What are my chances?

[SkiOtter]

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The grades are on my home school transcript! They just don't calculate it into the GPA. And I haven't sent a transcript from my study abroad school to VMCAS because according to this article (Study Abroad and Overseas US Institution Transcripts) I don't have to. I didn't study at a university on the list, and I didn't study via another US institution, I used a third-party program.

I’d still call vmcas to double check. You don’t want your app getting tossed back during verification.

 

[fsuseminolefuturevet]

Hey guys, I was just wondering what you all thought about my application as of now. I am not applying to vet school until next cycle (2019), so I have some time to perfect it. I plan on applying to Michigan State, Kansas State, Tuskegee, Ross, and St. George. My main concern is my GPA, but I still have 3 full semesters left, so I have a little time to get that up. Also, what are some good/unique things to do to have your resume stand out? Do you all think research hours are a large factor for getting into your school of choice? My first choice as of now is Michigan State, so if you have success stories for getting in there, please drop 'em in the replies. Do your worst (but please be helpful)!

-23 year old female
-Graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with a bachelor's in history
-Finishing up my higher level vet school pre-requisites at the University of West Florida
-GPA (as of now): 2.9
-SA veterinary experience: ~4500+ hours as a vet tech
-Volunteer hours: ~200 hours at various SA animal shelters (will be volunteering at the wildlife sanctuary and horse rescue in a few months as well)
-Member of National Society of Leadership and Success
-UWF Pre-Vet Club (will be on the board soon)
-UWF Women in Medicine Club
-Rec letters: 3 veterinarians I have worked under (potentially a fourth)

 

[teddydash]

I can only speak about UPenn, but I think your verbal is probably fine for them, but your quant is a little low. Your gpa is ok, but the last 45 is really good, so that may offset the lower quant. Looks like you have decent experience too. You should call the admissions counselors and see what they think, they will have a better idea of how you stand. Do you have time to retake the gre?

Thanks! That's a good idea I'll give them a call. I just took it again last month after using magoosh and didn't do any better :/

 

[SkiOtter]

Hey guys, I was just wondering what you all thought about my application as of now. I am not applying to vet school until next cycle (2019), so I have some time to perfect it. I plan on applying to Michigan State, Kansas State, Tuskegee, Ross, and St. George. My main concern is my GPA, but I still have 3 full semesters left, so I have a little time to get that up. Also, what are some good/unique things to do to have your resume stand out? Do you all think research hours are a large factor for getting into your school of choice? My first choice as of now is Michigan State, so if you have success stories for getting in there, please drop 'em in the replies. Do your worst (but please be helpful)!

-23 year old female
-Graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with a bachelor's in history
-Finishing up my higher level vet school pre-requisites at the University of West Florida
-GPA (as of now): 2.9
-SA veterinary experience: ~4500+ hours as a vet tech
-Volunteer hours: ~200 hours at various SA animal shelters (will be volunteering at the wildlife sanctuary and horse rescue in a few months as well)
-Member of National Society of Leadership and Success
-UWF Pre-Vet Club (will be on the board soon)
-UWF Women in Medicine Club
-Rec letters: 3 veterinarians I have worked under (potentially a fourth)

What’s your last 45 gpa currently and your science gpa?
Have you taken the gre?

 

[boogercat]

Hi guys! Any input? My real concern is my veterinary hours. I made the vet-track commitment later in life compared to a lot of people (senior year of college) versus just an animal-science based life. I've committed myself 300% to this life track and I'm loving every minute of it - I just need to convince vet schools that I'm worth an acceptance too. Unfortunately I can only do so many hours within the next month.

GPA: 3.69
Science GPA 3.6 I believe? Around there. Last 45: ~3.88

GRE: 165Q, 162V, 4.5A

Graduated UC Davis 2017 w/ BS Animal Science + Management, Dean's list lots of quarters, graduated w/ honors.
Veterinary hours ~220. About 160 mixed/small animal/shelter medicine, the rest equine.
Animal Experience hours: LOTS. I'm still trying to calculate reasonable numbers, but I've been employed in both shelter medicine/animal rescue areas as well as equine reproductive science areas, along with a whole bunch of other stuff throughout my undergrad.
Lacking research outside of academic curriculum.
Have several hundred hours of volunteer experience (again rescue + equine based)

Dream school is back to UC Davis, but also applying to Washington, Colorado, Missouri, and Maryland-Virginia.

 

[SkiOtter]

Hi guys! Any input? My real concern is my veterinary hours. I made the vet-track commitment later in life compared to a lot of people (senior year of college) versus just an animal-science based life. I've committed myself 300% to this life track and I'm loving every minute of it - I just need to convince vet schools that I'm worth an acceptance too. Unfortunately I can only do so many hours within the next month.

GPA: 3.69
Science GPA 3.6 I believe? Around there. Last 45: ~3.88

GRE: 165Q, 162V, 4.5A

Graduated UC Davis 2017 w/ BS Animal Science + Management, Dean's list lots of quarters, graduated w/ honors.
Veterinary hours ~220. About 160 mixed/small animal/shelter medicine, the rest equine.
Animal Experience hours: LOTS. I'm still trying to calculate reasonable numbers, but I've been employed in both shelter medicine/animal rescue areas as well as equine reproductive science areas, along with a whole bunch of other stuff throughout my undergrad.
Lacking research outside of academic curriculum.
Have several hundred hours of volunteer experience (again rescue + equine based)

Dream school is back to UC Davis, but also applying to Washington, Colorado, Missouri, and Maryland-Virginia.

Paging @Coopah for Davis input.
Are you a CA resident? Def gives you a leg up if you are IS! (As with any school )

 

[boogercat]

Paging @Coopah for Davis input.
Are you a CA resident? Def gives you a leg up if you are IS! (As with any school )

Yes! And that's what I'm banking on!! I think my chances there are better than other schools.

 

[Coopah]

Hi guys! Any input? My real concern is my veterinary hours. I made the vet-track commitment later in life compared to a lot of people (senior year of college) versus just an animal-science based life. I've committed myself 300% to this life track and I'm loving every minute of it - I just need to convince vet schools that I'm worth an acceptance too. Unfortunately I can only do so many hours within the next month.

GPA: 3.69
Science GPA 3.6 I believe? Around there. Last 45: ~3.88

GRE: 165Q, 162V, 4.5A

Graduated UC Davis 2017 w/ BS Animal Science + Management, Dean's list lots of quarters, graduated w/ honors.
Veterinary hours ~220. About 160 mixed/small animal/shelter medicine, the rest equine.
Animal Experience hours: LOTS. I'm still trying to calculate reasonable numbers, but I've been employed in both shelter medicine/animal rescue areas as well as equine reproductive science areas, along with a whole bunch of other stuff throughout my undergrad.
Lacking research outside of academic curriculum.
Have several hundred hours of volunteer experience (again rescue + equine based)

Dream school is back to UC Davis, but also applying to Washington, Colorado, Missouri, and Maryland-Virginia.

