through: If you have a below-average GPA, do NOT give up. Your grades do not define you as a person and while you do need to show that you can handle the courses in vet school, your experiences will teach you more than a classroom ever will.

21 yr old female, Kentucky, 1st time applicant

Applied: Mizzou, UTK, Kansas State, LMU, Auburn
Rejected: Mizzou, UTK
Interviewed: Kansas, LMU (declined), Auburn
Waitlisted: Kansas
Accepted: Auburn
Attending: Auburn CVM!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.35
Science GPA: 3.07
Organic/Physics/Biochem GPA: ~3.7 (Auburn calculates this as a separate GPA)
Last 45 GPA: 3.43

Degree: I was working towards a BS in Ecological Biology – would have graduated December or May 2018 had I not been accepted. My back up was to finish my bachelor’s degree and reapply if I did not get in this cycle.

GRE (Q/V/W): 149 (35%) / 152 (55%) / 4.5 (82%)

Veterinary Experience
Working as a veterinary assistant at a SA clinic with full dentistry and former avian practice (1000+ hrs)
Animal care assistant at a research lab for calves, sheep, pigs, and rabbits (400 hrs)
Shadowed an equine vet (6 hrs)
Shadowed the same equine vet at a SA emergency clinic (5 hrs)
Shadowed another vet at a SA clinic (18 hrs)

Animal Experience
Dog bather at PetSmart (1000+ hrs)
Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Brazil for animals confiscated in the illegal pet trade (60 hrs)
Volunteer at a horse barn (500+ hrs)
Humane Society Volunteer
[I have owned pets my whole life but didn't feel that it was needed for my application]

Research Experience:
Research assistant in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest studying endangered Blond Capuchin monkeys and marmosets (so close I could almost touch them!!)
Research assistant with a primatologist studying captive orangutans at my local zoo
Same laboratory job as stated above, but counted it as research experience as well since I had to collect data and report findings
Research assistant at the same wildlife sanctuary in Brazil; collected data on rehab animals to further aid in eventual release

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Camp counselor at a summer camp for Autistic children

Extracurriculars:
Pre Vet Club member, VP, then President
Biology Undergraduate Society member
Playing piano for 15 yrs, ukulele for about 5 or 6 yrs, and irish tin whistle (my interviewers at Auburn got a kick out of this)
High School: Latin Honors Society, Latin Quick Recall, Second Chair Clarinet in marching/concert band, Equestrian Team Member

Awards
:
Dean’s list 2x
Therapeutic Laser Certified
Best with Customers @ PetSmart
Various scholarships
High school:
National Latin Exam 2x – Summa cum laude (gold) and maxima cum laude (silver)
Creative Writing contest – 2nd in the nation

LORs
Small Animal Vet
Pre-Vet advisor and lab animal vet
Genetics professor
Primatologist from Brazil

Personal Statement
Started off by one of those “attention grabbing” stories of my first night shift working alone in the research lab. I had 3 heart failure calves to take care of, all were hooked up to IV lines and monitors for their heart devices, and rabbits being used in chlorine gas research… talked about how I had to save this one rabbit’s life (he was having severe seizures) while simultaneously keeping all the other animals alive. Then I went into how I loved cows but I didn’t want to work alone in a lab all the time and would rather work as part of a team at a general practice. Talked about various patients that stuck with me, such as a dog with intervertebral disc disease, and how sometimes we can’t save them all due to client budgets. Also stated how I learned the importance of anesthesia monitoring when my own cat had a clogged ET tube during his neuter and turned purple. Then, I talked about my love for science and problem solving and ended with a statement of why I wanted to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine :)

Other notes: I believe that my interview really enhanced who I was as a person. Despite me being nervous and forgetting what words were for a good 10 seconds, I was as genuine as possible and I felt that my interviewers could see that. I thought that Auburn was such a great school and I would have no chance. Well, I proved myself wrong!
 
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Seriously cannot believe I'm posting in this thread!

I'm putting my notes of encouragement at the top for those that don't read all the way through: If you have a below-average GPA, do NOT give up. Your grades do not define you as a person and while you do need to show that you can handle the courses in vet school, your experiences will teach you more than a classroom ever will.

21 yr old female, Kentucky, 1st time applicant

Applied: Mizzou, UTK, Kansas State, LMU, Auburn
Rejected: Mizzou, UTK
Interviewed: Kansas, LMU (declined), Auburn
Waitlisted: Kansas
Accepted: Auburn
Attending: Auburn CVM!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.35
Science GPA: 3.07
Organic/Physics/Biochem GPA: ~3.7 (Auburn calculates this as a separate GPA)
Last 45 GPA: 3.43

Degree: I was working towards a BS in Ecological Biology – would have graduated December or May 2018 had I not been accepted. My back up was to finish my bachelor’s degree and reapply if I did not get in this cycle.

