Successful Applicants C/O 2029

[prevet9999]

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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 (Accepted), 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

 

[Squirrel Girl]

**LOW STAT, NON-TRADITIONAL APPLICANT**

Dreams DO come true, and patience is indeed a virtue. I can hardly believe that after all these failed attempts at gaining admission, I have the privilege of posting on this forum and helping those out there who may feel hopeless. Without this forum, I would have not met so many influential and kind individuals who helped me get to where I am today. This is going to be a lengthy post, so grab your favorite snack and get ready for story time ☺️ I truly hope I can change someone’s life!

41, Female, California, non-traditional, FOURTH time applicant* 😅

*I applied for the following cycles: 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024/2025. The cycles prior, I was either rejected straight away or interviewed and then waitlisted. I only applied to 1-3 schools each time and did not apply wisely—it is important to apply to colleges who use GPAs that show an upward trend or will consider graduate-level work!

The factors that I believe changed to help me gain admission on the fourth attempt, were:

(1) Improving my essays
(2) Being enrolled in a graduate program with a veterinary focus
(3) Applying to schools that favored GPAs that highlighted an upward trend.

Here we gooooo……🫣

Applied: Iowa State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Western University of Health Sciences, Louisiana State University, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, and Washington State University.
Interview Invites: Michigan State University
Withdrew Application: Western University of Health Sciences
Waitlisted: Colorado State University
Rejected: Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, Oregon State University, and Washington State University.
Accepted: Michigan State University and Louisiana State University
Attending: Michigan State University!!!! 💚🤍💚🤍 GO SPARTANS!

VMCAS Overall GPA: 2.69
VMCAS Science GPA: 2.56
Last 45 GPA: 3.77
Undergraduate Degree GPA: 2.61
Graduate Degree GPA: 3.81
Graduate Science GPA: 3.87

Repeated Courses
I retook approximately 100 units worth of undergraduate courses, both science and non-science. I did this prior to my first attempt at applying to vet school, and after earning a BS in biology. I reattempted a course with a "C" and lower.
**EDIT: I forgot to mention that I had 14 W's, 9 D's, and 6 F's!**😳

GRE: I took this twice years ago, but I did not need it for the most recent cycle!

Degrees
BS in Biology
MPH in Veterinary Science (earning the actual degree in July 2025 from MIZZOU!! 💛🖤💛🖤)

Veterinary Experience (4,300 hours)

• Graduate school veterinary public health internship: 160 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant/receptionist: 3,000 hours
• Wildlife rehabilitation technician assistant: 50 hours
• Emergency hospital veterinary assistant: 160 hours
• Exotic animal hospital veterinary assistant: 320 hours
• Wildlife medicine extern: 350 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant: 100 hours
• Spay and neuter clinic at animal shelter: 160 hours

Animal Experience (1,500 hours)

• Wildlife rehabilitation intern: 650 hours
• Wildlife ICU/orphan wildlife clinic assistant: 240 hours
• Equine therapy assistant: 50 hours
• Zoo animal keeper assistant: 50 hours
• Farm animal sanctuary husbandry assistant: 260 hours
• Aquarium intern for marine mammal husbandry: 250 hours

Research (1,100 hours)

• Research Assistant/Co-author (1,055 hours): Gathered and analyzed geographical data on the distribution of the non-native Eastern fox squirrel and the displacement of the native Western grey squirrel within an isolated habitat fragment to analyze the interspecific competition. Granted co-authorship for journal in ecology and presented findings at research conferences. This research project had been active for 10 years.
• Research Assistant (55 hours): Analyzed and observed the migration patterns of native songbirds. Collected data from various regions of Southern California; became familiar with bird species based on their songs, calls, and physical attributes.

Extracurriculars

• Cashier on food truck
• Club President/founder of Pre-vet club at the community college where I received my AS
• Animal shelter adoption volunteer
• Member for Advocates for Animals Club
• STAND (Screening & Treatment for Anxiety & Depression) Coach at UCLA

Awards

• Deans List several times when I retook coursework
• Outstanding shelter volunteer
• Outstanding spay and neuter volunteer

Non-Animal Employment

• Hair stylist from the time I graduated high school until I began college.
• Covid-19 medical screener
• English tutor and student mentor

LORs

• Senior academic advisor from my veterinary MPH program
• PhD that supervised my squirrel research
• Relief DVM
• DVM/Practice manager

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I highly recommend writing the explanation statement because you can discuss your personal and unique path and any difficulties you may have experienced.

Explanation statement summary
During my early adolescence, I was diagnosed with a combined type of ADHD, rendering me unable to summon the cognitive and behavioral tools to achieve academic excellence in grade school. I resided in a low-income, gang-infested area that had poor mental health resources within the school, and this set the tone for my ability to succeed in school. After graduating from a continuation high school and later resigning from a career in cosmetology, I enrolled in college. During this time, I entered a cycle of enrolling in courses, retaking courses for a better grade, and withdrawing from courses, which became an exhausting ritual.

