What are my chances?

[abbercadaver]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Definitely, I've only been casually researching what 'other' schools I can apply to. I'm just so worried about whether LSU will accept me (although, I know it's probably my best shot in-state).

Like I said, I'm a bio major, so I have a couple of 'lacking' classes (calculus, animal nutrition, intro to animal sci) if I want to apply elsewhere. So that's definitely good to hear. Thanks for the prompt response. 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

twelvetigers might be able to answer this better, but OK State might take that new GRE score after you take it- I seem to recall their deadline being mid January for GRE scores. Something to check into.

I think it's much later than most schools, anyway. If they don't take the new score, it will be because it's the new test, and not because of timing.

OKSU seems especially holistic in how they approach the OOS pool. Your stats can be a bit less impressive, but it seems like you have a decent chance if you have a good story to tell and do a good job conveying a passion for the field. That's all just observation, of course. Point is, write a good PS, present yourself with confidence, and see what happens. 🙂

 

[petdrhpful2015]

I've only been casually researching what 'other' schools I can apply to. I'm just so worried about whether LSU will accept me (although, I know it's probably my best shot in-state).

I know most people consider in-state your best shot and odds are, it is. BUT, I was rejected from my in-state and got accepted to my out-of-state, not even wait-listed. So all other considerations aside (finances, distance, etc.) don't rule out other schools! If you're willing to go anywhere to be a vet, then give it a good look.

 

[russellang]

I know most people consider in-state your best shot and odds are, it is. BUT, I was rejected from my in-state and got accepted to my out-of-state, not even wait-listed. So all other considerations aside (finances, distance, etc.) don't rule out other schools! If you're willing to go anywhere to be a vet, then give it a good look.

I agree, everyone has their best shot at their IS but several of the vets I work with got into their OOS and not their IS.

 

[LittleWiz]

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!

I think you should include your switch from med school to vet school in your personal statement. As long as you provide solid reasons and to why you decided to switch, I think it's a very logical thing to add.

 

[EllieGirl89]

Gay-Straight Alliance fresh/soph years (what are everyone's thoughts about including this?)

My personal opinion is YES, include it. I don't know if you're LGBT or a straight ally, but check out my post from last year kind of on this topic. If you do a search the title is something like "Should I Play This Card?" I am a lesbian and I struggled with whether or not to include this in my application, not in the way of "Oh hey, I am a lesbian and I'm diverse, therefore let me into vet school!" but I included it in a very relevant and meaningful way in one of my supplemental applications. I also ended up talking about it, using the anecdote of coming out to my parents, as a response to a question in my interview. I don't know if it helped me but I got in so I'm quite certain it didn't hurt me.

Also, regarding your comment about the South, I understand where that sentiment stems from, but try and give people the benefit of the doubt. I've found that I often have too little faith in people. My dad meant some long lost family members from TN a couple of years ago and I was a little afraid to let them know I was gay at first. Turns out they are warm and accepting and love my girlfriend. Most times I've given people the benefit of the doubt I've ended up being pleasantly surprised.

Along the lines of giving people the benefit of the doubt, you've got to decide-would you really want to attend a school where you couldn't be yourself, whether that is being an out and proud member of the LGBT community or a proud straight ally? That's one of the biggest reasons I ended up deciding to include it in my application-I thought, if this is really going to keep me out of this school, is it a place I want to be for the next 4 years? I have been out of the closet since I was 16 years old, I REALLY don't want to go back in, thanks.

So really it's your decision and I don't think either way is "wrong." What's wrong is that we even need to be having this conversation, that it even has to be a concern. But if you really think it could keep you out of vet school and you're okay with being quiet about your beliefs and you want to be 100% safe then by all means don't include it. But if you decide that it's worth the risk to you to be able to be honest about yourself and your beliefs, then go for it. In all honesty, I don't think it's going to be a big deal =)

 

[LetItSnow]

My personal opinion is YES, include it.

I missed that original question, but fwiw, I'm with EG on this one. And I'm an older white guy from a conservative background. So.....

I think you do yourself a service by including it - it's a valuable community experience, and you need to be proud of your participation. I think in general in life you're better off being straightforward about who you are. If the LGBT involvement was important to you, don't shy away from it for fear of what someone will think.

And specifically in this case, I think the odds are much better that it will help your app than they are that it will hurt your app. That's just a gut feeling, though.