GRE (Q/V/W): 149 (35%) / 152 (55%) / 4.5 (82%)

Veterinary Experience
Working as a veterinary assistant at a SA clinic with full dentistry and former avian practice (1000+ hrs)
Animal care assistant at a research lab for calves, sheep, pigs, and rabbits (400 hrs)
Shadowed an equine vet (6 hrs)
Shadowed the same equine vet at a SA emergency clinic (5 hrs)
Shadowed another vet at a SA clinic (18 hrs)

Animal Experience
Dog bather at PetSmart (1000+ hrs)
Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Brazil for animals confiscated in the illegal pet trade (60 hrs)
Volunteer at a horse barn (500+ hrs)
Humane Society Volunteer
[I have owned pets my whole life but didn't feel that it was needed for my application]

Research Experience:
Research assistant in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest studying endangered Blond Capuchin monkeys and marmosets (so close I could almost touch them!!)
Research assistant with a primatologist studying captive orangutans at my local zoo
Same laboratory job as stated above, but counted it as research experience as well since I had to collect data and report findings
Research assistant at the same wildlife sanctuary in Brazil; collected data on rehab animals to further aid in eventual release

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Camp counselor at a summer camp for Autistic children

Extracurriculars:
Pre Vet Club member, VP, then President
Biology Undergraduate Society member
Playing piano for 15 yrs, ukulele for about 5 or 6 yrs, and irish tin whistle (my interviewers at Auburn got a kick out of this)
High School: Latin Honors Society, Latin Quick Recall, Second Chair Clarinet in marching/concert band, Equestrian Team Member

Awards
:
Dean’s list 2x
Therapeutic Laser Certified
Best with Customers @ PetSmart
Various scholarships
High school:
National Latin Exam 2x – Summa cum laude (gold) and maxima cum laude (silver)
Creative Writing contest – 2nd in the nation

LORs
Small Animal Vet
Pre-Vet advisor and lab animal vet
Genetics professor
Primatologist from Brazil

Personal Statement
Started off by one of those “attention grabbing” stories of my first night shift working alone in the research lab. I had 3 heart failure calves to take care of, all were hooked up to IV lines and monitors for their heart devices, and rabbits being used in chlorine gas research… talked about how I had to save this one rabbit’s life (he was having severe seizures) while simultaneously keeping all the other animals alive. Then I went into how I loved cows but I didn’t want to work alone in a lab all the time and would rather work as part of a team at a general practice. Talked about various patients that stuck with me, such as a dog with intervertebral disc disease, and how sometimes we can’t save them all due to client budgets. Also stated how I learned the importance of anesthesia monitoring when my own cat had a clogged ET tube during his neuter and turned purple. Then, I talked about my love for science and problem solving and ended with a statement of why I wanted to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine :)

Other notes: I believe that my interview really enhanced who I was as a person. Despite me being nervous and forgetting what words were for a good 10 seconds, I was as genuine as possible and I felt that my interviewers could see that. I thought that Auburn was such a great school and I would have no chance. Well, I proved myself wrong!

Congrats girl!
 
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Seriously cannot believe I'm posting in this thread!

I'm putting my notes of encouragement at the top for those that don't read all the way through: If you have a below-average GPA, do NOT give up. Your grades do not define you as a person and while you do need to show that you can handle the courses in vet school, your experiences will teach you more than a classroom ever will.

21 yr old female, Kentucky, 1st time applicant

Applied: Mizzou, UTK, Kansas State, LMU, Auburn
Rejected: Mizzou, UTK
Interviewed: Kansas, LMU (declined), Auburn
Waitlisted: Kansas
Accepted: Auburn
Attending: Auburn CVM!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.35
Science GPA: 3.07
Organic/Physics/Biochem GPA: ~3.7 (Auburn calculates this as a separate GPA)
Last 45 GPA: 3.43

Degree: I was working towards a BS in Ecological Biology – would have graduated December or May 2018 had I not been accepted. My back up was to finish my bachelor’s degree and reapply if I did not get in this cycle.

GRE (Q/V/W): 149 (35%) / 152 (55%) / 4.5 (82%)

Veterinary Experience
Working as a veterinary assistant at a SA clinic with full dentistry and former avian practice (1000+ hrs)
Animal care assistant at a research lab for calves, sheep, pigs, and rabbits (400 hrs)
Shadowed an equine vet (6 hrs)
Shadowed the same equine vet at a SA emergency clinic (5 hrs)
Shadowed another vet at a SA clinic (18 hrs)

Animal Experience
Dog bather at PetSmart (1000+ hrs)
Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Brazil for animals confiscated in the illegal pet trade (60 hrs)
Volunteer at a horse barn (500+ hrs)
Humane Society Volunteer
[I have owned pets my whole life but didn't feel that it was needed for my application]

Research Experience:
Research assistant in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest studying endangered Blond Capuchin monkeys and marmosets (so close I could almost touch them!!)
Research assistant with a primatologist studying captive orangutans at my local zoo
Same laboratory job as stated above, but counted it as research experience as well since I had to collect data and report findings
Research assistant at the same wildlife sanctuary in Brazil; collected data on rehab animals to further aid in eventual release

Non-Animal Volunteering:
Camp counselor at a summer camp for Autistic children

Extracurriculars:
Pre Vet Club member, VP, then President
Biology Undergraduate Society member
Playing piano for 15 yrs, ukulele for about 5 or 6 yrs, and irish tin whistle (my interviewers at Auburn got a kick out of this)
High School: Latin Honors Society, Latin Quick Recall, Second Chair Clarinet in marching/concert band, Equestrian Team Member

Awards
:
Dean’s list 2x
Therapeutic Laser Certified
Best with Customers @ PetSmart
Various scholarships
High school:
National Latin Exam 2x – Summa cum laude (gold) and maxima cum laude (silver)
Creative Writing contest – 2nd in the nation

