What are my chances?

[AURunner]

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It may change but right now I am applying to Auburn (IS), Michigan State, Penn, VMRCVM, Tennessee, Ohio State, KSU, and RVC

 

[AuburnVet]

It may change but right now I am applying to Auburn (IS), Michigan State, Penn, VMRCVM, Tennessee, Ohio State, KSU, and RVC

What is your organic/physics average? Auburn uses that, cumulative, and GRE.

 

[AURunner]

What is your organic/physics average? Auburn uses that, cumulative, and GRE.

3.75 GPA in O chem and Physics combined. How much higher would I need to score on my GRE to have a chance at getting in?

 

[AuburnVet]

Feel good. Your combined gpa is great. Mine was about the same, but the average for accepted students is like a 3.15. I got in with a 316. If you raised it even 5-8 points you should be great. I got the impression that the interview was the most important part though. They'll love that you're a runner.

 

[Seadertree]

It may change but right now I am applying to Auburn (IS), Michigan State, Penn, VMRCVM, Tennessee, Ohio State, KSU, and RVC

I am attending Michigan State in the fall its a really great school if you have any questions you can PM me anytime .

 

[Brettz]

Hey guys, I welcome any advice and feedback you can think of

Applying to: Cornell (IS)

Male, 21
Biology major (neuroscience specialization), music minor at Stony Brook University

- Cum GPA: 3.70
- Last 3 semester GPAs: 3.96, 4.0, 4.0
- Not sure about my science GPA but probably like a 3.7
- GRE: 163 V, 164 Q

- Vet experience:
200 SA hours (I plan to have by the end of the summer) shadowing/volunteering with an internal medicine specialist
30 or 40 hours volunteering on a non-profit truck, "Helping PAW", with a vet spaying and neutering feral cats and companion dogs
25 hours in Costa Rica providing enrichment and care for rehab wildlife under vet's supervision (mountain lions, monkeys, toucans, sloths, etc.)

- Animal experience:
400 hours interning at a wildlife rehab (in charge of delegating tasks to volunteers and caring for animals)
100 additional hours volunteering in same rehab, teaching campers for like half of that
60 hours caring for reptiles at nature center
100 hours caring for raptors at same nature center (ongoing)
20 or so hours helping the nature center with fairs and presenting information, while holding an owl, at 2 festivals (public speaking?)

- Research:
135 hours analyzing sea turtle stomach contents under a PhD in collaboration with the Riverhead Foundation. My partner and I were the first ones on this project so we figured out all the procedures and I wrote the protocol for future students

- Letters
SA vet
Rehab director (intern supervisor)
Research supervisor (PhD)
Neurobiology professor whose class I was ranked #1 out of like 150
Microbiology professor
Supervisor at my job

- I work part time as a clerk in a library

Thank you so much for reading this! And I welcome any advice at all! I know I'm lacking vet experience but I figured I'd give it a shot at applying this year. Just give it to me straight. PM me if you'd like 🙂

 

[ryroo]

Hey everyone. Long time lurker on SDN and feeling stressed about this application cycle so I figured its about time I get some advice on here 🙂

22y, female, B.S. Animal Science
This will be my second time applying. First round I applied to CSU, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri and VMRCVM (IS). I was waitlisted by Oregon and rejected from the rest.

This time I'm thinking of applying to:
US schools: CSU, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, VMRCVM (IS)
International: Melbourne, Queensland, St. Georges, Sydney
I was looking into applying to KSU but I didn't take an oral communication class during undergrad...

GPA
Cumulative: 3.28
Science/prereq: 3.1-3.3 (depending on school)
Last 45: 3.60

GRE
V: 580; 158
Q: 680; 153
A: 3.0 🙁

Planning on re-taking the GRE this summer

Vet experience
Small animal:
3,500 hours head veterinary technician at a small animal clinic (mostly dogs/cats -- approx. 25-30 of those hours involve pocket pets)
1,000 hours veterinary technician at a small animal clinic (only dogs/cats)
8 hours shadowing an orthopedic surgeon
100 hours volunteer intern at a small animal clinic
Equine:
200 hours veterinary technician/assistant for equine ambulatory vet
Sheep:
15 hours (administered vaccines, trimmed hooves, assisted veterinarian with restraint)

Animal experience
250+ pet sitting (dogs/cats)
200+ taking care of boarding and/or hospitalized pets over the weekend
600+ hours working with a dog rescue group
My 2 and 1/2 year old dog has severe orthopedic issues and so far has had 5 unsuccessful surgeries on one leg in the span of 1 and 1/2 years. I've learned (and am still learning) *so* much due to my experience with her but decided against including it in my application the first time around (thought it was looked down upon to include pet ownership related hours). After doing file reviews, I was told that I should have included those hours under animal experience. Now I just have to try to quantify those hours somehow...

Research experience
On my first application I didn't put down anything for research experience. During my file review with VMRCVM, I was told I could include research related classes. I took two animal behavior classes in undergrad that both involved learning about research techniques and completing a research project... I'm still not sure if this qualifies as research experience so I'm thinking I should contact some schools to try to clarify that. Thoughts?

Activities/Other stuff
Piano for 15 years
Fluent in Spanish
Yoga
Running for charity
Attended 7 CE courses with one of the veterinarians I work with
Played field hockey and lacrosse in HS


I know my GPA and GRE need improvement -- I'm really hoping that I'll get a better score on the GRE my second time around. I tried to narrow my list of potential schools down by eliminating certain schools that weigh GPA heavily. Any recommendations for particular schools to apply/not apply to? Any general advice?

I really appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

 

[felinelvr44]

Hey guys, I welcome any advice and feedback you can think of

Applying to: Cornell (IS)

Male, 21
Biology major (neuroscience specialization), music minor at Stony Brook University

- Cum GPA: 3.70
- Last 3 semester GPAs: 3.96, 4.0, 4.0
- Not sure about my science GPA but probably like a 3.7
- GRE: 163 V, 164 Q

- Vet experience:
200 SA hours (I plan to have by the end of the summer) shadowing/volunteering with an internal medicine specialist
30 or 40 hours volunteering on a non-profit truck, "Helping PAW", with a vet spaying and neutering feral cats and companion dogs
25 hours in Costa Rica providing enrichment and care for rehab wildlife under vet's supervision (mountain lions, monkeys, toucans, sloths, etc.)

- Animal experience:
400 hours interning at a wildlife rehab (in charge of delegating tasks to volunteers and caring for animals)
100 additional hours volunteering in same rehab, teaching campers for like half of that
60 hours caring for reptiles at nature center
100 hours caring for raptors at same nature center (ongoing)
20 or so hours helping the nature center with fairs and presenting information, while holding an owl, at 2 festivals (public speaking?)

- Research:
135 hours analyzing sea turtle stomach contents under a PhD in collaboration with the Riverhead Foundation. My partner and I were the first ones on this project so we figured out all the procedures and I wrote the protocol for future students

- Letters
SA vet
Rehab director (intern supervisor)
Research supervisor (PhD)
Neurobiology professor whose class I was ranked #1 out of like 150
Microbiology professor
Supervisor at my job

- I work part time as a clerk in a library

Thank you so much for reading this! And I welcome any advice at all! I know I'm lacking vet experience but I figured I'd give it a shot at applying this year. Just give it to me straight. PM me if you'd like 🙂

GPA and GRE look great. You have a lot of really neat experience but I think it would be beneficial to your application if you could get some large animal or equine experience this summer before you submit your application. Even just shadowing for a few days - It doesn't have to be a ton of hours but they like to see that you've made an effort to include LA/equine 🙂

 

[Easnadh]

GPA and GRE look great. You have a lot of really neat experience but I think it would be beneficial to your application if you could get some large animal or equine experience this summer before you submit your application. Even just shadowing for a few days - It doesn't have to be a ton of hours but they like to see that you've made an effort to include LA/equine 🙂

And, for your GRE since you seem sad about the AW score, I do know that CSU doesn't even ask for it. Also, your diversity and depth of experience should really help

 

[Crystalight33]

Hey everyone. Long time lurker on SDN and feeling stressed about this application cycle so I figured its about time I get some advice on here 🙂

22y, female, B.S. Animal Science
This will be my second time applying. First round I applied to CSU, Ohio, Oregon, Missouri and VMRCVM (IS). I was waitlisted by Oregon and rejected from the rest.

