WAMC c/o 2027

[OtterMayhem]

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Hi all! Looking to apply this cycle to a lot of schools but to be fair I've waited years to apply so I've been saving up and I'd want the best chance possible. My cGPA & sciGPA is less than stellar, I messed up badly for awhile due to depression that is under control now that I have a support system and coping mechanisms. I've been working hard to get my GPAs up and show schools I am ready for the rigors of vet school, taking higher level science classes along with some animal science classes I find interesting to balance out the semesters. Last semester was 6 As & 1 B-, going for straight As in 6 classes this semester and then I'll take a full semester (19 credits) during summer while gaining more varied veterinary experiences. I just don't know if 3 semesters of 19 credits with good grades is enough, if I should take a chance and apply this year or apply to a 1 year masters or take more classes and apply next cycle. Of course I am looking most closely at schools who replace grades instead of averaging them

Schools I am applying to: Colorado (IS), Florida, Auburn, Iowa, LMU, LIU, LSU, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Penn, Texas A&M, Tufts, U of Arizona, UC Davis, Minnesota

Cumulative GPA: 2.75 (should be 2.9 when I apply)
Science GPA: 2.6 (this is an estimate but I am retaking some pre-reqs during summer, also depends on how schools calculate it - avg vs replace grades)
Last 45: 3.75 (hopefully higher after this semester!)

Degrees:
B.S. Biology, graduated December 2020
B.S. Animal Science, May 2023

GRE results: N/A, haven't decided if I'm taking it

Veterinary Experience:
5000 Vet Technician - Small Animal
1000 Vet Assistant - ER Vet
200 Shadowing a Equine Vet
92 Shadowing a Farm Vet
37 Shadowing a Holistic vet
25 Volunteering Helping w/ Canine & Equine Necropsies

Animal Experience:
Volunteered with a zoo
Volunteered with local shelters adopting out cats/dogs
Worked in a dog day care
Volunteered feeding calves
Volunteered with health exams on calves

Research Experience:
Dolphin research helping with reproductive success
Supposed to help with some genetics research starting soon

 

[ladybug21]

I would advise not to apply to A&M OOS with such a low GPA. They only take 20-25 OOS students and the average GPAS are like 3.8-3.9.

 

[BlackCatsRuleTheWorld]

I would double check the GPA requirements for schools, for example I know Michigan requires a 3.0 science and last 3 semester GPA, and UF also requires Science, Last 45, and Overall GPAs to be greater than 3.0.

Your experiences are really great and diverse!

I'd make sure to utilize the explanation statement to talk about your GPA and explain how you've been able to develop coping mechanisms and improve it. Since you might have to apply more than once due to the lower GPA, maybe consider applying to a smaller amount of schools that you know focus less on GPA. Be prepared to reapply, and continue either retaking classes or taking higher level classes to work on your GPA 🙂

 

[battie]

I also advise reconsidering UC Davis as they are numbers heavy in general.

Illinois may be worth considering. If you make it past phase 1, you'd have a decent shot. Calling schools directly to discuss your application would probably be worth your time due to your major upward trend. With how many credits you have, you won't be moving that cGPA much. They would also be the best people to ask on whether or not a masters degree is worth your time and money

I would honestly consider waiting another cycle and applying with all the classes you're going to take. During fall 2022 and spring 2023, you could strongly focus on research, experience, or a masters (if appropriate).

 

[max_wildlife]

@OtterMayhem
i'd reach out to admissions about gpa for tufts; admissions is pretty holistic but 1/3rd of that process is still gpa. the admissions people at tufts are responsive in answering questions and very approachable. i think they'll like your varied experience and the huge improvement, but it's definitely worth reaching out and chatting. if you do apply to tufts, be aware that another third of the application process is the interview, and like 25% is holistic. the remaining is the essay, so take that as an opportunity to explain your situation and focus on the things that make you unique -- when i spoke to a person in admissions recently, they told me they're really into 'unique' right now.