What are my chances?

[moosenanny]

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I read your last comments and you say you want to be a zoo vet. I do too, and I just want to make sure you know what that really entails. First off, the job most often requires board certification with usually two years of internship before that, so generally five years on top of the four years of vet school. But beyond that, a LOT of what a zoo vet job entails is filling out paperwork and being a figurehead/dealing with politics. You say you need a job with tons of excitement. But, depending on the size of the zoo and the age of its collection, there may not be tons to do each day from the medical aspect (but there will always be tons of paperwork and preparation). Lots of zoo medicine is preventative medicine. What you describe as craving sounds much more like SA emergency medicine. Just wanted to plant the seed for you to investigate zoo med further . . .

 

[bunnity]

I'm pretty sure most schools have a gpa cutoff of 3.0. Check that out before you apply and spend all that money.

 

[LetItSnow]

I'm pretty sure most schools have a gpa cutoff of 3.0. Check that out before you apply and spend all that money.

I think that's likely incorrect. I only looked at the first 6 in the list at aavmc before I got bored, but of those, the only one that actually listed a minimum GPA was UF; and that was only for out-of-state applicants.

Obviously I wasn't all that thorough, but if the first six - which included Cornell and UC-Davis - didn't require it, I decided it was unlikely that "most" schools have a 3.0 cutoff.

All that said, I think bunnity has a good point - if you come to the table without the most amazing application, it probably behooves you to look carefully at which schools you have the best chance of getting into. I would certainly have tailored my choices if it weren't for my inflexibility in moving.

ETA: A few of the schools did note (using various language) that you ought to have a 3.0+ in the science pre-reqs. Bunnity might have been referring to that.

 

[twelvetigers]

I got the boot from Ohio and Auburn without any consideration based on cumulative GPA, and from Mississippi because of how they calculate science GPA. Also, Iowa's calculation for science GPA was rough. So if you've done poorly in chem, watch out for that.

Just do your research carefully. Even the most seasoned applicants can miss things.

 

[thaowey]

thanks for all the tips yall! i know i've gotten myself in a pretty deep hole, and getting out is going to be tough. ahhhh. hopefully summer classes will go well for me! hehe

 

[Vetaspirant]

Hi Friends: I am new to the forum and I am planning to apply to LSU for 2013 matriculation, but I heard that they require the new revised GRE instead of the old one starting from 2012-2013 application cycle. Unfortunately, I have the old scores (took the test in 2010). The scores are total 1160 (V 420;Q 740; W 4). My GPA as of now is 3.6 (still more courses to complete). I have experience in the area of fish health (around 8000 hours). Can you please tell me what my chances are if I applied to Oklahoma state or North Carolina or any other potential schools. My verbal score is too low for these schools. I really appreciate your suggestions and advice. Thanks!

 

[LittleWiz]

Hi Friends: I am new to the forum and I am planning to apply to LSU for 2013 matriculation, but I heard that they require the new revised GRE instead of the old one starting from 2012-2013 application cycle. Unfortunately, I have the old scores (took the test in 2010). The scores are total 1160 (V 420;Q 740; W 4). My GPA as of now is 3.6 (still more courses to complete). I have experience in the area of fish health (around 8000 hours). Can you please tell me what my chances are if I applied to Oklahoma state or North Carolina or any other potential schools. My verbal score is too low for these schools. I really appreciate your suggestions and advice. Thanks!

Yes, you will have to take the new GRE for 2013 matriculation. I think most schools are going to require it after the 2012 matriculation application cycle. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

I would get some experience in small animal and/or large animal medicine in order to supplement your application. A lot of schools like diverse experience.

But as far as grades go, keep up the good work in your classes.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[LetItSnow]

I have experience in the area of fish health (around 8000 hours). Can you please tell me what my chances are if I applied to Oklahoma state or North Carolina or any other potential schools. My verbal score is too low for these schools. I really appreciate your suggestions and advice. Thanks!

Your GPA is sufficient, though you want to make sure you finish strong. I don't have any idea about the GRE question.

But with your fish experience: is that veterinary or not? Generally - there are regular debates here in SDN about how to interpret the instructions, so take this with a grain of salt - the experience counts as veterinary if it is supervised by a veterinarian. Otherwise it's "animal" and not "veterinary" (which are the two categories on the application). If your fish experience was research under a PhD, it's probably animal (judging by the latest debate on how to count hours), not veterinary.

If that experience isn't veterinary, you will want to find a way to accumulate vet experience. Pulling a number out of my butt, I'd say that successful candidates tend to have at least 400 hours, with most having more. I've seen some with significantly less, but they're probably statistical outliers....

 

[Vetaspirant]

Hi Letitsnow and Littlewiz: Thanks for your responses and valuable suggestions. Hopefully I'll be able to make a 3.8 GPA by the time I complete my pre-reqs. Only the GRE worries me. I studied my butt off last year and managed to get a score of 1160. The thought of retaking the test is daunting.

