Successful Applicants C/O 2029

[shalyssa]

26F, Illinois, Non-traditional applicant, 1st time applying

Applied: Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Virginia-Maryland, UTK, Missouri, Purdue, RVC, LSU
Interview Invites: Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia-Maryland, UTK
Waiting to hear: None
Waitlisted: UTK, Pennsylvania, LSU
Accepted: Illinois (IS) and Wisconsin!!
Attending: Most likely Wisconsin!! (My fiancé has better work options there and we think we'd be happier that outweighs the tuition but still haven't officially decided.)

Overall GPA: 3.58
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.93
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A

Degree(s): BS in Business Admin: Accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology, graduated in 2021
- 1 Semester - Masters in Accounting and Analytics - dropped out and found Vet med lol
- Took every science class as a Post-bacc student from a community college and a 4-year Uni

Veterinary Experience:
OTJ trained technician at an ER/specialty (on-going) - 1320hrs
Veterinary Technician Assistant at a GP - 2380hrs
Veterinary Assistant at a 4-doctor shelter w/ animals ranging from mice/rats to cows/horses - 1178hrs
Shadowed a Criticalist - 12hrs

Animal Experience:
Rehab Animal Keeper at a wildlife rehab (Volunteer) - 148hrs
Cat Shelter (Volunteer) - 28hrs
Animal Care at Shelter (Paid) - 408hrs

Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Varsity College Soccer Goalkeeper (Captain Senior year) - 3240hrs (very rough est)
Member of Next Generation of Accountants (student club) - 20hrs
Assistant Coach (Volunteer) - 30hrs

In high school:
- Varsity Basketball for 3 years
- Varsity Softball for 4 years
- Varsity Soccer for 5 years (Awards listed separately - 3x 1st team all-conference, School's black letter award Senior year)
- Played Clarinet for 8 years - Attended Solo Festivals, All-State band invitations
- Played Saxophone for 3 years - Jazz band
- Played Violin for 10+ years

Non-Animal Employment:
Peer Tutor at a College for biology/chemistry - 70hrs
Graduate Assistant w/ Event Management - 260hrs
Bakery/Apple Mill - 240hrs
Tax Intern - 1530hrs
Bank Associate Intern - 400hrs
Notetaker in undergrad - 84hrs
Best Buy warehouse - 1120 hrs

LORs:
DVM - Shelter Vet
DVM - General Practice
DVM - ER Doctor
DVM - Neurologist
Tech Manager at my GP
Organic Chemistry Professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Personal Statement - Talked about how I fell in love with soccer at 4 years old and how playing college soccer made me resilient. The transition to college was difficult for me and failed all my teams fitness testing and didn't make a single personal connection with anyone on my team my first year. My coach played a huge role in my growth and kept pushing me forward. I became the started goalkeeper my second year and found some of my still best friends from that change. During my senior year, my own cat ran away and I reached out to rescues/shelters to help me and how this lead me to finding a job at one of the shelters and just fell in love with shelter medicine. I talked about how I moved and found work in GP and then ER to continue learning as much as I can about vetmed. Once college ended, I knew i didn't want to be an accountant anymore and all my passion/love was for soccer. All the love I had once had for soccer had found a new home in Veterinary medicine, knowing it isn't always going to be easy but I have the skills to push myself and never settle.

Wisconsin Supplemental -
How had your background and life experiences motivated your decision to pursue DVM degree at UWM?
- Talked about how i grew up in a small town and moved to a bigger area for college to open more doors. I had a love for math and science but my parents always pushed to me towards a cliche "9-5" job so I could make a decent living - one we didn't always have. I changed my major multiple times and what that taught me. I talked about Wisconsin's "WisCare" program resonates with me and wish more communities had access too.

Whom do you most admire and why?
- I had a deaf teammate on my soccer team in college who taught me that communication is more than the words you say. I learned ASL for her. She was a striker and I was a goalkeeper and we were constantly pushing each other and how she taught me to always do that extra sprint even when your tired. I ended with how her pursuing her dreams as a pro soccer player continues to push me to pursue my dreams.

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[phenomenology]

26, F, NY, non-trad, 1st (& last, thank gawd) application

Applied: RVC, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cornell (IS), LIU, Penn & Ohio State
Interview Invites: RVC, Edinburgh (withdrew application), Glasgow, LIU, Penn
Rejected: Ohio State
Waitlisted: Glasgow (withdrew)
Accepted: RVC, Cornell, LIU, Penn
Attending: PENN!

Overall GPA: ~3.7
Overall Science GPA: ~3.8
Last 45 GPA: ~3.9

Degree(s):
BA in psychology, minor in creative writing
MS in a subfield of the medical humanities

Veterinary Experience: ~550hrs (v low, done while working in racing fulltime over 2 summers)
Smallies GP VA – 450hrs
Equine VA – 100hrs

Animal Experience: ~3300hrs
Pupil assistant at an international racing stable – 2100hrs
Wildlife rehab volunteer – 48hrs (my feeble attempt at exotics/diversification lol, developed a love for nestling anything and sulcata tortoises tho)
Rover – 1240hrs

Research: ~3000hrs
Zoo behavior research intern – 350hrs
Social psychology research assistant – 700hrs
Psychiatry research assistant – 600hrs
OBGYN/stem cell research laboratory intern – 400hrs
Clinical research intern – 900hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards: ~7800hrs
Running an NGO – 5000hrs
Sorority recruitment & academic excellence chair – 300hrs
Various equestrian sprots (misspelling intentional) – 2500hrs
Research grants from both my undergrad & grad institutions
Dean’s list, honors scholar blablabla

Non-Animal Employment: ~2600hrs
Copywriter – 2240hrs
Retail worker for a summer (forgot to include this & I’ve heard anything to do with customer service is looked favorably upon!) – 320hrs

LORs: 6 total (2 vets, 2 academic & 2 animal-related bosses)
SA veterinary surgeon & practice owner
Equine veterinary surgeon
Masters professor
Postbacc bio lab instructor
Zoo research boss
Racing boss

GOD I LOVE ALL THESE PEOPLE, DON’T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO W/O THEM!
I cannot overstate this enough: FIND MENTORS YOU LOOK UP TO IN THE ANIMAL WORLD, THEY CAN BE LIFE CHANGING & ***MAKE SURE YOUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP IS AS MUTUALISTIC AS POSSIBLE***

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my long-standing interest in behavior, the puzzle-piecing it necessitates, and how the obvious route to explore this was through human psychology while I kept my obsession with all things animals as a little accouterment to my main academic pursuits. But after my own dog was diagnosed with a complex pathology, I saw how veterinary medicine was the perfect convergence of all my academic and personal interests combined, with nonverbal patients and the opportunity to work with owners and their own set of biases, and behaviors all for the good of the animal + (hopefully) their humans!

Lil bits of advice no one asked for:
To any other non-trads doubting if you can do this – my daily mantra was “even if I fail, atleast I tried and won’t ever wonder what if” for every little eeeeeee I had questioning if I had it in me to leave a field I KNEW I did well in to risk it in the unknown choppy woters of pre-med weed-out classes… and now vet school itself lmao (wish me luck)

In general, I think it’s so important to highlight as much as possible in your application how your previous fields will be a boon to you in vet med as a non-trad.

If anyone applying in the future is debating east coast (NYC especially) formal postbacc programs, feel free to DM me! I can speak to the pros/cons of a few of them, especially the one I did!

 

[prevet9999]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
21, female, MA, traditional first time applicant

Applied: UC Davis, Michigan State, Cornell, Tufts, Penn, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio State
Rejected: UC Davis, Michigan State
Interview Invites: Penn, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio State
Accepted: Cornell, Penn, Tufts, Ohio State, Missouri, Wisconsin, Georgia, Illinois
Attending: University of Georgia!!!

Overall GPA: 3.83
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.86
Last 45 GPA: 4.0
Degree(s): BS in Biology (May 2025)

Veterinary Experience: (all small animal)

• IM/GM/ER Vet Assistant at large speciality hospital - 1700+ hrs
• Surgery + ER + Exotics shadowing at same hospital - 20 hrs
• Paid shadowing/helping out at a small gp - 50 hrs
• Shadowing at a gp in France - 50 hrs

Animal Experience:

• Fostering sick cats - 700 hrs
• Exotics/SA shelter volunteering - 200 hrs
• Farm sanctuary volunteering - 20 hrs
• Pet sitting/walking - 200 hrs

Research: (none directly veterinary related which I think set me apart!)