LORs
Small Animal Vet
Pre-Vet advisor and lab animal vet
Genetics professor
Primatologist from Brazil

Personal Statement
Started off by one of those “attention grabbing” stories of my first night shift working alone in the research lab. I had 3 heart failure calves to take care of, all were hooked up to IV lines and monitors for their heart devices, and rabbits being used in chlorine gas research… talked about how I had to save this one rabbit’s life (he was having severe seizures) while simultaneously keeping all the other animals alive. Then I went into how I loved cows but I didn’t want to work alone in a lab all the time and would rather work as part of a team at a general practice. Talked about various patients that stuck with me, such as a dog with intervertebral disc disease, and how sometimes we can’t save them all due to client budgets. Also stated how I learned the importance of anesthesia monitoring when my own cat had a clogged ET tube during his neuter and turned purple. Then, I talked about my love for science and problem solving and ended with a statement of why I wanted to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine :)

Other notes: I believe that my interview really enhanced who I was as a person. Despite me being nervous and forgetting what words were for a good 10 seconds, I was as genuine as possible and I felt that my interviewers could see that. I thought that Auburn was such a great school and I would have no chance. Well, I proved myself wrong!
Girl you killed it! Also, your calves story seems super interesting! If you wouldn't mind PM'ing me I'd love to hear the whole story!
 
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Congrats on your acceptance! You have inspired and given hope to all those, myself included, that a mediocre GPA/GRE does not mean it's the end of the road to an acceptance by any means! I'm so happy for you that a school was able to see beyond the numbers and you as a person that they believe will make a great veterinarian!
I know I don't know you but this really gave me hope after seeing all the above average GPAs getting acceptances and I am still waiting on my last chance for an acceptance this year.

Thank you!

I'm glad I can give some hope for others like me! I've been stalking these forums for years and always became discouraged looking at all the stats.

I'm still really amazed that I was accepted.
I was originally placed on the waitlist for an interview, so I just figured that even if I did well I'd just be a low alternate.

The best advice that I can give is to apply smartly. I should have only applied for schools that looked at the last 45 but I was being optimistic :smack:

I'm glad a school looked past my grades in hindsight, I probably should have just taken an extra year so that I could lessen my courseload but I got in the routine of being busy.


Here's one of my easier semesters without my work or club hours!
 

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Thank you!

I'm glad I can give some hope for others like me! I've been stalking these forums for years and always became discouraged looking at all the stats.

I'm still really amazed that I was accepted.
I was originally placed on the waitlist for an interview, so I just figured that even if I did well I'd just be a low alternate.

The best advice that I can give is to apply smartly. I should have only applied for schools that looked at the last 45 but I was being optimistic :smack:

I'm glad a school looked past my grades in hindsight, I probably should have just taken an extra year so that I could lessen my courseload but I got in the routine of being busy.


Here's one of my easier semesters without my work or club hours!

I wish I had riding lessons between classes :laugh:
 
I wish I had riding lessons between classes :laugh:

Don't tell my coach but I definitely skipped my farm animal anatomy class after lessons. It was a hybrid lecture/online so it wasn't super important and Thursday's were optional.

Plus I always went overtime with the ponies, best stress relief ever
 
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23 yr old female, Alabama, 1st time applicant

Applied: Auburn
Rejected:
Interviewed: Auburn
Waitlisted:
Accepted: Auburn
Attending: Auburn :love:

Overall GPA: 3.52
Science GPA: 3.2ish
Organic/Physics/Biochem GPA: 3.2ish
Last 60 GPA: 3.3ish
* Auburn calculates four different GPAs, and I estimated the last 3 GPAs.

Degree: B.S Chemistry (Biochemistry focus, Mathematics minor), May 2015

GRE (Q/V/W): 153 / 152 / 4.0

Veterinary Experience
Volunteer at MA clinic (primarily SA with occasional ruminant and horse): 432 hr (632 hr at time of interview and counting)
Shadow at SA hospital (saw exotic pets and wildlife): 9 hr --> saw I made a mistake on VMCAS calculating these hours just now--feel bad :(
Shadow at same SA hospital: 9 hr
Shadow at Equine clinic: 27 hr

Animal Experience
Dog bather/Boarding Supervisor/Daycare Worker at Dog Daycare Facility
Farm Hand for family farm (cousins had farm full of horses, poultry, ruminants, rabbits, dogs, cats we would take care of when they were out of town)
Pet Owner of guinea pig, goldfish, dogs, cats over the years (I asked about it, and AU said to include it)
Summer Camp Horseback Riding Assistant Instructor, Years of horseback riding


Research Experience:
Student Research Assistant for 3 years (started as paid dishwasher then began assisting with research!): Lead to several publications and co-authorships mainly about the Macondo Oil Spill (sediment and scad mackerel) but also helped with professors' research on teratogenic effects of selenium on mice, selenium exposure to earthworms, testing of unknown compound using NMR and other lab equipment, etc. (1000 hr)

Senior Research (40 hr): granulometry of gulf sediment

Employment:
Waitress/Cashier/Hostess at Various Places
Lifeguard
Summer Camp Counselor (taught canoeing and backpacking)
Chemist (full-time job now) at aerospace company: I do a lot of testing, R&D, etc.

