Successful Applicants Stats - Class of 2022

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pcram93

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23 yr old male, Illinois resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Illinois, Kansas State, Washington State, Oregon State, Minnesota
Interview Invites: Kansas State (declined interview), Minnesota (declined interview), Washington State
Waiting to hear: Illinois
Accepted: Oregon State
Attending: TBD, but really am considering just going with Oregon State!

Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.91
Last 45 GPA: 3.90

GRE (Q/V/W)--I hate this thing: 148 /156 /4

Degree: BS Animal Science (December 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant at small animal practice: 390 hrs
Shadowed SA surgeries: 90 hrs
Shadowed avian vet: 50 hrs
Assisted preg. checks & ultrasound on cows: 20 hrs
Misc. LA shadowing/farm calls (after application): 20 hrs

Animal Experience
Wildlife rehab volunteer: 350 hrs
Equine grooming/riding: 55 hrs
Volunteered at university swine barn: 40 hrs
Volunteered at dog/cat shelter: 105 hrs
Livestock technician (assisted while I was a research intern): 60 hrs

Research
Assisted in the investigation of solar-powered cool flooring for lactating sows to reduce heat stress: 480 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards
Biology club member at previous university
Anthropology club member
Block & Bridle club member
Dean's List/Academic Honors 7/8 semesters
5 animal science-related scholarships

Non-Animal Employment
Worked on/off 3 years as a landscaper, 4 years on/off as facilities/maintenance at fitness club, two semesters for University Housing maintenance, and automotive-apprentice

LORs
Small animal vet
Small animal orthopedic surgeon
Animal science professor
Genetics professor
Research mentor/adviser

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
Wrote about hardships growing up (non-traditional background) and how I had to drop out of high school and start work early to help pay bills/rent after my mom got ill. Talked about working with a variety of animals and how my experience as a swine intern led me to want to pursue mixed-species medicine. Overall, I have been incredibly fortunate to work with people who have supported and mentored me throughout my life.
 
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21 yr old female, FL resident, first-time (traditional) applicant

Applied: UF, NCSU, KSU, Ohio State, Mizzou, Wisconsin
Offered Interview: KSU, UF (declined), Mizzou (declined), Ohio State (declined)
Accepted: NCSU, like what???? :clap::clap:
Attending: NCSU!!

Overall VMCAS GPA: 3.85
Science GPA: 3.77 (I had B's and a C+ in O chem, proof that they can look past them!)
Last 45 GPA: 3.84
*my GPA was higher on my transcript, not sure which they looked at

GRE (Q/V/W): 157 (66%)/159 (83%)/4.0 (60%)

Degree: BS in Animal Science- Veterinary Bioscience w/ a minor in Spanish

Veterinary Experience:
1) Wild game mobile practice in South Africa (120 hrs)
2) SA/exotic clinic (420 hrs)
3) SA cardiopulmonary clinic (120 hrs)
4) SA general practice (780 hrs)
5) Equine mobile practice (120 hrs)

Animal Experience:
1) Small ruminant husbandry (320 hrs)
2) Dairy cow husbandry (108 hrs)
3) Exotic foster (205 hrs)
4) SPCA volunteer (200 hrs)
5) NCSU equestrian team president (800 hrs)
6) Hippotherapy volunteer (800 hrs)
7) Equestrian/stablehand (3080 hrs-only included from high school, been riding/competing since 6 yrs old)

Research Experience:
*all completed under DVM or PhD
1) Equine stem cell research (820 hrs)
2) Equine biofilm research (180 hrs)
3) Equine pasture limit research (100 hrs)

Employment:
1) Teaching assistant for equine science class
2) Student tutor for TRIO student support services

Extracurriculars:
1) VetPAC internship at NCSU
2) Global Village resident & active member
3) Pre-veterinary medical association active member
4) VOLAR (Spanish volunteer club) active member
5) Spanish honor society active member
6) Rho Kappa (social studies honors society) active member
7) English honor society active member

Non-animal volunteering:
1) RMI horse show office volunteer
2) YMCA Community HOPE mentor and tutor

Awards:
1) Horse show awards from regionals, zones, and nationals (only the top ones)
2) North American comparative immunology attendee and co-author
3) ASAS scholastic achievement award
4) Office of undergrad research summer grant
5) Poster presentations at three symposiums (two honors and one undergrad)
6) Invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, SCLA, Sigma Alpha Pi, Golden Key
7) Caldwell fellowship finalist
8) Park scholarship finalist
9) Provost Scholarship recipient
10) Dean’s list every semester except one
11) VOLAR certificate of achievement
12) CALS scholarship every semester
13) AP Psych outstanding student award
14) World language competition champion

eLORS:
1) PI from lab that I worked in for a year and completed honors thesis under
2) Academic/pre-vet advisor
3) SA/exotic animal veterinarian who I formed a close relationship with

Personal Statement:
So there wasn't exactly a personal statement this year. I mainly just talked about my career goals and how they related to the contributions of veterinarians around the world. Also talked about two things that really made a veterinarian a great one. I'll answer any questions!
 