I work at a fish health lab and I diagnose fish disease cases under the supervision of my boss who has a PhD. I also conduct research mostly in fish farming and also some fish disease research. Meanwhile, I am also getting some weekend experience in a small animal clinic.
An interesting thing about me is I have two master's degrees in fisheries and aquaculture. I assume the degrees are a little related to veterinary sciences, but I am not sure if vet schools will notice this and waive all the pre-reqs. I guess many schools want the pre-req science courses to be completed within 5 years. One of my Master's degrees is already 10 years old and the recent one is 6 years old. Anyway, I have enrolled as a post bacc student in a local university and have already completed Gen chem 1, 2, Eng comp1, sociology and speech comm and I have secured A's in all of these. Sorry for the long post!

 

[moosenanny]

I assume the degrees are a little related to veterinary sciences, but I am not sure if vet schools will notice this and waive all the pre-reqs.

These higher degrees will certainly help you get noticed, and they are certainly related to vet med. There is a shortage of fish/aquaculture vets, and if you are passionate about this area, you will create a wonderful niche for yourself. That being said, I don't think schools waive pre-req classes. There are plenty of people in my class with science masters degrees, and even science PhD's (like biochemistry), and I still think they had to take all the pre-requisit classes. If you've taken them, but they are "expired," I suppose you could call up schools and ask them what their policy is on that matter . . .

 

[LetItSnow]

An interesting thing about me is I have two master's degrees in fisheries and aquaculture. I assume the degrees are a little related to veterinary sciences, but I am not sure if vet schools will notice this and waive all the pre-reqs. I guess many schools want the pre-req science courses to be completed within 5 years. One of my Master's degrees is already 10 years old and the recent one is 6 years old.

It sounds to me like you have a bit more of a complex background than a lot of applicants ... it'd probably serve you well to contact the universities to which you plan to apply and see what they say. Since my UG contained virtually no science pre-reqs I didn't have to think about what to do.

My hunch is that you'll find the schools won't let go of pre-reqs, but I don't know what you lose by investigating. 🙂

 

[Vetaspirant]

Thanks friends for your comments and advice. I am checking with different schools regarding the prevet courses. I will keep you updated on my progress.

 

[fishbones]

First of all, thank you all for being so helpful! It's much appreciated. Now here are my stats at this time:

BA in Integrative Biology
CGPA: 3.2 (several Cs, ouch)
Sciences: 2.8 (according to Illinois)
Last 45: roughly ~3.2 (it depends on whether or not the community college classes that I took after my BA are included)
GRE: 650V 770Q 4.0A

Veterinary exp:
693 hours SA/exotic (still volunteering)
352 hours SA (shelter+private practice)
10 hours equine (acupuncture/chiropractic specialist; still shadowing)

Animal exp:
212 hours bone research on manus dexterity and dental formulae
25 hours wildlife rehab

I have a C- in ochem part II but will be retaking the course next spring (it isn't offered sooner). My biggest worry is that I went to a competitive school but did not end up taking 15+ units any semester and had a lousy GPA, which I know does not look good at all.

Last cycle I applied to 5 schools with no success. Originally I was not going to apply this year, but one of the vets I work with said that it was important to show persistence by applying. I wanted to sit out this cycle because I feel that 1) I am not a competitive candidate and 2) I need more experience. After I started volunteering at the SA/exotic hospital shortly after turning in my 1st application, I realized that I did not truly have a good understanding of the veterinary profession and have been striving to attain it ever since. Currently I feel like I do have a better grasp of what it means to be a vet than before, but I believe the extra experience will be invaluable and lead to the better treatment of my patients in the future.

Thanks in advance for reading and sharing your thoughts! :]

 

[StartingoverVet]

First of all, thank you all for being so helpful! It's much appreciated. Now here are my stats at this time:



Thanks in advance for reading and sharing your thoughts! :]

It seems to me that whether you apply or not is really more of a financial decision as you probably need another year of seasoning.

Right now your application doesn't obviously stand out in any particular way except a good GRE. You are going to need a really strong PS and really strong LORs. More experience is obviously going to come with time so that seems like something that would greatly benefit by waiting.

If you feel you can talk your way in with an exceptional PS then give it a shot. Otherwise, I would wait until your experience can be in the much better than average stage.

I am not sure I agree with the vet's advice about applying every year. Not applying can be used in a subsequent PS as your maturity in seeing your faults and wanting to gain greater insight. It's all in the packaging.

Good luck whatever your decision.

 

[LetItSnow]

I wanted to sit out this cycle because I feel that 1) I am not a competitive candidate and 2) I need more experience.

With regards to your point #2: you don't NEED more experience. You have more than many of us who successfully applied. If you meant you need more experience to feel like you can do a good job (you hinted at that), then keep in mind that there's no reason you have to stop accruing it just because you apply. I still spend the same amount of time in a clinic as before I got accepted.

I'm a little more inclined than SOV to say you should apply again. Your GPA is low, but your GRE is excellent. If you have great LORs, can write a good PS, interview well, and can be selective about which school(s) you apply to.... I'd think you have enough of a chance to make it worth the money.