Non-Animal Volunteering and Extracurriculars:
Was in a lot of clubs in High School: Physics Team, Jr Beta and Sr Beta, Drama Club, Spanish Club, SAAD, Student Council, etc. (some with volunteer work and leadership positions)
HS Marching, Jazz, and Concert Band: Trumpet and French Horn Player
Majorette and Majorette Captain in HS
American Chemical Society Member, Secretary, and then President in college
Dancer in Marching Band in college for 2 years


Awards
:
Dean’s list and President's List multiple semesters
Academic Scholarship
Honors College
Graduated Cum Laude
Picked for some leadership events and trips (local and international)
LOTS of small academic awards, certificates, etc. in high school
Graduated Summa Cum Laude in HS, 4th in class
Presented research posters at local and national scientific meetings
Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society
Freshman Honors Society


LORs

MA veterinarian
Relief Vet for MA Veterinarian
Research Professor/Academic Advisor/Past Boss

Personal Statement
I began with a story when volunteering with the relief vet. I read a Safety Data Sheet for a pesticide after a chihuahua was showing perplexing gastrointestinal symptoms. We were able to rule out the pesticide very quickly since I am familiar with reading SDS's. I said my chemistry background meant that I could bring a different set of skills to the vet med field. I went on talking about my childhood and poor quality of animal care from my family and in my small town and how not much as changed from what I have see at the MA practice and rabies clinics. I focused on client education and how important veterinarians are as educators and essential for the surrounding communities. I talked about how ashamed I was of my upbringing (family didn't take our pets to the vet--just the rabies clinics, if that) and how it took me a long time to turn that embarrassment into empowerment. I then talked about all of my experiences have prepared me for becoming a veterinarian and my understanding of what being a veterinarian entails.

Other notes: Goodness, I put down as much as I could on my application (and only applied to my IS) because I assumed that I would have to apply again with my average grades/GRE/vet hours. I hope someone can look at my stats and know that your experiences and hard work don't always go unnoticed! I worked full-time as a chemist and got my experiences by using personal days and working early shifts so I can shadow after work and on weekends. I felt as though my interview touched on my understanding of the field, my maturity as a slightly older/married/non-trad student, and also some personal things (like how I have received mental health assistance/how no one should ever be afraid to reach out for help and also some laughs over rock climbing).
 
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21-year-old female, Illinois resident, first time applicant

Applied: Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin (withdrew application)
Interviewed: Illinois, Missouri
Accepted: Illinois, Missouri
Attending: Illinois :biglove:

Overall GPA: 3.90
Science GPA: 3.86
Last 45 GPA: 3.90ish

Degree: BA in Biology (minor in chemistry)

GRE (Q/V/W): 158/ 161/ 4.0

Veterinary Experience
SA Emergency Clinic- vet assistant (1300 hrs at application)
SA/Equine clinic- shadowing (500hrs at application)
MA clinic- shadowing (20hrs)

Animal Experience
Helping with horse back riding lessons- 12 hrs
Animal shelter volunteer- 30 hrs
Wildlife rehabilitation volunteer- 80 hrs
Vivarium Attendant then supervisor- 2200 hrs at application (reptiles/amphibians)
Stallion Semen Collection- 3 hrs

Extracurricular/Awards
Dean's List
Presidential Scholarship
Writing award
Alpha Chi
Science Scholarship

LORs
SA Emergency DVM
SA DVM from shadowing clinic
Supervising Technician at emergency clinic
3 Biology Professors

Personal Statement
I started with a description of a heartbreaking case at the emergency clinic, a GDV in a 12 week old English Bulldog. I explained how my experience at the emergency clinic made me keenly aware of the inherent ups and downs in veterinary medicine. Then I talked about how shadowing in routine clinics showed me a different side of veterinary medicine that stresses communication with and education of owners. I also fit in a description of my time in the vivarium and wildlife rehabilitation center, and how it gave me an appreciation of animals outside of pets and food animals.

Note: I think my reptile experience really helped my application, Missouri asked multiple questions about it during my interview. Getting varied and unique experiences can make all the difference!!
 
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24 yr old female, New York, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Cornell, UPenn, Tufts, Virginia, Colorado, UC Davis, Oregon State, Washington State
Rejected: Cornell, Virginia, Colorado, UC Davis
Interviewed: Upenn, Tufts, Washington State
Waitlisted: Cornell (during my first application cycle), Tufts, Oregon State
Accepted: Upenn, Washington State
Attending: Upenn!

