WAMC- 1st time applicant. low gpa, interested in exotic/forensic

[_Aik]

Hi! First time applicant, will be graduating with BS in spring 2026. Interested in exotic/exotic shelter med/forensics. Interested in applying to the following colleges: UF (#1), NCSU (ISS), Mississippi State, Auburn, UT, Georgia, LSU, Virginia-maryland. Worried about GPA, but I have been working on increasing it. Not open to island schools due to chronic disease.

Cumulative GPA: 3.21; if replaces lowest grade, 3.35
science GPA: 3.09; if replaces lowest grade, 3.24
last 45: Currently 3.45
** Classes I still have to take: Animal nutrition, microbio with lab, biochem, evolution, medical terminology, statistical methods, biochem 2 with lab, senior seminar x2

Any degrees achieved
AS in Science with 3.833 GPA, high honors
BS in Biology, will be earned Spring 2026

GRE results: Not taking

Veterinary Experience:
- Veterinary assistant @ small animal clinic- 180.58 hrs
- Veterinary assistant @ small animal/pocket pet clinic- 533.77 hrs
- Veterinary assistant @ small animal clinic- 1188.04 hrs
- Turtle rescue volunteer and intern- 99 hours
- UK Study abroad with large animal, small animal, pocket pets- 250 hrs
TOTAL: 2306.39 hrs

Animal Experience:
- State fair barn staff- 9 hrs
- PetSmart- 1412 hrs
- Humane society volunteer- 23 hrs
TOTAL: 1444 hrs

Research Experience:
- 0, will be doing one-on-one cancer research with my organic 1, organic 2, and biochem 1 professor this summer

Awards/scholarships:
- Graduated High Honors with AS in Science
- Phi Theta Kappa membership
- Dean's List for community college and university (with scholarship)
- President's List for another community college

Extracurriculars:
- Part-time veterinary assistant
- Tutor for organic chemistry
- Internship for turtle rescue
- Humane society volunteer
(do these have to be active?)

Employment:
- Veterinary assistant x3 as stated above
- PetSmart

Low GPA, I've heard of others stating I'll be under the GPA cut off for the schools I selected? I'm open to applying to other schools if it'll give me better chances, if focuses on exotic/shelter med. Ultimately want to know plans for improvement/other colleges if mine aren't good. My ISS is NCSU, would rather not go too far to the west, but I gotta do what I gotta do. I've heard Midwestern, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa is good? Fearful that a majority of those focus on rural/large animal interests.
**No island schools

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[_Aik]

Forgot to mention my LORs:
1. Veterinarian from job, graduated from UF (my #1)
2. Veterinarian from job, graduated from NCSU (my ISS)
3. My organic 1 and 2, biochem 1 professor. Also doing research with her this summer

 

[vampyrica]

** Classes I still have to take: Animal nutrition, microbio with lab, biochem, evolution, medical terminology, statistical methods, biochem 2 with lab, senior seminar x2

Are you apply this cycle or next? If you are applying this cycle, i would recommend not to unless you are taking these classes over the summer and will have grades in before the application deadline.

Most schools have a requirement that only 2 pre-requisite courses may be in progress at the time of application. If you submit, your application will most likely not be looked at due to having 4-5 in progress pre-reqs.

 

[_Aik]

Are you apply this cycle or next? If you are applying this cycle, i would recommend not to unless you are taking these classes over the summer and will have grades in before the application deadline.

Most schools have a requirement that only 2 pre-requisite courses may be in progress at the time of application. If you submit, your application will most likely not be looked at due to having 4-5 in progress pre-reqs.

I will be applying this cycle. The courses I have remaining that are pre-reqs are biochem 1, microbio, and animal nutrition. I am taking animal nutrition this summer. I'll be taking biochem, microbio, and med term in the fall. I'm taking biochem 2 in the spring to improve my GPA.
The only college on my list that requires med term is Virginia-maryland, but it'll be fine since they require all pre-reqs to be finished by spring semester prior to matriculation. The other colleges do not require med term, so I'll have the maximum two classes to finish during the fall, per their requirements.

I did state about statistics, but I've already completed that at a community college that does satisfy the pre-req for cvm. I am only taking another course since my college did not accept my prior stats class for graduation requirements (private uni).