This time I'm thinking of applying to:
US schools: CSU, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, VMRCVM (IS)
International: Melbourne, Queensland, St. Georges, Sydney
I was looking into applying to KSU but I didn't take an oral communication class during undergrad...

GPA
Cumulative: 3.28
Science/prereq: 3.1-3.3 (depending on school)
Last 45: 3.60

GRE
V: 580; 158
Q: 680; 153
A: 3.0 🙁

Planning on re-taking the GRE this summer

Vet experience
Small animal:
3,500 hours head veterinary technician at a small animal clinic (mostly dogs/cats -- approx. 25-30 of those hours involve pocket pets)
1,000 hours veterinary technician at a small animal clinic (only dogs/cats)
8 hours shadowing an orthopedic surgeon
100 hours volunteer intern at a small animal clinic
Equine:
200 hours veterinary technician/assistant for equine ambulatory vet
Sheep:
15 hours (administered vaccines, trimmed hooves, assisted veterinarian with restraint)

Animal experience
250+ pet sitting (dogs/cats)
200+ taking care of boarding and/or hospitalized pets over the weekend
600+ hours working with a dog rescue group
My 2 and 1/2 year old dog has severe orthopedic issues and so far has had 5 unsuccessful surgeries on one leg in the span of 1 and 1/2 years. I've learned (and am still learning) *so* much due to my experience with her but decided against including it in my application the first time around (thought it was looked down upon to include pet ownership related hours). After doing file reviews, I was told that I should have included those hours under animal experience. Now I just have to try to quantify those hours somehow...

Research experience
On my first application I didn't put down anything for research experience. During my file review with VMRCVM, I was told I could include research related classes. I took two animal behavior classes in undergrad that both involved learning about research techniques and completing a research project... I'm still not sure if this qualifies as research experience so I'm thinking I should contact some schools to try to clarify that. Thoughts?

Activities/Other stuff
Piano for 15 years
Fluent in Spanish
Yoga
Running for charity
Attended 7 CE courses with one of the veterinarians I work with
Played field hockey and lacrosse in HS


I know my GPA and GRE need improvement -- I'm really hoping that I'll get a better score on the GRE my second time around. I tried to narrow my list of potential schools down by eliminating certain schools that weigh GPA heavily. Any recommendations for particular schools to apply/not apply to? Any general advice?

I really appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

Georgia is very very difficult to get into as an OOS student, they usually accept less than 5 students from OOS. Florida weighs the GRE very heavily, so if you rock it when you take it again that will really help. If you can get scores in the 80th percentile, it would make you very competitive. Your last 45 looks pretty good and I know there is at least one school that weighs last 45 pretty heavy, but I can't think of what school. MN maybe?

 

[ryroo]

The biggest thing bringing my GPA down is my first semester sophomore year. I had a horrible semester and did very poorly. I transferred to another university after that semester and definitely improved afterwards (3.4-3.7 each semester) so I'm hoping they take that into account. In my first application I didn't put anything in my explanation statement about that one semester because I felt my reasons didnt justify my grades (really didnt like the school I was at, issues with family). I was thinking this time around I should maybe include that in my explanation and say that since then I've been through things that were even more stressful but was still able to do well in school. That way I'm not making excuses for myself but I'm showing my development as a student and my ability to deal with stress. Thoughts?

I agree that it's probably a smart idea for me to cut Georgia off my list. The main reason I had it on my list is because the equine vet I work with went there and loved it-- but I know I don't have the grades to be one of those 5 OOS that get in

 

[nab10e]

20, Male, Florida resident

Biological Science and Chemical Science double major

Cum GPA: 3.812
Last 45 hours: 3.805
Science GPA: 3.853

Applying to: UF (IS), UGA, Auburn, LSU, NCSU

GRE: Taking later this month
Got ~ 160 Q, 150 V on several practice tests

Vet Experience
~ 1000 hours as Vet Assistant at SA clinic
136 hours as vet tech volunteer at shelter

Animal Experience
100 hours at museum with exotics/large animals
100 hours at shelter as volunteer
20 hours at various rabies vaccination clinics
25 hours humane society (dog washes, etc)
7 hours at Operation Catnip at UF

Research
While nothing was published, I worked in a inorganic lab working with optical polymers; it was awesome, but since no papers were published while I researched there, do I just leave it out?

Awards
Deans List every semester
Nat'l Society Collegiate Scholars
Honors Program at university
IB Diploma
AP Scholar
Summa cum Laude HS

Extracurriculars
Pre-Vet Club
Alpha Chi Sigma (Chem. fraternity)
Habitat for Humanity
Various IM sports

Letters of Rec
2 vets from SA clinic
vet at shelter
professor of 3 of my chemistry courses
old boss at educational services place

Well, there it all is. It feels so empty just typing it all into this little space, but please give me any feedback anyone has! I know my large animal experience it pretty weak, but that was why I began my internship at the museum this summer and plan to continue going back through fall and spring. Also, UGA is a bit of a stretch, but I for a little extra money I'd rather at least try since it's my top OOS. If you have any questions, let me know, but other than that...what are my chances? D:

 

[teaparty]

Nab, you're stats are great. Just reconsider applying to UGA. They only take two OOS I think

 

[Kpowell14]

Nab, you're stats are great. Just reconsider applying to UGA. They only take two OOS I think

They accepted 7 for the 2015 class, but only 1 for the 2014 class.. The stats for 2016 aren't up, but I know for sure they accepted at least 1 because my friend from undergrad was accepted as an OOSer... I'd rather spend the money applying to a different school that accepts more OOSers... The odds are not good, even with stellar grades/ GRE.... But then again- they gotta accept someone!

 

[pomeranian]

Hey guys,
This is reallllyyy hypothetical, but assuming that I get a pretty good GRE score and at least 1000 hours of animal/vet experience (SA, LA, exotic, and research) with good LORs/personal statement, would that be suffice to pool me as a competitive applicant for US vet schools (i'm a CA resident so Davis/Western would be ideal) even though I have a 3.55 cum GPA/3.3-3.4 sGPA (depending on how you calculate it) from UCLA undergrad as a psychobiology major? I haven't started my last 45 units yet either (I'm graduating spring 2014). I'm just primarily concerned with my GPA right now because I know it's not super strong (I got several Bs and 1 C+ in ochem). I was wondering if it would be necessary for me to do something like a master's or post-bacc to bring my GPA, esp sGPA, up even if I do well in everything else (basically, does my GPA suck enough that I would have to go that route?). This is really hypothetical right now because I haven't taken the GRE yet (but I tend to do well on standardized tests) and am still in the process of attaining animal/vet hours with SA, research and exotic (no LA yet) - but the # of hours do not really concern me yet because I'm probably not going to apply for vet schools until another 1-2 years, so I haven't really calculated hours yet.
(Also, if I do well this upcoming school year (I'm also taking class in the summer), I could probably raise my sGPA to at least a 3.4 and cumGPA to 3.6)
Thanks!

 

[wildcatj]

Hey guys,
This is reallllyyy hypothetical, but assuming that I get a pretty good GRE score and at least 1000 hours of animal/vet experience (SA, LA, exotic, and research) with good LORs/personal statement, would that be suffice to pool me as a competitive applicant for US vet schools (i'm a CA resident so Davis/Western would be ideal) even though I have a 3.55 cum GPA/3.3-3.4 sGPA (depending on how you calculate it) from UCLA undergrad as a psychobiology major? I haven't started my last 45 units yet either (I'm graduating spring 2014). I'm just primarily concerned with my GPA right now because I know it's not super strong (I got several Bs and 1 C+ in ochem). I was wondering if it would be necessary for me to do something like a master's or post-bacc to bring my GPA, esp sGPA, up even if I do well in everything else (basically, does my GPA suck enough that I would have to go that route?). This is really hypothetical right now because I haven't taken the GRE yet (but I tend to do well on standardized tests) and am still in the process of attaining animal/vet hours with SA, research and exotic (no LA yet) - but the # of hours do not really concern me yet because I'm probably not going to apply for vet schools until another 1-2 years, so I haven't really calculated hours yet.
(Also, if I do well this upcoming school year (I'm also taking class in the summer), I could probably raise my sGPA to at least a 3.4 and cumGPA to 3.6)
Thanks!

