WAMC - How Can I Improve? 2nd Time Applicant

[sksisk]

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Cumulative GPA: 3.237
science GPA: 3.2 (Not positive on this, I will be recalculating but if anything, it will be higher)
last 45: 3.464

Any degrees achieved: B.S. Animal Science (Dec 2023), Master of Physiology (Dec 2025)
I am hoping to Track Mixed Animal Medicine!

Veterinary Experience: ~4440 Hours
- 4027 Hours of Veterinary Assistant Small Animal GP/Urgent Care
- 250 Hours of Exotic Experience (South Africa Study Abroad)
- 125 Hour Equine Pre-Veterinary Internship
- 140 Hours of Large Animal Veterinary Shadowing
- 20+ Hours Other Experiences

Animal Experience: ~1790 Hours
- 1545 Hours Animal Care Technician (Same Hosp as Vet Assistant)
- 100 Hours Equine Farm Hand
- 36 Hours North Carolina State Fair Milk Booth
- 50 hours Other Experiences (Mostly Equine)

Research Experience: ~415 Hours
- 75 Hours Swine Nutrition Research at NC State Swine Educational Unit
- 340 Hours Canine Rehabilitation Frailty Research at NC State CVM

Awards/scholarships:
- Student Leadership & Engagement (SLE) Outstanding Pride and Spirit Award
- Best Woodwind - NCSU Marching Band
- Various JROTC High School Awards & Scholarship ($2000)
- High School Marching Band Scholarship ($1000)

Extracurriculars:
- 7 years of College Marching Band (Section Leader for 3 years)
- 7 Years of College Pep Band (Pep Band Assistant for 3 years)
- Collegiate Dairy Challenge Team
- Oaks Leadership Scholar (Diversity & Inclusion Scholar Group)
- Women in Science & Engineering Village
-

Employment:
- Girl Scout Camp Counselor & Lifeguard (2 summers)
- Music Department Ambassador (2 summers)
- Unpaid Teaching Assistant for Companion Animal Science
- Unpaid Teaching Assistant Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals

Summarize any concerns you have
- My concerns are my lower end GPA, My Small Animal vet experience all coming from the same place, and my academic integrity violation from a misinterpreted guideline during the height of covid, I know this is bad but I have completed the required module, completed an academic integrity certificate on my own, and plan on working with the Student Conduct Team directly to help mitigate this. This is barrier for sure but unless anyone has experience with this directly, I prefer not to hear your opinion on this aspect. It was a mistake, not intentional, and I have grown so much since 6 years ago.

Future Plans So Far:
- retaking a class or two (likely orgo 1)
- Increasing Experience Hours (I am now full time vet assistant at the same place)
- Online certificate program courses through coursera if I am able

 

[HorseObsessed]

Your hours are excellent. They are comparable to the hours of students who have gotten into some of the more competitive holistic schools. The only thing you are missing for a "holistic" application is research hours. Edit I reread and saw you have some! Fantastic!
What schools did you apply to? If you only applied to your in state, NC state is extremely competitive, and even though they say they're holistic, they seem to be GPA heavy.
If you didn't already apply, consider Colorado State, Louisiana State, Cornell, Lincoln Memorial, Ross, and St George's. Cornell likes high GPAs but they say they're holistic and for some students they are. If you plan on applying to Penn I would recommend lab animal/ research experience based off my experience with them this cycle.
Goood luck! Try try again!
I'd be happy to read your essays for round 2 when you start writing again.

 

[sksisk]

Your hours are excellent. They are comparable to the hours of students who have gotten into some of the more competitive holistic schools. The only thing you are missing for a "holistic" application is research hours. Edit I reread and saw you have some! Fantastic!
What schools did you apply to? If you only applied to your in state, NC state is extremely competitive, and even though they say they're holistic, they seem to be GPA heavy.
If you didn't already apply, consider Colorado State, Louisiana State, Cornell, Lincoln Memorial, Ross, and St George's. Cornell likes high GPAs but they say they're holistic and for some students they are. If you plan on applying to Penn I would recommend lab animal/ research experience based off my experience with them this cycle.
Goood luck! Try try again!
I'd be happy to read your essays for round 2 when you start writing again.

Thank you so much for your input! I only applied to NC State but will likely expand to other schools this next cycle. I will definitely take you up on the essays! Thanks again!

 

[katiemcat]

I agree your biggest hindrance is going to be GPA. Definitely retake courses if you are able to. Your experiences are diverse and you are well rounded otherwise, apply holistically.