Successful Applicants c/o 2024

[doctor-who]

Congratulations to those who have heard happy news already! Please post your stats to help other applicants as the acceptances roll in. The format from years before is posted below.

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied

Applied:
Interview Invites:
Waiting to hear:
Accepted:
Attending:

Overall GPA:
Science Prerequisite GPA:
Last 45 GPA:

GRE (Q/V/W): x (%) / y (%) / z (%)

Degree(s):

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - (hrs)

Animal Experience:
Experience - (hrs)

Research:
Experience - (hrs)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - (hrs)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - (hrs)

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about

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[futuredvm2024]

Age:20 , Gender: Female, State/Country of Residence: New York , Traditional/Non-traditional applicant: Traditional, # of times you've applied: first time!

Applied: Ross, Cornell, LMU, LSU, Penn, Tufts, VA-MD, Oregon, Kansas, Colorado, LIU, Oklahoma, Illinois
Interview Invites: 1
Waiting to hear: 9/13
Accepted: 1
Attending: 0

Overall GPA: 3.54
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.0
Last 45 GPA: 2.8

GRE (Q/V/W): 26 (%) / 51 (%) / 81 (%)

Degree(s): Bachelors, Animal Sciences

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - 700(hrs)

Animal Experience:
Experience - 1000+(hrs)

Research:
Experience - 50(hrs)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - 50?(hrs)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - 1000(hrs)

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Vet, Friend, Advisor, Professor, Co-worker

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about; too many to summarize

 

[MommaBeasley2]

Age:20 , Gender: Female, State/Country of Residence: New York , Traditional/Non-traditional applicant: Traditional, # of times you've applied: first time!

Applied: Ross, Cornell, LMU, LSU, Penn, Tufts, VA-MD, Oregon, Kansas, Colorado, LIU, Oklahoma, Illinois
Interview Invites: 1
Waiting to hear: 9/13
Accepted: 1
Attending: 0

Overall GPA: 3.54
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.0
Last 45 GPA: 2.8

GRE (Q/V/W): 26 (%) / 51 (%) / 81 (%)

Degree(s): Bachelors, Animal Sciences

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - 700(hrs)

Animal Experience:
Experience - 1000+(hrs)

Research:
Experience - 50(hrs)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - 50?(hrs)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - 1000(hrs)

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Vet, Friend, Advisor, Professor, Co-worker

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about; too many to summarize

What school did you get accepted to? Congrats!!

 

[futuredvm2024]

What school did you get accepted to? Congrats!!

Accepted to Ross so far!!

 

[thedogtorisin2020]

23, Female, Arizona (WICHE certified), Traditional, First Cycle

Applied: Oregon, Washington, Midwestern, UC Davis, Colorado, Ross
Interview Invites: Midwestern, Colorado, Ross
Waiting to hear: none
Accepted: Oregon, Washington, Midwestern, Colorado, Ross
Attending: Washington or Colorado

Overall GPA: 3.93
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.87
Last 45 GPA: 3.87

GRE (Q/V/W): 154 (53%) / 161 (88%) / 4.0 (57%)

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science in Biology, Associates of Science in Health Sciences

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - 1000+(hrs)

Animal Experience:
Experience - 200+(hrs)

Research:
Experience - 26(hrs) and counting

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - 4700+(hrs)
Awards - 3 merit-based scholarships and Dean's List 7/9 quarters attended.

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - 1400+(hrs)

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Vet/Employer, Chair of Biology Department/Academic Advisor/Employer, Professor of Physiology, Professor of Biochemistry

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I spoke mostly about how I truly felt veterinary medicine was for me and why. I spoke greatly about the service involved with being a veterinarian, both to animals and to people. I discussed my career goals (specializing, maybe teaching someday). I emphasized how important practicing quality medicine is to me. I kept mentioning some key characteristics that veterinarians should have to be the best they can be in the career and gave specific examples of me displaying those characteristics.

Edited: for clarity and to update some things!

 

[mammalade]

21, Male, AZ (WICHE) resident, traditional 1st-time applicant

Applied: Oregon State, Washington State, Colorado State, Purdue, UC Davis, Midwestern
Interview Invites: Midwestern, Purdue, CSU
Accepted: Midwestern, WSU, OSU
Attending: OSU!!

Overall GPA: 3.98
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.96
Last 45 GPA: 3.90

GRE (Q/V/W): 149 (34%) / 161 (88%) / 4.0 (59%)

Degree(s): BS - Conservation

Veterinary Experience:
Vet Assistant (small animal) - (400 hrs)
Vet Assistant (lab animal) - (160 hrs)
Misc. Shadowing (wildlife) - (20 hrs)

Animal Experience:
Wildlife Rehab ICU - (150 hrs)
Small Animal Shelter ICU - (1000+ hrs)
Lab Assistant - (400 hrs)
Misc. Horse Stuff - (150 hrs)

Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
LGBTQ+ Organization President - (400 hrs)
Painting/Sculpting (+ awards) - (600 hrs)
Scouting (+ awards) - (1200+ hrs)
Various scholarships/honors society/deans list

Non-Animal Employment:
Biomedical Engineering Firm Intern - (250 hrs)

LORs:
Small Animal Vet
Lab Animal Vet
Animal Phys Professor
Biology Lab TA

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Wrote about:

• Wanting to support the human-animal bond, what this means to me, why this is important to me, why this is valuable to my community
• How my veterinary experiences have informed me and my interests in the profession
• Interest in small animal clinical practice and potentially in specializing
• Traits of a good veterinarian I discussed were determination/drive, stress management/wellness, and interpersonal communication skills
• Gave examples of how I demonstrated these traits

 

[GJ95]

24, Male, Utah, traditional 1st-time applicant

Applied: Oregon State, Washington State, Colorado State, Kansas State, Purdue, Iowa State, Michigan State, Mississippi State, University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, Cornell University, University of Minnesota
Interview Invites: WSU/WIMU, CSU, KSU, Purdue, Mississippi State, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan State, Illinois (declined all except WSU/WIMU)
Withdrew: Iowa State since accepted to other programs and missing a prerequisite
Accepted: Oregon State, Cornell, WSU, Wisconsin
Attending: WSU (maybe Cornell if enough scholarships)

Overall GPA: 3.62
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.78
Last 45 GPA: 3.78
GRE (Q/V/W): 156 (62%) / 150 (48%) / 4.5 (82%)
Degree(s): BS - Microbiology with a minor in chemistry

Veterinary Experience:
Shadowed 7 different small animal vets (some specialists): 1000hrs
Animal Experience:
Zoo/Shelter/Vet Assistant: 300 hours
Research:
R&D for pharmaceutical company: 400 hours
Extracurriculars/Awards:
Music/Sports
Deans List
Vice President Pre Vet Club
Team captain football
Debate tournament awards
Employment:
Microbiologist
Analytics Chemist
Chemistry Tutor
Janitor/retail/construction

LORs:
Small animal vet
Board certified emergency small animal vet
College professor
Current boss

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about how I wanted to become board certified in emergency medicine and gave life experiences as to why I wanted to pursue that path.

As far as my personal statement, something that makes me unique is that I worked full time during undergrad (40-50 hour weeks while going to school 16-18 credit hours). Also, I took 2 years off after graduating in 2017 to work as a scientist for a pharmaceutical company which was a unique experience.

 

[DVM2024]

Still in awe that I get to post here!!!!

21, Female, North Carolina, traditional 1st time applicant

Applied: NCSU, Tufts, Purdue, Auburn, UGA, Cornell, UC Davis
Interview Invites: Tufts, Purdue, Auburn
Waiting to hear: NCSU, UGA, Cornell... haven't interviewed yet at Purdue and Auburn
Accepted: Tufts
Attending: waiting to hear from my in-state (NCSU)

Overall GPA: 3.96
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.93
Last 45 GPA: 3.93

GRE (Q/V/W): 159 (72%) / 163 (93%) / 4.0 (59%)

Degree(s): B.S. of Zoology (May 2020)

Veterinary Experience:
-1800 hrs SA clinic student assistant
-1600 hrs SA clinic veterinary assistant
-120 hrs volunteering with mobile mixed practice
-48 hrs emergency clinic vet assistant (literally just started working there)

Animal Experience:
-15 hrs pet sitting
-40 hrs reptile care
-500 hrs stablehand
-800 hrs dog boarding kennel

Research:
-130 hrs field research, publication in process

Extracurriculars/Awards:
-Dean's List (6 semesters)
-Full tuition academic scholarship
-Honors Scholar
-Highest level award in an international club

Non-Animal Employment:
-Pre-Vet Club Vice President and founding member
-Member and leader in international club organization from kindergarten to graduation

LORs:
-2 SA veterinarians
-Research prof
-Another bio prof

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I talked about experiences that led to my interest in veterinary medicine, as well as hobbies of mine outside the animal realm. Also focused quite a bit on unique life experiences.... there were so many essays...

 

[#LetsDoThis]

Hi all, so excited to post this! My story is a little unique in that I applied to vet school in order to become a better researcher. I only applied to two schools and I was sure they had dual DVM/PhD programs beforehand. One I didn't even get an interview and the other I was accepted without an interview.

25, Female, Missouri, non-traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: Louisiana State University and Mississippi State University
Interview Invites: 0
Waiting to hear: 0
Accepted: LSU
Attending: LSU

Overall GPA: 3.56
Science Prerequisite GPA: VMCAS: 3.56 calc by LSU: 3.72
Last 45 GPA: 3.98

GRE (Q/V/W): 154 / 154 / (can't remember sorry)

Degree(s): B.S. Animal Science from Texas A&M University, M.S. Agriculture Missouri State University

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - like 100-ish hours
also had time shadowing a dermatologist (MD not DVM)
Animal Experience:
Experience -literally tons (I didn't go back and count but anything from performance horses to raising broilers)

Research:
Experience - again, LOTS of time including my own thesis project from my M.S.

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - (hrs)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - (hrs)

LORs:
Two PhD's (one of which was my advisor)
One Vet who I was close to while at TAMU he had taught me a lot just from coming out and taking care of my own animals even though I never shadowed him

Essays: As far as the essays go, I feel like I was just honest. I knew my situation was unique and some would potentially like that I wanted to be a DVM to enhance my potential as a researcher while I'm sure some thought the spot should go to someone who spent their life wanting to practice in a clinic. I think that was made apparent by my acceptance to one and lack of an interview invitation to the other!

My advice for the essays is to try to be genuine. It's easy to sound fake when the prompts are somewhat simple but find your own opinion on the matter and know your audience but don't write for them. After all, you want your "voice" to come through rather than sounding cookie cutter.

 

[dirtypaws]

25, F, CO (but I get in-state tuition in all the schools I applied to due to GI bill use), Non-trad, 1st time applying.

Applied: Colorado, Oregon, Washington, VAMD, Cornell
Interview Invites: Colorado, Washington
Waiting to hear: Cornell
Accepted: Oregon
Attending: Most likely Oregon

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

GRE (Q/V/W): 145 (19%) / 154 (64%) / 4.0 (57%)

Degree(s): None!

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - (around 900 hours, mostly small animal at a humane society as a vet assistant and then shadowing some from a vet on a military base)

Animal Experience:
Experience - (>1000 hours, lot's of volunteer work around horses at rescues and a therapeutic riding centre. I also volunteered as a vet assistant at the humane society before I was offered a job)

Research:
Experience - (none)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - (I had a ton of awards from the military, 3 scholarship, deans list pretty much every semester. I'm kind of an introvert so I not a whole lot school involvement wise)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - (I worked for 5 years in the Navy so I deployed multiple times and had a pretty successful enlistment after I got out I went to school and worked a few different part-time jobs but most budgeted really well so that I could focus on school and live off of a really small income)

LORs:
Title of recommender (2 Vets, 1 military reference, and 1 professor who is the department chair of chemistry at a community college I attended)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I grew up really low income after immigrating to the US with my parents from Ukraine. I wrote about my experiences as an immigrant and my perseverance throughout the military and being put in some less than comfortable positions. I also wrote about how I have a passion for working with underserved communities and plan on going into shelter medicine. I probably wrote about a ton more things but it feels like such a whirlwind that I don't exactly remember all of them.

 

[schlagzeugerin]

I can't believe I actually get to post here! It's really a dream come true.

21, Female, NY State resident, Traditional applicant, 1st time applying

Applied: Cornell, UPenn, Tufts, Ohio, Purdue, Georgia, Florida, UC Davis, Wisconsin
Interview Invites: Florida, Ohio, Purdue, Tufts (declined all after getting accepted to Cornell)
Waiting to hear: UPenn, Georgia, Wisconsin (declined all after getting accepted to Cornell)
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: 3.73
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.7
Last 45 GPA: 3.8?? (Not sure)

GRE (Q/V/W): 159 (70%) / 160 (86%) / 4.5 (82%)

Degree(s): B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, B.S. in Biological Sciences, B.A. in German (completing all in May 2020)

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - Total ~2500 hours
2250 hrs working at a small animal general practice as an assistant
100 hours in Belize (through CELA Belize) working with vets to vaccinate and deworm large animals and helping at a spay/neuter clinic.
50 hours on a RAVS trip helping at a spay/neuter wellness clinic on a reservation in the midwest
50 hours working with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, performing ultrasounds and physical exams
50 hours doing VetTRAC at Virginia Maryland vet school

Animal Experience:
Experience - Total ~2000 hours
1240 hours fostering dogs and cats
240 hours as a zookeeping intern
220 hours working with exotics
200 hours working with horses
100 hours working with alpacas

Research:
Experience - Total ~200 hours
200 hours doing biomedical engineering research in a soft tissue mechanics lab

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - ~500 hours?
President of the Pre-Veterinary Club at my university
Organic Chemistry TA
Biology TA
Winner of German scholarship within my university
Dean's list every semester except 1 (both in the engineering school and arts and sciences school)
Intramural soccer for 2 years

Non-Animal Employment:
I worked Fridays evenings for 1.5 years for a club at my university. All other employment was animal-related.