Overall GPA: 3.44 (Undergrad 3.39, Grad 3.53)
Science GPA: 3.29
Last 45 GPA: 3.7

Degrees: MS Biochemistry & Cell Biology, December 2016. BS Biology, May 2015

GRE (Q/V/W): 157 / 157 / 5.0

Veterinary Experience
Kennel Manager: 3000 hours ++
Cat Hospital Intern: 200 hours
Another SA Hospital internship: 100 hours

Animal Experience
Equestrian Team Member- 3300 hours
Horse owner- endless hours lol
Horse Rescue Volunteer- 200 hours
Farm Manager Intern- 250 hours
Farm Intern- 200 hours
Barn Hand- 900 hours
Milker- 500 hours
Dog/cat sitter- 270 hours

Research Experience:
Undergraduate Research in Lignocellulose and Algal Biofuels: 760 hours
Summer Fellowship in Algal Biofuels
Graduate Research in Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Cancer Associated Mutations: 860 hours including my thesis being published

Employment:
Adjunct Lecturer and TA
Kennel Manager
Waitress
Dishwasher
Library Student Supervisor
Barn Hand
Milker

Non-Animal Volunteering and Extracurriculars:
Science Olympiads
Equestrian
Soccer Goalkeeper
Raked Leaves for the Elderly
Volunteered during Local Races/Marathons
Relay for Life

Awards
:
Dean’s list Spring 2013-Spring 2015
Most Valuable Player
Championship Most Valuable Player
All-League, All-Conference, All-State Goalkeeper
Most Improved Track Athlete
Frey Family Courage Scholarship
AP Scholar Award
PJTA Scholarship
National Honor Society
National Science Honor Society

eLORs

Practice Owner (Veterinarian)
Senior Associate Veterinarian
Undergraduate Research Mentor
Graduate Research PI
Equestrian Team Coach

Personal Statement
I discussed my rough upbringing and how I used negative circumstances to drive myself toward success as a self-made individual. Made sure to express my commitment to the profession and career goals. Included how each of my extensive experiences (kennel manager, research, TAing, and team experience) have uniquely prepared me for success as a veterinary student and future veterinarian.

Other notes: My first application cycle was for the class of 2019. I was a Senior in college at the time and applied to Cornell, Tufts, Upenn, Virginia, and Colorado. I got denied everywhere except for Cornell, which waitlisted me. I made a plan B to get a Master's degree while waiting on Cornell's decision, and thankfully I did. Between the two cycles I got a full time job as a kennel manager, a part time job as a TA, and I did research full time for my graduate program. I should have retaken the GRE to try to get a better score but I really didn't have the time to study. Though my GPAs are not great, I'm happy to be posting here (finally!) and I attribute it to my additional research experience, especially when it comes to Upenn. I also believe they were impressed with me balancing multiple full time responsibilities (aka I had no life, and still don't, lol). I am a firm believer that GPA isn't always the deciding factor, although I have noticed some schools like UC Davis are setting stricter restrictions- according to their site, they will not even consider anyone with a 3.4 and under for next years cycle. I believe they will be missing out on some awesome candidates!

*** I also want to add that I took essentially ALL of my science prereqs in one semester of soph year of college (not sure why I thought that was a good idea), and ended up with some not-so-hot grades (two C+'s, and a bunch of B's) and likewise a poor GPA for that semester. I pulled myself together and bounced back to make dean's list every semester after that, used that experience as a "lesson-learned," and was able to take similar graduate level courses for a few classes that proved I'm more than capable of excelling in the classes. If you make a mistake, don't fret and try to use it to your advantage!
 
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25 year old female, New Hampshire resident (OOS everywhere), first time applicant

To those of you who messed up in undergrad, or didn't originally choose the field of vet med see here.

Applied: Tufts, Iowa, Colorado, Davis, Washington, Ohio, Florida, Kansas
Interviewed: Tufts, Iowa, Davis, Washington (declined), Florida, Kansas
Rejected: Ohio, Colorado, Florida
Waitlisted: Tufts, Iowa
Accepted: Davis, Kansas
Attending: Davis :soexcited:

Overall GPA: 3.28
GPA Post Grad: 4.0
Science GPA: 3.79
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

Degree: BS Mathematical Sciences May 2013

GRE (V/Q/W): 156/162/4.5

Veterinary Experience:
Emergency Clinic that saw small animal, avian, and some food animals (980 hours)

Animal Experience:
1200 hours as a groomer for PetSmart
5000+ Working with horses (training, grooming, riding, camp counselor, mucking stalls ect.)

Employment:
3 years Data Analyst for an investment company
500 hours as a Dunkin Donuts cashier
2 years bus girl in a restaurant

Extracurricular/Community Service:
4 hours Habitat for Humanity (would have done more but I had an allergic reaction and couldn't keep doing it)
2 years ROTC for Air Force (They "ran out of money" for scholarships so I left)
Vice President of an Anime Club
President of Competitive Math Team

eLORs:
My Organic Chem professor
The emergency director of the emergency hospital where I interned (DVM)
A boarded surgeon at the emergency hospital where I interned (DVM)
My writing professor who claims I'm the best student/thinker she's had in years

Personal Statement
I started with a story about my experience assisting in surgery, and how I was enraptured by the field. I then went into how I came about becoming interested in the field, and how my current degree and job in the workforce was draining and unfulfilling. I spoke to my thirst for knowledge which drove me to consider changing my field. I then went into my veterinary experience and how it changed my perspective on the field in both good and bad ways. I then stated what I thought the veterinary field was about, and how I could contribute. I explained why I could handle the rigors of vet school, and ended with my goals in the field. All in 4480 characters!

Notes:
My undergrad in math almost ruined my chances at becoming a veterinarian because of my GPA. I had to apply smart and to a lot. I looked at schools that didn't weigh cumulative GPA as much or not at all. Not surprisingly I was accepted by the places that did not consider cumulative GPA at all, and waitlisted (or rejected) at the places that did consider it. I was lucky in the sense that the only science classes from undergrad was physics and I got a B. Everything else I took after I graduated with a full-time job and maintained that critical 4.0 to showcase my academic abilities. It is possible for people like us, just a little harder.
Thought you said you were excepted to FL? Anyways you continue to inspire me Coopah. You give me new hope this cycle.
 