A 3.55 is still very reasonably competitive. Make sure your last 45 continue to be positive and do well on your last few sciences and you should be good to go!

 

[Falina]

Hey guys,
This is reallllyyy hypothetical, but assuming that I get a pretty good GRE score and at least 1000 hours of animal/vet experience (SA, LA, exotic, and research) with good LORs/personal statement, would that be suffice to pool me as a competitive applicant for US vet schools (i'm a CA resident so Davis/Western would be ideal) even though I have a 3.55 cum GPA/3.3-3.4 sGPA (depending on how you calculate it) from UCLA undergrad as a psychobiology major? I haven't started my last 45 units yet either (I'm graduating spring 2014). I'm just primarily concerned with my GPA right now because I know it's not super strong (I got several Bs and 1 C+ in ochem). I was wondering if it would be necessary for me to do something like a master's or post-bacc to bring my GPA, esp sGPA, up even if I do well in everything else (basically, does my GPA suck enough that I would have to go that route?). This is really hypothetical right now because I haven't taken the GRE yet (but I tend to do well on standardized tests) and am still in the process of attaining animal/vet hours with SA, research and exotic (no LA yet) - but the # of hours do not really concern me yet because I'm probably not going to apply for vet schools until another 1-2 years, so I haven't really calculated hours yet.
(Also, if I do well this upcoming school year (I'm also taking class in the summer), I could probably raise my sGPA to at least a 3.4 and cumGPA to 3.6)
Thanks!

I was accepted to Davis and had an interview request from Western this year. My overall GPA was 3.51, and my science GPA was a little below that. And, like yourself, I'm a cali resident. I'd say that you will be competitive 🙂

 

[pomeranian]

Wildcatj and Fatina, thanks for the feedback!
Fatina: Congrats! Jw, what were the rest of your stats like? Did you get into Davis for this most recent round of admissions? I got worried about the new Davis admissions process because the average admitted student's cumGPA and sGPA were a lot higher than previous years.

 

[485501]

Wildcatj and Fatina, thanks for the feedback!
Fatina: Congrats! Jw, what were the rest of your stats like? Did you get into Davis for this most recent round of admissions? I got worried about the new Davis admissions process because the average admitted student's cumGPA and sGPA were a lot higher than previous years.

Check out the Successful Applicants Stats thread for this year and do a "search in thread" for "Davis" and "Western." Then you can look at the complete stats for people who got in, got waitlisted, and got rejected.

 

[Falina]

Wildcatj and Fatina, thanks for the feedback!
Fatina: Congrats! Jw, what were the rest of your stats like? Did you get into Davis for this most recent round of admissions? I got worried about the new Davis admissions process because the average admitted student's cumGPA and sGPA were a lot higher than previous years.

My GREs were just so-so, I can't remember the exact numbers. 60th percentile range, my writing was 4.0. This was my first application cycle. My undergrad was in animal science at Fresno state.
I believe what helped me stand out was my experience. I had about 5000 hours working as a vet assistant, and I've been involved with showing and breeding livestock for over a decade.
I also had some very strong eLORs.

The recommendation for basically anybody going to any school is to strengthen your application as much as you can, where you can. So if your gpa isnt going to be super high, study very hard for your gre and get lots of experience to counteract it. That being said, you still have lots of school to go if you aren't working on your last 45 yet (which is what Davis looks at the most, if I'm not mistaken. My last 45 gpa was about 3.7). If you do well in your classes I don't see why you won't be offered an interview 🙂

 

[that redhead]

Research
While nothing was published, I worked in a inorganic lab working with optical polymers; it was awesome, but since no papers were published while I researched there, do I just leave it out?

Absolutely include your research experience - just because nothing was published didn't mean you didn't learn anything 🙂

 

[that redhead]

The biggest thing bringing my GPA down is my first semester sophomore year. I had a horrible semester and did very poorly. I transferred to another university after that semester and definitely improved afterwards (3.4-3.7 each semester) so I'm hoping they take that into account. In my first application I didn't put anything in my explanation statement about that one semester because I felt my reasons didnt justify my grades (really didnt like the school I was at, issues with family). I was thinking this time around I should maybe include that in my explanation and say that since then I've been through things that were even more stressful but was still able to do well in school. That way I'm not making excuses for myself but I'm showing my development as a student and my ability to deal with stress. Thoughts?

I agree that it's probably a smart idea for me to cut Georgia off my list. The main reason I had it on my list is because the equine vet I work with went there and loved it-- but I know I don't have the grades to be one of those 5 OOS that get in

I'd definitely cut Georgia out, especially with your GPA. As for your bad semester - write about it in your explanation statement. As long as you're careful not to shift the blame to someone else and take responsibility, plus prove you can handle the adversity, I think it would benefit you.

 

[Museum Nerd]

20, Male, Florida resident


Vet Experience
~ 1000 hours as Vet Assistant at SA clinic
136 hours as vet tech volunteer at shelter

Animal Experience
100 hours at museum with exotics/large animals
100 hours at shelter as volunteer
20 hours at various rabies vaccination clinics
25 hours humane society (dog washes, etc)
7 hours at Operation Catnip at UF

Research
While nothing was published, I worked in a inorganic lab working with optical polymers; it was awesome, but since no papers were published while I researched there, do I just leave it out?

Include the research-especially for NCSU...they like to see three or more categories of experience and since you only really have SA that will help.

 

[lso5013]

Hey all,

I'm not too big with online forums, but I figured this one would be pretty helpful. It's good to get a sense of where people are at and to get feedback from those already enrolled.

I'm applying to 8 schools: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa State, NC State, Glasgow (UK), and Tennessee

I'm a Tennessee resident, but would much rather go OOS (I'm at Penn State for undergrad - graduating this December)

Here's my some of stats I guess:
Gender - Male
Age - 22
Major - Animal Science
Minor - Spanish (had the chance to study abroad in Mexico - it was awesome)
Cumulative GPA - 3.80
GPA from this past year's classes - 3.73
Pre-Req GPA - 3.64 (roughly - I used Wisconsin's system to calculate it)

I feel I have lots of veterinary, animal, and research experience (with animals). Just a matter of adding up all I've done...I've had pretty heavy involvement in community volunteering, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities (somewhat) pretty much my whole life.

I had my personal statement revised A LOT, but I think it's finally where I want it to be. I'll have 4 LORs (two from professors who have DVMs, one from a professor / research vet, and one from a vet I've researched with this summer).

I think the main thing I'm concerned about is the GRE. Not a fan of standardized tests AT ALL...but I'm aiming for mid to high (preferably high) 150s range? I'll be taking it in little over a month...

Any feedback would be appreciated. All the best to fellow c/o 2018 applicants!

 

[Crystalight33]

Hey all,

I'm not too big with online forums, but I figured this one would be pretty helpful. It's good to get a sense of where people are at and to get feedback from those already enrolled.

I'm applying to 8 schools: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa State, NC State, Glasgow (UK), and Tennessee

I'm a Tennessee resident, but would much rather go OOS (I'm at Penn State for undergrad - graduating this December)

Here's my some of stats I guess:
Gender - Male
Age - 22
Major - Animal Science
Minor - Spanish (had the chance to study abroad in Mexico - it was awesome)
Cumulative GPA - 3.80
GPA from this past year's classes - 3.73
Pre-Req GPA - 3.64 (roughly - I used Wisconsin's system to calculate it)

I feel I have lots of veterinary, animal, and research experience (with animals). Just a matter of adding up all I've done...I've had pretty heavy involvement in community volunteering, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities (somewhat) pretty much my whole life.

I had my personal statement revised A LOT, but I think it's finally where I want it to be. I'll have 4 LORs (two from professors who have DVMs, one from a professor / research vet, and one from a vet I've researched with this summer).