Thanks for the tag Ski! Science GPA looks average and that's a good last 45. Quant score looks amazing! Since you're IS I expect you'll get an interview, but it's up to the school and the strength of the competition. Davis doesn't care about hours assuming you have over 180. Let me know if you get an interview, good luck!

 

[PinkMicroPipette]

Hello! I would like to join the chancing pool! I am a 21 year old female, Afro-Carribean undergrad going into senior year (two more semesters to make a positive change!). I am a Biotechnology Major with a minor in Writing and Rhetoric. I am a NYS Resident and I currently go to SUNY-ESF.

I am applying to Cornell, Tufts, UPenn, UGA, UF, Virginia Maryland, St. Georges, and U Edinburgh
Also if someone could compare Ross vs St.George that would be great too.
My cGPA: 3.4
Last 45: 3.37
Last 58: 3.47
Science GPA:3.36
GRE 157V/150Q
I will be retaking a course in which I got a D so things will change.

I have :
900 hours working as a vet asst. in vet clinic
510 hours working in wildlife rehab
144 working with Horses as a volunteer and volunteer coordinator
300 hours working as a TA for Biology lab and Evolution
180 hours working as a Research assistant- will publish next semester
24 hours tutoring math
~40 hours volunteered for two cat adoption agencies

Worked in College calling center
Chair in Animal Rights club
Honors student
Presidents list
Presidential Scholarship
A bunch of awards and achievements from HS and MS
Tennis, Badminton, Judo, Flute, etc

LORs: Veterinarian, Honors program director/ advisor, 3 Professors (all department chairs or notable persons), Wildlife Rehabilitator,

Thank you!

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

1 year in college on a D1 rowing team - 2500 hours

I know that college athletics take up a lot of time, but I fail to see how you could've gotten this many hours in a one year period. This would mean you were doing this for nearly 7 hours a day, every day of the year. It is important to be realistic about hours.

 

[FishermanDon99]

Hi all, wondering if yall could give me some advice on WAMC, and possibly a school list. I'm a nontraditional female hispanic florida resident. My undergrad was in PR, and i did my post-bacc at UF.

OAGPA: 3.5
ScienceGPA: 3.3
Last 45: ~3.4
Expecting GRE to be around 152Q and 155 is what my latest practice test was
1 year paid as small animal vet tech
Volunteered for a semester in wild life hospital
Shadowed for a semester with a holistic small animal vet
~20 hours bovine artificial insemination
I did some research with my biology professor but not totally relevant to animals.
EC included starting a pipeline mentorship program for pre vet students and I was a crossfit coach for 2 years.

LORs: Post-bacc advisor, paid vet position, holistic vet, genetics professor.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[grebes4lyfe]

I have a question though too.... I'm re-taking the GRE to get my quant score up. I would really like to just focus only on the quant section this next test and not worry about my verbal or writing scores. I know that Davis clearly states that they will take your highest combination of scores on the GRE, but I can't find any clear policies from anyone else on their websites. Does anyone know about any of the schools i listed above (Tufts, Cornell, Penn, Western)--do they choose the highest score from each section, or do they just look at 1 test with the highest score overall? Like, I'm really happy with my verbal score and my AWA score is fine considering most schools seem to not care about it at all, so I'm wondering if I really only focus on quant but end up getting lower verbal and AWA scores this test, will that matter?

In case anyone else is wondering, I have definitive answers to GRE score selections for above schools (except Western) and figured I'd put them all in one place:
-Davis: chooses highest combo regardless of test date. quant is most important, will look at verbal and AWA scores if unsure.
-Tufts: chooses highest combo regardless of test date as well. AWA is REQUIRED for ALL submitted tests (so you can't get a good AWA score and skip it on subsequent tests if you just want to focus on verbal or quant... I thought this was an important point to make clear)
-Cornell: chooses highest combo of regardless of test date. they look only at verbal and quant, not at AWA (but they do not specifically say that you can skip the AWA section)
-Penn: highest overall score from same test date. they do NOT require AWA at all, and they actually say that you can skip it with no repercussions.

I couldn't find a clear policy on western's site, but my scores are all within range for them so I didn't feel the need to contact them about it. That's why they're info isn't included.

I hope this info might be helpful to someone else 🙂 Tuft's info was not online and I had to call the admissions office. Penn's was hidden in FAQs instead of under the GRE part of requirements where I would have expected it to be 😛

 

[EB73674]

In case anyone else is wondering, I have definitive answers to GRE score selections for above schools (except Western) and figured I'd put them all in one place:
-Davis: chooses highest combo regardless of test date. quant is most important, will look at verbal and AWA scores if unsure.
-Tufts: chooses highest combo regardless of test date as well. AWA is REQUIRED for ALL submitted tests (so you can't get a good AWA score and skip it on subsequent tests if you just want to focus on verbal or quant... I thought this was an important point to make clear)
-Cornell: chooses highest combo of regardless of test date. they look only at verbal and quant, not at AWA (but they do not specifically say that you can skip the AWA section)
-Penn: highest overall score from same test date. they do NOT require AWA at all, and they actually say that you can skip it with no repercussions.

I couldn't find a clear policy on western's site, but my scores are all within range for them so I didn't feel the need to contact them about it. That's why they're info isn't included.

I hope this info might be helpful to someone else 🙂 Tuft's info was not online and I had to call the admissions office. Penn's was hidden in FAQs instead of under the GRE part of requirements where I would have expected it to be 😛

Hey grebes, thanks for posting this! Just to clarify, with all of these scoring preferences, I'm assuming "regardless of test date" still means within 5 years of taking the test? Not sure if you asked this or not. I'm only asking because it will determine whether I have to take another English Comp class for Cornell ;-)

 

[grebes4lyfe]

Hey grebes, thanks for posting this! Just to clarify, with all of these scoring preferences, I'm assuming "regardless of test date" still means within 5 years of taking the test? Not sure if you asked this or not. I'm only asking because it will determine whether I have to take another English Comp class for Cornell ;-)

I didn't specifically ask this because all of my scores are from within the last year, but I believe that scores are only valid for 5 years (I think this is actually an ETS thing).

 

[EB73674]

I didn't specifically ask this because all of my scores are from within the last year, but I believe that scores are only valid for 5 years (I think this is actually an ETS thing).