LORs:
2 vets at my practice, 2 professors that I took their classes and then also TA'd for (Biology and Organic Chemistry), and my German professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1) About a kitten that I fostered that wasn't supposed to make it but survived and taught me a lot about life and how I knew I could be a vet.
2) My trip to a Native American Reservation with RAVS to help with a spay/neuter clinic, what I learned there, and how important education is in the veterinary profession.
3) Why I majored in biomedical engineering and how I hope to incorporate biomedical engineering into my future work as a veterinarian.

 

[omgitsallyd]

22, female, CT resident, traditional, first time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Washington State, Oregon State, North Carolina State, Cornell, UPenn, and Colorado State
Interview Invites: Davis, WSU, Colorado State, UPenn — declined all after hearing back
Alternate: Cornell (pulled spot)
Accepted: Oregon State, UC Davis
Attending: UC DAVIS!!

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

GRE (Q/V/W): 168 (93%) / 156 (73%) / 5.0 (93 %)

Degree(s): BA in Biology (minor in Classics, sociology, and chemistry)

Veterinary Experience:
Volunteer, then shadower, then paid assistant at small animal clinic — 1800 hrs
Shadowed equine veterinarian — 800 hrs

Animal Experience:
Horse back riding camp counselor (paid) — 240 hrs
Competitive equestrian (training, showing, grooming etc.) — 14000 hrs

Research:
HHMI funded research on native Miami plant species and their antimicrobial properties — 180 hrs
Lab assistant testing samples for chlamydia, sarco, EPH, ECUN, aspergillus… etc. Helped prepare samples for protein research alongside of my mentor — 300 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards:
UM Canes Investing Club
Gamma Sigma Alpha Honors Society (treasurer and member)
Biology workshop leader
Delta Phi Epsilon (head of standards’ board and member)
Pre-vet society (PR coordinator and member)
Photography (both paid gigs and for pleasure)

Equestrian awards
Hermes Prize (Latin award at my university)
President’s honor roll
Dean’s List
Scholarships
Natural Science Award
Horsemanship award
Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant

Non-Animal Employment:
None

LORs:
Small animal veterinarian I have worked with for almost 6 years
Equine veterinarian
Organic Chemistry Prof

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

I focused on my love of problem solving and my horse’s neurological tripping problem. I spoke about how my need to problem solve has translated into wanting to pursue a DVM focusing in equine advanced imagine to help horses similar to my own that have yet to be properly diagnosed.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

 

[marilee]

27, Female, California resident, non-traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: Davis, North Carolina, Colorado, Cornell, Missouri, Michigan, and Georgia
Interview Invites: Davis, (turned down invites from) Missouri, Michigan, and Colorado
Waiting to hear back from: None
Accepted: Davis, North Carolina, UGA, and Cornell
Attending: Davis

Overall GPA: 3.98
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.96
Last 45 GPA: 3.97

GRE (Q/V/W): 166 (91%) / 166 (97%) / 4.5 (82%)

Degree(s): B.A. in Zoology, B.A. in Psychology

Veterinary Experience:
- Specialty orthopedic surgery 880 hours
- SA & Exotics GP 1240 hours
- Exotics only clinic 1200 hours
- Humane Society 112 hours

Animal Experience:
- Wildlife Centers/Columbus Zoo 420 hours
- TA Ornithology 100 hours

Research:
- Psychology research 85 hours
- Various Marine Bio research 760 hours
- Undergrad labs 1100 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- Barry M. Goldwater Scholar
- NSF GRFP Recipient
- Phi Beta Kappa/Sigma Xi
- Various clubs, department honors/awards, dean’s list, grants, etc.

LORs:
2 Vets from SA/Exotics GP
Undergrad PI (Animal behaviorist)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1) Future career- Wrote about how various mentors and family environment shaped my desire to go into academia
2) How veterinarians contribute to society - I wrote about my experience with chronic illnesses and pain and how it makes me a better advocate for companion animal welfare
3) Attributes to become a successful veterinarian - Kindness, compassion without judgement, and resilience in the face of adversity

 

[RightMeow!]

24, Male, Utah, Non-traditional applicant, First application cycle

Applied: WSU
Interview Invites: WSU
Waiting to hear: N/A
Accepted: WSU
Attending: WSU

Overall GPA: 3.87
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.90
Last 45 GPA: 3.82

GRE (Q/V/W): 156 (60%) / 157 (76%) / 4.5 (81%)

Degree(s): B.S. in Zoology

Veterinary Experience:
Low-cost spay/neuter clinic volunteer - 125 hours
Bison Roundup - 24 hours
Small Animal Vet Assistant - ~900 hours at time of application

Animal Experience:
Animal Shelters - 120 hours
Pet Care Associate - 4,020 hours
Zoology Lab Assistant - 1,760 hours

Research:
Zebrafish Neural Repair - 216 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Various military programs and schools
Wildlife society & Zoology club member
Local Arts Council Volunteer
CompTIA IT Fundamentals Cert
Other clubs and volunteering from high school

Academic Honors 6/6 semesters
Military awards and decorations
Tech College Scholarship

Non-Animal Employment:
Loan / Bankcard CSR for a large collection of banks - 2,100 hours
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, USAFR - 9,000 hours
KFC - 1,400 hours

LORs:
1x Small Animal Veterinarian
1x Clinic Practice Manager
1x Zoology Professor


Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

1- Mainly focused on my desire to practice small animal surgery in a non-profit setting, why that meant something to me, and how I plan on getting from here to there.

2- Talked about how veterinarians are uniquely suited to protect animal and human health, and how I aspire to contribute within a non-profit setting to improve both animal and human welfare.

3- Focused on integrity, patience, empathy, and resiliency and how they are among the most intrinsic of characteristics that drive success throughout the profession.

 

[Wolfie<3]

I'm still pretty shocked I get to post here.

29, Male, CA State resident, Non-Traditional applicant, 1st time applying

Applied: Davis, Oregon, Western, Midwestern
Interview Invites: Davis, Western, Midwestern
Waiting to hear: Western
Waitlisted: Oregon
Accepted: Davis, Midwestern
Attending: Davis!!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.54
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.47
Last 45 GPA: 3.53

GRE (Q/V/W): 159 (72%) / 158 (80%) / 4.5 (82%)

Degree(s): B.A in Biological Sciences

Veterinary Experience:
4 hours; Shadowed an ER Small Animal Veterinarian
450 hours; Veterinary Assistant at a Banfield Clinic

Animal Experience:
150 hours; Dog sitter w/ Rover
150 hours; Kitten Foster Parent
5000 hours; Siberian Husky Pet Ownership (Yup, I put this on my application )

Research:
N/A

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Deans List for a few semesters in undergrad.
Otherwise I listed no EC's.

Non-Animal Employment:
14,200 hours; Senior Histotechnologist in a cancer diagnostics lab.
400 hours; Volunteer @ Stanford Hospital

LORs:
1) Veterinarian I worked with at Banfield.
2) My Lab Director at my Histopathology Lab.
3) My Manager at my Histopathology Lab,

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1) Talked about my possible interest in animal pathology due to my extensive background in Histology. Connected how I provide answers to cancer patients currently to how I could provide answers to animals as a pathologist.
2) Talked about a few different sectors and highlighted prevention of zoonotic diseases as a main talking point.
3) Told a story of a crazy day at Banfield that I experienced. Talked about the different qualities in that Vet I was working with that contributed to controlling the chaos and leading the team to a successful night.

 

[diqsmt]

26, Male, IL State resident, Non-Traditional applicant, 1st time applying

I applied all the schools around Illinois except Wisconsin and Tennessee (these two are the most expensive schools to IL resident) because I did not want to move far from my family! I still had to apply one island school as a backup though.

Applied: Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Lincoln-Memorial, St. George
Interview Invites: Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota (declined the interview), Lincoln-Memorial, St. George
Rejected: Missouri
Accepted: Ohio State, Iowa State, Illinois, Michigan State, St. George
Attending: Ohio State

Overall GPA: 3.54
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.49
Last 45 GPA: 3.60

GRE (Q/V/W): 165 (91%) / 141 (15%) / 3.5 (39%)

Degree(s): B.A in Chemistry, minor in Physics

Veterinary Experience:
-1000 hours experience SA working as a vet tech full-time
- 250 hours of SA hospital internship for school credit over the summer.
- 60 hours experience LA - shadowing an equine vet

Animal Experience:
- Volunteering at a farm over 50 hours for working with pigs, cows, chickens, etc.
- Volunteering at a zoo over 100 hours for monitoring the behavior of animals and recording them for research purpose.
- Volunteering at a horse barn over 300 hours for helping disabled kids to ride horses and coaching their ridings.

Research:
- 800 hours in Organic Chemistry Research during the summer of junior to senior year in my undergraduate

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- President of one club, vice president of another club. A lot of club activities. No award.

Non-Animal Employment:
- Working at a pharmaceutical company over 2 years making chlorhexidine solutions.
- Working at a restaurant for part-time alongside my undergraduate years.

LORs:
- Two letters from SA veterinarians that I work with (they are awesome!).
- One from my pre-health advisor (took two biology courses with her).
- One from the chair of the chemistry department (He was my advisor for the entire undergraduate years and I took two courses with him).
- One from the chair of the physics department (I minored in physics and I took one course with him).
- One from my supervisor at the chemistry department. (I was a chemistry TA for 3 years and she was the supervisor).

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1) Talked about my interest in the research industry.
2) Talked about preventative care including zoonotic diseases and public health.
3) Talked about a few qualities that successful veterinarians embody that affected me personally.



I've received so many helps from other students. If anyone needs help or advice from me, I would love to help you! Especially to those who are in the similar situation as where I was such as being a Non-traditional, minority, low GRE score, looking for a school in mid-west, etc

 

[dom_]

26, Male, IL State resident, Non-Traditional applicant, 1st time applying

Applied: Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Lincoln-Memorial, St. George
Interview Invites: Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Lincoln-Memorial, St. George
Waiting to hear: Iowa (No Interview for Iowa)
Will Interview soon: Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota, Illinois
Accepted: Ohio State, St. George
Attending: Will be determined

Overall GPA: 3.54
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.49
Last 45 GPA: 3.60

GRE (Q/V/W): 140 (11%) / 165 (91%) / 3.5 (39%)

Degree(s): B.A in Chemistry

Veterinary Experience:
- over 1300 hours experience SA working as a vet tech full-time
- 250 hours of SA hospital internship (for school credit) over the summer.
- 60 hours experience LA - shadowing an equine vet

Animal Experience:
- Volunteering at a farm once in 2~3 weeks for like 50 hours. Working with pigs, cows, chickens, etc.
- Volunteering at a zoo once a week for 3 hours (over 100 hours). Monitoring the behaviour of animals and record them for research
purpose.
- Volunteering at a horse barn for over 300 hours helping disabled kids to ride horses and coach them.

Research:
- 800 hours in Organic Chemistry Research in my undergraduate

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- President of a club, vice president of another club.

Non-Animal Employment:
- Working at a pharmaceutical company over 2 years making chlorhexidine solutions.
- Working at a restaurant for part-time alongside my undergraduate years.

LORs:
- Two letters from SA veterinarians that I work with (they are awesome!).
- One from my pre-health advisor (took two courses with her).
- One from the chair of the chemistry department (He was my advisor for the entire undergraduate years and I took one course with him).
- One from the chair of the physics department (I minored in physics and I took one course with him).
- One from my supervisor at the chemistry department. (I was a chemistry TA for years and she was the supervisor).

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1) Talked about my interest in the research industry.
2) Talked about preventative care including zoonotic diseases, and public health.
3) Talked about a few qualities that successful veterinarians embody that affected me personally.

Do you mind me asking when you heard from Ohio state about your acceptance?

 

[diqsmt]

Do you mind me asking when you heard from Ohio state about your acceptance?

Just this afternoon. Received a call

 

[dom_]

Just this afternoon. Received a call

Wow congrats!!!!!

 

[angie_76]

22,Female, UC Davis international student from Shanghai China, Traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin, Western, RVC, Colorado, Iowa, UPenn, Louisiana state, Michigan, Washington
Interview Invites: 6+? (Declined Minnesota and withdrew app from Iowa state)
Waiting to hear: UPenn, Wisconsin.
Accepted: Ohio state , Louisiana State, Oregon State, Western, RVC, Colorado State, University of Wisconsin !
Attending: OREGON STATE!!! after debating for a month over that or Colorado!
Rejected: UC DAVIS (OUCH! the reason I moved to the US lol..), michigan state, washington state, UPenn

Overall GPA: 3.81
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.65-3.79? (depends on how each school calculated it)
Last 45 GPA: 3.9

GRE (Q/V/W): 70 (%) / 65? i forgot (%) / 99 (%)

Degree(s): BS in animal science with emphasis in companion animals at UC Davis, minor in Chinese.

Veterinary Experience:
Experience -1500 (hrs)
Many many hours shadowing neurology specialist, radiologist, surgery etc. starting from high school.
UC Davis veterinary teaching hospital emergency room winter internship.
elephant veterinarian with loop abroad in Thailand for half a month.
Shelter medicine and neuter/spays with Thai veterinarian and Tufts alumni in Thailand (You can dm for that info if you want)
LA vet hospital working with exotics and small animals for summer.