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spirit0116 said:
21 yr old female, FL resident, first-time (traditional) applicant

Applied: UF, NCSU, KSU, Ohio State, Mizzou, Wisconsin
Offered Interview: KSU, UF, Mizzou (declined), Ohio State (declined)
Accepted: NCSU, like what???? :clap::clap:
Attending: NCSU (probably)

Overall VMCAS GPA: 3.85
Science GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.84
*my GPA was higher on my transcript, not sure which they looked at

GRE (Q/V/W): 157 (66%)/159 (83%)/4.0 (60%)

Degree: BS in Animal Science- Veterinary Bioscience w/ a minor in Spanish

Veterinary Experience:
1) Wild game mobile practice in South Africa (120 hrs)
2) SA/exotic clinic (420 hrs)
3) SA cardiopulmonary clinic (120 hrs)
4) SA general practice (780 hrs)
5) Equine mobile practice (120 hrs)

Animal Experience:
1) Small ruminant husbandry (320 hrs)
2) Dairy cow husbandry (108 hrs)
3) Exotic foster (205 hrs)
4) SPCA volunteer (200 hrs)
5) NCSU equestrian team president (800 hrs)
6) Hippotherapy volunteer (800 hrs)
7) Equestrian/stablehand (3080 hrs-only included from high school, been riding/competing since 6 yrs old)

Research Experience:
*all completed under DVM or PhD
1) Proposed honors thesis TGF- b2 downregulates MHC expression & cytotoxicity of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (820 hrs)
2) Efficacy of antibiotic treatment of biofilms in four septic osteoarthritic horses (180 hrs)
3) Limited pasture could reduce equine body weight, body condition score & serum insulin (100 hrs)

Employment:
1) Teaching assistant for Introduction to Equine Science
2) Student tutor for TRIO student support services at NCSU

Extracurriculars:
1) VetPAC internship at NCSU
2) Global Village resident & active member
3) Pre-veterinary medical association active member
4) VOLAR (Spanish volunteer club) active member
5) Spanish honor society active member
6) Rho Kappa (social studies honors society) active member
7) English honor society active member

Non-animal volunteering:
1) RMI horse show office volunteer
2) YMCA Community HOPE mentor and tutor

Awards:
1) Horse show awards from regionals, zones, and nationals (only the top ones)
2) North American comparative immunology attendee and co-author
3) ASAS scholastic achievement award
4) Office of undergrad research summer grant
5) Poster presentations at three symposiums (two honors and one undergrad)
6) Invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, SCLA, Sigma Alpha Pi, Golden Key
7) Caldwell fellowship finalist
8) Park scholarship finalist
9) Provost Scholarship recipient
10) Dean’s list every semester except one
11) VOLAR certificate of achievement
12) CALS scholarship every semester
13) AP Psych outstanding student award
14) World language competition champion

eLORS:
1) PI from lab that I worked in for a year and completed honors thesis under
2) Academic/pre-vet advisor
3) SA/exotic animal veterinarian who I formed a close relationship with

Personal Statement:
So there wasn't exactly a personal statement this year. I mainly just talked about my career goals and how they related to the contributions of veterinarians around the world. Also talked about two things that really made a veterinarian a great one. I'll answer any questions!
Click to expand...

Awesome stats! Congrats on NCSU!!
 
Trilt said:
How's this going? Still Trivedi running the show? I was in the very first class of interns.
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Oh yes! Dr. T still in charge. Great group of interns this year. So cool that you were a part of the first class, awesome to hear from you!
 
spirit0116 said:
Oh yes! Dr. T still in charge. Great group of interns this year. So cool that you were a part of the first class, awesome to hear from you!
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She's quite the personality! I still partially thank (blame? haha) her LOR for getting me in the year I applied, haha. So funny to see all the programs still running; I literally made the first schedule for VetCAMP and it looks like you guys are doing many of the same things, still - how fun. 😀 Congrats on the acceptance!
 
Trilt said:
She's quite the personality! I still partially thank (blame? haha) her LOR for getting me in the year I applied, haha. So funny to see all the programs still running; I literally made the first schedule for VetCAMP and it looks like you guys are doing many of the same things, still - how fun. 😀 Congrats on the acceptance!
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She really is!! And I absolutely agree, I know that letter must have helped me immensely. I helped evaluate all of the VetCAMP applications last year and went to some of the events, it was such a blast! They have some great opportunities with wet labs and field trips. I wish I would have known about it in high school. And thank you so much, I'm completely over the moon!! Can't wait to get started.
 
33 yr old female, Michigan resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Michigan State
Interview Invites: Michigan State
Accepted: Michigan State
Attending: Michigan State!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.80
Science GPA: 3.87

GRE (Q/V/W)--Didn't take

Degree: BA in film (c/o 2006)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary tech/assistant at small animal practices: >17,000 hrs
SA, exotics, & rehab experience only no LA
Certified Cold light laser therapy tech: 665 hrs

Animal Experience
Equine: 60 hrs
Did not list personal pet hours

Research
Assisted data collection for research project (not my own, volunteer): 8 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Dean's List/Academic Honors 3 semesters
Presidential Scholar
CE as a tech 15 hours
Certification for cold light (class IV) laser therapy tech 10 hrs
Speaker for high school student transition for middle school girls 32 hours
Rock Climbing Awards (high school sport, local and national)

Non-Animal Employment
Real Estate for 2 years
Film Industry

LORs
Three SA vets

Personal Statement:
First Q: talked about how I have been in GP (SA) for quite some time as a tech and understand the ups and downs, goals to own my own practice, etc.

So excited to post here! Good luck to all in the future, hit me up if you are planning to go to MSU c/o 2022!
 