I think the main thing I'm concerned about is the GRE. Not a fan of standardized tests AT ALL...but I'm aiming for mid to high (preferably high) 150s range? I'll be taking it in little over a month...

Any feedback would be appreciated. All the best to fellow c/o 2018 applicants!

I will be attending Tennessee in August and it seems like your current stats will likely get you an interview there. TN does weigh the physical science (chem, math, physics) GPA twice as high as cum GPA and bio+ag classes GPA, so be aware of that. TN doesn't weigh the GRE very heavy, so scores in the 150s should be fine. I had a 151 quant and 159 verbal and was accepted.

I wasn't 100% sold on TN before I interviewed there, but like you, it's my IS. I ended up really loving the school (especially the brand new large animal hospital) and the area and I'm really excited to start next month. But that's just me lol. Good luck on your GRE and with your app!

 

[lso5013]

I will be attending Tennessee in August and it seems like your current stats will likely get you an interview there. TN does weigh the physical science (chem, math, physics) GPA twice as high as cum GPA and bio+ag classes GPA, so be aware of that. TN doesn't weigh the GRE very heavy, so scores in the 150s should be fine. I had a 151 quant and 159 verbal and was accepted.

I wasn't 100% sold on TN before I interviewed there, but like you, it's my IS. I ended up really loving the school (especially the brand new large animal hospital) and the area and I'm really excited to start next month. But that's just me lol. Good luck on your GRE and with your app!

Thank you very much! The feedback really helps 🙂

 

[nickyfdoc]

Hey there! I just joined this forum today! I am applying to Midwestern University next year for the 2015 year. Here are my stats so far... Not sure if they are super weak or what...

23 (gonna be 24 in a month). Arizona Resident.
Attending Community College, but starting ASU next fall
Will be applying to MWU with ONLY Pre-Reqs, which for them is the following

Prerequisite Course Sem Hrs Qtr Hrs
Biology 8 12
General Chemistry with lab 8 12
Organic Chemistry with lab 8 12
Mathematics* 6 9
Physics w/lab 4 6
English Composition 6 9
Science Electives** 8 12
*Mathematics courses should be College Algebra or higher
**Science electives include biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, microbiology, genetics, animal nutrition, etc. Student applications may be strengthened by inclusion of a biochemistry course.
Minimum of 64 total semester hours/96 quarter hours



My Cum GPA Is 4.0. My motto is 4.0OrBust. & I truly hope to continue my streak considering I was a less than stellar high school student. I've worked my butt off in college.

However, I did have to withdraw one semester because I ended up homeless (I battled homelessness for 3 years) and truly could not get to school since I had no money and nowhere to go. Not sure if that will look bad? I went back the next semester and ended up with A's in all those classes and that is no longer a situation I will be in again.

My major direction... I keep flip flopping whether I want to do a BS in Biochemistry or BS in Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology/Behavior), MWU likes to see a biochem history and I prefer Chemistry over biology. If I don't get into MWU I'll make a decision I guess lol.

Veterinary Experience - Currently I think I'm at 1,000 hours.... next year it will be double that.

Animal Experience - Not sure if it counts, but I was the secretary of my FFA chapter, did 4H, was in a horse & cow judging team, worked at a ranch for 2 years and I did everything from help deliver calves & foals to baling hay, sorting cows etc, , was a self-employed horse trainer for 1 year, high school rodeo etc.

Volunteer Experience - Starting volunteer work at my local humane society next month. I am only able to do maybe 1 full day a week.

GRE - I'll be taking in a few months. Probably in May or June, though my goal is to do it in the winter since I only have 2 classes this fall semester. Usually I take on 4, but I need to get these 2 classes out of the way so I can do more, so figured I could make my '3rd class' GRE prep.

Extra Curriculars
Phi Theta Kappa
Pre-Med Club (we don't have a pre-vet)
when I go to ASU I will do Pre-Vet

Awards
Presidents Honors List, I dont know why I havent gotten it since the initial time I did, you're supposed to every 4.0 semester... I only got it once.

Other activities
Gym... I live there.
Rodeo
Used to play in a local rock band (even did lame tours in the southwest lol)
Hiking
Flute for 12 years
Piano for 4

Letters of Rec
Any teacher I have had will give me a letter of rec. I'm close to all my teachers and keep in contact with them.
My 2 vets I work with.

What are your guys' opinions?

 

[Crystalight33]

Hey there! I just joined this forum today! I am applying to Midwestern University next year for the 2015 year. Here are my stats so far... Not sure if they are super weak or what...

23 (gonna be 24 in a month). Arizona Resident.
Attending Community College, but starting ASU next fall
Will be applying to MWU with ONLY Pre-Reqs, which for them is the following

Prerequisite Course Sem Hrs Qtr Hrs
Biology 8 12
General Chemistry with lab 8 12
Organic Chemistry with lab 8 12
Mathematics* 6 9
Physics w/lab 4 6
English Composition 6 9
Science Electives** 8 12
*Mathematics courses should be College Algebra or higher
**Science electives include biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, microbiology, genetics, animal nutrition, etc. Student applications may be strengthened by inclusion of a biochemistry course.
Minimum of 64 total semester hours/96 quarter hours



My Cum GPA Is 4.0. My motto is 4.0OrBust. & I truly hope to continue my streak considering I was a less than stellar high school student. I've worked my butt off in college.

However, I did have to withdraw one semester because I ended up homeless (I battled homelessness for 3 years) and truly could not get to school since I had no money and nowhere to go. Not sure if that will look bad? I went back the next semester and ended up with A's in all those classes and that is no longer a situation I will be in again.

My major direction... I keep flip flopping whether I want to do a BS in Biochemistry or BS in Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology/Behavior), MWU likes to see a biochem history and I prefer Chemistry over biology. If I don't get into MWU I'll make a decision I guess lol.

Veterinary Experience - Currently I think I'm at 1,000 hours.... next year it will be double that.

Animal Experience - Not sure if it counts, but I was the secretary of my FFA chapter, did 4H, was in a horse & cow judging team, worked at a ranch for 2 years and I did everything from help deliver calves & foals to baling hay, sorting cows etc, , was a self-employed horse trainer for 1 year, high school rodeo etc.

Volunteer Experience - Starting volunteer work at my local humane society next month. I am only able to do maybe 1 full day a week.

GRE - I'll be taking in a few months. Probably in May or June, though my goal is to do it in the winter since I only have 2 classes this fall semester. Usually I take on 4, but I need to get these 2 classes out of the way so I can do more, so figured I could make my '3rd class' GRE prep.

Extra Curriculars
Phi Theta Kappa
Pre-Med Club (we don't have a pre-vet)
when I go to ASU I will do Pre-Vet

Awards
Presidents Honors List, I dont know why I havent gotten it since the initial time I did, you're supposed to every 4.0 semester... I only got it once.

Other activities
Gym... I live there.
Rodeo
Used to play in a local rock band (even did lame tours in the southwest lol)
Hiking
Flute for 12 years
Piano for 4

Letters of Rec
Any teacher I have had will give me a letter of rec. I'm close to all my teachers and keep in contact with them.
My 2 vets I work with.

What are your guys' opinions?

Well, Midwestern doesn't have any students yet and won't until next year because they've only just gotten a "letter of reasonable assurance" towards accreditation, so as far as your specific chances at Midwestern, no one on here will know.

That being said, if you can keep your 4.0, you will be a very competitive applicant at many schools. Do you HAVE to stay in AZ? It looks like Midwestern tuition is going to be $53,000 for both residents and non residents. There are some much cheaper options at a few schools that will allow you to become a resident after your first year (North Carolina, Missouri, and Ohio come to mind). You would only pay out of state tuition for the first year, then in state for the next three, and out of state tuition at those schools is about the same (if not cheaper) than tuition at Midwestern.

It sounds like you've had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it's made you a much stronger and determined person 🙂. Good luck with everything!

 

[nickyfdoc]

Well, Midwestern doesn't have any students yet and won't until next year because they've only just gotten a "letter of reasonable assurance" towards accreditation, so as far as your specific chances at Midwestern, no one on here will know.

