WAMC c/o 2028

[melospizamelodia]

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28, Female, California, semi non-traditional, first time applicant

Hi! I will be applying for the first time to get school next fall (2023). I could use some feedback on my chances so I can work on improving my application in the meantime. I am still conducting informational interviews, but currently interested in wildlife/zoo medicine, perhaps small practice. My preference is school in California—since I have been out of college for a while, I am settled here and my husband works in the area and relocating isn’t much of an option. I could also use feedback on whether mentioning that in my letter would be appropriate.

My current school list: UC Davis (IS), as relocation outside the Bay Area isn’t really an option. I will apply to other schools as well but it would be difficult for us to move.

Cumulative GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.70
Last 45: 3.71

Any degrees achieved: BA, double major in Animal Science & Biology @ Cornell University

GRE results: Didn't take yet, am studying now

Veterinary Experience:

• SA clinic shadowing at small practices, (80 hrs, currently volunteering full days on Saturday’s, so building this up)
• Intern at small animal shelter clinic (this experience was in high school so about 10 years ago, 500 hours)

Animal Experience:

• Worked at my school’s raptor center, caring for birds of prey and presenting at education programs (380 hours)
• Wild bird banding and leading bird banding demonstrations (80 hours)
• Volunteering in animal shelter to feed, socialize, and walk dogs (high school so 10 years ago, 170 hours)

Research Experience:

• 3100 hours total experience in various field biology experiences, working on bird research so directly handling wild birds for the field component. 6 publications from this experience, 4 of which I am first author on.

Awards/scholarships:

• Dean’s List all semesters
• Award for exceptional service in the Animal Science department
• A few other awards

Extracurriculars:

• Hula dancing
• Ukulele group
• PADI-certified scuba diver (Rescue Diver)
• Science blogging
• Knitting

Non-Animal Related Employment:

• Administrative associate, FT, 3 years
• Customer support FT, 1 year
• Fundraising professional, FT, 1 year

LORS:

• Still finalizing.

Concerns: I am really hoping for UC Davis to avoid relocation, and I know it’s competitive. Also, I know I’m lacking in veterinary hours but I am hoping that the research hours/publications will help. I also know it’s been a while since I graduated, but I’m hoping this won’t affect my application? I used the time to get some work experience (outside the field, but still good general working experiences) and save money for school.

I could use advice also on if it would behoove me to start working FT at a small animal clinic to strengthen my application. I am hoping to stay in my current role to keep saving up for school, but I can move if it will really affect my chances.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

For me, your experiences look strong. Hopefully you'll get strong GRE scores. How much have you connected with students or alumni from UCD? I presume you have access to the VMSAR Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR) .

I will let others comment here on your options for additional experience. I don't think you need research, but I defer to others here.

 

[melospizamelodia]

For me, your experiences look strong. Hopefully you'll get strong GRE scores. How much have you connected with students or alumni from UCD? I presume you have access to the VMSAR Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR) .

I will let others comment here on your options for additional experience. I don't think you need research, but I defer to others here.

Thank you for your feedback! I am studying hard for the GRE now. Also, thank you for sharing this resource—I appreciate any and all links, as I feel a bit out of the loop since I graduated a while ago. Very much appreciated.

 

[Viscernable]

My current school list: UC Davis (IS), as relocation outside the Bay Area isn’t really an option. I will apply to other schools as well but it would be difficult for us to move.

I’m not qualified to tell you how strong your chances are, but before applying it’s important you really decide whether attending other schools is an option or not. If you wouldn’t go if you were accepted, absolutely do not waste your money and time applying.

 

[WonderingStudent]

Through your research did you work with veterinarians? If you want to mention in your application your goal of wildlife/zoo med, demonstrating experience shadowing/working with a veterinarian who sees wildlife/exotics would be good to show schools that you know what that portion of the field is like.

I agree with Vis - if you can't see yourself moving out of state then it may not be worth the time or money to apply anywhere other than UC Davis. Ask yourself - if you didn't get into UC Davis but got into X OOS school, would you attend the OOS school or would you reapply/do something else?