24 yr old female, FL resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Midwestern, Western, Lincoln Memorial, UF, Mississippi state, Purdue, Auburn
Interview Invites: Midwestern, Western (alternate acceptance), Lincoln, UF, Mississippi St, Auburn
Waiting to hear: none
Accepted: Midwestern
Attending: TBD, waiting to hear from the schools I’ve arwady interviewed at/ have interviews coming up at. I did love Midwestern though.

Overall GPA: 3.72
Science GPA: 3.50
Last 45 GPA: 3.61?

GRE (Q/V/W): 151 (52%) /154 (55%) /4.0 (60%)

Degree: BS Biology w/ pre-professional concentration (December 2016)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary tech at small animal and exotic practice: 800 hours (at time of application)
Intern/ tech at SA spay neuter clinic: 378 hours
Vet assistant at SA Clinic: 416 hours
Veterinary intern/ assistant at SA Clinic: 780 hours

Animal Experience
Wildlife caretaker volunteer: 40 hours
Foster for a rescue: 208 hours
Volunteer at humane society clinic: 448 hours
Volunteer at a rescue: 780 hours (while in hs)

Research
Isolating wasp microsattelite dna: 105 hours
Butterfly population surveying due to construction: 60 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Volunteer/ Facebook admin for a rescue: 120 hours
Animal science club secretary: 32 hours
Vegan club secretary: 82 hours
Honors program
Foundation scholarship
President and deans list

Non-Animal Volunteer work
Planting plants at a greenway, throwing an event to raise awareness for abused woman and sexual assault on college campuses

LORs
Small animal vet where I currently work
Small animal vet at my old clinic
Research professor
Manager at my internship at the spay/ neuter clinic

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I wrote about my goals as a veterinarian, specifically shelter medicine and exotics. Vet contributions and how I’d like to help underserved communities. Then a few qualities that make great vets!

Last year I had two interviews (auburn and Purdue). I ended up waitlisted at Purdue and rejected from auburn. I improved my application this year, so I guess don’t give up on your first try! As you can see my grades are only average but I think I have quite a bit of experience.
 
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37 yr old female, Michigan resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Michigan State
Interview Invites: Michigan State
Accepted: Michigan State
Attending: >>>Michigan State<<<

Overall GPA: Not applicable for MSU
Science GPA: 3.16
Last 36 GPA: 3.68

GRE (Q/V/W): 152 / 156 / 4 (this didn't matter for MSU, but I took it before they changed the requirements)

Degree: BA Criminal Justice (2005), Masters Certificate Wildlife Forensics and Conservation (current)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant (small animal – 2 clinics): > 1,100 hours
This included a transition from job shadow to volunteer to paid assistant at one clinic

Animal Experience
Animal Care Intern (bat conservation) 240 hours
Pet Owner / Dog Breeder / Dog Blood Donor
Animal Rescue (turtle nest)

Research
Chemistry Research (Rhodium Complexes)

Extracurriculars/Awards
National Honor Society – HS
Academic Sports Awards – HS
Military Service Awards
College Honor Society
Dean’s / President’s Lists

Non-Animal Employment
United States Army
Substitute Teacher
Self-employed business
Mom – yes, I listed this!

LORs
SA vet
SA tech
Military Commander

Personal Statement: Not really applicable, since they are questions now, instead of a statement. Just explained how I got where I’m at and why I want to get where I’m going. 🙂

Edited to Add: I wanted to come back and edit my post to add a note to anyone who is applying who has struggled with poor grades in the past. If this is truly what you want to do, don't lose hope. Fight for it. What my grades above don't show is that I overcame a GPA of 0.5. Yes, that is correct. I bombed my first semester in college and overcame it by learning from my mistakes, taking responsibility for them, and demonstrating I can be a much better student. If you really want this, you can do it! Good luck!!!
 
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20 year old female, NY Resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: NCSU
Accepted: NCSU
Attending: NCSU!!!!

Cumulative GPA: 3.86
Last 45 GPA: 3.80
Science GPA: 3.95

GRE (Q/V/W): 151/153/5.5 (probably the weakest part of my application)

Degree: Dual Equine Science and Biology Major (graduating a year early)

Veterinary Experience:
Emergency SA Clinic Shadow (400)
SA Clinic Shadow (500)
SA Cinic Veterinary Assistant (3,200)
Equine Vet/Surgeon Shadow (450)
Tufts Adventures in Vet Med Program (60)
Cornell Veterinary Exploration Program (40)

Animal Experience:
Long Island Gamefarm & Children's Zoo (450)
Barnwork at my college (300)
Horseback Riding Instructor (800)
Horseback Riding Camp Counselor (600)
Foster Home for Australian Shepherd Rescue (120)
SA & Exotics Shelter Volunteer (30)
Wildlife Rescue Volunteer (80)
Competitive Horseback Rider (10,000)
Equestrian Team Member - in high school (500)

Research:
Comparison of the psychological effects of clinical trials in humans and animals (380 - with PhD scientist)
Autonomic research on indigenous bat species (110 - with MD)

Extracurriculars:
* High School
National Honor Society
Foreign Language Honor Society
Breaking Boundaries Club
Cheerleading team
Travel soccer team
Equestrian team member

* College
President/founder of pre-veterinary club
TriBeta Honor Society
Golden Key Honor Society
Environmental Club
Presidential Scholar
University Tour Guide
Student Note Taker
Peer Tutor

