What are my chances?

[ViaBea]

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I included numbers everywhere except for one place because I know that she wouldn't have anything nice to say about me and it was only a two day experience. I did really debate though about putting the number for a place that I shadowed at 4 years ago, but I ended up including it because it was about 300 hours worth of experience and I still know the vet well enough to to say hello. I ended up including it, but I really don't think it hurt or helped me.

I don't think they call and verify though as far as I know because neither of the vets I currently shadow mentioned being called, and the one vet would of definitely told me if he was

 

[ThePiedPiper]

Thank you everyone. 🙂

 

[Reatha Shontae]

I'm just at an associate level right now. What's the best thing for me to do?

 

[ThePiedPiper]

I'm just at an associate level right now. What's the best thing for me to do?

More info please! Are you planning on going for your Bachelor's? What do you have an A.A. in? How far along are you on your pre-requisites (at least a few will be required that you take at a 4 year college)? What are your veterinary and animal experiences and how long have you spent on/at each?

 

[iheartdogs]

last week had my file review at UF: basics were do better on the GRE and get a little more diversified experience but my essay was good and the only problem with my evaluations was that my professor didn't seem to be a good writer and lacked writing skills and need to beef up his letter a little bit.....just had Mississippi state file review he said my academics were good and that i should also look into different experience but that my essay seemed too idealistic and not realistic enough with expectations and that one of my evaluators suggested i needed another year to get more experience before going to vet school.....I'm kind of not too sure how to take the differences how was my essay good with one school and not the other and UF didn't mention anything about the one evaluation suggesting that so how was it good at one school and not the other??

 

[kernel]

last week had my file review at UF: basics were do better on the GRE and get a little more diversified experience but my essay was good and the only problem with my evaluations was that my professor didn't seem to be a good writer and lacked writing skills and need to beef up his letter a little bit.....just had Mississippi state file review he said my academics were good and that i should also look into different experience but that my essay seemed too idealistic and not realistic enough with expectations and that one of my evaluators suggested i needed another year to get more experience before going to vet school.....I'm kind of not too sure how to take the differences how was my essay good with one school and not the other and UF didn't mention anything about the one evaluation suggesting that so how was it good at one school and not the other??

What one school wants may not be what another school wants. You have to remember that these are humans that are looking at your application; different people are captivated by different things, and different adcomms are looking to add different types of people to their schools. So with regards to your personal statement, you need to write something that is compelling to nearly everyone who will read it. Be able to convey a strong sense of who you are and why they should accept you (all while answering the prompt).

Here is the way I see it: there is a certain "standard" that the average applicant must reach if he or she is to be a likely candidate for an acceptance (solid GRE, solid GPA, substantial experience and good LORs). This is a must, and there are very few exceptions. Beyond that, it's kindof a crapshoot, but the higher stats give you more of a chance. All of this may seem obvious; on the other hand, it's sometimes hard for us to evaluate ourselves in an honest and realistic light. Definitely improve your GRE. Reread your personal statement and your supplemental essays and ask yourself if you really stand out, and if you're really answering their questions. Do this with your whole application--have others give you feedback, too.

 

[Fragaria]

What's the best amount of hours of shadowing a vet? My veterinarian said I can shadow as long as I want to, but I was wondering if there's a certain amount I should want to achieve?

 

[Cypress]

What's the best amount of hours of shadowing a vet? My veterinarian said I can shadow as long as I want to, but I was wondering if there's a certain amount I should want to achieve?

The goal of shadowing is about the quality of the experience. The reason vet schools look for shadowing hours is because they want to make sure you have explored the industry before making the very large commitment to attend vet school. They want to make sure you understand what the job really looks like.

I would recommend looking into shadowing a variety of different types of practices to give you more exposure to what's out there. If you have someone that is willing to have you shadow regularly this is a great way to build a relationship with a vet and to have someone you can ask questions of and possibly learn some hands on skills. Shadow as much as you want or as much as your schedule allows - don't try and set a goal based on number of hours.

 

[Fragaria]

You make a very valid point! Thanks ^___^

Also another question,

I know some people tend to get their degree first, but is it better to get a degree before you apply for a better chance or is it better to just get the required classes for the specific school?

 

[Cypress]

You make a very valid point! Thanks ^___^

Also another question,

I know some people tend to get their degree first, but is it better to get a degree before you apply for a better chance or is it better to just get the required classes for the specific school?

This is going to depend on the university you apply to. We have a couple people in our class that did not complete their Bachelors - but in order to get into this program you have to complete at least 3 years of undergraduate studies and be very competitive applicants.

My personal take on this - and this is coming from a returning student - I graduated with a Bachelors - went out into the world worked a little and then changed my mind and came back to school to pursue vet med - in the process got my masters -

I would definitely finish a bachelors degree program before going to vet school. You never know what life will bring or what you will want in 5, 10, 20 years. Going to college for 3 years and not having anything to show for it seems crazy to me. Having a bachelors to fall back on in case things don't go exactly as planned or if you change your mind is a good solid plan, in my opinion.

Each school is different on what they want you to have before entering their programs - so look into the details for the universities you want to attend.

 

[HowIMetYourPet]

Hello all!

I graduate in December with a degree in Biological Sciences.
My current total GPA is 3.4, Science GPA 3.3
I have not taken the GRE
I have 3+ years of Research experience in a molecular biology laboratory, and will be listed as an author on a soon to be published paper. (I've worked 20 hrs a week in the lab all through college)
I have been involved with show dogs for 7 years, in Conformation(Westminster type, I've been there actually) and Agility.
I've taught Family dog training classes
I've bred 3 litters of puppies (the parents have had all health testing as recommended by the national breed club and it is approved through the OFA), delivering and raising the litter myself.
I've also worked for professional show dog handlers in a kennel setting.
I've done a little bit of Shadowing of my vet, and I have plans to continue that, also to shadow an equine vet, and a vet at an animal research facility.
I've not yet taken the GRE, nor done any practice tests yet.

