What are my chances?

[LetItSnow]

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So I am freaking out a bit. I am applying to vet school this year and seriously want to run away screaming but can't really considering I have asked for most of my LORs already.
The reason for my freak out is that I took the gre today for the first time and my scores were atrocious (V-151, Q-147). This is after studying for about 6 months and taking a Kaplan Prep course. The reason why I am even saying what my scores are is that I really want some honest advice as to whether I have a shot this cycle. I did schedule to take the exam again but am afraid I won't be able to do much better. I have a history of really bad testing anxiety on standardized tests. I could study really hard for the exam and than when I have to take it completely blank out on everything. I know vet school will obviously be full of tests but I do ok on tests for school it is just these big standardized tests that make me nervous.

There's a couple questions buried in there. The first is "can you still get in this cycle with those scores." The answer is: It depends on the rest of your application and where you applied. Different schools evaluate applications differently, so how your GRE score impacts your application will vary from place to place. With those GPAs I think you might be very challenged at schools like UMN that use an 'academic' evaluation first before looking at the rest of your application. I don't know how the schools you specifically mentioned do their evaluations.

The other question revolves around the anxiety and better performance. If anxiety is causing you to perform substantially worse than you believe you otherwise could, I would consider getting medical advice about proceeding. Perhaps therapy would be indicated and would make a difference. And, as a bonus, it would help you in vet school. I don't really see much downside to at least chatting with the appropriate medical expert, describing what's going on, and asking if it warrants treatment. Treatment doesn't have to be 'drug'.

As far as your chances this go-around, I (ironically) have to agree with @VMCASSTAFF: everybody is unique. It's really hard to say how you'll do without reading the rest of your application. Some schools, like Ross, are willing to cast a wider academic net (but they sure weed people out in the program!). You might do just fine there if they like the rest of your application.

 

[bakedjps]

Hey guys-

So I am freaking out a bit. I am applying to vet school this year and seriously want to run away screaming but can't really considering I have asked for most of my LORs already.
The reason for my freak out is that I took the gre today for the first time and my scores were atrocious (V-151, Q-147). This is after studying for about 6 months and taking a Kaplan Prep course. The reason why I am even saying what my scores are is that I really want some honest advice as to whether I have a shot this cycle. I did schedule to take the exam again but am afraid I won't be able to do much better. I have a history of really bad testing anxiety on standardized tests. I could study really hard for the exam and than when I have to take it completely blank out on everything. I know vet school will obviously be full of tests but I do ok on tests for school it is just these big standardized tests that make me nervous.
I do know that some schools don't put a lot of emphasis on GRE scores but I am afraid because my GPA isn;t super great either. My cum (undergrad+postbac) is about a 3.05 and my prereq science is about a 3.2 right now. I know that this is not great. The reason why my cum is so low is that I had some health issues in undergrad that I have since mostly overcome.
While my GPA and GRE are not the greatest I do have diverse experiences and a lot of hours. I have worked almost the past three years as a vet assistant in a small animal/exotic practice and also volunteer at the zoo with a lead veterinarian. I believe my LORs will be pretty good.
Can someone please give me their honest advice as to whether I have a shot this cycle? Please do not sugar coat. I am intending to apply to a lot of schools to expand my horizons (Davis, CO, VMRVC, AVC, Ross, Western, Illinois, Tennessee, Kansas). The list may change a little but this is what I have for now.
Also, if you have any advice on how I can improve for this cycle please let me know. I am going to put 110% in doing well in the fall term but I know not all schools consider fall grades in the admissions process. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

What's your last 45-hour gpa?

 

[pirateslayme]

There's a couple questions buried in there. The first is "can you still get in this cycle with those scores." The answer is: It depends on the rest of your application and where you applied. Different schools evaluate applications differently, so how your GRE score impacts your application will vary from place to place. With those GPAs I think you might be very challenged at schools like UMN that use an 'academic' evaluation first before looking at the rest of your application. I don't know how the schools you specifically mentioned do their evaluations.

The other question revolves around the anxiety and better performance. If anxiety is causing you to perform substantially worse than you believe you otherwise could, I would consider getting medical advice about proceeding. Perhaps therapy would be indicated and would make a difference. And, as a bonus, it would help you in vet school. I don't really see much downside to at least chatting with the appropriate medical expert, describing what's going on, and asking if it warrants treatment. Treatment doesn't have to be 'drug'.

As far as your chances this go-around, I (ironically) have to agree with @VMCASSTAFF: everybody is unique. It's really hard to say how you'll do without reading the rest of your application. Some schools, like Ross, are willing to cast a wider academic net (but they sure weed people out in the program!). You might do just fine there if they like the rest of your application.

I haven't actually applied yet but I mean this upcoming cycle. I am applying to some reach schools but also some that may look at more of the whole applicant than just the gpa/gre
In terms of the anxiety it is definitely something I am trying to get under control. I looked into getting extended time on the test but unfortunately that is a very long process and I don't have the time to go through that...

 

[pirateslayme]

What's your last 45-hour gpa?

Unfortunately it is not much better than my science gpa I think maybe like a 3.1. However I do have some classes left to take in the fall which I am going to try to make A's in and get that up. I know not all schools look at fall grades but there are a few I am applying to that do...