I agree with SOV regarding your vet's advice. If you do decide not to apply again, simply frame the issue in your favor. "I recognized my need for an additional year of growth....." That shows perseverance, not lack of it.

 

[twelvetigers]

If I were you and taking an additional year (as I did, actually, between app #1 and #2) I would focus more effort on the GPA. Is it possible to take a few extra classes - if nothing for a degree, then things like immunology, parasitology, histology, anatomy, microbiology... upper division science, basically. You have to be certain that you can (and will) do well in them, but if you do, it will definitely be beneficial. You can keep shadowing in spare time and get a few more hours, but the experience you have now is probably adequate.

If you decide to take a year off but can't take additional classes, then focus on diversity. Make yourself stand out a bit - do something neat, or do something closely related to a field of interest. It makes for good PS fodder, too.

And, if you decide to apply anyway... I dunno. You still have a chance, I'm sure (says accepted girl with lower GRE and GPA), so it's totally up to you. There's nothing wrong with taking a year, though.

 

[fishbones]

LetItSnow: You're totally right. I don't NEED the experience, but I am worried that I still won't feel ready even with almost another half year's worth of experience between turning in the application and hearing back from the schools. (Writing this out makes me think that I'm probably not ready for vet school after all, if I'm lacking so much confidence). Anyways, good point there.

Thanks again for all the sage advice on how to make my application stronger. I will do my best to follow it! :]

 

[labanimaltech]

GPA CUM 3.08
REQ 2.48👎thumbdown
LAST 45- 3.34

Experience- 2500 hrs as veterinary assistant
300 hrs as Penguin Colony Intern at NEAQ
35-40 hrs at a therapeutic riding center

GRE- Powerprep Test 1 V690 Q690
Average of 7 practice tests: V 660 Q 690

I will be taking the GRE in a couple days, hence my freak-out attack. I know that my GRE scores will have to be superb to make up for my terrible GPA. My GPA does not reflect my intelligence, in fact, I was diagnosed with ADD after I graduated from college and proceeded to get a 3.6 (all in required science courses) from Harvard Ext. School. I sincerely wish I could go back and attack undergrad all over again...

Anyway, can someone please be honest with me? Do I stand a chance?

I am SO with you!! I just graduated from college and was diagnosed with ADHD only 2 months ago 🙁 I wish I could re-do undergrad as well! My cum. GPA is a 2.93 with my last 45 a little higher... taking the GRE in 17 days!! I have a lot of experience and I'm currently working full-time as a lab animal tech for a very prestigious university. I'm very passionate about vet med, was very involved in extra-curriculars, and I'm great at writing and interviews... soo I'm hoping that will pull me through.

 

[lareinesoleil]

I just graduated from college and was diagnosed with ADHD only 2 months ago 🙁 QUOTE]

Your explanation statement could really help you for a situation like this. Or your PS, maybe.

 

[AFFlyer]

Hi All!

This is my first post on SDN. I'm a 1st time applicant, Kansas resident and think I will only be applying to Kansas State due to high oos tuition elsewhere. This is what I have so far:

CGPA: I haven't calculated it yet, but roughly 3.5
Science GPA: 4.0
Last 45: 4.0 (as long as I maintain that in my summer classes)

GRE: 570 V, 610 Q (eek! Not very good)

B.S. World Security and Strategic Studies
A.A. Arabic
A.A.S. Communications Technology

Vet Experience:
Haven't calculated hours yet, but I worked as a full-time vet assistant/technician in several states for about 7 years, so the hours will be fairly high.

Animal Experience:
40 hours at local humane society
2 years working for pet-sitting service
25 hours at wildlife rehab clinic

Work Experience:
6 years Air Force as an Arabic translator

I'm excited to get to know all of you better, it's going to be a hectic and nerve-wracking summer!

 

[twelvetigers]

Looks good. The arabic is neat. Don't sweat it too much, just work hard on the app and PS. Kansas is a good place to be IS. Good luck!

 

[LetItSnow]

GRE: 570 V, 610 Q (eek! Not very good)

B.S. World Security and Strategic Studies
A.A. Arabic
A.A.S. Communications Technology

Vet Experience:
Haven't calculated hours yet, but I worked as a full-time vet assistant/technician in several states for about 7 years, so the hours will be fairly high.

Animal Experience:
40 hours at local humane society
2 years working for pet-sitting service
25 hours at wildlife rehab clinic

Your GRE is fine. It's not going to win any awards, but it shouldn't hurt you. You're only 10 points off the average for my school, for instance, and you're .. what .. 40 points or so above average at Kansas? Nothing to fret over.

Your background is really fascinating! I'd love to hear more about it (there used to be an introduction thread somewhere....).

One comment regarding experience: I'm under the impression that the committees like to see breadth as well as depth. Maybe with the amount of experience you have it won't matter. Or maybe your overall 'story' ties in nicely with your experience. But it's something to think about.

In any case, with a good PS and well-written app I'd think you should be a pretty competitive candidate!

 

[Raimes]

Thank you guys for the info! I will try to use this! I really do appreciate it.