Awards:
* High School
Douglas Sposato Wildlife Scholarship
Lieutenant Fenty Scholarship
St. John's Scholarship
Lucille M. Johnson Scholarship
LI Teachers Benevolent Scholarship
AP Scholar Award (2014 & 2015)
Girl Scout Bronze & Silver Awards (raised money to plant several trees in a wildlife park that had just been burnt down and organized a ride for the cure horse show that raised over $3,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation)

* College
APVMA Scholarship
NEFCU Making a Difference Scholarship
Centenary University Presidential Scholarship
Who's Who of Colleges and Universities Award
Deans List every semester

LORs:
SA vet
Equine vet/surgeon
MD - advisor of my pre vet club and bat research supervisor
PhD scientist (marine biologist) - my student advisor and psychology research supervisor

Personal Statement:
Wrote about how I've always wanted to be a veterinarian and have quite literally been getting experience since middle school. I made sure to subtly mention my experiences in all the questions and wrote about how they have impacted me and what I have learned. One tip I have is that I never wrote about the same thing twice. I think there was like 7 questions in the supplemental and the 3 VMCAS questions but I used each one as an opportunity to show them how ___ experience has made me qualified for veterinary school. I explained what I want to do and how I can take what I have already learned and apply it into being an outstanding clinician. I had my friend who is a third year vet student read it, my SA vet I work for and several professors.

I visited NCSU for the APVMA symposium and fell in love so it quickly became my first choice. I really was trying to think about money and NY doesn't have an instate school and NCSU lets you get instate tuition for the last 3 years so that was a major plus. I am graduating undergrad in 3 years and just turned 20 I really thought my age might work against me here but luckily it didn't. I wasn't in a rush so I had a plan for next year if I didn't get in. My parents are in the process of buying a condo in NC so if I didn't get in as an out of state student, I was going to move there to establish residency so I could apply as a NC resident next year. I probably would've applied to more schools to as a backup because I did not want two gap years.

If anyone has any questions please let me know!
 
smf15 said:
20 year old female, NY Resident, 1st time applicant

I visited NCSU for the APVMA symposium and fell in love so it quickly became my first choice. I really was trying to think about money and NY doesn't have an instate school and NCSU lets you get instate tuition for the last 3 years so that was a major plus.
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Cornell? Pretty sure there are tuition differences for IS vs OOS there.

In any event, congrats on your acceptance and have a great time at NCSU!
 
22 yr old female, Michigan resident, 2nd time applicant (1st time to all but 2 of the schools -Purdue and Cornell)

Applied:Illinois, Kansas State, Michigan State, Purdue, Iowa State, Mizzou, Georgia, VAMD, LMU, Cornell
Interview Invites: Michigan State, Lincoln Memorial; Interview waitlist at VAMD
Waiting to hear: Iowa, K-State, Georgia
Accepted: Michigan State
Attending: TBD

Overall GPA: 3.17
Science GPA: 3.16
Last 45 GPA: 3.45

GRE (Q/V/W)-- 154 /151 /4

Degree:
BS Animal Science (May 2017)
BS Biology and Bioethics Minor (May 2018- probably won't complete)

Animal Experience
Swine Farm Hand- 45 hrs
Dairy Study Abroad- 140 hrs
Nutrition Project- 45 hrs
Food Animal Farm Management Shadow - 70hrs
Horse Breeding Farm Hand- 300 hrs (before undergrad)
Breeding Kennel Assistant- 2600 hrs (before undergrad)

Veterinary Experience
Small Animal (Day-Practice) Shadow- 250 hrs
Small Animal ER - 2000+ hrs
Small Animal Reproduction- 100 hrs (before undergrad)
Equine Shadow- 20hrs
LA Food Animal Shadow- 12hr
Small Animal Day-Practice Employee- 180hrs

Research
2 Swine Projects - 1200 hrs
1 Dairy Project- 200 hrs

Extracurriculars
PVMA Vice President- 250 hrs
Vizsla Club Board Director- 260 hrs
Vizsla Club Field Trial Secretary- 360 hrs
PVMA Social Co-Chair- 180hrs
Hall Gov. PR Chair- 180
Student Mentor - 228 (before undergrad)
Captain - 1280 (before undergrad)

Awards/Honors
Deans list -2 semesters
Rod and Gun Club Scholarship
AKC Jr Showman Scholarship
High School Honors
High School Awards
Varsity and Academic Letters (HS)

Non-Animal Employment
Teaching Assistant- 75hr
Sterilization Tech- 816hr
Officer Administrator- 280 (before undergrad)

Volunteer
Animal Rescue PR
Humane Society
Coaching

LORs
Small Animal Vet- shadowed for 4 years
Small Animal ER Vet- Worked with for 1 year
Small Animal ER Vet- Worked with for 2 years
Animal science professor/ Research PI/Study Abroad Coordinator

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
Gave a 20 year view, 10 year view and end goal
Talked about how I wanted to be the go to vet in my community
Listed skills I thought the vets I really liked had, and which ones I had by examples.

I think what is really important is how you talk about your experiences; last year my application was short but this year I had more people look at it and critique what I wrote and I realized I wasn't giving the best descriptions for my experiences!
Let me know if you have any questions! I'd love to help!
 
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supershorty said:
Cornell? Pretty sure there are tuition differences for IS vs OOS there.