Yeah that's what I figured, I'll reach out to Cornell specifically about whether my writing score and/or my one-point-under verbal score might be sufficient. Thanks for the reply!

 

[snakevet8]

Hi all, I posted here once before I had my GRE scores. I'm posting again with more accurate information.

Major: Biology
Cum. GPA: 3.4
Science GPA: ~3.3 (Still in progress)
Last 45: ~3.3 (In progress)
In-state: FL
Side note: I go to an honors college and I will be publishing a thesis before I graduate with my B.S.

GRE: 141Q, 145V, 4.5AWA (Retaking)

Veterinary Experience:
- 1800+ hrs SA/Exotics/ER veterinary assistant/receptionist @ AAHA Accredited multi-dr specialty hospt. (current FT job, ER reception manager)
- 2010 hrs vet assistant/receptionist at SA clinic
- 100+ hours with SA Oral Surgeon (just started, still shadowing)
- 80+ hours with SA Cardiologist/Surgeon (DACVS, DACVIM) (just started, still shadowing)
- 20+ hours with LA vet (will resume shadowing in the winter, after applications are due)
- 350 hours with marine vet
- 40 hours with exotics vet
- 10 hours with GP vet including hyperbaric oxygen therapy(CVA, CCRT, CHTV)
- 6 hours with an ER vet watching various surgeries

Animal Experience:
- 36 hours volunteering at a nature center
- 15 hours volunteering at an animal shelter
- 300+ hrs dog sitting/walking (on-going)

Research:
- 50 hours in a marine research lab working with temperature-sex determination in hatching green & leatherback turtles
- 350+ hours in a marine research lab working on making RIs for hatching green & leatherback turtle BW

Extracurricular activities:
- Pre-Vet Club
- Marine Biology Club
- HOSA

Letters of Rec:
- 3 SA GP Vet
- Academic professor/advisor

Concerns:
- Low GPA
- Low GRE
- Basically no volunteer hours

 

[SkiOtter]

Hi all, I posted here once before I had my GRE scores. I'm posting again with more accurate information.

Major: Biology
Cum. GPA: 3.4
Science GPA: ~3.3 (Still in progress)
Last 45: ~3.3 (In progress)
In-state: FL
Side note: I go to an honors college and I will be publishing a thesis before I graduate with my B.S.

GRE: 141Q, 145V, 4.5AWA (Retaking)

Veterinary Experience:
- 1800+ hrs SA/Exotics/ER veterinary assistant/receptionist @ AAHA Accredited multi-dr specialty hospt. (current FT job, ER reception manager)
- 2010 hrs vet assistant/receptionist at SA clinic
- 100+ hours with SA Oral Surgeon (just started, still shadowing)
- 80+ hours with SA Cardiologist/Surgeon (DACVS, DACVIM) (just started, still shadowing)
- 20+ hours with LA vet (will resume shadowing in the winter, after applications are due)
- 350 hours with marine vet
- 40 hours with exotics vet
- 10 hours with GP vet including hyperbaric oxygen therapy(CVA, CCRT, CHTV)
- 6 hours with an ER vet watching various surgeries

Animal Experience:
- 36 hours volunteering at a nature center
- 15 hours volunteering at an animal shelter
- 300+ hrs dog sitting/walking (on-going)

Research:
- 50 hours in a marine research lab working with temperature-sex determination in hatching green & leatherback turtles
- 350+ hours in a marine research lab working on making RIs for hatching green & leatherback turtle BW

Extracurricular activities:
- Pre-Vet Club
- Marine Biology Club
- HOSA

Letters of Rec:
- 3 SA GP Vet
- Academic professor/advisor

Concerns:
- Low GPA
- Low GRE
- Basically no volunteer hours

Where are you applying

 

[marleyandme13]

First off include everything that's what they want. Your choices are good. Your GRE isn't horrible but if you can improve it why not? Mainly your GPA is great, I expect to see you for an interview in December. The interview is all that matters so practice!

Update: I retook the GRE and got 164 V/156 Q/5.0 AW. Still not the best quant score but happy I was able to improve my scores while working full time!
Does anyone have any insight as to how difficult TAMU is for OOS people? It is one of the relatively cheaper schools but I also don't want to waste money applying if I don't have a shot.

 

[Coopah]

Update: I retook the GRE and got 164 V/156 Q/5.0 AW. Still not the best quant score but happy I was able to improve my scores while working full time!
Does anyone have any insight as to how difficult TAMU is for OOS people? It is one of the relatively cheaper schools but I also don't want to waste money applying if I don't have a shot.

That will be fine for Davis because your other stats rock. Prep for the interview, my advice would be to just be as calm as possible. I know that sounds difficult but their goal is to see how you preform under stress so learn to deal with it in a good way. Good luck!

 

[vetmedUCDavis2019]

In case anyone else is wondering, I have definitive answers to GRE score selections for above schools (except Western) and figured I'd put them all in one place:
-Davis: chooses highest combo regardless of test date. quant is most important, will look at verbal and AWA scores if unsure.
-Tufts: chooses highest combo regardless of test date as well. AWA is REQUIRED for ALL submitted tests (so you can't get a good AWA score and skip it on subsequent tests if you just want to focus on verbal or quant... I thought this was an important point to make clear)
-Cornell: chooses highest combo of regardless of test date. they look only at verbal and quant, not at AWA (but they do not specifically say that you can skip the AWA section)
-Penn: highest overall score from same test date. they do NOT require AWA at all, and they actually say that you can skip it with no repercussions.

I couldn't find a clear policy on western's site, but my scores are all within range for them so I didn't feel the need to contact them about it. That's why they're info isn't included.

I hope this info might be helpful to someone else 🙂 Tuft's info was not online and I had to call the admissions office. Penn's was hidden in FAQs instead of under the GRE part of requirements where I would have expected it to be 😛

Did Davis change their requirements for the GRE recently? I had coffee with the dean not too far back and my understanding was that they still only looked at quantitative scores and threw the rest in the garbage with the written portion of the letter of rec. Currently giving advice to a pre-vet applicant and wanted to make sure I am giving her up-to-date information. I also heard rumors around campus that they might be doing a mix application pool of their traditional scoring applicants and accepting the top students as well as adding in a subset of students with "remarkable" skills that would boost their applications for acceptance. Have you heard of any such news?

 

[Coopah]

Did Davis change their requirements for the GRE recently? I had coffee with the dean not too far back and my understanding was that they still only looked at quantitative scores and threw the rest in the garbage with the written portion of the letter of rec. Currently giving advice to a pre-vet applicant and wanted to make sure I am giving her up-to-date information. I also heard rumors around campus that they might be doing a mix application pool of their traditional scoring applicants and accepting the top students as well as adding in a subset of students with "remarkable" skills that would boost their applications for acceptance. Have you heard of any such news?