Animal Experience:
Experience -5000 (hrs)
TOOO many. from handling livestock to exotics to small animals to volunteering at the sacramento zoo to animal science courses and labs at UC Davis. Basically worked with almost every species. ( I think vet schools like the diversity!)

Research:
Experience -200 (hrs)
Poultry research for 2 years and helped with publishing paper for poultry welfare but wasn't a co-author.
Did some swine nutrition research, feeding, cleaning, weighing, collecting fecal sample, formulating diet.
Elephant nutrition research study in Thailand.
High school paper writing on meta-analysis of contagious yawning in chimpanzees.

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience 1000+(hrs)
Social Sorority
Piano tutoring
Quartet (violin)
Hosting airbnb
MC of various shows
Volunteering
Various scholarships and awards related to poultry research
4 quarters on the dean's list
Outstanding IB psychology student award
Outstanding IB Biology student award
Outstanding IB Chinese student award.
Team captain of varsity basketball and volleyball team.
MVP of varsity basketball team 2 years in a row.
Level 11 piano award (local shanghai competition)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience -1000 (hrs)

-modeling with decathalon (contract)
-piano tutor
-Airbnb host
-English/Chinese tutor
-Data analysis part-time on campus job
-Whole earth festival food coordinator
-Internship at casino in Macau... so random.

LORs:
2 veterinarians from Shanghai
1 veterinarian from a vet hospital in LA, he's also a lecturer at ohio state and western.
1 letter from my major advisor.
1 letter from my research professor
1 letter from my biology professor
I chose different letters to be sent to different schools.

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Mostly about my diversity and living across the world.
My experience as a foster kid and how animals helped me battle my loneliness.
My ability to adapt and being able to speak English, Mandarin and French.
Teaching piano in high school to pay for tuition.
I had to write different essays for different schools I applied to but I almost always utilized my experience studying abroad in Thailand and interning at my Shanghai vet hospital as examples to prove my diversity working with different species and doctors from different backgrounds and nationalities.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

22,Female, UC Davis international student from Shanghai China, Traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin, Western, RVC, Colorado, Iowa, UPenn, Louisiana state, Michigan, Washington
Interview Invites: 6+? (Declined Minnesota and withdrew app from Iowa state)
Waiting to hear: UPenn, Wisconsin.
Accepted: Ohio state , Louisiana State, Oregon State, Western, RVC.
Attending: Unsure! but either Oregon state (Cheapest international tuition) or Colorado if I get in... maybe Ohio? (international tuition avgs. 90K/year tho...)
Rejected: UC DAVIS (OUCH! the reason I moved to the US lol..), michigan state, washington state.

Overall GPA: 3.81
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.65-3.79? (depends on how each school calculated it)
Last 45 GPA: 3.9

GRE (Q/V/W): 70 (%) / 65? i forgot (%) / 99 (%)

Degree(s): BS in animal science with emphasis in companion animals at UC Davis, minor in Chinese.

Veterinary Experience:
Experience -1500 (hrs)
Many many hours shadowing neurology specialist, radiologist, surgery etc. starting from high school.
UC Davis veterinary teaching hospital emergency room winter internship.
elephant veterinarian with loop abroad in Thailand for half a month.
Shelter medicine and neuter/spays with Thai veterinarian and Tufts alumni in Thailand (You can dm for that info if you want)
LA vet hospital working with exotics and small animals for summer.

Animal Experience:
Experience -5000 (hrs)
TOOO many. from handling livestock to exotics to small animals to volunteering at the sacramento zoo to animal science courses and labs at UC Davis. Basically worked with almost every species. ( I think vet schools like the diversity!)

Research:
Experience -200 (hrs)
Poultry research for 2 years and helped with publishing paper for poultry welfare but wasn't a co-author.
Did some swine nutrition research, feeding, cleaning, weighing, collecting fecal sample, formulating diet.
Elephant nutrition research study in Thailand.
High school paper writing on meta-analysis of contagious yawning in chimpanzees.

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience 1000+(hrs)
Social Sorority
Piano tutoring
Quartet (violin)
Hosting airbnb
MC of various shows
Volunteering
Various scholarships and awards related to poultry research
4 quarters on the dean's list
Outstanding IB psychology student award
Outstanding IB Biology student award
Outstanding IB Chinese student award.
Team captain of varsity basketball and volleyball team.
MVP of varsity basketball team 2 years in a row.
Level 11 piano award (local shanghai competition)

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience -1000 (hrs)

-modeling with decathalon (contract)
-piano tutor
-Airbnb host
-English/Chinese tutor
-Data analysis part-time on campus job
-Whole earth festival food coordinator
-Internship at casino in Macau... so random.

LORs:
2 veterinarians from Shanghai
1 veterinarian from a vet hospital in LA, he's also a lecturer at ohio state and western.
1 letter from my major advisor.
1 letter from my research professor
1 letter from my biology professor
I chose different letters to be sent to different schools.

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Mostly about my diversity and living across the world.
My experience as a foster kid and how animals helped me battle my loneliness.
My ability to adapt and being able to speak English, Mandarin and French.
Teaching piano in high school to pay for tuition.
I had to write different essays for different schools I applied to but I almost always utilized my experience studying abroad in Thailand and interning at my Shanghai vet hospital as examples to prove my diversity working with different species and doctors from different backgrounds and nationalities.

Go to your cheapest option. I'm unsure of your international status, but if you are still classified as an international student then you are not eligible for FAFSA which unless the Chinese government is sponsoring you then you'll have to take out private loans which are often worse than the US government loans in terms of repayment interest rates as well as amount you can barrow. The school might have special funds for sponsoring international students but I cannot imagine it being anything decent in comparison to the cost. Regardless of your status and how you get funding for your education I urge you to attend your cheapest option. The debt load is one of the #1 contributing factors to suicide in this profession. I urge you not to attend a higher cost school unless you have a really good reason to like a parent lives in x state and is dying type reason.

Plus on top of it you wouldnt have to move that far
Good luck no matter where you choose.

 

[angie_76]

Go to your cheapest option. I'm unsure of your international status, but if you are still classified as an international student then you are not eligible for FAFSA which unless the Chinese government is sponsoring you then you'll have to take out private loans which are often worse than the US government loans in terms of repayment interest rates as well as amount you can barrow. The school might have special funds for sponsoring international students but I cannot imagine it being anything decent in comparison to the cost. Regardless of your status and how you get funding for your education I urge you to attend your cheapest option. The debt load is one of the #1 contributing factors to suicide in this profession. I urge you not to attend a higher cost school unless you have a really good reason to like a parent lives in x state and is dying type reason.

Plus on top of it you wouldnt have to move that far
Good luck no matter where you choose.

thank u! fortunately I reconnected with my father and he is willing to sponsor my full tuition I still plan on paying him back though. I agree with not having to move far seems very tempting!

 

[magsiemay]

22, Female, Ohio Resident, Traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: Illinois, Purdue, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Cornell, UPenn
Interview Invites: Illinois, Ohio, Missouri
Will Interview soon: Illinois (declining)
Rejected: Michigan, Purdue, Cornell, Wisconsin, UPenn
Alternate: Iowa
Accepted: Missouri, Ohio
Attending: The Ohio State University!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.73
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.68-3.73
Last 45 GPA: 3.75

GRE (Q/V/W): 148 (30%)/ 152 (54%), 3.5

Degree(s): B.S. in Zoology (May 2020)

Veterinary Experience:
Experience: around 2,700ish hours
Vet assistant at a spay/neuter clinic and shelter: 2,500ish
Shadowed equine vet: 25 hours
Shadowed large animal vet: 25 hours
Shadowed exotic/wildlife vet: 50 hours
Shadowed small animal GP vet: 100 hours

Animal Experience:
Volunteer at large animal rescue: 200 hours
Volunteer at therapeutic horse riding center: 40 hours
Walking dogs at local shelters: 20 hours
Volunteer at wildlife rehabilitation center: 25 hours
Raised quail in high school
Foster for kittens, puppies, and heartworm positive dogs going through treatment

Research:
Maybe around 100 hours total
class project on salamanders
Behavioral research project on squirrels


Extracurriculars/Awards:
Pre-vet club-various leadership positions such as VP and President
Honors College
Biological Scholars Program
State funded STEM Scholarship
Volunteer for fundraising events at place of employment
Volunteer basketball coach for middle school girls
Captain of Volleyball team in high school
Art Awards in high school
Travel volleyball for 3 years
Volunteer at reading camps for 3rd graders

Non-Animal Employment:
NONE

LORs:
1 professor I had many biology classes with
1 veterinarian from where I work
1 manager of shelter where I work

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1. Talked a lot about seeing the lack of people able to afford vet care and wanting to provide low-cost care in the future, especially for people in rural areas.
2. Talked about how multifaceted vet med is and how vets do so much more than the average person realizes.
3. Talked about vets needing to be effective communicators and how important it is for them to be able to work with and understand many types of people (basically talked a lot about the importance of diversity).

 

[blueheeler]

23 years old, female, Texas resident, traditional, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Texas A&M, Missouri, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, UC-Davis, Purdue, Wisconsin
Interview Invites: Texas A&M, Missouri, Purdue
Rejected: North Carolina, Washington, UC-Davis
Waiting to hear: Texas A&M, Purdue
Waitlisted: Oregon
Accepted: Missouri, Wisconsin (as of 2/11/20 ), Texas A&M (as of 2/14/20)
Attending: Texas A&M!!!!

Overall GPA: ~3.7
Science Prerequisite GPA: ~3.7
Last 45 GPA: ~ 3.8

GRE (Q/V/W): 156 (??%) / 156 (??%) / 4.0 (??%)

Degree(s): BS in Animal Science

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - (1,000 hrs)
Veterinary assistant at small animal/exotics gp
Shadowed at equine hospital
Shadowed at emergency clinic

Animal Experience:
Experience - (900 hrs)
Veterinary assistant at the same small animal/exotics gp :: listed kennel tech duties
Farm animal experience from my undergraduate courses
Volunteer at wildlife center
Pet ownership

Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Band
Numerous awards from band
QPR certification
Residential Life Awards
Several academic scholarships
Fear-Free certification
Hill's Veterinary Nutritional Advocate
Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 from a TVMA approved program.

Non-Animal Employment:
Residential Life

LORs:
2 veterinarians from work
1 letter from my organic chemistry professor
1 letter from my residential life supervisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1. Started off with an anecdote about a case I saw in emergency medicine and expanded that to touch upon the human-animal bond + animal resiliency. I then went on to describe how the personal interactions of veterinary medicine motivated me to seek a career in small companion animal medicine.
2. Touched upon careers outside of general practice (food animal, wildlife conservation, etc.). Discussed how I want to create personalized learning experiences for my clients as a veternarian.
3. Wrote about patience and related that to my experience commuting daily to downtown Houston. I also talked about empathy, conflict resolution, and intellectual curiosity.
4. Wrote an explanation statement about some hardships I faced throughout my life and the reasons for some decisions I made throughout my undergraduate career. I took a chance and was vulnerable with my explanation statement. Briefly discussed what I learned from the cognitive behavioral therapy sessions I attended. Ended my essay by talking about how my hardships have made me resilient and resourceful.

 

[RahyneDays]

Pretty blown away I get to post this!!

29 years old, female, Kansas resident, Non-traditional, 2nd-time applicant

Applied: Washington, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Florida
Interview Invites: Kansas, Colorado, Florida (pending interview, may decline due to other acceptances)
Rejected: Washington, Missouri, Illinois
Waiting to hear: N/A
Waitlisted: N/A
Accepted: Kansas (c/o 2024), Colorado (VetPrep Program, c/o 2025)
Attending: Undecided, probably Kansas

Overall GPA: 3.18 (had a rough year!)
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.28
Last 45 GPA: 3.64

GRE (Q/V/W): 155 (56%) / 156 (73%) / 5.0 (92%)

Degree(s): AAS Criminal Justice, BAS Biology

Veterinary Experience:
Experience Total – 1,838 hrs
Shadowed small animal clinic 1,125 hrs
Veterinary assistant at small animal clinic 693 hrs
Shadowed at an emergency clinic 18 hrs

Animal Experience:
Experience Total- 9,208 hrs
Family Farm (feeding, medicating, training, breeding, birthing, etc.) 5,208 hrs
Hobby Farm Manager 2,060 hrs
Shelter Volunteer 1,040 hrs
4H 780 hrs
Foster 120 hrs

Research:
None - not for lack of trying! It just never panned out

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Founding Pre-Vet Club President
Founding AJCC Art Club President
Student Budget Committee Officer
Creative Writing Club Officer
Animal Welfare Club
Leadership Academy 2012-2013
AJCC Sergeant of Arms
AJCC 1st Lieutenant Homeland Security Trade
19th Annual Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
Deans List
Amateur Entomologist
Peer Tutor (Genetics, Cell Biology, Vertebrate Zoology, Marine + Freshwater Biology, Organic Chemistry)
Peer Notetaker (Biochemistry)
2005 4H State Grand Champion Public Speaking
Student Employee of the Semester

Non-Animal Employment:
Gaea's Gifts (Owner/Operator) (Part-time while in school)
Work Study Library Assistant (Part-time while in school)
Manager – Lowes (Full-time while in school)
Manager- McDonalds

LORs:
3 Veterinarians I have worked with
1 letter from Honors Genetics Professor
1 letter from the Professor I took 7 courses with

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
So many essays this year! Talked about my interest in community education for companion animal health, long-term goal to fund/support rehabilitation for physically and mentally abused animals as well as become a DVM owner/practitioner and my perseverance in this path despite education barriers, child abuse, being homeless and having to work to support myself through school.

