WAMC - low GPA, average experiences

[clementine21]

19 yo female
MA resident
No degree - BS in Biology expected May 2026

Cumulative GPA: 3.34
science GPA: 3.25
last 45: 3.64
No GRE

Veterinary Experience:

• Veterinary Assistant at veterinary hospital (large and small animal assistant) - 1,500

Total : 1,500 hours

Animal Experience:

• Equine Farm Hand - 1,320 hours
• Equestrian - 3,705 hours
• Pet Sitting (horses, dogs, cats) - 106 hours

Total : 5,131 hours

Research Experience:
None yet, but I am starting one in September which I added in my explanation statement

Awards/scholarships:
College

• Dean's List x2 semesters
• College Honors Program
• Presidential Scholarship - $100,000
• National Science Foundation Scholarship - $40,000

High School

• Lions Club Scholarship
• Fire Department Scholarship
• Excellence in Honors English 10
• Excellence in AP US History
• Excellence in Spanish II
• President on National Honor Society
• Member of National Honor Society
• Garden Club Scholarship
• National Society of Leadership and Success

Extracurriculars:

• Bible Study - 460 hours
• JV/V soccer - 1,156 hours
• Piano Lessons and Competitions - 176 hours
• Student Council Representative - 380 hours

Total : 2,172 hours

Employment:

• Barista - 520 hours
• Barista at different cafe - 1,050 hours
• Office Assistant at Contracting Company - 1,180 hours

Total : 2,750 hours

Non-Animal Volunteering:

• Food pantry - 10 hours
• Tutoring - 40 hours
• Fundraiser Volunteer - 10 hours
• Special Olympics Assistant - 14 hours

Total : 74 hours

Animal Volunteering :

• Equine Camp Counselor - 42 hours

Total : 42 hours

LOR:

• 1 from DVM at the vet hospital I work at
• 1 from senior technician at the vet hospital I work at
• 1 from a school advisor

Schools I am applying to :

• Ross
• St. George's
• Virginia Maryland
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Arizona
• Wisconsin

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[JaynaAli]

Your GPA and lack of variety of vet hours may be your issues this year. I would consider waiting another year to apply in order to work on your GPA some and get more varied vet experience. I don’t think your chances are zero this cycle so by all means apply if you have money and time for it, but with a below average GPA I think you may have better success in a year or two. If you’re just starting your junior year you still probably have quite a few classes left to take, so you could probably improve your GPA a decent amount if you get really high grades. It would be better (imo) to take fewer classes and do well than smash them all in and overload yourself to the point your GPA suffers.

Why did you choose the schools you have on your list?

 

[battie]

If you do apply this year, take off Louisiana from your list.

 

[leoa]

I think you have a good chance of getting into one of the Caribbean schools but if you are not serious about going there, I wouldn't waste the money on the application this cycle. A lot of people sometimes only get into the Caribbean and decide to apply again anyway and given themselves another chance for an in state school. Considering you still have about 2 years of undergrad, I would say you have a lot of time to make your application more competitive, especially your grades. If I were in your place and know everything I know now, I would not worry about the application until at least next spring (2025-2026 cycle) where you can keep drafting your PS until then if you'd like but mostly really focus on your grades and your pre-reqs beings as great as they can. You will also have a lot more vet hours by that time and can consider looking for some other vet related experiences to add. There are lots of summer trips (ex: Loop Abroad) you could do next summer and still have time to add it to your app by September. Even if you applied during the cycle of your graduation 2026-2027, you will just have a one gap year, which many people end up being really thankful for. You are doing great by reaching out for advice now and using resources. I mentor lots of pre-vet student from my undergrad because I didn't have any resources/support until after I graduated so I am passionate about being there for others. So please feel free to reach out anytime!