WAMC - Low GPA, 2x App, Semi Non-Trad, Exotics Focus, SGU Acceptance Last Cycle

[sakura_3]

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Hey everyone! 🙂

I’m a second-time applicant and would love some feedback on my school list and overall chances. Last cycle (as an upcoming senior), I applied to 8 schools. I was accepted to SGU, waitlisted for interviews at U of A and KSU (ultimately rejected), and denied from Ross after interviewing due to my low upper-level science GPA.

My GPA is on the lower side since I’ve worked full-time throughout undergrad, but I’ve continued to build strong veterinary and extracurricular experiences. I repeated Organic Chemistry and Microbiology after failing them last summer and was able to improve my grades. (I am also currently petitioning my school for a late withdrawal from those original attempts.) I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which helps explain my academic trends. I’m now in my final semester of undergrad, which will be my 13th consecutive semester since starting college in August 2021.

*Side note: I don’t qualify for LMU, tOSU, or Iowa

22-year-old Female, Florida Resident, Second-Time Applicant, First-Generation, Semi Non-Trad, Low GPA, Exotics Focus

School List: Mississippi, U of A, and UF (IS) for sure. I am on the fence about Virginia Maryland, Mizzou, and LSU because of my GPA. I originally also had KSU and Wisconsin, but cut them, thoughts? I'd like to keep it at 5, maybe 6 schools this cycle.

Cumulative GPA: 3.19
Science GPA: 2.90
Last 45 GPA: 2.96
*My prereq GPA was calculated at a 3.46 for VA-MD last cycle

Degree
Associate of Arts, General Studies, Veterinary Medicine Emphasis (Spring 2023) - 3.5 GPA
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Integrative Animal Biology (Anticipated Fall 2025) - ~3.0 GPA

Veterinary Experience (6,126 Hours)
GP/Exotic Veterinary Technician - 2,288 Hours
GP/Exotic Veterinary Assistant - 760 Hours
Exotics Technician - 256 Hours
Internal Med Technician - 485 Hours
GP Veterinary Technician - 240 Hours
GP Veterinary Assistant - 108 Hours
ER Veterinary Scribe - 1,932 Hours
Orthopedic Shadow - 57 Hours

Employed Animal Experience (774 Hours)
Pet Resort Specialist - 774 Hours

Animal Volunteering (48 Hours)
Beef Cattle Farm - 8 Hours
Local Humane Society - 32 Hours
Local Wildlife/Rehab Ranch - 8 Hours

Non-Animal Employment (5,320 Hours)
Fast Food Assistant Manager / Fill in General Manager - 672 Hours
Fast Food Shift Manager - 660 Hours
Fast Food Crew Member - 798 Hours
Fast Food Crew Member - 2,068 Hours
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom Merchandise Associate - 1,122 Hours

Non-Animal Volunteer (1,166 Hours)
Senior Center - 1,166

Extracurriculars (2,230 Hours)
Social Media Content Creation/Mentoring - 1,064 Hours
Brand Affiliate/Ambassador For 4 Companies - 181 Hours
VMX Attendee - 24 Hours
Undergraduate Veterinary Medical Society President - 109 Hours
Undergraduate Veterinary Medical Society Fundraising Coordinator - 7 Hours
Regular Pre-Veterinary Society Member - 27 Hours
UFCVM Vet Champ Admission Bootcamp - 24 Hours
Clearwater Marine Aquarium - 3 Hours
STEM Club Secretary/Pre-Vet Chair - 74 Hours
Hobby Roller Skating - 594 hours

Research Experience (194 Hours)
Loop Abroad Crocodile and Manatee Research Fellow - 104 Hours
Undergrad Ecology Environmental Research - 24 Hours
Undergrad Genetics Fruit Fly Research - 22 Hours
Undergrad Wildlife Research - 30 Hours
Undergrad Microbiology Research - 14 Hours

Honors/Awards/Certificates
RECOVER BLS/ALS
Fear Free Certified
Cat and Dog First Aid - American Red Cross
First Aid for Opioid Overdoses - American Red Cross
AAHA March 2025 "Veterinary Voices" Feature
VetCandy June 2024 "Vet School" Feature
Certificate of Excellence (GP/Exotics Clinic)
Associate Off The Week (Dorney Park)
3 Dean’s List Semesters
Five Honor Societies
IACUC Rodent Certifications
C.E.T. Dental Ambassador
Trudell Animal Health Certified Respiratory Educator
QPR Suicide Prevention
Vetfolio Suicide Prevention

Letters of Recommendation - 4
1 GP, DACVIM Vet
2 ER Vets
1 Science Academic Advisor

Personal Purpose Statement: I wrote about growing up in a low-income household as one of quadruplets and how that experience shaped me. I connected my unique upbringing to my own medical history, which has given me a deep understanding of resilience and adaptability. I then tied these experiences into my passion for exotic animal medicine and tiered care, showing how my background has inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and provide care to underserved species and populations.