 

[calbear13]

Hi guys! So I'm thinking about applying to Davis (IS), Western, UPenn, Ohio State, Michigan State, UMN, Mississippi, and Purdue. Davis is my dream school, but my confidence is kinda shot with my GPA...Are there any other schools that weigh GRE and last 45 more heavily? Any input/advice would be much appreciated! Here's what I got:

California resident, UC Berkeley graduate

Overall GPA: 3.29
Science GPA: 3.25
Last 45: 3.7

GRE Verbal: 157
GRE Quantitative: 162
GRE Writing: 4.0

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal private practice (~200 hours)
Emergency clinic, mostly small animal (~800 hours & currently working here)

Animal Experience:
Rehabilitated wildlife at local shelter (~150 hours)
Interned at zoo (~300 hours)
Cared for the animals at a public science center (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds) & taught museum visitors about them (~1200 hours)
Rehabilitated aquatic birds (~100 hours)

Research:
Studied cognitive processes of caching in fox squirrels and flexible cue use in gerbils (~250 hours)

Extracurricular Activities:
Created a curriculum for low-income 6th-8th graders & taught them food chemistry
College ultimate frisbee team
Sorority (recruitment director & external affairs chair)
Mentored a middle schooler bi-weekly
Studied abroad twice
And lots more from high school...

 

[LetItSnow]

Any input/advice would be much appreciated!

[...]

Veterinary Experience:
Small animal private practice (~200 hours)
Emergency clinic, mostly small animal (~800 hours & currently working here).

I would consider trying to diversify your veterinary experience if you don't get in this go-around. Probably a bit late to do much about it at this point, but not necessarily. Even a full week of shadowing an equine or LA doc would be good.

Some great extra-curriculars in there! I wouldn't beat yourself up over the GPA. It's not amazing, but it's not 'bad' either. With some great references and a very cohesive, well-written application I would expect you to be competitive at many schools.

 

[BionicCat]

Hello!!! I'm a junior undergrad from California, and I'm planning on applying to UC Davis and Western University of Health Sciences. I have one more year to complete (classes needed include biochem, physiology, and cell bio) and will hopefully increase my GPA further. I was going to wait until I had graduated before applying, but I figure that this 1st application could help me make the 2nd better if I don't get accepted.

Major: Biology
GPA (overall): 3.58
GPA (science): 3.61
GPA (last 45 units): 3.63

GRE verbal: 159 (81%)
GRE quantitative: 153 (52%)
GRE writing: 3.5 (38%) --- going to retake the GRE

Veterinary Experience:
Hours interned at small animal practice (ROP): 150 hours
Hours working as Kennel Assistant at small animal practice: 1,640 hours

Animal Experience:
Hours volunteering at cat shelter: 350 hours
Fostered a 7 month old kitten: 2 weeks (needed bandage changes for the first week, meds both weeks)
Pets cared for: 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 rabbit, 1 rat, tropical fresh water fish
Hours Dog Sitting: ~40 hours

 

[WildZoo]

Update time! My hours at my current job are an estimate, they should be at or above 575 by the time I leave, but I won't be submitting my application until after my last day anyway. Also, I had changed up my school list, but for various reasons I decided against Kansas and Ohio, so it is back to my original list. Any input is appreciated 😀

21, Female, FL resident, University of Pittsburgh undergrad
Majors – Biological Sciences and English Fiction Writing
Minors – Chemistry and English Literature
Graduating Spring 2015
I’ll have enough credits to get two separate degrees, a BS in Bio and a BA in Writing
Applying:
Florida, Penn, UTK, NCSU
Academics:
Cum GPA:3.69
Last 45:3.74
Overall Science: 3.43
GRE:V-168 (98%) Q-159 (74%) A-5.5 (98%)
Experience:
Veterinary: >1055
>575 vet assistant at small/exotic/wildlife animal hospital
250 as a hospital intern at the National Aviary
180 as a volunteer in clinic/surgery at two different shelters
50 shadowing at small animal hospital
Animal: 2,870
200 as a cat care/puppy care/dog walker/kitten foster volunteer at the same two shelters
65 as a keeper assistant at a zoo (split between mammal and bird areas)
5 at a wildlife rehab center
2500 pet ownership
100 pet sitting
Research:None
Employment: None
Awards:
Dean's list Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
Honors College Full Tuition Merit Scholarship
National Merit Semifinalist
International Baccalaureate Degree
AP Honors Scholar
Extracurricular activities:
Fiction writing: This is my biggest extracurricular, and my second major. So far I’ve had two short stories published in the last two years.
Book Clubs: I’ve been a member of both the SciFi and Dystopias book clubs at my undergrad for multiple semesters
High School: Multicultural club, Student Government, IB Magazine, DSAJ Buddy Walk, Community Arts Service Club
eLORS:
2 veterinarians (one I’ve worked with for 2 years at a shelter, one from the National Aviary)
1 biochemistry lab professor
1 literature professor (I’ve had 4 classes with him and he knows me really well, plus he is the sponsor of the scifi book club)

 

[catnips]

I am updating because new stuff! I am open to suggestions on schools 🙂

Thinking of applying to: Cornell (IS), U of Illinois, Washington State, University of Wisconsin (long shot, I know), University of Minnesota (OOS Tuition is making me think twice but dunno...), Western (If I can fix one pre-req problem), University of Guelph - Ontario Veterinary College
If I take Organic Chem 2 - Oklahoma State, Ohio State and Midwestern as well. I really don't want to take Organic Chem 2 (would add a semester to my college) if I can avoid it. But I am at a loss right now.
And maybe Kansas State? I don't think Kansas is the right state for me, and I may have to take Speech for this. But I feel like my school list doesn't have enough schools since I don't have the best grades...