Exasperated with my academic failures, I decided to utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy for the first time to manage my disorder and focus on overcoming early traumas. I developed effective study habits and was met with excitement each semester as I was able to comfortably immerse myself in the classroom experience without any cognitive impairments to distract me from my academic goals. My cognitive disorder is something that took me years to manage, and I thought it was important to discuss what steps I took to live with ADHD and become a successful student.

Personal statement summary
I wrote extensively about my love for veterinary public health and how I intend to implement One Health as a veterinarian. I have an extensive background in shelter and wildlife medicine, so that really set me up to choose veterinary public health as my intended practice. I wrote about how I intend to practice veterinary public health within a metropolitan area so that I can conduct investigations on zoonoses, oversee animal control, and provide advice to other public health agencies, veterinarians, aspiring veterinarians, and the public. I pledge to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary sphere so that I can also inspire those with a disadvantaged background, such as my own.

I also plan to acquire board certification in veterinary preventative medicine, so that I can evolve into a more proficient practitioner that will sponsor future diplomates.

Please feel free to contact me for details and an explanation for anything you see on this post!

Trust the process, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive people and good mentors who genuinely care about you! 💕

 

[pp9]

**LOW STAT, NON-TRADITIONAL APPLICANT**

Dreams DO come true, and patience is indeed a virtue. I can hardly believe that after all these failed attempts at gaining admission, I have the privilege of posting on this forum and helping those out there who may feel hopeless. Without this forum, I would have not met so many influential and kind individuals who helped me get to where I am today. This is going to be a lengthy post, so grab your favorite snack and get ready for story time ☺️ I truly hope I can change someone’s life!

41, Female, California, non-traditional, FOURTH time applicant* 😅

*I applied for the following cycles: 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024/2025. The cycles prior, I was either rejected straight away or interviewed and then waitlisted. I only applied to 1-3 schools each time and did not apply wisely—it is important to apply to colleges who use GPAs that show an upward trend or will consider graduate-level work!

The factors that I believe changed to help me gain admission on the fourth attempt, were:

(1) Improving my essays
(2) Being enrolled in a graduate program with a veterinary focus
(3) Applying to schools that favored GPAs that highlighted an upward trend.

Here we gooooo……🫣

Applied: Iowa State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Western University of Health Sciences, Louisiana State University, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, and Washington State University.
Interview Invites: Michigan State University

Withdrew Application: Western University of Health Sciences
Waitlisted: Colorado State University

Rejected: Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, Oregon State University, and Washington State University.
Accepted: Michigan State University and Louisiana State University
Attending: Michigan State University!!!! 💚🤍💚🤍 GO SPARTANS!

VMCAS Overall GPA: 2.69
VMCAS Science Prerequisite GPA: 2.56
Last 45 GPA: 3.77
Undergraduate Degree GPA: 2.61
Graduate Degree GPA: 3.81

Repeated Courses
I retook approximately 100 units worth of undergraduate courses, both science and non-science. I did this prior to my first attempt at applying to vet school, and after earning a BS in biology.

GRE: I took this twice years ago, but I did not need it for the most recent cycle!

Degrees

BS in Biology
MPH in Veterinary Science (earning the actual degree in July 2025 from MIZZOU!! 💛🖤💛🖤)

Veterinary Experience (4,300 hours)

• Graduate school veterinary public health internship: 160 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant/receptionist: 3,000 hours
• Wildlife rehabilitation technician assistant: 50 hours
• Emergency hospital veterinary assistant: 160 hours
• Exotic animal hospital veterinary assistant: 320 hours
• Wildlife medicine extern: 350 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant: 100 hours
• Spay and neuter clinic at animal shelter: 160 hours

Animal Experience (1,500 hours)

• Wildlife rehabilitation intern: 650 hours
• Wildlife ICU/orphan wildlife clinic assistant: 240 hours
• Equine therapy assistant: 50 hours
• Zoo animal keeper assistant: 50 hours
• Farm animal sanctuary husbandry assistant: 260 hours
• Aquarium intern for marine mammal husbandry: 250 hours

Research (1,100 hours)

Research Assistant/Co-author (1,055 hours)
Gathered and analyzed geographical data on the distribution of the non-native Eastern fox squirrel and the displacement of the native Western grey squirrel within an isolated habitat fragment to analyze the interspecific competition. Granted co-authorship for journal in ecology and presented findings at research conferences. This research project had been active for 10 years.

Research Assistant (55 hours)
Analyzed and observed the migration patterns of native songbirds. Collected data from various regions of Southern California; became familiar with bird species based on their songs, calls, and physical attributes.

