WAMC - 1st time non-traditional applicant switching careers

[miriam1216]

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28 y/o F, non-traditional, DC resident

I'm considering applying for vet school this year. I would need to get another 200 hours of vet experience to apply to most of the schools on my list and I would have a few pre-reqs to take this fall/next spring. I know my stats aren't great, should I even apply this year? And of the schools I'm looking at, which should I not consider based on my stats? I'm coming to vet school after a VERY successful career in journalism, which I realized I no longer love.

Potential essay topic: How nearly 15 years in journalism has taught me how to communicate with people during their worst moments and explain complicated topics in a way that anyone can understand, and how much of an asset that would be in this field

Considering applying to: UGA (need to double check if I can qualify as IS during application if I move there), Ohio, Virginia-Maryland, Dublin (5yr program since I didn't finish Biology degree), Edinburgh (5yr program)
Maybe applying to: Missouri, Rowan ($$), Wisconsin ($$)

Cumulative GPA: 3.51
Science GPA: 3.05 (one D in a science class in undergrad, ugh)
Last 45 GPA: 3.63

Degrees:
B.A., Journalism; Minor in Biology (I was planning a dual degree but decided not to finish)

Veterinary Experience: (60 hrs) (NOTE: I would only apply if I get 250 hours of experience by the end of August)
- Small animal shadowing: 40 hrs
- Shelter vaccine clinic: 20 hours

Animal Hours: (~50 hours)
- Cat rescue: 40 hours
- Dog walker: 50 hours
- I have a 4 y/o asthmatic cat who I have been administering meds to (pill and inhaler) since she was 6 m/o

Honors/Awards:
- Dean's List (final 2 semesters)
- Completed undergrad in 3 years
- National Scholastic Press Association Online Pacemaker (equivalent of a Pulitzer for high school newspaper)
- Awarded internship at redacted prestigious national newspaper through competitive university program
- Various state and national professional journalism awards
- Appearing on redacted national and international radio and television news programs
- Member of redacted prestigious membership organization for journalists: 3 yrs
- Member of National Press Club: 2 yrs

Extracurriculars: (in reverse chronological order)
- Mentor college journalists: 6 yrs
- Knitting: 5 yrs
- Member of professional-level volunteer adult choir: 3 yrs
- Host monthly dinners and happy hours for other women journalists: 4 yrs
- Attended several national professional journalism conventions/seminars
- Speaker at various journalism panels and events
- Member of newsroom DEI committee: 3 yrs
- Leadership of university club for LGBTQ Jews: 3 yrs
- Member of university choir: 0.5 yr
- Ambassador for university's school of communication: 2.5 yrs
- Attended three national high school journalism conventions
- Babysat niece: 3 yrs (~450 hours)
- Member of high school choir: 3 yrs
- Vice president of high school Gay-Straight Alliance: 3 yrs
- Member of high school dancing club: 3 yrs
- Member of high school show choir: 0.5 yrs
- Member of BBYO: 2 yrs
- Student newspaper reporter: 1 yr

Employment: (in reverse chronological order) (~25,000 hrs)
- Journalist: 7 years (~14,000 hours)
- Journalism internships: 1.5 yrs part-time (~1500 hours), 0.5 yr full-time (~2000 hours)
- Marketing internship: 0.5 yr part-time (~500 hours)
- Resident Assistant: 1 yr part-time (~1200 hours)
- Student newspaper editor-in-chief: 2 yrs part-time (~2000 hours)
- Program Associate: 0.5 yr part-time (~800 hours)
- Retail worker: 3 yrs part-time (~3000 hours)

 

[JaynaAli]

I think you need to take another year and get more shadowing or work experience in the field to be as competitive as possible. All your other experiences are good, and your cGPA and last 45 are reasonably competitive (though obviously science could be better). There are some schools that don’t have minimum hour requirements, but often 300 is a minimum, and you’ll be up against applicants with hundreds to thousands of hours of experience. Luckily, that’s one of the easier aspects of an app to improve, and I think you’ll be decently competitive when you have some more experience under your belt. If you were to apply this cycle I’d go in with low expectations and be sure you’re only applying to places that don’t have minimums or that you meet said minimums. Otherwise you’re just donating them money.