So, what are my chances? And what do you think I could do to improve them?

 

[kernel]

Hello all!

I graduate in December with a degree in Biological Sciences.
My current total GPA is 3.4, Science GPA 3.3
I have not taken the GRE
I have 3+ years of Research experience in a molecular biology laboratory, and will be listed as an author on a soon to be published paper. (I've worked 20 hrs a week in the lab all through college)
I have been involved with show dogs for 7 years, in Conformation(Westminster type, I've been there actually) and Agility.
I've taught Family dog training classes
I've bred 3 litters of puppies (the parents have had all health testing as recommended by the national breed club and it is approved through the OFA), delivering and raising the litter myself.
I've also worked for professional show dog handlers in a kennel setting.
I've done a little bit of Shadowing of my vet, and I have plans to continue that, also to shadow an equine vet, and a vet at an animal research facility.
I've not yet taken the GRE, nor done any practice tests yet.

So, what are my chances? And what do you think I could do to improve them?

Can you tell us where you have residency and/or to where you plan to apply?

 

[HowIMetYourPet]

Ohio, so osu

 

[iheartdogs]

thats the only school you plan apply to?

 

[HowIMetYourPet]

No, but I don't have it narrowed down to just a few others yet. I'm just starting the process, I plan on applying to two others, however staying within a few hours of Ohio would be nice due to family constraints.

MI and Purdue are on my shortlist, however I have yet to visit them

 

[iheartdogs]

speaking from experience from my first cycle last year...i procrastinated a lot, didn't get email my evaluators until august, didn't take GRE till august, didn't write my essay until september and it closes early october so since it opens in 2 months in June if u are applying this year i say u should be getting a move on because GRE studying can take a little while and if u want to take it again u have to wait a month and some schools have deadlines by end of august or early september for ur scores

 

[HowIMetYourPet]

speaking from experience from my first cycle last year...i procrastinated a lot, didn't get email my evaluators until august, didn't take GRE till august, didn't write my essay until september and it closes early october so since it opens in 2 months in June if u are applying this year i say u should be getting a move on because GRE studying can take a little while and if u want to take it again u have to wait a month and some schools have deadlines by end of august or early september for ur scores

I'm not planning on applying this year. I graduate in December, but I plan on working at my vet clinic full time for ~1 year, so I would be applying to start in the fall of 2015

 

[Cypress]

I'm not planning on applying this year. I graduate in December, but I plan on working at my vet clinic full time for ~1 year, so I would be applying to start in the fall of 2015

Just out of curiosity - why are you waiting a whole year before you apply? If you are graduating in December you could apply this coming October to be a member of the CO of 2018 and start Fall of 2014. I would recommend getting the application process started ASAP - even if you don't get in on your first try you and get some really good feed back from the schools to make sure your application is strong and you can make improvements where necessary.

You have plenty of time to take the GRE and a whole summer to gain more experience in the vet industry.

Your GPA is on the lower end - but not a bad GPA at all. (Mine was lower when I applied) Your goal should be to do what you can to stand out from the crowd - focus on what makes you an individual - what qualities do you bring to the table? Why would you make a good addition to the universities you are applying to?

Kick ass on your GREs also - if you have a really strong score this can help off set the GPA (again - GPA isn't bad, its good, just a little less than the average).

Make sure you have solid letters of recommendation lined up as well. Those make a big difference.

Good luck!

 

[kernel]

speaking from experience from my first cycle last year...i procrastinated a lot, didn't get email my evaluators until august, didn't take GRE till august, didn't write my essay until september and it closes early october so since it opens in 2 months in June if u are applying this year i say u should be getting a move on because GRE studying can take a little while and if u want to take it again u have to wait a month and some schools have deadlines by end of august or early september for ur scores

Just out of curiosity - why are you waiting a whole year before you apply? If you are graduating in December you could apply this coming October to be a member of the CO of 2018 and start Fall of 2014. I would recommend getting the application process started ASAP - even if you don't get in on your first try you and get some really good feed back from the schools to make sure your application is strong and you can make improvements where necessary.

You have plenty of time to take the GRE and a whole summer to gain more experience in the vet industry.

Your GPA is on the lower end - but not a bad GPA at all. (Mine was lower when I applied) Your goal should be to do what you can to stand out from the crowd - focus on what makes you an individual - what qualities do you bring to the table? Why would you make a good addition to the universities you are applying to?

Kick ass on your GREs also - if you have a really strong score this can help off set the GPA (again - GPA isn't bad, its good, just a little less than the average).

Make sure you have solid letters of recommendation lined up as well. Those make a big difference.

Good luck!

I'm gonna side with Cypress rather than iheartdogs: I think you could still comfortably apply this fall, if you stay on top of it. I didn't decide to apply until April of last year, and I got in! I took the GRE in April and then again in late May. My GPA was about the same as yours. I'm giving you the green light--if you can dig it, I think you should take the plunge! Nevertheless, I might advise against it if you aren't a very strong standardized test-taker.

If Ohio is where you can see yourself, I would say to focus all of your energy on them. I ONLY applied to my IS, and all the love & focus I gave their application definitely paid off.

 

[twelvetigers]

I just read "c/o 2018" and got that whole "wow, I'm old" feel.

Cut it out.