(EG, didn't you educate me a while back that there are more initials now? 🙂)

 

[willi228]

After reading about everyone's wonderful experiences and statistics, I thought it was time to write a first post. It is definitely an honor to be applying for a position among impressive and inspiring candidates like you fellow SDN-ers. Here are my (very) summarized stats...

First time applicant
21 y/o, PA resident

Studying Engineering and Molecular Biology
Vanderbilt University

cGPA: 3.73 (thank you, biomechanics and other engineering courses, for bringing this down)
science GPA: 3.6 (depending on the calculation)
last 45 GPA: 3.93

GRE: 1420 (800 Q, 620 V, 5.0 W)

Experiences
Veterinary:
1300h mixed practice
100h SA
120h exotics in Africa

Animal:
130h exotics in Africa
120h Equine Rehab/Sports Medicine Internship
70h Tiger rescue
40h Dog rescue
3000h Our family's horse farm
1700h 4-H - horse

Research/Employment:
45h Data analysis for ovarian cancer research lab (will work in the lab this fall, published co-author last year)
15h Tutoring student athletes in sciences
250h Working at Dermatologist's office
1100h Horse camp instructor/trainer

Honors
Volunteering awards
4 Honoraries
High School Valedictorian
Full tuition merit scholar at Vandy
Other miscellaneous scholarships and leadership awards
National Merit Commended Scholar
Dean's List

Clubs/activities
Pre-Vet society - Founder, President
Society of Women Engineers - Chair
Engineers Without Borders - Chair, working on project providing potable water to Peruvians
China Care - raise money for Chinese orphans (two of my sisters are adopted from China) - I also volunteered in my sister's orphanage
Volunteer for therapeutic horseback riding
Collegiate Leadership program

My VMCAS is all submitted! (thank goodness...) I applied to 8 schools: Michigan, Mississippi, UPenn, Purdue, Ohio, Iowa, Edinburgh, Dublin

I'm considering applying to Auburn, but I'm concerned with the limited positions for OOS applicants. Thoughts?

Now I'm just finishing up supplements. Let me know what you think. I'd love some feedback...looking forward to hearing everyone's success stories!

 

[laitmanvet]

My VMCAS is all submitted! (thank goodness...) I applied to 8 schools: Michigan, Mississippi, UPenn, Purdue, Ohio, Iowa, Edinburgh, Dublin

I'm considering applying to Auburn, but I'm concerned with the limited positions for OOS applicants. Thoughts?

Now I'm just finishing up supplements. Let me know what you think. I'd love some feedback...looking forward to hearing everyone's success stories!

Your stats look really solid, so you shouldn't have much trouble on that end. You seem to also have a nice mix of vet/animal/research hours. From what I know about Penn you should be a competitive applicant. Its good if you have a rec letter from a vet, all schools like that and some require it (Ohio=2).

Last yr Auburn increased their OOS seats to ~30, up from ~10...so if you want to apply its def worth it.

Best of luck!

 

[psilovethomas]

After reading about everyone's wonderful experiences and statistics, I thought it was time to write a first post. It is definitely an honor to be applying for a position among impressive and inspiring candidates like you fellow SDN-ers. Here are my (very) summarized stats...

Your app looks pretty solid. You will get in somewhere! Your GPA's are fantastic and your experiences look great. Good luck!

 

[CGH1989]

First time applicant
21yo
Applying to ok state
BS in Animal Science in May 2012

Core GPA 3.3451
Science GPA 3.2ish
GRE not taken yet but practice shows about a 1290

Experience:
9000 hr as a veterinary assistant in a mixed animal practice
1100 hrs as a nurse/receptionist in a feline only clinic
120 hours rehabilitating a 4 week old dach/yorkie puppy
240 hours rehabilitating 6 baby possums
55 hours monitoring a pregnant mare and her new born foal

Scholarships/awards
Deans honor roll 3 semesters
Presidents honor roll 1 semester
Oklahoma scholar
Joseph Fleming memorial scholarship
OSU academic excellence scholarship

Activities
Member of the pre-vet club
Member of the OSU foal team
AG Student Academic Mentor
Academic Chairman of Phi upsilon chapter of tri delta sorority
Vice President of Administration of Phi Upsilon chapter of tri delta sorority

Community service
500 hrs at Ardmore Animal Shelter
450 hrs at Stillwater Humane society
300 hrs at Ardmore Soup Kitchen

What do you guys honestly think my chances are??

 

[CGH1989]

Oh and I grew up on a cattle/pecan farm so a whole lot of hours there... What do you guys think is the best way to put that?