 

[miriam1216]

@JaynaAli Thank you. My biggest concern is working and being able to support myself if I'm a vet assistant or tech. I don't have a spouse or parents who can help me, and I live in a high COL area (and Atlanta, where I'm considering moving to in order to establish IS residency for UGA, isn't much better). I'm trying to get shadowing experience on the weekends now, but most vet offices aren't open for many hours on the weekends.
I've read all of the requirements, so I definitely wouldn't apply to some (NC) this year because I don't meet requirements. Just trying to get a sense, based on what schools prioritize in their evaluations, which might be better options for me.

 

[JaynaAli]

@JaynaAli Thank you. My biggest concern is working and being able to support myself if I'm a vet assistant or tech. I don't have a spouse or parents who can help me, and I live in a high COL area (and Atlanta, where I'm considering moving to in order to establish IS residency for UGA, isn't much better). I'm trying to get shadowing experience on the weekends now, but most vet offices aren't open for many hours on the weekends.
I've read all of the requirements, so I definitely wouldn't apply to some (NC) this year because I don't meet requirements. Just trying to get a sense, based on what schools prioritize in their evaluations, which might be better options for me.

Maybe try an emergency hospital that’s open 24/7 if you need weekend hours?

 

[miriam1216]

Maybe try an emergency hospital that’s open 24/7 if you need weekend hours?

I'm working on that option! I really want to get people's thoughts on my potential schools list vs my gpa/experience hours.

 

[JaynaAli]

I’d just go through a list of schools you’re interested in and look up their minimums on their websites. Your situation is very unique because you have so few hours, so it’s probably unlikely that anyone can give you a complete list of schools that don’t have minimums or would accept someone under 100 hours. Hopefully someone can make some suggestions too or let you know if a school on your list has a set minimum, but hour minimums change and are fairly easy to look up in admissions requirements.

 

[miriam1216]

I’d just go through a list of schools you’re interested in and look up their minimums on their websites. Your situation is very unique because you have so few hours, so it’s probably unlikely that anyone can give you a complete list of schools that don’t have minimums or would accept someone under 100 hours. Hopefully someone can make some suggestions too or let you know if a school on your list has a set minimum, but hour minimums change and are fairly easy to look up in admissions requirements.

Sorry, should have been clearer. I will only apply if I can get over 250 hours (which is possible if I can get a weekend gig in the next month or two). I want to understand about my chances if I apply with my current stats + the additional hours of experience.

 

[Gina Lawson]

Agree that waiting until you have more experience will increase your chances of acceptance. I suspect you know what a difficult field vet med is (mentally, emotionally, physically, financially). It is good to get a solid taste of those aspects before committing to the expense of vet school (which you may decide is still worth it).

 

[beans2020]

I can't speak to all of of the schools on your list, but I do know that Mizzou tends to have pretty high standards when it comes to OOS GPA's. I'm not sure they would be the best school for you to apply to. Ohio State seems to like OOS non-traditional applicants so I think they would be good to keep on your list.
And I third the suggestion to get more experience. Best of luck!

 

[miriam1216]

I can't speak to all of of the schools on your list, but I do know that Mizzou tends to have pretty high standards when it comes to OOS GPA's. I'm not sure they would be the best school for you to apply to. Ohio State seems to like OOS non-traditional applicants so I think they would be good to keep on your list.
And I third the suggestion to get more experience. Best of luck!

Thank you, that’s helpful to know! Are there any other schools you know of that like non-traditional applicants?