 

[twelvetigers]

Your best bet, raimes, is to find something to help you stick out from the crowd. An interest, a situation you've been in... anything. Then, you need to write an amazing PS. Go through your experiences with a fine-toothed comb, polish them until they shine. Present yourself in the best way you possibly can.

Make sure your LORs are MAD about you. They need to be able to convey that the field of veterinary medicine NEEDS you.

And, get that GRE up. You can do it. Memorize words, learn the math tricks. Practice a LOT. Take timed practice tests.

I had below a 3.0 still when I applied. I had a hard time, but eventually it worked out. Your GPA won't change much, so the best you can do is

- impress them with recent semesters of work (last 45)
- take upper division science courses and do well
- 1250+ on the GRE
- have those killer LORs
- write that PS like it's a letter to cause world peace

Also, there are schools that use or include your graduate GPA. Seek them out.

 

[squirrelsrule]

Michigan State may be the only one that does this, but you can go to their website and calculate your Scholastic Indicator Score that they use to rank applicants:

http://cvm.msu.edu/student-information/dvm-program-admissions/scholastic-indicator-score-calculator

They told me during my file review that they don't consider anyone who's score is less than an 800, and I'm pretty sure you're automatically accepted if your score is over 870. MSU's one of the tougher schools to get into, but hopefully this'll give you some idea of how your GPA and GRE scores will look to them!

Do they really go off of this for a large part of the decision at MSU? My SIS score was 957.3, so it looks like that is a good school for me to apply to? I was thinking of applying there. I love that they have a wildlife treatment center built right into the college, plus the class size is a little smaller than Ohio's. I also like that there is no interview there 🙂. Downside is that it is almost double the price since I'll be out of state. But if I get in there and not Ohio, I'd consider taking on the cost.

Anyone know anything about Wisconsin? They don't interview either and their class size is smaller. My GPA is awesome (3.99), I got a 1280 on the GRE and I now have halfway decent Vet experience hours: 400 at a small animal clinic, 50 with a traveling small animal and will have 10 with an equine vet center. Hoping to have about 700 hours total at the time of application since I work at the small animal clinic. In addition to the vet experience, I have over 6000 hours animal experience as a wildlife rehabber (I started my own non-profit called Born To Be Wild- Widllife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.). Wildlife rehab is what has drawn me to wanting to be a vet. My dream is to one day have my own small animal clinic- possibly emergency clinic and wildlife center (like side by side). I know that is probably close to impossible, but wildlife will always be a huge part of my life, nothing can take that and I would like to be able to be with my wildlife all the time, so if I had a clinic with a wildlife center as part of it, I could do both things that I love. Is that realistic, probably not, but one can dream right 🙂.

I know what I really need to be working on is my PS, I have a semidecent draft going, but it is lacking in a lot of ways and doesn't give a complete picture of me and why I want to be a vet and barely even touches on what I want to do as a vet. I have been so distracted by everything here and the application itself, that I haven't been working on the PS. Plus 33 baby creatures and working doesn't leave too much time for it, but I am going to work on it soon.

Sorry to ramble. Does anyone have like a breakdown of which schools are easier to get into for those that have awesome GPA and decent GRE and not tons of vet experience? A list of schools that weigh experience hours more heavilly than GPAs and GREs would probably be helpful to some other applicants as well. It is kinda hard to tell from most school's websites what exactly they look at for who to accept and most schools admitted profiles don't list the experience hours 🙁.

 

[that redhead]

Sorry to ramble. Does anyone have like a breakdown of which schools are easier to get into for those that have awesome GPA and decent GRE and not tons of vet experience? A list of schools that weigh experience hours more heavilly than GPAs and GREs would probably be helpful to some other applicants as well. It is kinda hard to tell from most school's websites what exactly they look at for who to accept and most schools admitted profiles don't list the experience hours 🙁.

There are a lot of threads that go through this in some capacity or another. If you are indeed willing to go OOS, there are also threads that touch on which schools accept more versus which accept less. Although with your GPA so high and GRE solid I think you'd stand a decent shot at most places. With those numbers I personally would pick a number you can afford to apply to and start narrowing based on cost (Wisconsin has a really great OOS tuition) and preferred location.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Do they really go off of this for a large part of the decision at MSU? My SIS score was 957.3, so it looks like that is a good school for me to apply to? I was thinking of applying there. I love that they have a wildlife treatment center built right into the college, plus the class size is a little smaller than Ohio's. I also like that there is no interview there 🙂. Downside is that it is almost double the price since I'll be out of state. But if I get in there and not Ohio, I'd consider taking on the cost.

Anyone know anything about Wisconsin? They don't interview either and their class size is smaller. My GPA is awesome (3.99), I got a 1280 on the GRE and I now have halfway decent Vet experience hours: 400 at a small animal clinic, 50 with a traveling small animal and will have 10 with an equine vet center. Hoping to have about 700 hours total at the time of application since I work at the small animal clinic. In addition to the vet experience, I have over 6000 hours animal experience as a wildlife rehabber (I started my own non-profit called Born To Be Wild- Widllife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.). Wildlife rehab is what has drawn me to wanting to be a vet. My dream is to one day have my own small animal clinic- possibly emergency clinic and wildlife center (like side by side). I know that is probably close to impossible, but wildlife will always be a huge part of my life, nothing can take that and I would like to be able to be with my wildlife all the time, so if I had a clinic with a wildlife center as part of it, I could do both things that I love. Is that realistic, probably not, but one can dream right 🙂.