My last update of the admissions process was with Kim O'Bryan last year when I helped with pre-health day. She said that they were trying to improve their selection criteria by going with the standard format for the first 180 IS residents and for the next 180 they were doing a wholistic review. They look at everything. OOS was the same as always. This is last year's information so they might have changed it again.

But yes they only look at quant except for the wholistic review panel.

 

[snakevet8]

Where are you applying

Well, I'm applying to a few schools that don't require the GRE: Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Purdue
But I'm also applying to Florida (IS), Illinois, Ross, & maybe St. Georges

 

[ebutton97]

first time applicant, 21 year old female, RI resident

Animal Science Major
Interested in wildlife/zoo/exotics or small animal medicine

Cumulative GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.84
GRE: V 153 (59%) / Q 155 (58%) / W 4.5 (82%)

Animal experience
~1000 hours wildlife rehabbing
~50 hours zoo keeper assistant
~200 hours volunteering at animal shelters
25 hours volunteering at a farm sanctuary
15 hours shadowing SA vets

Vet Experience
~800 hours working at a SA clinic
~400 hours at wildlife clinic

Non-Animal related experience
~650 hours as a substitute teacher at early learning center
~225 hours as a cashier at pool supply store
~175 hours as a software tester at insurance company

Research
-Eastern cottontail clostridium-related diarrhea and enteritis

Extracurricular related things
Centenary College Summer Scholars Vet Camp (Aug. 2015)
Brown University- Environmental Leadership Lab in Hawaii (Mar. 2015)
Adventures in Veterinary Medicine at Tufts Veterinary School (Aug. 2013)

Volunteered at a preschool for special needs children
Local swim team; ice skating
Piano; Chorus
Animal Rights Council
“Amigos” Spanish tutoring/mentoring program
6 honor societies

Awards
HS
Top 15% of class
Animal Advocacy Award (MA Region III Science Fair 2013
2 Honorable Mentions in science fairs

College
Deans list all semesters
Centennial scholarship

Applying to: Tufts, Cornell, UPEI, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, UT, Perdue

Are there any of these I have no chance in getting in and shouldn't waste my time or money?
Anything I should be working on if I don't get in this round? Besides boosting the GREs of course...

 

[cameronluna]

Does anyone have any input for UPenn and how much consideration is given to the GRE?

 

[Skimble]

Does anyone have any input for UPenn and how much consideration is given to the GRE?

They mostly care about the quant score (at least they did when I was applying). You can call admissions and talk to Rob if you are concerned about your scores.

 

[cameronluna]

They mostly care about the quant score (at least they did when I was applying). You can call admissions and talk to Rob if you are concerned about your scores.

Yup, I'm definitely concerned about my scores! Is there a direct number or E-mail to contact Rob?

 

[Skimble]

Yup, I'm definitely concerned about my scores! Is there a direct number or E-mail to contact Rob?

I’ll pm you.

 

[neuronsfiring]

Hey guys! I am new to this forum, and am applying this year, but wanted to receive some input from outsiders regarding my application. As this is my first time applying, I am trying to remain optimistic, as well as realistic, understanding that in the interim I would be working to improve my application for next cycle as well. Please feel free to provide any feedback and constructive criticism (descriptions below are vague and numbers are approximated in an attempt of anonymity).

I would mostly be applying to schools that do not require GRE this cycle, given my scores, but please let me know if there are any schools that I should not (or should also) consider. It would of course be beneficial to know what others feel my strengths/weaknesses are so that I could improve upon them for next year.

Thank you in advance! 🙂

Prospective Considerations – based on school prerequisites and other requirements
Cornell (extreme reach), Davis (extreme reach but IS), Illinois, Lincoln Memorial, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Purdue, Virginia-Maryland (?)

Background
Mid-twenties
First time applicant
CA resident with east coast ties
First-generation, non-traditional (not minority)

Academics
B.S. Biology (graduated 3+ years ago – plan to enroll in a few courses for next cycle, but $$$)
Cumulative: ~3.5+
Science: ~3.4-3.6 (depending on school calculations)
Last 45: ~3.7

GRE Scores (not the best at standardized tests – plan to retake for next cycle)
VR – 156
QR – 150

Veterinary Experience (veterinary assistant at all locations)
Private small animal / exotics hospital (AAHA) – 400+ hours ongoing
Corporate small animal hospital (AAHA) – 1200+ hours
Private rural mobile small animal / equine practice – 1200+ hours

Animal Experience
Local small animal rescues / shelters – 80 hours
Farm / large animal / equine – 20 hours
Big cat rescue / sanctuary – 20 hours
Wildlife bird rescue – 10 hours

Research
Clinical neuroscience / oncology study – 20 hours ongoing
Population ecology studies – 500 hours (undergrad publications, poster presentation, and peer-reviewed journal publication)
Reproductive animal physiology study – 50 hours

Other Employment
Chief medical scribe outpatient medicine – 3000+ hours
Medical scribe emergency medicine – 1000+ hours
Biology laboratory assistant at undergrad – 1000+ hours

Extracurricular/Volunteer
Undergrad wildlife conservation organization – 500+ hours (leadership position, helped create national organization)
Undergrad animal welfare organization – 100 hours
EMT training – 200+ hours
Human medicine shadowing multiple (sub)specialties – 100+ hours
Low cost medical clinic – 10+ hours

LORs
Veterinarians x2 (employers)
Professor (research PI)
Surgeon – human medicine (supervisor)

 

[Coopah]

Hey guys! I am new to this forum, and am applying this year, but wanted to receive some input from outsiders regarding my application. As this is my first time applying, I am trying to remain optimistic, as well as realistic, understanding that in the interim I would be working to improve my application for next cycle as well. Please feel free to provide any feedback and constructive criticism (descriptions below are vague and numbers are approximated in an attempt of anonymity).

I would mostly be applying to schools that do not require GRE this cycle, given my scores, but please let me know if there are any schools that I should not (or should also) consider. It would of course be beneficial to know what others feel my strengths/weaknesses are so that I could improve upon them for next year.

Thank you in advance! 🙂

Prospective Considerations – based on school prerequisites and other requirements
Cornell (extreme reach), Davis (extreme reach but IS), Illinois, Lincoln Memorial, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Purdue, Virginia-Maryland (?)