 

[vampyrica]

I will be applying this cycle. The courses I have remaining that are pre-reqs are biochem 1, microbio, and animal nutrition. I am taking animal nutrition this summer. I'll be taking biochem, microbio, and med term in the fall. I'm taking biochem 2 in the spring to improve my GPA.
The only college on my list that requires med term is Virginia-maryland, but it'll be fine since they require all pre-reqs to be finished by spring semester prior to matriculation. The other colleges do not require med term, so I'll have the maximum two classes to finish during the fall, per their requirements.

Okay great! Thank you for clarifying.

Do you know which schools on your list will do grade replacement to calculate their science and pre-req GPAs? If you're open to adding more schools, I would definitely add Iowa and UAZ on your list. UGA is very picky with OOS students and tend to look at higher GPA applicants. Your hours are good IMO, I think there's some variety in there. You can get in with your GPAs but you will have to have very very good LORs and very very good essays.

 

[_Aik]

Okay great! Thank you for clarifying.

Do you know which schools on your list will do grade replacement to calculate their science and pre-req GPAs? If you're open to adding more schools, I would definitely add Iowa and UAZ on your list. UGA is very picky with OOS students and tend to look at higher GPA applicants. Your hours are good IMO, I think there's some variety in there. You can get in with your GPAs but you will have to have very very good LORs and very very good essays.

None of my colleges I listed do grade replacements. The only one that is different is LSU, where they have no cGPA and favors last 45 credits. I am down to add Iowa and UAZ, but I figured it didn't have a strong exotics program/preferred large animal students. I'll definitely give it a look!
Thank you for notifying me about UGA. I'll be sure to substitute it with something else, it was definitely just a filler school on my list (I plan to apply to 7 minimum).

 

[battie]

I've heard of others stating I'll be under the GPA cut off for the schools I selected?

It's very possible, especially as an out of state student. You'll need to check all grade cut off closely.

if focuses on exotic/shelter med.

No school has a focus on exotics or shelter med. Some schools have more options for on site electives and rotations. But you're not in a position to be that picky.

fearful that a majority of those focus on rural/large animal interests.

I would say no school has a total focus on rural/large animal focus because everyone has to pass the NAVLE, which has a significant dog/cat portion. Some schools do want a percentage of their students to go into rural medicine, but it's hard to fill a class with 100% of these students. So even if you don't want to do rural med, you can still apply to the vast majority of these schools.

UF (#1), NCSU (ISS), Mississippi State, Auburn, UT, Georgia, LSU, Virginia-maryland

Why did you choose these schools? What schools are absolutely hard no gos besides international?

As Vamp said, you can yeet UGA right off your list.

What you should do is make yourself some sort of excel sheet or chart with the grade cut offs with each school as your first step to know what schools you can even apply to at all. Unfortunately, your in a position of just trying to get in at all, let alone being choosey about where you go.

Once you have your list of where you are even eligible to apply, you should determine which schools give you the best chance by evaluating which schools have the greatest number of out of state seats and how many people actually apply there. Finally, you need to see which GPA is most important to which schools and focus on applying where your 45 GPA will be most valued.

Your biggest asset is your 45 GPA. You need to do whatever you can to get As the next few semesters. Anything less will bring down your GPAs across the board, but most importantly it will decrease that 45 GPA. If you don't ace the next year of classes, I would recommend not applying this cycle and waiting a year while retaking classes and meeting with admissions committees. My biggest recommendation is to apply with your best application from the get go.

Your subjective components of your application *must* be stellar.

 

[pp9]

** Classes I still have to take: Animal nutrition, microbio with lab, biochem, evolution, medical terminology, statistical methods, biochem 2 with lab, senior seminar x2

Are you apply this cycle or next? If you are applying this cycle, i would recommend not to unless you are taking these classes over the summer and will have grades in before the application deadline.

Aside from the pending course requirements...that is just a lot of pending courses and your stats are not good. The biochems have the potential to tank your stats even further. I don't say that to be mean, but given that you've already struggled, the odds of you doing well in notoriously difficult upper level courses such as biochem are low considering you are taking multiple upper level courses with it.

I'm taking biochem 2 in the spring to improve my GPA.

I've never in my life heard someone say they were taking a biochem to improve their GPA so I would think long and hard about that one. Is biochem really considered a 'gimme' course at your school? If it's not, do not take this. If I was looking to improve my GPA, I would be taking upper level animal science/nutrition/other or repeating courses, and absolutely not taking an extra biochem.