I know what I really need to be working on is my PS, I have a semidecent draft going, but it is lacking in a lot of ways and doesn't give a complete picture of me and why I want to be a vet and barely even touches on what I want to do as a vet. I have been so distracted by everything here and the application itself, that I haven't been working on the PS. Plus 33 baby creatures and working doesn't leave too much time for it, but I am going to work on it soon.

Sorry to ramble. Does anyone have like a breakdown of which schools are easier to get into for those that have awesome GPA and decent GRE and not tons of vet experience? A list of schools that weigh experience hours more heavilly than GPAs and GREs would probably be helpful to some other applicants as well. It is kinda hard to tell from most school's websites what exactly they look at for who to accept and most schools admitted profiles don't list the experience hours 🙁.

I had little experience so I only applied to schools that weren't too demanding.

Penn is pretty lenient on experience hours and they only care you have experience relevant to your interests (diversity not necessary in types of experience). Penn likes a diverse class. Penn offers scholarships (small) to people with high grades and GRE.

Tufts
I knew a Phd who was accepted with almost zero veterinary experience (50 hours of something). I personally didn't get any negative feedback from them about this, nor did it come up at the interview. They also offer small scholarships to people with good grades/gre.

I also applied to UCDavis and Colorado and neither of them mentioned lack of experience as an issue (it didn't come up in my UCDavis interview - I was accepted - and didn't come up in my file review at Colo st. - I was waitlisted).

 

[squirrelsrule]

I had little experience so I only applied to schools that weren't too demanding.

Penn is pretty lenient on experience hours and they only care you have experience relevant to your interests (diversity not necessary in types of experience). Penn likes a diverse class. Penn offers scholarships (small) to people with high grades and GRE.

Tufts
I knew a Phd who was accepted with almost zero veterinary experience (50 hours of something). I personally didn't get any negative feedback from them about this, nor did it come up at the interview. They also offer small scholarships to people with good grades/gre.

I also applied to UCDavis and Colorado and neither of them mentioned lack of experience as an issue (it didn't come up in my UCDavis interview - I was accepted - and didn't come up in my file review at Colo st. - I was waitlisted).

Thanks, Tufts is looking like a good choice for me then 🙂. I had them on my list a while back and then changed my mind, but from what I have read, I really like Tufts. Of course, their out of state tuition is 42,000 and Michigan is 47,000 so really not too much difference there and both have a class size of around 100.

I am willing to go out of state, wherever I have to go, I'll go. This time around I am going to be a little selective and only apply to 3 schools that are ones I'd really want to go to, then if I don't get in this time, I'll apply to the more expensive schools next year that are more likely to take me. Plus I'll get a ton more hours and can vary my experience if it comes down to that. I guess I just have to wait and see how it goes. Hoping to get into Ohio State since that's my in state and cheapest option plus a really good school. Although, the more I think about it, the more I think I'd like Wisconsin more. I just don't know 🙁

 

[Coquette22]

There are a lot of threads that go through this in some capacity or another. If you are indeed willing to go OOS, there are also threads that touch on which schools accept more versus which accept less. Although with your GPA so high and GRE solid I think you'd stand a decent shot at most places. With those numbers I personally would pick a number you can afford to apply to and start narrowing based on cost (Wisconsin has a really great OOS tuition) and preferred location.

It might also be worth going back through the Successful Applicant threads and seeing who has similar stats and where they were accepted.

 

[jemappellejane]

SDN Members don't see this ad.
From Rochester, NY
Age 27
Cum GPA: 3.3
Math and Science GPA: 2.4
Last 45 credits: 3.7
GRE: 1000

I have about 10,000 SA experience with a rec from the president of the largest private veterinary association in the country, I was on the equestrian team in college, I have about 10 hours shadowing an equine vet (plan to get more this summer), i'm fluent in American Sign Language, have honors from high school, played sports, have a bunch of hours volunteering at the humane society (clinic and non-clinic), spay/neuter volunteer work, science olympiad, i was specially chosen for a select student teaching program, i'm certified in NYS biology, have taught science for a year to middle/high school students, am just shy of my M.S. in education (which I have a 4.0), spent time educating students on veterinary careers at our school career day, have written several articles for Pet Tales magazine in western NY, habitat for humanity, etc.....

I'm also going to be shadowing/volunteering with a dairy herdsman this summer and possibly with the zoo. Considering my status, this is why I thought Dublin would be a good place for me. Anywhere that doesn't focus too much on GPA... I'm planning to take the GRE again too. I only got 1000 and didn't study.

Any professional opinions on my status?