That being said, if you can keep your 4.0, you will be a very competitive applicant at many schools. Do you HAVE to stay in AZ? It looks like Midwestern tuition is going to be $53,000 for both residents and non residents. There are some much cheaper options at a few schools that will allow you to become a resident after your first year (North Carolina, Missouri, and Ohio come to mind). You would only pay out of state tuition for the first year, then in state for the next three, and out of state tuition at those schools is about the same (if not cheaper) than tuition at Midwestern.

It sounds like you've had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it's made you a much stronger and determined person 🙂. Good luck with everything!

Thanks, and Midwestern is my ideal location. Im an AZ native, and my boyfriend graduates there next year with his DO. So I mean it really depends on his residency, which he will know where he is in May, but he's rooting for PCH in Phoenix for a peds residency, I think he will get it since his GPA is a 3.97 in med school. But if he stays in AZ I definitely don't want to leave. I think it's also a case of, I'm afraid to fly away from home. I'd be really uncomfortable leaving the state with no family or friends. I'm willing to shell out more money to stay where I'm comfortable lol.

However, if he does end up out of state it will be Oregon or California, both schools I'd probably apply too.
I'd also be okay with applying at Auburn cause I have a sister who lives in Alabama.

 

[bbeventer]

Hey there! I just joined this forum today! I am applying to Midwestern University next year for the 2015 year. Here are my stats so far... Not sure if they are super weak or what...

23 (gonna be 24 in a month). Arizona Resident.
Attending Community College, but starting ASU next fall
Will be applying to MWU with ONLY Pre-Reqs, which for them is the following


My Cum GPA Is 4.0. My motto is 4.0OrBust. & I truly hope to continue my streak considering I was a less than stellar high school student. I've worked my butt off in college.

However, I did have to withdraw one semester because I ended up homeless (I battled homelessness for 3 years) and truly could not get to school since I had no money and nowhere to go. Not sure if that will look bad? I went back the next semester and ended up with A's in all those classes and that is no longer a situation I will be in again.

My major direction... I keep flip flopping whether I want to do a BS in Biochemistry or BS in Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology/Behavior), MWU likes to see a biochem history and I prefer Chemistry over biology. If I don't get into MWU I'll make a decision I guess lol.

Veterinary Experience - Currently I think I'm at 1,000 hours.... next year it will be double that.

Animal Experience - Not sure if it counts, but I was the secretary of my FFA chapter, did 4H, was in a horse & cow judging team, worked at a ranch for 2 years and I did everything from help deliver calves & foals to baling hay, sorting cows etc, , was a self-employed horse trainer for 1 year, high school rodeo etc.

Volunteer Experience - Starting volunteer work at my local humane society next month. I am only able to do maybe 1 full day a week.

GRE - I'll be taking in a few months. Probably in May or June, though my goal is to do it in the winter since I only have 2 classes this fall semester. Usually I take on 4, but I need to get these 2 classes out of the way so I can do more, so figured I could make my '3rd class' GRE prep.

Extra Curriculars
Phi Theta Kappa
Pre-Med Club (we don't have a pre-vet)
when I go to ASU I will do Pre-Vet

Awards
Presidents Honors List, I dont know why I havent gotten it since the initial time I did, you're supposed to every 4.0 semester... I only got it once.

Other activities
Gym... I live there.
Rodeo
Used to play in a local rock band (even did lame tours in the southwest lol)
Hiking
Flute for 12 years
Piano for 4

Letters of Rec
Any teacher I have had will give me a letter of rec. I'm close to all my teachers and keep in contact with them.
My 2 vets I work with.

What are your guys' opinions?

Well first off, if your only completing pre-reqs you won't be getting a BS before entering vet school. I can't really tell where you are in you application because you say your at a CC currently with a 4.0 (which is great), but then you are planning on transferring to ASU (to finish pre-reqs?), I guess I am just confused with what year you are in school, how many pre-reqs you have taken, and if you are even ready to apply.

 

[nickyfdoc]

Well first off, if your only completing pre-reqs you won't be getting a BS before entering vet school. I can't really tell where you are in you application because you say your at a CC currently with a 4.0 (which is great), but then you are planning on transferring to ASU (to finish pre-reqs?), I guess I am just confused with what year you are in school, how many pre-reqs you have taken, and if you are even ready to apply.

I have about 54 credits right now, I need 64. The classes I am taking at ASU are Cell Biology and Microbiology, basically the upper science electives that CC doesn't offer and I'll take more classes as if I was getting my bachelors in case I don't get into vet school my first try...

 

[A2K09]

22 Male, from Connecticut.

Cum GPA : 3.2
Science GPA : 3.44
Last 45: 3.413

GRE (Just took today, so these are the unofficial scores, no analytic)
V: 157 / 560 / 73%
Q: 155 / 700 or 710 / 64%

Veterinary Experience (all of it is purely volunteer experience, no paid)

~850 hours small animal, exotic, wildlife
-The vet who does exotics there does not accept new reptile and avian clients so I see mostly small exotic mammals and any wildlife that gets admitted to the hospital
-The big thing with the hours at this particular hospital is that I spend quite a bit of time with an ABVP specialist who is known for ultrasound studies. By now I'm really adept at reading both cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds and have actually helped current vet students understand what they're looking at 😛. I've also gotten a lot of surgical experience in here, and I've scrubbed up for and participated in a lot of neuters and spays. I mostly clamp down on tissue with forceps or make a cut with scissors here and there, but I have tied knots with instruments and sutured incisions closed. Sometimes I get to use the electrocautery as well. I know a couple of different suture patterns. I've seen a whole mess of cool surgeries including cystotomies, enucleations, c-sections, and abdominal exploratories (as well as the usual neuters, spays, growth removals). Oh and I have a lot of dental surgery/ x-ray exposure as well. I've cut crowns off molars 😀.

~250 hours small animal, exotic, wildlife (including rehabilitation)
-The hook with these guys is I've followed another ABVP specialist who is known for avian medicine. I see a lot of reptiles, a lot of birds, and a lot of wildlife here. I've seen them do surgeries on some cool animals like geese and wild turtles as well as rehabilitate several really big raptors. Most of what I know about all different kinds of exotics comes from these guys.

Animal Experience
~60 hours farm animal

Letters of Rec
-At least 1 of the ABVP vets I follow (already confirmed the ultrasound guy)
-2 vets I have the surgical experience in
-1 vet who taught my Anatomy and Physiology + Exotic Animal Management classes at my undergrad

All of my recs will be REALLY solid because I have great relationships with the vets I volunteer with.

Awards
-Sigma Chi Charter Risk Manager Award and Scholarship (my fraternity)
-Deans list for the past two and a half years

Extra curric and other activities:
-HS varsity hockey and tennis
-snowboarding
-sigma chi fraternity
-volunteering at Gloria Gemma flames of hope
-was selected to teach a required freshman college life class. I'm sure there are a lot of other schools who have intro freshman classes like this. I was a mentor for about 40 chem students and taught along side a professor for an entire semester.


Here's the thing. My freshman year/ first semester soph I made bad grades. I was a computer science major and I didn't understand the material. I had a 2.4 going into my second semester sophomore year when I changed majors to Animal Science and began trying to become a vet. Since then I've spent almost 5 days a week every summer and winter break getting vet experience, so I've had basically no time to get general animal experience.

I've tried hard and made progress as you can see from my current cum GPA, science GPA, and last 45 - but my GPA / GRE scores combined with little animal experience really worry me. Plus with studying so much to try to get my grades up I haven't had a lot of time to do any extracurriculars the past couple years.

My list of schools is : Ohio, Purdue, UPenn, Colorado, Ross, and was thinking about Cornell until I got my relatively unsatisfying GRE of 1260/1270. I had scored a 1350 and 1340 on the two ETS practice tests from powerprep II.

I've tried as hard as I could in school and done what I can experience wise, but I'm feeling like it's not enough. What do you guys think?

 

[A2K09]

repost 😀

 

[lso5013]

Hey all,

I posted on this thread a little bit ago, but I'm applying to eight schools:

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio State (former resident of Ohio), Iowa State, NC State, Glasgow (UK), and Tennessee (my in-state school, but would prefer to be out of state)

Anyone else applying to one or more of these schools this year? Any feedback from those already admitted for the c/o 2017?