 

[squirrelsrule]

First time applicant
21yo
Applying to ok state
BS in Animal Science in May 2012

Core GPA 3.3451
Science GPA 3.2ish
GRE not taken yet but practice shows about a 1290

Experience:
9000 hr as a veterinary assistant in a mixed animal practice
1100 hrs as a nurse/receptionist in a feline only clinic
120 hours rehabilitating a 4 week old dach/yorkie puppy
240 hours rehabilitating 6 baby possums
55 hours monitoring a pregnant mare and her new born foal

Scholarships/awards
Deans honor roll 3 semesters
Presidents honor roll 1 semester
Oklahoma scholar
Joseph Fleming memorial scholarship
OSU academic excellence scholarship

Activities
Member of the pre-vet club
Member of the OSU foal team
AG Student Academic Mentor
Academic Chairman of Phi upsilon chapter of tri delta sorority
Vice President of Administration of Phi Upsilon chapter of tri delta sorority

Community service
500 hrs at Ardmore Animal Shelter
450 hrs at Stillwater Humane society
300 hrs at Ardmore Soup Kitchen

What do you guys honestly think my chances are??

Your stats look good, but did you estimate the hours? Just asking because you are only 21 and that is a LOT of hours! 9000 would be 4.3 years working full time. Plus I raise wildlife and think 240 hours is a bit exaggerated for just 6 possum babies. I'd say it probably takes me 100 hours total to raise 6 possums from size 15 to release (about 1000 grams) and I am guessing your babies were older and that you took them back to the center when they were ready to go to an outside cage?

 

[CGH1989]

I estimated the rehab hours so you are probably closer than I am i actually rehab on my own with my dad we both have licenses so those hours are just me not a center ive also rehabbed tons of squirrels bunnies and te occassional racoon but i have no clue on hours for then maybe 50 each?? but the working hours are calculated from my time cards. I worked 35-50 hours per week during high school and 45 per week every summer since plus tons of on call hours.

 

[Bismarck]

I had the same thought about hours. Maybe it's just me, but If I were sitting on an Adcom and read that you had almost 12,000 hours of combined animal and veterinary experience by age 21, I'd be immediately skeptical of your claim. If you can physically defend/account for every hour you claim I'd say don't be shy about including it though (just be able to defend it). You may be limited as to how many hours you can claim from growing up on a farm (but you can certainly mention it somewhere on your application.)

/$.02

 

[sooprnova]

I estimated the rehab hours so you are probably closer than I am i actually rehab on my own with my dad we both have licenses so those hours are just me not a center ive also rehabbed tons of squirrels bunnies and te occassional racoon but i have no clue on hours for then maybe 50 each?? but the working hours are calculated from my time cards. I worked 35-50 hours per week during high school and 45 per week every summer since plus tons of on call hours.

I don't want to sound like a jerk or anything, but 35-50 hours every week during all four years of high school? In addition to your extra curricular activities? I worked part time during high school and I could hardly find the time to put in more than 15-20 hours a week. I had a friend who suddenly needed to support her family and she worked full time and she nearly failed her senior year because she was in school from 8-3 and then worked every day from 4-midnight. Even if you worked 8 hours both Saturday and Sunday, you'd still need to work over 5 hours each weekday.

If you managed that, then you have definitely shown adcoms that you're able to handle the load in vet school. To echo what others have said, though, I'd have a lot of questions regarding all those hours without grades suffering significantly, especially since most child labor laws prohibit 14/15 year olds from working more than 15-20 hours per week.

 

[CGH1989]

If it seems so skeptical to all of you then perhaps I inverted a number or something? I agree it is a very high number and when I typed it it seemed different than my previous calculations I'll recalculate and see if my number Is better sorry about the confusion

 

[CGH1989]

Ok problem solved!!!!!!! Apparently I added an digit somewhere which threw that number up! Oops! Obviously the vmcas is getting to me!!!!! The correct numbers should be instead of 9000...6300 much more reasonable! Sorry about all that I guess I just wasnt paying attention to the calculator! So besides that screw up how does everything else look???

 

[Bismarck]

CGH,

Your application is certainly strong regarding your experience, and implicitly, your ability to handle extracurriculars and school while being very involved. Although your GPA isn't as high as other applicants, you can certainly rock the GRE to show you have the intellectual firepower to tackle coursework when you're not doing 26 other things at once. If we came off a bit skeptical, it was only because we wanted to play Devil's Advocate. No hard feelings 🙂

 

[squirrelsrule]

I estimated the rehab hours so you are probably closer than I am i actually rehab on my own with my dad we both have licenses so those hours are just me not a center ive also rehabbed tons of squirrels bunnies and te occassional racoon but i have no clue on hours for then maybe 50 each?? but the working hours are calculated from my time cards. I worked 35-50 hours per week during high school and 45 per week every summer since plus tons of on call hours.