Background
Mid-twenties
First time applicant
CA resident with east coast ties
First-generation, non-traditional (not minority)

Academics
B.S. Biology (graduated 3+ years ago – plan to enroll in a few courses for next cycle, but $$$)
Cumulative: ~3.5+
Science: ~3.4-3.6 (depending on school calculations)
Last 45: ~3.7

GRE Scores (not the best at standardized tests – plan to retake for next cycle)
VR – 156
QR – 150

Veterinary Experience (veterinary assistant at all locations)
Private small animal / exotics hospital (AAHA) – 400+ hours ongoing
Corporate small animal hospital (AAHA) – 1200+ hours
Private rural mobile small animal / equine practice – 1200+ hours

Animal Experience
Local small animal rescues / shelters – 80 hours
Farm / large animal / equine – 20 hours
Big cat rescue / sanctuary – 20 hours
Wildlife bird rescue – 10 hours

Research
Clinical neuroscience / oncology study – 20 hours ongoing
Population ecology studies – 500 hours (undergrad publications, poster presentation, and peer-reviewed journal publication)
Reproductive animal physiology study – 50 hours

Other Employment
Chief medical scribe outpatient medicine – 3000+ hours
Medical scribe emergency medicine – 1000+ hours
Biology laboratory assistant at undergrad – 1000+ hours

Extracurricular/Volunteer
Undergrad wildlife conservation organization – 500+ hours (leadership position, helped create national organization)
Undergrad animal welfare organization – 100 hours
EMT training – 200+ hours
Human medicine shadowing multiple (sub)specialties – 100+ hours
Low cost medical clinic – 10+ hours

LORs
Veterinarians x2 (employers)
Professor (research PI)
Surgeon – human medicine (supervisor)

Well that's a pretty wide range for science GPA. Davis is a possibility though. You might get a holistic review. Try to improve GRE scores of you can. Good luck!

 

[gr8danemama]

Hi everyone. I am interested into going to veterinary school and was wondering what might be my chances on being admitted. I would also like advice on what steps would be best for me to take because I admittedly feeling a little lost.

Some background. I do not have any help from my parents and I already have about 30,000 of debt from my undergraduate degree. I am looking for the most effective and financially conscious way to go about things, because I also am keeping in mind that I will need loans for my DVM also.

Here are my stats:
I am a 24 year old female.
Location: New Jersey (yay for no contracts, that helps me a lot), hoping to move soon!
Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology, GPA: 2.7 (yikes, I know I can't be accepted into vet school with a gpa like that, that's why I am here).

I have retaken/am currently retaking any courses that I received a "D" in- never failed a course. So now I have nothing below a C on my records, mostly A's and B's, especially in my science courses or labs.

After retaking classes, not taking into consideration previous attempts at grades, my GPA would be around a 3.0, science GPA 3.2, but I know most schools look at the GPA of ALL classes with ALL attempts, which hurts my application.

GRE: Also poor/average. I didn't prepare for it at all, but the GRE in itself is expensive and I don't have the extra money or time for a GRE prep course. Potentially hoping to save the money and take it again.

Hours/Experience:
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica (lightly research based): ~100 hours
Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Conservation and Science Intern: ~300 hours
Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Intern: ~450 hours
Banfield Pet Hospital Veterinary Assistant (Surgery/Anesthesia Training Included): ~4,200 hours (a little over 2 years)

Outside Experience:
Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority
SCUBA Open Water Certified
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
Cycled across the USA for young adults battling cancer

More Background:
I applied to Masters programs and was accepted into 3 different programs, but financially I felt like I could not afford it, keeping in mind how much I might need to be paying for for my DVM.

I'm not sure where to start, but I would really like to apply next summer, 2019.

If there's any applicants like me, lower gpa, please please share your experiences, where you applied, where you got in, etc. Thank you.

 

[SkiOtter]

After retaking classes, not taking into consideration previous attempts at grades, my GPA would be around a 3.0, science GPA 3.2, but I know most schools look at the GPA of ALL classes with ALL attempts, which hurts my application.

GRE: Also poor/average. I didn't prepare for it at all, but the GRE in itself is expensive and I don't have the extra money or time for a GRE prep course. Potentially hoping to save the money and take it again.

Michigan State replaces grades. They look at last 36 and prereq gpa. And they only care that it’s at least a 3.0 or higher. They do not look at your grades beyond that and once you make it past that phase and into the application review, they toss your grades out and they are not part of interview decisions or admissions decisions. They also do not look at the gre at all. They ARE relatively expensive as OOS. IS they’re definitely cheaper than some schools IS but certainly not the cheapest.
What’s your last 45 gpa look like? Have you been doing extremely well in all those classes you retook?
You said you were moving soon, I assume that you’re moving states to gain residency? What state are you moving to?

 

[Danny_Lulu]

Hi everyone, I am a 23 year old non-traditional Canadian making a career change hoping to apply for USydney DVM program next year . After deciding to pursue my childhood dreams as a Vet again I've been pretty much spending all my time (other than my full time job) trying to gain vet/animal experience and studying for my prereqs. There are not much information available for Usyd online and would really appreciate some tips and insights to strengthen my application, geared towards Usyd.

(Reason why I am only applying to Sydney is because it requires the least amount of pre-reqs and I have lived in Australia for 5 years when I was younger, and I am familiar with the culture, weather, people etc)

I have a Bach. in Economics and Business CGPA 3.41
Last 45 GPA: 3.8
Pre-req science GPA 3.3~still finishing up biochem

Veterinary Experience:
-GP Animal clinic a lot of dental and neuter/spay surgeries: Vet assistant (300hrs 1 year in Highschool)
-GP SA Animal hospital: Vet assistant (600~hrs Still volunteering here)
-Oversea vet shadowing volunteering(48hrs 1 week)

Animal Experience:
- Zoo volunteer exotic animals: Petting Zoo volunteer with Llamas, capybara, rabbits, chickens(50+hrs~ during summer for 2 years)
-Toronto Wildlife Centre: Squirrel nursery, feeding and taking care of baby squirrels (72hrs 4 months)
-Foster care: with local cat shelter(1440hrs 1 year)
-Overseas conservation volunteering: Costa Rica taking care of injured animals, sloths, monkey, parrots (70 hrs 1 weeks)
-University Equestrian club: Social events coordinator (300~hrs 2 years)
-pet sitting (Rabbit, dog, cat, Hedgehog 5 years)

Research Experience:
So far none 🙁, almost no profs will hire a non-science degree student for animal related research.

Animal Ownership:
my entire life: with dogs and cats, turtle, guinea pig, hedgehog, mice, horseback riding since 12.

Certificate/Awards:
Deans honors list
Animal welfare and behavior certificate

Etc
A ton of other volunteer/work experiences that are not animal related such as Project assistant at global marketing agency (current job), T.A in Statistics, Mission trip coordinator in Haiti, Business Case competition mentor etc.