• Retinal dystrophy research in Paris (medicated, restrained, + did visual assessments on mice + lots of bench work and data analysis) - 800 hrs
• Environmental toxin research (published database) - 50 hrs
• Environmental psychology research - 100 hrs
• Aging and Infertility research - 50 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards:

• Mentioned several merit scholarships I won (5 I believe?) + Deans’s list
• ICU laundry volunteer at the hospital I work at now - 20 hrs
• Pre-Vet club exec board - 75 hrs
• Radio show host - 20 hrs
• Book club - 30 hrs
• Women’s Research club member and mentor - 20 hrs
• Ambassador for my university’s career center - was just starting at time of submission so 10 hrs (but projected to have 100+)
• Internship panelist @ my university - 9 hrs
• Healthcare study abroad in Ghana - logged 52 hrs
• Only mentioned science-related extracurriculars from hs (president of Biomed club, week long MIT program, intern for my AP Bio teacher)
• Semester service learning project for an education nonprofit - 30 hrs
• TA for microbiology lab (could only send to Wisconsin bc they had a later supplement app)

Non-Animal Employment:

• Restaurant hostess - 400 hrs
• Restaurant Server - 100 hrs

LORs:
1 vet, 1 CVT, physics professor, and an advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about the NYT Connections! And a few key moments from working as a vet assistant and in research that solidified my decision to pursue the field. Initially I tried to explain why I decided on vet med in the first place, but I realized it was more effective to talk about transformative experiences I’ve had since entering the field. I got really good advice from a Tufts admissions rep who said to make sure your essay couldn’t be written by someone with minimal experience!

I recommend really taking your time with your experience descriptions, it took me 4 months to write mine! Focus on what you learned and accomplished rather than robotically listing out responsibilities! If you’re listing non-vet work experience, subtly explain characteristics or skills you learned that will help you as a vet 🙂 I have much more advice I’m happy to give!

 

[Fishy_Applicant]

34, non-trad obvs, New Hampshire USA. First Time applicant

cGPA: 2.9 (lol)

Last45 (undergrad only): 3.61

Grad GPA: 3.74 -Cornell

Schools: Tufts (Accepted), UF (Waitlist), CSU (declined)

Vet exp: 150hrs emergency clinic as a VA.

Non-Vet Exp: 4 years - Fish & Wildlife Agency Biologist doing fish pathology & research.
5 years - Fish farmer raising roughly 300k trout & salmon & 2-300k walleye annually.
USMC Vet, spent a year in Afghanistan.

LORs: Emergency clinic vet, grad school advisor, & an incredible USGS scientist collaborator.

Essay: Wrote about how fish medicine is in it's infancy and the factors that are set to make it explode and how I wanted to be on the front lines of it. Wrote about military leadership in some supplemental essays and one on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Just want to say: My cGPA is worse than yours, you can do it. <3

 

[indysadventures]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
33, Non-Binary, NJ/USA, Non-traditional, first-time applicant

Applied: Ohio State, Minnesota, CSU, Washington State, Cornell, Oregon State, Virginia-Maryland, Wisconsin, UGA, UPenn, Tufts, Rowan
Interview Invites: Ohio State, Minnesota, Virginia-Maryland, UPenn
--

Waiting to hear: None
Withdrew App: Tufts, UGA, Rowan
Waitlisted: CSU (Withdrew)
Accepted: Oregon State, WSU, Minnesota, Ohio State, UPenn, Wisconsin, Virginia-Maryland, Cornell

Attending: The University of Minnesota!!!!!
--

Overall GPA: 3.98
Science Prerequisite GPA: 4.0
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A

Degree(s): BA in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies with Minor in History (2012)

**Completed ALL science prerequisites at either local community college or UC Berkeley Extension (upper-level biomedical courses and biochemistry).

Veterinary Experience: ~1650 hours at time of application, ~2200 for Wisconsin/Rowan (growth in SA specialty and SA oncology experience)

• 850+ SA GP, private practice
• 100+ SA Specialty, including ER, IM, ICU, and Diagnostic Imaging
• ~200 SA oncology, including paid and unpaid work (FACC shadowing externship, medical oncology VA now in private practice)
• ~450 wildlife pro bono veterinary work with heavy focus on Virginia opossums

Animal Experience: ~700 hours

• Virginia opossums: multifaceted work for a rehabilitation facility
• SA/Exotic Rescues: rescue, fostering, and adoption of animals from Facebook ads
• Zoo: some private zoo tours/ experiences
• Left off all personal pets, but talked about them in essays

Research: 7,000+ hours

• Education/Public Health: Five years of paid, full-time work experience as researcher in a large, urban school district, including strong experience and published works in the following:
  • Public Health/Nutrition Education
  • Homelessness
  • Head of in-house IRB
  • Early Literacy
  • School Supports
• Archaeology: Three years paid, part-time Research Assistant working with data from the Stanford Skourta Plain Project (Ancient Greece)

Non-Animal Employment: 12,000+ hours

• Education/Public Health: program manager, hiring manager, lead of outreach/writing initiatives while at school district job
• Art/Business: five years as a small business owner and artist creating client projects/collaborations
• Service Industry: jobs in retail and as a barista
• Writing: Freelance work
• TA in Classics in undergrad
• Resident Assistant in undergrad

Volunteer Work: ~2,000 hours

• Education/Therapy Dog: ~1,000 hours over five years as a therapy dog team at a local elementary school
• Animal Rescue: ~600 hours through my art business, raising over $25,000 for animal rescues
• Art Workshops: Through my business, created and led free art-based workshops that focused on addressing grief
• Literacy: reading buddy while at school district job

Extracurriculars and Awards: ~3,000 hours (remember that I'm a lot older!)

• Soccer throughout youth and also play currently on several indoor/outdoor co-ed and women's teams
• Student advocacy groups while in undergrad
• Began learning and playing violin in last two years
• First, second, and third author on several works, published as second author on AERA poster/presentation
• Didn't count hours for hobbies, but heavily discussed hobbies including reading, writing poetry, gardening, violin, travel, and painting when able

LORs:

• 2 GP veterinarians, had known each for at least one year
• 1 science (O-Chem) professor from community college
• 1 Classics professor from undergrad with whom I have a strong relationship
• 1 PhD colleague/director from time at large urban school district
• 1 supervisor from therapy dog work in elementary school

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

I think my written aspects of my application were likely the strongest; I am a lifelong writer and absolutely love to write, so I leaned into this to try and create impactful essays. I had mentors, friends, and family review my personal statement and explanation statement.

Themes of my application, essays, and statements were:

• Connection: my soul dog Indy, who was diagnosed with Addison's disease and later a very rare cancer, and how I have learned from her loss and applied it to beloved patients; she and I were a working therapy team for five years, and her loss rearranged my life
• Oncology: leaned into my deep passion for this specialty, including not only why I love the science of it, but also why its humanity is so attractive to me; explored themes of grief, collective support, and why this speaks to me specifically; talked very specifically about my goals
• Research: tying into my past, present, and future, discussed my love of research and how it can inform practice
• Community action and support: experiences in a high-needs, low-income urban school district and what it has taught me about diversity, inclusion, equity, and medicine
• Grief and Compassionate Care: discussed disenfranchised grief within the veterinary world, my desire to provide compassionate, honest, end-of-life care
• Independent Learning/Curiosity: heavily discussed my years of special interest/reading in veterinary medicine and how it helped prepare me for in-clinic work and coursework
• Therapy dog work: connection with children and the lessons that all the kiddos I love have taught me
• Disability/Neurodivergence: discussed my late-diagnosis of autism and how it led me to finally embrace my true self, including the more scientific aspects of my interests, which led to me finally pursuing veterinary medicine

For me, this was years in the making and I leaned HEAVILY on the help of others and did a ton of research ahead of time to try to perfect my school list; I also reached out to schools for help on application focus, prerequisite coursework/planning, and general application tips - this was immensely helpful. If anyone has any questions about non-traditional application stuff, or needs a second set of eyes on your writing, I'm always just a DM away!

A big weakness of my application was my prerequisites – I still had upwards of five remaining for some schools. Pre-application, I spent a lot of time talking with schools and figuring out where their “line” was for prerequisites, and if they had a hard line that would affect my application. Schools with strict prerequisite guidelines that were not reasonably attainable or flexible (e.g., UCD, NCSU, MSU) were removed from my application list. So, I think my success this year can be largely attributed to the considerable research I did in the years leading up to my application. This not only allowed me to find the “perfect” schools for my strengths and personality, but also eliminate schools that were unlikely to accept me due to different aspects of my application.