6300 hours sounds much more reasonable! If you have raised more than just 6 opossums, then your estimate of 240 hours is likely reasonable.

Only other thing (and I could be wrong on this) I see is if you are counting on call hours. I know you had to be ready to go in and you got paid, but not sure that actually counts as vet experience hours because you weren't actually working with the vet, you were just on call. Obviously times you were called in do count, but not sure about on call hours where you weren't, I'd call VMCAS and ask before putting them down as vet experience hours.

 

[russellang]

I posted this question in another thread but think it is more appropriate in this one. I have always been interested in applying to Oregon but on their website they definetly emphasize a high course load during undergrad, working while taking classes in undergrad, and even have an essay question regarding how you can handle the academic rigor in their program.

To make a long story short, I was a full time (12-14 credits per semester) student throughout undergrad but did not work much. However, during undergrad (graduated in 2009) I was pursuing another field not nearly as demanding and competitive as vetmed. Since deciding to pursue vetmed over a year ago I have been working non stop to get enough experience since I had none during undergrad. As a result, I probably average 60-80 hours a week for the past 18 months working at a clinic, ranch and a few other volunteer opportunities. Granted that this is not academic related but it goes to my overall work ethic. Should I apply to Oregon (OOS)? I know this is a subjective question but I am not sure if I can excuse my lack of rigor during undergrad with work experience after undergrad. I can tell you had I known I wanted to be a veterinarian during undergrad, I would have made some serious changes.

 

[orca2011]

Hi everyone!

I don't know if this will help anyone out, but I applied last year and was wait listed at Penn (IS, was #2 on their IS list), Georgia, Tufts and Glasgow. I was told it was mainly my lack of experience holding me back and I have hopefully fixed that by interning and now working at a small animal clinic as a vet assistant. I'm still hoping to get in some large animal experience throughout the year as well.

Here are my stats:
Graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry Minor from Loyola University Maryland; Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society member, Dean's List 2009-2011
Cum GPA: 3.491
45th:3.72
Science: 3.55
Studied abroad all of my junior year at Newcastle University in England and took mainly science courses
Currently taking an Animal Nutrition course online through Kansas State

Gre: 550 (v), 670 (Q) 4.5(Writing)

Vet Experience:
I only had like 80 hr last year, now I'm at 300 or so and that is only going to increase throughout the year. All of this is small animal.

Animal Expericence:
~approx. 30 hours at a stable that does assisted riding lessons
~150 hours- Intern Keeper at the Batlimore Zoo; I worked with South African Penguins and various turtle and snake species

Other work Experience:
~ approx 1300 as a Lab Assistant while at Loyola. Worked about 15h/wk while usually taking 17-20 credits a semester. This includes some animal experience since many labs involved animals.
~ approx 2000 hours as a lifeguard at the local pool

Extracurricular:
Club swimming (4 years) and club field hockey (3 years) at Loyola
Spring Break Outreach (SBO)Service Program in 08 and 09
SBO Concert Committee Member in 08 and 09
Newcastle Embassador
Newcastle Swimming and Water Polo Team
Assisted in hiring of biology faculty
Life Long Girl Scout Member


Hoping things will end up working out this year!

 

[kjgofast]

I'm a 33 year old CPA and just not fulfilled enough in my career. I have an undergrad in a completely unrelated field, accounting, but do have a good gpa, I think 3.87, while working part-time all the way through. It was over ten years ago though. I also have taken other classes towards a masters in tax with good grades too. It will be a few years before I have all the pre-req's completed and adequate hours of experience to even apply. What would be my chances of being admitted into a vet school as an older student?

Advice and comments welcome and greatly appreciated!

 

[BakersDozen]

Hi, I am a 29 y.o Missouri resident. Mizzou is obviously my first choice but for two reasons. In district tuition and the academic forgiveness plan they have. Fresh out of school I wasn't the most mature student and really did a wammie on my GPA. With those courses counted against me I doubt I would be a good candidate. Right now I have a 3.63 GPA (after two semesters of UG), if I add the past though I have 2.538!

I still have quite a ways to go but I know my options are probably very limited. Which schools should I be focusing on? I can't find anything about forgiveness programs except the ones at Texas A&M (in-state only I believe) and Mizzou. Are there others?