 

[ctqp]

26 years old, female, NY resident, non-traditional, 1st-time applicant

Applied: Minnesota, NC State, Davis, Oregon, Virginia-Maryland, Cornell, UPenn, Tufts
Interview Invites: Tufts (withdrew application), Minnesota (withdrew application)
Rejected: NC State, Davis, Oregon, Virginia-Maryland
Waiting to hear: UPenn (withdrew application)
Waitlisted: Virginia-Maryland (initially)
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: ~3.5
Science Prerequisite GPA: ~3.6
Last 45 GPA: ~3.6

GRE (Q/V/W): Q 162 (82), V 163 (92), 4.5 (82)

Degree(s): BA Religious Studies, BA Cognitive Science

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal and exotics vet tech - part time for 1.5 years

Animal Experience:
Stray dog/animal rescue volunteer - lived and worked on site for 3 weeks
Farm animal rescue volunteer - lived and worked on site for 4 weeks
Wild bird clinic/education volunteer
Pet sitting/dog walking
Organized several adoption events

Non-Animal Employment:
OBGYN medical assistant - full time for 1.5 years
PT/OT therapy assistant - part time for 3 years
Yoga instructor - part time for 4 years
Various retail jobs
Various barista jobs

Research:
Integrative medicine lab research assistant - part time for 3 years

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Sustained Dialogue
Vietnamese Student Association
Founded first yoga club at my previous university

LORs:
2 vets
1 professor
1 client
1 volunteer coordinator

--

I didn't download my application before I submitted it and to be honest it's hard for me to remember all my application details! If anyone knows a way I can access my application please let me know - I'd love to keep it for memories! These are rough details of what I can remember! Only posting because I found these posts helpful during my own application cycle, and I thought even rough info could be useful to someone.

Good luck to whoever is reading this! I've been in your spot and I know that it's a tough place to be. If you love it, keep going!! <3

 

[couldhavebeenme]

23, Female, WA Resident, Traditional, 3rd-time applicant!

Applied: Washington State, Oregon State, Illinois, Cornell, UPenn, Lincoln Memorial, Missouri, RVC, Saint George's
Interview Invites: Washington State, RVC, Saint George's
Rejected: Oregon, Illinois, Cornell, Missouri, UPenn
Waiting to hear: Lincoln Memorial
Accepted: Washington State, RVC, Saint George's
Attending: Washington State!!!

Overall GPA: 3.16 (VMCAS calculated)
Science GPA: 2.95!
Last 45 GPA: 3.25
GPA from my main undergrad school was 2.98

GRE (Q/V/W): 157 (64%) / 163 (93%) / 5 (92%)

Degree(s): BS Animal Sciences, BS Microbiology, AS Biology

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal- 2200 hours in 4 general practices and 1 ER (mostly split between 2 private practices with some shadowing at other clinics)
Food animal- 200 hours with a mixed animal mobile doc, mostly dairy, some beef
Equine- ~10 hours with a mobile mixed animal vet
Camelids- ~100 hours with a mobile mixed animal vet
Wildlife/Exotics- 900 hours between a wildlife clinic and the exotics/wildlife department at my undergrad's VTH
Teaching Assistant for 2nd Year DVM class- ~90 hours over 2 years working with the professor grading papers, etc.
~3700 hours total (I've been keeping a spreadsheet since jr high school lol)

Animal Experience:
- about 1800 hours with camelids as a long-time 4-H/FFA kid, showing/training llamas, judging llama/alpaca shows, teaching 4H llama clinics, llama/alpaca farmsitting, shearing, running my own llama farm since middle school
- about 2400 hours with dairy cattle working part time on my school's dairy for 4 years, TA-ing for dairy science classes, participating in Dairy Club, Dairy Challenge, ADSA quizbowl
- about 275 hours with small ruminants on a USDA research farm as a farmhand
- about 1000 hours with small animals through petsitting business, agility and obedience training with my dog, volunteering at the Humane Society
- about 190 hours with equine animals as a volunteer at a horse rescue and as an employee in the equine barn at my undergrad's VTH
~5400 hours total (I included things all through high school because my in-state wanted that on the application!)

Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- Coxswain/vice commodore of undergraduate rowing team, 15 hrs/week for 4 years, managed the team's fundraising and travel, bronze medalist at regionals and silver medalist at nationals as a coxswain
- Member and officer of physics club where I planned and gave presentations on physics to elementary-aged students to get them excited about STEM education
- Backpacking- talked about the half-dozen backpacking trips I've gone on in the last few years including a volunteer trip in Idaho to do trail maintenance
- High school tutor ~12 hours
- Parking volunteer on football gamedays ~96 hours
- Western Regional Dairy Challenge- Platinum Award-winning team (1st place)
- North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge- 3rd place team
- 2nd Place in League at undergraduate university's Business Plan competition
- "Pass with Distinction" on undergraduate Writing Portfolio
- University Achievement Award (scholarship) based on GPA
- Two Top-10 Youth Awards from the International Lama Registry
- Educational Display Winner at the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival Llama Show
- Youth Citizenship Award from the Llama Association of North America
- Outstanding 4-Her Award at the State Fair
- FFA Letter x3 years
- Running Cross Country in high school (~250 hours)

Non-Animal Employment:
- 360 hours as a YMCA camp counselor at day camp for K-1st and 4th-6th graders, including 1 week of horse camp

LORs:
- Associate DVM at small animal practice where I worked 1500 hours
- DVM/Owner/Operator of wildlife rehabilitation clinic where I worked 760 hours
- PhD undergraduate professor of dairy science for whom I TA'd, he also advised my Dairy Challenge team and Dairy Club

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
- 1st Question: I talked about how I'm a cliche kid who has wanted to be a veterinarian since she learned that that was a job but my goals for myself within the profession changed over the years from being small-animal-centric to wanting to focus on large animal/production medicine after gaining experience with DVMs in this setting and seeing the relationship that a vet can have with a farmer and how a veterinarian can impact the success of a farm.
- 2nd Question: I talked about the many ways that animals impact our lives through companionship, service, food, fiber, etc and how the veterinarian is integral to protecting human and animal health. I said that I would like to contribute to society by compassionately caring for farmed animals and advocating for farmers so that consumers can better understand animal production.
- 3rd Question: I talked about how veterinarians need to be adaptable, dedicated, and compassionate, and gave specific examples of times when I demonstrated these traits.



The past 4 years of applying/working on bettering my application has been such a ride. Rejections are not the end of the world and because I didn't get in on my 1st or 2nd try I was able to get SO MUCH real world experience that will be invaluable to me moving forward. I cried tears of relief for hours today. Persistence PAYS OFF!

 

[futuresadvm97]

26 years old, female, NY resident, non-traditional, 1st-time applicant

Applied: Minnesota, NC State, Davis, Oregon, Virginia-Maryland, Cornell, UPenn, Tufts
Interview Invites: Tufts (withdrew application), Minnesota (withdrew application)
Rejected: NC State, Davis, Oregon, Virginia-Maryland
Waiting to hear: UPenn (withdrew application)
Waitlisted: Virginia-Maryland (initially)
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: ~3.5
Science Prerequisite GPA: ~3.6
Last 45 GPA: ~3.6

GRE (Q/V/W): Q 162 (82), V 163 (92), 4.5 (82)

Degree(s): BA Religious Studies, BA Cognitive Science

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal and exotics vet tech - part time for 1.5 years

Animal Experience:
Stray dog/animal rescue volunteer - lived and worked on site for 3 weeks
Farm animal rescue volunteer - lived and worked on site for 4 weeks
Wild bird clinic/education volunteer
Pet sitting/dog walking
Organized several adoption events

Non-Animal Employment:
OBGYN medical assistant - full time for 1.5 years
PT/OT therapy assistant - part time for 3 years
Yoga instructor - part time for 4 years
Various retail jobs
Various barista jobs

Research:
Integrative medicine lab research assistant - part time for 3 years

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Sustained Dialogue
Vietnamese Student Association
Founded first yoga club at my previous university

LORs:
2 vets
1 professor
1 client
1 volunteer coordinator

--

I didn't download my application before I submitted it and to be honest it's hard for me to remember all my application details! If anyone knows a way I can access my application please let me know - I'd love to keep it for memories! These are rough details of what I can remember - I am sure that I left out some details. Only posting because I found these posts helpful during my own application cycle, and I thought even rough details could be useful to someone.

Good luck to whoever is reading this! I've been in your spot and I know that it's a tough place to be. If you love it, keep going!! <3

You can email vmcas ([email protected]) and just tell them your name, VMCAS ID number, and ask for a PDF copy of your application!

 

[5Hs5Ts]

27, M, Canada, Non-traditional applicant, 2nd time applying

Applied: Glasgow, Dublin, RVC, OVC
Interview Invites: Glasgow and RVC, soon to be OVC
Waiting to hear: OVC
Accepted: Glasgow, Dublin, RVC
Attending: OVC or RVC if i get rejected again

Overall GPA: 3.6?
Science Prerequisite GPA: at OVC 3.99
I've never looked at last 1.5 year GPA because OVC averages last 2 semesters with 8 prereqs but 3.99

GRE (Q/V/W): not done

Degree(s): BSc Kinesiology, MSc Integrative Biosciences - Neuromuscular Physiology

Veterinary Experience:
~3000 hours between a referral surgery practice and an ER. scrubbed for ~50 surgeries by my guess. induction and intubation assistance, procedural restraint and radiography, etc

Animal Experience:
Experience - ~50 hrs as an RA volunteer working on canine cognitive experiments to assess numeracy, timing ability, spatial memory and reasoning etc

Research:
Experience - 5 semesters to complete my MSc assessing neuromuscular control of maximal eccentric muscle contractions in humans, intramuscular EMG, TMS, ultrasound, muscle stim techniques etc

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - Deans Honour for 5 years
$15000 provincial graduate scholarship

Non-Animal Employment:
Experience - ~1.5 years as an injury prevention educator at a lead trauma hospital, liasing with community partners, providing Stop the Bleed education, speaking at a trauma care conference, among others

LORs:
DVM FACVS
DVM shelter medicine/private GP
RN Leader

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
just spoke to my motivations and goals

 

[ijustwanttobeavet]

23, F, PA resident , Non-traditional applicant, 2nd time applying

Applied: Colorado State, Penn Vet, UTennessee, VMRCVM, Minnesota, Oregon State, Michigan State, Mizzou, Ohio State, Iowa State, Midwestern, Western, OVC
Interview Invites: OVC (declined), Western (declined), Midwestern, UPenn, CSU, Minnesota
Waiting to hear: Minnesota, Iowa State
Accepted: CSU, Penn Vet, Midwestern
Attending: Most likely CSU

Overall GPA: 3.42
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.50 according to VMCAS, but Iowa State had mine at 3.05?!?!
Last 45: 3.70

GRE (Q/V/W): 45%, 80%, 80%

Degree(s): BS Pre-vet med and animal biosciences, MLAS (Masters in Lab Animal Science) c/o 2020

Veterinary Experience:
~2000 hours in small animal/exotics
48 hours in shelter med/volunteer experience in Costa Rica through Vida

Animal Experience:
Artificial Insemination Certified (16 hours)

Research:
~2000 hours in a Comparative Orthopedic lab using large animals and working very closely with veterinarians at Penn
~1000 hours in Neuro-behavioral research working with rats with Parkinson's Disease

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Experience - Dean's List for 4 semesters
Published in a Newsletter analyzing different animal models and their credibility towards creating a sporadic Alzheimer's model
Program coordinator for mentor system in master's program
Presented research on Discovery Day
Was a chairperson in sorority for 3 years
Member of 3 other clubs in undergrad
Pre-vet mentor in undergrad for ~2 semesters

Non-Animal Employment:
None LOL

LORs:
VMD from Small Animal/Exotics
DVM from MLAS program who is also Program coordinator
DVM from Comparative Research
PI from Parkinson's Lab
Undergrad Professor
Grad Professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
1. Spoke about why I wanted to be a lab animal vet and how it appeals to all of my goals while being a useful profession to society
2. Explained that the profession is rooted in helping animals through communication and educating the public and tied that into my own personal goals
3. Listed 3 personal qualities and used 3 separate anecdotes to show how I have demonstrated these qualities through my experiences

Edited to fix my GPAs, and also to say that NO ONE HAS TO GIVE UP ON THEIR DREAMS. I never thought this would be my reality especially because in undergrad I had too many C's to count in science courses and even a D+, but I worked my butt off to get the GPA up in my Masters. Anyone who might have questions feel free to message me. I would love to help any other pre-vets out there, it's my favorite past-time!!!

 

[Cbabcock22]

26, Female, Iowa, 4th Application

Applied: Iowa (instate), Kansas
Interview Invites: Kansas
Waiting to hear: Iowa
Accepted: Kansas (1/31)
Attending: If accepted, Iowa since it’s my in-state.

Overall GPA:
Science Prerequisite GPA:
Last 45 GPA:
I honestly don’t remember specifics but I know they were pretty low relatively speaking. I did complete a master’s program at Iowa State which bumped my science & last 45 GPA a little but not much.

GRE (Q/V/W): relatively average, it’s been a couple years since I took it.

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science, Preveterinary Science- UMass Amherst
Masters of Science, Biomedical Science- Iowa State University

Veterinary Experience: worked as a vet assistant for 2 summers & 1 winter break during undergrad, shadowed a large animal vet while working on a dairy farm, worked as a medical technician at Iowa’s largest non-profit animal shelter

Animal Experience:
Various classes taken in undergrad including being a TA for a beef management class
Most of my animal experience was working full time on a dairy farm- milking, calf care, assisting with calf deliveries, basically everything.

