WAMC: Low cGPA, Well-Rounded Experience (this is a long-ish post)

[gigglebangsriceball]

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So, I figure I post my stats here and get some constructive criticism and feedback where I can improve. Is it worth applying or should I just give up my dream? 😭

F/27/Traditional/MD

cGPA: 2.88 (2.5 originally)
Science GPA: 3.32 (2.3 originally)
Last 45: 3.91 (2.0 something originally -- I basically retook 45 credits of upper level + courses I didn't excel at first)
Bachelors in Biology

***Sorry I don't have accurate hours, I have it all listed on an excel just really need to sit down and put my hours in.

Vet Experience:

• I honestly can't calculate how many hours but it's a lot, I was a Vet Tech for 4 years (worked part-time then transition to full-time, ~30hrs a week then to 45hrs a week)
• 500+ hrs Spay/Neuter Clinic
• 500+ hrs Mobile Clinic
• 20hrs Vaccine Clinic (2 different locations)

Animal Experience:

• 100hrs Aquarium Intern
• 500+ Pet Sitting
• Foster/Volunteer for 2 different cat rescues for about all 4 years of my time as a tech (not sure how to calculate this one)
• Horse Rehabilitation Rescue
• Sanctuary in Cusco with exotics and livestock

Research Experience:

• Stem Cell Therapy + Breast Cancer Research using animal models (mice)
• Medical Device Testing (mice, guinea pigs, rats, bunnies, hamster)

Employment:

• Starbucks Barista
• Babysitter
• Cashier @ Shop Rite then Face Values
• Vet Tech
• Scientist
• Quality Assurance Tech for a Flavoring Company
• Animal Biologist (current) @ NIH

Extracurriculars/Volunteer:

• Car Club (President/Treasurer)
• Equestrian Team (Founder/Treasurer)
• Latin American Student Org
• Biology Club
• Pre-Vet/Animal Science CLub
• Public Health Outreach Advocate
• Tutor for underprivileged children (current)
• Theater Arts (I was stage crew for 2 years)
• Court and Hospital Advocate for a DV/SA women's shelter (current)
• STEM Coordinator (current)
• Newspaper Editor (high school)

Certifications/Awards:

• Spanish Honor Society
• Veterinary Award for Academic Excellence
• CPR/BLS/ALS
• Livestock First Aid
• Blood Borne Pathogen cert
• Small Animal MRI Safety cert
• LATG cert

LOR:

• 2 vets that I worked with
• My PI + the senior scientist I work with
• Animal Program Coordinator @ my job
• Women's shelter Coordinator

I guess for some background information, I was originally a full-time student during 2016 but I hit a couple of obstacles during my time. So here's the short version: my mother passed away and my absent father (who cheated on my mother and had a secret family 😀) returned to claim everything, he got lawyers involved. I was unable to afford tuition or receive FA because they needed ME to reach out to my dad and get him to sign a document that he is not associated with me. Went from full-time student to part-time and ended up with a bad crowd of friends. Met my ex who was emotionally and physically abusive (he also had a crime history sooo). BUT then I met my mentor (the vet I worked with for 4 years) she pretty much changed my mindset. I cut off my former friends and left my ex. My grades were already ****, but I vowed to improve and I would say I did. I don't want this to be a pity party as to why I did so poorly or the reason to blame either (if that makes sense).

I just want some feedback or advice if there is anymore room for me to improve or should I just let this dream go haha. I looked into applying to Iowa and Michigan (possibly MN). I wish to stay in the US so international is out. Is there anyone with a low cGPA who got into school as well?

Please don't be too harsh with me, but also I need advice. Some positivity is appreciated. This was well out of my comfort zone as I am embarrassed by my grades and GPA and my past. I didn't really want to post this, but I need to know my options.

 

[JaynaAli]

I think you’re the type of applicant who needs to really research each school and apply very selectively. You need to find the schools that prioritize like a pre-req GPA and last 45 GPA and ideally that also do grade replacement va grade averaging. What would your pre-req only GPA be, roughly? Really read up on how the schools carry out their selection…some may make initial cuts based solely on GPA while others may consider the whole app. I don’t think it’s hopeless, especially since your last 45 is strong, but it is true that a cGPA of 2.88 will likely be a barrier at a lot of schools especially as an OOS applicant. But maybe not at all. You should really go through each school’s website and make a list so you know which places you realistically have a chance at. Minimum GPA requirements are firm without exceptions…if you apply somewhere where you don’t meet minimums you’re donating them your money which is silly. Some schools may not publicize it but they make initial cuts based upon GPA and ignore lower GPA applicants, that’s where reading school specific threads on SDN and other sites can be informative to find those schools that aren’t just gonna toss your app because your cGPA is low. It’ll be a lot of time spent researching and probably remaining open minded about location, but applying smartly will maximize your chances.

 

[pp9]

So grain of salt, but people do get in with <3.0 GPAs every year. It's not a lot of people by any means, and typically those people have applications that are absolutely phenomenal outside of academics. In addition to being very 'informed' about admissions processes and school choices, you will need everything else on your app to be outstanding. This could also be a situation where a well-written explanation statement could be helpful, but that depends on your comfort level. If you decide to write one, have it proofread by as many people as possible. They are challenging to write well.

I will always recommend applying to your IS just so you at least have a chance at the most affordable tuition possible. VMCVM looks at all 3 GPAs but that doesn't mean you have no chance, as long as you are not below any minimum GPA they have in place (I actually am not finding one on their website, so verify with the school).

I would also strongly consider any schools that allow you to delete older coursework. Illinois is one example from the top of my head. You would have to repeat any prereqs that got deleted (unless you've already repeated!), but that may very well be worth it for you as it would give you the chance to seriously bump up your cGPA/sGPA.