In any event, congrats on your acceptance and have a great time at NCSU!
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Thank you! I didn't consider Cornell because I wanted to save as much money as possible. I'll probably be graduating with around ~ $100,000 in student loans compared to $140,000. But, I meant more like they don't really differentiate between in state and out of state seats in their class. Like in state NC residents get 80 of the 100 seats. Cornell isn't like that so NY residents don't have much of an advantage. I also already have a place to stay in NC
 
youngkal said:
I think what is really important is how you talk about your experiences; last year my application was short but this year I had more people look at it and critique what I wrote and I realized I wasn't giving the best descriptions for my experiences!
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I completely agree. I had several people proof read my app and essays. The biggest thing I had to fix was “underselling” myself. I initially wrote as if what I had done was not a big deal instead of highlighting how awesome those experiences were. Once I changed that, it changed the entire tone of my app.
 
BlueGoose said:
I completely agree. I had several people proof read my app and essays. The biggest thing I had to fix was “underselling” myself. I initially wrote as if what I had done was not a big deal instead of highlighting how awesome those experiences were. Once I changed that, it changed the entire tone of my app.
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Piggy backing because this is important!! I had both schools I interviewed at last year tell me that my personal statement was too negative! Was it responsible for me not being accepted? Perhaps not entirely; but it sure as hell didn't help my case!!
 
21 yr old female, Indiana resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, NC State, and Ohio State
Interview Offers: Purdue, Ohio State
Waiting to hear: Illinois, Wisconsin
Accepted: NC State♥️
Attending: TBD

Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.50
Last 45 GPA: 3.70

GRE (Q/V/W): 157/158/4.5

Degree: BS Biology (May 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant at 3 small animal practices over the past 4 years: 1750 hours total

Animal Experience
Foster at SA shelter: 1600 hours
Naturalist at Indianapolis Zoo: 160 hours

Research
Training on PCR and Genetics Research: 6 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Student Athlete Advisory Commitee
Spanish Club
John Marshall Emerging Leaders Institute
Marshall University Women's Swim Team

Non-Animal Employment
Swim Lesson instructor

LORs
Small animal vet
Small animal vet
Ecology professor
College swim coach
SA clinic manager

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
In all of my essays and short answer questions, I focused on being very honest even if it wasn't what I thought they may want to hear. I don't have a sad story or a big moment to share. I'm just a normal person that is 110% sure that I am meant to be a veterinarian. I just need the degree I would be happy to share responses to anyone who is curious.
 
21 year old female, MA resident, first time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Tufts, Michigan, LMU, UPENN, Iowa, Kansas, Purdue, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri
Interviews: LMU, Tufts, Minnesota, Purdue, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas
Waiting: all the rest
Accepted: Tufts, LMU
Attending: unsure

GPA: 3.92
Science GPA: 3.86
Last 45: 4.00

GRE (v/q/w): 160/161/4.5

Degree: Pre veterinary sciences B.S from UMass Amherst

Veterinary Hours :
-1300 between two small animal clinics(with exoctics, and a couple marine patients )
-100 ish hours shelter med but I put it under animal experience as most of the time a vet did not supervise

Animal hours:
-2500 Small animal kennel
- around 400-500 Large animal from hands on classes and TA-ing

Research : 300 hours ( one semester in a neurobiology lab, 2 semesters in an avian biacoustic lab, now working on thesis)

Extra curriculaes:
-Teaching assistant for a hands on sheep management class
-honors college

Non animal employment : none, all my jobs involved animals

LORs
-small animal vet
-guidance counselor
-manager at kennel job
-animal reproduction professor
-bio professor
-animal welfare and TA supervisor professor

Essays: not really applicable
 
Do you mind telling me when you interviewed at LMU and when they told you you were accepted?

Coffee<3Cats<3&Ratties<3 said:
21 year old female, MA resident, first time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Tufts, Michigan, LMU, UPENN, Iowa, Kansas, Purdue, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri
Interviews: LMU, Tufts, Minnesota, Purdue, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas
Waiting: all the rest
Accepted: Tufts, LMU
Attending: unsure

GPA: 3.92
Science GPA: 3.86
Last 45: 4.00

GRE (v/q/w): 160/161/4.5

Degree: Pre veterinary sciences B.S from UMass Amherst

Veterinary Hours :
-1300 between two small animal clinics(with exoctics, and a couple marine patients )
-100 ish hours shelter med but I put it under animal experience as most of the time a vet did not supervise

Animal hours:
-2500 Small animal kennel
- around 400-500 Large animal from hands on classes and TA-ing

Research : 300 hours ( one semester in a neurobiology lab, 2 semesters in an avian biacoustic lab, now working on thesis)

Extra curriculaes:
-Teaching assistant for a hands on sheep management class
-honors college

Non animal employment : none, all my jobs involved animals

LORs
-small animal vet
-guidance counselor
-manager at kennel job
-animal reproduction professor
-bio professor
-animal welfare and TA supervisor professor

Essays: not really applicable
Click to expand...
 
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21 yr old female, Arkansas resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Oklahoma State, Missouri, LSU
Interview Invites: Missouri
Waiting to hear: None
Accepted: LSU, Mizzou, OSU
Attending: Probably LSU!