GPA - 3.45 (It will be around 3.3 in the schools that they count my first F in Biology 1. Sigh.)
Science GPA - 3.2
Last 45 - 3.56

GRE - V 159/ Q 162

Veterinary Experience
500 hours - small animal vet shadowing
55 hours - large animal vet shadowing
+ I will be interning under three vets at a dairy farm in my country. Should be around 120 to 160 hours there.

Animal Experience
Around 200 hours of Shelter volunteering.
1600 hours of volunteering at a horse barn.
For the schools that count this - ownership of various pets, including a cat, a dog and couple of exotics as well as fish.

Honors
An award in horseback riding. (Distinguished rider)
2 awards in National Language Exams in French and Spanish
Dean's List for couple of semesters.

Employment
I was a babysitter for a kid that had autism for most of my college life.
I also interned as a customer rep. and social media intern for about a year.

Reference Letters
1 from an animal cognition professor. He wrote a very strong letter.
1 from the small animal vet I shadowed. He wrote a strong letter too.
1 from the dairy farm vet (He will write it at the end of my internship, but since he knows me already, he said he will be happy to do it. He should write a good one too)

I feel like my school list is too ambitious for my grades... My recommendation letters are good, and my GRE is okay, I think. Other parts of my application doesn't seem that well. I would apply to overseas, but my husband can't go to the Caribbean (nothing for him to do there) and pitbulls are banned in UK (and I have one) so that's out of question...

 

[Hazel93]

Hi all, I am looking for advice on where I am as an applicant and where I can improve going into the next year as I will apply next summer.

I'm currently a Junior at a state school in Texas and a Zoology major. I'm most likely applying to A&M, Colorado St., and University of Florida. Will I be able to get IS status in FL if my father has lived there for the past 10 years? I'm currently a TX resident.

My stats are:
GPA: 3.45
sGPA: ~3.4
Last 45: ~3.6

EC:
Worked as Vet Tech for past year, will continue (700+ hrs)
Had a summer Vet Tech job (200 hrs)
Volunteer at Smithsonian Marine Research Center (100 hrs)
Intern at Wildlife Rehab Center (100 hrs)
Volunteer at Wildlife Rehab Center (same as above) (200 hrs)
Summer Zookeeper Intern (500 hrs)
Worked at Sandwich Shop as a Trainer (2 years)

GRE: Have not taken yet.

Some questions:

Where do I stand in terms of my stats and ECs for the schools I am targeting?
How much of a role does the GRE play into admissions?
How many LOR do I need, and from whom should I ask? Vet? Science Profs?

 

[WildZoo]

Hi all, I am looking for advice on where I am as an applicant and where I can improve going into the next year as I will apply next summer.

I'm currently a Junior at a state school in Texas and a Zoology major. I'm most likely applying to A&M, Colorado St., and University of Florida. Will I be able to get IS status in FL if my father has lived there for the past 10 years? I'm currently a TX resident.

My stats are:
GPA: 3.45
sGPA: ~3.4
Last 45: ~3.6

EC:
Worked as Vet Tech for past year, will continue (700+ hrs)
Had a summer Vet Tech job (200 hrs)
Volunteer at Smithsonian Marine Research Center (100 hrs)
Intern at Wildlife Rehab Center (100 hrs)
Volunteer at Wildlife Rehab Center (same as above) (200 hrs)
Summer Zookeeper Intern (500 hrs)
Worked at Sandwich Shop as a Trainer (2 years)

GRE: Have not taken yet.

Some questions:

Where do I stand in terms of my stats and ECs for the schools I am targeting?
How much of a role does the GRE play into admissions?
How many LOR do I need, and from whom should I ask? Vet? Science Profs?

I'll just specifically address the residency part. You can only claim residency for one state at a time, and when you apply to the schools you apply as IS or OOS. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but if you are claiming TX residency, you cannot also claim FL residency, and I don't think you can switch after you apply (like if you get into FL but not TX and decide you want to try to claim FL residency...I don't think you can do that). But which state you are actually a resident of also depends on a few things...if you are independent then your father's residency wouldn't matter at all. If you are still his dependent, then you would be considered a FL resident anyway.

 

[epivetlove]

Hi all, I am looking for advice on where I am as an applicant and where I can improve going into the next year as I will apply next summer.

I'm currently a Junior at a state school in Texas and a Zoology major. I'm most likely applying to A&M, Colorado St., and University of Florida. Will I be able to get IS status in FL if my father has lived there for the past 10 years? I'm currently a TX resident.

My stats are:
GPA: 3.45
sGPA: ~3.4
Last 45: ~3.6

EC:
Worked as Vet Tech for past year, will continue (700+ hrs)
Had a summer Vet Tech job (200 hrs)
Volunteer at Smithsonian Marine Research Center (100 hrs)
Intern at Wildlife Rehab Center (100 hrs)
Volunteer at Wildlife Rehab Center (same as above) (200 hrs)
Summer Zookeeper Intern (500 hrs)
Worked at Sandwich Shop as a Trainer (2 years)

GRE: Have not taken yet.