 

[CeeGee14]

I would take Illinois off your list too. They have a GPA cutoff and I think this year was something like 3.8. They won’t look at the rest of your application if you don’t meet that cutoff. I believe Minnesota also makes cuts based on GPA, but it’s not as strict as Illinois.

Good luck!

 

[vampyrica]

I would add UAZ to your list. They view applicants very hollistically and your stats allign with some of their averages. Colorado is also an option for schools that truly view holistically, but they receive 3000+ applicants a year so it would be totally up to you if you want to take that gamble.

 

[miriam1216]

I would take Illinois off your list too. They have a GPA cutoff and I think this year was something like 3.8. They won’t look at the rest of your application if you don’t meet that cutoff. I believe Minnesota also makes cuts based on GPA, but it’s not as strict as Illinois.

Good luck!

Is this a cutoff they don't advertise? I don't see it on any of the relevant websites. Thank you!

 

[miriam1216]

I would add UAZ to your list. They view applicants very hollistically and your stats allign with some of their averages. Colorado is also an option for schools that truly view holistically, but they receive 3000+ applicants a year so it would be totally up to you if you want to take that gamble.

Thank you! I'm trying to stay east of the Mississippi with a few exceptions (looking at Iowa now based on above feedback). I grew up in CA and don't really feel at home on the West Coast, whereas I do on the East.

 

[vampyrica]

Thank you! I'm trying to stay east of the Mississippi with a few exceptions (looking at Iowa now based on above feedback). I grew up in CA and don't really feel at home on the West Coast, whereas I do on the East.

No worries! Are you looking to stay South East or is the North East a consideration too?

 

[miriam1216]

No worries! Are you looking to stay South East or is the North East a consideration too?

I'm worried about costs. I would love to stay in the northeast but all of the schools are $$$, hence why most of my options are UK/schools for which you can establish residency.

 

[vampyrica]

I'm worried about costs. I would love to stay in the northeast but all of the schools are $$$, hence why most of my options are UK/schools for which you can establish residency.

That's valid. The NE schools dont tend to allow for IS tuition after 1 year. In that case, then it looks like the schools you selected meet your criteria!

 

[miriam1216]

That's valid. The NE schools dont tend to allow for IS tuition after 1 year. In that case, then it looks like the schools you selected meet your criteria!

Don't allow IS tuition *and* are the most expensive 👎 really appreciate your help

 

[CeeGee14]

Is this a cutoff they don't advertise? I don't see it on any of the relevant websites. Thank you!

The cutoff varies year to year and depends on the GPAs of everyone applying. That’s Illinois’ phase 1: the GPA cutoff. Phase 2 is when they look at the rest of your application and decide who to extend interview offers to.

 

[miriam1216]

Updated list for anyone following along lol

Most likely applying to: UGA (need to double check if I can qualify as IS during application if I'm moving there), Ohio, Virginia-Maryland, Dublin (5yr program since I didn't finish Biology degree), Edinburgh (5yr program)
Maybe: Minnesota (only if I can be certain that I can obtain IS for tuition and that I have a shot with my GPA), Missouri (I really don't want to move to Columbia lol), Rowan ($$), Wisconsin ($$)

The cutoff varies year to year and depends on the GPAs of everyone applying. That’s Illinois’ phase 1: the GPA cutoff. Phase 2 is when they look at the rest of your application and decide who to extend interview offers to.

ahhh ok

 

[supershorty]

only if I can be certain that I can obtain IS for tuition

You can almost certainly be certain that you will not be successful at doing this unless you're going to move there more than a year in advance and get a job and all of that to prove that you're not moving to Minnesota just for school purposes.

 

[miriam1216]

You can almost certainly be certain that you will not be successful at doing this unless you're going to move there more than a year in advance and get a job and all of that to prove that you're not moving to Minnesota just for school purposes.

Got it! Taking it off then.

 

[miniaturedove]

Got it! Taking it off then.

To add to this, I think UGA also has a similar requirement. I removed all identifying information but these were the questions I was asked in VMCAS to determine in-state residency for UGA. Hope this helps!