 

[Salem9]

Hello all! I figured I would post my stats to see what you think my chances are.

I am a first time applicant, female, 21 years old, traditional applicant.

They are:

Cum GPA: 3.85
Science GPA: 3.86
Last 45 credits: 3.75

Applying to: Michigan State (IS), RVC, U of Edinburgh, University of Wisconsin, Virginia-Maryland, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, University of Minnesota.

GRE: 152V, 156Q (retaking in August)

Veterinary experience:
~1500 SA Vet (receptionist and assistant)
~300 hours Career Center Vet (a specialized 1-year program in high school where we learn assistant skills under the supervision of a veterinarian and licensed tech - the program is one of the first of its kind. Our veterinarian took already adopted pets from our local Humane Society and spayed/neutered and vaccinated for free.)
-These hours only reflect the time spent in the clinic area; not including the hours of book work. This also includes LA and equine.

~100 at other SA vets.

Animal experience:
~300 hours as a zookeeper intern at a local zoo (includes LA, equine, and reptiles)
~30 at a small rescue
~1500 hours of training a Leader Dog puppy (I helped to create a program in my school system where we would visit a cognitively-impaired children's classroom and a fifth grade classroom)
~400(?) hours pet-sitting. One couple I have been pet-sitting for for five years this upcoming October

Employment:
~250 hours at a local shoe store while in high school

Research:
Not sure if I can include this or not, but in one of my upper-level classes, we were given the materials to design and execute an independent experiment. We later had to report the results to the class in the form of a presentation and to the professor as a paper.
My group studied the effects of ethanol on chick embryos and possible changes during their most crucial stages of development.

Honors and Awards:
Deans List (3 semesters)
President's List (3 semesters)
Full-ride scholarship
Michigan Service Award (for my work with my Leader Dog - Kaya!)
Regional competition award for HOSA
Student of the Year in my Career Center class
Best Offensive Player - Soccer (2009,2010)
Bay City Times (newspaper) Dream Team - Soccer (2009,2010)

Community Activities:
2 week study abroad to Ireland, Scotland, and England
President of Health Professionals Association (2012-2013) - school club
Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success
Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Member of Biology Club in college
Vice President of HOSA chapter at Career Center (high school)
Attended the Young Peoples Citizenship Seminar (1 week program to teach students about leadership and the democratic process of the U.S.) - high school
Member of the National Honor Society - high school
High school varsity soccer (4 years)
Relay for Life - high school and college

Personal Statement:
I talked about how my interests in veterinary medicine evolved from being a general practitioner to wanting to become a board-certified surgeon, which started with the death of my dog due to GDV (surprisingly, she was a Jack Russell Terrier).

Letters of Recommendation:
SA vet I currently work for
Upper-level Genetics/Cancer genetics professor
Pre-veterinary advisor (she is also going to tie in some other letters that have been written for me)

Let me know what you guys think! I would love to hear some feedback 🙂

 

[NJhopeful26]

Hey all,

I posted on this thread a little bit ago, but I'm applying to eight schools:

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio State (former resident of Ohio), Iowa State, NC State, Glasgow (UK), and Tennessee (my in-state school, but would prefer to be out of state)

Anyone else applying to one or more of these schools this year? Any feedback from those already admitted for the c/o 2017?

I'm going to be attending University of Minnesota in the Fall, just from being here since early June I can already say that the area and university are extremely nice. They have very up to date facilities and they have no supplemental application (at least last year they didn't). I also thought that my interview weekend was very well organized!

 

[Cuabbo]

Hi all, I welcome anyyyy feedback! 24 yo female with a B.S. in Animal Biology received on June 2011 from UC Davis. Second application cycle. Planning to apply to Western and others...

GPA
- Cumulative- 2.95 (I know I know, how embarrassing)- had rough first/second year.
GRE
- 1st: 650q, 550v, 4.0 AW
- 2nd: 720q, 480v, 4.5 AW
Currently at a vet tech program earning an A.S. Vet tech- GPA 3.8. One more year to go.

Veterinary Experience
- Small animal clinic (to present) –almost 6000 and counting. Technician without doing the 5 RVT tasks.
- Spay/Neuter clinic- 140 hrs
- Another small animal clinic that dealt with some large animals- 1600 hrs
- 2 separate veterinary mission trip abroad to Honduras (Saw small, large, and exotic animals)- 300 hrs
- Internship at a research center (mainly large animal)- 40 hrs
- Small animal emergency internship- 40 hrs

Animal Experience
- Classroom experience in my VetTech program
- Research laboratory studying diabetes and worked with mice. Could not put under VET experience because did not work directly with a PH.D or a Veterinarian. – 256 hrs
- Volunteered at an animal shelter- 384 hrs.

Other Employment
- Lab dishwasher for a couple of labs as well as did some work with plants – 1920 hrs

Honors
- 2 scholarships received 2013
- 3 scholarships during freshman year

Community activity
- Veterinary Technology club.
- Volunteered at a medical hospital
- Part of a Christian fellowship
- Part of a pre-vet club
- A bunch of high school activities- mainly academic in nature.

Elors
- 2 vets from my current job at a SA clinic
- 2 professors/DVMs from VetTech school

I guess I’m just looking for some feedback. I already know that my GPA is my biggest drawback. But at 180 units, I really don’t think there’s much I can do about it=( THANKS! I look forward to your thoughts! 😕

 

[Falina]

Hi all, I welcome anyyyy feedback! 24 yo female with a B.S. in Animal Biology received on June 2011 from UC Davis. Second application cycle. Planning to apply to Western and others...

GPA
- Cumulative- 2.95 (I know I know, how embarrassing)- had rough first/second year.
GRE
- 1st: 650q, 550v, 4.0 AW
- 2nd: 720q, 480v, 4.5 AW
Currently at a vet tech program earning an A.S. Vet tech- GPA 3.8. One more year to go.

Veterinary Experience
- Small animal clinic (to present) –almost 6000 and counting. Technician without doing the 5 RVT tasks.
- Spay/Neuter clinic- 140 hrs
- Another small animal clinic that dealt with some large animals- 1600 hrs
- 2 separate veterinary mission trip abroad to Honduras (Saw small, large, and exotic animals)- 300 hrs
- Internship at a research center (mainly large animal)- 40 hrs
- Small animal emergency internship- 40 hrs

Animal Experience
- Classroom experience in my VetTech program
- Research laboratory studying diabetes and worked with mice. Could not put under VET experience because did not work directly with a PH.D or a Veterinarian. – 256 hrs
- Volunteered at an animal shelter- 384 hrs.

Other Employment
- Lab dishwasher for a couple of labs as well as did some work with plants – 1920 hrs

Honors
- 2 scholarships received 2013
- 3 scholarships during freshman year

Community activity
- Veterinary Technology club.
- Volunteered at a medical hospital
- Part of a Christian fellowship
- Part of a pre-vet club
- A bunch of high school activities- mainly academic in nature.

Elors
- 2 vets from my current job at a SA clinic
- 2 professors/DVMs from VetTech school

I guess I’m just looking for some feedback. I already know that my GPA is my biggest drawback. But at 180 units, I really don’t think there’s much I can do about it=( THANKS! I look forward to your thoughts! 😕

What do your grades look like outside of your first and second year? And what does your science gpa look like?
If your more recent grades are much better, than you may want to specifically apply to schools that look at the last 45 units gpa rather than cumulative.

 

[Falina]

Letters of Recommendation:
SA vet I currently work for
Upper-level Genetics/Cancer genetics professor
Pre-veterinary advisor (she is also going to tie in some other letters that have been written for me)

You may have already researched this, but some schools specifically want eLORs from 2 vets, and one from a professor. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case you hadn't checked 🙂

Other than that I think you look very competitive!

 

[Salem9]

You may have already researched this, but some schools specifically want eLORs from 2 vets, and one from a professor. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case you hadn't checked 🙂

Other than that I think you look very competitive!