Some questions:

Where do I stand in terms of my stats and ECs for the schools I am targeting?
How much of a role does the GRE play into admissions?
How many LOR do I need, and from whom should I ask? Vet? Science Profs?

I can only speak for TAMU, but I think you would be considered an average applicant based on grades and experiences. Do you have any equine or large animal vet experience? A&M likes to see variety and you can get extra points if you've worked for multiple different doctors (100 hours minimum). The GRE is fairly important, at 60 points of the 180 points allotted for academic criteria. Since A&M ranks applicants, every point matters. You want to aim for 75%+ in each section of the GRE, but the Quant and Writing sections are weighed more heavily. As for LORs, A&M only takes 3 and one must be a vet. Pick people that will write strong, positive recommendations. Check out the form on the vetmed site to see the questions that are asked. Might give you a good idea of who to ask.

I was a very subpar applicant academically speaking. My stats are listed somewhere in the Successful Applicant c/o 2018 thread if you're interested. Just goes to show that grades aren't everything! Try to make each part of your application shine as much as possible. You never know what admissions may see and like about you. 🙂

Good luck!

 

[kieradi721]

Hi guys! I am new and looking for any input on my best routes to vet school. My bachelor's degree is in professional writing with a minor in psychology. I then did a year of a tech program that works with upenn for classes and practicum. I'll be able to use these as my science electives.

I work as an uncertified vet nurse in practice and have several other aspects of experience. I still have to take prerequisites but a few of the schools I've talked with have said I am able to apply now as long as I complete the courses by matriculation.

I'm looking for any advice as far as making my application as strong as possible. I would like to know of any schools that take a more holistic approach to acceptance, rather than wasting time and money on the ones who will be interested in those eh majored in subjects much more relevant than English.

I am looking into midwestern, tufts, Texas a&m, ross, and Virginia Maryland (so far)...my in state is penn, and one of the vets at my work is a penn grad who really wants me to apply there but I would like to be realistic.

Thank you all and hope to hear from you guys.

 

[kieradi721]

N

 

[Lupin21]

Hi guys! I am new and Looking for any input on my best routes to vet school. My bachelor's degree is in professional writing with a minor in psychology. I then did a year of a tech program that works with upenn for classes and practicum. I'll be able to use these as my science electives.

I work as an uncertified vet nurse in practice and have several other aspects of experience. I still have to take prerequisites but a few of the schools I've talked with have said I am able to apply now as long as I complete the courses by matriculation.

I'm looking for any advice as far as making my application as strong as possible. I would like to know of any schools that take a more holistic approach to acceptance, rather than wasting time and money on the ones who will be interested in those eh majored in subjects much more relevant than English.

Thank you all and hope to hear from you guys.

You will find that your degree is not what matters, it is how you have handled yourself academically. If you want feedback, you should follow the format you see by the posters before you. It is much easier to see what you have accomplished and areas to improve.

 

[epivetlove]

I am looking into midwestern, tufts, Texas a&m, ross, and Virginia Maryland (so far)...my in state is penn, and one of the vets at my work is a penn grad who really wants me to apply there but I would like to be realistic.

Thank you all and hope to hear from you guys.

Just a heads up for A&M: Around 10 or less OOS applicants are accepted each year, so your academics and experiences need to be very strong--A&M ranks applicants based on a point system which favors academics (~1/3 of the points are based on GPA alone). They also use TMDSAS to submit applications.

It would be a little easier to determine your chances if we knew sci/cumulative GPAs, Last 45 hours, vet and animal hours, etc.

 

[haley120892]

Ugh I took my GRE's again and my score barely went up, but at least it did a little bit. How horrible are these scores?
151V 153Q and I do not know my writing just yet, but on the last one it was a 4. I really don't want to take the test again, studying does nothing for me on it and its too stressful in my opinion. Any opinions? 😳

I posted my stats a while back but roughly I have the following:
GPA: 3.65
last 45: 3.65
preq: 3.4
Vet hours: 300 small, 300 large, 20 wild, 10 equine, and working with a vet currently 60 hours, but I will have roughly 450
Animal hours: 100 pet ownership, 700 wild animals(deer, owls, falcons, flying squirrels, and many others) 300 black bears
^^I am counting on my unique experiences with wildlife to help me out. My dad has been a wildlife conservation officer since I was born, hence all the fostering of weird animals.

I really am just looking for your guys opinions on my GRE scores at this point... but I thought the other stuff might help.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Hello everyone!
I'm applying for the Class of 2019 and I just wanted to get a few opinions on this: I am applying for NCSU, LSU, and Cornell (as an Illinois resident) I really want to do zoo medicine. I know my chances are already slimmed since I am applying out-of-state, however, my course-load does seem to meet the pre-reqs for LSU and Cornell. I will, unfortunately, be short an Organic Chemistry credit for NCSU. So here's the question, should I still apply knowing that I will not meet the criteria and hope it helps me for the next application cycle or should I save my money and wait to apply to NCSU the next time? I don't mind being a re-applicant, I can gain more experience this way, but I want to know what would be most beneficial for my chances if I happen to not get in any of the three for class of 2019.
Thank you all in advance 🙂

 

[Mrow123]

NCSU will throw out your app if you don't meet the requirement pre reqs. My friend found out the hard way. Personally, I don't think it will help you at all to apply without the pre reqs.