 

[vampyrica]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
33, Non-Binary, NJ/USA, Non-traditional, first-time applicant

Applied: Ohio State, Minnesota, CSU, Washington State, Cornell, Oregon State, Virginia-Maryland, Wisconsin, UGA, UPenn, Tufts, Rowan
Interview Invites: Ohio State, Minnesota, Virginia-Maryland, UPenn
--

Waiting to hear: None
Withdrew App: Tufts, UGA, Rowan
Waitlisted: CSU (Withdrew)
Accepted: Oregon State, WSU, Minnesota, Ohio State, UPenn, Wisconsin, Virginia-Maryland, Cornell

Attending: TBD, but most likely The University of Minnesota!!!!!
--

Overall GPA: 3.98
Science Prerequisite GPA: 4.0
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A

Degree(s): BA in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies with Minor in History (2012)

**Completed ALL science prerequisites at either local community college or UC Berkeley Extension (upper-level biomedical courses and biochemistry).

Veterinary Experience: ~1650 hours at time of application, ~2200 for Wisconsin/Rowan (growth in SA specialty and SA oncology experience)

• 850+ SA GP, private practice
• 100+ SA Specialty, including ER, IM, ICU, and Diagnostic Imaging
• ~200 SA oncology, including paid and unpaid work (FACC shadowing externship, medical oncology VA now in private practice)
• ~450 wildlife pro bono veterinary work with heavy focus on Virginia opossums

Animal Experience: ~700 hours

• Virginia opossums: multifaceted work for a rehabilitation facility
• SA/Exotic Rescues: rescue, fostering, and adoption of animals from Facebook ads
• Zoo: some private zoo tours/ experiences
• Left off all personal pets, but talked about them in essays

Research: 7,000+ hours

• Education/Public Health: Five years of paid, full-time work experience as researcher in a large, urban school district, including strong experience and published works in the following:
  • Public Health/Nutrition Education
  • Homelessness
  • Head of in-house IRB
  • Early Literacy
  • School Supports
• Archaeology: Three years paid, part-time Research Assistant working with data from the Stanford Skourta Plain Project (Ancient Greece)

Non-Animal Employment: 12,000+ hours

• Education/Public Health: program manager, hiring manager, lead of outreach/writing initiatives while at school district job
• Art/Business: five years as a small business owner and artist creating client projects/collaborations
• Service Industry: jobs in retail and as a barista
• Writing: Freelance work
• TA in Classics in undergrad
• Resident Assistant in undergrad

Volunteer Work: ~2,000 hours

• Education/Therapy Dog: ~1,000 hours over five years as a therapy dog team at a local elementary school
• Animal Rescue: ~600 hours through my art business, raising over $25,000 for animal rescues
• Art Workshops: Through my business, created and led free art-based workshops that focused on addressing grief
• Literacy: reading buddy while at school district job

Extracurriculars and Awards: ~3,000 hours (remember that I'm a lot older!)

• Soccer throughout youth and also play currently on several indoor/outdoor co-ed and women's teams
• Student advocacy groups while in undergrad
• Began learning and playing violin in last two years
• First, second, and third author on several works, published as second author on AERA poster/presentation
• Didn't count hours for hobbies, but heavily discussed hobbies including reading, writing poetry, gardening, violin, travel, and painting when able

LORs:

• 2 GP veterinarians, had known each for at least one year
• 1 science (O-Chem) professor from community college
• 1 Classics professor from undergrad with whom I have a strong relationship
• 1 PhD colleague/director from time at large urban school district
• 1 supervisor from therapy dog work in elementary school

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

I think my written aspects of my application were likely the strongest; I am a lifelong writer and absolutely love to write, so I leaned into this to try and create impactful essays. I had mentors, friends, and family review my personal statement and explanation statement.

Themes of my application, essays, and statements were:

• Connection: my soul dog Indy, who was diagnosed with Addison's disease and later a very rare cancer, and how I have learned from her loss and applied it to beloved patients; she and I were a working therapy team for five years, and her loss rearranged my life
• Oncology: leaned into my deep passion for this specialty, including not only why I love the science of it, but also why its humanity is so attractive to me; explored themes of grief, collective support, and why this speaks to me specifically; talked very specifically about my goals
• Research: tying into my past, present, and future, discussed my love of research and how it can inform practice
• Community action and support: experiences in a high-needs, low-income urban school district and what it has taught me about diversity, inclusion, equity, and medicine
• Grief and Compassionate Care: discussed disenfranchised grief within the veterinary world, my desire to provide compassionate, honest, end-of-life care
• Independent Learning/Curiosity: heavily discussed my years of special interest/reading in veterinary medicine and how it helped prepare me for in-clinic work and coursework
• Therapy dog work: connection with children and the lessons that all the kiddos I love have taught me
• Disability/Neurodivergence: discussed my late-diagnosis of autism and how it led me to finally embrace my true self, including the more scientific aspects of my interests, which led to me finally pursuing veterinary medicine

For me, this was years in the making and I leaned HEAVILY on the help of others and did a ton of research ahead of time to try to perfect my school list; I also reached out to schools for help on application focus, prerequisite coursework/planning, and general application tips - this was immensely helpful. If anyone has any questions about non-traditional application stuff, or needs a second set of eyes on your writing, I'm always just a DM away!

A big weakness of my application was my prerequisites – I still had upwards of five remaining for some schools. Pre-application, I spent a lot of time talking with schools and figuring out where their “line” was for prerequisites, and if they had a hard line that would affect my application. Schools with strict prerequisite guidelines that were not reasonably attainable or flexible (e.g., UCD, NCSU, MSU) were removed from my application list. So, I think my success this year can be largely attributed to the considerable research I did in the years leading up to my application. This not only allowed me to find the “perfect” schools for my strengths and personality, but also eliminate schools that were unlikely to accept me due to different aspects of my application.

so so proud of you 🩷

 

[indysadventures]

so so proud of you 🩷

Thank you friend, right back at you!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

 

[indysadventures]

I recommend really taking your time with your experience descriptions, it took me 4 months to write mine! Focus on what you learned and accomplished rather than robotically listing out responsibilities! If you’re listing non-vet work experience, subtly explain characteristics or skills you learned that will help you as a vet 🙂 I have much more advice I’m happy to give!

First of all, congratulations! Just want to echo and say that I did this as well. I also stratified experiences to get the most out of the descriptions. For example, I made a separate entry for my time as a VA at a large specialty center if I was in oncology vs diagnostic imaging vs IM vs ICU/ER. This allowed me to max characters and time explaining what I’ve done and learned. I also separated out my work in educational research into various research areas and leadership/management to maximize my ability to discuss all that I’ve done. I do really think this helped.

 

[Chickencupcake01]

I absolutely can not believe that I am posting here - LOW GPA ALERT - LOOK AWAY
-Only doing this to give fellow low gpa friends hope ! You are more than a number -
Work hard on your application - find another area to shine in - make sure your
application really shows who you are and what you value - tell a story. I waited so
long to apply after finishing school because I wanted to be proud of my application.

26 (but I stopped aging at 21😉), F, Ga, Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied: ONE!

Applied: LSU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites:Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: none
REJECTED - BIG TIME - LSU, UGA
Accepted:Mississippi State
Attending:Mississippi State !!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.18 - I think it was higher for Mississippi -Never higher than a 3.23
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.3
Last 45 GPA: 3.4? (depends on if that includes Grad level)
Masters - 3.57

Degree(s):
B.S in Biology - 2021
M.S in Comparative Biomedical Sciences - University of Georgia - 2022
Veterinary Experience:
-Vet shadowing - 60 HRS
- Lab animal care technician - 2,000hr+
-OR/Endo/anesth(Small and Large Animal)/OR/Anesthesia/Endoscopy/IR - also see exotics
University of Georgia - Veterinary Teaching Hospital - 4,160 hr
- ShotVet vaccine clinic - 360 (work every weekend)
Animal Experience:
- Diversified livestock production - 450/550 (poultry,swine,goats)
- Humane Society Volunteer - 60hr +
- Pet adoption/events - 50 hr+
- Wildlife/Zoo internship (Bear Hollow) Summer Zoo keeper - 260 hrs
Research:
- Lead Undergraduate Researcher (Rodent morphology) - 200hr
- Research shadowing - Capstone research HRs - rounding bout 40 hrs
- Research excursion - Skidaway Island - 10hrs
- COVID cancelled by study abroad research :/ - still included the class work I did.
Extracurriculars/Awards:
FFA Member Club Officer Reporter
-Colors of Cancer : Committee Chairman
FFA Member Club Officer Vice President
-Project Safe: Committee Chairman
Egg Day - educating generations of georgia - ag related community service
Art Club
ABAC Pre-Vet Club - Club officer, Secretary
STEM Club
Athens Silent Book Club
Volunteer at Books for Keeps
-FFA degrees : Greenhand, Chapter, and State
-CDE FFA awards - Horse judging, agronomy, Nursery landscape
-WLC scholarship (washington leadership conference)
-FFA scholarship - college
-Tribeta Biological Honors
-Dean's list x1/ Academic achievement x2
Non-Animal Employment:
Biology/Writing Tutor - 200hr
Graduate Laboratory Assistant Biology 1107 - UGA - 240 hrs
(didn’t include my HS grocery job)
Certifications:
-Exotics Endoscopy CE certificate
- Cornell Shock CE
LORs:
College advisor/ Pre-vet mentor/ also a DVM
DVM Faculty DR. at UGA X2
OR/ENDO Supervisor (me boss)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about
My interest in LAB animal medicine - my passion for community outreach/education
I talked about having a rough first year in college - and then becoming a tutor
I talked about Onehealth
Lots of trying to show that my hands-on experience has strengthened my love of vet med.