 

[jtree2009]

Hi everyone!
I am a current UC Berkeley undergrad and california resident, Bio major Music minor

3.65 cumulative GPA (hoping to do honors research if I can maintain this!)
3.4 science GPA (I think, this is roughly calculated)
GRE quant 158, verbal 158, writing 5

Animal/Vet experience (currently at around 1400 hours total):
-2 years working in small animal clinic (as a volunteer then a paid intern)
-3 years in wildlife rehab hospital
-shadowed vets at two additional small animal clinics both in rooms and in treatment, watching surgery
-tufts pre-vet "adventures in veterinary" program
-worked at boarding kennel for 2 summers
-went on service trips to work with leatherback sea turtles in costa rica
-currently trying to get involved in a spider research lab on campus

Extra Activities:
choir, triathlon team, sustainability chair of my sorority (not putting the latter on my resume, however)

Interests:
exotics, wildlife, zoo med, small animal surgery, pathology and endocrinology, avian, potentially research

I really want to get into UC Davis (definitely my first choice followed by Wash State, Colorado State, Tufts etc) but I'm worried that my GRE scores are not at all high enough to make me a competitive applicant. I'm taking a microbio class this summer so I would be studying to retake the GRE simultaneously. Any advice? Thank you! 🙂

 

[485501]

Extra Activities:
choir, triathlon team, sustainability chair of my sorority (not putting the latter on my resume, however)

Interests:
exotics, wildlife, zoo med, small animal surgery, pathology and endocrinology, avian, potentially research

I really want to get into UC Davis (definitely my first choice followed by Wash State, Colorado State, Tufts etc) but I'm worried that my GRE scores are not at all high enough to make me a competitive applicant. I'm taking a microbio class this summer so I would be studying to retake the GRE simultaneously. Any advice? Thank you! 🙂

I would recommend taking the GRE again, yes. There are a few threads on the forum with GRE prep advice - use the search function to look for them. I recommend taking as many practice tests under test-like conditions as possible, and using Freerice.com to study vocab.

I am interested as to why you aren't going to list your sorority position on your application (if that's what you meant). It sounds like something that shows you have leadership and communication experience.

 

[Cypress]

I would recommend taking the GRE again, yes. There are a few threads on the forum with GRE prep advice - use the search function to look for them. I recommend taking as many practice tests under test-like conditions as possible, and using Freerice.com to study vocab.

I am interested as to why you aren't going to list your sorority position on your application (if that's what you meant). It sounds like something that shows you have leadership and communication experience.

I agree with washbucket - you should list all of your activities and positions - vet schools are looking for unique individuals that have leadership skills and are willing to get involved outside of academia.

 

[jtree2009]

I agree with washbucket - you should list all of your activities and positions - vet schools are looking for unique individuals that have leadership skills and are willing to get involved outside of academia.

In the past I have had biology professors and grad students treat me differently (in a negative way) when I have worn my sorority letters or it was somehow brought up that I was in the greek system. I don't want to give people the wrong impression or give them the chance to judge me based on preconceived notions they may have 🙂

 

[orca2011]

In the past I have had biology professors and grad students treat me differently (in a negative way) when I have worn my sorority letters or it was somehow brought up that I was in the greek system. I don't want to give people the wrong impression or give them the chance to judge me based on preconceived notions they may have 🙂

I totally can understand this, but a number of my classmates were involved in sororities and fraternities. As long as you present it well, and don't just say something like "i helped plan awesome parties" I think it will be fine. Talk about any service you got involved through them or any responsibilities you had in help running your chapter. I know very little about the greek system (I went to a Jesuit undergrad), but your position definitely sounds like something that would be worth bringing up.

I know of students that have something that can be looked way more negatively upon than being in a sorority and they got into multiple vet schools.

 

[Trilt]

In the past I have had biology professors and grad students treat me differently (in a negative way) when I have worn my sorority letters or it was somehow brought up that I was in the greek system. I don't want to give people the wrong impression or give them the chance to judge me based on preconceived notions they may have 🙂

Lots of my classmates were in sororities. Definitely don't leave that out!

 

[jtree2009]

Lots of my classmates were in sororities. Definitely don't leave that out!

oh okay thank you! I will add it and appreciate the advice 🙂

 

[allieh8607]

Just popping in to say that I need more than 2 hands to count the number of my sorority sisters that are in vet school right now and I know they all talked about their positions in the sorority 🙂

 

[InfiniteSatori]

First Year Applicant
I will graduate with: Honors BS Animal Science, Honors BA International Studies, minor in Chemistry
GPA: 3.52
sGPA: 3.59

Have not taken GRE yet

Experience:
LA: 3000+ hours
SA: 300 hours
Pre-Clinical research: 650 hours
Animal disaster relief training: 20 hours

Clinical Vet experience:
100 hours

Letters of Rec:
-PI from my research (She's involved the some of the research of my IS vet school)
-Advisor and Professor from OregonSU
-FFA Advisor/ boss/ teacher (I know that this is from high school, but I spend 4 years getting to know her really well, personally and professionally. And I competed nationally with her as my advisor).
*Still working on my recommendation from a vet.

Additional Info:
-I am part of the honors program at my university.
-Spent 5 months in Ecuador for study abroad (including taking a class through the veterinary program at my international university, and participated in some clinical shadowing there).
-I will be publishing an article of my research (I'll be the first author), soon.
-Competed in 2 national competitions (Parliamentary Procedure and Agricultural Communications)

Other quirks I'll include in my application/ interviews:
-I've been studying belly dance for 5 years and Acro-Yoga for 1 year.


My concern:
Obviously my GPA could be better, and I'm lacking Vet experience. Unfortunately, I have to continue my research job, so I can't spend as much time working with a vet. But I will be doing so ASAP until I graduate/ get accepted.

