What are my chances?

[Ericaa89]

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Are you a CA resident?

Yes

 

[Ericaa89]

How much experience is 'lots'? How many hours, roughly?

Do you have good LORs?

I have LORS from over 400 hours at a therapeutic riding center, 345 with an equine vet, and 8000 hours riding horses with a recommendation from my horse trainer

I also have 230 hours at a small animal hospital

 

[JazzTuck]

In this whole 5 year re-take vein I was thinking how much that would suck. Basically that means if someone is traditional, doesn't get in their first or second try and took pre-reqs as a freshman they are kind of screwed...

Hold on, you guys are scaring me now! Are there schools that will seriously make me retake gen chem and gen bio just because I took them as a freshman during the 2007-2008 school year, even though I have taken upper level bio and chem classes within the last 1-2 years? That would be seriously crazy!!

I'm planning on applying for the c/o 2018 to Tufts, Florida, Illinois, Iowa State, and Ohio State. Ohio State and Iowa State both specify on their websites that science prereqs expire after 8-10 years, but the others don't mention any sort of expiration date. If anyone has info regarding the remaining three schools, that'd be awesome!

 

[Emiloo4]

Hold on, you guys are scaring me now! Are there schools that will seriously make me retake gen chem and gen bio just because I took them as a freshman during the 2007-2008 school year, even though I have taken upper level bio and chem classes within the last 1-2 years? That would be seriously crazy!!

I'm planning on applying for the c/o 2018 to Tufts, Florida, Illinois, Iowa State, and Ohio State. Ohio State and Iowa State both specify on their websites that science prereqs expire after 8-10 years, but the others don't mention any sort of expiration date. If anyone has info regarding the remaining three schools, that'd be awesome!

So, I'm trying to remember when I took certain pre-reqs bc I'm pretty sure some of mine were more than 5 years old when I applied last year. I didn't run into any problems with them, so they were either at the 5 year mark, or the schools didn't care.

Ok just looked at my transcript....
I took Gen Chem 1 (my first pre-req) in 2005, and applied in 2011 (to matriculate in 2012) so I was beyond the 5 year mark.... I got into several schools including Florida They either didn't notice, or didn't care. I would call the schools to know for sure. They won't bite 😀

 

[dvmdreamer]

I don't know anything about Missouri and I think I cut Oregon State out of my application pile last year due to their lack of OOS seats (I could be wrong on that).

Mizzou selects highly for GPA- their average incoming GPA last year was something like a 3.75, with OOS and IS combined. Its one of the highest from what I saw in my research.

Edited to add: They do allow for a 6 year drop though (for IS at least) if you're non-traditional, so you can get old not-so-impressive courses ignored.

 

[dvmdreamer]

Hold on, you guys are scaring me now! Are there schools that will seriously make me retake gen chem and gen bio just because I took them as a freshman during the 2007-2008 school year, even though I have taken upper level bio and chem classes within the last 1-2 years? That would be seriously crazy!!

I think some schools will replace the lower level classes with higher ones. I remember reading on Mizzou's site that they would rather you take a more advanced class than repeat one you've already taken.

 

[JazzTuck]

Thanks for the responses Emiloo and dvmdreamer! I guess my best bet will be to just call the schools and find out for sure. Honestly though, if any of them tell me I have to retake gen chem I'll definitely be crossing them off my list because that's just plain silly 😀. Mizzou's policy makes a lot of sense, so hopefully the rest are like that too 🙂

 

[vethopeful2011]

I think some schools will replace the lower level classes with higher ones.

I just applied, and some of my prerequisites were from 2001. Penn, Tufts, Cornell and Wisconsin didn't care. As long as you have more recent classes, at these these four are fine with it! 👍

 

[498820]

Cumulative GPA: 3.11
Last 45hr GPA: 3.25

old GRE: 440V 750Q

Vet exp:
1600 hrs as a vet assistant at a small animal hospital
50 hrs prepping animals for surgery at a local shelter
200 hrs as a research intern at a zoo (hopefully publishing a paper at the end of this year)

Animal exp:
200+ hrs as an assistant in a genetics lab (genotyping mouse populations)
120 hrs volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in South Africa

Volunteer/Leadership exp:
Alpha Phi Omega - co-ed community service fraternity, held executive board positions every semester since joining
Autism Speaks U - president and co-founder
Residence Hall Association - program coordinator for one year

Other:
studied abroad in Australia
Civic Engagement Scholar for three years (basically says I do lots community service while simultaneously remaining in good academic standing)
Peter Witt Scholarship and John Mack Scholarship - both for community involvement

4 eLORs: 2 from vets (both from small animal hospital), 1 from academic advisor, 1 from science professor

Applied to:
Tufts, Colorado State, Ohio State, UPenn, Purdue


Thoughts? Advice? Interview advice? (pending I get any!) My GPA is much lower than I would like but I do go to a very competitive school for sciences. I hope they recognize that!