AHHHHHHHHHH -
(still sad I didn’t get into UGA but I had a low gpa…. So I will be going to a school that
values other things I have to offer)
GPA is important but it doesn’t tell my whole story or reflect the type of Dr. I’ll be

 

[FLBuckeye]

I absolutely can not believe that I am posting here - LOW GPA ALERT - LOOK AWAY
-Only doing this to give fellow low gpa friends hope ! You are more than a number -
Work hard on your application - find another area to shine in - make sure your
application really shows who you are and what you value - tell a story. I waited so
long to apply after finishing school because I wanted to be proud of my application.

26 (but I stopped aging at 21😉), F, Ga, Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied: ONE!

Applied: LSU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites:Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: none
REJECTED - BIG TIME - LSU, UGA
Accepted:Mississippi State
Attending:Mississippi State !!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.18 - I think it was higher for Mississippi -Never higher than a 3.23
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.3
Last 45 GPA: 3.4? (depends on if that includes Grad level)
Masters - 3.57

Degree(s):
B.S in Biology - 2021
M.S in Comparative Biomedical Sciences - University of Georgia - 2022
Veterinary Experience:
-Vet shadowing - 60 HRS
- Lab animal care technician - 2,000hr+
-OR/Endo/anesth(Small and Large Animal)/OR/Anesthesia/Endoscopy/IR - also see exotics
University of Georgia - Veterinary Teaching Hospital - 4,160 hr
- ShotVet vaccine clinic - 360 (work every weekend)
Animal Experience:
- Diversified livestock production - 450/550 (poultry,swine,goats)
- Humane Society Volunteer - 60hr +
- Pet adoption/events - 50 hr+
- Wildlife/Zoo internship (Bear Hollow) Summer Zoo keeper - 260 hrs
Research:
- Lead Undergraduate Researcher (Rodent morphology) - 200hr
- Research shadowing - Capstone research HRs - rounding bout 40 hrs
- Research excursion - Skidaway Island - 10hrs
- COVID cancelled by study abroad research :/ - still included the class work I did.
Extracurriculars/Awards:
FFA Member Club Officer Reporter
-Colors of Cancer : Committee Chairman
FFA Member Club Officer Vice President
-Project Safe: Committee Chairman
Egg Day - educating generations of georgia - ag related community service
Art Club
ABAC Pre-Vet Club - Club officer, Secretary
STEM Club
Athens Silent Book Club
Volunteer at Books for Keeps
-FFA degrees : Greenhand, Chapter, and State
-CDE FFA awards - Horse judging, agronomy, Nursery landscape
-WLC scholarship (washington leadership conference)
-FFA scholarship - college
-Tribeta Biological Honors
-Dean's list x1/ Academic achievement x2
Non-Animal Employment:
Biology/Writing Tutor - 200hr
Graduate Laboratory Assistant Biology 1107 - UGA - 240 hrs
(didn’t include my HS grocery job)
Certifications:
-Exotics Endoscopy CE certificate
- Cornell Shock CE
LORs:
College advisor/ Pre-vet mentor/ also a DVM
DVM Faculty DR. at UGA X2
OR/ENDO Supervisor (me boss)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about
My interest in LAB animal medicine - my passion for community outreach/education
I talked about having a rough first year in college - and then becoming a tutor
I talked about Onehealth
Lots of trying to show that my hands-on experience has strengthened my love of vet med.

AHHHHHHHHHH -
(still sad I didn’t get into UGA but I had a low gpa…. So I will be going to a school that
values other things I have to offer)
GPA is important but it doesn’t tell my whole story or reflect the type of Dr. I’ll be

So many applicants will be inspired by your story. I have said consistently it is so sad how many great future Vets will not get that opportunity due to some single issue. And the fact that a 3.5 ish GPA is considered “low”. Congrats and thanks for your story!

 

[vampyrica]

I absolutely can not believe that I am posting here - LOW GPA ALERT - LOOK AWAY
-Only doing this to give fellow low gpa friends hope ! You are more than a number -
Work hard on your application - find another area to shine in - make sure your
application really shows who you are and what you value - tell a story. I waited so
long to apply after finishing school because I wanted to be proud of my application.

26 (but I stopped aging at 21😉), F, Ga, Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied: ONE!

Applied: LSU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites:Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: none
REJECTED - BIG TIME - LSU, UGA
Accepted:Mississippi State
Attending:Mississippi State !!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.18 - I think it was higher for Mississippi -Never higher than a 3.23
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.3
Last 45 GPA: 3.4? (depends on if that includes Grad level)
Masters - 3.57

Degree(s):
B.S in Biology - 2021
M.S in Comparative Biomedical Sciences - University of Georgia - 2022
Veterinary Experience:
-Vet shadowing - 60 HRS
- Lab animal care technician - 2,000hr+
-OR/Endo/anesth(Small and Large Animal)/OR/Anesthesia/Endoscopy/IR - also see exotics
University of Georgia - Veterinary Teaching Hospital - 4,160 hr
- ShotVet vaccine clinic - 360 (work every weekend)
Animal Experience:
- Diversified livestock production - 450/550 (poultry,swine,goats)
- Humane Society Volunteer - 60hr +
- Pet adoption/events - 50 hr+
- Wildlife/Zoo internship (Bear Hollow) Summer Zoo keeper - 260 hrs
Research:
- Lead Undergraduate Researcher (Rodent morphology) - 200hr
- Research shadowing - Capstone research HRs - rounding bout 40 hrs
- Research excursion - Skidaway Island - 10hrs
- COVID cancelled by study abroad research :/ - still included the class work I did.
Extracurriculars/Awards:
FFA Member Club Officer Reporter
-Colors of Cancer : Committee Chairman
FFA Member Club Officer Vice President
-Project Safe: Committee Chairman
Egg Day - educating generations of georgia - ag related community service
Art Club
ABAC Pre-Vet Club - Club officer, Secretary
STEM Club
Athens Silent Book Club
Volunteer at Books for Keeps
-FFA degrees : Greenhand, Chapter, and State
-CDE FFA awards - Horse judging, agronomy, Nursery landscape
-WLC scholarship (washington leadership conference)
-FFA scholarship - college
-Tribeta Biological Honors
-Dean's list x1/ Academic achievement x2
Non-Animal Employment:
Biology/Writing Tutor - 200hr
Graduate Laboratory Assistant Biology 1107 - UGA - 240 hrs
(didn’t include my HS grocery job)
Certifications:
-Exotics Endoscopy CE certificate
- Cornell Shock CE
LORs:
College advisor/ Pre-vet mentor/ also a DVM
DVM Faculty DR. at UGA X2
OR/ENDO Supervisor (me boss)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about
My interest in LAB animal medicine - my passion for community outreach/education
I talked about having a rough first year in college - and then becoming a tutor
I talked about Onehealth
Lots of trying to show that my hands-on experience has strengthened my love of vet med.

AHHHHHHHHHH -
(still sad I didn’t get into UGA but I had a low gpa…. So I will be going to a school that
values other things I have to offer)
GPA is important but it doesn’t tell my whole story or reflect the type of Dr. I’ll be

live laugh love my fellow low GPA applicants 🫶🏻

 

[Chickencupcake01]

live laugh love my fellow low GPA applicants 🫶🏻

It's roughhh out here .