Thank you!

 

[nyanko]

I'm a 33 year old CPA and just not fulfilled enough in my career. I have an undergrad in a completely unrelated field, accounting, but do have a good gpa, I think 3.87, while working part-time all the way through. It was over ten years ago though. I also have taken other classes towards a masters in tax with good grades too. It will be a few years before I have all the pre-req's completed and adequate hours of experience to even apply. What would be my chances of being admitted into a vet school as an older student?

There are older students in vet school.

You haven't even taken any science courses yet, gotten any experience yet or taken the GRE. Nobody can even venture to make a wild guess as to your chances until you do. The best anyone can say is that at least if your overall GPA is good you don't have to dig yourself out of a hole you already made.

 

[squirrelsrule]

I don't think age will be an issue for you, you just need to get your prereqs. and experience in and write a compelling personal statement that explains your desire to switch and become a vet.

 

[StartingoverVet]

I'm a 33 year old CPA and just not fulfilled enough in my career. I have an undergrad in a completely unrelated field, accounting, but do have a good gpa, I think 3.87, while working part-time all the way through. It was over ten years ago though. I also have taken other classes towards a masters in tax with good grades too. It will be a few years before I have all the pre-req's completed and adequate hours of experience to even apply. What would be my chances of being admitted into a vet school as an older student?

Advice and comments welcome and greatly appreciated!

Age is mostly irrelevant in assessing your chances in admission. There are plenty of successful applicants like yourself.

Here are a few threads that some of us have participated in that you should read.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=779524&highlight=trad
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=789880&highlight=trad
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=761728&highlight=trad

 

[Lab Vet]

I'm a 33 year old CPA and just not fulfilled enough in my career. I have an undergrad in a completely unrelated field, accounting, but do have a good gpa, I think 3.87, while working part-time all the way through. It was over ten years ago though. I also have taken other classes towards a masters in tax with good grades too. It will be a few years before I have all the pre-req's completed and adequate hours of experience to even apply. What would be my chances of being admitted into a vet school as an older student?

Advice and comments welcome and greatly appreciated!

Hello! Welcome to SDN! I'm also a non-traditional applicant, and will be applying to schools next year (2012 app cycle for 2013 matriculation). I'll be 33 when I submit my applications, and 34 when I matriculate (should I be fortunate enough to be accepted). I've spoken with many veterinarians who confirm the presence of 'older' students in their vet school classes. They remarked that the differences in their classmate's ages really added to the diversity of the experience.

If this is your drive and passion, I say 'full steam ahead.' Go for it! Who knows- perhaps we'll be classmates one day! Best of success!

 

[sooprnova]

Aaliyah once said that age ain't nothin' but a number.

Of course, GPA and GRE are numbers, too, but they're numbers that matter when it comes to admittance to vet school!

 

[twelvetigers]

Our oldest is 45. Chill, you'll be fine. Just work on that other stuff. 🙂

 

[Lambgirl]

Our oldest is 45. Chill, you'll be fine. Just work on that other stuff. 🙂

Hmmm... Well you might want to amend that. Cough cough I am 48.

 

[twelvetigers]

Hmmm... Well you might want to amend that. Cough cough I am 48.

I meant in the OKSU c/o 2015. 🙂

I have seen someone in their 50s pass through here, so no worries there either.

 

[forks4spoons]

I posted this a few weeks back and didn't receive any responses. And, now I'm freaking out.. soooo.. some optimism? constructive criticism? whatever? would be really helpful. 😕

Muchas.

Welp, I'm a wee bit of a non-trad.

First time Applicant to IS school
26 yo, female, TN Resident (for 26 years).

BS: Biology, Concentration in Zoology, Minor in Chemistry, Conferred May 2007.

Post-Bacc/Graduate/Professional Work (incomplete) in: Curriculum & Instruction (Graduate) and Osteopathic Medicine (Professional)

GPA
3.49 (Degree - I was so dang close to cum laude honors), 3.8 (Post-bacc), 4.0 (Graduate)
ScGPA: 3.625
GRE: 1230 (630 V, 600 Q, 4.5 A)

Experiences
Veterinary:
750 Kennel/Veterinary Assistant
10 Shadowing SA (At present - trying to schedule more hours)
I'm trying, also, to get a couple of ride-alongs with a mobile/housecall vet.

Animal:
100 Volunteer at Animal Shelter
10 Equestrian, stable help
10 Assisting PhD with Ichthyology/Conservation data collection
Countless hours raising all sorts of fowl, fostering puppies, and am currently training my second dog for CGC.