Extracurriculars

• Cashier on food truck
• Club President/founder of Pre-vet club at the community college where I received my AS
• Animal shelter adoption volunteer
• Member for Advocates for Animals Club
• STAND (Screening & Treatment for Anxiety & Depression) Coach at UCLA

Awards

• Deans List several times when I retook coursework
• Outstanding shelter volunteer
• Outstanding spay and neuter volunteer

Non-Animal Employment

• Hair stylist from the time I graduated high school until I began college.
• Covid-19 medical screener
• English tutor and student mentor

LORs

• Senior academic advisor from my veterinary MPH program
• PhD that supervised my squirrel research
• Relief DVM
• DVM/Practice manager

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I highly recommend writing the explanation statement because you can discuss your personal and unique path and any difficulties you may have experienced.

Explanation statement summary
During my early adolescence, I was diagnosed with a combined type of ADHD, rendering me unable to summon the cognitive and behavioral tools to achieve academic excellence in grade school. I resided in a low-income, gang-infested area that had poor mental health resources within the school, and this set the tone for my ability to succeed in school. After graduating from a continuation high school and later resigning from a career in cosmetology, I enrolled in college. During this time, I entered a cycle of enrolling in courses, retaking courses for a better grade, and withdrawing from courses, which became an exhausting ritual.

Exasperated with my academic failures, I decided to utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy for the first time to manage my disorder and focus on overcoming early traumas. I developed effective study habits and was met with excitement each semester as I was able to comfortably immerse myself in the classroom experience without any cognitive impairments to distract me from my academic goals. My cognitive disorder is something that took me years to manage, and I thought it was important to discuss what steps I took to live with ADHD and become a successful student.

Personal statement summary
I wrote extensively about my love for veterinary public health and how I intend to implement One Health as a veterinarian. I have an extensive background in shelter and wildlife medicine, so that really set me up to choose veterinary public health as my intended practice. I wrote about how I intend to practice veterinary public health within a metropolitan area so that I can conduct investigations on zoonoses, oversee animal control, and provide advice to other public health agencies, veterinarians, aspiring veterinarians, and the public. I pledge to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary sphere so that I can also inspire those with a disadvantaged background, such as my own.

I also plan to acquire board certification in veterinary preventative medicine, so that I can evolve into a more proficient practitioner that will sponsor future diplomates.

Please feel free to contact me for details and an explanation for anything you see on this post!

Trust the process, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive people and good mentors who genuinely care about you! 💕

Congrats!! This is such a good example of how researching schools and choosing wisely can make or break your cycle.

 

[Squirrel Girl]

Congrats!! This is such a good example of how researching schools and choosing wisely can make or break your cycle.

Thank you so much!! ☺️ absolutely! Research all schools to make sure you are maximizing your chances of getting into vet school!

 

[DVM882029]

**LOW STAT, NON-TRADITIONAL APPLICANT**

Dreams DO come true, and patience is indeed a virtue. I can hardly believe that after all these failed attempts at gaining admission, I have the privilege of posting on this forum and helping those out there who may feel hopeless. Without this forum, I would have not met so many influential and kind individuals who helped me get to where I am today. This is going to be a lengthy post, so grab your favorite snack and get ready for story time ☺️ I truly hope I can change someone’s life!

41, Female, California, non-traditional, FOURTH time applicant* 😅

*I applied for the following cycles: 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024/2025. The cycles prior, I was either rejected straight away or interviewed and then waitlisted. I only applied to 1-3 schools each time and did not apply wisely—it is important to apply to colleges who use GPAs that show an upward trend or will consider graduate-level work!

The factors that I believe changed to help me gain admission on the fourth attempt, were:

(1) Improving my essays
(2) Being enrolled in a graduate program with a veterinary focus
(3) Applying to schools that favored GPAs that highlighted an upward trend.

Here we gooooo……🫣

Applied: Iowa State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Western University of Health Sciences, Louisiana State University, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, and Washington State University.
Interview Invites: Michigan State University
Withdrew Application: Western University of Health Sciences
Waitlisted: Colorado State University
Rejected: Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, Oregon State University, and Washington State University.
Accepted: Michigan State University and Louisiana State University
Attending: Michigan State University!!!! 💚🤍💚🤍 GO SPARTANS!

VMCAS Overall GPA: 2.69
VMCAS Science Prerequisite GPA: 2.56
Last 45 GPA: 3.77
Undergraduate Degree GPA: 2.61
Graduate Degree GPA: 3.81
Gradate Science GPA: 3.87

Repeated Courses
I retook approximately 100 units worth of undergraduate courses, both science and non-science. I did this prior to my first attempt at applying to vet school, and after earning a BS in biology.

GRE: I took this twice years ago, but I did not need it for the most recent cycle!