Overall GPA: 3.97
Science GPA: 4.00
Last 45 GPA: 4.00

GRE (Q/V/W): 152/157/4.5

Degree: BS Biology (May 2018)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant at small animal practice: 575 hrs
Internship with mixed animal vet: 60 hrs
Shadowed equine vet: 8 hrs
Random small animal shadowing: 30 hrs

Animal Experience
Animal shelter volunteer: ~700 hrs
Pet shop care taker: 335 hrs
Kitten foster: ~100 hrs

Research
Sustainable agriculture working with tilapia: ~50 hrs

Extracurriculars/Awards
Biology club
Chemistry club
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Epsilon Delta
Tri Beta Honor Society secretary/treasurer
Pre-Vet Club president
Top Biology Presenter at undergrad research symposium
Dean’s List every semester

Non-Animal Employment
Peer adviser at my college's STEM advising office since August 2017

LORs
Small animal vet
Mixed animal vet
Chancellor of college I attend
Head of biology department/bio professor
Professor I did research with

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
Not really applicable since they were just questions. Just did my best to give a full and complete answer to everything that was asked while highlighting my experiences. The weakest part of my application was my lack of veterinary experience so I focused my answers on my best experiences. I'm interested in shelter medicine so I worked this into my answers as well. The hardest part of answering these questions was the very small word limit so I just tried to be concise while also giving a detailed answer.
 
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For those of you non trads out there, I started this process 2 ish years ago with no background in the sciences whatsoever. I dropped out of grad school for theatre history and had to start from scratch. Don't let the pre-reqs scare you, the hype can get you down, but you can do it! Good luck!

28 yr old female, NY resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Kansas State, Cornell, Tufts, Colorado
Interview Invites: Kansas State (declined to attend after getting into Cornell), Colorado (declined to attend after getting into Cornell), Tufts (declined to attend after getting into Cornell)
Waiting to hear: n/a
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell
Overall GPA: 3.6
Science GPA: 3.62
Last 45 GPA: 3.6 (I'm an A- kinda gal, what can I say)
GRE (Q/V/W): 153 ( 51st percentile WHOOPS)/163 (93rd percentile) /5 (93rd percentile)

Degree: B.A. Theater/Religious Studies

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant at small animal practice: 1400 hrs
Shadowed large animal vet: 17 hrs
Shadowed research vet at medical school: 20 hrs

Animal Experience
Assisted with maintenance of animal colony in research lab: 270 hrs
Volunteered at zoo: 210 hrs
Worked as a dog walker: 500 hrs
Volunteered at dog/cat shelter: 42 hrs
Shadowed a farmer running beef cattle farm: 100 hrs

Research
2nd author publication (same lab where I worked with research animals)

Extracurriculars/Awards
So I don't want to get into specifics here because it'll be super easy to identify me, but vaguely:
National president of one of the largest youth organizations in the country
National scholarship (like on par with Fulbright selectivity wise)
President of 5 different clubs at my undergrad university
Honor Court Representative
Awarded 12 other awards/scholarships for community service/leadership
Suicide Hotline volunteer
Dean's List/Academic Honors
Taught 2 University Courses
Theater stuff out the gazoo
Award for no social life (jk)

Non-Animal Employment
Ugh, so many things, I was all over the place when I graduated:
- Intern in the U.S. Senate (8 months total)
- Paralegal (1 year)
- Bartender (3 years)
- Operations Staff at University Gym (4 years)
- University Housing and Dining repairwoman (1 year)
- Tutoring (2 years)
- Waitressing (1 years)
- Hardware store minion (4 years)

LORs
Small Animal Vet X 2
Undergrad Thesis Advisor
Genetics Professor
Research Mentor/Advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I went SUPER out of the box answering these questions. The vets I spoke with suggested I steer clear of a lot of the cliches that pop up during this process. I'm an ultra non trad who started on this path two years ago, so I embraced it and talked about a bunch of the crazy things I'd encountered in my various places of employ and how they provided me with the confidence and skill to be an awesome vet. For example, one question asked about an instance in which I thought I made a difference, so I talked about a time when I was bartending I saw a guy roofie one of my customers, and acted crazy fast to get the drink out of her hands to keep her safe.

EDIT: When I contacted Tufts it turns out I got an invite there too, they sent out more interview invite emails today (Thursday January 4th). Declined that interview too. DREAM SCHOOL HERE I COME!!!!
 
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FancyHatWearingManatee said:
For those of you non trads out there, I started this process 2 ish years ago with no background in the sciences whatsoever. I dropped out of grad school for theatre history and had to start from scratch. Don't let the pre-reqs scare you, the hype can get you down, but you can do it! Good luck!

28 yr old female, NY resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Kansas State, Cornell, Tufts, Colorado
Interview Invites: Kansas State (declined to attend after getting into Cornell), Colorado (declined to attend after getting into Cornell)
Waiting to hear: Tufts (going to decline if I get an invite)
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell
Overall GPA: 3.6
Science GPA: 3.62
Last 45 GPA: 3.6 (I'm an A- kinda gal, what can I say)
GRE (Q/V/W): 153 ( 51st percentile WHOOPS)/163 (93rd percentile) /5 (93rd percentile)

Degree: B.A. Theater/Religious Studies

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant at small animal practice: 1400 hrs
Shadowed large animal vet: 17 hrs
Shadowed research vet at medical school: 20 hrs