Awards/Honors
Maj. Shipley Agriculture Scholarship, 2002
Deans List (multiple, 2003-2007)
Freshman Writing Competition, Research, 2nd place

ECs
Wildlife Society, member 2006-2007
Tri-Beta (National Biological Honor Society), member, webmaster 2005-2007
4-H (4th-12th grade)
FFA (9th-12th grade) -- gotta figure out what year that was. I'm aaancient.

BTW, should I include 4H/FFA? Also, I have a C in Gen Chem 2 that I took in 2005.. should I retake/plan to retake in the spring?

 

[LetItSnow]

I posted this a few weeks back and didn't receive any responses. And, now I'm freaking out.. soooo.. some optimism? constructive criticism? whatever?

Probably you didn't get many responses because you're just fine. Everything seems nicely in place from what you posted; you just need to rock the PS, eLORs, and (maybe, depending on where you apply) the interview.

As far as 4-H/FFA: Yes. Absolutely. Include it. Regarding the Gen Chem C ... I wouldn't bother retaking it. You've taken classes further down the path than that and, hopefully, done fine.

I'd go with optimism. 🙂 Nothing is guaranteed, but you're certainly - on paper based on what you posted - a very reasonable candidate.

 

[forks4spoons]

Probably you didn't get many responses because you're just fine. Everything seems nicely in place from what you posted; you just need to rock the PS, eLORs, and (maybe, depending on where you apply) the interview.

As far as 4-H/FFA: Yes. Absolutely. Include it. Regarding the Gen Chem C ... I wouldn't bother retaking it. You've taken classes further down the path than that and, hopefully, done fine.

I'd go with optimism. 🙂 Nothing is guaranteed, but you're certainly - on paper based on what you posted - a very reasonable candidate.

Excellent! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks! I've actually wracked my brain since I started filling out my app and came up with a few more animal experiences. I just hope it's enough. I certainly don't have tens of thousands of hours of experience or anything.

PS, check. eLORs, almost check. Interview, well, that's not till spring, but I've got that one. I know I do. 🙂

optimism, ho!

 

[fromthebox]

Forks, the only thing that I see you might have to deal with is the "in the last 6 years" requirements. If you took anything prior to 2005 that could be a pre-req...
So definitely check on that. I graduated '09 and I'm starting to worry that if I have to re-apply next year, my courses will begin to expire.

Cautious optimism, that's me!

 

[forks4spoons]

Forks, the only thing that I see you might have to deal with is the "in the last 6 years" requirements. If you took anything prior to 2005 that could be a pre-req...
So definitely check on that. I graduated '09 and I'm starting to worry that if I have to re-apply next year, my courses will begin to expire.

Cautious optimism, that's me!

Frick! I didn't think of that! I'm not seeing anything about it on the UTK website. You'd think it'd be on there, right?? if it were a requirement? I'll be calling on that first thing Monday.

 

[fromthebox]

Frick! I didn't think of that! I'm not seeing anything about it on the UTK website. You'd think it'd be on there, right?? if it were a requirement? I'll be calling on that first thing Monday.

I'm not sure which schools have them and I have no idea about UTK so calling seems like the best option. Good luck!

 

[Marsala]

Frick! I didn't think of that! I'm not seeing anything about it on the UTK website. You'd think it'd be on there, right?? if it were a requirement? I'll be calling on that first thing Monday.

The only thing I found was on this document:

http://www.vet.utk.edu/admissions/pdf/AdmissionInfo-20110629a.pdf

that says the course taken for the biochemistry requirement must be taken no more than 5 years from the date you would start vet school.

 

[forks4spoons]

The only thing I found was on this document:

http://www.vet.utk.edu/admissions/pdf/AdmissionInfo-20110629a.pdf

that says the course taken for the biochemistry requirement must be taken no more than 5 years from the date you would start vet school.

oh, piece of cake. I'm actually taking that series this year! 🙂

TBH, Biochem is totally understandable - it has the most relevance in the medical world (be it human or animal) as far as prereqs are concerned.