 

[greeneyegal92]

That's what I was afraid of...but at least I know ahead of time!
Thank you! 🙂

 

[Coquette22]

Ignore - wrong thread.

 

[Felixor90]

NCSU will throw out your app if you don't meet the requirement pre reqs. My friend found out the hard way. Personally, I don't think it will help you at all to apply without the pre reqs.

Even if you're taking your last pre-reqs this upcoming fall?

 

[WildZoo]

Even if you're taking your last pre-reqs this upcoming fall?

No, they allow you to complete them by spring of the year you plan to matriculate, though I think you can only have one or two left to complete by then. If you're doing them in the fall you should be fine.

 

[DVMDream]

Bum advice.

First, repeated observation of what pre-health advisers are telling undergraduate students has made it clear that the majority of them have absolutely no useful insight into what makes for a good pre-VET plan, or how to best approach the application. Time and time again we hear stories of what pre-health advisors are telling people and it's just plain baffling BAD. Perhaps advisers who are specifically tasked with advising pre-vet students are slightly better, but even then, in my experience it's tacked onto their job because they happen to be the pre-med advisor or something, and they really don't have any expert knowledge about the field.

I know I am late seeing this, but I will agree to this. My "pre-vet" adviser knew nothing about vet school and was actually talking to me about the MCAT and what I need to do to take that. I basically took hold of the steering wheel and figured out what I needed to do, classes to take, exams to take, etc. We would have to see our adviser each semester and he would just go, "seems you have it figured out" and sign off on things. He never knew about vet school pre-reqs, that it required the GRE, etc. I had to inform him of everything and he finally stopped "advising" me and just started signing off that I was on track.

 

[Mrow123]

Yeah, sorry. Should have made that clearer. Your classes need to be listed on your VMCAS transcript as planned for fall or spring, and they will want your grades from fall semester before they send of admissions decisions.

 

[Sigma81]

Hi! This is my first time posting. I'm a Louisiana resident, non-traditional student who graduated 11 years ago with a non-science degree. I know that I lack veterinary experience, however this is due to the fact that I was working in a different career for 10 years. I recently quit my job in order to volunteer when possible and gain valuable experience. I am applying to the following schools: Colorado State, Illinois, Kansas State, LSU, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon State, Washington State and Wisconsin. Any thoughts or tips?

Overall GPA: 3.21
Pre-Req GPA: 3.837
Last 45: 3.608
(My overall is somewhat low because of mistakes over 10 years ago)

GRE Verbal: 147
GRE Quantitative: 152
GRE Writing: 3.0
(First time taking with zero studying; re-taking next month)

Veterinary Experience:
Large animal private practice (~200 hours)
Small animal private practice (~50 hours)

Extracurricular Activities:
Private Pilot
Marathon runner

 

[orca2011]

Hi! This is my first time posting. I'm a Louisiana resident, non-traditional student who graduated 11 years ago with a non-science degree. I know that I lack veterinary experience, however this is due to the fact that I was working in a different career for 10 years. I recently quit my job in order to volunteer when possible and gain valuable experience. I am applying to the following schools: Colorado State, Illinois, Kansas State, LSU, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon State, Washington State and Wisconsin. Any thoughts or tips?


Overall GPA: 3.21
Pre-Req GPA: 3.837
Last 45: 3.608
(My overall is somewhat low because of mistakes over 10 years ago)

GRE Verbal: 147
GRE Quantitative: 152
GRE Writing: 3.0
(First time taking with zero studying; re-taking next month)

Veterinary Experience:
Large animal private practice (~200 hours)
Small animal private practice (~50 hours)

Extracurricular Activities:
Private Pilot
Marathon runner

CSU and Wisconsin might be a bit of a stretch since they tend to have higher avergaes for GPAs and take fewer OOS students. When I applied, the average GPAs for CSU was 3.6 with average experience hours around 1000 for both vet and animal. For Wisconsin, the avergae GPA was a 3.8 and I dont remember their hour requirements. They do count animal ownership though. Missouri also tends to put more emphasis on grades. Your strong prereq and decent last 45th might help though but I got rejected with similar prereq and last 45th and a higher cumGPA.


I think Illinois should be okay to apply at. Their cumGPA is around a 3.5 (I think ) but I think they look a little more at an upward trend. Also if you can get past the grade part of their process, then the rest of their decision is based on your interview I believe so that could work in your favorite. I had a similar amount of hours (more small animal than large) and got an interview and was then waitlisted followed by an acceptance off the waitlist.

The other schools I cant say much about because I didnt apply there. And I still dont know how the GRE scores compare since I took the old version of the test.

Hope that's a little helpful. I could probably say a bit more but im on a tablet which is a PITA to type on, so I also apologize for typos/grammatical mistakes.

 

[kieradi721]

CSU and Wisconsin might be a bit of a stretch since they tend to have higher avergaes for GPAs and take fewer OOS students. When I applied, the average GPAs for CSU was 3.6 with average experience hours around 1000 for both vet and animal. For Wisconsin, the avergae GPA was a 3.8 and I dont remember their hour requirements. They do count animal ownership though. Missouri also tends to put more emphasis on grades. Your strong prereq and decent last 45th might help though but I got rejected with similar prereq and last 45th and a higher cumGPA.