If I can't get a LOR from the next vet I work with, I'll apply the next cycle, but I heard that applying once to get your name in the pool can't hurt you. Any input?
Thanks so much!

 

[xylezine]

Graduated last year with BS in Animal Science.
GPA: 2.98
GRE: 151 Q, 151 V

I did not care much about school until my last 2 years, but by then it took a lot of effort to bring it up. I enrolled at a different school this semester and am taking pre-reqs for vet school. I'm looking at a 3.5-4.0 this semester. If I have to retake a couple of classes, I'll complete my pre-reqs the summer of next year.
I also need to retake my GRE.

Animal Experience:
Easily over 2000 hours with FFA and working with horses since middle school

Vet Experience:
~900 hours working at different equine clinics (need to log hours, ugh!)
Currently working at a small animal clinic (over 50 hours already)

Volunteer
Animal shelter, World Vets, Food Bank, and Student organizations to name a few

Vet schools that I would like to attend: Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, and maybe Tufts (very much of a stretch!)


I really want to know, what are the chances that post-bacs have in entering vet schools?

 

[wildcatj]

Graduated last year with BS in Animal Science.
GPA: 2.98
GRE: 151 Q, 151 V

I did not care much about school until my last 2 years, but by then it took a lot of effort to bring it up. I enrolled at a different school this semester and am taking pre-reqs for vet school. I'm looking at a 3.5-4.0 this semester. If I have to retake a couple of classes, I'll complete my pre-reqs the summer of next year.
I also need to retake my GRE.

Animal Experience:
Easily over 2000 hours with FFA and working with horses since middle school

Vet Experience:
~900 hours working at different equine clinics (need to log hours, ugh!)
Currently working at a small animal clinic (over 50 hours already)

Volunteer
Animal shelter, World Vets, Food Bank, and Student organizations to name a few

Vet schools that I would like to attend: Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, and maybe Tufts (very much of a stretch!)


I really want to know, what are the chances that post-bacs have in entering vet schools?

Most schools will tell you what sections they emphasize most in your application. You'll want to look for those that will look at your last 30 or 45 credits if they continue to be high. You'll have to retake any pre-reqs you got less than a C in for sure, but if you're making big improvements (including rocking the GRE shoot for 75th percentile on V and Q) you at least have a shot. You'll have to apply smart and get some more varied hours. Definitely continue to get some more small animal and try for some large animal other than equine, lab, zoo, wildlife, or the like. Your cum GPA is really low, but with improvements it's not outside the realm of possibility that you could get in. Might not be on your first try, but it's a possibility.

 

[jlindp]

Graduated last year with BS in Animal Science.
GPA: 2.98
GRE: 151 Q, 151 V

Vet schools that I would like to attend: Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, and maybe Tufts (very much of a stretch!)

I really want to know, what are the chances that post-bacs have in entering vet schools?

I can only really speak for A&M because that's the only place I applied. First, are you IS? With a cGPA of 2.98, it's going to be a little more difficult to get in there and even harder if you're OOS. A&M also looks at Last 45 and sciGPA, too, so if you have a solid Last 45 and sciGPA, that could really help out a lower cGPA. Also, you're going to really need to rock the GRE, especially the Q section because it's weighed more than the V section. A&M is very number oriented when it comes to selecting for interviews, so I would just keep that in mind. Also, they average retakes as opposed to replacing grades. If you have another year to get everything in order, then you may have a chance. As wildcatj mentioned, try and get some more depth and breadth in experience. That can always help, too, as well as stellar LORs. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[KitCat]

Sent from my MB612 using SDN Mobile

 

[kernel]

First Year Applicant
I will graduate with: Honors BS Animal Science, Honors BA International Studies, minor in Chemistry
GPA: 3.52
sGPA: 3.59

Have not taken GRE yet

Experience:
LA: 3000+ hours
SA: 300 hours
Pre-Clinical research: 650 hours
Animal disaster relief training: 20 hours

Clinical Vet experience:
100 hours

Letters of Rec:
-PI from my research (She's involved the some of the research of my IS vet school)
-Advisor and Professor from OregonSU
-FFA Advisor/ boss/ teacher (I know that this is from high school, but I spend 4 years getting to know her really well, personally and professionally. And I competed nationally with her as my advisor).
*Still working on my recommendation from a vet.

Additional Info:
-I am part of the honors program at my university.
-Spent 5 months in Ecuador for study abroad (including taking a class through the veterinary program at my international university, and participated in some clinical shadowing there).
-I will be publishing an article of my research (I'll be the first author), soon.
-Competed in 2 national competitions (Parliamentary Procedure and Agricultural Communications)

Other quirks I'll include in my application/ interviews:
-I've been studying belly dance for 5 years and Acro-Yoga for 1 year.


My concern:
Obviously my GPA could be better, and I'm lacking Vet experience. Unfortunately, I have to continue my research job, so I can't spend as much time working with a vet. But I will be doing so ASAP until I graduate/ get accepted.

If I can't get a LOR from the next vet I work with, I'll apply the next cycle, but I heard that applying once to get your name in the pool can't hurt you. Any input?
Thanks so much!

When you say "experience," do you mean experience under a DVM? Is that what your clinical category is referring to? I would say shoot for at least 500 hours under a vet (shadowing is fine). If you 3000 LA hours and your 300 SA hours are with a vet, you'll be fine.

Are you applying to Oregon State? Is it your IS? If so, I think your GPA is fine. I was able to get in this cycle with a lower GPA than yours. You can check out my stats in the successful applicants thread, if that helps 🙂

 

[WildZoo]

I know this thread is mostly for people who are currently applying, but I guess I just need reassurance about my hours. I'm a 20 year old female, about to complete my sophomore year of undergrad, and I feel like I just won't have enough experience to get into vet school when I apply. Here are my current stats.

