WAMC - 1st time applicant

[blacklabrador2025]

Hi! I'm a third year undergrad in VA, hoping to apply to vet schools this cycle. Trying to gauge my chances and apply smart to give myself the best chances. TIA

Cumulative GPA: 4.0
science GPA: 4.0
last 45: 4.0

Will graduate w/ BS in Biology in May 2026, minors in Biomedical Sciences & Chemistry

Veterinary Experience:
- ~1000 hours small animal GP veterinary assistant
- ~100 hours shadowing equine

Animal Experience:
- local SPCA volunteer dog walking
- research animal caretaking

Research Experience:
- ongoing Organic Chemistry research project (likely will be 100-200 hrs & will present at national ACS meeting)
- 100-200 hours research w/ axolotls

Awards/scholarships:
- Dean's list every semester
- Merit Scholarship

Extracurriculars:
- Biology honor society treasurer
- Undergrad college honor society
- Pre-Health club
- Alpha Chi honor society - president
- Philomathes honor society

Employment:
- student assistant for transition program for autism spectrum students
- TA/tutor for introductory bio & chem courses & labs
- fast food & retail part time employment (unsure exact hours)

I know my experiences could definitely be more diverse, which is my main concern right now. I want to be realistic with myself as I decide what schools to apply to & try to gain more experience before the application deadline. Thanks everyone!

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[indysadventures]

Hmmm, I think you have a genuinely excellent set of stats- you’re right that you could use a bit of diversity, especially both in vet med but also outside- consider extracurriculars and volunteering outside of animals! And I’d really suggest getting some volunteering under your belt!

Otherwise, focus on developing great relationships with potential LOR writers and, when creating your app, remember that your written statements are very important and really work to set you apart! Finally, curate a school list that favors your strengths- with your GPA, that likely means UC Davis, Cornell, Wisconsin, Illinois, UPenn, etc.

 

[blacklabrador2025]

Hmmm, I think you have a genuinely excellent set of stats- you’re right that you could use a bit of diversity, especially both in vet med but also outside- consider extracurriculars and volunteering outside of animals! And I’d really suggest getting some volunteering under your belt!

Otherwise, focus on developing great relationships with potential LOR writers and, when creating your app, remember that your written statements are very important and really work to set you apart! Finally, curate a school list that favors your strengths- with your GPA, that likely means UC Davis, Cornell, Wisconsin, Illinois, UPenn, etc.

Thank you so much for your response! That is really helpful advice, and I'm working to try to broaden my experiences in vet med and in general. Trying to focus on more GPA-heavy schools and make a solid list!

 

[WazooMaster]

I second making yourself well rounded outside of veterinary medicine and using the explanation statement as a blanket to maybe provide some context on your lacking diverse hours

 

[Georgethecat]

Agree with focusing on broadening your vet experiences and developing relationships with your LOR writers. With your GPA you should be able to focus on schools that will be the most affordable for you. Can you make an advising appointment with VAMD to help ensure that you are presenting your application in the best light possible?

Also don't be afraid to toot your own horn when listing accomplishments and describing what you learned etc. You have a nice amount of research, scholarships, awards, extracurriculars (with leadership roles), and outside employment. For example you gained customer relations experience with your fast food and retail work. Your experience with helping autism spectrum students sounds really cool. All of these experiences help prepare you to deal with the public/pet owners.

Best of luck!

 

[blacklabrador2025]

Agree with focusing on broadening your vet experiences and developing relationships with your LOR writers. With your GPA you should be able to focus on schools that will be the most affordable for you. Can you make an advising appointment with VAMD to help ensure that you are presenting your application in the best light possible?

Also don't be afraid to toot your own horn when listing accomplishments and describing what you learned etc. You have a nice amount of research, scholarships, awards, extracurriculars (with leadership roles), and outside employment. For example you gained customer relations experience with your fast food and retail work. Your experience with helping autism spectrum students sounds really cool. All of these experiences help prepare you to deal with the public/pet owners.

Best of luck!

Thank you! I didn't even think about an advising appointment, that is a great idea & I'll look into setting that up!

 

[quartysnicker]

Your stats look great to me! I was a first time applicant had the same GPA, less hours than you and all from one hospital, and I was able to get into my in-state and a waitlist at Cornell! I think you have really good chances if you take everyone else’s advice!