WAMC- 3rd time applicant, low cum, high last 45

[buttersthecat]

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Hello everybody, and thank you for all your help. I am seeking advice on applying strategically. In 2021, I graduated with a 2.98 GPA, largely due to medical issues in my first few years. I went part-time for 5 years, then full-time for the last 2. I decided to pursue a master's in science, focusing on conservation biology research, which I finished at the beginning of 2025. I applied to 8 schools in Sept. 2023, when I thought I was close to finishing my research- waitlisted at Kansas only (LSU IS). I extended my research and took more classes/replacements to pull up my GPA when I did not get into vet school, and applied to only 2 schools this last cycle (UGA IS and UF OOS), Sept. 2025. My current IS is UGA. I hope to become a wildlife/zoo/rehab vet in some capacity.

Cumulative GPA: 3.14
science GPA: 3.2 (no grade replacement) 3.5 (grade replacement)
last 45: 3.8

Any degrees achieved Bachelor's and MS

GRE results: none

Veterinary Experience:
- Vet Assistant (currently ~2000 hours)

-blood draws, placing IV catheters, wound cleaning, appointments, x-rays, injections, helping with minor procedures etc.​

-hopefully to be trained on anesthesia soon​

-shadowed vet/assisted in procedures/immobilizations @ zoological/conservation facility- hoofstock, cranes, sea turtles (150 hours)
-shadowed veterinary behaviorist (10 hours)
-Shadowed exotic vet (50 hours)
-Vet assistant during undergrad (400 hours)

Animal Experience:
-hoof stock keeper internship- 600 hours

Research Experience:
-Master's thesis degree, including fieldwork/vet shadowing in Paraguay and completion of molecular ecology and spatial use research (thousands of hours)
-Student researcher at ECOTROP field school in Gabon (120 hours)
-Curatorial/research assistant with genetic research at musuem of natural science LSU (500 hours)

Awards/scholarships:
-Taylor Opportunity Program for students- merit-based LA state scholarship for undergrad
-high school honors diploma

Extracurriculars:
-recycling ambassador (20 hours)
-President of the Biological Graduate Student Association at the University of New Orleans (250 hours)

-fundraising/organizing events/student rep at faculty meetings​

Employment:
- Graduate teaching assistant (3 semesters, bio 1 lab)
- Graduate assistant mentor for summer program for incoming freshmen (45 hours)
-pet sitter for about 12 years

Basically, looking for any and all advice and tips on applying strategically. I already received some great advice and have been researching schools. I wanted to post an updated summary here in case there is any more feedback/wisdom from you lovely people. Many thanks to all <3

 

[Georgethecat]

Unless they've changed, UGA considers pre-req gpa as opposed to science gpa. You can pick which courses to use to fill the pre-req's. UGA also has a 10 year rule for pre-req courses. Some have been successful in appealing that. You'd need to reach out to Parker Moore for specifics. UGA averages retakes.

Congrats on the last 45 gpa. You have good vet hours and research experience. Best of luck!