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to look at my stats. I'm glad that they are looking good. 🙂

Thanks for the tip also. I checked all of my schools and realized that the only one that didn't have the eLOR requirements I needed was U of Missouri. I admit it was kind of an add-on. 😳 I also realized that I hadn't put U of Penn on my list, which I had meant to. So I switched them out 😛

 

[dalmatiandoc17]

Here's the thing. My freshman year/ first semester soph I made bad grades. I was a computer science major and I didn't understand the material. I had a 2.4 going into my second semester sophomore year when I changed majors to Animal Science and began trying to become a vet. Since then I've spent almost 5 days a week every summer and winter break getting vet experience, so I've had basically no time to get general animal experience.

I've tried hard and made progress as you can see from my current cum GPA, science GPA, and last 45 - but my GPA / GRE scores combined with little animal experience really worry me. Plus with studying so much to try to get my grades up I haven't had a lot of time to do any extracurriculars the past couple years.

GPA
- Cumulative- 2.95 (I know I know, how embarrassing)- had rough first/second year.

I guess I’m just looking for some feedback. I already know that my GPA is my biggest drawback. But at 180 units, I really don’t think there’s much I can do about it=( THANKS! I look forward to your thoughts! 😕

The best way to deal with starting college poorly is to utilize your explanation section. If you were just a partyer (partier?) or if you have more "legitimate" excuses, just show that you are self aware, take responsibility, and spin it positively (how you changed/overcame/etc). The adcoms will see if you really did change your grades/experiences once you became committed.

 

[lso5013]

I'm going to be attending University of Minnesota in the Fall, just from being here since early June I can already say that the area and university are extremely nice. They have very up to date facilities and they have no supplemental application (at least last year they didn't). I also thought that my interview weekend was very well organized!

👍

Thank you for your input! Minnesota is one of my top schools (this year, they still don't require a supplemental application, which makes my life easier). I'll be applying there for out of state admission. From your experience (whether you were in state or out of state), what kinds of things does the admissions committee think are most important when considering students for admission?

 

[vetfinance88]

Hello everyone!

I am 25, male, NY resident applying for class of 2018 this october.

Graduated with a finance BA degree with 3.43 GPA, worked for three years as a commodities broker on wall str (successfully) and decided to go back to school.

GPA at the post bac program (all pre-reqs done) 3.89 (science GPA)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1500 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 300 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.

Extracuricullar activities
1. President and founder of the Pre-Veterinary society on campus
2. full scholarship based on merit
3. back when I was working on my bacholer's degree, president of a social club on campus.

Letters of rec:
1. 2 vets from small animal clinic
2. zoo vet
3. chairman of bio department on campus
4. one more professor rec
5. finance firm manager recommendation

Have not taken the GREs yet.


Concerns:
I have a 3.9 gpa in the sciences, but for my finance degree the GPA is 3.43, which is a bit low.
only 3 veterinary/animal experiences. I toured cornell, they advised that average student has about 4.

Please be as honest and brutal as possible and help me improve if there is anything I can add on to strengthen my application by october.

What schools do you think I have a chance at? I am a NY resident, given on my credentials can I get into Cornell?

Thanks!!!!

 

[felinelvr44]

Hello everyone!

I am 25, male, NY resident applying for class of 2018 this october.

Graduated with a finance BA degree with 3.43 GPA, worked for three years as a commodities broker on wall str (successfully) and decided to go back to school.

GPA at the post bac program (all pre-reqs done) 3.89 (science GPA)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1500 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 300 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.

Extracuricullar activities
1. President and founder of the Pre-Veterinary society on campus
2. full scholarship based on merit
3. back when I was working on my bacholer's degree, president of a social club on campus.

Letters of rec:
1. 2 vets from small animal clinic
2. zoo vet
3. chairman of bio department on campus
4. one more professor rec
5. finance firm manager recommendation

Have not taken the GREs yet.


Concerns:
I have a 3.9 gpa in the sciences, but for my finance degree the GPA is 3.43, which is a bit low.
only 3 veterinary/animal experiences. I toured cornell, they advised that average student has about 4.

Please be as honest and brutal as possible and help me improve if there is anything I can add on to strengthen my application by october.

What schools do you think I have a chance at? I am a NY resident, given on my credentials can I get into Cornell?

Thanks!!!!

I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA, especially if you rock the GRE when you take it. Can you get any large animal or equine experience before you apply? That's the only area of your application that seems to be lacking. I only had a few hours for each (I live in NYC so it wasn't easy and I want to do SA), but I think it helped my app that I at least made the effort to get something in those areas.

 

[HillRunner7]

.

 

[ashplo457]

Hi Everyone!!!

20 years old, Female, North Carolina resident

Degrees:
Associate in Arts, Catawba Valley Community College
Bachelors in Biology (minor in chem), Montreat College

Cum GPA: 3.93
Science GPA:3.9
Last 45: 4.0


Veterinary Experience:
- 1000 hours experience SA

I have worked at two different veterinary hospitals as an assistant/technician

Animal Experience:
- 700 hours as animal care intern at Philadelphia zoo
- 500 hours volunteer experience at various humane societies

Research:
- Full senior thesis on lipomas in canines currently in progress

Extracurricular Activities:
- Montreat College women's soccer player
- Youth Soccer coach
- Work for habitat for humanity
- Least of these

Letters of Recommendation
- Two Penn Vet grads I work for
-Two Montreat College professors
- Zoo keeper at zoo

GRE:
1110: 420 verbal; 690 quant; 4.0 writing. I will be retaking it just before the deadline this summer.

Schools I will be applying to:
NC State
Miss State
U of Georgia
U of Tenn
Va/Md
Oklahoma State
Maybe others if my GRE scores improve!

Any help would be appreciated!!!

 

[remi4301]

Hey everyone! I've been reluctant to post here but here goes I know my GPA is a major problem, but I've been working hard to make up for it in other areas and to improve it as much as possible. I am currently a post-bacc student and am retaking my science pre-reqs.

33 yrs old, female, Georgia resident

Degrees:
BA in Biology from Emory University in 2003 (yeah, it's been awhile)
Currently a post-bacc student at Georgia State Univ

Cum GPA: drum roll please.....2.45 yikes!! After this summer semester it should be about a 2.56......so bad, I know.
Last 45 GPA: 3.95!!! Woot woot!
Science GPA: Somewhere around a 2.66 if all classes are averaged, if I count only the ones more recent than 10 yrs old, and repeat/delete, it is above a 4.0 b/c I received several A+'s (course those don't matter on VMCAS 🙁 )
I have a few more courses I'm taking this fall as well.


Veterinary Experience:
- over 5500 hrs working as a Vet tech in a small animal hospital where we were allowed to do a lot of stuff like dental extractions, suturing, ultrasounds, feline neuters, etc...


Animal Experience:
- Well over 8000 hrs of equine experience, managed a small horse farm, gave riding lessons, was a working student for a professional trainer, as well as owning and caring for my own horses for over 15 yrs
- Volunteered with a local rescue and fostered several dogs
- Participated in several microchip clinics
- Currently volunteering at local shelter as a Vet tech
- I don't have any official exotic experience, but I have had several as pets: rabbits, snake, chinchilla, parrots, geese (my sis was allergic to "normal" pets so we had the weird ones instead, ha)
- also owned/cared for a goat
- raised my orphaned horse, who was very sick, so while not officially under a vet, I actually had to give her IV meds multiple times a day as well as work closely with a nutritionist for her diet

Letters of Recommendation
- Biochemistry professor
- at least 3 vets I worked with, (might end up being 4 vets)
- possibly my Genetics prof or Organic Chem prof

GRE: took it last year 161V (86%) 151Q (45%), 4; I plan to retake it in August to see about pulling up my Quant score

Awards:
Merit list one spring

Clubs/hobbies:
VP of Emory's equestrian team which competed in IIHSA
Played Lacrosse


I'm going to explain in my explanation statement about some of the difficulties I was facing during my undergrad years. There was a lot of crap going on such as major family problems, me working too much, severe anxiety due to family problems and being prescribed too high a dose of ADHD meds. Others on the forum have given me some much appreciated advice in this area. I plan to talk about how I lacked guidance and maturity during those years and how I should have handled things very differently. Also about how I have overcome/ deal with similar things now, like meditation and yoga for anxiety, setting boundaries with people, better time management, etc....