 

[StartingoverVet]

SDN Members don't see this ad.
From Rochester, NY
Age 27
Cum GPA: 3.3
Math and Science GPA: 2.4
Last 45 credits: 3.7
GRE: 1000

I have about 10,000 SA experience with a rec from the president of the largest private veterinary association in the country, I was on the equestrian team in college, I have about 10 hours shadowing an equine vet (plan to get more this summer), i'm fluent in American Sign Language, have honors from high school, played sports, have a bunch of hours volunteering at the humane society (clinic and non-clinic), spay/neuter volunteer work, science olympiad, i was specially chosen for a select student teaching program, i'm certified in NYS biology, have taught science for a year to middle/high school students, am just shy of my M.S. in education (which I have a 4.0), spent time educating students on veterinary careers at our school career day, have written several articles for Pet Tales magazine in western NY, habitat for humanity, etc.....

I'm also going to be shadowing/volunteering with a dairy herdsman this summer and possibly with the zoo. Considering my status, this is why I thought Dublin would be a good place for me. Anywhere that doesn't focus too much on GPA... I'm planning to take the GRE again too. I only got 1000 and didn't study.

Any professional opinions on my status?

I couldn't possible say what your outcome would be but I think you need to write a kick-*ss PS to explain why, in spite of a really lousy science/math GPA and a poor GRE score you have the ability to succeed in a science based curriculum.

You obviously have a fair amount of animal experience, but you need to prove that you are a person who will excel as a veterinarian. I am not saying you can't, I am just saying that adcoms want to make sure the applicants will survive the academic training and it is YOUR job to find a way to convince them of that to overcome the lower numbers.

 

[that redhead]

SDN Members don't see this ad.
From Rochester, NY
Age 27
Cum GPA: 3.3
Math and Science GPA: 2.4
Last 45 credits: 3.7
GRE: 1000

I'm also going to be shadowing/volunteering with a dairy herdsman this summer and possibly with the zoo.

Your last 45 are strong - what kinds of classes are included in this? If they're advanced science courses I'd say that's great because your sGPA is really low. The cumulative isn't so bad on its own but if you're only really strong in non-science/math courses that doesn't exactly bode well for the science-based vet school curriculum.

Definitely retake the GRE and study hard. Instead of gaining more animal/vet experience, have you considered taking a summer class or two to help your GPA instead? I'd say you're probably "maxed out" so to speak on vet/animal experience and extra curriculars.

 

[jemappellejane]

Your last 45 are strong - what kinds of classes are included in this? If they're advanced science courses I'd say that's great because your sGPA is really low. The cumulative isn't so bad on its own but if you're only really strong in non-science/math courses that doesn't exactly bode well for the science-based vet school curriculum.

Definitely retake the GRE and study hard. Instead of gaining more animal/vet experience, have you considered taking a summer class or two to help your GPA instead? I'd say you're probably "maxed out" so to speak on vet/animal experience and extra curriculars.

Thank you for your advice. I am taking organic II this summer. My master's program is in Math/Science/Technology Education. In this program, I've taken a lot of education classes, environmental science, and various classes involving experimenting and inquiry based curriculum classes. I'm planning on retaking my GRE. Will I have a better chance in a foreign school, like UCD or Glasgow? I'm even thinking about St George's...

 

[seaink]

Hello all, I am relatively new to this forum and am planning on applying this cycle. I am a Washington resident.

BA in Psychology, BS in Biology

cGPA: 3.48
prereq GPA: 3.34 (WSU)
last 45 GPA: 3.67

GRE: 510V, 580Q, 4.5AW
I am planning to retake the GRE and want to raise my Q score.

Vet experience:
1800 hours SA hospital
25 hours shadowing a Lab Animal Vet

Animal experience:
800 hours as an undergraduate researcher working with mice and bats
50 hours experience doing critical care with pigs
45 hours working with horses at a therapeutic riding center

Other activities:
Prevet officer
Mentorship programs with at-risk populations and incoming college freshmen
Various intramural teams and clubs during my freshmen and sophomore years

I didn't start considering vetmed until I was a Junior in college, and by that time I had flubbed up some lower level classes (especially Organic Chem) which significantly hurts my overall GPA and prereq GPA. I did get it together and did not get below a 3.7 in a 400-level Biology or Psychology course. I am hoping that they take that into account, but I do know that my GPA's are below average for accepted students.

Any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[LetItSnow]

Any feedback would be much appreciated!

There's really not much to say other than get great LORs and write a really good personal statement. You look like a perfectly fine candidate as far as my unprofessional eyes can tell. Reasonable academics, variety of experience, some interesting personal stuff (at-risk population....) - it all looks good!

I wouldn't worry too much about your GPAs, especially if you pull the GRE up.

 

[zebrastripe86]

Im gathering that this is the place to ask what chances of getting into vet school are...so I am asking that exact question.

So my GRE score is currently 1100, I took it many times before and my highest out of those times was a 980...which is horrible, but I improved by 120 pts, so I see that as a plus. (580q 520v) I realize that this score is average at best, and I did study really hard and used Kaplan books and the class and everything. Also, I really, really do not want to take the GRE again.