Degrees
BS in Biology
MPH in Veterinary Science (earning the actual degree in July 2025 from MIZZOU!! 💛🖤💛🖤)

Veterinary Experience (4,300 hours)

• Graduate school veterinary public health internship: 160 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant/receptionist: 3,000 hours
• Wildlife rehabilitation technician assistant: 50 hours
• Emergency hospital veterinary assistant: 160 hours
• Exotic animal hospital veterinary assistant: 320 hours
• Wildlife medicine extern: 350 hours
• Small animal veterinary assistant: 100 hours
• Spay and neuter clinic at animal shelter: 160 hours

Animal Experience (1,500 hours)

• Wildlife rehabilitation intern: 650 hours
• Wildlife ICU/orphan wildlife clinic assistant: 240 hours
• Equine therapy assistant: 50 hours
• Zoo animal keeper assistant: 50 hours
• Farm animal sanctuary husbandry assistant: 260 hours
• Aquarium intern for marine mammal husbandry: 250 hours

Research (1,100 hours)

• Research Assistant/Co-author (1,055 hours): Gathered and analyzed geographical data on the distribution of the non-native Eastern fox squirrel and the displacement of the native Western grey squirrel within an isolated habitat fragment to analyze the interspecific competition. Granted co-authorship for journal in ecology and presented findings at research conferences. This research project had been active for 10 years.
• Research Assistant (55 hours): Analyzed and observed the migration patterns of native songbirds. Collected data from various regions of Southern California; became familiar with bird species based on their songs, calls, and physical attributes.

Extracurriculars

• Cashier on food truck
• Club President/founder of Pre-vet club at the community college where I received my AS
• Animal shelter adoption volunteer
• Member for Advocates for Animals Club
• STAND (Screening & Treatment for Anxiety & Depression) Coach at UCLA

Awards

• Deans List several times when I retook coursework
• Outstanding shelter volunteer
• Outstanding spay and neuter volunteer

Non-Animal Employment

• Hair stylist from the time I graduated high school until I began college.
• Covid-19 medical screener
• English tutor and student mentor

LORs

• Senior academic advisor from my veterinary MPH program
• PhD that supervised my squirrel research
• Relief DVM
• DVM/Practice manager

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I highly recommend writing the explanation statement because you can discuss your personal and unique path and any difficulties you may have experienced.

Explanation statement summary
During my early adolescence, I was diagnosed with a combined type of ADHD, rendering me unable to summon the cognitive and behavioral tools to achieve academic excellence in grade school. I resided in a low-income, gang-infested area that had poor mental health resources within the school, and this set the tone for my ability to succeed in school. After graduating from a continuation high school and later resigning from a career in cosmetology, I enrolled in college. During this time, I entered a cycle of enrolling in courses, retaking courses for a better grade, and withdrawing from courses, which became an exhausting ritual.

Exasperated with my academic failures, I decided to utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy for the first time to manage my disorder and focus on overcoming early traumas. I developed effective study habits and was met with excitement each semester as I was able to comfortably immerse myself in the classroom experience without any cognitive impairments to distract me from my academic goals. My cognitive disorder is something that took me years to manage, and I thought it was important to discuss what steps I took to live with ADHD and become a successful student.

Personal statement summary
I wrote extensively about my love for veterinary public health and how I intend to implement One Health as a veterinarian. I have an extensive background in shelter and wildlife medicine, so that really set me up to choose veterinary public health as my intended practice. I wrote about how I intend to practice veterinary public health within a metropolitan area so that I can conduct investigations on zoonoses, oversee animal control, and provide advice to other public health agencies, veterinarians, aspiring veterinarians, and the public. I pledge to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary sphere so that I can also inspire those with a disadvantaged background, such as my own.

I also plan to acquire board certification in veterinary preventative medicine, so that I can evolve into a more proficient practitioner that will sponsor future diplomates.

Please feel free to contact me for details and an explanation for anything you see on this post!

Trust the process, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive people and good mentors who genuinely care about you! 💕

Congrats!!!!!

Should we start a c/o 2029 non-trad 30+ GroupMe ? lol

 

[Squirrel Girl]

Congrats!!!!!

Should we start a c/o 2029 non-trad 30+ GroupMe ? lol

HAHAHA! I would love to! 🤓

 

[Squirrel Girl]

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.

I know this is late, but how amazing is your experience! ❤️

 

[indysadventures]

I know this is late, but how amazing is your experience! ❤️

That’s so kind of you!!! I loved reading about your journey, too. 🥰

 

[futuredogtorlegs]

LOW GPA ALERT
Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
22, Female, Georgia, Traditional, First-time
Applied: Ross (withdrew), CSU, SGU, Virginia-Maryland, UGA (in-state), UPenn, Iowa State, LSU, Tuskegee, Michigan State (did not accept lower level Microbiology class), UF, Miss State, Western, Midwestern, Arizona, UC Davis, UTK, LMU
Interview Invites: SGU, Tuskegee
Waiting to hear: None
Waitlist: Tuskegee
Accepted: SGU
Attending: SGU