 

[bbeventer]

Cumulative GPA: 3.11
Last 45hr GPA: 3.25

old GRE: 440V 750Q

Vet exp:
1600 hrs as a vet assistant at a small animal hospital
50 hrs prepping animals for surgery at a local shelter
200 hrs as a research intern at a zoo (hopefully publishing a paper at the end of this year)

Animal exp:
200+ hrs as an assistant in a genetics lab (genotyping mouse populations)
120 hrs volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in South Africa

Volunteer/Leadership exp:
Alpha Phi Omega - co-ed community service fraternity, held executive board positions every semester since joining
Autism Speaks U - president and co-founder
Residence Hall Association - program coordinator for one year

Other:
studied abroad in Australia
Civic Engagement Scholar for three years (basically says I do lots community service while simultaneously remaining in good academic standing)
Peter Witt Scholarship and John Mack Scholarship - both for community involvement

4 eLORs: 2 from vets (both from small animal hospital), 1 from academic advisor, 1 from science professor

Applied to:
Tufts, Colorado State, Ohio State, UPenn, Purdue


Thoughts? Advice? Interview advice? (pending I get any!) My GPA is much lower than I would like but I do go to a very competitive school for sciences. I hope they recognize that!

The schools you applied to have very competitive out of state pools, so with your stats it will be a challenge. What school is your in state?

 

[498820]

None - My mom just recently moved to CT... There's a contract with Iowa State.

 

[498820]

And if I remember correctly they only accept 5 of the admitted CT residents for in-state tuition

 

[futurehealervet]

You cant do anything about your GPA, your GRE quantitative is good and your experience is interesting. Try to get some large animal veterinary experience to round out that part of your app. You have the leadership experience which is good. At this point, I would think of applying to schools with less of a focus on academics due to your GPA though. Hope this helped!

 

[498820]

Thank you!

 

[dmb320]

Going to throw out my stats one more time for some feedback. (because I can't stop obsessing over all this now that I'm waiting to hear back!)

first time applying
24 y/o
B.S. Animal Science & Biology
CUM - 3.17
SCI - 3.15 (lots of B's, a few A's)

10,000+ hours vet and animal experience...
Peace Corps Vol - worked for UN FAO as an ag extensionist, vaccinated lots of sheep and cows, partner was a vet. also managed a goat dairy from startup to now producing milk and cheese to feed to kids at a local orphanage
Animal health company - vet intern, was only undergrad given a position, swine health based
Worked for public health vets for 2 years on educational / vet training stuff
Lots of work with a neuter charity - prepping cats for surgery
Raised rabbits growing up (random, I know!) and sold them to 4Hers
Worked with a thoroughbred trainer at a racetrack for 4 ish summers

LORs
2 public health vets
1 researcher / professor
all very good, they let me read them!

GRE
Verb 570
Quant 640

Overall my experience is varied. I highlighted a public health interest on my apps. Applied to Iowa State, Minnesota, Illinois, St. George's, Western. Got a call about a St. Geo interview already, but I'm really hoping for my IS (Iowa)

What do you think? Do you know anyone that's gotten into an IS with those grades!?

 

[dmb320]

**Also fluent in spanish which I highlighted a ton I think in my Supp essays and what not - how this makes me a better communicator (even in English) & my desire to continue speaking it in vet med world

😳

 

[kernel]

Going to throw out my stats one more time for some feedback. (because I can't stop obsessing over all this now that I'm waiting to hear back!)

first time applying
24 y/o
B.S. Animal Science & Biology
CUM - 3.17
SCI - 3.15 (lots of B's, a few A's)

10,000+ hours vet and animal experience...
Peace Corps Vol - worked for UN FAO as an ag extensionist, vaccinated lots of sheep and cows, partner was a vet. also managed a goat dairy from startup to now producing milk and cheese to feed to kids at a local orphanage
Animal health company - vet intern, was only undergrad given a position, swine health based
Worked for public health vets for 2 years on educational / vet training stuff
Lots of work with a neuter charity - prepping cats for surgery
Raised rabbits growing up (random, I know!) and sold them to 4Hers
Worked with a thoroughbred trainer at a racetrack for 4 ish summers

LORs
2 public health vets
1 researcher / professor
all very good, they let me read them!

GRE
Verb 570
Quant 640

Overall my experience is varied. I highlighted a public health interest on my apps. Applied to Iowa State, Minnesota, Illinois, St. George's, Western. Got a call about a St. Geo interview already, but I'm really hoping for my IS (Iowa)

What do you think? Do you know anyone that's gotten into an IS with those grades!?

This is my first time applying too, so I have to make a disclaimer and say that I don't really know what I'm talking about ... Although I think it's safe to say that your hours should really help you out. It also sounds like you really tried to refine your essays and make yourself stand out. Good.

I'm in the same boat. I applied only to my IS with a less-than-phenomenal GPA. Hang in there!

 

[dachshunddiva]

I'm a senior ungrad with a 3.082 cumulative GPA. I know, its low 😱....I spent too much time in extracurriculars and not enough in the library. I do have 35hrs of a 4.0 from dual credit back in high school though. Anyways, I want to go to either CSU (oos) or Texas A&M (is). I am open to other schools but those are my top 2. I did not apply this round (wasnt that hopeful) and I'm currently looking into masters programs. Can anyone CURRENTLY at CSU or A&M give me some advice on how to improve my chances of getting in?