My cumulative Gpa is alright, probably average also. around a 3.3. I am currently doing a master's program and my GPA right now in that program is 3.5, and I have one whole year left to step it up.

What I lack in GRE scores and GPA I make up for in my experience. I have over 2500 hours in clinical and animal related experience, and I have worked in lab animal facilities doing some pretty awesome research. I also have volunteered at the UPenn vet hospital.

I am just wondering if anyone thinks that I could get in to a US vet school with these stats? I plan on applying this summer.

oh, and I am a Maryland resident

Thanks!

 

[squirrelsrule]

I am applying to vet school as well. Have you checked out the yearly admitted students threads?

I'd say your GRE scores are average and GPA is a bit below average.

Your experience hours are good if they are all veterinary experience but you listed animal and vet experience, what is the breakdown for the hours? How many were under the supervision of a vet or for the research (if it was animal related) someone with a PHD.

What schools are you planning to apply to?

 

[zebrastripe86]

I do not know the exact breakdown of the hours (I really need to sit sown and work it all out) but roughly, I have about 800 as a kennel worker at a vet hospital, over 1000 clinical experience (vet tech) at the same vet hospital. I also have about 1000 in research that was supervised by a vet at NIH. And 500 in research that was supervised by a phd. I shadowed a zoo vet for about 2 hrs and have about 120 hours in large animal experience.

I am in this program at Drexel that helps people get into vet school and so far I am doing well in it, and they have a relationship with penn vet. I'm hoping that my dramatic improvement in my gre score and the upward trends in my gpa will help.

I am planning on applying to Virginia tech, Penn, because of the relationship that Drexel has with them, Ohio, Colorado, mississippi, minnestota and kansas

Hopefully other people have constructive criticism :0)

 

[LetItSnow]

Hopefully other people have constructive criticism :0)

Not much criticism to give. I mean, you can ALWAYS get more experience or take more classes to get your GPA up. But if you go look at the successful candidates thread, I think you'll see that people do get in with your stats. Your GPA/GRE are on the slightly weaker side, but certainly not to the point you ought to worry about it.....

I think if you just keep on keepin' on, get great LORs, and put together a coherent, internally consistent, interesting application with a good personal statement that you've got just as much chance as most people. 🙂

So the only advice I'll throw out is this: don't overlook the extra stuff. The civic involvement, extracurriculars, interesting life "things".... you never know when something on there will catch somebody's eye, lead to an interesting converstion in an interview, etc. I imagine when they're 'scoring' applications it has to be a breath of fresh air to see something just a little bit different.

 

[squirrelsrule]

Well your vet experience hours look great! I think that will help you a lot, you have a lot of experience plus a diversity, that's good 👍.

I'd say you have a chance for sure, your stats are about average for GPA and GRE but your vet experience is above average.

 

[zebrastripe86]

Thanks guys! This gives me hope. How can I find the successful candidates page?

 

[LetItSnow]

Thanks guys! This gives me hope. How can I find the successful candidates page?

Sorry, I guess that was kinda rude of me. Here ya go:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=776924

 

[TRYINGTOBEAVET]

Hi. I am planning on applying to vet schools for the first time this year. My GPA is a 3.3 and by GRE score is 920 total with a 4.0 on the writing. I know these aren't the best but I can't do much to raise my GPA now (I will be a senior in the fall) but I do plan to take my GRE one more time. Do you think I have a chance to get into a vet program?

 

[StartingoverVet]

Hi. I am planning on applying to vet schools for the first time this year. My GPA is a 3.3 and by GRE score is 920 total with a 4.0 on the writing. I know these aren't the best but I can't do much to raise my GPA now (I will be a senior in the fall) but I do plan to take my GRE one more time. Do you think I have a chance to get into a vet program?

Your GPA is below average, but will not preclude you from getting in.
Your GRE, which you would hope would counterbalance your GPA is pretty bad and is going to hurt you at many places.

That said, GPA//GRE is only one part of your ap.

What about animal experience? Vet experience? Research experience?
Are you going to have great LORs?
Do you have compelling extracurriculars that make up for academic performance?
Do you have an interesting life story?

These are the factors that help people with lower academic performance (or actually any academic performance) get in.

For a start, in your senior year, hope you are taking upper level science classes and get good grades in them. Might be too late but certainly couldn't hurt.

And take the GRE again.

 

[jmo1012]

Hi. I am planning on applying to vet schools for the first time this year. My GPA is a 3.3 and by GRE score is 920 total with a 4.0 on the writing. I know these aren't the best but I can't do much to raise my GPA now (I will be a senior in the fall) but I do plan to take my GRE one more time. Do you think I have a chance to get into a vet program?

You need to really be smart about where you apply to and only pick schools that aren't going to toss your application based on GPA and GRE. A lot of schools weed out applications that way and never even get to the LORs, experience and PS which may be your redeeming factors. Also, I assume the 3.3 is your cumulative GPA? Are your pre-req/science and last 45 hours better?