 

[miriam1216]

To add to this, I think UGA also has a similar requirement. I removed all identifying information but these were the questions I was asked in VMCAS to determine in-state residency for UGA. Hope this helps!

View attachment 399910

Thank you! I have family in Georgia and am considering moving there in July. I'm going to reach out to the admissions guy to make sure I would be eligible to apply for an IS seat.

 

[DVM882029]

Why isn't UTK on your list? It's east, and I'm not aware of any minimums but could be wrong. Look into them perhaps!

 

[miriam1216]

Why isn't UTK on your list? It's east, and I'm not aware of any minimums but could be wrong. Look into them perhaps!

Because of the cost. OOS tuition + books is at the higher end. They also recommend 400+ hours experience.

 

[DVM882029]

Because of the cost. OOS tuition + books is at the higher end. They also recommend 400+ hours experience.

All the UK schools are equally or more expensive, according to the VIN COA tool. I believe RVC when considering tuition and COA is the most expensive of all AVMA accredited programs.

 

[miriam1216]

All the UK schools are equally or more expensive, according to the VIN COA tool. I believe RVC when considering tuition and COA is the most expensive of all AVMA accredited programs.

I'm just considering tuition + books and fees. The VIN COA tool is out of date, I calculated from each university's website.

RVC isn't the most expensive on that chart by COA, anyway. That's Penn, Midwestern and Sydney. And I took RVC off my list.

 

[indysadventures]

28 y/o F, non-traditional, DC resident

I'm considering applying for vet school this year. I would need to get another 200 hours of vet experience to apply to most of the schools on my list and I would have a few pre-reqs to take this fall/next spring. I know my stats aren't great, should I even apply this year? And of the schools I'm looking at, which should I not consider based on my stats? I'm coming to vet school after a VERY successful career in journalism, which I realized I no longer love.

Potential essay topic: How nearly 15 years in journalism has taught me how to communicate with people during their worst moments and explain complicated topics in a way that anyone can understand, and how much of an asset that would be in this field

Considering applying to: UGA (need to double check if I can qualify as IS during application if I move there), Ohio, Virginia-Maryland, Dublin (5yr program since I didn't finish Biology degree), Edinburgh (5yr program)
Maybe applying to: Missouri, Rowan ($$), Wisconsin ($$)

Cumulative GPA: 3.51
Science GPA: 3.05 (one D in a science class in undergrad, ugh)
Last 45 GPA: 3.63

Degrees:
B.A., Journalism; Minor in Biology (I was planning a dual degree but decided not to finish)

Veterinary Experience: (60 hrs) (NOTE: I would only apply if I get 250 hours of experience by the end of August)
- Small animal shadowing: 40 hrs
- Shelter vaccine clinic: 20 hours

Animal Hours: (~50 hours)
- Cat rescue: 40 hours
- Dog walker: 50 hours
- I have a 4 y/o asthmatic cat who I have been administering meds to (pill and inhaler) since she was 6 m/o

Honors/Awards:
- Dean's List (final 2 semesters)
- Completed undergrad in 3 years
- National Scholastic Press Association Online Pacemaker (equivalent of a Pulitzer for high school newspaper)
- Awarded internship at redacted prestigious national newspaper through competitive university program
- Various state and national professional journalism awards
- Appearing on redacted national and international radio and television news programs
- Member of redacted prestigious membership organization for journalists: 3 yrs
- Member of National Press Club: 2 yrs