 

[pyrmom89]

I watched this thread like a hawk all cycle, and I cannot believe I actually get to post here

20, Female, MI/US, Traditional, first application cycle(!!):

Applied: Michigan State (IS + honors pathway (would be c/o 2030)), Kansas State, Tufts, Washington State, Oregon State, Georgia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, VMCOVM, Arizona, Long Island, Purdue
Interview Invites: Arizona, Long Island, VMCOVM, Kansas State, Minnesota, Michigan State
Rejected: Ohio (after interview waitlist rip), Purdue, Georgia
Waitlisted: VMCOVM
Accepted: Kansas State, Tufts, Michigan State, Washington State, Oregon State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Long Island
Attending: TBD! (Im torn between Wisconsin and Washington - pls help haha)

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

Degree(s): Was studying genetics but will not get my bachelors

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal vet assistant: 972
Large/Mixed animal vet assistant: 525
Emergency Desk Receptionist: 288
Research Horse Caretaker (under veterinarian): 84

Animal Experience:
Songbird Rehabber: 336
Farm Sitter: 60
Large Animal Camp: 50
Pet Sitter: 50

Research:
radioisotopes project (class credit): 90
Horse herpes research: 180 (at time of app)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Technology chair on Leader Dog Club
VP of Service for service fraternity
Honors Student Club
HOSA Vet Sci group leader (high school)
Latin club (high school)
field hockey (high school)
Honors College Scholarship
Oakland County Scholarship
Spartan Service Award
Susan B Anthony Award

Non-Animal Employment:
physics TA: 40 (at time of app)
hostess (high school): 110

Service:
service from service fraternity: 133
special needs field aide: 40
field hockey coach: 84
national honors society: 25

LORs:
Vet from the small animal clinic that I work with for 2.5 years
Vet from mixed practice and small animal clinic that I worked with for 5 years
Physics professor
Ochem professor
Calc 3 professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Kinda boring, but I wrote about how I am a mosiac of everyone I've ever met and every experience I have had, which has prepared me and made me who I am and I talked about some of my bigger veterinary experiences and how I cannot wait to give back as a mentor and vet in the future

 

[pebblesmuffin27]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
21, F, FL, Traditional applicant, 1st application cycle
Applied: Texas A&M, Kansas State University, Lousiana State University, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Colorado State University, University College Dublin, University of Glasgow, Ross University and Saint George University

Interview Invites: University of Florida, University College Dublin, University of Glasgow, Ross University, and Saint George University (Kansas State University- interview waitlist)

Rejected: Texas A&M, Kansas State University, Lousiana State University, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Colorado State University

Accepted: University College Dublin, University of Glasgow, Ross University, Saint George University
Attending: TBD (Leaning towards Dublin)

Overall GPA: 3.81
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.79
Last 45 GPA: 3.82

Degree(s):
Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a minor in German (Graduating in May 2025)


Veterinary Experience:
Vet Assistant in an Ambulatory Service with an Equine Vet (Large animal experience)- 102 hrs
Vet Assistant for a Small Animal Clinic (Small animal experience)- 475 hrs

Animal Experience:
Volunteering at an animal shelter through high school- 48 hrs
Miscellaneous volunteering (with animals) - 16 hrs

Research:
Research Assistant working with the CSU Vet School and College of Business to code Vet Student Behavior- 101 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Teaching Assistant for BMS 300- Human Physiology (2 semesters)- 28 hrs
Teaching Assistant for MIP 300- Microbiology (1 semester) - 60 hrs
Swim Club- 128 hrs
Pre-Vet Club- 48 hrs
German Club- 8 hrs
Dean's list- 4 times

Non-Animal Employment:
Maintenance Assitant at the CSU Rec Center- 448 hrs

LORs:
DVM- Veterinarian (I worked with in the Small Animal Practice)
Professor- Microbiology (Instructor and Professor I TA under)
Research Lead, professor (I worked under them closely with the Research Project)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about the misconceptions that arise in the veterinary field, especially from those who don't work there. I talked about how when I first started working at a clinic it wasn't all health visits, instead, we saw euthanasias, emergency visits, and end-of-life visits. It shocked me that I questioned my choice of becoming a veterinarian, but it wasn't until one of the vet techs decided to mentor me. She showed me a different side of vet med, and how my perspective changed. This perspective change cemented my passion for veterinary medicine, and I want to in the future find a good mentoring relationship.

 

[venomcake]

23, F, NY, Traditional-ish (2 gap years), 1st time applicant
Applied: Cornell, LIU, University College Dublin, University of Edinburgh, Ross, Mizzou, Purdue, UF
Interview Invites: Ross, LIU, University College Dublin
Waiting to hear: None!
Accepted: LIU, Ross, University College Dublin
Attending: University College Dublin!!

Overall GPA: 3.67
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.6
Last 45 GPA: 3.5

GRE (Q/V/W): Did not take
Casper: 4th quartile

Degree: Bachelor of Science, majored in Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences

Veterinary Experience:
Veterinary Assistant at small animal GP- 2,300
Client Service Representative at ER- 400
Surgery Department shadow- 6
Shadow at various small animal GPs- ~30

Animal Experience:
Animal Care Assistant at wildlife rehabilitation center- 1,000 (started as unpaid intern for around half of these hours)
Kennel Attendant at doggy daycare- 250
Shelter Kennel Attendant- 100
Various pet sitting including small animal and exotic- 160
Volunteer at Alpaca Farm- 20
Volunteer at stable- 10
Various volunteering at shelters- ~40
Aquatic caretaker (course in high school had us care for our own saltwater fish tank for the year) - 200

Research:
Crow Behavioral Research Assistant (virtual)- 130
Member of Undergrad Community Research Team- 150

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Animal Behavior TA- 100
Academic Vice President of undergrad residential community- 120
Member of shelter volunteering club- 24
Pre-Vet society member- 120
English Honors Society member in HS- 200
National Honors Society member in HS- 200
Varsity Bowling in HS- 500
Colorguard member in HS- 450
Creative writing hobby- 400

Non-Animal Employment:
Invasive Species Intern- 100
Law Office Assistant- 300
Farm Team Member- 220
Guest Services/ Tech Consultant at Target- 600
Law Office File Clerk- 480

LORs:
Chief of Staff Veterinarian at GP
Hospital Supervisor at wildlife rehabilitation center
Behavioral Ecologist Professor
Animal Behavior Professor I TA'd for and worked as a research assistant for

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I opened with an anecdote about a conversation I had with an owner as a CSR while their pet was undergoing emergency surgery. In connecting with this owner in a time of stress, I realized how fulfilled I was to do so. I discussed all I enjoy about the profession by touching on skills I have developed through my experiences in the field. I affirmed that despite the hardships of the career that have made me doubt myself many times, I have built resilience to overcome these obstacles and provided personal examples. I ended with a sentiment that this profession motivates me to better myself as a person and that I want to be a doctor who can provide comfort to my patients and their owners.

 

[BunnyFluffy]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
24F, OR resident, trad, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Oregon State, Michigan, Minnesota, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Virginia-Maryland, Washington State
Interview Invites: Oregon State (rejected after interview), Glasgow
Waiting to hear:
Accepted: University of Glasgow
Attending: University of Glasgow!!!

Overall GPA: 3.43
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.25
Last 45 GPA: 3.41

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Science

Veterinary Experience:
Volunteer Surgical Assistant at a local humane society - 54 Hrs

Equine shadowing - 16 Hrs

Veterinary assistant GP- 570 Hrs

Veterinary assistant GP (different office) - 2394 Hrs

Animal Experience:
Animal Services Volunteer at a local Wildlife Rehab - 54 Hrs

Student Farm Hand at my university's research farm - 1,025 Hrs (they asked me a lot about this experience in my Glasgow interview!)

