What are my chances, and how can I improve my application?

[lafrantz1]

This is my first application cycle, so any recommendations would be great! I am applying to UIUC (In-state). They have made the GRE optional this cycle, and if I report my scores, my GPA will be weighted less heavily. Is it a good idea to report my scores? What are my chances of being admitted? How can I improve my application? And is it frowned upon to not have a supervisor listed for all experiences? Thanks in advance!

Cumulative GPA: On transcript 3.96; VMCAS GPA calculator: 3.9

Science GPA: Estimating 3.7

Degree: Bachelor's in Agriculture (Graduated Summa Cum Laude)

GRE results: Q 162/ V 161/ W 5.0

Veterinary Experience:

- Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist at a clinic that treats companion animals, exotics, and wildlife (2016 - Present) 6000 hours
- Veterinary Assistant (technician duties - the clinic referred to their tech position as "vet assistant") at a companion animal hospital (2015-2016) 300 hours
- Kennel Attendant at an animal hospital (2012-2015) 1860 hours

Animal Experience:

- Pet Sitting (2017 - Present) 624 hours
- Internship with a local dog trainer (2019) 96 hours
- Equestrian Team (Served as Western Coordinator & Safety Officer) (2016-2018) 156 hours
- Animal Care Volunteer at a local zoo (2016 & 2021) 36 hours
- Fostering for a local rescue (2020 - Present) 240 hours
- Large Animal Lab Participant (2015) (weighed cattle, castrated piglets, trimmed sheep hooves, etc.) 24 hours
- Humane Society Volunteer (during high school, 2012-2015) 40 hours

Research Experience:

- Independent Study (monitored sheep & cattle for signs of parturition, assisted when necessary, kept a log of births, and compiled a report) (2018) 108 hours
- Loop Abroad Howler Monkey & Jaguar Research Fellowship (will complete in summer 2021)

Awards/Scholarships:
College
- Dean's List x 5
- Redbird Academic Scholarship (renewable for 4 years)
- Clarence-Moore Scholarship
- Goldsmith-Fielder Agriculture Scholarship
- Cougar Pride Scholarship
- Illinois Odd Fellow - Rebekah Scholarship
- BCMW Community Scholarship x 2 years
- Paul A. Funk Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship
- ISU Harvey S. Woods Scholarship
- Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship (renewable for 4 years)
- Robert Preston UClub Scholarship
- Honors Program Scholar
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude
- A handful of Western Horsemanship awards from shows

High School
- Nominated for Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Competition (4 years)
- Nominated for Blackburn College Science Day Competition (4 years)
- High Honor Roll (5 years)
- Academic Achievement Awards: Biology I, Honors English II, Keyboarding, Health, Anatomy & Physiology, Honors English III, AP American History, Physics, Chemistry II, Advanced Composition, American Government
- 4th Place in Blackburn Science Day Competition
- Illinois State Scholar
- 1st Place Help Desk: Future Business Leaders of America
- Valedictorian in high school
- Academic Excellence Award
- National Honor Society

Extracurriculars:

College
- Endurance Dance Team (2017-2018)
- Hoof N' Horn (2016-2018)
- Student Pre Vet Association (2015 - 2018, Vice President in 2017)
- ISU Service Dog Organization (2015-2017)
- TA for Intro to Animal Nutrition Class (2016)

High School
- Color Guard (2014-2015)
- Jazz Band (2013-2015)
- Future Business Leaders of America (2013-2015)
- Partnerships for College & Career Success (2012-2015)
- Dance Team (2012-2013, Captain 2014-2015)
- Service Club (2012-2015)
- Spanish Club (2012-2015)
- Band (pep band, concert band, marching band) (2011-2015)
- Bowling League (2011-2012)
- Scholar Bowl (2011-2012)

Volunteer Work:

- Local Zoo (Jan. 2021 - Present, Special Events Volunteer): 4 hours
- Foundation Church (Toddler Room Volunteer) (2018 - 2019): 96 hours
- Alternative Spring Break Volunteer Trip (2016): 66 hours
- Carlyle Christian Church (Children's Church Volunteer) (2011-2015): 208 hours
- Community Link (2015) (Volunteer Babysitter): 20 hours

Employment:

- Schuette's Market (Summer Break 2016): 200 hours

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Sierra_mountains11]

I think that you have a very strong application! You have an awesome GPA and great GRE scores, so I dont believe that reporting your GRE will hurt you at all. You have good amounts of experience and good leadership experiences too. As is the common theme for everyone's WAMC, getting more varied vet experience with large animals is always good. Were all the clinics you worked at different ones? Schools like to see variety within the clinics you've worked in/shadowed as well. It appears that you have set yourself up well for this cycle though, so I think you have a very strong application for this fall good luck!!!

 

[lafrantz1]

I think that you have a very strong application! You have an awesome GPA and great GRE scores, so I dont believe that reporting your GRE will hurt you at all. You have good amounts of experience and good leadership experiences too. As is the common theme for everyone's WAMC, getting more varied vet experience with large animals is always good. Were all the clinics you worked at different ones? Schools like to see variety within the clinics you've worked in/shadowed as well. It appears that you have set yourself up well for this cycle though, so I think you have a very strong application for this fall good luck!!!

Thank you! I've worked at 3 different clinics, one as a kennel attendant, one as a vet assistant with technician duties, and one as a vet assistant/receptionist. I haven't had any luck with large animal vet experience, but do have some general large animal experience.

 

[Sierra_mountains11]

Thank you! I've worked at 3 different clinics, one as a kennel attendant, one as a vet assistant with technician duties, and one as a vet assistant/receptionist. I haven't had any luck with large animal vet experience, but do have some general large animal experience.

That's awesome!! I figured from your post that they were three different clinics, but I was just double checking I didn't have much LA vet experience either- only about 20 from helping with a cattle research project, but I rode horses growing up, so at least I had that I'm excited for you!! I hope you get in!

 

[lafrantz1]

That's awesome!! I figured from your post that they were three different clinics, but I was just double checking I didn't have much LA vet experience either- only about 20 from helping with a cattle research project, but I rode horses growing up, so at least I had that I'm excited for you!! I hope you get in!

Thank you!!