And if it really is a 'gimme' course for you, I'd love to know what school you're at.

 

[_Aik]

I would say no school has a total focus on rural/large animal focus because everyone has to pass the NAVLE, which has a significant dog/cat portion. Some schools do want a percentage of their students to go into rural medicine, but it's hard to fill a class with 100% of these students. So even if you don't want to do rural med, you can still apply to the vast majority of these schools.

Thank you for letting me know this. I've already added more schools to my list.

Why did you choose these schools? What schools are absolutely hard no gos besides international?

Ultimately chose those schools, so I wouldn't have to move so far from North Carolina. Schools that are hard nos would be schools closer to the west coast.

What you should do is make yourself some sort of excel sheet or chart with the grade cut offs with each school as your first step to know what schools you can even apply to at all.

I have just completed this for each college I've looked into. Here is the data:
prGPA = pre-reqs GPA
cGPA = cumulative GPA

Mississippi State: replaces lowest grade for prGPA and cGPA. Only looks at sGPA and cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA for this school: 3.5
My cGPA for this school: 3.35

NCSU (ISS): looks at cGPA, prGPA, last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.3
My cGPA: 3.21

Virginia-Maryland: replaces only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.77
My cGPA: 3.21

LSU: Uses both original and retakes for prGPA and last 45. Looks only at prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.24

LMU: only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 2.8.
cGPA: 3.21

Michigan State: replaces grades for prGPA and last 3 semesters. Only looks at prGPA and last 3 semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
prGPA: 3.5

Kansas State: Averages for cGPA. Only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.35

UF: Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. GPA required has to be x > 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.2
My cGPA: 3.21
**Applying to this college no matter what

Auburn: looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.21

Iowa State: replaces grades for all three (cGPA, prGPA, last 45). Minimum cGPA is 2.5 and 2.8 for prGPA.
My prGPA: 3.11
My cGPA: 3.35
**Not sure why my prGPA is low (even with grade replacement), but my math is correct.

Illinois: Uses both original and retakes for cGPA and prGPA (only ones looked at). Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.17
My cGPA: 3.21
**Might remove this one off the list, doesn't look good at all.

UAS: replaces grade only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA and prGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.6
My cGPA: 3.21

Missouri State: uses both grades only for cGPA. Looks at cGPA and last 3 FT semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0. States is holisitc.
My cGPA: 3.35

University of Minnesota: averages for prGPA. Looks at both prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA is > 2.75.
My prGPA: 3.5
**Definitely will be applying to, has great exotic/shelter electives


Now I'll be taking your advice and looking at which colleges are a better fit in terms of acceptance/OOS applicants

 

[_Aik]

just a lot of pending courses

The only courses that are pending for a majority of the schools are the following: Animal nutrition (taking this summer), Microbio and Biochem 1 (taking this fall). The only other course that one other course requires is medical term, which I can take in the spring and be fine according to Virginia-Maryland's website.
When posting on this forum, I forgot that statistics was also a pre-req for a majority of colleges. I have already taken a stats that satisfies the pre-req for cvm admissions. I am taking a second one due to my college not accepting my old one for graduation requirements. Both the old and new statistics course will be an A, so there'll be no change in my GPA calculations there.

you've already struggled

The only course I struggled in Organic Chemistry 1 and Reproductive Physiology. Briefly writing, for that university, my mental took a toll. My grades and mental significantly improved once I transferred out.

Is biochem really considered a 'gimme' course at your school?

My college is a very small, local college. Professors go a long way to assist students in their studies. The professor for BCHM 1 (my organic chem 1, 2, and my mentor for research) is not the same for BCHM 2. However, for the other professor, even though I have not taken a class with her, I can already tell that she is phenomenal and goes a long way for her students. Therefore, I am not afraid of taking the course.

Biochem 2 was chosen because although I have failed organic chemistry 1 in the past, organic chemistry is now my favorite subject. I rave about the class to other students that worry and have assisted with tutoring for organic chemistry 1 and 2. Although BCHM 2 is mostly focused on metabolism, I think I'll enjoy and be fascinated with learning how everything ties together.

