WAMC - DVM/PhD 1st time applicant

[Sparker]

I'm a first time applicant interested in dual DVM/PhD programs. I'm very committed to vet med and have always wanted to work in practice. I started research when I entered college, and I love research and know that I want to get my PhD through a dual program with a DVM. But, I'm not entirely sure what I specifically want to do my PhD in. As for vet specialties, I'm interested in large animal, zoo med, and surgery.

I primarily looking into NC State (IS) and Cornell, but I'm also planning to apply to Colorado State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Georgia, and UPenn.

Cumulative GPA: 3.9
Science GPA: 3.85
Last 45: 3.9

Any degrees achieved
I'm a junior right now and will graduate in spring 2026 with 3 degrees: BS Biology, BS Forensic Science, and BA Chemistry.

GRE results: n/a

Veterinary Experience: total 730hrs
-290hrs exotics at a waterfowl/wildlife rescue
-320hrs small animal at 2 different small animal clinics
-80hrs large animal at a mobile clinic
-40hrs mixed animal at a mobile clinic in Africa

Animal Experience: total 2800hrs
-1600hrs farm work at multiple family farms, variety of livestock and poultry
-200hrs waterfowl/wildlife rescue, mainly songbirds, waterfowl, poultry, and reptiles
-100hrs taxidermy shop
-10hrs dairy cattle artificial insemination
-240hrs dairy cattle judging
-190hrs livestock judging
-300hrs pet sitting, all kinds of animals
-160hrs wildlife habitat education program, competing and mentoring

Research Experience: total 1380hrs
-40hrs case study research on the differences in vet med between Tanzania and the US
-100hrs environmental toxicology research and how this affects specific animals
-200hrs hydroponics and botany research, co-founded this lab and primarily mentoring other students
-400hrs marine invertebrate microbiome research
-75hrs pharmaceutical and behavioral testing with mice
-480hrs tarantula microbiome research
-85hrs veterinary virology and vaccine research in chickens

Awards/scholarships:
-Full tuition scholarship for undergrad
-Academic letters and bars (high school)
-National Honors Society (high school)
-Workkeys platinum (high school)
-Multiple 1 time and renewable agriculture or academic based scholarships earned in high school for college
-DEKALB agricultural accomplishment award & National rural and small town recognition program (high school)
-Deans scholar
-Veterinary scholars program
-TriBeta biological honors society
-Campus research conference: 3 years in a row, made multiple research posters and am the keynote speaker
-Grants for the tarantula microbiome lab
-Vet assistant certified

Extracurriculars:
-Pre-Vet Association: co-founder, treasurer, president
-Dean scholar
-FFA (high school): president, vice president, treasurer, competed in a lot of CDEs at the regional, state, and national level
-Club softball
-Conservation club: co-founder, treasurer, student advisor
-Forensic Science club: founder, treasurer
-Campus greenhouse: founder
-Pre-health society
-Student honors council: treasurer
-Art club
-Honors college journal: co-editor in chief and science journal editor
-Hunters safety team (high school): varsity, won state competition in the individual knowledge portion
-Track and field (high school): varsity shot put and discus
-Church youth group (high school)
-4-H (high school)
-Church technology assistant

Employment: total 200hrs
-200hrs biology department tutor

I feel like my stats as pretty average, so I would love some advice on what you guys think I should focus on over the summer to boost my chances for the dual program. Thank you!

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[JaynaAli]

I think at least for general DVM admissions you’ve got a really strong chance. Such a high GPA gives you an excellent chance, imo. Not saying you don’t have a chance for a combined program, I just don’t have as much experience there and it seems like they may look for different things in an applicant, so I’ll defer that to others. Your vet experience is on the lighter side but is a good mix of different types. I’d continue to get more hours though.

Others with more experience in the dual degree realm (like @supershorty) may have better info than me. I’d be sure you can communicate “why” to programs. Why do you want a PhD? Is it even necessary to reach your career goal? Is the DVM part necessary or could you get there with a PhD alone? You mention specialties and those do often come with advanced degrees, but clinical research as part of a specialty can be a lot different than someone who wants to pursue basic science as a career. In general it’s okay to start vet school not knowing what you want to do, but my impression after being around multiple schools and SDN for a long time is that things are a little different when you’re talking combined programs, since that’s a very big commitment.