Rover pet sitting - 208 Hrs

Vocational HS Pre-Veterinary Technician program - Volunteer grooming studio - 180 Hrs

Volunteer Puppy Raiser for a local non-profit service dog training program - Raised 4 puppies to successful service dogs and volunteered multiple hours a week at the kennel over 4 years- 2,080 Hrs

4-H member, secretary, VP with sheep and rabbit programs - 520 Hrs


Research:
Undergraduate Student Researcher - Collected data for an ongoing survey project, and required to create a hypothesis and complete a pilot study on a chosen ecological niche - 63 Hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Kayaking - 163 Hrs

Student member of the Professional Agriculture Student Organization - 27 Hrs (COVID lol)

Ice Sales Volunteer for my lacrosse club - 80 Hrs

Volunteer 4-H camp counselor 2 years - 120 Hrs

JV lacrosse club - 224 Hrs

Dean's List 3x

2 awards for placement of youth competition at the ARBA national convention

Non-Animal Employment:
Mentor for incoming college freshmen 2 years - 60 hrs

Undergraduate TA for Anatomy and Physiology - 68 Hrs

LORs:
Practice Owner/Manager DVM

DVM/PhD professor for the anatomy and physiology class I TA'd for (also took the class under her the year prior)

PhD researcher who supervised my research and class connected to it

Farm Supervisor from my university farm job

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my personal experience struggling to find veterinary care for my family's animals, specifically sheep and cows, in my youth. I then pivoted my essay to talk about my experiences in large animal medicine at the farm, how it ignited my passion for large animal medicine and used a specific case to showcase my strengths. Using this case, I was able to tie in what kind of vet I aspire to be, the values I would hold true as a veterinarian, and ended my essay with a little bit about my background and a final statement.

I wanted to share my story, not only to show that if you have a low GPA you CAN do it, but also to show that it only takes one yes! I took a risk applying to UK schools, I have never studied abroad or even been outside of the US. While I was deeply upset at the fact I was rejected for the second time by my in-state, I have chosen to believe this is the universe's way of telling me to spread my wings a bit and take the chance to fly! I have never been outside of driving distance from my family, and going to Oregon State for vet school had been my dream since middle school. However, I am so excited I get this opportunity, even if it is an extra year of school!
To those who are looking through these stories like I did a year ago, you can do it!!! Focus on yourself, your passions, apply smart, and you will be a doctor!

 

[gloomyravioli]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
22F, Ohio, Traditional, First-time applicant

Applied: The Ohio State University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, North Carolina State University
Interview Invites: Purdue University, Michigan State University (interview waitlist #4)
Waitlisted: Purdue University, University of Georgia
Rejected: The Ohio State University, University of Tennessee, North Carolina State University
Accepted: Michigan State University
Attending: Michigan State University (unless taken off waitlist at Georgia)

Overall GPA: 3.95
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.91
Last 45 GPA: 3.88 (I think)

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Experience: 3109 hours
Small Animal Veterinary Assistant (Clinic #1) - 2432 hours
Small Animal Veterinary Assistant (Clinic #2) - 672 hours
Equine Hospital Shadowing - 2 hours
Small Animal Hospital Shadowing - 1 hour
Large Animal Hospital Shadowing - 2 hours

Animal Experience: 684 hours
Bird Caretaker - 42 hours
Animal Colony Manager (Mice & Rats) - 510 hours
Pet Sitter - 130 hours
Shelter Volunteer - 2 hours

Research: 204 hours
Undergraduate Research Assistant in Organ Transplantation - 204 hours

Extracurriculars: 436 hours
Program Coordinator for Pre-Vet Club - 36 hours
Veterinary School Liaison for Pre-Vet Club - 52 hours
General Body Member for Pre-Vet Club - 30 hours
High School Academic Team Captain - 216 hours
High School Academic Team Member - 95 hours
Food Pantry Registration Desk Volunteer - 7 hours

Non-Animal Employment: 117 hours
University Office Assistant - 117 hours

Awards:
University Honors Program
Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship
Dean’s List (tOSU)
Dean’s List (Univ. of Cincinnati)
Valedictorian (High school)
Principal’s List (High school)

LORs:
Veterinarian/Practice Owner from Clinic #1
Principal Investigator/Cardiovascular Surgeon from research
Vet Tech/Practice Manager from Clinic #2

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my personal struggles with affording veterinary care for my soul cat when younger and how his death from a treatable illness sparked my passion for veterinary medicine, specifically with providing access to compassionate care for all animals. I included my goals of helping with spay/neuter programs for small towns, providing care for homeless individuals’ animals, etc.

 

[ErPikBeary]

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
24F, OR resident, trad, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Oregon State, Michigan, Minnesota, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Virginia-Maryland, Washington State
Interview Invites: Oregon State (rejected after interview), Glasgow
Waiting to hear:
Accepted: University of Glasgow
Attending: University of Glasgow!!!

Overall GPA: 3.43
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.25
Last 45 GPA: 3.41

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A

Degree(s): Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Science

Veterinary Experience:
Volunteer Surgical Assistant at a local humane society - 54 Hrs

Equine shadowing - 16 Hrs

Veterinary assistant GP- 570 Hrs

Veterinary assistant GP (different office) - 2394 Hrs

Animal Experience:
Animal Services Volunteer at a local Wildlife Rehab - 54 Hrs

Student Farm Hand at my university's research farm - 1,025 Hrs (they asked me a lot about this experience in my Glasgow interview!)

Rover pet sitting - 208 Hrs

Vocational HS Pre-Veterinary Technician program - Volunteer grooming studio - 180 Hrs

Volunteer Puppy Raiser for a local non-profit service dog training program - Raised 4 puppies to successful service dogs and volunteered multiple hours a week at the kennel over 4 years- 2,080 Hrs

4-H member, secretary, VP with sheep and rabbit programs - 520 Hrs


Research:
Undergraduate Student Researcher - Collected data for an ongoing survey project, and required to create a hypothesis and complete a pilot study on a chosen ecological niche - 63 Hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Kayaking - 163 Hrs

Student member of the Professional Agriculture Student Organization - 27 Hrs (COVID lol)

Ice Sales Volunteer for my lacrosse club - 80 Hrs

Volunteer 4-H camp counselor 2 years - 120 Hrs

JV lacrosse club - 224 Hrs

Dean's List 3x

2 awards for placement of youth competition at the ARBA national convention

Non-Animal Employment:
Mentor for incoming college freshmen 2 years - 60 hrs

Undergraduate TA for Anatomy and Physiology - 68 Hrs

LORs:
Practice Owner/Manager DVM

DVM/PhD professor for the anatomy and physiology class I TA'd for (also took the class under her the year prior)

PhD researcher who supervised my research and class connected to it

Farm Supervisor from my university farm job

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I wrote about my personal experience struggling to find veterinary care for my family's animals, specifically sheep and cows, in my youth. I then pivoted my essay to talk about my experiences in large animal medicine at the farm, how it ignited my passion for large animal medicine and used a specific case to showcase my strengths. Using this case, I was able to tie in what kind of vet I aspire to be, the values I would hold true as a veterinarian, and ended my essay with a little bit about my background and a final statement.

I wanted to share my story, not only to show that if you have a low GPA you CAN do it, but also to show that it only takes one yes! I took a risk applying to UK schools, I have never studied abroad or even been outside of the US. While I was deeply upset at the fact I was rejected for the second time by my in-state, I have chosen to believe this is the universe's way of telling me to spread my wings a bit and take the chance to fly! I have never been outside of driving distance from my family, and going to Oregon State for vet school had been my dream since middle school. However, I am so excited I get this opportunity, even if it is an extra year of school!
To those who are looking through these stories like I did a year ago, you can do it!!! Focus on yourself, your passions, apply smart, and you will be a doctor!

Congrats!!!!!!

 

[Quinnley]

24, F, Illinois/USA, traditional, 2nd time applicant (first time applying was not last year but the year before)



Applied: Auburn, Cornell, Massey, Kansas State, Long Island, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Midwestern, Ohio State, Oregon State, Ross, Purdue, Arizona, Edinburgh, UC Davis, Missouri, Melbourne, South Dakota, Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Western, Sydney, Rowan

Interview Invites: Western, Rowan

Waiting to hear: N/A

Waitlisted: Rowan

Accepted: Western

Attending: Western



Overall GPA: 3.2

Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.05

Last 45 GPA: 2.96



GRE (Q/V/W): N/A



Degree(s): BS Animal Science (Pre-Vet specialization, minors in Spanish, Chemistry, and Music)



Veterinary Experience:

Small Animal Shadowing - 600 hrs

Equine Shadowing - 2400 hrs



Animal Experience:

Hog Farm Temp Worker- 9 hrs

University Swine Center Volunteer - 88 hrs

Block & Bridle Officer (halter broke calves, organized livestock shows, etc) - 272 hrs

Service Dog Trainer - 816 hrs

Therapy Dog Trainer - 1184 hrs

Equestrian Team Member - 272 hrs





Research:

0 hrs



Extracurriculars/Awards:

University Honors Program

2 essays published in university anthology

Beef Quality Assurance Certification

Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification





Non-Animal Employment:

Various fast food jobs - 2080 hrs

Janitorial at human hospital - still working, have been full-time here for almost 2 years now



LORs:

• DVM from current shadowing
• Supervisor at work (non-vet med job)
• Academic advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

The gist of my personal statement was that I want to work in vet med because, having worked both in and outside of it, I prefer the culture in vet med and I’m motivated by the overall mission of vet med. I want to work as a veterinarian specifically because I’ve seen how impactful a vet’s attitude is on the success (or failure) of the whole clinic. I’ve had multiple opportunities in undergrad to hold leadership positions and found, somewhat to my own surprise, that I’m comfortable with that responsibility.