Thought you said you were excepted to FL? Anyways you continue to inspire me Coopah. You give me new hope this cycle.

Nope, rejected after interview. Thanks for the compliment. I had a really weird application, I don't think traditionally schools could really stack me up fairly against the others so I got a lot of interview invites but others had WAY better GPA than me, so in the end GPA's beat me out. On the other hand, schools that don't bother with cumulative GPA REALLY liked me :D
 
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22-year-old female, Illinois resident, first-time applicant

Applied: Illinois, Michigan, Purdue, Colorado, Ohio, Cornell, UC Davis, Tufts, Virginia-Maryland, UPenn
Rejected: Colorado, Ohio, UC Davis, Virginia-Maryland, UPenn
Interviewed: Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, Tufts
Accepted: Illinois, Michigan, Tufts
Waitlisted: Cornell, Purdue
Attending: Tufts!! :biglove:

Overall GPA: 3.56
Science GPA: 3.61
Last 45 GPA: 3.70

Degree: BS in Biology (May 2016)

GRE (Q/V/W):
First Attempt: 160/ 155/ 4.5
Second Attempt: 157/ 161/ 5.0

Veterinary Experience
SA Clinic shadow (30 hrs)
SA Clinic volunteer vet assistant (300 hrs)
Zoo vet shadow (50 hrs)
SA Vet Tech (3360 hrs)


Animal Experience
Horseback riding (middle school) (184 hrs)
Volunteer Kennel Assistant at Pet Resort (30 hrs)

Extracurricular/Awards
Secretary of Biology Student Advisory Council
College Mock Trial team member and Vice President/Co-Captain
President's Award Scholarship
Dean's List
Graduated Cum Laude
(I also included high school extracurriculars/awards on my VMCAS app. The above list is college only)

LORs
SA Vet/Medical Director
SA Vet
Biology Professor and Department Chair
Biology Professor

Personal Statement

My statement had 3 main focuses, which all used specific examples and stories to show how my experience makes me a qualified applicant.

-1. My compassion for people - I told a story of one time when I taught an owner how to give SQ fluids to her cat and how the experience of teaching people to be involved in their pets' health is so rewarding. I talked about my relationship with clients, as a technician, and how I've learned patience - giving examples of times when I took the time to help more difficult pet owners.

-2. My vision and goals as a veterinarian
I took one paragraph to tie in how my experience relates to my interests in veterinary medicine--shadowing a zoo veterinarian, working with a variety of veterinarians and gaining different perspectives has helped me consider what I want to do after vet school.

-3. My dedication to the field
I talked about the long hours I worked as a tech while being a full-time college student - again with stories and examples - showing that I am willing to make sacrifices in order to succeed in the field and realize how much dedication vet school requires.


Notes: I am originally from New York so my goal has always been to move back East to attend vet school. I went to undergrad in Illinois and ended up living/working full time the year after graduation so my husband could finish school. Because of this, I had to change my residency from NY to IL -- in case anyone is wondering why I would apply to so many schools and not choose to go to my in-state. That said, Tufts was always by number 1 or 2 choice. The level of education and the overall culture of the school seems to be on a different level than many of the schools I had visited. Tufts is without a doubt the best fit for me and the best choice in terms of living in a place that both my husband and I can be happy in and hopefully stay permanently.
 
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I can't believe I finally am able to post to this thread! I was OBSESSED with lurking the "accepted applicant stats" threads in the past and constantly comparing myself to others internally. This past year I've really started to let that habit go (a bit) and look where it landed me! Anyways, my advice is to take all of these stats in this thread with a grain of salt. Yes, someone can look great on paper but be completely different in real life. Don't worry too much about it and keep your life balanced, that'll make you the best applicant you can be!

24 year old female, Maryland resident, second time applicant

First Time Application:

(I think more of my stats are listed in the "what are my chances thread" for the 2013/14 cycle in you are interested)
Applied: U Penn, Tufts, Ohio, NCSU, VMCVM
Interviewed: none
Rejected: N/a
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: N/a

Second Time Application:
Applied:
U Penn, Tufts, Oklahoma, Ohio, Iowa, NCSU, Auburn, VMCVM, Purdue
Interviewed: Auburn, VMCVM, Purdue
Rejected: U Penn, Tufts, Oklahoma, Ohio, Iowa, NCSU, Auburn
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: VMCVM, Purdue
Attending: VMCVM!! (hello Public Corporate Track and instate tuition!!)

Undergrad Overall GPA: 3.45
Gradschool Overall GPA: 3.6

Degrees: BA Biology (May 2014) and MPH (May 2016)

GRE (V/Q/W): 160 V/ 150 Q/ 3.5 W (I honestly don't remember them exactly but I took it twice and only increased my score marginally; both were similar to these scores. The writing score didn't change at all between the two tests.)