Explanation Statement: I described the challenges I faced when moving from Pennsylvania to Florida for college without financial support. Because of this, I worked full-time throughout my undergraduate years, which impacted my academics at times and led to poor grades and a period of academic probation. I explained how I have grown from these experiences and demonstrated improvement in my academics. I also addressed my recent ADHD diagnosis and shared the steps I am taking to better prepare myself for my final undergraduate semester and for veterinary school.

Thank you in advance.

🙂

 

[pp9]

If the 2.94 science GPA is accurate, you will be disqualified at UF right off the bat. I would be applying to Arizona and KSU again given that you made at least some progress in the admissions pathway at each. My guess is that your experiences got you past the initial eval, which is great!

All three GPAs are essentially identical, so you have less strategizing power. If your prereq GPA is going to be significantly higher for other schools like it was for VMCVM, your best bet is to either repeat science classes to boost your GPAs (to improve your odds at all schools) or pick schools that look at pre-req GPA vs. just 'science' GPA. You'd have to calculate your pre-req GPA for each school that considers the pre-req GPA, but usually they are fairly similar.

Wisconsin is one of the most competitive schools in the US for OOS students. OOS averages for accepted applicants are consistently near 4.0's. With that said, they look at prereq GPA over science GPA, so calculate what your prereq GPA is for them and decide if you think it's worth the time/money to apply.

It's never impossible to get an acceptance with lower GPAs, but it's definitely more challenging. If I were in your shoes, I would be considering repeating some science courses and looking at schools that replace grades rather than average attempts. Your last semester performance is also going to be critical, although the credit load probably won't be enough to significantly budge your cGPA/science GPA. I don't think your experience will be an issue.

Whether or not the explanation statement is going to help or hurt you probably depends on how you wrote it. At the very least, proceed with caution and an excessive number of proofreaders. A lack of financial support at this stage in life is fairly common and many students are working to get by (yes, that includes full time work). I would absolutely not use the explanation statement to say you don't have LA experience because you couldn't find it/didn't have time, I honestly wouldn't even point this out. Trying to say this gently, but your competition will find time. Some of your competition is also working full time and applying with very competitive stats. If anything, getting on top of your ADHD, repeating and acing courses, and then writing an explanation statement pointing out that you've got things under control now academically is the way to go. If I were on an adcom and reviewing your app, the lack of an upward trend (particularly in high level science courses) would be the biggest red flag here, so your best proof of 'taking steps to prepare' is to ace some high level sciences imo.

Considering everything I've said above, I would be taking the acceptance to SGU if you get it again. Why didn't you take it this time around? (aka don't apply to schools you won't actually attend if accepted, it's a waste of time and money 🙂).

 

[sakura_3]

Thank you for your response!

I noticed that UF now requires (instead of recommends) above a 3.0 in all categories, so I plan to submit one of my apps today to get an idea of my sGPA once verified. My science GPA might be a tad higher, but I'm not 100% sure it's over the 3.0 threshold. (I was hoping that the petition I'm currently in would be approved before the VMCAS deadline, as my sGPA would be over a 3.15 and my cGPA would be around a 3.35, but it doesn't appear like that's gonna happen, haha).

I will definitely look at schools that have more weight in the pre-req GPA section. This will likely be very useful for next app season. Thank you for that information!

I figured if I didn't get in this cycle, which I'm expecting, I would either do post-bacc classes or a Master's. I had an in-person file review with UF a couple of months ago, and the dean of admissions noted that retaking probably won't benefit me much because a lot of schools average. Since I got Cs in several pre-reqs, it would only average to a high-ish B if I got an A, which doesn't do much justice. I will keep in mind the schools that replace, but ideally, I'd love to stay in-state because of tuition, a boatload of pets, medical issues, and the 200K loan cap.