 

[99Charismatic]

Hey everyone! I've been a lurker here for a long while, but I'm applying this cycle and figured it wouldn't hurt to get an opinion on my chances.

cGPA: 3.599 (from a competitive undergrad)
science GPA: depends on which school but is around 3.45
Last 45: 3.538

GRE: 720 Q, 590 V, and 5.0W

Experience:

Veterinary:
1500 hours as a SA veterinary assistant (worked PT throughout undergrad)
60 hours observing busy referral equine hospital
10 hours shadowing food animal vet
75 hours research with a "Health Professional" (doctor) doing molecular immunology work

Animal:
60 hours research studying the estrus cycle of rats (summer internship)
100 hours working young horses for a local barn
500 hours training my own horses (I took a strict interpretation of the animal experience and tried to calculate just time I spent training, not caring for or hacking)
30 hours volunteering at a local pot bellied pig shelter

Extra-Curriculars/Volunteering:
VP Pre-Vet Society for my undergrad school
Biology Society member
Coached youth soccer teams for 2 seasons
Captain of Debate and Quiz Bowl teams in High School (how do you guys feel about putting high school stuff in there?)
Pony Club member for 4 years (I started riding in high school)

Honors:
National Merit Scholar
High School Valedictorian
Dean's List every semester of attendance
AP Scholar with Distinction

eLOR's:
1 from the vet I've worked for for 2.5 years were I am now the scheduling and hiring manager
1 from my Immunology Professor
1 from my high school debate/quiz bowl coach that I've been good friends with during and since HS

My IS is Virginia Tech, but I am also planning on applying to Kansas State, Iowa State, and UPenn with Upenn being the number 1 choice. I would like to do equine medicine even though my veterinary experience is low in that area. What do you guys think?

 

[DVMPhDer]

Hey everybody! I’ve been reading a lot on here and decided I might as well post and see if anyone has any feedback. I’m a little non-trad in that I decided I wanted to go to vet school after all less than a year ago after finding out about the DVM (VMD)/PhD programs. I am applying to UPenn, Cornell, and Tufts—all for the joint degree programs. I went to an Ivy (but not Penn or Cornell) but started as a first gen college student from rural MD. I am OOS everywhere.

GPA: 3.9, summa cum laude, biology
Last 45 GPA: 4.0
Study Abroad in Tanzania
Taking biochem online now and Physics II this spring

GRE: 780 Q, 700 V, 5 W

Experiences:

Veterinary:
625 at mixed animal practice as tech (mostly small animal)
440 zoo medicine/breeding program research
Also listed that I will be working in a diabetes lab full time (with zebrafish and mousework) starting Oct. 3rd —anyone know if they’ll take that into consideration?

Animal
40 at humane society
200 for primate field study (during study abroad in Africa)
300 for insect research (VMCAS told me to put it there)
720 for therapeutic equestrian center

Employment
500 hours as math/sci teacher
1100 for plant genetics research (also my senior thesis)
50 tutoring
450 setting up for lecturers

Honors and Awards:
Phi Beta Kappa
Thesis prize nomination
Grants for thesis research
Grants for public service (equestrian work and zoo work)
High School Valedictorian
Scholarships for college
Envirothon and FFA awards
National Merit Finalist

Community activity
Singing groups in college and HS
Tutoring/teaching volunteering in college
Tennis in HS
FFA

Letters: mixed practice vet, plant research supervisor (also a prof), prof for graduate level bio class I took senior year

I know that my GPA and GREs are good but I’m a little worried about my vet hours. People on here tend to have thousands of hours and I’m a bit behind on that, particularly when it comes to food animal work. 🙁

Also, even though I want to study reproductive bio and wildlife medicine, I will not have a letter from the vet at the zoo. He switched jobs to work at San Diego zoo, then his visa ran out apparently and he left the country leaving no contact info for me to find. My ideal school would be UPenn and I don’t think (due to financial reasons, but also because of my interest in research) that I would be able to go unless I got into the joint degree program. I’ve had mixed reviews about my chances from vets, letter writers, and admissions officers…Does anybody want to put in their two cents as well?

 

[Fireflysushi]

Based on what I have heard from DVM PhD students (I work with about three right now) you have a very good chance of getting into a combined program. You have great grades and GRE scores, and over 1000 hours of vet exprerience; which at my IS is mandatory. Don't worry about not having thousands. You have varied experience small, exotic, and large. The most important thing you have though is previous research. Don't worry that it is not in animal work. One of the DVM PhD's here worked in an Ochem lab. As for the zebrafish/mouse stuff, you can list stuff going to December 31st on you app. Atleast you can for CSU. Just only list stuff you know you will be doing.

 

[Bismarck]

I am also applying to combined programs with similar stats more or less. I figure many of the applicants will be very strong academically, so your aptitude for research will play a big role in whether or not you get the nod. Any publications you have (or in my case, working towards) will likely be a key component of your application.