Also, unless you're applying to schools that will take GRE scores arriving after Nov.1, you only have until July 31st to take the test so be sure to be prepping now! 🙂

in regards to the PS inquiries i've seen in other threads, have you tried doing an online search for personal statement help to get some ideas? there are some threads on here that give good advice for the PS, but its going to be very different for each individual as well as something kind of private. Follow the prompt on the VMCAS and write your story.

Good luck!

 

[fishfinn]

I'll be applying to WCVM this fall and wondering if you guys could comment on my stats.

My GPA currently is 3.6 . I have my summer and fall courses to bring it up, though.

I have 700 hours vet experience from just volunteering and shadowing. I just applied for a job at this clinic... so hopefully I get it! I'm also planning to shadow for a few hours at another clinic, just so I have can see how different clinics do things etc....

I have animal experience at a cat rescue association, an assistant dog society, and an avian research centre doing bird banding. i just started some wildlife rescue. No large animal experience which may hinder my application....

Hmm.. I think that's about it. I also work about 7 hours a week as a piano teacher.

please let me know what you guys think!

 

[kermit123]

I'll be applying to WCVM this fall and wondering if you guys could comment on my stats.

My GPA currently is 3.6 . I have my summer and fall courses to bring it up, though.

I have 700 hours vet experience from just volunteering and shadowing. I just applied for a job at this clinic... so hopefully I get it! I'm also planning to shadow for a few hours at another clinic, just so I have can see how different clinics do things etc....

I have animal experience at a cat rescue association, an assistant dog society, and an avian research centre doing bird banding. i just started some wildlife rescue. No large animal experience which may hinder my application....

Hmm.. I think that's about it. I also work about 7 hours a week as a piano teacher.

please let me know what you guys think!

I'm applying as well!

My GPA is about the same, maybe a tiny bit higher, but I'm done my degree. I think a lot of it depends on what province you are from.

Most of the people I've seen accepted on this forum have amazing stats (like 90%+ averages, or 4.0s), thousands of hours of experience in small and large animal, and basically just blow me away and make me think I will never get in.

Then again, probably the keenest people are the ones lurking this forum, so … =)

I think you have a shot! I mean, I like to think I have a shot, so, why not? Does your school do GPA or percentages? And what province are you from? If Manitoba or Saskatchewan, I'd say you look pretty set … I think.

 

[fishfinn]

I'm applying as well!

My GPA is about the same, maybe a tiny bit higher, but I'm done my degree. I think a lot of it depends on what province you are from.

Most of the people I've seen accepted on this forum have amazing stats (like 90%+ averages, or 4.0s), thousands of hours of experience in small and large animal, and basically just blow me away and make me think I will never get in.

Then again, probably the keenest people are the ones lurking this forum, so … =)

I think you have a shot! I mean, I like to think I have a shot, so, why not? Does your school do GPA or percentages? And what province are you from? If Manitoba or Saskatchewan, I'd say you look pretty set … I think.

I'm actually from BC, which is really competitive that's why I'm so nervous! What about you? (actually I just realised you're from Vancouver too haha)

My school does GPA. I'm always a bit unsure of how GPA converts to percentage. I was told when WCVM came to visit my school that they considered 70% about a B which is 3.0, but they've raised it to 75% so would that be a B+? (around 3.5) But then again I believe I read on their website that average GPA that gets accepted is about 3.44 (?) which I find hard to believe.

I'll be in my 3rd year of my biochemistry degree when I apply so I suppose it's not the end of the world if I don't get in this year. I'll get another year to finish my degree and get some more experience and hopefully raise my GPA substantially.

 

[LetItSnow]

please let me know what you guys think!

I think you're on track. You should make sure you finish out with A's... it won't pull your GPA up much, but it looks much nicer to finish strong. You also should start thinking about where you can get good LORs from and, if you're lacking those kind of people, start developing those relationships quickly. Since the app is due at the beginning of October, you don't want to be waiting until mid-September to ask people.

 

[kermit123]

I'm actually from BC, which is really competitive that's why I'm so nervous! What about you? (actually I just realised you're from Vancouver too haha)

My school does GPA. I'm always a bit unsure of how GPA converts to percentage. I was told when WCVM came to visit my school that they considered 70% about a B which is 3.0, but they've raised it to 75% so would that be a B+? (around 3.5) But then again I believe I read on their website that average GPA that gets accepted is about 3.44 (?) which I find hard to believe.

I'll be in my 3rd year of my biochemistry degree when I apply so I suppose it's not the end of the world if I don't get in this year. I'll get another year to finish my degree and get some more experience and hopefully raise my GPA substantially.

Typically A+/A is 4.0, A-=3.7 or 3.667, B+=3.33, etc. Since they convert all grades to a common scale for comparison, I'm not sure if they use percentage or what. My actual percentage GPA is a 3.7-3.8, but if you do it credit by credit it becomes 3.62 …

I'm always confused about the "averages accepted" on their website, because they ALL SAY 78-88%. Is that the average of accepted people, or the range of averages they accepted? Their breakdown isn't very helpful, it would be nice to know the average of the last applicant to be interviewed …

I wish I had known this is what I wanted to do when I was in 3rd year! I'll have a year off between (and of course, more if I don't make it this year!)