WAMC - 3rd cycle, low undergrad gpa, masters degree

[dogtor_v81]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone,
I am posting here to get some advice whether it be schools to look into or tips that helped you when applying. This is my third application cycle and I am starting to lose hope in ever being accepted. I am a 24 year old male from New Mexico (WICHE applicant) so I would hope to get into Colorado State, Washington State, or Oregon State. My undergraduate GPA is low due to a series of C's in Organic Chemistry I&II, Biochemistry, and Genetics (high credit courses). Otherwise, I got A's and B's in all other courses finishing my B.S. in 3.5 years. Since my last application cycle I have earned a Master's Degree in Biomedical Diagnostics with a 4.0. I am hoping this will help boost my application and help me get in somewhere, but I am worried that it will have little effect. I have worked very hard to better not only my application but also better myself so I hope I can reflect that. If any previously successful applicants with similar stats or anyone in general can help me out and give me a sense of hope I would greatly appreciate it!

Schools I am interested in (in order of interest level):
- Colorado State (WICHE)
- Washington State (WICHE)
- Oregon State (WICHE)
- Iowa State
- Tennessee (Long Shot)
- Michigan State
- Minnesota
- Mississippi State

2024 (Previous Cycle) Stats (based on ISU file review):
Cumulative GPA: 3.08
science GPA: 2.86
last 45: 3.51

2026 (Current) Stats:
Cumulative GPA: 3.24
science GPA: depends on school requirements
last 45: 3.85

Any degrees achieved
- Bachelors of Science: Cellular & Molecular Biology
- Masters of Science: Biomedical Diagnostics

Veterinary Experience:
- Veterinary Assistant (Mixed Animal Practice): 484 hours
- Veterinary Assistant (Small Animal and Exotics): 5600 hours (spread through 3 clinics)

Animal Experience:
- 6 years of 4H
- About 600 hours of pet sitting

Research Experience:
- Assisted BioAro with creating a market entry strategy for their novel diagnostic BioSport as part of masters program.

Volunteer
- Snow Plow Operator: voluntarily cleared the snow from driveways and roads in my neighborhood during winter breaks in college
- Volunteer Coach: helped the next generation of athletes in my community during winter and summer breaks

 

[indysadventures]

I think you’ve clearly worked very hard to improve your application and that’s very admirable. That science GPA is unfortunately likely a continuing problem, and could still be, depending on if your schools accept master’s coursework towards GPA. Not all do. You also likely have looked into this, but I’d be thinking about grade replacement as well if you have courses you retook for a better grade.

 

[kitzsuna]

I don’t know what the qualifications are for admission, but I think Texas Tech accepts New Mexico residents so if you qualify you may want to look there!

 

[cardamom23]

Really lean into your why! This year’s prompt is new and improved, so lean into your motivations. I Believe having a sharper story this third cycle will also help you.