Animal Experience
Assisted with maintenance of animal colony in research lab: 270 hrs
Volunteered at zoo: 210 hrs
Worked as a dog walker: 500 hrs
Volunteered at dog/cat shelter: 42 hrs
Shadowed a farmer running beef cattle farm: 100 hrs

Research
2nd author publication (same lab where I worked with research animals)

Extracurriculars/Awards
So I don't want to get into specifics here because it'll be super easy to identify me, but vaguely:
National president of one of the largest youth organizations in the country
National scholarship (like on par with Fulbright selectivity wise)
President of 5 different clubs at my undergrad university
Honor Court Representative
Awarded 12 other awards/scholarships for community service/leadership
Suicide Hotline volunteer
Dean's List/Academic Honors
Taught 2 University Courses
Theater stuff out the gazoo
Award for no social life (jk)

Non-Animal Employment
Ugh, so many things, I was all over the place when I graduated:
- Intern in the U.S. Senate (8 months total)
- Paralegal (1 year)
- Bartender (3 years)
- Operations Staff at University Gym (4 years)
- University Housing and Dining repairwoman (1 year)
- Tutoring (2 years)
- Waitressing (1 years)
- Hardware store minion (4 years)

LORs
Small Animal Vet X 2
Undergrad Thesis Advisor
Genetics Professor
Research Mentor/Advisor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I went SUPER out of the box answering these questions. The vets I spoke with suggested I steer clear of a lot of the cliches that pop up during this process. I'm an ultra non trad who started on this path two years ago, so I embraced it and talked about a bunch of the crazy things I'd encountered in my various places of employ and how they provided me with the confidence and skill to be an awesome vet. For example, one question asked about an instance in which I thought I made a difference, so I talked about a time when I was bartending I saw a guy roofie one of my customers, and acted crazy fast to get the drink out of her hands to keep her safe.
Click to expand...
I think you can let Tufts know now you won't be attending, even before an interview invite!
 
21 year old female, NJ resident, first time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Tufts, UPENN, Ohio, Virginia, Ross, UCD, Wisconsin
Interviews: Ohio, UPenn, Virgina (will decline tomorrow)
Waiting: Tufts and Wisconsin
Accepted: Ross and Cornell
Attending: TBD

GPA: 3.61
Science GPA: 3.59
Last 45: 3.55

GRE (v/q/w): 155/154/5

Degree: Animal science/ Pre-veterinary sciences B.S from Cornell University

Veterinary Hours :
-120 hours at an emergency hospital (which is what I want to do)
-350 hours as an intern at a shelter clinic
-480 hours working in a veterinary clinic

Animal hours:
-120 hours Behavioral Husbandry Volunteer at NY aquarium
-45 hours Artificial Inseminator
-105 hours Sheep management class
-200 hours Volunteering at a zoo

Research :
-about 300 hours working on bovine and canine research

Extra curricular:
-TA for two upper-level classes
-Volunteered at a first aid squad for like 2 years
-Sigma Alpha sorority (professional agricultural sorority)
- Building ourselves through sisterhood and service Mentor
-Alpha Phi Omega member (service fraternity)
-IM league
-Dancing group
-Musician for church group
-Volunteered with under privileged youth

Non-animal employment :
-Emergency clinical technician for about 2 years at a hospital
-Worked in two transportation companies

Extracurriculars/Awards
-Alpha Phi Alpha Memorial scholarship
-American Society of Animal Science
-Deans list

LORs
-Shelter vet
-Academic advisor
-Research advisor
-Professor who I TA'd for
-Emergency Medicine Vet

Essays: Really tried to think out of the box! Put in experiences of EMT, embarrassing moments, and things that impacted me when I volunteered!
-If you need anything else from me, don't hesitate to message me!
 
ziggyandjazzy said:
Oh I have no idea, I didn't apply there haha.

Also the bartending response is so good and wholesome. I appreciate that possibly more than you could know.
Click to expand...
Thanks! The bouncers didn't catch the guy though, so that sucked, but at least the girl was ok!!!
 
I am so very excited to finally be able to post in here and for my dream school!

20 yr old female, NY resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Cornell, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Tufts, VAMD
Interview Invites: VAMD (waitlisted), Tufts, Illinois
Waiting to hear: Wisconsin and Iowa (will decline though cause I got into my IS)
Accepted: Cornell! (dream school)
Attending: Cornell:soexcited::soexcited:

Overall GPA: 3.73
Science GPA: 3.53
Last 45 GPA: 3.91

GRE (Q/V/W)--I hate this thing: 156 (61%) /153 (62%) /4.0

Degree: BS Biotechnology (December 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary assistant SA Emergency Center: 3000 hrs
Shadowed Equine Vet: 120 hrs
Shadowed LA with assisting heavily with blood draws etc: 100 hrs
Shadowed mixed practice: 80 hrs
Zoo Vet Internship: 340 hrs

Animal Experience
Horse riding and ownership: 1200 hrs
Equine leader for special needs program: 40 hrs
Dog daycare attendant: 300 hrs
Volunteer hand at organic dairy farm: 100 hrs
Probably plenty more I am missing.