Research: Not research per say but I did complete a “Creative Component” aka literature review in my master’s program that examined the relationship between increased twinning rates in dairy cattle and increased levels of milk production

Extracurriculars/Awards:
President of undergrad pre-vet club
Peer mentor within animal science department
Livestock judging coach
Many dairy competitions
Vice-president of my master’s program class of 2019

Non-Animal Employment: lots, mainly just college jobs like cafes & whatever gave me sOme extra $$

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Major Professor for Creative Component-Master’s Program
Anatomy Professor in Master’s Program
Dairy vet I worked with while on the farm

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I emphasized my passion for large animal medicine and the role in the safety of the food supply. I focused on perserverence which makes sense seeing as I kept applying until I got in

I guess I’m mainly here just to say, never give up on your dreams. Yes it sounds cliche but it took me 4 apps to get here and if I can do it, you can too!

 

[deleted676737]

26, Female, Iowa, 4th Application

Applied: Iowa (instate), Kansas
Interview Invites: Kansas
Waiting to hear: Iowa
Accepted: Kansas (1/31)
Attending: If accepted, Iowa since it’s my in-state.

Overall GPA:
Science Prerequisite GPA:
Last 45 GPA:
I honestly don’t remember specifics but I know they were pretty low relatively speaking. I did complete a master’s program at Iowa State which bumped my science & last 45 GPA a little but not much.

GRE (Q/V/W): relatively average, it’s been a couple years since I took it.

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science, Preveterinary Science- UMass Amherst
Masters of Science, Biomedical Science- Iowa State University

Veterinary Experience: worked as a vet assistant for 2 summers & 1 winter break during undergrad, shadowed a large animal vet while working on a dairy farm, worked as a medical technician at Iowa’s largest non-profit animal shelter

Animal Experience:
Various classes taken in undergrad including being a TA for a beef management class
Most of my animal experience was working full time on a dairy farm- milking, calf care, assisting with calf deliveries, basically everything.

Research: Not research per say but I did complete a “Creative Component” aka literature review in my master’s program that examined the relationship between increased twinning rates in dairy cattle and increased levels of milk production

Extracurriculars/Awards:
President of undergrad pre-vet club
Peer mentor within animal science department
Livestock judging coach
Many dairy competitions
Vice-president of my master’s program class of 2019

Non-Animal Employment: lots, mainly just college jobs like cafes & whatever gave me sOme extra $$

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Major Professor for Creative Component-Master’s Program
Anatomy Professor in Master’s Program
Dairy vet I worked with while on the farm

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I emphasized my passion for large animal medicine and the role in the safety of the food supply. I focused on perserverence which makes sense seeing as I kept applying until I got in

I guess I’m mainly here just to say, never give up on your dreams. Yes it sounds cliche but it took me 4 apps to get here and if I can do it, you can too!

Congratulations! I've watched you post around here over the past few cycles and I'm happy to see that you've finally found success! Fingers crossed that ISU brings you some more good news in a couple of weeks.

 

[mcatz22]

22, Female, Colorado resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado
Interview Invites: Colorado, no interviews at UW or ISU
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa State
Attending: CSU!!!

Overall GPA: 3.99
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.96
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): 159 (70%)/156 (73%)/5.0 (92%)

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science, Pre-Vet, Double minor in biology and spanish

Veterinary Experience:
Vet assistant ~500 hours
~100 shadowing hours

Animal Experience:
Teaching assistant for various animal science courses, anatomy, sheep science, dairy science - taught a lot of hands on skills and dissection techniques over the past 3 years
Small animal rehab tech ~100 hours
Histology assistant at vet school ~600 hours

Research:
Nutrition project for shelter dogs for senior capstone ~3 hours/week

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Vice President of honors society on campus
Honors program member
Various scholarships
Top 2% of my class every semester

Non-Animal Employment:
~2500 hours certified pharmacy tech at vet school (not sure if this counted as animal experience or not)
high school retail jobs

LORs:
Small animal vet I worked for
Pharmacist from vet school
Academic advisor (professor I TA'd for multiple times as well)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Emphasized desire to specialize in small animal internal medicine and help diversify the profession with more non-traditional veterinary candidates. I don't really remember but they were probably pretty average essays to be honest

 

[Cbabcock22]

26, Female, Iowa, 4th Application

Applied: Iowa (instate), Kansas
Interview Invites: Kansas
Waiting to hear: Iowa
Accepted: Kansas (1/31)
Attending: If accepted, Iowa since it’s my in-state.

Overall GPA:
Science Prerequisite GPA:
Last 45 GPA:
I honestly don’t remember specifics but I know they were pretty low relatively speaking. I did complete a master’s program at Iowa State which bumped my science & last 45 GPA a little but not much.

GRE (Q/V/W): relatively average, it’s been a couple years since I took it.

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science, Preveterinary Science- UMass Amherst
Masters of Science, Biomedical Science- Iowa State University

Veterinary Experience: worked as a vet assistant for 2 summers & 1 winter break during undergrad, shadowed a large animal vet while working on a dairy farm, worked as a medical technician at Iowa’s largest non-profit animal shelter

Animal Experience:
Various classes taken in undergrad including being a TA for a beef management class
Most of my animal experience was working full time on a dairy farm- milking, calf care, assisting with calf deliveries, basically everything.

Research: Not research per say but I did complete a “Creative Component” aka literature review in my master’s program that examined the relationship between increased twinning rates in dairy cattle and increased levels of milk production

Extracurriculars/Awards:
President of undergrad pre-vet club
Peer mentor within animal science department
Livestock judging coach
Many dairy competitions
Vice-president of my master’s program class of 2019

Non-Animal Employment: lots, mainly just college jobs like cafes & whatever gave me sOme extra $$

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
Major Professor for Creative Component-Master’s Program
Anatomy Professor in Master’s Program
Dairy vet I worked with while on the farm

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I emphasized my passion for large animal medicine and the role in the

Congratulations! I've watched you post around here over the past few cycles and I'm happy to see that you've finally found success! Fingers crossed that ISU brings you some more good news in a couple of weeks.

Thank you so much, it means a lot!

 

[ctqp]

You can email vmcas ([email protected]) and just tell them your name, VMCAS ID number, and ask for a PDF copy of your application!

Thank you so much! I'll do that!

 

[meelc]

25 yr old female, California resident, 2nd time applicant

1st Application Cycle:

Applied: UC Davis, Oregon (Doesn’t Interview), Washington, Colorado State, Mizzou, Auburn, UGA (Doesn’t Interview), Tennessee, LMU, Virginia-Maryland, OVC
Offered Interview: LMU, OVC
Interview Waitlist: Virginia-Maryland
Rejected: UC Davis (after holistic review), Oregon, Washington, Colorado State, Mizzou, Auburn, UGA, Tennessee
Waitlisted: LMU, OVC
Accepted: LMU (pulled off waitlist 4/22/19)

Cumulative: 3.2
Overall Science: 3.18
Last 45: 3.72

2nd Application Cycle: For personal reasons, I decided to turn down the above acceptance and reapply. This was probably the most gut-wrenching decision of my life and I was definitely aware that this was a ginormous risk that could completely backfire in the end. However, I really felt like I was so close to some of my top choice schools (including my IS) and wanted to feel confident about what would be the biggest commitment of my life thus far.

I had a rough first couple years of undergrad (was not as “focused on school” as I should have been and even straight failed a course my sophomore year...) and I spent about 6 years making up for that. I already had a Masters going into my first cycle, but I still did a lot to beef up my app last year between my 1st and 2nd round (a bunch of A’s in post-bacc science courses, small animal vet experience, published research, some more super strong letters, etc). I honestly felt so much more well-rounded and confident this cycle and I think that came across in my app and interviews. If anyone is contemplating a similar decision and needs to talk it through or is looking for any advice, definitely feel free to message me!!

Applied: UC Davis, Colorado State, Virginia-Maryland, Michigan State, OVC, Kansas State, Ohio State, Iowa State (Doesn’t Interview)
Offered Interview: UC Davis, Kansas State, Colorado State, OVC (declined after Davis acceptance)
Interview Waitlist: Virginia-Maryland, Ohio State
Rejected: Michigan State, Iowa State (Academic Review – Phase I --> still laughing about this)
Waitlisted: None!
Accepted: UC Davis, Kansas State, Colorado State
Attending: UC Davis!!!

Cumulative: 3.27
Overall Science: 3.28
Last 45: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): 161 (78%) / 150 (48%) / 4.5 (82%)
*took twice, and these were my highest scores across the board

Degrees:
B.S. Animal Science, Equine Science Minor (2016)
M.S. Animal Science with a specialization in Equine Physiology (2018)
Post Bacc science courses through UC San Diego Extension (2019)

Veterinary Experience:
350 hours equine breeding program during undergraduate
400 hours veterinary assistant equine practice with large focus on equine lameness
600 hours veterinary assistant large animal/primarily ambulatory practice
1800 hours veterinary assistant small animal practice

Animal Experience:
200 hours volunteering with animal shelter
250 hours volunteering with wildlife rescue
1600 hours working at local pet store/advising on canine & feline nutrition
100 hours volunteering for a feline rescue
450 hours foal watch
40 hours undergraduate teaching assistant for equine science course
200 hours graduate teaching assistant for livestock production lab
30 hours during grad school assisting with a pre-vet summer program for high school students
372 hours training my 4-year-old thoroughbred

Research Experience:
600 hours as graduate research assistant for equine reproductive research, Co-Author
Deficiency in proliferative, angiogenic, and LH receptors in the follicle wall: implications of season toward anovulatory condition, Published August 2019
60 hours assisting in feed research trial with heifers
300 hours completing thesis research paper
Evaluation of Conventional, Regenerative, and Alternative Therapies for Common Ailments in the Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Systems of the Performance Horse

Employment:
400 hours working at movie theater in high school
600 hours as sorority New Member Director
1300 hours as a graduate teaching/admin assistant for Health Care Management department

Volunteer:
500 hours counselor in training/junior counselor at a summer camp
120 hours counselor in training at a summer camp (different camp)

Extracurricular:
560 hours playing in recreational soccer league
150 hours rehearsing for lead in middle school play
172 hours as student newscaster for middle school weekly televised news report
192 hours high school women’s choir
192 hours high school concert choir
380 hours high school chamber singers – audition choir
150 hours as teaching assistant for junior American History course during Senior year of HS
100 hours as a Peer Helper/Advocate to lower classmen during Senior year of HS
600 hours participating in sorority social and philanthropic activities
100 hours as a recruitment counselor for Panhellenic recruitment

Awards:
Dean’s List 2 quarters of undergrad
Proposed/received grant funding for equine research

eLORs:
1) Small Animal Veterinarian – Practice/Owner Employer
2) Small Animal Veterinarian – Supervising Veterinarian
3) Small Animal Veterinarian – Supervising Vet (for employment and also shadowed way back in HS)
4) Equine Veterinarian - Research Supervisor
5) Associate Professor in Animal Science - Graduate Advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statements:
Talked about so many different things across all of them. My consistent interest in equine sports medicine, even after gaining exposure to so many other areas. Brought up difficult experiences such as failing a course, not gaining sufficient funding for my initial Masters research, leaving a position in a hostile work environment, etc.

 

[GJ95]

25 yr old female, California resident, 2nd time applicant

1st Application Cycle:

Applied: UC Davis, Oregon (Doesn’t Interview), Washington, Colorado State, Mizzou, Auburn, UGA (Doesn’t Interview), Tennessee, LMU, Virginia-Maryland, OVC
Offered Interview: LMU, OVC
Interview Waitlist: Virginia-Maryland
Rejected: UC Davis (after holistic review), Oregon, Washington, Colorado State, Mizzou, Auburn, UGA, Tennessee
Waitlisted: LMU, OVC
Accepted: LMU (pulled off waitlist 4/22/19)

Cumulative: 3.2
Overall Science: 3.18
Last 45: 3.72

2nd Application Cycle: For personal reasons, I decided to turn down the above acceptance and reapply. This was probably the most gut-wrenching decision of my life and I was definitely aware that this was a ginormous risk that could completely backfire in the end. However, I really felt like I was so close to some of my top choice schools (including my IS) and wanted to feel confident about what would be the biggest commitment of my life thus far.

I had a rough first couple years of undergrad (was not as “focused on school” as I should have been and even straight failed a course my sophomore year...) and I spent about 6 years making up for that. I already had a Masters going into my first cycle, but I still did a lot to beef up my app last year between my 1st and 2nd round (a bunch of A’s in post-bacc science courses, small animal vet experience, published research, some more super strong letters, etc). I honestly felt so much more well-rounded and confident this cycle and I think that came across in my app and interviews. If anyone is contemplating a similar decision and needs to talk it through or is looking for any advice, definitely feel free to message me!!

Applied: UC Davis, Colorado State, Virginia-Maryland, Michigan State, OVC, Kansas State, Ohio State, Iowa State (Doesn’t Interview)
Offered Interview: UC Davis, Kansas State, Colorado State, OVC (declined after Davis acceptance)
Interview Waitlist: Virginia-Maryland, Ohio State
Rejected: Michigan State, Iowa State (Academic Review – Phase I --> still laughing about this)
Waitlisted: None!
Accepted: UC Davis, Kansas State, Colorado State
Attending: UC Davis!!!