Overall GPA: 3.21
Science Prerequisite GPA: 2.99
Last 45 GPA: 3.36

GRE (Q/V/W): x (%) / y (%) / z (%)
don't remember, but wasn't that great

Degree(s): BS in Biology (Spring 2025)

Veterinary Experience:
Small Animal Hospital - 480
Small Animal Wellness Center - 640
Large Animal Vet Clinic Community Event Zanzibar- 4 hours
Zoo Animal Internship - 40 hours

Animal Experience:
None

Research:
Bird Behavior - 40 hours
Conservation in Biology Research in Hawaii - 80 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- NCAA Volleyball Player - 3120 hours
- High School Volleyball Player - 900 hours
- Club Volleyball Player - 1200 hours
- Sorority President - 200 hours
- Sorority Vice President - 520 hours
- Sorority Membership Chairman - 160 hours
- Sorority Historian - 50 hours
- APVMA member - 10 hours
-HS Volleyball MVP - 4 years
- All region award vollleyball - 2 years
- Student athlete of the month - 3 years
- HS Social studies student of the year
- Endowed sports scholarship (college)
- Service league scholarship (HS)
- MLK scholarship (HS)

Volunteer:
- boys volleyball coach HS - 40 hours
- community feed the hungry events - 8 hours
- volleyball youth day/pet adoption drive - 8 hours
- various sorority volunteer events (clothing donation to women’s shelter, making blankets for women’s shelter, school supply drive, dress making for kids in Africa) - 80 hours

Non-Animal Employment:
- Resident Assistant - 640 hours
- Crew Member - Dairy Queen - 1200 hours

LORs:
- DVM: pet wellness clinic
- Graduate advisor - sorority
- Supervisor : pet wellness clinic
- Professor: Biology (PhD)
- College volleyball coach

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I talked about lack of diversity in the vet med field and how my first vet shadow experience, at 7 years old, with a minority woman influenced my dream to become a vet. I talked about how privileged I felt to have someone speak life into my dreams at an early age but the sad reality of other minorities, due to lack of financial means, lack of career guidance and parental professional connections. I spoke about my desire to change that as I never met another minority woman vet after that experience at 7 years old.

I also talked about the feeling of helplessness working in a vet clinic when owners could not afford basic services. I then reflected on how a shadow experience, at a not-for-profit animal hospital in Africa, fueled my desire to open a low-cost clinic that also provides education to owners on proper pet care.

Note: I knew that my essay was risky and could be uncomfortable for some readers, but I really wanted to attend a school that truly values diversity and doesn't just post about its commitment of doing so. I know my stats were not the best, but I really wanted to matriculate at a school where my perspective on the realities of the vet med field were valued.

 

[Squirrel Girl]

That’s so kind of you!!! I loved reading about your journey, too. 🥰

Love you, Indy!! 🩷🩷

 

[Squirrel Girl]

LOW GPA ALERT
Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
22, Female, Georgia, Traditional, First-time
Applied: Ross (withdrew), CSU, SGU, Virginia-Maryland, UGA (in-state), UPenn, Iowa State, LSU, Tuskegee, Michigan State (did not accept lower level Microbiology class), UF, Miss State, Western, Midwestern, Arizona, UC Davis, UTK, LMU
Interview Invites: SGU, Tuskegee
Waiting to hear: None
Waitlist: Tuskegee
Accepted: SGU
Attending: SGU

Overall GPA: 3.21
Science Prerequisite GPA: 2.99
Last 45 GPA: 3.36

GRE (Q/V/W): x (%) / y (%) / z (%)
don't remember, but wasn't that great

Degree(s): BS in Biology (Spring 2025)

Veterinary Experience:
Small Animal Hospital - 480
Small Animal Wellness Center - 640
Large Animal Vet Clinic Community Event Zanzibar- 4 hours
Zoo Animal Internship - 40 hours

Animal Experience:
None

Research:
Bird Behavior - 40 hours
Conservation in Biology Research in Hawaii - 80 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- NCAA Volleyball Player - 3120 hours
- High School Volleyball Player - 900 hours
- Club Volleyball Player - 1200 hours
- Sorority President - 200 hours
- Sorority Vice President - 520 hours
- Sorority Membership Chairman - 160 hours
- Sorority Historian - 50 hours
- APVMA member - 10 hours
-HS Volleyball MVP - 4 years
- All region award vollleyball - 2 years
- Student athlete of the month - 3 years
- HS Social studies student of the year
- Endowed sports scholarship (college)
- Service league scholarship (HS)
- MLK scholarship (HS)

Volunteer:
- boys volleyball coach HS - 40 hours
- community feed the hungry events - 8 hours
- volleyball youth day/pet adoption drive - 8 hours
- various sorority volunteer events (clothing donation to women’s shelter, making blankets for women’s shelter, school supply drive, dress making for kids in Africa) - 80 hours

Non-Animal Employment:
- Resident Assistant - 640 hours
- Crew Member - Dairy Queen - 1200 hours

LORs:
- DVM: pet wellness clinic
- Graduate advisor - sorority
- Supervisor : pet wellness clinic
- Professor: Biology (PhD)
- College volleyball coach

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
I talked about lack of diversity in the vet med field and how my first vet shadow experience, at 7 years old, with a minority woman influenced my dream to become a vet. I talked about how privileged I felt to have someone speak life into my dreams at an early age but the sad reality of other minorities, due to lack of financial means, lack of career guidance and parental professional connections. I spoke about my desire to change that as I never met another minority woman vet after that experience at 7 years old.

