SUB-3.0 cGPA and EVEN WORSE SCIENCE! IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!
I was told by EVERYONE not to even bother applying because I won't get in... Even people from SDN! I decided not to listen and to give it my all for this one cycle so I wouldn't regret anything. I saved up to be able to apply wherever I wanted, and I understand that not everyone has that privilege. To me, I figured I'd just make the most out of my first app cycle since it'd be cheaper than doing a Master's or post-bacc for a year and re-applying to one or two schools. I also don't care or believe in the Caribbean school stigma or location much. Vet school is vet school (as long as it is accredited). As sad as it sounds, I'll also be in debt regardless, so let me at least be in debt while starting vet school happily regardless of where it is. Guys, I can't stress this enough... Don't listen to other people when they tell you you won't get in. Apply yourself and be optimistic! Otherwise, you might just regret not applying and giving yourself a chance that first time. I literally got into my dream Vet School... I'm still in disbelief... 
21, Female, FL, Traditional, first time applicant.
Applied: WesternU, LMU, VMCVM, KSU, MSU, UofA, AVC/UPEI, Ross, SGU, and University of Sydney
Interview Invites: AVC/UPEI, Ross, SGU (USYD doesn't do interviews)
Waiting to hear: WesternU
Accepted: AVC/UPEI, Ross, SGU, University of Sydney
Attending: University of Sydney
Overall GPA: 2.83 VMCAS calculated at time of app
Science Prerequisite GPA: 2.31 VMCAS calculated at time of app
Last 45 GPA: 3.44 at time of app (This included my upper-level sciences like Cell Bio, Orgo 2, Comp. Animal Behavior, Comp. Animal Physiology & Lab, Genetics, and Biochem which showed an upward trend. I received nothing lower than a B in these)
GRE (Q/V/W): 146 (53%) / 154 (29%) / 4.5 (81%)
Degree(s): AA, BS (graduated in December)
Veterinary Experience:
- Shadowed at local Dairy Farm for a day where I learned how to actively conduct rectal exams and artificial insemination on the live bovine - 8 hrs
- Shadowed at local Equine Hospital for a day - 5 hrs
- Veterinary Technician and cross-trained to help out as a CSR when needed at animal hosp- 1020 hrs
- Veterinary Assistant/Kennel at animal hosp - 600 hrs
Animal Experience:
- Volunteer at local animal shelter - 9 hrs
Research:
- Sea Turtle Researcher at only place in U.S. that handles and researches greens, loggerheads, and leatherbacks on site - 466 hrs
- Research regarding commensalism between wild gopher tortoises, black racer snakes, 9-banded armadillos, and red foxes (was actually out in the field and worked alongside the wild animals and utilized trail cams)- 220 hrs
- Research Assistant to professors studying human psychology - 119 hrs
- Research Assistant to Business professor who regularly holds seminars in China to educate future business leaders, and has spoken at multiple conferences alongside Elon Musk. I have assisted in the publication and writing of a couple of Business & Finance textbooks and research, participated in the coding and creation of a virtual simulation for business professors, and have participated in unpublished research and textbooks. - 425 hrs
Extracurriculars/Awards:
- School Clubs - 708 hrs
- Founder of free online tutoring service to a particular minority community that resides in the Southern U.S.- 455 hrs
- Founder of free in-person tutoring within community for minorities - 18 hrs
- Coordinator of retreats for local minority community - 40 hrs
- A bunch of volunteer work that'd take me forever to list - 879 hrs
- Gained acceptance into University's Honors College and received consequent Scholarship
- Gained highest state funded scholarship
- Gained Dean's scholarship at university, along with 2 other scholarships
- Also I included in achievements that I got into medical school and had a guaranteed seat reserved for when I finish my BS after interviewing rigorously (back when I thought I wanted to be a human doctor lol)
Non-Animal Employment:
- Business College CSR - 640 hrs
- ROSS Retail - 280 hrs
- Forensic Psychologist Assistant - 3915 hrs
LORs:
- Medical Director/Veterinarian of Animal Hosp where I found my passion for Vet Med
- Associate Veterinarian of Animal Hosp where I found my passion for Vet Med
- Medical Terminology Prof.
- Business & Finance prof. that I conducted research under and published stuff with
Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I tried to be unique in my responses and tried as hard as possible to not just revolve my answers around my experience within the Veterinary industry, but also outside. For example, when asked about the attributes I possess that is essential to being a Vet, I related to my experience as an assistant to a Forensic Psychologist for over 6+ years. I've had to learn patience, empathy, and understanding when interacting with mentally disabled patients, and had to make it clear that our office is a place where you are normal when the whole world tells you you're not. I also discussed professionalism and communication and how I needed it when I interacted with judges, members of the court, inmates, and prison guards as I wasn't just representing myself, but the Dr. as well.
Avoid cliché answers. It wont get you anywhere. If you absolutely do need to include a cliché answer, add a unique experience to make your response stand out. Also, take your unconventional and what may seem "irrelevant" job experiences that have nothing to do with the veterinary industry, and make them relevant. As I said, it makes your app memorable!