To include, BCHM 2 was chosen due to my college being small. Unfortunately, there are no electives that are offered each year. At this moment, I am unsure of which classes will be offered this upcoming spring, but from looking at last spring, it was only core classes available. The only other course I can take is regular nutrition, which is the same professor as BCHM 2.

 

[battie]

Now I'll be taking your advice and looking at which colleges are a better fit in terms of acceptance/OOS applicants

You also need to be tailoring your list based on the GPAs. No point in applying to schools with a 3.75+ out of state GPA average as an example.

To be honest, you should do these calculations for *all* schools you could feasibly apply to, including your less desirable schools. If you're casting a wider net, you may have to compromise some priorities to get an acceptance.

Might remove this one off the list, doesn't look good at all.

If you're referring to your GPA, then you also need to remove Auburn as well.

The only course I struggled in Organic Chemistry 1 and Reproductive Physiology. Briefly writing, for that university, my mental took a toll. My grades and mental significantly improved once I transferred out

PP9 was referring to your overall GPAs being B average. these classes may be your worse, but there's a general overall trend of more Bs or lower than As. She isn't necessarily saying that you struggled from the perspective of failing many classes.

 

[_Aik]

You also need to be tailoring your list based on the GPAs. No point in applying to schools with a 3.75+ out of state GPA average as an example

I'll be getting in contact with each school's admissions office and request last year's OOS applicant data then. I'm unable to find average GPA for OOS online for last year/two years ago.

To be honest, you should do these calculations for *all* schools you could feasibly apply to, including your less desirable schools.

I 100% agree, and have been doing so. I have a lengthy list on my google spreadsheet for schools I'm looking into/fine with applying. If there's a point where I'm researching the college and have noticed more requirements (gpa, courses), then I remove it off my list. Although outdated, I am now using the AVMA admitted stats as a rough guideline for schools I should look more heavily into.

If you're referring to your GPA, then you also need to remove Auburn as well.

I agree!

 

[vampyrica]

Mississippi State: replaces lowest grade for prGPA and cGPA. Only looks at sGPA and cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA for this school: 3.5
My cGPA for this school: 3.35

NCSU (ISS): looks at cGPA, prGPA, last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.3
My cGPA: 3.21

Virginia-Maryland: replaces only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.77
My cGPA: 3.21

LSU: Uses both original and retakes for prGPA and last 45. Looks only at prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.24

LMU: only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 2.8.
cGPA: 3.21

Michigan State: replaces grades for prGPA and last 3 semesters. Only looks at prGPA and last 3 semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
prGPA: 3.5

Kansas State: Averages for cGPA. Only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.35

UF: Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. GPA required has to be x > 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.2
My cGPA: 3.21
**Applying to this college no matter what

Auburn: looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.21

Iowa State: replaces grades for all three (cGPA, prGPA, last 45). Minimum cGPA is 2.5 and 2.8 for prGPA.
My prGPA: 3.11
My cGPA: 3.35
**Not sure why my prGPA is low (even with grade replacement), but my math is correct.

Illinois: Uses both original and retakes for cGPA and prGPA (only ones looked at). Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.17
My cGPA: 3.21
**Might remove this one off the list, doesn't look good at all.

UAS: replaces grade only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA and prGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.6
My cGPA: 3.21

Missouri State: uses both grades only for cGPA. Looks at cGPA and last 3 FT semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0. States is holisitc.
My cGPA: 3.35

University of Minnesota: averages for prGPA. Looks at both prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA is > 2.75.
My prGPA: 3.5
**Definitely will be applying to, has great exotic/shelter electives

I highlighted and crossed out schools I think you should not apply to.

• Michigan state requires all pre-requisites to be completed at the time of application. You indicated you need to take biochemistry still and that is one of their pre-requisites (Academic Requirements)
• UIUC is very GPA heavy, I agree that it should be removed off your list in addition to Auburn as previously mentioned by battie.
• Minnesota is a tricky one. They dont indicate it on their website but they have an internal GPA cutoff. The cutoff for this year was 3.82 for pre-req GPA and a 3.75 for last 45 credit GPA. I would not recommend applying to this program.
• Mizzou is also tricky. They only take ~40 OOS students every year and they tend to be on the higher GPA side. Proceed with caution if you really want to apply.
• I don't think there's harm in shooting your shot for your dream school, if you want to apply to UF, I say go for it. I did the same thing with my dream school and surprise surprise.