Also tuition prices are not really a problem for me as I have some money saved up while working at my full time job and my parents are extremely supportive and more than happy to help.

 

[SkiOtter]

Also tuition prices are not really a problem for me as I have some money saved up while working at my full time job and my parents are extremely supportive and more than happy to help.

Even though you have money saved up and your parents are going to help, tuition prices should still be the number one factor. Even if you take out no loans between your money and your parents, the difference in cost between schools could be the price of a HOUSE. It could be the difference between getting a nice, new, reliable car or a $5000 car that is high in mileage and not incredibly reliable. It could be the difference between your parents being able to retire 5 years earlier and have money to enjoy themselves. Even if you’re not the one paying for your education, it should still be the number one factor you take into consideration.

 

[Danny_Lulu]

Even though you have money saved up and your parents are going to help, tuition prices should still be the number one factor. Even if you take out no loans between your money and your parents, the difference in cost between schools could be the price of a HOUSE. It could be the difference between getting a nice, new, reliable car or a $5000 car that is high in mileage and not incredibly reliable. It could be the difference between your parents being able to retire 5 years earlier and have money to enjoy themselves. Even if you’re not the one paying for your education, it should still be the number one factor you take into consideration.

Hey thanks for the reply! If I don't get into Usyd I am planning to take more science courses to fill pre-reqs for other schools, which will hopefully be cheaper than Australian schools. Would you say as of my status right now I have a chance at getting into US vetmed schools? After looking around this forum i think my GPA and experiences are below average, and don't have much chance for another couple years :/

 

[SkiOtter]

Hey thanks for the reply! If I don't get into Usyd I am planning to take more science courses to fill pre-reqs for other schools, which will hopefully be cheaper than Australian schools. Would you say as of my status right now I have a chance at getting into US vetmed schools? After looking around this forum i think my GPA and experiences are below average, and don't have much chance for another couple years :/

It depends on what schools you’re looking to apply to.
Have you taken the GRE? Would you be willing to take it? There ARE some schools that don’t look at it anymore, but it limits you to a handful of schools and then prereqs would limit you further.
Your last 45 is good, so if you’re applying to US schools, focus more on the ones that look at last 45 versus cumulative gpa.

 

[9inety6ix]

First year applicant, OH resident, Ohio State graduate (2018), 22 years old. My main concern is not having enough variety of experience.
Applying to: Auburn, Ohio State, Midwestern, Mississippi, Royal, Virginia-Maryland.

GPA:
Cum: 3.83
Science: 3.68
Last 45: 3.85

Experience:
Vet: 200 hours as wildlife hospital intern (exotics)
Vet: 3250 hours as small animal vet assistant
Animal: 1000 hours as kennel technician
Animal: 200 hours pet sitting
Animal: 30 hours volunteering at vet school ICU & Oncology units
Animal: 10 hours volunteering at equine therapy center
Animal: 10 hours volunteering at cat adoption shelter
Volunteer: 10 hours as food science research lab assistant
Misc: Studied abroad in South Africa (an exotic animal program) for 3 weeks

Extracurricular:
Pre-vet club
Sorority- leadership position
National Society of Leadership and Success
National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Awards:
Deans list
American Society of Animal Science Undergraduate Scholar 2017 & 2018
Graduated Magna Cum Laude

LOR’s: Veterinarian/owner of SA clinic, Animal Science Professor, Associate Veterinarian at SA clinic.

 

[scags]

20 Year Old Female (First time applicant)

I'm super nervous about my GPA...I had a horrible time transitioning to college and had to retake both Bio 1 and Chem 1, which has dragged my GPA down A LOT. Focusing more on applying to schools that accept grade replacement and focus more on last 45 hours.
Also CT resident, which means no IS school or any contract seats, so I'm basically SOL and have to apply OOS everywhere. Any input/encouragement/advice would be appreciated!!

Major: Animal Science with minor in Biological Sciences
Cum. GPA: 3.38 ~Will go up with some schools, had to retake Bio 1 and Chem 1 freshman year 🙁~
Science GPA: 3.32
Last 45: 3.9

GRE: Verbal-155 Quant-152 Writing-4

Veterinary Experience:
-1,259 hours small animal practice
-200 equine vet shadowing

Animal Experience:
- growing up riding/showing/caring for horses (2000+ hours)
-had dogs and tortoises as pets
-202 hours zoo experience (handling/feeding with zookeepers)
- around 60 hours LA experience

Research Experience:
-126 hours on undergrad research with an equine theriogenologist; sheep reproduction research and equine embryo transfers

Extracurricular activities:
- Pre Vet Club
- Equestrian Team
-Colleges Against Cancer
-Relay for Life
-Habitat for Humanity
-Delta Zeta Sorority (VP of Academics, Relay for Life Chairwoman)
-Therapeutic Riding Program for Special Needs Children

LOR's: (2) Veterinarian at SA clinic, Academic Advisor/Chair of Animal Science Dept./Former professor/PhD in Animal Nutrition, Undergrad Research Supervisor/former professor/DVM

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

First year applicant, OH resident, Ohio State graduate (2018), 22 years old. My main concern is not having enough variety of experience.
Applying to: Auburn, Ohio State, Midwestern, Mississippi, Royal, Virginia-Maryland.

GPA:
Cum: 3.83
Science: 3.68
Last 45: 3.85

Experience:
Vet: 200 hours as wildlife hospital intern (exotics)
Vet: 3250 hours as small animal vet assistant
Animal: 1000 hours as kennel technician
Animal: 200 hours pet sitting
Animal: 30 hours volunteering at vet school ICU & Oncology units
Animal: 10 hours volunteering at equine therapy center
Animal: 10 hours volunteering at cat adoption shelter
Volunteer: 10 hours as food science research lab assistant
Misc: Studied abroad in South Africa (an exotic animal program) for 3 weeks

Extracurricular:
Pre-vet club
Sorority- leadership position
National Society of Leadership and Success
National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Awards:
Deans list
American Society of Animal Science Undergraduate Scholar 2017 & 2018
Graduated Magna Cum Laude

LOR’s: Veterinarian/owner of SA clinic, Animal Science Professor, Associate Veterinarian at SA clinic.

I think you have a good shot. Your vet hours look fine. I would try to go a couple days with a LA vet if possible but if you can't, I wouldn't worry about it. It could help to get some research also. I would only worry about breadth of experiences if your GPA was much lower. When are you applying? What's your GRE? How did you chose the OOS schools you are applying to? If you are looking for cheaper options, check out NCSU, WSU, and Mizzou.

Also, what volunteering were you doing at the vet school. This could be vet experience, not animal. Same with equine therapy. If it is under a vet, it is vet experience.

