Hey guys, can I still pick your brains on how I'm looking for this application cycle?
23 y/o first time applicant, LA resident, applying to UGA, A&M, LSU, and OK State.
Graduated in 2010 w/ BS in Biology. Planned to go to med school, then realized I didn't really want to. Happened upon a job at a SA vet clinic as a Vet Tech. Life's passion to be a veterinarian, totally reignited.
GRE: 1100
Q 560 (I suck at timed math)
V 550
AW: 5.0
Unfortunately, I'm taking it again on 29 September, but only LSU will accept the new form this cycle.
CUM GPA @ graduation (2010): 3.42
probable CUM GPA @ end of Fall '11: 3.44
Last 45 GPA @ fall '11: 3.66
SciGPA: 3.42ish
Experience:
(veterinary)
3600 hrs at 2 SA clinics
30 hours for a LA Veterinary Techniques course
8 hrs shadowing a SA surgery specialist
(Animal)
3000 hours being a farm hand
3000 hours being a camp counselor
(Employment)
1000 hrs at a human hospital
Extra Curriculars:
Pre-Med society (AED) and
Habitat for Humanity junior/senior years
Gay-Straight Alliance fresh/soph years (what are everyone's thoughts about including this?)
SADD and BETA Club in HS
Horseback riding and SCUBA diving as hobbies
Assisting in Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Awards/Honors:
State-issued scholarship and univ-issued scholarship (academic)
Favorite Counselor several times (at the camps I worked at during middle and high school)
Valedictorian at my HS
Any suggestions on what I shouldn't include? I'm really not sure about including the GSA thing because of the closed-mindedness of so many Southern states.
I'm getting my advisor and several others to read over my PS, so (although right NOW I'm not terribly confident in my PS) I think it will rock in the end. Speaking of PS, what are you guys' thoughts on including the career-path change from med school to vet school (does it make me seem wishy washy, or like this decision was well-thought out?).
ELoR's are from:
Both doctors at each SA clinic I've worked at (4)
A HS English teacher
The owner/operator of the farm I rode/worked at
I think they will all be pretty good.
Thoughts and/or comments/suggestions? I really appreciate it, guys!