Have you looked into LIU? How about Utah State and Rowan? These are the newer programs.

 

[TukusTeten]

I'll be getting in contact with each school's admissions office and request last year's OOS applicant data then. I'm unable to find average GPA for OOS online for last year/two years ago.

Hi! You can use this website : https://applytovetschool.org/
VMSAR is really helpful for getting quick information on each university and compare different universities.

 

[BigCats]

I’m a current fourth year at UF (graduating in two weeks!!), and I’m not sure whether this has been true recently, but in my cycle and I believe the cycle after mine, there was an internal GPA cutoff that was probably around 3.6ish based on people’s reports. People were quite upset to receive an email basically saying that their application hadn’t been looked at at all since their GPA fell below an invisible cutoff. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and have especially maximized my zoo/exotics experiences, but to be honest, most of that experience has come from externships and other things outside of UF. I know UF has the shelter medicine certificate and I believe a class or two on forensics, but honestly, you can explore any of your interests to the same degree at any other school via externships and get a similar level of experience. I would encourage you to apply broadly and not get bogged down in whether or not a school has classes/rotations/faculty/etc in a particular field- you both can and probably should get more of your experience outside of your school.

 

[indysadventures]

Thank you for letting me know this. I've already added more schools to my list.

Ultimately chose those schools, so I wouldn't have to move so far from North Carolina. Schools that are hard nos would be schools closer to the west coast.

I have just completed this for each college I've looked into. Here is the data:
prGPA = pre-reqs GPA
cGPA = cumulative GPA

Mississippi State: replaces lowest grade for prGPA and cGPA. Only looks at sGPA and cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA for this school: 3.5
My cGPA for this school: 3.35

NCSU (ISS): looks at cGPA, prGPA, last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.3
My cGPA: 3.21

Virginia-Maryland: replaces only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.77
My cGPA: 3.21

LSU: Uses both original and retakes for prGPA and last 45. Looks only at prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
My prGPA: 3.24

LMU: only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 2.8.
cGPA: 3.21

Michigan State: replaces grades for prGPA and last 3 semesters. Only looks at prGPA and last 3 semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
prGPA: 3.5

Kansas State: Averages for cGPA. Only looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.35

UF: Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. GPA required has to be x > 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.2
My cGPA: 3.21
**Applying to this college no matter what

Auburn: looks at cGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0
cGPA: 3.21

Iowa State: replaces grades for all three (cGPA, prGPA, last 45). Minimum cGPA is 2.5 and 2.8 for prGPA.
My prGPA: 3.11
My cGPA: 3.35
**Not sure why my prGPA is low (even with grade replacement), but my math is correct.

Illinois: Uses both original and retakes for cGPA and prGPA (only ones looked at). Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.17
My cGPA: 3.21
**Might remove this one off the list, doesn't look good at all.

UAS: replaces grade only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA and prGPA. Minimum GPA required is 3.0.
My prGPA: 3.6
My cGPA: 3.21

Missouri State: uses both grades only for cGPA. Looks at cGPA and last 3 FT semesters. Minimum GPA required is 3.0. States is holisitc.
My cGPA: 3.35

University of Minnesota: averages for prGPA. Looks at both prGPA and last 45. Minimum GPA is > 2.75.
My prGPA: 3.5
**Definitely will be applying to, has great exotic/shelter electives


Now I'll be taking your advice and looking at which colleges are a better fit in terms of acceptance/OOS applicants

I would not suggest, unless your prerequisite and last 45 GPA end up very high (3.6-3.7+) that you apply to UMN. They do not have stark GPA cutoffs, but each year they take an average and I’ve only seen a few OOS applicants make it through initial screening without at least one GPA above the average (I believe @vampyrica already listed those for you.). It might help to look through the successful applicants threads here on SDN, as well as the individual schools threads to get an idea of what each school looks for in their applicants.

The strength of your application lies in choosing the right schools based on your unique attributes. Play to your strengths.

For example- UMN’s averaged prerequisite and last 45 GPA. Many schools do this, that is why you’ll see advertised minimums that are accepted (i.e., 2.75 at UMN) - but the average GPAs of those interviewed/accepted is much, much higher. Illinois is similar. Ohio State outlines on their website what is an *accepted* GPA versus what is a *competitive* GPA. Finding success as an applicant is finding the schools where you will be competitive.