I also had file reviews with Ross and VAMD last cycle. The sole reason for my rejection at Ross was my 2.82 upper-level science GPA, but again, I had just failed 2 upper-level sciences, so it wasn't shocking. I didn't want to submit, but I had already put all the time and effort into my applications, so it would have been a waste not to. VAMD, of course, said the same thing: that I had a low GPA. They also mentioned that I didn't have any non-animal volunteering (which I forgot to include from high school), and research (which I have now obtained a little of). All considered, getting past the initial screening at KSU and U of A surprised me because of my rough last semester.

Does U of A, KSU, VAMD, +/- UF (depending on sGPA) sound reasonable for this cycle? Any thoughts on adding LSU or Mizzou?

And to answer your question, I had failed 2 of my prerequisites in Summer 2024 just before submitting, which pushed back my graduation term from Summer 2025 to Fall 2025. My acceptance (for Fall 2025) was contingent on my finishing my bachelor's degree, but I obviously wouldn't have finished my bachelor's degree in time. I tried deferring, but it was not approved because they only allow so many people to defer. So, it's not that I didn't want to go, it's that I couldn't. I plan to reapply next cycle if I don't get in this cycle. Hopefully, this helps explain.

 

[pp9]

Thank you for your response!

I noticed that UF now requires (instead of recommends) above a 3.0 in all categories, so I plan to submit one of my apps today to get an idea of my sGPA once verified. My science GPA might be a tad higher, but I'm not 100% sure it's over the 3.0 threshold. (I was hoping that the petition I'm currently in would be approved before the VMCAS deadline, as my sGPA would be over a 3.15 and my cGPA would be around a 3.35, but it doesn't appear like that's gonna happen, haha).

I will definitely look at schools that have more weight in the pre-req GPA section. This will likely be very useful for next app season. Thank you for that information!

I figured if I didn't get in this cycle, which I'm expecting, I would either do post-bacc classes or a Master's. I had an in-person file review with UF a couple of months ago, and the dean of admissions noted that retaking probably won't benefit me much because a lot of schools average. Since I got Cs in several pre-reqs, it would only average to a high-ish B if I got an A, which doesn't do much justice. I will keep in mind the schools that replace, but ideally, I'd love to stay in-state because of tuition, a boatload of pets, medical issues, and the 200K loan cap.

I also had file reviews with Ross and VAMD last cycle. The sole reason for my rejection at Ross was my 2.82 upper-level science GPA, but again, I had just failed 2 upper-level sciences, so it wasn't shocking. I didn't want to submit, but I had already put all the time and effort into my applications, so it would have been a waste not to. VAMD, of course, said the same thing: that I had a low GPA. They also mentioned that I didn't have any non-animal volunteering (which I forgot to include from high school), and research (which I have now obtained a little of). All considered, getting past the initial screening at KSU and U of A surprised me because of my rough last semester.

Does U of A, KSU, VAMD, +/- UF (depending on sGPA) sound reasonable for this cycle? Any thoughts on adding LSU or Mizzou?

And to answer your question, I had failed 2 of my prerequisites in Summer 2024 just before submitting, which pushed back my graduation term from Summer 2025 to Fall 2025. My acceptance (for Fall 2025) was contingent on my finishing my bachelor's degree, but I obviously wouldn't have finished my bachelor's degree in time. I tried deferring, but it was not approved because they only allow so many people to defer. So, it's not that I didn't want to go, it's that I couldn't. I plan to reapply next cycle if I don't get in this cycle. Hopefully, this helps explain.

Honestly I don't have strong opinions on which schools you're choosing so long as you meet the minimums they have in place, because I think your chances are pretty even at most schools at this point in time. I think Missouri is pretty selective for OOS as well, I'd look it up.

Thanks for the explanation for the SGU, but wouldn't you easily exceed the $200k cap by going there if you got in again (or for any OOS school aside from the ones that allow residency change)? Last I checked, their estimated cost of attendance (non-academic expenses included) exceeds $400k.

Also looking back at your old thread, the advice you got then was kind of the same...so I'd work out the loan situation and see if SGU is still an option for you cost-wise. If not, and you don't get in stateside this cycle, you really should repeat courses and apply to schools that replace grades and look at last 45. It's probably true that most average repeats, but not all do.