 

[wildcatj]

I'm a senior ungrad with a 3.082 cumulative GPA. I know, its low 😱....I spent too much time in extracurriculars and not enough in the library. I do have 35hrs of a 4.0 from dual credit back in high school though. Anyways, I want to go to either CSU (oos) or Texas A&M (is). I am open to other schools but those are my top 2. I did not apply this round (wasnt that hopeful) and I'm currently looking into masters programs. Can anyone CURRENTLY at CSU or A&M give me some advice on how to improve my chances of getting in?

You should look at the above examples and post more than just your CUM GPA. Can't give you advice on how to improve unless we have some more info.

 

[Emiloo4]

You should look at the above examples and post more than just your CUM GPA. Can't give you advice on how to improve unless we have some more info.

I don't think we're allowed to help anyway... we aren't CURRENT students at A&M or CSU 😉

 

[wildcatj]

I don't think we're allowed to help anyway... we aren't CURRENT students at A&M or CSU 😉

Oh gosh, how dare I try to help out when I'm not CURRENTLY a vet student much less enrolled at CSU or TAMU?

 

[Emiloo4]

Oh gosh, how dare I try to help out when I'm not CURRENTLY a vet student much less enrolled at CSU or TAMU?

I mean, what do WE know?
Getting into a few schools including CSU must not mean much. I clearly suck and have no advice to give 🙁

 

[cowgirla]

I don't think we're allowed to help anyway... we aren't CURRENT students at A&M or CSU 😉

I was all set to reply a while ago when I first saw this posted. Then saw the emphasis on "currently" and decided not to bother.

 

[dachshunddiva]

Wasn't trying to offend anyone. I did read all the previous posts under this thread and took note of a lot of beneficial advice from everyone. I just didnt see many people giving advice to those of us pre-vet students who want to attend CSU or A&M, so I wanted to see if I could find anyone to help me out. I know each school is a little different so all I want to do is pick someone's brain who's at the school(s) I want to go too. Again, I did read all the previous posts from all of you.

 

[dachshunddiva]

You should look at the above examples and post more than just your CUM GPA. Can't give you advice on how to improve unless we have some more info.

I haven't taken the GRE yet and I don't know my science GPA, as I've heard it varies depending on what a school counts as a "science" class. I grew up on a farm and showed horses, cattle, goats, rabbits, and chickens for 12 years. Trained and fostered dogs for 4 years. Worked at two vet clinics (around 850hrs total). Lots of other odd jobs: helped shear alpacas, volunteered at animal shelters, volunteered at wildlife rescue, etc. I haven't calculated all my animal and veterinary experience hours yet. I've got good ideas on how to improve those areas but right now, I'm more worried about my lower GPA.

 

[Emiloo4]

Wasn't trying to offend anyone. I did read all the previous posts under this thread and took note of a lot of beneficial advice from everyone. I just didnt see many people giving advice to those of us pre-vet students who want to attend CSU or A&M, so I wanted to see if I could find anyone to help me out. I know each school is a little different so all I want to do is pick someone's brain who's at the school(s) I want to go too. Again, I did read all the previous posts from all of you.

That's fine and all, but it's limiting the advice you'll get. Just because someone doesn't go there, doesn't mean they don't know the process and haven't been through it successfully. And once you are a student there, you don't go through the application process a second time or something, so they don't have a magical new outlook on admissions. CSU does tend to look at your overall application a little more than other schools so it may help in your situation but there is truly not much to tell you without knowing your GRE score. With a lower GPA, its very important you do well on that. They also use the PPI portal system which may help push you over the edge if you have a strong one. In the end, even with every piece of info you could possibly give us, there is no way of knowing. It will be tougher for you for sure, but not impossible. It comes down to how everything else is in your app. GRE, experience, PS, awards, etc.
It sounds like you should call the schools directly and speak with them, they are very nice and know their admissions process better than anyone. Best of luck to you.

 

[Ericaa89]

Concerned about my Q GRE

I just took the GRE and didn't do as well as I had hoped. 161 Verbal 157 Quantitative

I have lots of experience: shadowing an equine vet, volunteering in small animal hospital, and volunteer at therapeutic riding center.

I have LORS from over 400 hours at a therapeutic riding center, 345 with an equine vet, and 8000 hours riding horses with a recommendation from my horse trainer

I also have 230 hours at a small animal hospital

I also have been riding horses since I was three and competed nationally in jumping competitions.

My overall GPA is 3.47 and science is around 3.6.

My top choice is Davis... what are my chances?
😏

 

[Emiloo4]

Concerned about my Q GRE

I just took the GRE and didn't do as well as I had hoped. 161 Verbal 157 Quantitative

I have lots of experience: shadowing an equine vet, volunteering in small animal hospital, and volunteer at therapeutic riding center.

I have LORS from over 400 hours at a therapeutic riding center, 345 with an equine vet, and 8000 hours riding horses with a recommendation from my horse trainer

I also have 230 hours at a small animal hospital

I also have been riding horses since I was three and competed nationally in jumping competitions.

My overall GPA is 3.47 and science is around 3.6.

My top choice is Davis... what are my chances?
😏

Is Davis your IS?

 

[Ericaa89]

Is Davis your IS?

IS? guessing that means "in state" ?