Research
Honors thesis project identifying canid species with PCR from scat samples and further study looking at parasite infections in those samples. (500 hours)
General fish care for research fish. (60 hours)

Extracurriculars/Awards
TA for Bio II
Pre-Vet Club President and Founder
Honor Society
Student Ambassador
KeyBank Scholarship
Dollars for Scholars
Robin Hood Oak Award (after applying, but go stumpies!)
Keith W Fengler Scholarship
Presenting Research at 3 symposiums with posters

Non-Animal Employment
Worked in retail for 2 years (good people skills)

LORs
SA Surgeon
Equine Vet
Zoo Vet
LA Vet
Anatomy Professor
Advisor/Honors Thesis Project person/ amazing mentor!!🙂
 
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ChoopLoops said:
Ok haven't gotten around to posting my stats yet, but are you guys ****ing STOKED that we're all gonna be veterinary students in the fall!? I'm getting so stoked!!

Click to expand...
Hold onto this feeling or maybe save this message for yourself to look at when you're in the thick of it and having a hard time next year (or in other years of school!). Vet school is tough even if you know you want to do it and know it's the profession for you. I still look at my facebook post about getting in every so often (or my first SDN post, it's about the same thing lol) and recapture that feeling of excitement because it reminds me why I'm here.

I love this thread, the enthusiasm is frankly infectious and I'm really excited for and proud of everyone who posts here this application cycle. We're all going to be vets y'all! Get excited!

:biglove:
 
Here goes! I still can't believe I get to post here.

23 yr old female, NY resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Ross, Tufts, Kansas State, Cornell, Lincoln Memorial, Western, Florida, U Penn, Missouri, Ohio State, Minnesota, UC Davis, Iowa State, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, Colorado State, Louisiana State, Oregon State, Virginia Maryland, Washington State, Wisconsin Madison, Georgia. 😛
Interview Invites: Ross, Kansas State, Lincoln Memorial, U Penn, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan State, Purdue, Washington State (just canceled them all)
Waiting to hear: Tufts, Iowa State, Illinois, Wisconsin-Madison, Georgia, Louisiana State (Alternate), Virginia Maryland (waitlist) (withdrew from all)
Accepted: Cornell
Attending: Cornell.

Overall GPA: 3.28
Science GPA: 3.05
Last 45 GPA: 3.36
😎

GRE (Q/V/W): 167 (92%) /164 (94%) /4.5

Degree: BA Ecology, Evolution, & Environmental Biology (from an Ivy, for all those schools that look at "academic rigor of program")

Veterinary Experience
Small animal veterinary assistant: 1800 hours (one practice, mostly with one veterinarian)
Shadowed wildlife veterinarian: 5 hours

Animal Experience
Dog training volunteer: 6 hours
Licensed wildlife rehabilitation: 140 hours
Aquarium volunteer: 220 hours

Research
Avian lab (but no contact with animals): 380 hours
Also included in this was my senior undergraduate thesis. It was published in a scientific journal and then the New York Times
Microbiology lab: 300 hours
Biomedical lab at a hospital: 1120 hours, with rats, including many hours of dissection
A secondary author of two papers from here but now that I think of it, I didn't list them on my application haha. Maybe my LOR writer mentioned them.

Extracurriculars/Awards
Licensed wildlife rehabber?
2 or 3 scholarships from my college
Dean's List for one semester
A bunch of academic and music awards from high school
National Merit Scholarship Finalist from high school
Random House creative writing scholarship from high school
no shame. power to high school me

A ton of music -- preprofessional piano and singing.
General leadership activities like residential hall leadership, orientation leader, director for some choirs etc.
Photography for school magazine

Non-Animal Employment
none

LORs
SA Vet
Biomedical research supervisor
2 college professors

For my 3 personal statement essays, I mostly drew on my experience working in a small animal practice with diverse and sometimes troublesome clients. For Cornell specifically, I was very honest and delved into some "are you sure you're going to write about this?" territory. Including: an entire response talking about a friendship when I was 7 years old, and 1-2 responses involving bad grades.:whistle: Not sure if my essays helped or hurt me. Oh yea, diversity essays everywhere. I'm a POC (although not underrepresented) and have worked with diverse/disadvantaged communities extensively
 
@fve17 How did you cancel your interviews!? I am trying to write an email but I'm trying to sound as respectful as possible!
 
fve17 said:
Applied: Ross, Tufts, Kansas State, Cornell, Lincoln Memorial, Western, Florida, U Penn, Missouri, Ohio State, Minnesota, UC Davis, Iowa State, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, Colorado State, Louisiana State, Oregon State, Virginia Maryland, Washington State, Wisconsin Madison, Georgia. 😛
Click to expand...

Glad im not the only person who applied to many schools however you do have me beat 😛 and people thought I was crazy 🙂 you go!!!
 
DVet1996 said:
@fve17 How did you cancel your interviews!? I am trying to write an email but I'm trying to sound as respectful as possible!
Click to expand...

I know people who called the schools last year and basically just said thank you so much from the offer but I just got accepted to my in-state school and will be withdrawing my application (or declining {insert whatever here}) -goodluck!
 
DVet1996 said:
@fve17 How did you cancel your interviews!? I am trying to write an email but I'm trying to sound as respectful as possible!
Click to expand...

It wasn't too long, I just stated my name and the date my interview had been scheduled for.
Then I wrote the reason: I just received an offer from my in state school, which I'm planning to attend.
Then a short apology for the inconvenience and late cancellation. I feel bad but I think they get it...no point in interviewing with no intent of attending. I've already heard back from half the schools with super nice "Congratulations, we'll withdraw your application." I'm giving them a day to respond and then calling to confirm (just because I have so many schools to get back to).
 
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