WAMC: 2nd time applicant, low GPA non-traditional

[funnycat123]

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Hello Everyone,

I am posting on here to look for some hope. I am applying again this cycle and have had some improvements since my last application. I'm still applying just to give it a shot but it feels like I will never meet the cut off no matter how many classes I take because of the amount of credits I have. I have my eyes set on getting into Western U. Mainly because my partner is not willing to move with me and I really depend on family members to help me with our child to even continue going to school here. I've had a lot of obstacles to overcome throughout my whole education and it literally took me 8 years just to finish my bachelors. I have a B.S in molecular cell biology and physiology right now. I am not trying to give up either as this careers means stability, independence while still doing what I am passionate about and a better education for my child but it just feels like I will never even meet the cut off for Western U. Below are the schools I am applying to anyways because my mentors are pushing me to apply to more and my stats from this year and my previous application.

Schools I will be applying:

1. Western University
2. UC Davis
3. MidWestern
4. University of Arizona
5. Washington State University

Previous stats (2024 application)
Overall: 2.75
Science GPA: 2.58
last 45: 3.13
experience:
Volunteer, medical, and adoption coordinator at a non-profit ~ 92 hours
Animal caregiver at BFAS~38 hours
Wildlife animal husbandry ~264 hours
Secretary for our school student parent club ~120 hours
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology member ~22 hours
Paid Political canvasser ~ 342 hours
Kennel attendant/ receptionist at GP~ 1320 hours
Receptionist/Vet assistant at same GP ~ 5940 hours (had a gap year between this and previous role)
Education volunteer at AOP ~ 444 hours

This years stats:
Overall GPA: 2.86
Science GPA: 2.76
Last 45: ~3.31 (according to ChatGPT :/)
Post bacc GPA: 4.0

With grade replacement (Admissions counselor said Western does grade replacement):
Science GPA: 2.87
Overall ~ 2.94
Pre-req: 3.01

Degrees/cert earned:
BS in Molecular Bio
Post-Bac cert in Biotech
Cert in advanced stem cell techniques

New Experiences:
Research Intern in a neurotrauma lab: ~1960hours
Lab volunteer in a cancer lab: ~350 hours
Education volunteer at a non-profit brain research organization: ~10 hours

I currently have another class I am in progress of retaking before I submit my application in August. I am still planning on signing up for another class in the fall and spring while I await this cycles admissions decisions so I can still improve my application.

 

[JaynaAli]

Unfortunately, your science and cumulative GPAs are below the stated GPA requirements at Western, Midwestern, U Arizona since they require a 3.0. Minimums are hard cutoffs not mere suggestions, and if you are below them, most schools just toss your app immediately without further review and your applications fees are essentially a donation to the college. I don’t say that to dissuade you, but there’s no point in wasting money applying to schools where you don’t meet their minimums. You Do meet Davis’s minimum of 2.5 and they mostly look at science GPA and last 45 according to their website, so that may not be a bad choice if your last 45 is a lot more competitive than your science and cumulative. Washington state doesn’t seem to have a published minimum so that one might not be a bad choice if you’d actually go if accepted. Truly think about the decision on where to apply…only apply to places you really think you’d go if accepted. Don’t let others pressure you into what can be a 350-400k+ decision. Lower GPA applicants have to apply smartly and know the ins and outs of how each school assesses their applicants in order to make sure you make it past initial GPA cuts and they can see the rest of your app. It’s not impossible but it is an uphill battle. But my main advice from what you’ve posted here is make sure you know the minimums and don’t waste time and money applying to places you don’t meet the minimums for.

 

[katiemcat]

Janya’s advice is excellent. Your application won’t be read if you don’t meet the GPA minimums. I have seen it happen.

Additionally, with your GPAs being low I would recommend seeking veterinary experience outside of small animal GP. This is something pretty much all applicants have. Continuing to add hours in this category isn’t going to make a difference. You are going to need outstanding / unique veterinary experience to have a shot at acceptance. Getting any large animal would likely be helpful as well.