I agree with other commenters about your planned course list being a bit disadvantageous, especially Biochem 2 - why take such an advanced course, when you could focus on retakes and/or a higher biomedical science that will help improve your last 45 GPA? That last 45 will be KEY for you to show schools you’re ready for a vet school curriculum. Schools like UMN, MSU, tOSU, UF, VMCVM, and more - they understand that we’re human, and will all look past a poor cGPA to some degree, but they need to see GROWTH. Your Last 45 GPA is precisely how you do that.

Finally, unless you’re taking a slew of prerequisites this summer, I think you’re applying with too many remaining. While some schools will allow you to apply with up to 4-5 prerequisites pending, I think that they will be much more lenient when someone has a strong GPA. You need to bring your GPA up a bit with your current courses and maybe summer courses. Without this, I think pending prerequisites will hurt your application as they’ll be glaring “question marks” for reviewers, especially if your GPA toes the line of acceptable or competitive per the school’s guidelines and applicant pool.

Definitely reach out to schools to talk to them about how to create a competitive application. But, I think you should also listen to the very good advice within this thread - ace your courses, raise your GPA, and maybe wait another year to apply depending on how spring 2025 and summer courses pan out. Or at least limit your scope for your first application season to your in-state and strongly holistic schools like Ohio State, VMCVM, CSU, etc.

 

[_Aik]

Michigan state requires all pre-requisites to be completed

I don't know how I missed the bold letters on their admissions info page. Thank you! Removed off my list.

UIUC is very GPA heavy, I agree that it should be removed off your list in addition to Auburn as previously mentioned by battie.

Thank you, I removed off my list.

Minnesota is a tricky one

Ouch, the gpa cut off is super high. Removing off my list.

Mizzou is also tricky.

I'll leave it open for now, depends on how many schools I feel comfortable applying to. If that number if below 7, I'll keep it on the list.

Have you looked into LIU? How about Utah State and Rowan? These are the newer programs.

Thank you for recommending these!
I looked into each and calculated my gpa per each school since they had wonderful classes/electives for exotics/shelter

LIU: Looks at cGPA and prGPA. Minimum cGPA and prGPA is 2.8, but applicants with above 3.2 for prGPA will be given preference.
My cGPA: 3.21
My prGPA: 3.22
**Super close, not comfortable applying based on my GPA and what they are looking for. To include, I'm sure other OOS will have higher GPA than me.

USU: Looks at cGPA, prGPA, last 45. Minimum cGPA required is 2.9, 3.1 for prGPA.
My cGPA: 3.21
My prGPA: 3.09
**I don't meet the requirements based off of prGPA, not adding to the list.

Rowan: Replaces lowests grade only for prGPA. Looks at cGPA, prGPA, and last 45. Minimum GPA required is 3.0. Holistic school.
My cGPA: 3.21
My prGPA: 3.34
**I'll be adding to the list since I meet the baseline requirements and the school is holistic.


Looking at my prGPA, even with grade replacement of organic chemistry 1, I think it's a great idea for me to retake gen chem 2 (my only C course). I'll 100% either get a B+ or an A if I retake the course, so I think I'll add that to my to-do list for spring.
This does differ from school to school since a majority may not accept the retake course since only two are allowed to be unfinished by submitting applications, but there are other schools that accept until spring/summer.


Currently, my list is the following:
Mississippi State, NCSU, Virginia-Maryland, LSU (iffy on, but I might end up applying anyways), LMU, Kansas, UF, UAS, Rowan, Missouri (holding), Iowa

 

[_Aik]

Hi! You can use this website : https://applytovetschool.org/
VMSAR is really helpful for getting quick information on each university and compare different universities.

Thank you so much!

 

[_Aik]

I would encourage you to apply broadly and not get bogged down in whether or not a school has classes/rotations/faculty/etc in a particular field- you both can and probably should get more of your experience outside of your school.

I've started to do so. Three weeks ago, I would be questioning why some colleges are now on my list.
I've just always adored UF and the opportunities available there, I have to apply even if I'll be donating money.

there was an internal GPA cutoff that was probably around 3.6ish based on people’s reports

That's unfortunately high! OOS is super competitive, so that's understandable.
One of my LORs that I work with has graduated from UF (ISS) and is continuously encouraging me to apply, since she knows how much I rave about the school.
I relayed my concerns with her recently, and she offered to help the most she can for my application to UF.