Cumulative: 3.27
Overall Science: 3.28
Last 45: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): 161 (78%) / 150 (48%) / 4.5 (82%)
*took twice, and these were my highest scores across the board

Degrees:
B.S. Animal Science, Equine Science Minor (2016)
M.S. Animal Science with a specialization in Equine Physiology (2018)
Post Bacc science courses through UC San Diego Extension (2019)

Veterinary Experience:
350 hours equine breeding program during undergraduate
400 hours veterinary assistant equine practice with large focus on equine lameness
600 hours veterinary assistant large animal/primarily ambulatory practice
1800 hours veterinary assistant small animal practice

Animal Experience:
200 hours volunteering with animal shelter
250 hours volunteering with wildlife rescue
1600 hours working at local pet store/advising on canine & feline nutrition
100 hours volunteering for a feline rescue
450 hours foal watch
40 hours undergraduate teaching assistant for equine science course
200 hours graduate teaching assistant for livestock production lab
30 hours during grad school assisting with a pre-vet summer program for high school students
372 hours training my 4-year-old thoroughbred

Research Experience:
600 hours as graduate research assistant for equine reproductive research, Co-Author
Deficiency in proliferative, angiogenic, and LH receptors in the follicle wall: implications of season toward anovulatory condition, Published August 2019
60 hours assisting in feed research trial with heifers
300 hours completing thesis research paper
Evaluation of Conventional, Regenerative, and Alternative Therapies for Common Ailments in the Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Systems of the Performance Horse

Employment:
400 hours working at movie theater in high school
600 hours as sorority New Member Director
1300 hours as a graduate teaching/admin assistant for Health Care Management department

Volunteer:
500 hours counselor in training/junior counselor at a summer camp
120 hours counselor in training at a summer camp (different camp)

Extracurricular:
560 hours playing in recreational soccer league
150 hours rehearsing for lead in middle school play
172 hours as student newscaster for middle school weekly televised news report
192 hours high school women’s choir
192 hours high school concert choir
380 hours high school chamber singers – audition choir
150 hours as teaching assistant for junior American History course during Senior year of HS
100 hours as a Peer Helper/Advocate to lower classmen during Senior year of HS
600 hours participating in sorority social and philanthropic activities
100 hours as a recruitment counselor for Panhellenic recruitment

Awards:
Dean’s List 2 quarters of undergrad
Proposed/received grant funding for equine research

eLORs:
1) Small Animal Veterinarian – Practice/Owner Employer
2) Small Animal Veterinarian – Supervising Veterinarian
3) Small Animal Veterinarian – Supervising Vet (for employment and also shadowed way back in HS)
4) Equine Veterinarian - Research Supervisor
5) Associate Professor in Animal Science - Graduate Advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statements:
Talked about so many different things across all of them. My consistent interest in equine sports medicine, even after gaining exposure to so many other areas. Brought up difficult experiences such as failing a course, not gaining sufficient funding for my initial Masters research, leaving a position in a hostile work environment, etc.

Congrats! Glad things worked out for you

 

[hachandl]

23 years old, female, Arkansas resident, somewhat traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: Missouri, Kansas
Interview Invites: Missouri, Kansas
Rejected:
Waiting to hear:
Waitlisted:
Accepted: Missouri and Kansas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Attending: Missouri (99% sure!) I want to do zoo med/exotics so K State would be amazing for that, but gaining IS residency at Mizzou after the first year and the 2+2 program is pretty hard to pass up!

Overall GPA: 3.9 (undergrad), 4.0 (Masters)
Science Prerequisite GPA: 4.0
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): 160 (73%) / 161 (88%) / 4.5 (81%)

Degree(s): BS in Biomedical Engineering, MS in Animal Science

Veterinary Experience:
Experience: ~300 hours total
Majority was small animal private practice and local shelter
but also ~90hrs zoo veterinary internship, 20hrs equine, 20hrs large animal
I decided late in biomedical engineering that veterinary medicine was what I wanted to do so I had limited time to get hours. I had fewer hours than a lot of applicants but I feel like it was a pretty diverse range! This was the area of my app that I was most self conscious of though for sure

Animal Experience:
Experience - (1000 hrs)
~100 hours at my zoo internship (half the internship we were zoo keeper interns)
~ 12 hours monitoring sheep during lambing season/bottle feeding lambs/giving ewes vaccinations
~ 10 hours through classes with horses and cattle
Some was owning a dog (yep, I included this) and also included that I have a lot of reptiles as pets and have had to give medicated baths, antibiotic injections, and things like that
Also a LOT of pet sitting for cats/dogs, pocket pets, and reptiles and I was a dog walker for a local shelter


Research:
Cardiovascular biomechanics research for my undergraduate honors thesis 3D printing force transducers to measure force capabilities of chordae tendineae
Also did tissue engineering research looking at decellularizing muscle tissue as part of a freshman honors research colloquium

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Several scholarships, president of engineering sorority (also secretary and recruitment chairwoman previously), founded chapter of biomedical engineering honor society, research awards from freshman research colloquium, member of engineering honor society,


Non-Animal Employment:
Ambassador for college of engineering, graduate assistant for college of engineering during masters, engineering peer mentor

LORs:
1 letter from my anatomy and nutrition professor who is a vet
1 letter from my adviser for my graduate assistantship who I've worked with for several years in undergrad and grad school
1 letter from the vet for my zoo internship
1 letter from a local SA vet I have the bulk of my SA hours with

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

I talked a lot about how engineering trains you to solve problems that you maybe haven't seen before and I think that that is really important in vet med. I also talked about how doing a masters in animal science after having done undergraduate in engineering for me was a way to help make sure that vet med was what I wanted to do since I decided late in my undergraduate career. I got a lot of the medical side from biomed but the understanding of the field from my masters! It helped make me 100% confident that this was where I needed to be and what I wanted to pursue and I was very grateful for that!

 

[nikkishinde]

20 years old, female, Wisconsin resident, traditional, 1st time applicant

Applied: Washington, Iowa (no interview), Ohio, North Carolina (no interview), Wisconsin (no interview), Minnesota,
Interview Invites: Washington, Ohio, Minnesota
Rejected: North Carolina
Waiting to hear: Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington
Waitlisted: none
Accepted: Ohio!
Attending: not sure yet!

Overall GPA: 3.98
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.97
Last 45 GPA: 3.98

GRE (Q/V/W): 164 (84%) / 157 (76%) / 5.5 (98%)

Degree(s): BS in Biology (expected May 2020)

Veterinary Experience:
Experience: ~800 hours total
The majority was small animal and some was zoo/exotic

Animal Experience:
Experience - (200 hrs)
at a non-profit hospital that treated small animal, avian, exotic

Research: ~120 hours
Biochemistry - looking at alternative tests to monitor peptide synthesis
(+ currently doing research on how a particular secondary metabolite from a bacteria affects frog development)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Several scholarships, deans list for every semester, member of pre-health club, student member of the University Technology committee, and a few other things I can't remember.


Non-Animal Employment:
Student assistant at registrar's office, burger king, student success coach/mentor on campus, classroom technician

LORs:
1 letter from my faculty advisor who was also my professor for many biology classes
1 letter from the certified vet tech from my zoo internship
1 letter from a vet at the clinic I work at as a vet assistant

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote way too many essays but PM me if you want specifics!

 

[katijo23]

25, female, North Carolina resident, Non-traditional applicant, 1st time applying

Applied: NCSU, LMU
Interview Invites: LMU (canceled interview, which was scheduled for the end of this month)
Waiting to hear:
Accepted: NCSU
Attending: NCSU!

Overall GPA: 3.28
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.15
Last 45 GPA: ~3.00

GRE (Q/V/W): 153 (50%) / 155 (69%) / 4.0 (59%)

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science in Animal Science, minor in Poultry Science 2016

Veterinary Experience: ~4100hrs
Small animal clinic Animal caretaker, promoted to Vet Assistant, started working here in high school - (~3000hrs)
Small animal clinic Vet Assist/Kennel Attendant (~450hrs)
Equine Repro Vet Assistant (~650hrs)

Animal Experience: ~3000hrs
Sport horse farm groom on breeding side, working with mares and foals (~1000hrs)
Thoroughbred breeding farm in KY - (~1000hrs)
Prestage Farms summer intern at sow farm - (350hrs)
Livestock Extension agent intern - (280hrs)
Foaling intern during undergrad - (~150hrs)
Volunteer in arthropod zoo at museum (~125hrs)

Research: No research experience

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Deans list x4
Collegiate Poultry Judging team member, 4th place at national competition
Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program
Institute for Future Ag Leaders
Kentucky Equine Management Internship

Non-Animal Employment:
Catering waitstaff- (~1500hrs)

LORs:
1. Small animal veterinarian
2. Equine veterinarian
3. Academic Advisor/Professor/Club Advisor


Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Tried to use my experiences as supporting evidence where possible, incorporated undergrad class choices, internships, and even my non-animal experience to show transferable skills from catering (ie customer service, attention to detail) to veterinarian medicine!

**** Also, NCSU has a space to explain events or circumstances that impacted academic performance. I was very, very hesitant to write anything here because I did not want it to come off as me looking for excuses, but I did have a string of unfortunate things happen to me all in one semester and my grades honestly were impacted. I decided to write a brief explanation of events and then something saying that I grew from and am in a better place after these events. Who knows if I would have gotten the same decision without writing this statement, BUT I wanted to include this in my post in case others were worried about the same thing as me.

 

[Manders221]

I literally cannot believe I am writing here. I have been lurking on this forum for 2 years with the dreams to someday post this.

21, Female, WI, Traditional, First time applicant

Applied: U of M, UW-Madison
Interview Invites: UofM
Waiting to hear: UofM
Accepted: UW-Madison
Attending: Not sure yet

Overall GPA: 3.82
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.83
Last 45 GPA: 3.9

GRE (Q/V/W): 152 (56%) / 156 (61%) / 4.0 (59%)

Degree(s): BS Animal Science (Will obtain in May)

Veterinary Experience:
Veterinary Assistant at an exotics clinic - 24 hours was listed but this was a continuing experience
Shadowed a large animal vet - 8 hours
Shadowed multiple, different small animal vets - 11 hours
Veterinary Assistant at a humane society - 1100
Shadowed an equine vet - 10 hours

Animal Experience:
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association - 80 hrs
Internship training service dogs - 2080 hours
Horse Wrangler at YMCA Camp - 1040 hours
Agility and obedience dog training classes - 72 hours
Veterinary Camp (attended when I was 13) - 30 hrs
Rabbit Youtube Channel - 220 hrs
Volunteer at Humane Society - 825 hours
Steer Handling (my best friend grew up on a beef farm) - 100 hours
Pet Ownership - 680 hrs


Research:
Compensated calf research - 60 hours

Extracurriculars
Food Stand Chair for Horseman Association - 13 hours
Member of the Pre-Vet Club - 10 hours
Bible Study - 48 Hours
Public and Environmental Affairs Council - 16 hours
Musicals - 300 hours
Show Choir - 320 hours
Yearbook - 320 hours

Awards:
IHSA National Academic Award
Honor's Program
Dean's List

Non-Animal Employment:
Laboratory Assistant - 280 hours
Student Technician (Technology Help Center) - 320 hours
Menards - 240 hours
Waitress - 960 hours
Wedding photographer - 728 hours

LORs:
1. Coach for my IHSA team
2. Head vet from the animal shelter I worked at
3. My advisor from school who also oversaw the research I participated in

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my goal to work with exotic animals and in a shelter setting, veterinarians contribution towards One Health, and my tenacity.

I am a transfer student who has transferred SIX times. I was so afraid that would inhibit me. I'm here to be an example that transferring and not knowing what you want from life does not mean you will be rejected.

 

[OtterBot]

22yo, F, NY Resident, Traditional applicant, 1st time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Cornell, CSU, RVC, Tufts
Interview Invites: RVC, Tufts
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: RVC, Tufts
Attending: Tufts

Overall GPA: 3.66
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.70

GRE (Q/V/W): 167 (91%) / 162 (91%) / 4.0 (69%)

Degree(s): BA in Neurobiology

Veterinary Experience:
GP volunteer then assistant - approx. 1500 hours
Emergency technician (ongoing) - approx. 1000 hours at time of application

Animal Experience:
Aquarium Internships - approx. 400 hours

Research:
Animal Behavior Laboratory - approx. 350 hours (8 credits)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Honors society
Volunteer at SPCA
Pre-veterinary club
Deans List 5/6 semesters
General University Honors

LORs:
Emergency Veterinarian
GP Veterinarian
Animal Behavior Professor/Lab Supervisor
Aquarium Mentor
Writing Professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my work ethic and passion for the field of animal medicine and discovering that I wanted to become a veterinarian vs. other science careers.

Addendum:
NGL, I was extremely crushed about Cornell. It was my dream school and my IS, and I was pretty devoted. Hearing from Tufts early decision did ease the pain quite a lot, and I am certain that I will fall in love with this school just as much as I thought I would Cornell! Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear and to all those applying in future cycles! You will make it through!

 

[Cbabcock22]

22yo, F, NY Resident, Traditional applicant, 1st time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Cornell, CSU, RVC, Tufts
Interview Invites: RVC, Tufts
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: RVC, Tufts
Attending: Tufts

Overall GPA: 3.66
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.70

GRE (Q/V/W): 167 (91%) / 162 (91%) / 4.0 (69%)

Degree(s): BA in Neurobiology

Veterinary Experience:
GP volunteer then assistant - approx. 1500 hours
Emergency technician (ongoing) - approx. 1000 hours at time of application

Animal Experience:
Aquarium Internships - approx. 400 hours

Research:
Animal Behavior Laboratory - approx. 350 hours (8 credits)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Honors society
Volunteer at SPCA
Pre-veterinary club
Deans List 5/6 semesters
General University Honors

LORs:
Emergency Veterinarian
GP Veterinarian
Animal Behavior Professor/Lab Supervisor
Aquarium Mentor
Writing Professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my work ethic and passion for the field of animal medicine and discovering that I wanted to become a veterinarian vs. other science careers.

Addendum:
NGL, I was extremely crushed about Cornell. It was my dream school and my IS, and I was pretty devoted. Hearing from Tufts early decision did ease the pain quite a lot, and I am certain that I will fall in love with this school just as much as I thought I would Cornell! Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear and to all those applying in future cycles! You will make it through!