Yes I am a CA resident

 

[Frozenshades]

My apologies if it's a repeated question, but I looked around and haven't really found definitive answers, how do veterinary schools compare grades earned at community colleges and grades at your primary university? It wasn't something I really thought about until recently.

Just curious, because at Texas A&M I have (only 42 GPA hours):
Cum GPA: 3.69
Last 45 hours: 3.69
Science GPA: ~3.6

But if you include my classes at community college it becomes
Cum GPA: 3.78
Last 45 hours: 3.72
Science GPA: 3.71

Started with 29 hours from AP also, and planning on a 3 year graduation, but I was also only admitted to Texas A&M's Blinn-Team program and did that for a year before being offered full admission and getting into the Biomedical Sciences program, so that's why I have 17 hours of transfer credit from Blinn.

GRE scores:
Verbal - 158 - 77%
Quant- 157 - 71%
Writing - 4.5 - 73%

According to the concordance table on the old scale that is
Verbal - 580
Quant - 730

Not too proud of those scores. Only took the GRE once, wish I'd had time to take it again.

Vet experience
40 hours- equine hospital volunteer
390 hours - small animal clinic employment as vet assistant
190 hours - veterinary diagnostic lab employment

Animal experience
130+ hours- kennel worker, dogs and cats
45 hours- volunteering at the zoo
65 hours - animal caretaker for a nature center (mostly reptiles)
70 hours - exotic animal rehabilitation volunteer work in Ecuador

Leadership
Pre-vet society member each semester
Co-founder and acting treasurer of Veterinarians Without Borders at TAMU (first recognized student chapter in the US, we work with the national chapter 😀 )

LORs
2 from veterinarians
1 from a researcher/professor (genetics researcher at TAMU CVM)

I'm 20 years old and this is my first time applying and I'm nervous and a bit unsure about my application. Going to keep on working to get those veterinary experience hours in the meantime, but does anyone have any comments, thoughts advice? I feel like my hours pale in comparison to some applicants and my GRE scores are weak, hoping my decent GPA makes up for that. I've sort of gone into this thinking that I probably won't be accepted so I want to be prepared to do better next year and I was figuring I'd start a master's program in the meantime. Hoping at least for some interviews though and advice for those would be great too; not really sure what to expect or how to prepare.

I applied to Texas A&M (IS), Virginia-Maryland Regional CVM, UGA, Kansas State, and OSU.

Thanks in advance, it's appreciated.

 

[Kpowell14]

It is a good idea to convert your new score to old scores using this table :

http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/concordance_information.pdf

Most of the current students on the forum are not familiar with the new scores and how they compare to old scores. Also, most of the vet schools I've looked into haven't posted stats with the new scores, most still have old scores posted..

 

[Emiloo4]

It is a good idea to convert your new score to old scores using this table :

http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/concordance_information.pdf

Most of the current students on the forum are not familiar with the new scores and how they compare to old scores. Also, most of the vet schools I've looked into haven't posted stats with the new scores, most still have old scores posted..

Or post your percentiles.

 

[Kpowell14]

Or post your percentiles.

Ah yes, or this 😀 👍

Eta: percentiles definitely tell you the most.

 

[jlindp]

My apologies if it's a repeated question, but I looked around and haven't really found definitive answers, how do veterinary schools compare grades earned at community colleges and grades at your primary university? It wasn't something I really thought about until recently.

Just curious, because at Texas A&M I have (only 42 GPA hours):
Cum GPA: 3.69
Last 45 hours: 3.69
Science GPA: ~3.6

But if you include my classes at community college it becomes
Cum GPA: 3.78
Last 45 hours: 3.72
Science GPA: 3.71

Started with 29 hours from AP also, and planning on a 3 year graduation, but I was also only admitted to Texas A&M's Blinn-Team program and did that for a year before being offered full admission and getting into the Biomedical Sciences program, so that's why I have 17 hours of transfer credit from Blinn.

GRE scores:
Verbal - 158 - 77%
Quant- 157 - 71%
Writing - 4.5 - 73%

According to the concordance table on the old scale that is
Verbal - 580
Quant - 730

Not too proud of those scores. Only took the GRE once, wish I'd had time to take it again.

Vet experience
40 hours- equine hospital volunteer
390 hours - small animal clinic employment as vet assistant
190 hours - veterinary diagnostic lab employment

Animal experience
130+ hours- kennel worker, dogs and cats
45 hours- volunteering at the zoo
65 hours - animal caretaker for a nature center (mostly reptiles)
70 hours - exotic animal rehabilitation volunteer work in Ecuador

Leadership
Pre-vet society member each semester
Co-founder and acting treasurer of Veterinarians Without Borders at TAMU (first recognized student chapter in the US, we work with the national chapter 😀 )

LORs
2 from veterinarians
1 from a researcher/professor (genetics researcher at TAMU CVM)

I'm 20 years old and this is my first time applying and I'm nervous and a bit unsure about my application. Going to keep on working to get those veterinary experience hours in the meantime, but does anyone have any comments, thoughts advice? I feel like my hours pale in comparison to some applicants and my GRE scores are weak, hoping my decent GPA makes up for that. I've sort of gone into this thinking that I probably won't be accepted so I want to be prepared to do better next year and I was figuring I'd start a master's program in the meantime. Hoping at least for some interviews though and advice for those would be great too; not really sure what to expect or how to prepare.

