WAMC-1st time applicant, non degree, lower hours without diversity

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J5868

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Hi, thanks for reading and any advice would be appreciated.

I’m M, 21, just finished my Sophmore year
Applying to SDSU, Minnesota, Mizzou, KSU, Purdue, CSU, Arkansas, Lincoln Memorial

Double Majors in Biology, Microbiology
Double Minors in Chemistry and Animal Health

All GPA’s 4.00

Small animal vet assistant hours: 700
Volunteer animal hours: 75
Therapeutic Hourse Facility: 6 hours will have more by end of summer
Wildlife transport: 8 hours could possibly more

Research hours: 54

Pre-Vet Club leadership hours: 153
Resident Advisor hours: 510

Hobbies camping, dirtbiking, travel

LOR: DVM/professor/faculty advisor for vet club
DVM at work
Resident Advisor Supervisor
Office Manager at Veterinary Clinic
Additional DVM at work

Thanks again!
 
Hi!! Your GPA’s are excellent and very competitive. Your animal and veterinary hours are pretty low as you say, so definitely look for opportunities in your area (or abroad if you want) to raise them. Maybe you can find an opportunity at a zoo, rehab center, or farm? About how many hours at the therapeutic horse facility do you plan on having by the end of summer? I recommend you also put any experiences you had in high school (whether it was a job, animal related, extracurriculars, sports, etc.), as well as ANY experiences you’ve had throughout university. I know many people that get in with low or no research hours, but if you want to raise your chances even more look for more research opportunities. This could be at your university or in a summer research program at another university. Also add any awards or scholarships you have received.
 
Your academics are excellent, and I think you have a great chance this application season. GPAs aren’t everything, though - I do think your experience hours across the board are on the lower end, and not very diverse. Any volunteering? Leadership positions? Even shadowing for a couple days with a variety of veterinarians can show great initiative. Specialty, ER, large animal, equine, wildlife, lab animal are all beneficial, even if you can only add a few hours!

Looks like you have a good number of LORs lined up - make sure they’re excellent and work hard on your written aspects of your application. They are SO important! Your GPA will likely get your foot in the door, but your essays, experiences, and LORs are what will set you apart.
 
Thank you so much! I’ll look for more large animal and l
Hi!! Your GPA’s are excellent and very competitive. Your animal and veterinary hours are pretty low as you say, so definitely look for opportunities in your area (or abroad if you want) to raise them. Maybe you can find an opportunity at a zoo, rehab center, or farm? About how many hours at the therapeutic horse facility do you plan on having by the end of summer? I recommend you also put any experiences you had in high school (whether it was a job, animal related, extracurriculars, sports, etc.), as well as ANY experiences you’ve had throughout university. I know many people that get in with low or no research hours, but if you want to raise your chances even more look for more research opportunities. This could be at your university or in a summer research program at another university. Also add any awards or scholarships you have received.
Thank you! Great advice. I did leave off sports and NHS in high school and I’ll look for more ways to get more diversified hours.
 
Your academics are excellent, and I think you have a great chance this application season. GPAs aren’t everything, though - I do think your experience hours across the board are on the lower end, and not very diverse. Any volunteering? Leadership positions? Even shadowing for a couple days with a variety of veterinarians can show great initiative. Specialty, ER, large animal, equine, wildlife, lab animal are all beneficial, even if you can only add a few hours!

Looks like you have a good number of LORs lined up - make sure they’re excellent and work hard on your written aspects of your application. They are SO important! Your GPA will likely get your foot in the door, but your essays, experiences, and LORs are what will set you apart.
Thank you for your help. I have two leadership positions in the pre vet club. I’ll make sure to highlight those.
 
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