University of Pittsburgh student, Florida resident
Majors: Biological Science, Fiction Writing (If all goes well I should graduate with two separate degrees, a BS in Bio and a BA in fiction)
Minors: Chemistry, Literature
Current GPA: 3.65 (this is without this current semester, which should bring my GPA up a bit)
Science GPA: 3.29 (thanks for that C, Orgo 2 😡)

Have not taken GRE yet

Animal Experience:
Shelter: 156 hours
Wildlife: 4
I've seen people in the successful applicants thread listing pet ownership here...in that case, over 70,000 hours??? I've been helping take care of our special needs kitty (she had an accident as a kitten, was in a coma for a couple days, couldn't walk for weeks, eventually recovered mostly normal motor control but still requires medication for an eye injury) since 2004.

Vet experience:
Shelter clinic: 47 hours

So this summer I will be interning with a vet at a private practice for 6 hours per week, which should give me an additional 100 vet hours.
I also will be volunteering at the humane society in my hometown, and this should also be vet hours because it will be in the medical department. I haven't gone to volunteer orientation yet (I'm still at school) so I don't know how many hours I'll get. I'm hoping for at least 4 a week, but I want to try for 8. Do you think I should try for more?
I want to volunteer at the zoo, but that would go in animal experience since I wouldn't be working under a vet. That would also be 4-8 hours per week.

During the next school year, I will continue working with the vet at the shelter I've been working at where I go to school. I also want to continue to volunteer at the wildlife center (this is 4 hours per week), but once again, that would not be counted as vet hours. There's also the option to intern at the wildlife center (15 hours a week), but I'm afraid that kind of time commitment would take away from the time that I would be able to spend working with the vet at the shelter.
Another option would be an animal husbandry internship at the zoo 12 weeks, 18 hours a week. Once again though, that would only count as animal experience and might take away from time that I could spend working with a vet.

I've also applied to be a UTA for a Genetics class.

I don't know anything about next summer.

Basically, I want to know if you guys think it would be possible for me to get enough hours in time to apply next fall (i.e. entering vet school in 2015). And if you guys have any suggestions, please share. Thanks in advance!

 

[musher]

I know this thread is mostly for people who are currently applying, but I guess I just need reassurance about my hours. I'm a 20 year old female, about to complete my sophomore year of undergrad, and I feel like I just won't have enough experience to get into vet school when I apply. Here are my current stats.

University of Pittsburgh student, Florida resident
Majors: Biological Science, Fiction Writing (If all goes well I should graduate with two separate degrees, a BS in Bio and a BA in fiction)
Minors: Chemistry, Literature
Current GPA: 3.65 (this is without this current semester, which should bring my GPA up a bit)
Science GPA: 3.29 (thanks for that C, Orgo 2 😡)

Have not taken GRE yet

Animal Experience:
Shelter: 156 hours
Wildlife: 4
I've seen people in the successful applicants thread listing pet ownership here...in that case, over 70,000 hours??? I've been helping take care of our special needs kitty (she had an accident as a kitten, was in a coma for a couple days, couldn't walk for weeks, eventually recovered mostly normal motor control but still requires medication for an eye injury) since 2004.

Vet experience:
Shelter clinic: 47 hours

So this summer I will be interning with a vet at a private practice for 6 hours per week, which should give me an additional 100 vet hours.
I also will be volunteering at the humane society in my hometown, and this should also be vet hours because it will be in the medical department. I haven't gone to volunteer orientation yet (I'm still at school) so I don't know how many hours I'll get. I'm hoping for at least 4 a week, but I want to try for 8. Do you think I should try for more?
I want to volunteer at the zoo, but that would go in animal experience since I wouldn't be working under a vet. That would also be 4-8 hours per week.

During the next school year, I will continue working with the vet at the shelter I've been working at where I go to school. I also want to continue to volunteer at the wildlife center (this is 4 hours per week), but once again, that would not be counted as vet hours. There's also the option to intern at the wildlife center (15 hours a week), but I'm afraid that kind of time commitment would take away from the time that I would be able to spend working with the vet at the shelter.
Another option would be an animal husbandry internship at the zoo 12 weeks, 18 hours a week. Once again though, that would only count as animal experience and might take away from time that I could spend working with a vet.

I've also applied to be a UTA for a Genetics class.

I don't know anything about next summer.

Basically, I want to know if you guys think it would be possible for me to get enough hours in time to apply next fall (e.g. entering vet school in 2015). And if you guys have any suggestions, please share. Thanks in advance!

Sounds to me like you have the right idea; you should probably try for more vet hours though. It sounds like your non-vet animal hours have the potential to be diverse (with the possibility of zoo and wildlife) which is also a good thing.

 

[WildZoo]

Sounds to me like you have the right idea; you should probably try for more vet hours though. It sounds like your non-vet animal hours have the potential to be diverse (with the possibility of zoo and wildlife) which is also a good thing.

Thanks! I've been looking around for stuff since I found this site (GREAT resource) and I've applied for a job at a Banfield Hospital near my house. I know some people have had bad experiences, but getting vet experience + getting paid = I'm willing to do almost anything.

I also found out that there's an internship available in the medical department of an aviary near my school, and from what I could tell they don't advertise it much so it seems like it wouldn't be difficult to get into for the fall, especially since I'll have more experience by then. They're also willing to work with college students' schedules, so it sounds pretty great. I would probably do this instead of the animal husbandry internship at the zoo, since it has a more medical focus.