I applied to Texas A&M (IS), Virginia-Maryland Regional CVM, UGA, Kansas State, and OSU.

Thanks in advance, it's appreciated.

I applied to just A&M last year (and was accepted), so I can only vouch for them...but your GPAs and GRE scores are fairly solid. I can't say they'd guarantee you an interview or acceptance since admissions are ****oo bananas, but the odds are in your favor. You could have more hours, but A&M weighs grades/scores more heavily, so you should be fine. Good luck!

 

[jlindp]

I'm a senior ungrad with a 3.082 cumulative GPA. I know, its low 😱....I spent too much time in extracurriculars and not enough in the library. I do have 35hrs of a 4.0 from dual credit back in high school though. Anyways, I want to go to either CSU (oos) or Texas A&M (is). I am open to other schools but those are my top 2. I did not apply this round (wasnt that hopeful) and I'm currently looking into masters programs. Can anyone CURRENTLY at CSU or A&M give me some advice on how to improve my chances of getting in?

To be honest, your cGPA is going to be a bit low for A&M. Your last 35 is solid, but A&M counts the last 45...so if you have 10 more credits of awesome grades, then that will definitely give you a leg up. Science GPA is also important...and this includes classes like Genetics, Biology, Micro, Statistics, Chemistry, Nutrition, Animal Science, etc. If your last 45 hours and sGPA are high, this can really combat your lower cGPA, especially if you have an upward trend, which given your last 35 hours you do. 🙂 Just rock the GRE (try and aim for 70%+ percentile for both sections, but definitely your Quant score), get great LORs, continue to make good grades, and never stop gaining experience. Nothing is impossible with vet school admissions (nearly, lol).

Also, A&M looks favorably on science-based Master's programs. But please, please make sure it's something you would be interested in pursuing and not just to increase your GPA. You can always try a post-bacc program taking upper-level science courses to help improve your stats. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[that redhead]

The 4.0 is from a while back- it isn't her last 35 credits.

Diva, I applied to CSU out of state with pretty much the same cGPA. I had research hours, a lot of vet and animal experience as well as a solid GRE and good letters. They have a process by which applicants with <3.2cGPA are evaluated first and either rejected or allowed to move into the general pool. They rejected me before VMCAS was even due 🙄 A&M is pretty stringent with grades as well, IIRC.

Feel free to PM me if you're interested in my "low cGPA" approach- didn't want to get too blabbery on here 🙂

 

[McMasterVet]

Hi All,

I have been looking around these forums since applications have opened, and have decided that I would like some feedback on my application to strengthen if I do not get in this year.

Male, 21 years old, 4th year of university in Arts and Science and Biology program, Ontario resident.

Applying/Applied: Ontario Veterinary College, Cornell, UF, UC Davis, U Penn.

cGpa: 3.78
last 45 gpa: 3.99

MCAT: 32O (~85%)
GRE (only had time to study for 1 week due to my MCATs and the timing of the tests, so I know I can improve this if necessary)
V: 162 (89%)
Q: 161 (83%)
AW: 4.5 (73%)

Veterinary Experience
400 SA practice
155 sea turtle hospital in Florida
50 Equine hospital in Florida
60 Emergency

Animal Experience
300 hours in environmental physiology lab
40 hours aviary
60 hours animal welfare club member/exec

Work Experience
Research assistant
Farmer's market director
Squash instructor
Hospital relocation company
Mall kiosk operator

Extracurriculars
Director of farmers' market (I was told I would be paid for 10 hours/week and would be volunteering more like 20 hours/week&#8230;which did happen)
Varsity Squash team
Food club founder/president
TEDx speaker coordinator


I know my veterinary experience is lacking. All the hours above have been acquired in the course of 1 year. I did not have transportation to any large animal farms around my school, so instead I volunteered in Florida when my family and I went on vacation. Though my veterinary experiences are few, I have always tried to challenge myself by saturating my schedule with interesting extracurricular activities, which I did make note of in my personal statement.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
McMasterVet.

 

[Emiloo4]

Hi All,

I have been looking around these forums since applications have opened, and have decided that I would like some feedback on my application to strengthen if I do not get in this year.

Male, 21 years old, 4th year of university in Arts and Science and Biology program, Ontario resident.

Applying/Applied: Ontario Veterinary College, Cornell, UF, UC Davis, U Penn.

cGpa: 3.78
last 45 gpa: 3.99

MCAT: 32O (~85%)
GRE (only had time to study for 1 week due to my MCATs and the timing of the tests, so I know I can improve this if necessary)
V: 162 (89%)
Q: 161 (83%)
AW: 4.5 (73%)

Veterinary Experience
400 SA practice
155 sea turtle hospital in Florida
50 Equine hospital in Florida
60 Emergency

Animal Experience
300 hours in environmental physiology lab
40 hours aviary
60 hours animal welfare club member/exec

Work Experience
Research assistant
Farmer’s market director
Squash instructor
Hospital relocation company
Mall kiosk operator

Extracurriculars
Director of farmers’ market (I was told I would be paid for 10 hours/week and would be volunteering more like 20 hours/week…which did happen)
Varsity Squash team
Food club founder/president
TEDx speaker coordinator


I know my veterinary experience is lacking. All the hours above have been acquired in the course of 1 year. I did not have transportation to any large animal farms around my school, so instead I volunteered in Florida when my family and I went on vacation. Though my veterinary experiences are few, I have always tried to challenge myself by saturating my schedule with interesting extracurricular activities, which I did make note of in my personal statement.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
McMasterVet.