I also talked about the feeling of helplessness working in a vet clinic when owners could not afford basic services. I then reflected on how a shadow experience, at a not-for-profit animal hospital in Africa, fueled my desire to open a low-cost clinic that also provides education to owners on proper pet care.

Note: I knew that my essay was risky and could be uncomfortable for some readers, but I really wanted to attend a school that truly values diversity and doesn't just post about its commitment of doing so. I know my stats were not the best, but I really wanted to matriculate at a school where my perspective on the realities of the vet med field were valued.

What a great emphasis for your essay! 🩷

 

[moonfang]

I really didn't think I was gonna be able to make this post, especially after being rejected from my in-state, but I got pulled from a waitlist the beginning of this week! I guess the main takeaway from my application is that you don't need thousands and thousands of vet experience hours, so long as your hours are high quality!

Age, Gender, State/Country of Residence, Traditional/Non-traditional applicant, # of times you've applied:
21, non-binary, Kentucky, first time applicant, fairly traditional (except for finishing undergrad a year early)

Applied: UGA, Midwestern, Auburn (contract seat applicant), KSU, LSU, tOSU, UAZ, and Mizzou
Interview Invites: Midwestern, Auburn, KSU
Rejected: UGA, tOSU, Mizzou, UAZ, Auburn (that one hurt)
Waitlisted: KSU, Midwestern (withdrew)
Accepted: LSU (Waitlisted then accepted!)
Attending: Louisiana State University! Geaux tigers!

Overall GPA: 3.92
Science Prerequisite GPA: ~3.89 depending on the school
Last 45 GPA: 3.94

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

Degree(s): BA in Biology and Pre-Health Studies

Veterinary Experience (515 hours):
- 240 hours at small animal clinics
- 275 equine hours, mostly ambulatory

Animal Experience:
- 30 reported hours pet-sitting
(That's it. Yeah, I know)

Research:
N/A (again, yeah, I know)

Extracurriculars/Awards:
- 288 hours as treasurer of theatre student org
- 100 hours as general member of same theatre org (I decided it best to separate them since I did entirely different things)
- 300 hours with sorority, including being general member and my leadership position
- a whopping 4 hours with pre-vet club (discussed how I was going to attend more meetings the following year)
- 720 hours of theatre in high school
- 120 community service hours
- academic scholarships at undergrad
- 2x dean's list, 2x president's list
- QPR "Question Persuade Refer" suicide prevention certificate

Non-Animal Employment:
- 300 hours as escape room gamemaster

LORs:
- one vet who I admittedly didn't spend a lot of time with but he's a big name so I figured I'd ask him anyway, in hindsight I think I would've asked someone else
- manager at escape room job
- cell biology professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
For my explanation statement I briefly mentioned that because I was graduating/applying a year early, I didn't have as much time as other applicants to earn experience hours. Yes, it's an excuse, but figured it wouldn't hurt to mention.

Personal statement I started with an experience I had as a kid that confirmed I would like the "med" part of vetmed, then talked about how often times there isn't a 'right answer' when it comes to treatment plans - there's different ways of accomplishing the same thing, so the career is really what you want to make of it.

LSU had a couple of supplemental essays about inclusivity in the vet community as well as what the applicant's understand of the veterinary profession is, pretty standard stuff, but I think I did really well with those and that's what got me eventually accepted!

Not gonna lie, when I reread my personal statement later I didn't think it was very good, I was gonna rewrite it if I needed to reapply. But now I don't have to! Good luck to anyone reading this in the future, if I can do it so can you!

 

[Megan Upton]

I will say that I had accepted my fate for a gap year and was astonished at the fact that I got so many rejections considering my stats. God saw where I needed to be and I totally believe that USU will be the best choice for me and my family!! Side note: me and my husband are buying our first house there and we can’t wait!!!