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

20 Year Old Female (First time applicant)

I'm super nervous about my GPA...I had a horrible time transitioning to college and had to retake both Bio 1 and Chem 1, which has dragged my GPA down A LOT. Focusing more on applying to schools that accept grade replacement and focus more on last 45 hours.
Also CT resident, which means no IS school or any contract seats, so I'm basically SOL and have to apply OOS everywhere. Any input/encouragement/advice would be appreciated!!

Major: Animal Science with minor in Biological Sciences
Cum. GPA: 3.38 ~Will go up with some schools, had to retake Bio 1 and Chem 1 freshman year 🙁~
Science GPA: 3.32
Last 45: 3.9

GRE: Verbal-155 Quant-152 Writing-4

Veterinary Experience:
-1,259 hours small animal practice
-200 equine vet shadowing

Animal Experience:
- growing up riding/showing/caring for horses (2000+ hours)
-had dogs and tortoises as pets
-202 hours zoo experience (handling/feeding with zookeepers)
- around 60 hours LA experience

Research Experience:
-126 hours on undergrad research with an equine theriogenologist; sheep reproduction research and equine embryo transfers

Extracurricular activities:
- Pre Vet Club
- Equestrian Team
-Colleges Against Cancer
-Relay for Life
-Habitat for Humanity
-Delta Zeta Sorority (VP of Academics, Relay for Life Chairwoman)
-Therapeutic Riding Program for Special Needs Children

LOR's: (2) Veterinarian at SA clinic, Academic Advisor/Chair of Animal Science Dept./Former professor/PhD in Animal Nutrition, Undergrad Research Supervisor/former professor/DVM

Have you thought about moving somewhere in order to get in state tuition? This would make it both easier to get in as well as much less expensive.

 

[Tjvet22]

Hello all,
I’m considering a career change and have been out of it undergrad since 2012. I’m a 29 year old male whose been working in the orthopedic industry for the last 6 years (4 in microbiology and 2 in clinical research, and I’m currently finishing up my mba. My undergrad was Pre-Veterinary and just recently started considering Vet school. If I apply I’ll have roughly 1 year to strengthen my application before I submit it. My questions revolve around where I should place my focus over the next year.
This is me in Nutshell.
Undergrad Cumulative GPA 3.2
Undergrad Science gpa 3.4
Mba gpa probably 4.0
6 years Work experience in microbiology and clinical research (medical device related)
Unfortunately no veterinary experience yet and this is something I would definitely need to address over the next year.

So more or less I’m just looking for those who may have been in similar situations and what steps they took as a nontarditional student. Also I’ll take thoughts on whether this is just unlikely for me given my lower gpa and lack of experience to date.
Thanks for reading
Tj

 

[SkiOtter]

Hello all,
I’m considering a career change and have been out of it undergrad since 2012. I’m a 29 year old male whose been working in the orthopedic industry for the last 6 years (4 in microbiology and 2 in clinical research, and I’m currently finishing up my mba. My undergrad was Pre-Veterinary and just recently started considering Vet school. If I apply I’ll have roughly 1 year to strengthen my application before I submit it. My questions revolve around where I should place my focus over the next year.
This is me in Nutshell.
Undergrad Cumulative GPA 3.4
Undergrad Science gpa 3.4
Mba gpa probably 4.0
6 years Work experience in microbiology and clinical research (medical device related)
Unfortunately no veterinary experience yet and this is something I would definitely need to address over the next year.

So more or less I’m just looking for those who may have been in similar situations and what steps they took as a nontarditional student. Also I’ll take thoughts on whether this is just unlikely for me given my lower gpa and lack of experience to date.
Thanks for reading
Tj

Deeeeefinitely get some veterinary experience before fully committing to vetmed. It may not be what you think it will be like after getting some experience.
Also make sure to look into the debt to income ratio in vetmed. And the starting salary for a veterinarian right out of school. Unless you can fully pay for school with money you have saved up without taking out any loans, you’d be looking at no less than 100k and potentially closer to 300k if you have to go oos.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Hello all,
I’m considering a career change and have been out of it undergrad since 2012. I’m a 29 year old male whose been working in the orthopedic industry for the last 6 years (4 in microbiology and 2 in clinical research, and I’m currently finishing up my mba. My undergrad was Pre-Veterinary and just recently started considering Vet school. If I apply I’ll have roughly 1 year to strengthen my application before I submit it. My questions revolve around where I should place my focus over the next year.
This is me in Nutshell.
Undergrad Cumulative GPA 3.4
Undergrad Science gpa 3.4
Mba gpa probably 4.0
6 years Work experience in microbiology and clinical research (medical device related)
Unfortunately no veterinary experience yet and this is something I would definitely need to address over the next year.

So more or less I’m just looking for those who may have been in similar situations and what steps they took as a nontarditional student. Also I’ll take thoughts on whether this is just unlikely for me given my lower gpa and lack of experience to date.
Thanks for reading
Tj

What are your reasons for leaving your current career?

 

[Tjvet22]

Deeeeefinitely get some veterinary experience before fully committing to vetmed. It may not be what you think it will be like after getting some experience.
Also make sure to look into the debt to income ratio in vetmed. And the starting salary for a veterinarian right out of school. Unless you can fully pay for school with money you have saved up without taking out any loans, you’d be looking at no less than 100k and potentially closer to 300k if you have to go oos.

Thanks for the response. I’m definitly planning on getting some veterinary experience and I’ve looked into the financial aspects as well. any other weaknesses aside from vet experience? How does my work experience and mba factor into the admissions decision?

 

[Tjvet22]

What are your reasons for leaving your current career?

Thanks for the response. My main reason is I’m just ready to do something different and vet school has always been my go to dream job. Always enjoyed working with animals worked on farm and did 4h when I was younger.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Thanks for the response. My main reason is I’m just ready to do something different and vet school has always been my go to dream job. Always enjoyed working with animals worked on farm and did 4h when I was younger.

I'm assuming you've already taken all of the pre-req classes for vet school if you were pre-vet in undergrad. That will save you some time and money, unless there are any classes you plan on retaking this year. Your 3.4 gpa isn't particularly dazzling but it's not particularly low, either. Schools approach grad school differently - some look at it, some don't. You'll have to find out if the specific schools you apply to will consider your MBA or not. Do you have an IS school? Start there, see what requirements they have and how they treat grad school gpa's. The admissions staff who field questions like this are usually the best, most helpful folks, so don't feel nervous or awkward to contact them with your questions. 🙂

Did you do any shadowing or volunteering when you were in undergrad, or would this be your first time getting any veterinary experience? You want to get as many vet hours as you can before you apply, but don't quit a stable job cold turkey to jump into vet med. Start with shadowing on the weekends, if you can find a place with weekend hours. (The forums have a ton of advice about how to approach a place you'd like to shadow/volunteer at, search around and see what's been posted!) Hours can add up quickly. It took me about 6 months working PT before I realized that I don't love gp work and that I wouldn't be happy in that career. Getting experience is important for your application, but it's also really important to discern whether you REALLY want this career (and everything that comes with it, pleasant and unpleasant) or not.