Um... looks pretty good to me 😱
Although your hours are sort of lacking, it's not unheard of for people to get in with those hours, and you have a decent amount of diversity in your hours as well. I am currently a UF student, so feel free to ask me any specific questions about UF, but I would say you have a pretty strong application. Best of to you!

 

[McMasterVet]

Thanks for your response Emiloo4. I'll take you up on your offer and send you a PM of my questions, thank you!

If anyone could also let me know how strong my application is for other schools (keeping in mind I'm an international), I would be indebted to you.

Thanks!

 

[orca2011]

Hi All,

I have been looking around these forums since applications have opened, and have decided that I would like some feedback on my application to strengthen if I do not get in this year.

Male, 21 years old, 4th year of university in Arts and Science and Biology program, Ontario resident.

Applying/Applied: Ontario Veterinary College, Cornell, UF, UC Davis, U Penn.

cGpa: 3.78
last 45 gpa: 3.99

MCAT: 32O (~85%)
GRE (only had time to study for 1 week due to my MCATs and the timing of the tests, so I know I can improve this if necessary)
V: 162 (89%)
Q: 161 (83%)
AW: 4.5 (73%)

Veterinary Experience
400 SA practice
155 sea turtle hospital in Florida
50 Equine hospital in Florida
60 Emergency

Animal Experience
300 hours in environmental physiology lab
40 hours aviary
60 hours animal welfare club member/exec

Work Experience
Research assistant
Farmer's market director
Squash instructor
Hospital relocation company
Mall kiosk operator

Extracurriculars
Director of farmers' market (I was told I would be paid for 10 hours/week and would be volunteering more like 20 hours/week&#8230;which did happen)
Varsity Squash team
Food club founder/president
TEDx speaker coordinator


I know my veterinary experience is lacking. All the hours above have been acquired in the course of 1 year. I did not have transportation to any large animal farms around my school, so instead I volunteered in Florida when my family and I went on vacation. Though my veterinary experiences are few, I have always tried to challenge myself by saturating my schedule with interesting extracurricular activities, which I did make note of in my personal statement.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
McMasterVet.

I think you stand a fair chance at UPenn too based on stats of admitted students. Your GPA and GRE scores are higher than mine, and you have more veterinary hours than I did, so I think you have a decent shot. Good luck!

 

[Frozenshades]

I applied to just A&M last year (and was accepted), so I can only vouch for them...but your GPAs and GRE scores are fairly solid. I can't say they'd guarantee you an interview or acceptance since admissions are ****oo bananas, but the odds are in your favor. You could have more hours, but A&M weighs grades/scores more heavily, so you should be fine. Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep working to get more hours and keep my fingers crossed in the meantime as I wait on this application.

 

[LetItSnow]

Hi All,

I have been looking around these forums since applications have opened, and have decided that I would like some feedback on my application to strengthen if I do not get in this year.

I think all the pieces are already there. I'd keep building veterinary experience, of course, but other than that ... don't kill yourself. If you're confident you can do better on the GRE, you might want to do that, but your GRE scores are already fine.

You didn't mention letters of recommendation. Perhaps doing some networking that will pay off down the road (not just getting into vet school!) would be the best use of time. You could get a great letter of recommendation and set yourself up for some summer employment.

 

[hpequalslove]

I'm a senior ungrad with a 3.082 cumulative GPA. I know, its low 😱....I spent too much time in extracurriculars and not enough in the library. I do have 35hrs of a 4.0 from dual credit back in high school though. Anyways, I want to go to either CSU (oos) or Texas A&M (is). I am open to other schools but those are my top 2. I did not apply this round (wasnt that hopeful) and I'm currently looking into masters programs. Can anyone CURRENTLY at CSU or A&M give me some advice on how to improve my chances of getting in?

Heyyy guess what - I currently go to CSU! Big woot woot - actually, we don't know much info going to CSU than any one else would... but I've been to a couple presentations from a CSU vet school admissions committee member and although they do tend to look more at your overall application (i.e. having over 1,000 animal experience and vet experience hours), having a low GPA is going to put you in a special applicant pool during their "Phase One" admissions stage where they'll pull your application aside and deem if they think you can handle a rigorous veterinary course load. What they'll want to see is that you've been able to make significant improvements to your lower than desired cumulative GPA, so if your past few semesters have been much stronger GPA-wise (I'd say GPA 3.7-4.0 is what they'd like to see) AND you've been taking upper division biomedical science courses and have been getting mostly A's in them, then I'd say you'd stand a chance... although they're pretty darn selective with their out of state applicants. I'd focus on improving your semester GPAs and taking upper division biomedical science courses and acing those suckers.

 

[hpequalslove]

Hey guys! I'm relatively new to this forum, I've been reading around a few threads and really liked the help people were giving each other so I was hoping you'd be able to give me some help or even peace of mind, too!