Megan Upton

25, Female, Idaho, Non-traditional applicant, 1st time applicant

Applied: Ohio, UTK, UCDavis, RVC, UMN, NC State, CSU, LSU, UW-Madison, USU
Interview Invites: UMN, UTK
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: USU
Waitlisted: UMN (withdrew)
Attending: USU! GO AGGIES!!!🤍

Overall GPA: 3.87
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.89
Last 45 GPA: 4.0


Degree(s):
B.S. Animal Science

Veterinary Experience:
Zoo vet- 200+
LA GP- 250+
SA GP- 400+
ER Med- 300+

Animal Experience:
Brangus Farm - 15000
Angus Farm- 150



Extracurriculars/Awards:
Various volunteer opportunities and military awards totaling over 1000+ hours
Magna cum laude graduate


Non-Animal Employment:
Military (Active Duty)- 6 years

Animal employment:
ER Med VA- 3 months

LORs:
Veterinarian for ER and zoo med
Veterinarian for LA GP
Supervisor from entire enlistment

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:
My time in the military being able to use my resiliency to push me forward through the tough times and vet med saving me through it. How I worked 70+ hours a week and still shadowed every weekend I didn’t have a duty because of how much joy it brought me even through the extreme burnout and exhaustion. Also talked about my experience with preg checking a massive herd of Angus and knowing I was for sure choosing the right path for me.

 

[momogogo]

*** LOW GPA & SECOND TIME APPLICANT & FIRST GEN./LOW INCOME ***

24, F, CA (perm. resident), non-traditional/trad (took a gap year post undergrad), second app

Applied: UCD, Western, WSU (rejected), Midwestern (interview waitlisted)
Interview Invites: UCD, Western (withdrew)
Accepted: UCD
Attending: UCD 💙

Overall GPA: 3.38
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.31
Last 45 GPA: 3.69

Degree(s): BS Biology

Non-Animal Employment:
Server/Trainer at 2 restaurants - 2,568hr
Restaurant Shift Lead/Cake Decorator - 2,320hr

Veterinary Experience:
VA/Lead CSR at derm clinic - 3,800hr
GP/Shelter Vet VA & CSR - 1,005hr
ER/GP VA - >100hr
SPCA Shadow - 11hr

Animal Experience:
Zoo Volunteer - 120hr
Wildlife Rehab Center Volunteer - 120hr
Animal Shelter Volunteer - 50hr
Pet Sitter - 20hr
Animal Care Attendant Shadow - 4hr
Animal Shelter Teen Program - 72hr

Research: N/A

Extracurriculars:
Volunteered at 3 non-profits assisting low-income/homeless populations - 90hr
Pilipinos for Community Health Intern - 30hr
Pre-Vet society member - 25hr
Misc volunteering/leadership positions in clubs through highschool - 115hr
Women’s Volleyball Varsity/Club Captain + manager for mens team - 285hr
Misc Volunteer opportunities - 14hr

Awards:
Rookie of the Year - from derm clinic
Dean’s List - awarded 3 quarters
Recognition Pin’s as a server - service, teamwork, and attitude
Academic Excellence - awarded throughout high school for maintaining +4.0gpa
Delta Sportsmanship in volleyballl
MVP in volleyball

Certifications:
Fear Free Shelter Certified

LORs:
GP/Shelter Managing DVM
Animal Physiology Professsor
Owner/DACVD

Personal Statement:
I worked throughout school to help my family’s financial and housing insecurity including a handful of evictions. Despite the lack of stability from own family, I found myself feeling the most at home with animals and started volunteering at a local shelter at the age of 12. I paralleled the lives of shelter animals to my own - both in times of transition and uncertainty. I realized I needed to break out of the harmful cycles my family endured, so I became the first to graduate from college. Naturally I found myself drawn towards shelter medicine, and later on explored other specialties. I acknowledged the contrasts of specialized medicine to what’s available to shelter animals. And I concluded with what I envisioned for the future - advocating for accessible medicine especially for disadvantaged and adverse communities.

Explanation Section:
During undergrad, I felt a lot of financial and emotional pressure from my family. Unfortunately it strongly reflected in my low grades - I even failed a math course during second year. Then the pandemic hit and a family member unexpectedly passed. His passing left me physically and emotionally isolated from those I thought I could grieve with. My mental health sank into the deep abyss of emotions that I grew to suppress. I realized I could either succumb to the ****ty parts of life or I could overcome those obstacles. I chose the latter and was motivated to finish school. I took advantage of resources that helped me mentally and academically reflecting a positive trend over my last years of college. I volunteered for organizations that resonated with me and kept working towards my goal. Although I didn’t get into vet school last cycle, I knew that I wanted this more than anything, so I retook classes/additional courses to improve my GPA and expanded my animal experiences.

DISCLAIMER!
I related a lot to gifted kid burnout - I got into a high ranking uni and thought it would magically fix my family (the drug addictions/alcoholism, undiagnosed mental illnesses, and verbal/physical abuse). But as I became a young adult, I recognized and reflected on those patterns. I realized I didn’t want such tragedies to define me, so I took some time post-grad to heal and explore what I wanted out of life. I strived to make my application a solid representation of who I was and the person I aspired to become. Although I was discouraged with how competitive this whole process is, I hope other applicants remember that they can still be a well rounded applicant outside of academics especially in their own experiences.