I've sort of repressed the VMCAS, so these numbers may not be exact but they are a rough estimate
Veterinary Experience:
MPH Capstone Project with the MDA (about backyard poultry and biosecurity): 240 hrs
Internship with Equine Veterinarian: 400 hrs
Large Animal Class in Belize: ~70 hrs
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Hospital: ~15 hrs (this was with a vet in the room)
National Zoo Animal Hospital Volunteer: ~80 hrs (this was with a vet in the room)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Volunteer: ~40 hrs (again, counting hours with a vet in the room)
SA Clinic Volunteer: ~ 5 hrs (again, counting those with a vet)

Animal Experience:
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Hospital: ~200 (1 year)
National Zoo Animal Hospital Volunteer: 500+ hrs (1.5 years)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Volunteer: 50+ hrs (6 months)
Personal Horse Care Provider : 7 years
SA Clinic Volunteer: ~20 hrs

Employment:
Nature Camp Counselor: 2 summers (it was a day camp)

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Library volunteer with a transitional education program in my county for young adults with intellectual disabilities: ~100 hrs

Awards:
Dean's List through most of undergrad
President Student Leadership Institute program member in grad school

eLORs:
Two professors from my grad program, one of which was my capstone advisor
The Maryland Assistant State Veterinarian, who I completed my capstone project with
A PhD who helped to run the library volunteer program I still participate in

If you have any questions about more of my background, just shoot me a message. I won't promise to have a speedy reply, but I'll help you out the best I can!
 
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I can't believe I finally am able to post to this thread! I was OBSESSED with lurking the "accepted applicant stats" threads in the past and constantly comparing myself to others internally. This past year I've really started to let that habit go (a bit) and look where it landed me! Anyways, my advice is to take all of these stats in this thread with a grain of salt. Yes, someone can look great on paper but be completely different in real life. Don't worry too much about it and keep your life balanced, that'll make you the best applicant you can be!

24 year old female, Maryland resident, second time applicant

First Time Application:

(I think more of my stats are listed in the "what are my chances thread" for the 2013/14 cycle in you are interested)
Applied: U Penn, Tufts, Ohio, NCSU, VMCVM
Interviewed: none
Rejected: N/a
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: N/a

Second Time Application:
Applied:
U Penn, Tufts, Oklahoma, Ohio, Iowa, NCSU, Auburn, VMCVM, Purdue
Interviewed: Auburn, VMCVM, Purdue
Rejected: U Penn, Tufts, Oklahoma, Ohio, Iowa, NCSU, Auburn
Waitlisted: N/a
Accepted: VMCVM, Purdue
Attending: VMCVM!! (hello Public Corporate Track and instate tuition!!)

Undergrad Overall GPA: 3.45
Gradschool Overall GPA: 3.6

Degrees: BA Biology (May 2014) and MPH (May 2016)

GRE (V/Q/W): 160 V/ 150 Q/ 3.5 W (I honestly don't remember them exactly but I took it twice and only increased my score marginally; both were similar to these scores. The writing score didn't change at all between the two tests.)

I've sort of repressed the VMCAS, so these numbers may not be exact but they are a rough estimate
Veterinary Experience:
MPH Capstone Project with the MDA (about backyard poultry and biosecurity): 240 hrs
Internship with Equine Veterinarian: 400 hrs
Large Animal Class in Belize: ~70 hrs
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Hospital: ~15 hrs (this was with a vet in the room)
National Zoo Animal Hospital Volunteer: ~80 hrs (this was with a vet in the room)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Volunteer: ~40 hrs (again, counting hours with a vet in the room)
SA Clinic Volunteer: ~ 5 hrs (again, counting those with a vet)

Animal Experience:
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Hospital: ~200 (1 year)
National Zoo Animal Hospital Volunteer: 500+ hrs (1.5 years)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Volunteer: 50+ hrs (6 months)
Personal Horse Care Provider : 7 years
SA Clinic Volunteer: ~20 hrs

Employment:
Nature Camp Counselor: 2 summers (it was a day camp)

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Library volunteer with a transitional education program in my county for young adults with intellectual disabilities: ~100 hrs

Awards:
Dean's List through most of undergrad
President Student Leadership Institute program member in grad school

eLORs:
Two professors from my grad program, one of which was my capstone advisor
The Maryland Assistant State Veterinarian, who I completed my capstone project with
A PhD who helped to run the library volunteer program I still participate in

If you have any questions about more of my background, just shoot me a message. I won't promise to have a speedy reply, but I'll help you out the best I can!

Congrats!!! VMCVM is one my top choices specifically because they have a public corporate track! I currently work and study Food Safety/Public Policy so I feel like VMCVM would be a perfect fit. Do they ask what track you want to pursue on the supplemental? And were you asked about this in your interview? I don't know if schools really place a rank on certain areas of studies during admissions so I'm just curious. Congratulations on your acceptance!!! I'm a non-traditional student and this will be my second-time applying.


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Congrats!!! VMCVM is one my top choices specifically because they have a public corporate track! I currently work and study Food Safety/Public Policy so I feel like VMCVM would be a perfect fit. Do they ask what track you want to pursue on the supplemental? And were you asked about this in your interview? I don't know if schools really place a rank on certain areas of studies during admissions so I'm just curious. Congratulations on your acceptance!!! I'm a non-traditional student and this will be my second-time applying.


