Hi guys!
Well it looks like I am getting ready to be a
Third Timer! And I really want to get some advice....before I start setting things up for this summer.
BACKGROUND info:
Going to be 26 this year
B.S. Animal Science 2007 from K-State's Distance Degree Completion program with a 3.86 GPA (last 45 3.91)
GRE 1100+ (I need to raise my verbal score astronomically)
My IS is Colorado and that is where I REALLY REALLY want to go (need to almost because of in-state tuition). BUT obviously I didn't do my undergrad there, which is kind of what some vets I have talked to that graduated from there said might be "part" of the problem.
I live EXCEPTIONALLY rural (which is why I finished via distance) and that isn't going to change unless I get into vet school. I have gained a lifetime of "animal" experience because I was raised on a cattle ranch and that is where I am currently working...along with doing medical transcription at night over the internet (which I thought would look kind of "unique" to adcoms?). Then over the last several years I have been able to acquire about 1,100 hours of vet shadowing with a mixed practice vet (mostly large animal, which is what I am interested in purusing) and then one summer at an internship with a zoo.
In my file review....about the only two things that were said was RAISE my verbal GRE and that my statistics are solid but that I just don't "stand out" as an applicant in a phenomenal pool
😡.
Does anyone think that there is a way that I can "redeem" myself and make myself competitive here??????
Besides retaking the GRE (and possibly doing the Princeton Review to study) I was thinking about volunteering one day a week at the nearest animal shelter (which is over an hour away) and then possibly get a different vet to let me shadow 1-2 days a week for the next 5 months or so. I just can't think of anything else that would help.......or that would be within my boundaries.
THANKS
This thread has really been an inspiration to try one more time!
Good LUCK to all upcoming THIRD TIMERS!
and CONGRATS to you guys this year that made it IN!
👍
Hey there!
I hope I can give you some helpful insight. I'm also 26, a third timer, and applied to the same schools (mostly) three years running. I desperately wanted to go to Tufts from the beginning. I spoke with admissions people over the last few years after being waitlisted (Y1) and then rejected (Y2). They suggested that I increase my GRE score, take some upper level bio courses to improve my grades, and to consider doing a Masters Degree first. I re-took the GRE and improved my writing score but math/verbal stayed pretty much the same. I did take some additional classes and improved my grades slightly.
However, overall, I think what paid off this year for me are things that might pay off for you as well, as you seem on a similar path:
1.) Persistence! Despite admissions suggesting I consider a different path, I kept at it and I think by continuing to apply, you demonstrate your dedication to the field and are considered more strongly. Don't give up on Colorado if it's what you want!
2.) Essay guidance: If they are seeking for you to STAND OUT, this is a great way to do it, despite the fact that grades/GRE/experiences may not change very much (even though it sounds like you have great experiences/grades!). That first sentence of your essay can mean the difference between being placed at the top of the pile and at the bottom. This time around, I sought out a number of sources to read and critique my essays. I think I had 8+ people read it, and the essay, while (because I am stubborn) it remained mine, morphed into something that was far clearer, concise and more insightful into who I am/what I want to do. The differences between my original essays and the most recent one is really dramatic and I think that can REALLY be to your benefit if you are seeking a way to stand out in their eyes. Have friends read it, trusted academic advisors, and pre-medical advisors at school, english professors, creative writing friends, musicians -- whoever you think can help you put together the most concise, clear and creative statement. Seek not just grammatical/spelling issues but ask them to read for: "Does this speak to who I am? Does it speak to who I want to be? Do I sound dedicated to this? Do I sound passionate and aware of what the field entails? Do I sound wishy-washy in any way (avoid at all costs!)? Does my opening statement grab their attention? Do I maintain your attention? Is my conclusion concluding -- says what I want, and rounds out the essay?" Anyway, just some suggestions.
3.) Maturity level - You have undoubtedly matured markedly since your first application, and that will show in your willingness to reapply, to retake exams, and to dedicate yourself to the path. Some adcoms have indicated that they prefer students who've been out of school awhile as they are returning to vet medicine, 100 % sure of it being their path. This could help you. I'd definitely consider re-taking the GRE, and using a prep course if you are confident your score could improve. Otherwise, the cost of a prep course may not be worth it, and you might be able to improve your score on your own.
4.) More letters of rec. First two years, I had three letters (same people each time). This year I got seven people (including a committee letter from a pre-health advisor at my undergrad institution (graduated 2006). Though they ask for three and may not read all of the ones you submit, I think this can really be to your benefit if they are deciding between you and another equally qualified candidate as each letter writer may be able speak to different aspects of who you are. If you only do three, consider submitting different people than last year....
5.) Also, it is certainly up to you, and you know your own financial situation and needs better than anyone, but, would you consider applying out of state? It would cost more, but, you might have a better shot of getting in and if it's really what you want to do, could be worth it. I applied this year both to the schools I had previous applied to (and been waitlisted at in previous years), and also a couple of schools that weren't my top choice, but had a higher statistical chance of being accepted. I was accepted to a few out of state programs, but ended up getting in where I'd hoped to all along. So even if not your top choice, having a back-up can be good.
Don't forget as well -- just because a school says other candidates are of a "phenomenal pool" - it doesn't mean that you aren't a phenomenal candidate as well. Remember to treat yourself well, be gentle, and give yourself due credit for hard work! Because many people that apply are excellent candidates (they've all got great grades, great experiences, great letters), but only so many can be accepted each year. Some simply put together a package that grabbed the admissions commitees eyes more openly. That's why I think the essay can really help put you towards the top of the application pile!
This is all just stuff from my own experience, you needn't consider any of it if you don't want to or feel that it will benefit you. But I pushed through even when they suggested I consider a different path and I ended up getting into that very school on my third try.
🙂
Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you want additional ideas or some informational sites that helped me.
👍
*Also, many people's experiences may have been different than mine, so, please know if you are reading this, I mean no offense to anyone else's experiences or paths.
🙂