Massachusetts is a great state! #IAmAMasshole

 

[vettobedetermined]

23-year-old, Female, CA Resident, Traditional applicant, 1st-time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Cornell, RVC, PennVet, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, Ohio
Interview Invites: 3 - UC Davis, RVC, Ohio (Withdrew)
Waiting to hear: 0
Accepted: 3 - UC Davis, Cornell, RVC
Attending: UC Davis

Overall GPA: 3.55
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.52
Last 45 GPA: 3.97

GRE (Q/V/W): 64% / 80% / 57%

Degree(s): B.S., Animal Science | Minor, English

Veterinary Experience:
- ~510 hours - Small Animal Hospitals

Animal Experience:
- ~200 hours - Horse/Dairy Internships, Horseback riding, Petcare (for others)

Research:
- 30 hours - Swine diet-related

Extracurriculars/Awards:
-Dean’s List (6 quarters)
-University 1-year Scholarship Award
-Private 4-year Scholarship Award
-Work-related award
-General involvement/couple leadership roles in university clubs (Pre-Vet Clubs)
-Piano (10 years — I’m no good lol)
-Volleyball (7 years)
-Soccer (4 years)
-General involvement/multiple leadership roles in high school clubs (Interact, Robotics, etc.)

Non-Animal Employment:
- ~4000 hours for IT work at aerospace company and university
- ~800 hours for working with high schoolers interested in STEM and Veterinary Medicine
- Website manager for church

LORs:
- IT manager/boss
- Animal Science Professor
- Veterinarian from small animal hospital

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
-why did I want to become a vet? what differences did i want to make in the industry? what have i learned in the industry?
-focused more on helping people of all ages and demographics, instead of JUST animals
-tied in personal experiences in answers — outside animal-related experiences
-spoke about being emotionally aware
-OneHealth!

 

[gizzerlizzer]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied
Age:25, Female, Wisconsin, Traditional (?), 1

Applied: UW-Madison
Interview Invites: N/A
Waiting to hear:
Accepted: UW-Madison
Attending: UW - Madison

Overall GPA: 3.57
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.3
Last 45 GPA: 3.67

GRE (Q/V/W): 156, 155, 4.0 (unsure of percentages)

Degree(s): B.S. Biology

Veterinary Experience:
Combination of Vet Tech Assistant, Service Specialist (secretarial work), Surgery Assistant, Emergency Assistant - Over 3,000 hrs (LA/EQ/&SA)
Shadowing: ~40hrs
Volunteered at a Spay/Neuter Day: ~12 hours
Animal Experience:
Volunteered at 2-3 different Humane Societies: ~300hrs
Dog Daycare Attendant: 400 hrs
Volunteer Photographer for Second Chance Fund 25 hrs
Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
7/9 semesters on the Deans List
1-2 Academic Scholarships
Pre-Vet Club

Non-Animal Employment:
McDonalds -5yrs part time
Resident Assistant: 3 yrs
Dock Worker: 5 months
Server: 3 years full time
LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
2 Vets that I worked with, Practice Manager of the Vet Clinic, 1 Manager from Serving Position, 2 Undergrad Professors
Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I don't specifically remember what I wrote, but I did not focus on one part answers for any of the given questions. I had at least 3 points in each essay that I discussed and then explained how that relates to me. Sorry for not having more specifics.

 

[EngrSC]

Low GPAer with multiple acceptances!

My undergrad GPA was a 2.7ish so this goes to show that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself if you’re willing to work for it! Being an older student ready to move on with my life, I applied to a ridiculous number of schools. I was also super worried about how much my academic history would hinder me. I timed my application cycle with my husband being overseas on an unaccompanied tour (he’s career military), giving us the best chances of ending up in the same region of the country when he returns. Of course this would only work if I was accepted so that’s another reason why I applied to so many schools! I wouldn’t recommend being financially reckless (I have the GI bill and savings to pay for vet school so cost was less of a limiting factor), but ultimately you gotta do what’s best for you!

32 y/o female, non-trad, Georgia resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Auburn, CSU, Davis, UF, UGA, U Illinois, Iowa State, K-State, LMU, LSU, Michigan State, UMN, Mississippi State, tOSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn, Purdue, SGU, Tufts, VMCVM
Rejected: Davis, Auburn, CSU, U Illinois
Interview waitlisted: UF, tOSU
Invited to Interview: SGU, LMU, K-State, VMCVM, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State, UMN (declined), Tufts (declined), Penn
Waitlisted: Oregon State, Purdue, Mississippi State, Michigan State
Accepted: SGU, LMU, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn, K-State, VMCVM, Iowa State, UGA
Attending: VMCVM

Cumulative GPA: 3.06
Last 45 GPA: 4.00
DIY Post-Bacc GPA: 3.87 (84 credits, all science)
Science GPA w/o engineering: 3.63
Science GPA w/ engineering: 2.98 (thanks VMCAS)

GRE: 152 V / 160 Q / 3.5 <- don’t half-a$$ the writing portion like I did LOL

Undergrad degree: BS Aerospace Engineering (2010)

Veterinary Experience
- SA general practice with Chinese medicine: 2800 hours
- SA ER: 250 hours
- Avian, exotics & wildlife: 170 hours
- Equine/swine: 100 hours
- Equine/LA/internal medicine: 240 hours
- Low cost clinic: 140 hours

Animal Experience
- Therapeutic riding group for disabled children: 120 hours
- Farrier: 12 hours (corrective shoeing)
- Shelter: 55 hours
- Cat rescue: 300 hours
- Wildlife center: 30 hours
- Pet ownership (only included animals I’ve owned as an adult independently of my parents and super low-balled the hours)

Research
- Nada!

Community Service/Volunteer Things
- 7 years as a board member and caseworker with a non-profit that provides financial assistance to owners and rescuers of dogs in need. We disperse funds to veterinarians directly to be used for non-routine treatment. I’ve worked some super interesting cases and this is where my interest in medicine began.
- 3 years as the Family Adoptions Director (board position) of a breed specific dog rescue. A group of us broke off because we wanted the flexibility to take in mixes of said breed so I was a founding member and the Applications Director for 2 years of the new non-profit. I really enjoyed working with potential adopters so managing the application and adoption process was a natural fit for me.
- Volunteer at an emergency women and children’s shelter

Non-Animal Employment
- 10 years for the same engineering company, first as an intern, then mechanical engineer, and finally as a systems engineer. The highlight was working software test on a really cool program that was awarded a Collier trophy (a pretty big deal).
- Also included the 2 jobs I had as an undergrad student: recycling center for 2 years and mechanics lien company for 2 years.

LORs (tried to pick people in different areas of my life that know me very well)
- SA vet
- Equine/LA vet
- Engineering boss
- President of non-profit I’ve been with 7 years
- A&P I & II and Neuro professor
- Infectious Diseases and Micro professor

Explanation Statement
I used this space to discuss GI issues I had from childhood through my undergrad years. I had a slew of medical tests done when I was an engineering student and, living alone, I developed some very disordered eating habits stemming from anxiety about my GI stuff, which resulted in me being super underweight. I struggled with the decision to include this in my application but ultimately I did. I used the first paragraph to outline the facts: this is what happened and this is what I did about it (cognitive behavioral therapy and working with a registered dietician). In the 2nd paragraph I talked about the things I do today (9 years later) to manage my GI issues and anxiety (basically putting self-care first and confronting the things that make me anxious, both food-related and not). And in the 3rd paragraph I was able to demonstrate how much more functional I am now by discussing the strong grades I’ve earned as a post-bacc student while juggling an engineering career, a cross country move, a periacetabular osteotomy (corrective surgery for hip dysplasia), and making time for veterinary experiences.
These days I’m super open about my struggles and how I got to where I am now. My inbox is always open to anyone struggling, needing a little encouragement, or whatever; and I’d be happy to share my explanation statement with anyone needing an example and/or help with editing theirs. I asked half a dozen people for feedback on mine to be sure it was conveying the right message ... I basically admitted to having anxiety and an eating disorder, which could’ve sunk my ship if not done right. Moral of the story, own what happened and make it a strength (but only if you can demonstrate how you’re a bada$$ now).

Essays
1 - Opened with why I studied engineering, talked about the development of my interest in medicine, included a major takeaway from each of my vet experiences, and closed by saying that I’m seeking an area within vet med where client relationship and continuity of care are valued, as this relationship is most fulfilling to me.
2 - Given my rescue background and having lived in states where shelters are understaffed and at max capacity, I talked about supporting my local shelter and/or rescue(s) in some capacity once I’m a vet. I emphasized that I want to improve the lives of the animals in my community through education, which I hope to do in clinical medicine. I also expressed an interest in teaching the next generation of vets as my contribution to the profession that benefits the community long after I’m gone.
3 - I went with commitment to learning, finding enjoyment and meaning outside of medicine, strong oral and written communication, and integrity.

 

[GJ95]

Low GPAer with multiple acceptances!

My undergrad GPA was a 2.7ish so this goes to show that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself if you’re willing to work for it! Being an older student ready to move on with my life, I applied to a ridiculous number of schools. I was also super worried about how much my academic history would hinder me. I timed my application cycle with my husband being overseas on an unaccompanied tour (he’s career military), giving us the best chances of ending up in the same region of the country when he returns. Of course this would only work if I was accepted so that’s another reason why I applied to so many schools! I wouldn’t recommend being financially reckless (I have the GI bill and savings to pay for vet school so cost was less of a limiting factor), but ultimately you gotta do what’s best for you!

32 y/o female, non-trad, Georgia resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Auburn, CSU, Davis, UF, UGA, U Illinois, Iowa State, K-State, LMU, LSU, Michigan State, UMN, Mississippi State, tOSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn, Purdue, SGU, Tufts, VMCVM
Rejected: Davis, Auburn, CSU, U Illinois
Interview waitlisted: UF, tOSU
Invited to Interview: SGU, LMU, K-State, VMCVM, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State, UMN (declined), Tufts (declined), Penn
Waiting to hear: UGA, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State
Waitlisted: Oregon State
Accepted: SGU, LMU, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn, K-State, VMCVM
Attending: VMCVM

Cumulative GPA: 3.06
Last 45 GPA: 4.00
DIY Post-Bacc GPA: 3.87 (84 credits, all science)
Science GPA w/o engineering: 3.63
Science GPA w/ engineering: 2.98 (thanks VMCAS)

GRE: 152 V / 160 Q / 3.5 <- don’t half-a$$ the writing portion like I did LOL

Undergrad degree: BS Aerospace Engineering (2010)

Veterinary Experience
- SA general practice with Chinese medicine: 2800 hours
- SA ER: 250 hours
- Avian, exotics & wildlife: 170 hours
- Equine/swine: 100 hours
- Equine/LA/internal medicine: 240 hours
- Low cost clinic: 140 hours

Animal Experience
- Therapeutic riding group for disabled children: 120 hours
- Farrier: 12 hours (corrective shoeing)
- Shelter: 55 hours
- Cat rescue: 300 hours
- Wildlife center: 30 hours
- Pet ownership (only included animals I’ve owned as an adult independently of my parents and super low-balled the hours)

Research
- Nada!

Community Service/Volunteer Things
- 7 years as a board member and caseworker with a non-profit that provides financial assistance to owners and rescuers of dogs in need. We disperse funds to veterinarians directly to be used for non-routine treatment. I’ve worked some super interesting cases and this is where my interest in medicine began.
- 3 years as the Family Adoptions Director (board position) of a breed specific dog rescue. A group of us broke off because we wanted the flexibility to take in mixes of said breed so I was a founding member and the Applications Director for 2 years of the new non-profit. I really enjoyed working with potential adopters so managing the application and adoption process was a natural fit for me.
- Volunteer at an emergency women and children’s shelter

Non-Animal Employment
- 10 years for the same engineering company, first as an intern, then mechanical engineer, and finally as a systems engineer. The highlight was working software test on a really cool program that was awarded a Collier trophy (a pretty big deal).
- Also included the 2 jobs I had as an undergrad student: recycling center for 2 years and mechanics lien company for 2 years.

LORs (tried to pick people in different areas of my life that know me very well)
- SA vet
- Equine/LA vet
- Engineering boss
- President of non-profit I’ve been with 7 years
- A&P I & II and Neuro professor
- Infectious Diseases and Micro professor

Explanation Statement
I used this space to discuss GI issues I had from childhood through my undergrad years. I had a slew of medical tests done when I was an engineering student and, living alone, I developed some very disordered eating habits stemming from anxiety about my GI stuff, which resulted in me being super underweight. I struggled with the decision to include this in my application but ultimately I did. I used the first paragraph to outline the facts: this is what happened and this is what I did about it (cognitive behavioral therapy and working with a registered dietician). In the 2nd paragraph I talked about the things I do today (9 years later) to manage my GI issues and anxiety (basically putting self-care first and confronting the things that make me anxious, both food-related and not). And in the 3rd paragraph I was able to demonstrate how much more functional I am now by discussing the strong grades I’ve earned as a post-bacc student while juggling an engineering career, a cross country move, a periacetabular osteotomy (corrective surgery for hip dysplasia), and making time for veterinary experiences.
These days I’m super open about my struggles and how I got to where I am now. My inbox is always open to anyone struggling, needing a little encouragement, or whatever; and I’d be happy to share my explanation statement with anyone needing an example and/or help with editing theirs. I asked half a dozen people for feedback on mine to be sure it was conveying the right message ... I basically admitted to having anxiety and an eating disorder, which could’ve sunk my ship if not done right. Moral of the story, own what happened and make it a strength (but only if you can demonstrate how you’re a bada$$ now).