I'm applying to veterinary school this year. The schools I'm applying to are: CSU, Purdue (I'll be in-state there), Kansas, Wisconsin, Cornell, Illinois, Michigan State, and Missouri. Here's all the info I have for ya guys.

Cumulative GPA: 3.61
Science GPA: 3.6

GRE:
Verbal: 158
Quant: 150

Experience Hours:
(Veterinary Related): 3000 small animal, exotics/avian, research as veterinary technician, researcher, and kennel
(Animal Related):
- 200 exotics/wild life
- 900 at animal shelter, small animal experience

- Research job for four years, over 1000 hours but not related to animals
- Volunteer research job for one year working with FIV
- Member of Habitat for Humanity student organization for four years (by the end of this school year), co-president last year and this year
- Puerto Rican and fluent in Spanish

Recommendations from: two veterinarians (one with research, one from clinic I worked at four 5 years), one from animal shelter supervisor, one from professor/employer at research lab

How do my chances seem as of now? I know my GPA could be improved, but there's not much I could do about that applying in this cycle, and I know my GRE Quantitative (AKA the most important part) is definitely not up to par... could this seriously injure my chances at getting into any of these schools? If so, do you have any suggestions on what I could do for future cycles?

Thanks so much!

 

[McMasterVet]

I think you stand a fair chance at UPenn too based on stats of admitted students. Your GPA and GRE scores are higher than mine, and you have more veterinary hours than I did, so I think you have a decent shot. Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement!

I think all the pieces are already there. I'd keep building veterinary experience, of course, but other than that ... don't kill yourself. If you're confident you can do better on the GRE, you might want to do that, but your GRE scores are already fine.

You didn't mention letters of recommendation. Perhaps doing some networking that will pay off down the road (not just getting into vet school!) would be the best use of time. You could get a great letter of recommendation and set yourself up for some summer employment.

My eLoRs are as follows:
1 from SA practice, she offered to do my eLoR before I even asked, a penn alumni
1 from another SA practice, guelph alumni. I think this might be my weakest eLoR because she is the owner of the clinic and hasn't had the most contact with me. That being said, I do try to make the most of the time I have with her by asking questions about practice management, ethics of owning a hospital, etc.
1 from the sea turtle veterinarian, I think this one will be fine, despite my shorter time with her. She said she enjoyed teaching me a lot, and I've promised to bring maple syrup when I go back to Florida for vacation 🙂
1 from physiology researcher (professor) where I helped develop techniques for one of her master's students' thesis. We are on very good terms, and despite being on sabbatical, she was fine with writing me a letter.

Though I would like to travel this summer if I get into veterinary school, I do understand your point about the future benefits of networking. With regards to my GRE, I am most worried that my quantitative score is on the lower end for UC Davis (so if I'm international, that could mean I'm on the very low end). I'll consider retaking it after this admissions cycle. Thanks for the feedback.

Thanks,
McMasterVet.

 

[Museum Nerd]

Hey guys! I'm relatively new to this forum, I've been reading around a few threads and really liked the help people were giving each other so I was hoping you'd be able to give me some help or even peace of mind, too!

I'm applying to veterinary school this year. The schools I'm applying to are: CSU, Purdue (I'll be in-state there), Kansas, Wisconsin, Cornell, Illinois, Michigan State, and Missouri. Here's all the info I have for ya guys.

Cumulative GPA: 3.61
Science GPA: 3.6

GRE:
Verbal: 158
Quant: 150

Experience Hours:
(Veterinary Related): 3000 small animal, exotics/avian, research as veterinary technician, researcher, and kennel
(Animal Related):
- 200 exotics/wild life
- 900 at animal shelter, small animal experience

- Research job for four years, over 1000 hours but not related to animals
- Volunteer research job for one year working with FIV
- Member of Habitat for Humanity student organization for four years (by the end of this school year), co-president last year and this year
- Puerto Rican and fluent in Spanish

Recommendations from: two veterinarians (one with research, one from clinic I worked at four 5 years), one from animal shelter supervisor, one from professor/employer at research lab

How do my chances seem as of now? I know my GPA could be improved, but there's not much I could do about that applying in this cycle, and I know my GRE Quantitative (AKA the most important part) is definitely not up to par... could this seriously injure my chances at getting into any of these schools? If so, do you have any suggestions on what I could do for future cycles?

Thanks so much!

You GPA is in line with the average for most of the schools you applied to except maybe Cornell.I think you recongized the problem with your GRE score and need to put in place a plan to re take the test if you do not get in this cycle. Make sure you have plenty of time to study. Your vet hours look good but I would not stop gaining experience. Not sure what your school situation is but if you can continue to take classes and work on a very high last 45, some schools focus more on the last 45 than your cum gpa. Good Luck

 

[Trilt]

Hey guys! I'm relatively new to this forum, I've been reading around a few threads and really liked the help people were giving each other so I was hoping you'd be able to give me some help or even peace of mind, too!

I'm applying to veterinary school this year. The schools I'm applying to are: CSU, Purdue (I'll be in-state there), Kansas, Wisconsin, Cornell, Illinois, Michigan State, and Missouri. Here's all the info I have for ya guys.