 

[DVM882029]

Thank you for your response!

I noticed that UF now requires (instead of recommends) above a 3.0 in all categories, so I plan to submit one of my apps today to get an idea of my sGPA once verified. My science GPA might be a tad higher, but I'm not 100% sure it's over the 3.0 threshold. (I was hoping that the petition I'm currently in would be approved before the VMCAS deadline, as my sGPA would be over a 3.15 and my cGPA would be around a 3.35, but it doesn't appear like that's gonna happen, haha).

I will definitely look at schools that have more weight in the pre-req GPA section. This will likely be very useful for next app season. Thank you for that information!

I figured if I didn't get in this cycle, which I'm expecting, I would either do post-bacc classes or a Master's. I had an in-person file review with UF a couple of months ago, and the dean of admissions noted that retaking probably won't benefit me much because a lot of schools average. Since I got Cs in several pre-reqs, it would only average to a high-ish B if I got an A, which doesn't do much justice. I will keep in mind the schools that replace, but ideally, I'd love to stay in-state because of tuition, a boatload of pets, medical issues, and the 200K loan cap.

I also had file reviews with Ross and VAMD last cycle. The sole reason for my rejection at Ross was my 2.82 upper-level science GPA, but again, I had just failed 2 upper-level sciences, so it wasn't shocking. I didn't want to submit, but I had already put all the time and effort into my applications, so it would have been a waste not to. VAMD, of course, said the same thing: that I had a low GPA. They also mentioned that I didn't have any non-animal volunteering (which I forgot to include from high school), and research (which I have now obtained a little of). All considered, getting past the initial screening at KSU and U of A surprised me because of my rough last semester.

Does U of A, KSU, VAMD, +/- UF (depending on sGPA) sound reasonable for this cycle? Any thoughts on adding LSU or Mizzou?

And to answer your question, I had failed 2 of my prerequisites in Summer 2024 just before submitting, which pushed back my graduation term from Summer 2025 to Fall 2025. My acceptance (for Fall 2025) was contingent on my finishing my bachelor's degree, but I obviously wouldn't have finished my bachelor's degree in time. I tried deferring, but it was not approved because they only allow so many people to defer. So, it's not that I didn't want to go, it's that I couldn't. I plan to reapply next cycle if I don't get in this cycle. Hopefully, this helps explain.

If finances are a concern, be very careful pursuing a Masters as the student debt you accrue there will go towards your lifetime cap of 200k, for which the majority of DVM programs are already over. This is a precarious time. Consider joining the Low GPA/non-trad group on Facebook and asking for financial input - there are a few professional student loan planners on there. If you can swing it, it may be wise to consult with one of them for a strategic financial plan going forward. One of them is a DVM who started her own finance company specifically for DVM students/prospective students/DVMs with long term repayent options. I would say to forego the Masters and attempt to take pre reqs/additional courses at a 2 or 4 year level to pad your GPA and be financially responsible.

 

[pp9]

I would say to forego the Masters and attempt to take pre reqs/additional courses at a 2 or 4 year level to pad your GPA and be financially responsible.

Especially if you take your repeats at a local CC and can afford them OOP while working. Downside is that you have several courses that need repeats and if you only take 1-2 at a time, you'll start approaching the 6-year course expiration (for your early undergrad stuff) that some schools have.

A master's is almost assuredly not going to be worth it for you for most schools. At best, you get a 4.0 in your master's courses and it counts as your last 45 credits for schools that look at it that way (as well as giving a probably very mild boost to your cGPA/science GPA), not all do. I don't think I've come across a single person (on SDN or irl) that felt the master's was really worth it to them in the context of vet med admissions

 

[beans2020]

Mizzou student here! GPA is a pretty substantial portion of your application (40%). I don't know if they follow a GPA cutoff like other schools or if you just get a lower score if you have a low GPA. I do know that they are trying to make OOS selection more holistic, so as long as you are not cut based on GPA they will look at all parts of your application before deciding if you will be granted an interview or not.

If you are worried about finances with the new bill, Mizzou is one of the only vet schools that allows you to change your residency after your first year so they are going to be one of the cheapest OOS options for you.

I'm not going to tell you you should or should not apply here as that is a very personal decision - this is just what I know about it. Hope that helps you decide!