I'm feeling a lot better about things now that I've made some more plans! Now I just have to study for finals...🙄

 

[bunnity]

Just wanted to say hi, I went to Pitt and got all my experience at the shelter and wildlife clinic you are referring to 🙂
Sounds like you are off to a good start. I have heard that A-Vets in Monroeville will hire people without a lot of experience because they like to train you themselves. Also I have never been there, but PVSEC is an excellent teaching hospital so they may be more open to people shadowing than regular clinics.

 

[WildZoo]

That's great to hear!! I wish I had known about A-Vets this semester - I don't drive so getting out to the wildlife center was a pain and I ended up having some scheduling problems, hence the small amount of time. Times I wish I had a car. Monroeville would probably be a little far for me to travel, too.

 

[iheartdogs]

second year applicant: now that I have gotten some more hours under my belt I just want to see how I'm doing

first application cycle: Florida resident
applied: Florida, Mississippi state, North Carolina State, auburn
rejected: everywhere
file review at Mississippi said academics good, need more diversity in experience, essay was too idealistic and not realistic enough with expectations, and one evaluation said I needed maybe another year before school/ file review at Florida said GRE scores need to be at least 60% and more diversity in experiences but essay good don't change it and letters were good

second application
definitely Florida and Mississippi, looking at Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Western, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri

Academics:
B.S. in Biology, minor in psychology
Overall GPA: 3.47 if you count all attempts at biochem and vert morph got C's first time retook got A's in both
Science GPA: between 3.4- 3.5
last 45 GPA: around 3.4
GRE: Verbal 53% and Math 43%, retaking June 19th goal is at least 65% on both

Vet Experience:
small animal at one hospital as a paid employee: 4540 hours, 1000 more than last time because I have kept working there, mostly dogs and cats, couple birds, couple rabbits

Shadowing at same hospital: 15 hours which I did before started working full time there

Shadowing at different small animal hospital: 22 hours once a week just to see how a different hospital runs based on how many doctors, saw a bearded lizard get nails trimmed,

Farm work on a working sheep farm: with Acadia sheep, miniature pony, and miniature donkey: 21 hours, clean out the stalls, feed them, vaccinated sheep, bathed brushed out and cleaned pony's hooves, shaved donkey, last application only had 2 hours here now have 19 more hours

Animal experience:
3 hours at MacArthury Dairy Farm: rectally palpated cows and probed a reproductive tract on a table

7 hours at therapeutic riding center: leading horse, brushing

2 hours at equine clinic: saw ultrasound of a leg

3 hours at Palm Beach zoo: learned what zoo medicine is like

3 hours at marine center: learned about rescuing injured dolphins

Employment
100 hours at school bookstore

70 hours at law office

300 hours petsitting dogs and cats

Extracurriculars
Pre vet club for 3 years: did ocean cleanups, dog washes, heart walks with them

Biology Club for one year when it was started, was Director of Recruitment: did ocean cleanups with them, bone marrow walk, built a green box

was blood donor

Evaluations
1 from microbio teacher and biology club advisor
1 from organic chem teacher
1 from animal physiology teacher
1 from DVM owner of sheep farm
1 from veterinarian at SA hospital i work at, same one from last year but letter was good
hoping to get 1 from veterinarian at hospital I am shadowing at

Essay:
was about how I was conflicted when my dad died and didn't know what I wanted to do, and I realized life is short and even if it is a long shot follow your dream and i saw a difference in my dogs when he died and also how it taught me to balance time because I worked, and did school work and visited him in the hospital, and how I know how to persevere because my grandmother died thanksgiving of my senior year and I missed her funeral because I had five finals but that was the semester that I got my two C's but then I retook the classes during the Summer and got A's and also that my animals are what saved me during that time because I was angry and confused as to why I lost my father at 19 but they got me through it

 

[farmerk]

second year applicant: now that I have gotten some more hours under my belt I just want to see how I'm doing

first application cycle: Florida resident
applied: Florida, Mississippi state, North Carolina State, auburn
rejected: everywhere
file review at Mississippi said academics good, need more diversity in experience, essay was too idealistic and not realistic enough with expectations, and one evaluation said I needed maybe another year before school/ file review at Florida said GRE scores need to be at least 60% and more diversity in experiences but essay good don't change it and letters were good

second application
definitely Florida and Mississippi, looking at Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Western, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri

Academics:
B.S. in Biology, minor in psychology
Overall GPA: 3.47 if you count all attempts at biochem and vert morph got C's first time retook got A's in both
Science GPA: between 3.4- 3.5
last 45 GPA: around 3.4
GRE: Verbal 53% and Math 43%, retaking June 19th goal is at least 65% on both

Vet Experience:
small animal at one hospital as a paid employee: 4540 hours, 1000 more than last time because I have kept working there, mostly dogs and cats, couple birds, couple rabbits

Shadowing at same hospital: 15 hours which I did before started working full time there

Shadowing at different small animal hospital: 22 hours once a week just to see how a different hospital runs based on how many doctors, saw a bearded lizard get nails trimmed,

Farm work on a working sheep farm: with Acadia sheep, miniature pony, and miniature donkey: 21 hours, clean out the stalls, feed them, vaccinated sheep, bathed brushed out and cleaned pony's hooves, shaved donkey, last application only had 2 hours here now have 19 more hours

Animal experience:
3 hours at MacArthury Dairy Farm: rectally palpated cows and probed a reproductive tract on a table

7 hours at therapeutic riding center: leading horse, brushing

2 hours at equine clinic: saw ultrasound of a leg

3 hours at Palm Beach zoo: learned what zoo medicine is like

3 hours at marine center: learned about rescuing injured dolphins

Employment
100 hours at school bookstore

70 hours at law office

300 hours petsitting dogs and cats

Extracurriculars
Pre vet club for 3 years: did ocean cleanups, dog washes, heart walks with them

