WAMC? - 1st time applicant, untraditional student

[pharmatovet]

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Hello all! I am from Richmond, VA, 24F, and looking to go to vet school but am unsure of my chances of at least securing an interview. I originally started down the path of human medicine, with around 250+ hours of shadowing, but then decided I didn't want to go down that path, but was still interested in medicine in general, so after I graduated with my BS I went into the pharmaceutical industry, however this is not my calling. I had always been warned away from vet med as I was told to not make my hobby my job (grew up riding horses), but I have decided this would be the best path for me, as I love medicine, animals, problem solving, and connecting with people through their love for their pets. I am interested in small animal GP/ER and would like to apply to UTK and VTech. I am currently trying to get an assistant job so I can increase my vet experience hours and be able to have more diverse shadowing experiences.

Cumulative GPA: 3.6
science GPA: 3.6
last 45: 3.8

Any degrees achieved:
BS, Chemistry from VCU, MS Biochemistry in Spring 2025 from USJ

Veterinary Experience: will have 600+ hours at time of application
- Small Animal/Exotics GP
- ER
-Shelter med
- will have large/mixed animal at time of app

Animal Experience:
- volunteer at low cost neuter/spay (300 hours)
- pet sitting (300 hours)
- horse lessons/shows (countless hours)

Research Experience:
2 years of research experience on the DREAM complex
2 years on PLK1
1 year lab volunteer

Awards/scholarships:
- Honors college throughout undergrad
-Dean's scholarship throughout undergrad

Extracurriculars:
- VA 4H horse program volunteer/state hippology coach
-1000+ hours babysitting
-Honors College mentoring program

Employment:
- Pharma company for 3 years, testing samples from patients receiving trial drugs

I know that my vet experiences are low, but I am looking to increase that. I also feel that my GPA isn't stellar, but serviceable, especially with my higher grades being in my graduate level classes. Should I apply for 26' matriculation or give it another year to gain even more hours?

 

[TukusTeten]

Hello! Honestly you seem very well rounded and I’d say your chances are very good. The fact that you have experience with human medicine and the pharmaceutical industry will help you a lot. I applied with relatively low hours and was accepted into two programs, but if you think it won’t help you then yes go for more hours! As you know already, the most important thing experience wise is to have diversity (large, small, exotic, etc.) so make sure to have those experiences before applying.

If you were to ask me, I would say you can definitely apply this cycle. Remember to apply strategically, to schools where your chances are much higher (I don’t know anything about UTK so I can’t help you there, but definitely apply to VTech since it’s your in-state). Research more schools to see where else your chances are higher. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!!