In my personal statement, I'd like to focus more on what I can bring to the table, what lead me to my decision to pursue veterinary medicine, and what my goals are.

Schools I'm applying to:
A lot.... I've got some major obstacles so I kinda feel like I need to cast my net wide
Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, OK, Ohio, Iowa,
Dublin, Glasgow, Edinburgh
Pipe dream: Cornell (just b/c my husband wants me to, though I know it's not gonna happen) and UGA, they won't give me the time of day, but it is my IS.

I know my best shot is with schools that focus on last 45 hrs. Have I left any off? I know my GPA needs to be much better and I am working my tail off to fix it. I would love to hear advice/thoughts. Thanks!!! This forum has been so helpful!

 

[Kpowell14]

Hey everyone! I've been reluctant to post here but here goes I know my GPA is a major problem, but I've been working hard to make up for it in other areas and to improve it as much as possible. I am currently a post-bacc student and am retaking my science pre-reqs.

33 yrs old, female, Georgia resident

Degrees:
BA in Biology from Emory University in 2003 (yeah, it's been awhile)
Currently a post-bacc student at Georgia State Univ

Cum GPA: drum roll please.....2.45 yikes!! After this summer semester it should be about a 2.56......so bad, I know.
Last 45 GPA: 3.95!!! Woot woot!
Science GPA: Somewhere around a 2.66 if all classes are averaged, if I count only the ones more recent than 10 yrs old, and repeat/delete, it is above a 4.0 b/c I received several A+'s (course those don't matter on VMCAS 🙁 )
I have a few more courses I'm taking this fall as well.


Veterinary Experience:
- over 5500 hrs working as a Vet tech in a small animal hospital where we were allowed to do a lot of stuff like dental extractions, suturing, ultrasounds, feline neuters, etc...


Animal Experience:
- Well over 8000 hrs of equine experience, managed a small horse farm, gave riding lessons, was a working student for a professional trainer, as well as owning and caring for my own horses for over 15 yrs
- Volunteered with a local rescue and fostered several dogs
- Participated in several microchip clinics
- Currently volunteering at local shelter as a Vet tech
- I don't have any official exotic experience, but I have had several as pets: rabbits, snake, chinchilla, parrots, geese (my sis was allergic to "normal" pets so we had the weird ones instead, ha)
- also owned/cared for a goat
- raised my orphaned horse, who was very sick, so while not officially under a vet, I actually had to give her IV meds multiple times a day as well as work closely with a nutritionist for her diet

Letters of Recommendation
- Biochemistry professor
- at least 3 vets I worked with, (might end up being 4 vets)
- possibly my Genetics prof or Organic Chem prof

GRE: took it last year 161V (86%) 151Q (45%), 4; I plan to retake it in August to see about pulling up my Quant score

Awards:
Merit list one spring

Clubs/hobbies:
VP of Emory's equestrian team which competed in IIHSA
Played Lacrosse


I'm going to explain in my explanation statement about some of the difficulties I was facing during my undergrad years. There was a lot of crap going on such as major family problems, me working too much, severe anxiety due to family problems and being prescribed too high a dose of ADHD meds. Others on the forum have given me some much appreciated advice in this area. I plan to talk about how I lacked guidance and maturity during those years and how I should have handled things very differently. Also about how I have overcome/ deal with similar things now, like meditation and yoga for anxiety, setting boundaries with people, better time management, etc....

In my personal statement, I'd like to focus more on what I can bring to the table, what lead me to my decision to pursue veterinary medicine, and what my goals are.

Schools I'm applying to:
A lot.... I've got some major obstacles so I kinda feel like I need to cast my net wide
Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, OK, Ohio, Iowa,
Dublin, Glasgow, Edinburgh
Pipe dream: Cornell (just b/c my husband wants me to, though I know it's not gonna happen) and UGA, they won't give me the time of day, but it is my IS.

I know my best shot is with schools that focus on last 45 hrs. Have I left any off? I know my GPA needs to be much better and I am working my tail off to fix it. I would love to hear advice/thoughts. Thanks!!! This forum has been so helpful!

Hey Remi!

I would definitely look into the schools that have an option to " erase" old grades . I know Missouri has a 6 year option:

"Six Year Academic Elimination Option:

Applicants may elect to have all courses taken and grades received prior to and including Spring semester 2008 ignored in the academic evaluation. If the applicant elects to eliminate courses and grades six or more years old, the required 60 semester hours of academic credit and all required courses (10 semester credit hours of physical science, etc.), including at least three semesters as a full-time undergraduate student, must have been taken within the last six years prior to application. Repeating courses previously taken is not required or recommended. New courses that will fulfill course category requirements are preferred. If the applicant elects to eliminate courses and grades more than six years old, another evaluation using all courses and grades will not be done during the same year of application as part of the same application evaluation. "

http://www.cvm.missouri.edu/evaluation.htm

Something like that could really help your chances of getting accepted, assuming that you have all of the prereqs you need within the past six years. I believe Illinois may have something similar but I may be wrong. I would also check the schools on your list and make sure they do not have a Minimum GPA requirement.. Id hate for you to spend all that money for a school to look at your GPA and immediately throw your app out bc they have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

Your experiences are pretty good, but I would be careful how you describe your duties as a vet tech.. I would not tell adcoms that you preformed cat neuters and sutured pets up.. That's just a window for all sorts of ethical questions. Also make sure in the explanation statement that you don't " blame" your problems on anything... Direct it more that you own up to these issues and have grown/ learned/ become a better applicant from the experience.

 

[HorsesRLife]

Hi Everyone!!!

20 years old, Female, North Carolina resident

Degrees:
Associate in Arts, Catawba Valley Community College
Bachelors in Biology (minor in chem), Montreat College

Cum GPA: 3.93
Science GPA:3.9
Last 45: 4.0


Veterinary Experience:
- 1000 hours experience SA

I have worked at two different veterinary hospitals as an assistant/technician

Animal Experience:
- 700 hours as animal care intern at Philadelphia zoo
- 500 hours volunteer experience at various humane societies

Research:
- Full senior thesis on lipomas in canines currently in progress

Extracurricular Activities:
- Montreat College women's soccer player
- Youth Soccer coach
- Work for habitat for humanity
- Least of these

Letters of Recommendation
- Two Penn Vet grads I work for
-Two Montreat College professors
- Zoo keeper at zoo

GRE:
1110: 420 verbal; 690 quant; 4.0 writing. I will be retaking it just before the deadline this summer.

Schools I will be applying to:
NC State
Miss State
U of Georgia
U of Tenn
Va/Md
Oklahoma State
Maybe others if my GRE scores improve!

Any help would be appreciated!!!

Your gpa looks awesome. I wouldn't be too worried if I were you.

 

[emacc]

I've posted before but I'm posting again since my interests and experience have changed some. I am interested in dual DVM/PhD programs at the schools listed that offer them as well as straight DVM.

Interested in: Auburn, Wisconsin, Cornell, UPenn, UCDavis

Alabama resident, graduating May 2014
Major: Biology (B.S.)
Physics 1 and 2 only required classes remaining
Cumulative GPA: 3.92
Required courses GPA: 3.85-4.00 depending on the school (B+ in statistics, A in all others)
Last 45 GPA: 4.0
GRE: 163V, 161Q, 5.0 Writing

Vet Experience
~1500 hours as a vet assistant in a small animal practice
~400 hours as a caretaker and clinical assistant in the rescue and rehabilitation of native songbirds and birds of prey

Research Experience
~500 hours as an independent research intern in a leading glycomics lab, developing a substrate to replace red blood cells in neutralizing antibody tests as well as isolating and purifying a unique glycan for this purpose from natural sources. May ultimately result in publication but not before the application process concludes.

ELORs
Veterinarian from the clinic I work at
Director of the glycomics laboratory
Organic chem professor who pushed me into research

Additional LORs for the supplemental apps include other professors at my university and from the laboratory. Still trying to get some experience with large animals but largely unsuccessful.