Biology Club for one year when it was started, was Director of Recruitment: did ocean cleanups with them, bone marrow walk, built a green box

was blood donor

Evaluations
1 from microbio teacher and biology club advisor
1 from organic chem teacher
1 from animal physiology teacher
1 from DVM owner of sheep farm
1 from veterinarian at SA hospital i work at, same one from last year but letter was good
hoping to get 1 from veterinarian at hospital I am shadowing at

Essay:
was about how I was conflicted when my dad died and didn't know what I wanted to do, and I realized life is short and even if it is a long shot follow your dream and i saw a difference in my dogs when he died and also how it taught me to balance time because I worked, and did school work and visited him in the hospital, and how I know how to persevere because my grandmother died thanksgiving of my senior year and I missed her funeral because I had five finals but that was the semester that I got my two C's but then I retook the classes during the Summer and got A's and also that my animals are what saved me during that time because I was angry and confused as to why I lost my father at 19 but they got me through it

I'm in a similar situation as you, going on my 2nd application cycle as well. A few things that I have learned along the way...

first is be careful with the reference letters. More isn't always better. I have heard on numerous occasions that wisely choosing just 3 letters that will make the most impact is better than having quite a bundle that may/may not have the impact you want. So consider which ones would give the best representation of you, your experience, and above all, your potential. (Have them give examples!)

Second, I think you are right on track with your grades, we can all hope for higher (of course!), but its totally do-able, and with experiences to offset GPA's, the grades are perfectly acceptable (I'm only a 3.59 myself - so running into the same issues 😛) that being said, definitely retake the GRE, your goals are definitely do-able, get some study time in before taking it this next time and you should be all set to rock it.

Finally, Diversity is a BIG deal to a lot of different vet schools. While you do have quite the hefty amount of small animal hours under your belt, it wouldnt hurt to seek some diversity in the type of clinical animal experience you have. (yet again, im running into the same problem - mainly small animal/exotic + a tiny bit of research and not much LA/food animal experience)

p.s. be careful with this type of approach on the essay, while it is definitely relevant and it shouldn't be disregarded (I myself moved out of my house at 19 to pursue this dream w/o any help - and there is no way in hell that I'm not letting them know it =)! ), taking the emotional approach can be a risky road when it comes to the essays. Many vet schools want to understand not only something about you as a person, but also how your interests/goals developed within the context of your animal/clinical experiences. Also, talked recently with one of the admissions officers at a school I applied to and he said he hated the emotional approach on the personal statement. So overall, just be careful and don't let the story get in the way of your answering the questions the school desires answered.

Hope you find some of this helpful!
Good Luck!

 

[iheartdogs]

i did find an exotic vet that deals with birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets and other special species like rats, frogs, opossums, chickens etc....im going to call tomorrow and ask if i can shadow and hoping to get about 80 by september...and also the sheep that i work on counts as food animal and i have given them vaccinations and marked the ram for breeding and will learn how to pull blood and shave them

 

[wildcatj]

...and also the sheep that i work on counts as food animal and i have given them vaccinations and marked the ram for breeding and will learn how to pull blood and shave them

If this isn't under a veterinarian than it will be animal experience and not veterinary. Animal experience certainly counts for something, but you definitely need some more diversity in veterinary experience. Definitely look for the wildlife/zoo experience, equine is separate from other large animal, and you can also look to see if you can get any lab experience.

 

[iheartdogs]

the farm work is under a veterinarian...she breeds the sheep as well so i may get to help with a sheep birth because two of them are pregnant now

 

[Emiloo4]

second year applicant: now that I have gotten some more hours under my belt I just want to see how I'm doing

first application cycle: Florida resident
applied: Florida, Mississippi state, North Carolina State, auburn
rejected: everywhere
file review at Mississippi said academics good, need more diversity in experience, essay was too idealistic and not realistic enough with expectations, and one evaluation said I needed maybe another year before school/ file review at Florida said GRE scores need to be at least 60% and more diversity in experiences but essay good don't change it and letters were good

second application
definitely Florida and Mississippi, looking at Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Western, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri

Academics:
B.S. in Biology, minor in psychology
Overall GPA: 3.47 if you count all attempts at biochem and vert morph got C's first time retook got A's in both
Science GPA: between 3.4- 3.5
last 45 GPA: around 3.4
GRE: Verbal 53% and Math 43%, retaking June 19th goal is at least 65% on both

Vet Experience:
small animal at one hospital as a paid employee: 4540 hours, 1000 more than last time because I have kept working there, mostly dogs and cats, couple birds, couple rabbits

Shadowing at same hospital: 15 hours which I did before started working full time there

Shadowing at different small animal hospital: 22 hours once a week just to see how a different hospital runs based on how many doctors, saw a bearded lizard get nails trimmed,

Farm work on a working sheep farm: with Acadia sheep, miniature pony, and miniature donkey: 21 hours, clean out the stalls, feed them, vaccinated sheep, bathed brushed out and cleaned pony's hooves, shaved donkey, last application only had 2 hours here now have 19 more hours

Animal experience:
3 hours at MacArthury Dairy Farm: rectally palpated cows and probed a reproductive tract on a table

7 hours at therapeutic riding center: leading horse, brushing

2 hours at equine clinic: saw ultrasound of a leg

3 hours at Palm Beach zoo: learned what zoo medicine is like

3 hours at marine center: learned about rescuing injured dolphins

Employment
100 hours at school bookstore

70 hours at law office

300 hours petsitting dogs and cats

Extracurriculars
Pre vet club for 3 years: did ocean cleanups, dog washes, heart walks with them