 

[_Aik]

I agree with other commenters about your planned course list being a bit disadvantageous, especially Biochem 2 - why take such an advanced course, when you could focus on retakes and/or a higher biomedical science that will help improve your last 45 GPA?

Unfortunately, I study at a small, private college. There are not a lot of electives offered to me. Even if they are offered (parasitology, virology, etc.), not enough students register, and it's eventually dropped.
BCHM 2 was on my list due to the limited classes available, as well as my genuine interest in the subject since I've enjoyed organic chem 1 and 2. To include, the professor for BCHM 2 is amazing and goes a long way for her students.
Although the spring 2026 schedule isn't out yet, from spring 2025, the only other course I can take is nutrition.

While calculating my prGPA for a mass of CVMs, I've decided to retake gen chem 2 for spring 2026. It's currently the lowest grade on my pre-reqs (C) that has not been retaken. I believe this will help with my application for colleges that replace the lowest grade with the highest: Virginia-maryland, Mississippi State, UAS, and Rowan.

My current course line-up:
Summer 2025- animal nutrition
Fall 2025- Stats (only taking for grad requirement, I already have stats pre-req for my app; Easy A), Evolution (somewhat difficult course, but I'll most likely either achieve a A/B), Biochem (easy A/B+), Microbio with lab (the only class I'm aware of that may be difficult due to other students' stories), medical term for Virginia-Maryland (easy A).
Spring 2026- Senior seminar x2, BCHM 2 (scarier than BCHM 1 since it won't have main organic chemistry components), retake gen chem 2 (easy A/B, won't have russian prof this time).

**For classes that I have mentioned as an easy course, and I know what I'll get in the course: For those classes, I've already taken other courses with those professors (the majority are extremely laid-back and go a long way for their students). As an example, stats is the same prof as my physics 1 and 2 prof (got an A in both of those courses). BCHM 1 is the same as my Organic 1/2 prof. This is unavoidable with it being a small college. The only professor that would be new for me would be microbio's.

I think you’re applying with too many remaining.

The only courses I have remaining for some colleges are the following: microbio, biochem, and animal nutrition.
I'm taking animal nutrition this summer.
I'll be taking microbio and biochem this fall.

strongly holistic schools like Ohio State, VMCVM, CSU, etc

I have spread out my list and looked at a majority of colleges.
I have removed the following CVMs from my list either due to low prGPA/cGPA or high GPA cut-offs: Michigan, Auburn, Iowa State, Illinois, UMN, Ohio, LIU, USU. A majority of these schools either replace/use both grades. I'll be recalculating my GPAs with each college if I were to retake gen chem 2 (and if it's accepted)

The following colleges are on my list: NCSU (ISS), Mississippi State, Virginia-Maryland, LSU, LMU, Kansas, UF, UAS, Missouri, Rowan, Iowa

You mention CSU as a holistic school. Is it worth looking at? I am aware they receive more applications compared to other colleges, which is why I purposefully didn't put them on my list.

 

[indysadventures]

Unfortunately, I study at a small, private college. There are not a lot of electives offered to me. Even if they are offered (parasitology, virology, etc.), not enough students register, and it's eventually dropped.
BCHM 2 was on my list due to the limited classes available, as well as my genuine interest in the subject since I've enjoyed organic chem 1 and 2. To include, the professor for BCHM 2 is amazing and goes a long way for her students.
Although the spring 2026 schedule isn't out yet, from spring 2025, the only other course I can take is nutrition.

While calculating my prGPA for a mass of CVMs, I've decided to retake gen chem 2 for spring 2026. It's currently the lowest grade on my pre-reqs (C) that has not been retaken. I believe this will help with my application for colleges that replace the lowest grade with the highest: Virginia-maryland, Mississippi State, UAS, and Rowan.

My current course line-up:
Summer 2025- animal nutrition
Fall 2025- Stats (only taking for grad requirement, I already have stats pre-req for my app; Easy A), Evolution (somewhat difficult course, but I'll most likely either achieve a A/B), Biochem (easy A/B+), Microbio with lab (the only class I'm aware of that may be difficult due to other students' stories), medical term for Virginia-Maryland (easy A).
Spring 2026- Senior seminar x2, BCHM 2 (scarier than BCHM 1 since it won't have main organic chemistry components), retake gen chem 2 (easy A/B, won't have russian prof this time).