I’m extremely blessed with a support system who’s believed in me throughout this journey and I couldn’t have done it without them. Remember that we are all unique individuals writing our own stories, so be true to what’s really you! Don’t give up on your dreams, and keep hustling for what you deserve! And remember that you are never alone 🤍

 

[apoptosis09]

26F, West Virginia, Non-traditional applicant, low-income/1st gen student, 1st time applicant:

Applied: VMCVM, tOSU
Interview Invites: VMCVM, tOSU
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: VMCVM: Waitlist (no place given), then accepted after April 15th deadline. tOSU: OOS waitlist #9, accepted early June.
Attending: VMCVM

Overall GPA: 3.75 Undergrad, 4.0 Graduate
Science Prerequisite GPA: 3.78
Last 45 GPA: 3.9

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

Degree(s): B.S. Zoology, M.S. Biology

Veterinary Experience:
LA ambulatory shadowing - (150 hrs)
SA ER shadowing - (200 hrs)
SA GP unlicensed tech - (2,080 hrs [1 year full- time])

Animal Experience:
Horse rescue volunteer; care, rehab and training - (1,560 hrs)
Self employed horse training (2,126 hrs)
Wildlife rehab - (55 hrs)
Feline TNR and rescue/rehab - (120 hrs)

Research:
Undergrad summer bird ecology research - (440 hrs)
Undergrad watershed research - (500 hrs)
Graduate thesis in wildlife ecology - (3,040 hrs)

Extracurriculars:
Zoology club president - (288 hrs)
Scientista Foundation club leadership - (180 hrs)
Women's rugby - (122 hrs)

Awards:
Multiple honors and high honors awards for GPA
Cum laude Graduate
"Outstanding Graduate" award (undergrad)
Award for research in ecology (Undergrad)
NASA research grant recipient (Graduate)
Incredible Volunteer award (horse rescue)
Horse training award for rescue horses


Non-Animal Employment:
Various retail/ service jobs during Undergrad
Environmental consultant and data analyst - (3 years full-time) post-grad school

LORs:
Graduate advisor
Horse rescue director
Feline-focused DVM
Large animal DVM

Essay Questions/Personal Statement:

Wrote about growing up in a rural and low income household, leaving home as a teenager, putting myself through college withput family support. Discussed how I learned to keep good grades, prioritize, and thrive in difficult conditions. Discussed putting time into my community despite my own struggles and commitments, and my passion for science and research. Discussed how my experience in animal rescue in a very rural and impoverished area turned me towards vet med to support my community, educate, and advocate animal welfare.


My interview skills are definitely a weak point (I have always had terrible interview nerves my whole life, no matter how much I practice lol) so I'm very grateful to have been waitlisted and accepted, especially for a notably interview-heavy school!

I do believe my personal statement carried me a lot.

 

[vetschoolhopeful101]

They had that as a question???!

Yes! And it also asks if your applying to any schools via VMCAS. I'm going to be honest when I submit in August of course, but it feels like these questions are potentially a factor into if you're even considered :/ Who knows.

 

[abrew13]

Yes! And it also asks if your applying to any schools via VMCAS. I'm going to be honest when I submit in August of course, but it feels like these questions are potentially a factor into if you're even considered :/ Who knows.

FWIW, several of my close friends at TAMU applied and were accepted to the island schools, US schools outside of Texas, international schools, etc., and all of us answered the “Are you applying on VMCAS/internationally” question honestly. I really don’t think they put much stock into where else you apply.

 

[alybarb21]

Hey everyone! Congratulations on getting into vet school!

I'm a VM2 at the University of Missouri and am looking to sublet my apartment so I thought I'd go straight to the source (incoming Mizzou CVM students). It's a 2 bed, 2 bath at the Grindstone Canyon Apartments located on Old 63 S about 5-10 min away from the vet school. The lease would be for just 1 bed, 1 bath but the other bedroom is available so if you wanted to request a roommate, you could!
It is fully furnished including a washer/dryer in-unit, and it is pet friendly which I know is important to us vet students. The complex has a pool, gym, office/study spaces, and free parking. Rent is $795 a month. I don't use Reddit often so I don't know how to add more than 1 picture at a time, but let me know if you're interested! : )

The Grindstone at Columbia

 

[nationalprevetclub]

Hello! I'm interested in sharing the stories of accepted veterinary students starting this fall (or spring depending on the school!) on our National Pre-Vet Club instagram page.

Click here to share your story.

Thanks!

 

[battie]

Hello! I'm interested in sharing the stories of accepted veterinary students starting this fall (or spring depending on the school!) on our National Pre-Vet Club instagram page.

Click here to share your story.

Thanks!

Are you the APVMA, or a different organization?