 

[_rae_]

Accepted: Cornell, Penn, Tufts, Ohio State, Missouri, Wisconsin, Georgia, Illinois
Attending: No idea!!!

As someone who was in state at Tufts and got accepted, I would knock Tufts right off that list. They over accepted, they're oversaturated by students right now, cost of living and housing availability in Grafton is atrocious, and even being in state it's going to be one of your most expensive options. Unless there are other factors keeping you in Massachusetts (family, support system, etc.), I would not even consider Tufts with that list of options. My OOS tuition at UMN is almost $15-$20k cheaper than IS at Tufts.

Accepted: Kansas State, Tufts, Michigan State, Washington State, Oregon State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Long Island
Attending: TBD! (Im torn between Wisconsin and Washington - pls help haha)

Wisconsin OOS tuition is almost $60k. Washington IS, which you automatically get after first year (if it's still the same as when I was applying) is $32k. Your DVM will literally be half the cost at Washington, and even if you don't get the IS for whatever reason, OOS is only $42k, so still almost 25% cheaper. From a finance standpoint alone, I would pick WSU.

 

[channie]

***LOW GPA APPLICANT***
24F, Utah, Traditional, 2nd-time applicant (first time was 22/23 cycle)

Applied: Arizona, Auburn, Cornell, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa State, Midwestern, Oregon State, Tufts, UC Davis, Washington State, Western, Wisconsin
Interview Invites: Arizona (rejected after interview), Western
Accepted: Western
Attending: Western!!!

Overall GPA: 3.17
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.1
Last 45 GPA: 3.96

Degree(s): BSA in Animal Science, MPH in Veterinary Public Health

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal GP: 6,000+ hours
Equine: 200 hours

Animal Experience:
I don’t remember exact hours but most of it came from volunteer shelter work

Research:
None

Extracurriculars/Awards:
President of Student Advisory Board in MPH
MPH Student Advisory Board Award of Service Excellence

Non-Animal Employment:
HS: Lifeguard, Barista, Hostess
Undergrad: Retail worker (eventually worked as assistant manager)

LORs:
3 came from DVMs I worked with for 2.5 years at my first clinic (one was the practice owner)
1 from my masters academic advisor (also a DVM)
1 from a professor in my masters program

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
The main point of my personal statement was how getting rejected from vet school the first time I applied opened so many doors for me and turned out to be one of the best things. I was able to work full time in small animal GP, and that is where I truly developed my passion that I wouldn’t have developed if I hadn’t gotten in. I wanted to improve my chances of getting in so I started a masters, and that is where my love for veterinary public health grew. I talked about how I want to use my public health knowledge to bring veterinary care to underserved areas and become an advocate for those who cannot afford veterinary care.

 

[ErPikBeary]

As someone who was in state at Tufts and got accepted, I would knock Tufts right off that list. They over accepted, they're oversaturated by students right now, cost of living and housing availability in Grafton is atrocious, and even being in state it's going to be one of your most expensive options. Unless there are other factors keeping you in Massachusetts (family, support system, etc.), I would not even consider Tufts with that list of options. My OOS tuition at UMN is almost $15-$20k cheaper than IS at Tufts.


Wisconsin OOS tuition is almost $60k. Washington IS, which you automatically get after first year (if it's still the same as when I was applying) is $32k. Your DVM will literally be half the cost at Washington, and even if you don't get the IS for whatever reason, OOS is only $42k, so still almost 25% cheaper. From a finance standpoint alone, I would pick WSU.

I calculated around $170 for 4 yrs OOS at Washington and around $195 for Mizzou. So yeah, those would be my first choices. Also Mizzou has a 2+2 program which is cool, but I’ve also heard amazing things about Washington as well!

 

[futureponydr]

LOW GPA. APPLICANT!!!! wow i never thought I could post here
Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
24F, Texas, kind of traditional idk, second cycle

Applied: TAMU, Tech, ISU, U of Arizona, SGU, Western, Michigan, Kansas, LMU, Mississippi, Ohio, LIU,
Interview Invites: SGU, U of Arizona, Western
Waiting to hear: waitlisted at Western, Waitlisted to interview at LMU (never heard back lol)
Accepted: SGU! Waitlisted at U of A -> Accepted!!
Attending: UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA!!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.23
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.24
Last 45 GPA: 3.65

Degree(s):
Animal Science w/ Equine Certificate B.S - 2023
Masters in Veterinary Science concentration in Nutrition- May 2025

Veterinary Experience:
Experience - 3100
Small Animal: 2100
Mixed Species ER: 1000

Animal Experience:
Large Animal: 1269
- large animal teaching hospital, summer horse wrangler, assistant trainer, donkey rescue
Small Animal: 141
- volunteer at shelters, animal-assisted therapy

Research:
Experience - (hrs)
Large Animal Horse Muscular regeneration project: 80 hours
Small Animal Dog socialization techniques: 80 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards:
Sorority (Member of Executive Board), Freshman Leadership Organization, Women's volunteer org, orientation counselor, summer camp counselor
- Girl Scout Gold Award
- Sorority Award for organizing event that raised 35k for charity

Non-Animal Employment:
Tutoring center
Assistant Horse Trainer for little kids
Retail at local boutique

LORs:
Title of recommender (Vet? Manager? Supervisor? Vet tech?)
1. SA Vet and Practice Owner
2. SA Vet
3. Mixed Practice Vet- was my professor and graduate advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
Summary of what you wrote about
My personal statement was about the human-animal bond- I talked about quite a few stories of treating not only the pet but also the owner. I tied it all together and made a point to mention how much I love to be able to educate owners who wish to care for their pets as well as they can but aren't aware of how until someone tells them.

Wow I never thought I'd post here- I have been on SDN for years lol. I applied at 22y my senior year and was rejected from every school I applied to and man let me tell you that was devastating. I then entered U of Illinois MVS program and fell back in love with the profession! I have no doubt that this is what helped me get in this cycle! To those in my shoes- my gap year(s) has been the best time of my life and I cannot see it any other way! If I had entered school when I graduated undergrad, I don't think I would be as set up for success as I am now. This has been the biggest blessing and I cannot wait to start in the Fall.
I'm not sure how much help I could be but if anyone has any questions please feel free to reach out to me!

 

[allstrike]

***LOW GPA APPLICANT***
After 6 years of painful course retakes I am finally here
Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
30M (intact), CA, Non-Traditional, 1st Cycle

Applied: UC Davis, University of Arizona, Western, Iowa State, Midwestern, Lincoln Memorial, Michigan State, University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Colorado State, University of Pennsylvania
Interview Invites: MSU, UMN, VMT, UPENN, LMU
Waitlisted: CSU, ISU, LMU (Fall)
Accepted: MSU, UMN, VMT, UPENN, LMU (Spring - declined)
Attending: Undecided between UMN and UPENN

Overall GPA: 3.15
Cumulative Science GPA: 3.08 (was 2.31 with 96 units of sci courses when i first graduated, completed 89 units postbacc to raise this)
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.6 - 3.8 (relevant only for ISU, MSU, UMN)
Last 45 GPA: 4.0

Degree(s):
B.S. in Animal Science - 2018
Certificate in Veterinary Technology - 2020
B.S. in Biology - 2024 (postbacc)

Veterinary Experience:
SA (GP&ER) - (4000): Both hospitals were GP and ER so these hours are quite interwoven. Also currently employed at a hospital with exotics and fear free certification.
Equine - (5): Literally one colic surgery lol

Animal Experience:
Poultry Unit Intern - (112): lots of care and egg processing
Student Dairy Cow Co-op - (224): held chair position and worked regular heat/milk shifts
Veterinary Teaching Hospital Undergrad Intern - (168): Basically a volunteer/shadow but got to rotate between different specialties/departments. Lots of exotics and equine experience here.