I also did 4-H and loved working with animals when I was a kid, but there are a lot of reasons I've decided not to continue trying for vet school. You might be like me and discover it's not for you, or you might be like many of the other non-trads around here who made a second career out of vet med and love it. Good luck!

 

[Tjvet22]

I'm assuming you've already taken all of the pre-req classes for vet school if you were pre-vet in undergrad. That will save you some time and money, unless there are any classes you plan on retaking this year. Your 3.4 gpa isn't particularly dazzling but it's not particularly low, either. Schools approach grad school differently - some look at it, some don't. You'll have to find out if the specific schools you apply to will consider your MBA or not. Do you have an IS school? Start there, see what requirements they have and how they treat grad school gpa's. The admissions staff who field questions like this are usually the best, most helpful folks, so don't feel nervous or awkward to contact them with your questions. 🙂

Did you do any shadowing or volunteering when you were in undergrad, or would this be your first time getting any veterinary experience? You want to get as many vet hours as you can before you apply, but don't quit a stable job cold turkey to jump into vet med. Start with shadowing on the weekends, if you can find a place with weekend hours. (The forums have a ton of advice about how to approach a place you'd like to shadow/volunteer at, search around and see what's been posted!) Hours can add up quickly. It took me about 6 months working PT before I realized that I don't love gp work and that I wouldn't be happy in that career. Getting experience is important for your application, but it's also really important to discern whether you REALLY want this career (and everything that comes with it, pleasant and unpleasant) or not.

I also did 4-H and loved working with animals when I was a kid, but there are a lot of reasons I've decided not to continue trying for vet school. You might be like me and discover it's not for you, or you might be like many of the other non-trads around here who made a second career out of vet med and love it. Good luck!

Yes I have the pre-reqs done. I did very limited volunteering but no shadowing. I'm just unsure how much time/hours i'll be able to amass between now and next sept. I'm also only financially able to apply for my in-state school Purdue.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Yes I have the pre-reqs done. I did very limited volunteering but no shadowing. I'm just unsure how much time/hours i'll be able to amass between now and next sept. I'm also only financially able to apply for my in-state school Purdue.

You don't need to apply in the next cycle if you're not ready. Wait until 2020 to apply - there's no rush, and an extra year can help get your application in really good shape. I know it can be hard to wait, but it might be the best idea while you're figuring things out and getting experience.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Take it one step at a time. Start by finding a place to get experience and see how that goes.

 

[csequine]

Hiii! I just submitted my application for this cycle. I'm kind of feeling negative about it, so I figured I'd come here to get a reality check. Here's my application in a nutshell:
Senior (female) graduating with a BS in Biology. (I am only applying in-state to ISU)
cGPA: 3.40 (the organic chemistry series and physics killed my good gpa.... I am sad about it)
Last 45 GPA: 3.26 (the sadness continues)
Animal Experience: 1000 equine (showing horses), 1500 working with cattle, 800 working for a dog breeder.
Veterinary Experience: 250 hours in small animal clinic, 20 hours with large animal vets, 12 hours shadowing surgeons.
Research Experience: 100 hours working in a swine research facility
Extracurriculars: music, clubs, showing horses & dogs, 4H, high school sports
Past employment: the usual "high schooler" jobs and data entry.
LORs: previous employer, the small animal veterinarian I shadowed, and an upper level animal science professor.
If it makes any difference, I'm feeling pretty confident about my essay questions. I really gave it my all on those. I want to be a mixed animal veterinarian and I plan to stay in IA.

I am aware that my gpa is below average and I do not have the experience that many others do. I wish I could be one of those people with perfect grades and lots of time to do unpaid shadowing, but I'm just not. Looking at my life sciences/anatomy/physiology grades I'm a straight-A student. Unfortunately I just flat-out suck at organic chemistry and physics (which take up 15 of my last 45 credits)... When I don't get in this cycle I will be applying for a masters degree program to hopefully mend my crappy gpa. For now, I want to fully prepare myself for the fact that I will likely get a denial in February. What do you think my chances are of getting admitted/waitlisted?

 

[deleted676737]

Hiii! I just submitted my application for this cycle. I'm kind of feeling negative about it, so I figured I'd come here to get a reality check. Here's my application in a nutshell:
Senior (female) graduating with a BS in Biology. (I am only applying in-state to ISU)
cGPA: 3.40 (the organic chemistry series and physics killed my good gpa.... I am sad about it)
Last 45 GPA: 3.26 (the sadness continues)
Animal Experience: 1000 equine (showing horses), 1500 working with cattle, 800 working for a dog breeder.
Veterinary Experience: 250 hours in small animal clinic, 20 hours with large animal vets, 12 hours shadowing surgeons.
Research Experience: 100 hours working in a swine research facility
Extracurriculars: music, clubs, showing horses & dogs, 4H, high school sports
Past employment: the usual "high schooler" jobs and data entry.
LORs: previous employer, the small animal veterinarian I shadowed, and an upper level animal science professor.
If it makes any difference, I'm feeling pretty confident about my essay questions. I really gave it my all on those. I want to be a mixed animal veterinarian and I plan to stay in IA.

I am aware that my gpa is below average and I do not have the experience that many others do. I wish I could be one of those people with perfect grades and lots of time to do unpaid shadowing, but I'm just not. Looking at my life sciences/anatomy/physiology grades I'm a straight-A student. Unfortunately I just flat-out suck at organic chemistry and physics (which take up 15 of my last 45 credits)... When I don't get in this cycle I will be applying for a masters degree program to hopefully mend my crappy gpa. For now, I want to fully prepare myself for the fact that I will likely get a denial in February. What do you think my chances are of getting admitted/waitlisted?

Since you're IS for ISU, I actually think that you have a pretty fair shot! I was admitted back in 2016 with GPAs similar to yours, and I was also considered an Iowa resident for application purposes at the time. Also, if you take a look at the average admitted stats for previous classes, you'll see that ISU consistently tends to have lower average GPAs than most other US vet schools; this is, I imagine, mostly a result of the somewhat unorthodox way that science GPA is calculated. Hopefully that helps you feel a little bit better about your chances. 🙂