**For classes that I have mentioned as an easy course, and I know what I'll get in the course: For those classes, I've already taken other courses with those professors (the majority are extremely laid-back and go a long way for their students). As an example, stats is the same prof as my physics 1 and 2 prof (got an A in both of those courses). BCHM 1 is the same as my Organic 1/2 prof. This is unavoidable with it being a small college. The only professor that would be new for me would be microbio's.

The only courses I have remaining for some colleges are the following: microbio, biochem, and animal nutrition.
I'm taking animal nutrition this summer.
I'll be taking microbio and biochem this fall.

I have spread out my list and looked at a majority of colleges.
I have removed the following CVMs from my list either due to low prGPA/cGPA or high GPA cut-offs: Michigan, Auburn, Iowa State, Illinois, UMN, Ohio, LIU, USU. A majority of these schools either replace/use both grades. I'll be recalculating my GPAs with each college if I were to retake gen chem 2 (and if it's accepted)

The following colleges are on my list: NCSU (ISS), Mississippi State, Virginia-Maryland, LSU, LMU, Kansas, UF, UAS, Missouri, Rowan

You mention CSU as a holistic school. Is it worth looking at? I am aware they receive more applications compared to other colleges, which is why I purposefully didn't put them on my list.

RE: CSU, the chances are very, very slim just due to their applicant numbers, but they are holistic. So, if you’ve got some good quality/unique experiences, strong LORs, and you can write yourself a great personal statement, worth a shot if you can meet all the prerequisite requirements. And if you’re not short on cash, because it is still a guessing game. They’re sticklers for their prereqs, so check in advance and don’t assume something will be accepted.

 

[vampyrica]

You mention CSU as a holistic school. Is it worth looking at? I am aware they receive more applications compared to other colleges, which is why I purposefully didn't put them on my list.

They’re sticklers for their prereqs, so check in advance and don’t assume something will be accepted.

to add onto this, they require cellular biology with the name of the class being "cellular biology". they also heavily favor students who have completed all pre-requisites. i would look into it more, but i do not think it would be worth applying with the amount of courses you still have pending +/- no cellular biology course taken.

you can find more info here: Application Review Process | CSU DVM Program

 

[_Aik]

Hi, it's me again 🙂
New changes: updated final school list (I don't think I'm changing any at this point other than removing some off my list per what others say and for internal GPA cut-offs) and my gpa for each school (turns out I didn't calculate my cGPA correctly, so it raised a tiny, little bit).

Mississippi State
Holistic, replaces lowest grade with highest for prGPA and cGPA
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.42
My prGPA: 3.5

NCSU
My IS
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.33

VMCVM
Holistic, replaces lowest grade with highest only for prGPA
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB, Med term -> school is fine as long as all pre-reqs are finished by July
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.71

LSU
Uses average for prGPA
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.24
**This may be one college I knock off the list, depending on what others say.

Kansas
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.36

UF
Although I know it's unlikely I'll get in, UF is my #1
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.21
**Low, I'll just have to pray

UAS
Replaces lowest grade with highest only for prGPA
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.43

Rowan
Holistic, replaces lowest with highest only for prGPA
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM, MB
My cGPA: 3.34
My prGPA: 3.47

Iowa
Holistic, replaces lowest with highest for all, CASPer required
Unfinished pre-reqs: BCHM
My cGPA: 3.42
My prGPA: 3.43


I feel a tiny bit better now about the CVMs I'm applying to, and I think I selected the ones that are best for me.
Unable to apply to CSU, don't have the correct pre-reqs. This is the same for LMU.
Only colleges I feel "iffy" about regarding passing phase 1 is UF (applying regardless) and LSU.

List of colleges I am not applying to because I don't qualify for: CSU, LMU, Ohio, Michigan, Texas Tech
List of colleges I am not applying to due to low GPA: UGA, Auburn, UT, TAMU (I wish I could, since all my friends are in TX), Tufts, UPenn, Cornell, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue, Oklahoma, LIU
List of colleges I am not applying to due to location: Oregon, Washington, UC Davis, Western, island schools