 

[hopefulinva]

I'm sure these forums will be absolutely inundated over the next couple of days, but if you have a moment to help me out:

International Baccalaureate, June 2007

B.S. Biology, May 2012
B.S. Business Management, May 2012 - Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Technology option

Cum. GPA: 3.46
Science GPA**: 3.54
Last 45 hours: 3.64

GRE: 1320
Verbal - 650 (93rd percentile)
Quantitative - 670 (63rd percentile)
AW - 4.5

**Including General Bio I and II plus labs; O Chem I and II plus labs; Physics I and II plus labs - Biochemistry is in progress

Veterinary Hours:
800 small animal

Animal Hours:
580 zoological
195 companion animal
10 large animal

Research Hours:
255 Avian Immunology

Honors and Awards:
Omicron Delta Kappa
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges
Virginia Tech: Founder's Day Student Recognition Banquet
Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society (President)

Extra-cirriculars:
Theta Delta Sigma Society, Incorporated (Charter President)
National Society of Leadership and Success (Success Networking Team President)
Marching Virginians - Flag Corps


My GPA is a little on the low side, I know... but my evaluations are (should be...) strong, my personal statement is strong, and I think my extra-cirriculars aren't too shabby...

Opinions, please?

 

[squirrelsrule]

Your stats look pretty impressive to me, I'd say you have as good a chance as anyone. Where are you applying?

 

[hopefulinva]

VMRCVM is my primary (hence that particular science GPA calculation). I'm a Virginia Tech undergraduate and perfectly content to be in Blacksburg (and really by that I mean I'm an absolutely rabid Hokies fan, and I pretty much never want to leave).

Cornell, UPenn, and Illinois are also getting applications.

Thanks for the encouragement, it's a good thing to have right now. =)

 

[jalyndani]

So after reading all these posts, I can pretty much guarantee that I'm not getting in anywhere except Ross. :/

My science GPA is a 2.9 (damned undergrad years...), overall is 3.23, last 45 is 3.43. I have a BS, a Masters, and a teaching certifcation in ag science. Lifetime of animal experience (grew up on cattle ranch, raised steers/heifers in 4-H, currently training blue heelers for obedience & agility), and more than 6000 hours of actual hands-on vet experience at a mixed-practice clinic.... none of that shadowing bull****. But it still won't be good enough, will it? Fail. 🙁

 

[sooprnova]

....and more than 6000 hours of actual hands-on vet experience at a mixed-practice clinic.... none of that shadowing bull****. But it still won't be good enough, will it? Fail. 🙁

If this attitude comes through in your application, probably not.

Edited to be more constructive: Discounting shadowing as "bulli****" is extremely short-sighted and falls into the elitist "if you've never placed a catheter then you shouldn't apply to vet school" group. Think about it this way: Someone who is shadowing is at the mercy of the vet as to when they can come in, they're making no money, and, most times, they're getting no hands-on experience. To me, that shows some serious dedication to the profession.

Also, I've learned more from shadowing than I think I would have learned as a tech or a kennel cleaner. I've spent so much 1:1 time with the vet asking questions, discussing diagnoses and diseases, getting opinions on treatments, etc. I wouldn't give up shadowing for the world, even though it means I'm not handling animals all the time and I'm eating lots of rice and beans for dinner.

 

[hopefulinva]

So after reading all these posts, I can pretty much guarantee that I'm not getting in anywhere except Ross. :/

My science GPA is a 2.9 (damned undergrad years...), overall is 3.23, last 45 is 3.43. I have a BS, a Masters, and a teaching certifcation in ag science. Lifetime of animal experience (grew up on cattle ranch, raised steers/heifers in 4-H, currently training blue heelers for obedience & agility), and more than 6000 hours of actual hands-on vet experience at a mixed-practice clinic.... none of that shadowing bull****. But it still won't be good enough, will it? Fail. 🙁

The only way you can guarantee NOT getting in is by not applying.

Sell yourself! Use the Explanation portion of the application to justify your science grades, and focus on all the GOOD aspects of you. Large animal vets are in-demand these days, from what I can tell, so you've got a good thing going for you.

Also - ain't nothin' wrong with shadowing. Sometimes that's the best all of us can get - especially as seasonal employees during an economic downturn.

PS - I LOVE HEELERS. I used to have one. My little ball of fluff <3 He was the smartest animal in the freaking world, and all he ever wanted to do was chase his tennis ball and be by my side. =) I miss him tremendously. Great dogs. <3