I think Illinois should be okay to apply at. Their cumGPA is around a 3.5 (I think ) but I think they look a little more at an upward trend. Also if you can get past the grade part of their process, then the rest of their decision is based on your interview I believe so that could work in your favorite. I had a similar amount of hours (more small animal than large) and got an interview and was then waitlisted followed by an acceptance off the waitlist.

The other schools I cant say much about because I didnt apply there. And I still dont know how the GRE scores compare since I took the old version of the test.

Hope that's a little helpful. I could probably say a bit more but im on a tablet which is a PITA to type on, so I also apologize for typos/grammatical mistakes.

I had no idea certain schools allow you to include animal ownership as experience. What do you typically classify that as?

 

[orca2011]

I had no idea certain schools allow you to include animal ownership as experience. What do you typically classify that as?

I never included it in my applications because most of the schools I applied to stated that pet ownership did not count unless you were invovled in competitions (like agility, field work, etc) breeding or showing. Since I never did any of that and was never fully responsible for my own pets until my current ones, I didn't feel right including anything. I only found out Wisconsin countted those hours in a file review. Your best bet is to contact the schools you're interested in and ask. Or i guess just put it on your app and they'll include it if they do

 

[Cautiously Optimistic]

Update time! My hours at my current job are an estimate, they should be at or above 575 by the time I leave, but I won't be submitting my application until after my last day anyway. Also, I had changed up my school list, but for various reasons I decided against Kansas and Ohio, so it is back to my original list. Any input is appreciated 😀

21, Female, FL resident, University of Pittsburgh undergrad
Majors – Biological Sciences and English Fiction Writing
Minors – Chemistry and English Literature
Graduating Spring 2015
I’ll have enough credits to get two separate degrees, a BS in Bio and a BA in Writing
Applying:
Florida, Penn, UTK, NCSU
Academics:
Cum GPA:3.69
Last 45:3.74
Overall Science: 3.43
GRE:V-168 (98%) Q-159 (74%) A-5.5 (98%)
Experience:
Veterinary: >1055
>575 vet assistant at small/exotic/wildlife animal hospital
250 as a hospital intern at the National Aviary
180 as a volunteer in clinic/surgery at two different shelters
50 shadowing at small animal hospital
Animal: 2,870
200 as a cat care/puppy care/dog walker/kitten foster volunteer at the same two shelters
65 as a keeper assistant at a zoo (split between mammal and bird areas)
5 at a wildlife rehab center
2500 pet ownership
100 pet sitting
Research:None
Employment: None
Awards:
Dean's list Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
Honors College Full Tuition Merit Scholarship
National Merit Semifinalist
International Baccalaureate Degree
AP Honors Scholar
Extracurricular activities:
Fiction writing: This is my biggest extracurricular, and my second major. So far I’ve had two short stories published in the last two years.
Book Clubs: I’ve been a member of both the SciFi and Dystopias book clubs at my undergrad for multiple semesters
High School: Multicultural club, Student Government, IB Magazine, DSAJ Buddy Walk, Community Arts Service Club
eLORS:
2 veterinarians (one I’ve worked with for 2 years at a shelter, one from the National Aviary)
1 biochemistry lab professor
1 literature professor (I’ve had 4 classes with him and he knows me really well, plus he is the sponsor of the scifi book club)

You look pretty golden to me. You could always try to get some large animal and research experience. But you have good grades, and great GRE scores, I would think you would not have any problems getting accepted at least at some of your schools. You are instate at FL, and my understanding is that they put more weight on the GRE than most other schools, and that would seem to bode well for you.

 

[Charlotte Burns]

So, this is my first time doing this type of thing, but here we go:

Drexel University

GPA CUM: 3.78
Science GPA: 3.72
Last 45 hour GPA: 3.95
GRE: Q: 154 V: 156 A:4

Veterinary Experience: 3200 hours ( small animal practices) as a veterinary technician

Animal Experience: Shelter Medicine 1600 hours ( ICU technician - I said animal and not vet because I really never worked with the vet - I was on my own) and Live Animal Center at the Academy of Natural Sciences ( exotics and wildlife) ( 5oo hours)

Volunteer: Emergency Service Volunteer at Penn Vet (15o hours), Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (30 hours)

Extra Curriculars: President of Drexel University Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, in two different honors societies, and in the biology journal club

I am pretty confident in everything except my GREs. But I figured I have everything else they want, so hopefully it will level out. This is my first time applying. So, what are my chances of getting into Vet school?

 

[WildZoo]

There is already a running thread for this type of thing stickied to the top of the pre-vet forum. You should post this over there 🙂

 

[Charlotte Burns]

So, this is my first time doing this type of thing, but here we go:

Drexel University

GPA CUM: 3.78
Science GPA: 3.72
Last 45 hour GPA: 3.95
GRE: Q: 154 V: 156 A:4

Research: Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program ( Sea Turtle Analysis)

I have three LOR from vets, two from professors ( micro and calc) and a pre health committee letter

Veterinary Experience: 3200 hours ( small animal practices) as a veterinary technician

Animal Experience: Shelter Medicine 1600 hours ( ICU technician - I said animal and not vet because I really never worked with the vet - I was on my own) and Live Animal Center at the Academy of Natural Sciences ( exotics and wildlife) ( 5oo hours)

Volunteer: Emergency Service Volunteer at Penn Vet (15o hours), Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (30 hours)

Extra Curriculars: President of Drexel University Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, in two different honors societies, and in the biology journal club

I am pretty confident in everything except my GREs. But I figured I have everything else they want, so hopefully it will level out. This is my first time applying. So, what are my chances of getting into Vet school?