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I *think* that VMCVM does ask about your interests on the supplemental (all the supplementals blur together in my mind lol). Their interviews are MMI style, so unless you find a way to intertwine your interests with one of their questions, they don't specifically ask what you are interested in:)
 
Congrats!!! VMCVM is one my top choices specifically because they have a public corporate track! I currently work and study Food Safety/Public Policy so I feel like VMCVM would be a perfect fit. Do they ask what track you want to pursue on the supplemental? And were you asked about this in your interview? I don't know if schools really place a rank on certain areas of studies during admissions so I'm just curious. Congratulations on your acceptance!!! I'm a non-traditional student and this will be my second-time applying.

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Hi! Yeah, like mmmdreamerz said I can't really remember if they asked about tracking in their supplemental app (I know UPenn did...) but I'm fairly certain they ask about wanting to complete the Master's in Public Health program, which sounds like it would be really cool for you! Since they run their own program instead of using Minnesota's online program it should offer you a more personalized experience with advisors & etc. . From my experience earning my MPH through the University of Maryland system I would assume the VMCVM program is also really good with a lot of opportunities to gain hands-on experience, especially through a capstone (which I believe can be counted towards clinics/rotations? correct me if I'm mistaken, though!). Anyways, just keep doing the work you are doing in PH and make sure your animal/vet experience is diverse. When I first applied I mostly had equine experience and added the zoo, wildlife, and small animal in time for my second app and I think it probably helped.

P.S. your corgi is super cute!
 
Finally decided to stop lurking and make an account! You all have been unbelievably helpful during the application process :biglove: Hopefully this is encouraging to people with lower GPAs!

23 year old female, NJ resident, first time applicant

Applied: Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn, Tufts, UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State, Wash State, Wisconsin, Cornell
Interviewed: Tufts, UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State, Wash State
Rejected: Colorado State, UC Davis, U Penn
Waitlisted: Tufts, Wisconsin, Wash State, Cornell
Accepted: UTK, VA-MD, Michigan State
Attending: most likely UTK!

Overall GPA: 3.26
Science GPA: 3.23
Last 45 GPA: 3.43

Degree: BE Engineering 2016

GRE (V/Q/W): 161 (87%), 168 (95%), 4.0

Veterinary Experience:
SA clinic- 150 hours

Animal Experience:
Wildlife rehab clinic- 180 hours
Animal shelter volunteer- 100 hours

Research:
Undergrad assistant (anion selectivity of pyrrole compounds)- 30 hours
Undergrad assistant (microfluidic device design)- 60 hours
Postbac assistant (cancer metabolism and imaging research)- 280 hours at time of application

Employment:

Summer swim coach- 480 hours
Lifeguard- 160 hours

Extracurricular/Community Service:
D1 athlete - 4000 hours
Student Athlete Advisory Committee- 50 hours

Awards:
Couple Dean's Lists & athletic awards
National Merit Scholarship
AP Scholar

eLORs:
SA veterinarian
Undergrad advisor
Professor/PI

Personal Statement:
Talked about unique engineering background and how it could complement vet med. Described personal characteristics gained/lessons learned from my main experiences. Ended with why I'm drawn to a career in veterinary research where I can help animals and humans.


Thank you so much for posting this, my GPA is on the lower end and I've been having so much anxiety about it....
 
Also finally decided to make an account! So excited to be able to post on here, but still facing a huge decision of deciding!!! Would welcome any advice!

I would also like to provide some hope for those who don't have hundreds of hours of veterinary experience. We can do it too!

22 year old female, Iowa resident, first time applicant

Applied: Iowa State University, University of Edinburgh, Cornell University
Interviewed: Iowa State, Edinburgh
Rejected: Cornell
Waitlisted: N/A
Accepted: Edinburgh, Iowa State
Attending: AHHHH I still need to decide!!! But leaning toward Edinburgh...

Overall GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.66
Last 45 GPA: 3.74

Degree: BA Biology 2017

GRE (V/Q/W): 159 (82%), 158 (70%), 4.5

Veterinary Experience:
SA clinic shadowing - 50 hours
Mixed clinic shadowing - 9 hours (at time of application); ~100 hours added since application

Animal Experience:
Volunteer enrichment team leader at local zoo - 400 hours
Unit counselor at Girl Scout Camp (worked with the horses) - 100 hours

Research:
Undergrad researcher with Ag. Research Service at the USDA - 200 hours (co-authorship on paper)
Biology Lab attendant - 168 hours
Student researcher in South Africa - 540 hours
Course research in South Africa - 560 hours
Course research at home institution - 400 hours +

Employment:

Student Union Center Staff - 440 hours+
Student Cafe Student Manager - 380 hours
Temp Financial Assistant at Insurance Company - 320 hours

Extracurricular/Community Service:
Community Theater Troupe member - 70 hours
Community Activities planning committee (high school) - 240 hours
Science Student Mentor/Planning committee - 200 hours

Awards:
One semester Dean's list
Student Legislative Representative - one semester
National Council on Youth Leadership (high school)
Scholarship recipient at college
AP scholar with distinction (high school)

eLORs:
PI at the USDA, and her post-doc mentor (a vet pathologist) wrote together
PI from research in South Africa
College adviser
Animal behavior prof/my previous college adviser

Personal Statement:
Talked about how I'm not afraid to get dirty when I'm working with animals; talked about my specific interests in wildlife med and exotics, from my experiences in South Africa, and how I supplemented my less-traditional experiences and interests with clinical shadowing and research
 
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