Cumulative GPA: 3.61
Science GPA: 3.6

GRE:
Verbal: 158
Quant: 150

Experience Hours:
(Veterinary Related): 3000 small animal, exotics/avian, research as veterinary technician, researcher, and kennel
(Animal Related):
- 200 exotics/wild life
- 900 at animal shelter, small animal experience

- Research job for four years, over 1000 hours but not related to animals
- Volunteer research job for one year working with FIV
- Member of Habitat for Humanity student organization for four years (by the end of this school year), co-president last year and this year
- Puerto Rican and fluent in Spanish

Recommendations from: two veterinarians (one with research, one from clinic I worked at four 5 years), one from animal shelter supervisor, one from professor/employer at research lab

How do my chances seem as of now? I know my GPA could be improved, but there's not much I could do about that applying in this cycle, and I know my GRE Quantitative (AKA the most important part) is definitely not up to par... could this seriously injure my chances at getting into any of these schools? If so, do you have any suggestions on what I could do for future cycles?

Thanks so much!

Definitely aim to get strong grades this semester, but honestly, your GPA is fine, and the fact that your sci GPA is the same shows you can handle that coursework. I applied with about the same cumulative, lower science and it worked out. 👍 Very few vet schools have average incoming GPA's above 3.6ish so you're in a perfectly OK position, just not particularly exemplary (in that regard).

Your quant GRE is definitely not going to help you, but your verbal is pretty solid, your vet hours seem varied and extensive, and being a minority never hurts! Assuming you sold yourself well in your VMCAS, I'd give you a pretty good chance of getting in somewhere, personally. 😀

To answer your last question about future cycles... that GRE is really your only real low point in your application as far as I can see, so intensively preparing and retaking that would be good. Otherwise like Museum Nerd suggested, I'd just keep gaining hours, try and get your last 45 as high as you can, and hope for the best!

 

[Awendela]

Hi!

So this is more of a how-can-I-improve question rather than a what-are-my-chances question, but this seemed like the best place to ask it! (If you think it belongs in a different thread, let me know, and I'll move it.)

I have just applied this cycle (first-time), and I am trying to figure out what to do next semester to continue to make myself an appealing candidate (both in interviews this round and, potentially, in subsequent admissions cycles, depending on how this one goes). Basically, I want to know what kind of experience y'all think will be the most helpful.

I am a non-trad applicant who will be done with requirements at the end of this semester, so taking a full-time job would be an option.

So far, experience-wise, I have:

Animal experience:
400 hours - sea turtle hospital
400 hours - dairy farm (research trials on calf nutrition)
40 hours - turtle rescue group

Vet experience:
275 hours SA general practice
80 hours SA specialty
120 hours equine/large animal

A weak point of my vet experience is that all of it is shadowing/volunteering, although I have done things like give shots, draw blood, fill prescriptions, and restrain animals.

Also, since I'm non-traditional, I do have work experience. (I used to work in social science research.)

 

[futurehealervet]

First off, you should look into whether the dairy farm research might count as veterinary experience. For some schools, if its under a phd, it counts as vet, which would look better. Your SA looks solid but I'd say try to get more LA. I read in a book written by the former director of Cornell admissions that adcoms like to see 200+ hours in each big area. I think most people can only do what you say you've been doing like giving shots and drawing blood. Im not positive, but I don't think there is much more that you can do without having a vet tech license. I've got about 800 SA hours and haven't been allowed to draw blood yet so Id say you are in pretty good shape. I'm not as far along in the admissions process as you yet so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt but you seem to be in pretty good shape overall. Good Luck!

 

[Trilt]

Hi!

So this is more of a how-can-I-improve question rather than a what-are-my-chances question, but this seemed like the best place to ask it! (If you think it belongs in a different thread, let me know, and I'll move it.)

I have just applied this cycle (first-time), and I am trying to figure out what to do next semester to continue to make myself an appealing candidate (both in interviews this round and, potentially, in subsequent admissions cycles, depending on how this one goes). Basically, I want to know what kind of experience y'all think will be the most helpful.

I am a non-trad applicant who will be done with requirements at the end of this semester, so taking a full-time job would be an option.

So far, experience-wise, I have:

Animal experience:
400 hours - sea turtle hospital
400 hours - dairy farm (research trials on calf nutrition)
40 hours - turtle rescue group

Vet experience:
275 hours SA general practice
80 hours SA specialty
120 hours equine/large animal

A weak point of my vet experience is that all of it is shadowing/volunteering, although I have done things like give shots, draw blood, fill prescriptions, and restrain animals.

Also, since I'm non-traditional, I do have work experience. (I used to work in social science research.)

From your combo of dairy farm, turtle rescue team and sea turtle hospital, I'm curious if you're in NC? If so (and you're applying to NCSU), your dairy research trials most likely count as veterinary experience. At least some of your sea turtle stuff at the hospital probably should, too, unless you really just did husbandry?

You have a really nice mix of experience imo - I'd personally say continue getting good experience in whatever field you want to head into (SA/LA) and maybe branch a bit for some more diversity points; for example, if you want to do small animal maybe try for some emergency work, or small animal exotic.

If you could do something really unique that you can bring up when you're asked (in interviews) what you've been doing during since your application was submitted, that would never hurt, too.