 

[Charlotte Burns]

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!

Thank you for putting this up. I feel really good about myself right now.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Hello everyone I messaged here once before but I'm still having issues...I just simply need advice! I have 2 schools that I would love to attend!! LSU and NC State and I am an Illinois resident. However, for this c/o 2019 cycle I will be missing a pre-req for NC State so no point applying there this time. So is it absolutely stupid to only apply to LSU or should I apply for U of I even though I don't really wish to go there? My fear is getting into U of I and wanting to transfer to another vet school but I hear that is difficult to do :/ So what to do what to do? I know more than likely I will be a reapplicant that so much is not my problem I'll find an internship for that year! But what should I do now?? Help is much appreciated 🙂 and so you can make a better judgement here are my stats:
Want to become a Zoo Vet

B.S. in Zoology from Southern Illinois University (will graduate 2015);
Cumulative GPA: 3.323
Science: 3.1
Last 45: 3.15

GRE Score
Q: 152 (48% below) V:152 (52% below) A: 4.0 (56% below)

Vet Experience: 226 hr

Animal Experience: 632 hr (not including pet ownership)

Research: 80 hr (statistical analysis and dairy cattle)

Honors/Awards: Sigma Alpha Pi Leadership Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, LP Honor Society, High Scholarship Legion, USA Gymanstics State Champion 5 time

Community activity: Team Paws, Volunteer for data entry, Marathon runner, Saluki Science Ambassadors, Zoology Club, 4 Time Half-Marathon Runner

Employment: University Housing Resident Assistant (2 years), and Math Tutor (1 year)

That's all I've got. All in all I'm pretty average :/ But just some advice on what to do for this application would be great 🙂

 

[Panderson]

LSU just recently released their admission statistics. They care a good bit about your required course GPA and your last 45 credits GPA, as well as the GRE score. The minimum of the entire class of 2018 was 306, so you're pretty much there. May want to retake to get yourself in a higher range, but only if it doesn't get you in! Minimum prereq and 45 hours were around 3.4-3.5. 571 OOS applied that cycle, and 11 were accepted. These stats fluctuate with each class, so don't let a GPA on the lower side discourage you. You have some nice extracirriculars, and good experience hours as well. They do like diverse experiences so you seem to have that. And they love well rounded people, so aim to portray that to them! Write an amazing personal statement, sell yourself well. Maybe continue to take classes to finish the NCSU prereqs and raise that GPA a bit. And if you face rejection, don't let it stop you! Get a file review, and work from there.
Good luck! Keep working hard.

Hello everyone I messaged here once before but I'm still having issues...I just simply need advice! I have 2 schools that I would love to attend!! LSU and NC State and I am an Illinois resident. However, for this c/o 2019 cycle I will be missing a pre-req for NC State so no point applying there this time. So is it absolutely stupid to only apply to LSU or should I apply for U of I even though I don't really wish to go there? My fear is getting into U of I and wanting to transfer to another vet school but I hear that is difficult to do :/ So what to do what to do? I know more than likely I will be a reapplicant that so much is not my problem I'll find an internship for that year! But what should I do now?? Help is much appreciated 🙂 and so you can make a better judgement here are my stats:
Want to become a Zoo Vet

B.S. in Zoology from Southern Illinois University (will graduate 2015);
Cumulative GPA: 3.323
Science: 3.1
Last 45: 3.15

GRE Score
Q: 152 (48% below) V:152 (52% below) A: 4.0 (56% below)

Vet Experience: 226 hr

Animal Experience: 632 hr (not including pet ownership)

Research: 80 hr (statistical analysis and dairy cattle)

Honors/Awards: Sigma Alpha Pi Leadership Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, LP Honor Society, High Scholarship Legion, USA Gymanstics State Champion 5 time

Community activity: Team Paws, Volunteer for data entry, Marathon runner, Saluki Science Ambassadors, Zoology Club, 4 Time Half-Marathon Runner

Employment: University Housing Resident Assistant (2 years), and Math Tutor (1 year)

That's all I've got. All in all I'm pretty average :/ But just some advice on what to do for this application would be great 🙂

 

[KCgophervet]

I have 2 schools that I would love to attend!! LSU and NC State and I am an Illinois resident.

Is there a particular reason that you are only considering these two schools? And is there a particular reason you don't want to attend your in state school? I ask because it may be a good idea to step back and reconsider what is really important to you: attending only the school of your dreams, or becoming a vet. I know it seems rather harsh but the bleak reality is that, even with stellar stats, it can be really difficult to get into some OOS schools (I don't know the particulars for LSU or NCSU but I'm sure it's something you can look up). If you have a great reason for just those two or find something absolutely terrible about your in state then more power to you.

I would not go to Illinois (should you get in there) with the expectation of transferring. Although you may get in there, start attending, and find that you love it there.