Biology Club for one year when it was started, was Director of Recruitment: did ocean cleanups with them, bone marrow walk, built a green box

was blood donor

Evaluations
1 from microbio teacher and biology club advisor
1 from organic chem teacher
1 from animal physiology teacher
1 from DVM owner of sheep farm
1 from veterinarian at SA hospital i work at, same one from last year but letter was good
hoping to get 1 from veterinarian at hospital I am shadowing at

Essay:
was about how I was conflicted when my dad died and didn't know what I wanted to do, and I realized life is short and even if it is a long shot follow your dream and i saw a difference in my dogs when he died and also how it taught me to balance time because I worked, and did school work and visited him in the hospital, and how I know how to persevere because my grandmother died thanksgiving of my senior year and I missed her funeral because I had five finals but that was the semester that I got my two C's but then I retook the classes during the Summer and got A's and also that my animals are what saved me during that time because I was angry and confused as to why I lost my father at 19 but they got me through it

p.s. be careful with this type of approach on the essay, while it is definitely relevant and it shouldn't be disregarded (I myself moved out of my house at 19 to pursue this dream w/o any help - and there is no way in hell that I'm not letting them know it =)! ), taking the emotional approach can be a risky road when it comes to the essays. Many vet schools want to understand not only something about you as a person, but also how your interests/goals developed within the context of your animal/clinical experiences. Also, talked recently with one of the admissions officers at a school I applied to and he said he hated the emotional approach on the personal statement. So overall, just be careful and don't let the story get in the way of your answering the questions the school desires answered.

Hope you find some of this helpful!
Good Luck!

Iheartdogs....
To be completely honest, you need to be shooting for at least 70 if not 80 percentile range for your GRE. Florida weighs the GRE as HALF (25% for Verbal, 25% Quant) of the academic portion of your application, so you want to do really well (at least for FL). It may take some GRE prep, but I would definitely push higher.

I also want to second the emotional PS advice from farmerk. It doesn't always work the way you want it to unfortunately. That doesn't mean don't do it (go with your gut), just be careful how it's presented.

 

[kakurubird]

Animal experience:
3 hours at MacArthury Dairy Farm: rectally palpated cows and probed a reproductive tract on a table

7 hours at therapeutic riding center: leading horse, brushing

2 hours at equine clinic: saw ultrasound of a leg

3 hours at Palm Beach zoo: learned what zoo medicine is like

3 hours at marine center: learned about rescuing injured dolphins

This is what really jumps out at me. I know some people say list everything and I'm sure you have reasons, but I think it can be a bit off-putting when lots of your experiences are single digit hours. I just feel like there's only so many things you can get out of a 3-hr experience and it's not the same as even a few full days and, honestly, comes across as a bit flighty to me. Just how I see it, at least, can't say anything about how adcoms would take it.

 

[iheartdogs]

This is what really jumps out at me. I know some people say list everything and I'm sure you have reasons, but I think it can be a bit off-putting when lots of your experiences are single digit hours. I just feel like there's only so many things you can get out of a 3-hr experience and it's not the same as even a few full days and, honestly, comes across as a bit flighty to me. Just how I see it, at least, can't say anything about how adcoms would take it.

my file review with Florida and Mississippi didn't say anything about not putting it in and advice from current vet students and also from veterinarians that i work with is that u put everything in

 

[wildowl]

my file review with Florida and Mississippi didn't say anything about not putting it in and advice from current vet students and also from veterinarians that i work with is that u put everything in

I don't think kakurubird meant for you to not put those hours in, but to also supplement and get hours that are not in the single digits, as that would show commitment to learning more about that particular type of animal or field of vet medicine. I think adcoms might wonder what exactly you learned and if the several hours really gave you a quality experience compared to the applicants who shadowed for multiple days or spent several months at an internship. It may help to go back to those places and try to both increase your hours and learn more about that particular place and what they do.

 

[kakurubird]

I don't think kakurubird meant for you to not put those hours in, but to also supplement and get hours that are not in the single digits, as that would show commitment to learning more about that particular type of animal or field of vet medicine. I think adcoms might wonder what exactly you learned and if the several hours really gave you a quality experience compared to the applicants who shadowed for multiple days or spent several months at an internship. It may help to go back to those places and try to both increase your hours and learn more about that particular place and what they do.

Yep, exactly what I wanted to say with that. Thanks.

 

[pirateyoho]

I'm not going to apply for 2 more cycles (c/o 2019 hopeful here), but I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and start getting ideas of how to improve my app since I still have a year to implement the suggestions.

Academics:
Junior standing currently, with 72 credit hours.
GPA: 4.0
Science GPA: 4.0
GRE: Haven't taken it yet, will take it next summer most likely.
Recipient of various departmental scholarships and the university's highest merit scholarship.

Vet Experience
~800 hours SA private practice (I'm currently employed here, so the number should be higher by the time I actually apply).
~200 hours wildlife rehab working with licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
Will be getting ~250 hours of conservation medicine research under a zoo veterinarian this summer.
~5 hours LA (observing whenever the vet visited our family farm).

Animal Experience
~80 hours at an animal shelter (volunteered for 2 hours/week for about a year in high school).
~40 hours taking care of university research animals and resident reptiles.
Lived on a cattle farm for 4 years and was responsible for various aspects of their husbandry.

Extra-curricular/not vet related
Vice President of university's Biology Club
Competitive figure skating through high school



I'm planning to apply to Auburn (my IS), Ohio State (my first choice), NCSU, Missouri, and possibly UCDublin 🙂luck🙂.

What would you all suggest I focus on in the remaining year I have before applying? Right now I'm trying to think of a way to acquire some more LA experience. I'm also a little worried that my extra-curriculars don't make me look like I have a well-rounded life outside of animals/vet school prep (partially because I don't... 🙄).