Extracurriculars: (in reverse chronological order)
- Mentor college journalists: 6 yrs
- Knitting: 5 yrs
- Member of professional-level volunteer adult choir: 3 yrs
- Host monthly dinners and happy hours for other women journalists: 4 yrs
- Attended several national professional journalism conventions/seminars
- Speaker at various journalism panels and events
- Member of newsroom DEI committee: 3 yrs
- Leadership of university club for LGBTQ Jews: 3 yrs
- Member of university choir: 0.5 yr
- Ambassador for university's school of communication: 2.5 yrs
- Attended three national high school journalism conventions
- Babysat niece: 3 yrs (~450 hours)
- Member of high school choir: 3 yrs
- Vice president of high school Gay-Straight Alliance: 3 yrs
- Member of high school dancing club: 3 yrs
- Member of high school show choir: 0.5 yrs
- Member of BBYO: 2 yrs
- Student newspaper reporter: 1 yr

Employment: (in reverse chronological order) (~25,000 hrs)
- Journalist: 7 years (~14,000 hours)
- Journalism internships: 1.5 yrs part-time (~1500 hours), 0.5 yr full-time (~2000 hours)
- Marketing internship: 0.5 yr part-time (~500 hours)
- Resident Assistant: 1 yr part-time (~1200 hours)
- Student newspaper editor-in-chief: 2 yrs part-time (~2000 hours)
- Program Associate: 0.5 yr part-time (~800 hours)
- Retail worker: 3 yrs part-time (~3000 hours)

Hi, fellow non-traditional student here - how many prerequisites do you need to complete?

I see you have a minor in biology, but I would definitely check to see if your coursework will still be valid. Schools are going to want to see updated, recent coursework to take a chance on a non-trad applicant, especially with very little experience.

Your aim for your personal statement is fine, but I think you’d need to hone your “why,” because I think that adcoms would certainly want to know more about your interests beyond talking to people. Yes, it’s absolutely valuable but you’ll need other core reasons/skills- this normally comes with more experience.

Personally, I agree with others that I wouldn’t apply until the 2026-2027 application cycle. This is especially true if you don’t have higher level biomedical and science courses in your recent history with good grades. I would really try to get that science and last 45 GPA up before applying, which the courses could help you do. Plus, many schools that really value non-trads or will look past a lower GPA will want to see varied, diverse experience.

250 hours is absolutely bare minimum, and just because you have life experience in other areas doesn’t immediately give you a pass- you have to be able to really prove that you are ready - both for the field as well as the intense course load of vet school.

As a classics major, previous educator, and artist, I was in the same boat two years ago, facing the possibility of submitting a “just okay” application or waiting a year and trying to knock it out of the park. I don’t regret my decision to wait until I was ready to submit the best application I possibly could.

Applying is exhausting, and if you’re truly not ready, it’s going to take a lot of energy that you could be putting into truly preparing a stellar application.

A great place to start would be what you’re doing: get experience, make a school list, and research these schools. Contact them and set up admissions appointments if you can. It can be very helpful.

Best of luck!

 

[Georgethecat]

Always confirm directly with the school in question, but I think your plan to move to GA will qualify you for IS consideration.

Unless they have changed, UGA uses their pre-req's instead of all science classes. So you might want to recalculate that gpa. Pre-req's do need to be within the last 10 years.

The Application Process - DVM Admissions

You’ve decided to take the next step and apply. Make sure you read through and understand all of the requirements.

vet.uga.edu

For Georgia resident status, the three most important things to remember are:

• Students must first prove that they have established a primary domicile or permanent Georgia home at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the beginning of classes for the term to be considered for residency. Typically, the residency status of a dependent student is tied to the status of the parent(s), or in the case of divorce, the tax-dependent or majority support parent, so the parent(s) must show proof of domicile.
• Students and/or parent(s) of dependent students also should be able to provide documentation showing payment of Georgia state income tax, as this shows a tie to the state that proves financial support for the Georgia educational system. Mere property ownership in Georgia, by itself, is usually insufficient.
• The Office of Admissions also suggests that students be able to provide copies of any other documents showing their intent to be a Georgia resident, such as a Georgia driver’s license, car or voter registration, home ownership, full-time employment records, etc. Attending college in Georgia is not proof of intention to be a Georgia resident.