But I'd highly suggest doing some digging into the other 24/25? schools and seeing if some of them will fit the bill as well. You don't have to apply to every school, but I'd try to find ones where your stats are going to be competitive and apply smart. This coming from the person who only applied to random schools that I had the pre-reqs for, I wish I'd done a little more research beforehand. Just my 2 cents.

 

[LetItSnow]

Hello everyone I messaged here once before but I'm still having issues...I just simply need advice! I have 2 schools that I would love to attend!! LSU and NC State and I am an Illinois resident. However, for this c/o 2019 cycle I will be missing a pre-req for NC State so no point applying there this time. So is it absolutely stupid to only apply to LSU or should I apply for U of I even though I don't really wish to go there? My fear is getting into U of I and wanting to transfer to another vet school but I hear that is difficult to do :/ So what to do what to do? I know more than likely I will be a reapplicant that so much is not my problem I'll find an internship for that year! But what should I do now?? Help is much appreciated 🙂 and so you can make a better judgement here are my stats:
Want to become a Zoo Vet

I'm with kcoughli in that I dunno what would make you so focused on LSU or NCSU; you should consider a wider net, especially with average stats.

Also, your most-recent gpa is lower than your overall (as is your science). You really, really should do what it takes to finish strong and bring, at least, the last-45 credit GPA up. There's no reason it can't be 3.6+. At least, no good reason.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Thank you Panderson, Kcoughli, and LetItSnow for your input! It all seems like very good advice! To answer your questions I really want either LSU or NC State because they have great programs for those who wish to be Zoo Vets. I looked into many other schools and almost none of them had actual classes for Zoo vets. Most schools, to me, only seemed to have have a zoo internship/residency at the end of the 4 years in comparison to having Zoo oriented classes and internships/residencies available this seems kind of lame 🙁 This is the beef I have with my IS school! It is a pretty good school, I don't absolutely hate it, its just not exactly what I want, and with something as important as vet school I don't want to settle. I know it's going to be a long road and I'm 99.9% sure I am not getting in this application cycle but I'm all up for the learning experience! Therefore, hopefully, if I don't get in this application cycle the extra time will help me boost my GPAs, get a better GRE score, and gain more experience. The only slim chance of hope I really have for this year is I have a lot of interpersonal skills many people don't seem to have as much of 🙂
This is where I'm at right now...I just don't know if I should really waste the money applying for many different places if in all honesty I'm not very competitive candidate anywhere quite yet Especially for the kind of programs I desire.

 

[dyachei]

Missouri also has good zoo related options as does UF and UTK. Seems weird to only choose those 2 schools.

 

[WildZoo]

Missouri also has good zoo related options as does UF and UTK. Seems weird to only choose those 2 schools.

I was just about to say this. It's why UTK is on my list.

 

[greeneyegal92]

What schools are on your list for zoo med then? I don't want to do just small animal for 4 years then be like here you go an internship after you graduate good luck trying to get it with the other zoo med hopefuls 🙁

 

[dyachei]

What schools are on your list for zoo med then? I don't want to do just small animal for 4 years then be like here you go an internship after you graduate good luck trying to get it with the other zoo med hopefuls 🙁

UTK, Mizzou, UF....like I said. They all have strong programs including electives in zoo specific fields.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Well I may try to apply to at least one more of those I know UF needs organic chemistry II which is what I'll be lacking to apply at NC State this time around 🙁 I'll definitely be a better applicant next time around I don't know looks like I better get serious about finding a good internship for next fall! Looks dim on the vet school front, but live and learn! Its not that failure is not an option its that failure is not a final option!
Thank you dyachei for your help; the school list you gave was pretty good!

 

[DVMDream]

The only slim chance of hope I really have for this year is I have a lot of interpersonal skills many people don't seem to have as much of 🙂

I am curious to know how you know what interpersonal skills other applicants do or do not possess.

 

[greeneyegal92]

No one seems to be posting about those types of skills only animal (really impressive animal) experiences. It's not a fact only an assumption. I was however, a math tutor for a year, a Saluki Science Ambassador (telling new students at orientation about SIU's science programs), and an RA...I've spent most of my college years just talking to people which gave me good references but I wish I had more animal experience 🙁

 

[DVMDream]

No one seems to be posting about those types of skills only animal (really impressive animal) experiences. It's not a fact only an assumption. I was however, a math tutor for a year, a Saluki Science Ambassador (telling new students at orientation about SIU's science programs), and an RA...I've spent most of my college years just talking to people which gave me good references but I wish I had more animal experience 🙁

Lots of applicants have experience talking with people whether it be via clubs, RA, sororities/fraternities or just plain working a job. Having interpersonal skills is definitely needed but I wouldn't assume that others don't have them. It isn't really something that can be "shown" by posting stats, but is something that you need your letter of recommendation writers to evaluate and mention because they will know first hand if you have good communication skills or not.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Thanks for the advice! I was really just trying to make myself feel better because I know I'm lame 🙁 haha
But any advice is good so no hurt feelings here 👍

 

[orca2011]

Doesnt NC State have like a 3.4 cumGPA cut off for OOS students? My roommate had her app thrown out for falling like .1 below that.

 

[greeneyegal92]

Yea I believe they do (or at least its understood) that's why I'm definitely not applying until 2020 cycle