Essays
1 - Opened with why I studied engineering, talked about the development of my interest in medicine, included a major takeaway from each of my vet experiences, and closed by saying that I’m seeking an area within vet med where client relationship and continuity of care are valued, as this relationship is most fulfilling to me.
2 - Given my rescue background and having lived in states where shelters are understaffed and at max capacity, I talked about supporting my local shelter and/or rescue(s) in some capacity once I’m a vet. I emphasized that I want to improve the lives of the animals in my community through education, which I hope to do in clinical medicine. I also expressed an interest in teaching the next generation of vets as my contribution to the profession that benefits the community long after I’m gone.
3 - I went with commitment to learning, finding enjoyment and meaning outside of medicine, strong oral and written communication, and integrity.

Wow, congratulations! May I ask what made you choose Virginia?

 

[SCML]

Low GPAer with multiple acceptances!

My undergrad GPA was a 2.7ish so this goes to show that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself if you’re willing to work for it! Being an older student ready to move on with my life, I applied to a ridiculous number of schools. I was also super worried about how much my academic history would hinder me. I timed my application cycle with my husband being overseas on an unaccompanied tour (he’s career military), giving us the best chances of ending up in the same region of the country when he returns. Of course this would only work if I was accepted so that’s another reason why I applied to so many schools! I wouldn’t recommend being financially reckless (I have the GI bill and savings to pay for vet school so cost was less of a limiting factor), but ultimately you gotta do what’s best for you!

32 y/o female, non-trad, Georgia resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Auburn, CSU, Davis, UF, UGA, U Illinois, Iowa State, K-State, LMU, LSU, Michigan State, UMN, Mississippi State, tOSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn, Purdue, SGU, Tufts, VMCVM
Rejected: Davis, Auburn, CSU, U Illinois
Interview waitlisted: UF, tOSU
Invited to Interview: SGU, LMU, K-State, VMCVM, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State, UMN (declined), Tufts (declined), Penn
Waiting to hear: UGA, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State
Waitlisted: Oregon State
Accepted: SGU, LMU, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn, K-State, VMCVM
Attending: VMCVM

Cumulative GPA: 3.06
Last 45 GPA: 4.00
DIY Post-Bacc GPA: 3.87 (84 credits, all science)
Science GPA w/o engineering: 3.63
Science GPA w/ engineering: 2.98 (thanks VMCAS)

GRE: 152 V / 160 Q / 3.5 <- don’t half-a$$ the writing portion like I did LOL

Undergrad degree: BS Aerospace Engineering (2010)

Veterinary Experience
- SA general practice with Chinese medicine: 2800 hours
- SA ER: 250 hours
- Avian, exotics & wildlife: 170 hours
- Equine/swine: 100 hours
- Equine/LA/internal medicine: 240 hours
- Low cost clinic: 140 hours

Animal Experience
- Therapeutic riding group for disabled children: 120 hours
- Farrier: 12 hours (corrective shoeing)
- Shelter: 55 hours
- Cat rescue: 300 hours
- Wildlife center: 30 hours
- Pet ownership (only included animals I’ve owned as an adult independently of my parents and super low-balled the hours)

Research
- Nada!

Community Service/Volunteer Things
- 7 years as a board member and caseworker with a non-profit that provides financial assistance to owners and rescuers of dogs in need. We disperse funds to veterinarians directly to be used for non-routine treatment. I’ve worked some super interesting cases and this is where my interest in medicine began.
- 3 years as the Family Adoptions Director (board position) of a breed specific dog rescue. A group of us broke off because we wanted the flexibility to take in mixes of said breed so I was a founding member and the Applications Director for 2 years of the new non-profit. I really enjoyed working with potential adopters so managing the application and adoption process was a natural fit for me.
- Volunteer at an emergency women and children’s shelter

Non-Animal Employment
- 10 years for the same engineering company, first as an intern, then mechanical engineer, and finally as a systems engineer. The highlight was working software test on a really cool program that was awarded a Collier trophy (a pretty big deal).
- Also included the 2 jobs I had as an undergrad student: recycling center for 2 years and mechanics lien company for 2 years.

LORs (tried to pick people in different areas of my life that know me very well)
- SA vet
- Equine/LA vet
- Engineering boss
- President of non-profit I’ve been with 7 years
- A&P I & II and Neuro professor
- Infectious Diseases and Micro professor

Explanation Statement
I used this space to discuss GI issues I had from childhood through my undergrad years. I had a slew of medical tests done when I was an engineering student and, living alone, I developed some very disordered eating habits stemming from anxiety about my GI stuff, which resulted in me being super underweight. I struggled with the decision to include this in my application but ultimately I did. I used the first paragraph to outline the facts: this is what happened and this is what I did about it (cognitive behavioral therapy and working with a registered dietician). In the 2nd paragraph I talked about the things I do today (9 years later) to manage my GI issues and anxiety (basically putting self-care first and confronting the things that make me anxious, both food-related and not). And in the 3rd paragraph I was able to demonstrate how much more functional I am now by discussing the strong grades I’ve earned as a post-bacc student while juggling an engineering career, a cross country move, a periacetabular osteotomy (corrective surgery for hip dysplasia), and making time for veterinary experiences.
These days I’m super open about my struggles and how I got to where I am now. My inbox is always open to anyone struggling, needing a little encouragement, or whatever; and I’d be happy to share my explanation statement with anyone needing an example and/or help with editing theirs. I asked half a dozen people for feedback on mine to be sure it was conveying the right message ... I basically admitted to having anxiety and an eating disorder, which could’ve sunk my ship if not done right. Moral of the story, own what happened and make it a strength (but only if you can demonstrate how you’re a bada$$ now).

Essays
1 - Opened with why I studied engineering, talked about the development of my interest in medicine, included a major takeaway from each of my vet experiences, and closed by saying that I’m seeking an area within vet med where client relationship and continuity of care are valued, as this relationship is most fulfilling to me.
2 - Given my rescue background and having lived in states where shelters are understaffed and at max capacity, I talked about supporting my local shelter and/or rescue(s) in some capacity once I’m a vet. I emphasized that I want to improve the lives of the animals in my community through education, which I hope to do in clinical medicine. I also expressed an interest in teaching the next generation of vets as my contribution to the profession that benefits the community long after I’m gone.
3 - I went with commitment to learning, finding enjoyment and meaning outside of medicine, strong oral and written communication, and integrity.

I’ve been watching you post and watching how supportive you’ve been of others and I am just SO happy for you!!! You deserve this!! Congrats

 

[EngrSC]

Wow, congratulations! May I ask what made you choose Virginia?

So many things. I interviewed at a lot of schools and you definitely get a feeling. I felt sad leaving the area and prayed I would be back - I didn’t get that feeling as strongly at any other school. And there were definitely a few schools that I knew with absolute certainty weren’t a good fit for me. But aside from the feels, I love love love the system-based curriculum and the testing every other Monday thing. I’m definitely an application kind of person and I think the system-based approach will allow me to put what I’m learning in context so it’ll stick in my brain a bit better. I also love that there are 2 therapists dedicated to the vet school (I was planning to see a therapist regularly while I’m in school so this is an added convenience) and the therapy dogs are a huge perk. I really enjoyed talking to current students at the pre-interview reception about the area in general, different clubs, opportunities within the school, etc. Not only is the school beautiful, but I love the surrounding area as well - I went hiking after my interview and I felt at home. I’m from California originally but currently live in Georgia and I can’t even tell you how much I miss mountains - I hardcore miss hiking, trail running, and snowboarding. No mountains wasn’t a deal breaker for me but I knew eventually I wanted to live somewhere where they’re accessible. Additionally, and very importantly, there are a lot of opportunities for my husband to be stationed on the east coast (vs the midwest) and we really want to be within an 8ish hour drive of each other. That would’ve been a lot more difficult had I chosen K-State or LSU (both of which I loved), and while I also loved Penn and it could work geographically, it’s wicked expensive. This turned into quite a ramble to say that basically the school feels like the best fit for me academically and personally

I’ve been watching you post and watching how supportive you’ve been of others and I am just SO happy for you!!! You deserve this!! Congrats

Thank you!

 

[mmmdreamerz]

Low GPAer with multiple acceptances!

My undergrad GPA was a 2.7ish so this goes to show that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself if you’re willing to work for it! Being an older student ready to move on with my life, I applied to a ridiculous number of schools. I was also super worried about how much my academic history would hinder me. I timed my application cycle with my husband being overseas on an unaccompanied tour (he’s career military), giving us the best chances of ending up in the same region of the country when he returns. Of course this would only work if I was accepted so that’s another reason why I applied to so many schools! I wouldn’t recommend being financially reckless (I have the GI bill and savings to pay for vet school so cost was less of a limiting factor), but ultimately you gotta do what’s best for you!

32 y/o female, non-trad, Georgia resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Auburn, CSU, Davis, UF, UGA, U Illinois, Iowa State, K-State, LMU, LSU, Michigan State, UMN, Mississippi State, tOSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn, Purdue, SGU, Tufts, VMCVM
Rejected: Davis, Auburn, CSU, U Illinois
Interview waitlisted: UF, tOSU
Invited to Interview: SGU, LMU, K-State, VMCVM, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State, UMN (declined), Tufts (declined), Penn
Waiting to hear: UGA, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Purdue, Michigan State
Waitlisted: Oregon State
Accepted: SGU, LMU, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn, K-State, VMCVM
Attending: VMCVM

Cumulative GPA: 3.06
Last 45 GPA: 4.00
DIY Post-Bacc GPA: 3.87 (84 credits, all science)
Science GPA w/o engineering: 3.63
Science GPA w/ engineering: 2.98 (thanks VMCAS)

GRE: 152 V / 160 Q / 3.5 <- don’t half-a$$ the writing portion like I did LOL

Undergrad degree: BS Aerospace Engineering (2010)

Veterinary Experience
- SA general practice with Chinese medicine: 2800 hours
- SA ER: 250 hours
- Avian, exotics & wildlife: 170 hours
- Equine/swine: 100 hours
- Equine/LA/internal medicine: 240 hours
- Low cost clinic: 140 hours

Animal Experience
- Therapeutic riding group for disabled children: 120 hours
- Farrier: 12 hours (corrective shoeing)
- Shelter: 55 hours
- Cat rescue: 300 hours
- Wildlife center: 30 hours
- Pet ownership (only included animals I’ve owned as an adult independently of my parents and super low-balled the hours)

Research
- Nada!

Community Service/Volunteer Things
- 7 years as a board member and caseworker with a non-profit that provides financial assistance to owners and rescuers of dogs in need. We disperse funds to veterinarians directly to be used for non-routine treatment. I’ve worked some super interesting cases and this is where my interest in medicine began.
- 3 years as the Family Adoptions Director (board position) of a breed specific dog rescue. A group of us broke off because we wanted the flexibility to take in mixes of said breed so I was a founding member and the Applications Director for 2 years of the new non-profit. I really enjoyed working with potential adopters so managing the application and adoption process was a natural fit for me.
- Volunteer at an emergency women and children’s shelter

Non-Animal Employment
- 10 years for the same engineering company, first as an intern, then mechanical engineer, and finally as a systems engineer. The highlight was working software test on a really cool program that was awarded a Collier trophy (a pretty big deal).
- Also included the 2 jobs I had as an undergrad student: recycling center for 2 years and mechanics lien company for 2 years.

LORs (tried to pick people in different areas of my life that know me very well)
- SA vet
- Equine/LA vet
- Engineering boss
- President of non-profit I’ve been with 7 years
- A&P I & II and Neuro professor
- Infectious Diseases and Micro professor

Explanation Statement
I used this space to discuss GI issues I had from childhood through my undergrad years. I had a slew of medical tests done when I was an engineering student and, living alone, I developed some very disordered eating habits stemming from anxiety about my GI stuff, which resulted in me being super underweight. I struggled with the decision to include this in my application but ultimately I did. I used the first paragraph to outline the facts: this is what happened and this is what I did about it (cognitive behavioral therapy and working with a registered dietician). In the 2nd paragraph I talked about the things I do today (9 years later) to manage my GI issues and anxiety (basically putting self-care first and confronting the things that make me anxious, both food-related and not). And in the 3rd paragraph I was able to demonstrate how much more functional I am now by discussing the strong grades I’ve earned as a post-bacc student while juggling an engineering career, a cross country move, a periacetabular osteotomy (corrective surgery for hip dysplasia), and making time for veterinary experiences.
These days I’m super open about my struggles and how I got to where I am now. My inbox is always open to anyone struggling, needing a little encouragement, or whatever; and I’d be happy to share my explanation statement with anyone needing an example and/or help with editing theirs. I asked half a dozen people for feedback on mine to be sure it was conveying the right message ... I basically admitted to having anxiety and an eating disorder, which could’ve sunk my ship if not done right. Moral of the story, own what happened and make it a strength (but only if you can demonstrate how you’re a bada$$ now).

Essays
1 - Opened with why I studied engineering, talked about the development of my interest in medicine, included a major takeaway from each of my vet experiences, and closed by saying that I’m seeking an area within vet med where client relationship and continuity of care are valued, as this relationship is most fulfilling to me.
2 - Given my rescue background and having lived in states where shelters are understaffed and at max capacity, I talked about supporting my local shelter and/or rescue(s) in some capacity once I’m a vet. I emphasized that I want to improve the lives of the animals in my community through education, which I hope to do in clinical medicine. I also expressed an interest in teaching the next generation of vets as my contribution to the profession that benefits the community long after I’m gone.
3 - I went with commitment to learning, finding enjoyment and meaning outside of medicine, strong oral and written communication, and integrity.

These are my favorite type of posts in these threads...way to go!