Research:
Immunogenic-based approach for detection of certain carcinogenic compounds in the environment - (440)
Vaccine development for dairy cattle - (72)

Extracurriculars:
Hall Government - Public Relations & President (different years)
LSAMP Scholar
ICUR Presentation
SACNAS Presentation

Awards:
President's List 2x
Dean's List 3x (during my postbacc lol)

Non-Animal Employment:
Lifeguard - (312)

LORs:
SA DVM and Practice Owner
SA DVM and Medical Director
Research Professor - did majority of research under
Research Professor - also took coursework
LSAMP Student Coordinator

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I essentially wrote a coming of age story. My personal statement took me from an idealistic animal lover to facing the harsh realities of vet med (euthanasia, finances, debt) and coming out as a well-rounded preprofessional. I touched on client relations, the human-animal bond and the love for solving complex medical problems. I made sure to write my experiences in a way that reflected my journey as well. I went from sheltered small town boy to culture shocked state hopper to an open-minded leader. I addressed my poor academic performance with no excuses; an earnest desire to improve was inspired by working in the field as an assistant and eventually backed up by my postbacc performance. Supplemental essays were opportunities to expand on established themes or explore nuances by recounting specific cases that shaped me.

Most importantly I answered why I wanted to be a vet and its organic development through my experiences and hispanic heritage. I grew up in a low-income area with a large spanish-speaking population. This area lacks spanish-speaking vets and I often served as an interpreter. I wrote about the language and cultural barriers that I noticed. I communicated my intention to recognize and help break down barriers impeding access to quality vet care. Ultimately, I hope to one day return and serve my old community.

Thank you everyone. These forums really helped my confidence after being in a hopeless rut post-graduation so I am paying it forward. So my fellow low gpa reader, please know that it is still possible. Age is just a number. If you want this then chase after it. We all have a story to tell so one day tell me yours, doctor.

 

[tinyhedgehog]

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

22F, Arizona, Traditional, First-time applicant


Applied: Tufts, Midwestern, University of Arizona, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, Virginia/Maryland

Interview Invites: University of Arizona, Virginia/Maryland

Waitlisted: Tufts, University of Arizona

Rejected: Midwestern, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, Virginia/Maryland

Accepted: University of Arizona (got taken off waitlist!)

Attending: University of Arizona


Overall GPA: 3.892

Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.81

Last 45 GPA: 3.8 (I think?)


Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science , Minor in Microbiology


Veterinary Experience: 813 hours

Small Animal GP Extern - 320 hours

Small Animal GP Veterinary Assistant - 465 hours

Endurance Rider Vet Student Intern - 10 hours

Arizona National Livestock Show Animal Welfare team intern - 18 hours


Animal Experience: 346 hours

Dog sitter - 295 hours

Introduction to Animal Science Laboratory: 48 hours

Campus Farm Hoof Trimming and Cattle CIDR Insertion - 3 hours


Research: 0 hours


Extracurriculars/Volunteer (not animal related): 1,681 hours

STOP THE BLEED Course - 3 hours

Pre Vet club - 60 hours

Technical Theatre (high school)- 650 hours

Violinist (high school orchestra) - 650 hours

MCB 181R Learning assistant - 138 hours

Link Leader (high school) - 150 hours

Administrative intern (high school) - 30 hours



Non-Animal Employment: 5,088 hours

UofA Parking and Transportation student worker - 600 hours

Walmart Online Shopper - 4488


Awards:

Dean’s List w Distinction - 1 semester

Dean’s List - 5 semesters

Wildcat Distinction Tuition Award


LORs:

Veterinarian/Practice Owner

MCB181R Professor who taught me and who I was a learning assistant for

MCB181R Professor who I was a learning assistant for

Microbiology Professor who taught me



Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

I wrote about my experiences growing up in a household where I never got any exposure to the field of veterinary medicine and how growing up we did not take our pets to the vet. I then included my experiences as a small animal GP extern and my experiences with one particular client who I had an encounter with outside of my externship at my job. I also included my experiences working with an equine vet and with riders during an endurance ride. Lastly, I stated that these experiences helped me better understand the field of veterinary medicine, as someone who had no experience at all growing up, and showed me that this field is quite versatile.

 

[beh_20]

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

22, Female, Oregon/USA, Traditional-ish, 2nd time applying
Applied: Western, Midwestern, Lincoln Memorial (Spring cohort), Virginia-Maryland, Colorado State, Oregon State (IS)
Interview Invites: Western, LMU, OSU
Waiting to hear: Western
Rejected: Virginia-Maryland
Waitlist: OSU, CSU (DVM+MPH)
Accepted: CSU (DVM), LMU (Spring), Midwestern
Attending: Likely Colorado State University🐏 (unless I get off of OSU waitlist)

Overall GPA: 3.58
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.3ish
Last 45 GPA: 3.75

GRE (Q/V/W): N/A
CASPER: 3rd Quartile

Degree(s): B.S. Animal Science, minors in Military Science and Molecular Biology


Veterinary Experience: 1037 hours
* I separated my research animal care job into multiple categories

• Veterinary Assistant at small animal GP: 260 hours
• Small Animal Surgery Assistant: 156 hours
• Assisting professor (DVM) with ram semen analysis/collection, castrating piglets, vaccinating beef cattle: 30 hours
• AMEDD intern at Fort Belvoir under an Army Veterinarian: 160 hours
• Shadowing equine veterinarian: 105 hours
• Assisting campus lab veterinarian at my research job (ruminants + equine): 300 hours
• Shadowing small animal GP: 26 hours

Animal Experience: 1483 hours

• VTH Large Animal Barn Crew: 525 hours
• Sheep farm hand for professor: 60 hours
• Research Animal Care Assistant for ruminants +equine: 600 hours
• TA for university horse handling class: 160 hours
• University beef cattle lab student: 48 hours
• Pet sitter: 90 hours

Research: 140 hours

• Honors thesis on DoD MWD program: 40 hours
• Monitoring for Scrapie and tick-borne diseases at research animal job: 100 hours

Extracurriculars: 4874hours

• Sigma Alpha Sorority as member and secretary- 200 hours
• Mentoring underrepresented pre-veterinary students- 64 hours
• Army ROTC (this was broken down into many different entries over 4 years): flag detail, recruiting club secretary and member, Platoon leader, Platoon Sergeant, Battalion S-3, Battalion S-2, CST: 4500 hours
• Intramural soccer: 80 hours
• Freshman year dorm hall government: 30 hours

Awards:

• 3 ROTC Awards
• 5 undergraduate scholarships
• Girl Scouts Silver Award (high school)
• University honor roll

Volunteering: 260 hours

• Security guard for university football game: 160 hours
• Classroom assistant for English learning (this was in high school): 100 hours

Non-Animal Employment: 420 hours

• Dining hall service worker: 120 hours
• Amazon warehouse worker: 300 hours

LORs:

• Equine DVM I shadowed
• DVM/Professor I took multiple classes from, studied abroad with, and helped him treat sheep
• PhD/Professor who taught multiple classes and let me help at her sheep farm
• Farm Manager at my Research Assistant job who sparked my love for sheep and large animal research

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
My personal statement emphasized how I believe the principle of honoring and respecting military personnel should be extended to animals. I started with a story of witnessing the euthanasia of a Military Working Dog after battling cancer, which highlighted the importance of compassionate care in honoring her service to the country. Then I discussed how this principle applied to my work in large animal research, recounting a story about noticing abnormal behavior in a sheep. This led to its diagnosis of B-cell leukemia, and how I acted quickly to ensure that the sheep received compassionate care and that its sacrifice contributed to advancing animal and human health. I concluded with my aspiration to become an Army Veterinary Corps Officer, focusing on improving the MWD program, and my intent to integrate this principle into my career.

Explanation Statement:
I used this to explain why my GPA took a massive downturn for 1.5 years and the challenges I faced, including failing multiple classes due to suffering from domestic violence . I explained how it impacted my grades and the steps I took to recover academically and emotionally.

So excited and grateful to be posting here! So many people told me I would never make it to veterinary school. I have no idea how I was offered an OOS spot at CSU and Midwestern. I think what set me apart was how diverse my experiences were. Even though my cumulative GPA was pretty average, I failed key multiple science prerequisite classes and knew that my grades were going to be my biggest hurdle. I wanted to apply to more holistic schools that saw me as a well-rounded applicant. Anyone reading this who is applying—do not ever give up! At one point during my undergrad, my GPA was 2.1, I took biochemistry 4 separate times, and had 6 C’s on my transcript. I was told “No” many times, lost all hope, but kept pushing to get here. Congratulations to everyone posting here!!🥳

this is so encouraging! i am a freshman undergrad hoping to be an army vet as well so definitely get a little anxious over how competitive it all is, especially with HPSP