What are my chances?

[clairebear210]

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I'm so nervous!!

21 years old, Georgia resident, UGA undergraduate

Biological Sciences
Music Minor
Cum GPA: 3.21
Science GPA: not sure

Applying to: UGA(IS), Western, Oklahoma, OSU, Ross

GRE:
Verbal - 156
Quant - 153
Writing - 4.0
I'll be taking it again to improve the writing score (UGA requires it)

Vet Hours:
800 Hours - UGA Small Animal Teaching Hospital
60 Hours - Small Animal Clinic
8 Hours - Zoo Med observation

Animal Hours:
660 Hours - Internship at zoo with large animal, wildlife, and exotics
60 Hours - Volunteer work at zoo
3000+ Hours - Guide Dog Foundation
15 Hours - Volunteer at Humane Society
72 Hours - Pet-sitting
8 Hours - Therapeutic Equine Center
6000+ Hours - American Quarter Horse Association (riding, training, care, etc.)

Employment:
Bartender
Clothing Retail

Dean's list one semester
Leadership position at Wesley Foundation for 3 years
Countless choirs, voice lessons, instruments--using this for the diversity factor 😉

eLOR's:
Veterinarian at small animal clinic
Radiation Therapy Veterinarian
Undergraduate Advisor
Vet Tech I worked with and developed good friendship with
Head zookeeper from internship
Supervisor from internship

The thing I'm most concerned about is my lower-than-average GPA...

What do you guys think?

 

[LilHopefulVet]

As an A&M applicant, I can tell you that you are very competitive. I would be stunned if you didn't get an interview invite. I would do despicable things to have your stats. 😉

Epivetlove, it's veterinary, animal, and extracurricular hours like yours that has got me shaking in my boots right now! 😀 Even with an average cGPA, your last 45 GPA is excellent and GRE scores are solid. I think you stand a good chance anywhere you apply. 🙂

 

[epivetlove]

Epivetlove, it's veterinary, animal, and extracurricular hours like yours that has got me shaking in my boots right now! 😀 Even with an average cGPA, your last 45 GPA is excellent and GRE scores are solid. I think you stand a good chance anywhere you apply. 🙂

Why thank you! If I can get past the first phase (GPA/GRE), I might stand somewhat of a chance...but then again, bottom 20% of interviewees will get dropped too...and I'm rubbish when it comes to interviews. The academic numbers are worth more, so I think that's why you'll be just fine. 🙂 I guess we'll see in a few months, huh? Hopefully we will be classmates come this time next year!

 

[LilHopefulVet]

Why thank you! If I can get past the first phase (GPA/GRE), I might stand somewhat of a chance...but then again, bottom 20% of interviewees will get dropped too...and I'm rubbish when it comes to interviews. The academic numbers are worth more, so I think that's why you'll be just fine. 🙂 I guess we'll see in a few months, huh? Hopefully we will be classmates come this time next year!

The waiting game is going to kill me! I'm terrible at interviews too and the MMI format sounds incredibly nerve-racking. I've been told that once you get an interview, everyone is on level playing field again. It doesn't matter so much what your GPA/GRE/experience is if you can't do well in the interview....scary! Maybe a year from now we'll both be able to look back and laugh

 

[moomooshoe]

The waiting game is going to kill me! I'm terrible at interviews too and the MMI format sounds incredibly nerve-racking. I've been told that once you get an interview, everyone is on level playing field again. It doesn't matter so much what your GPA/GRE/experience is if you can't do well in the interview....scary! Maybe a year from now we'll both be able to look back and laugh

I am on the same page. Now that I've completed everything, I am figuratively dying from the stress; just imagining all the possibilities and what I would do. I am probably a day or two from writing it down in flowchart format.

 

[iheartdogs]

speaking as a second time applicant, trust me it goes by sooner than you think, in no time it was christmas and i had already gotten two rejection letters 🙁

 

[fr3dman]

23 yo Male
College: University of California: San Diego
Major: Biochemistry/Cell Biology
Cum GPA: 3.13
Last 45: ~3.4
Science GPA: 3.0

Applying to: UCDavis, Cornell, Wisconsin, Colorado State, Illinois, and Missouri.

GRE: Verbal: 153 (58%), Quantitative: 160 (78%), Writing: 4 (54%)

Vet Hours:
SA hospital - San Diego: 1500 hours
SA hospital - Bay Area (currently working ~40hrs/week): 100+hours

Animal experience:
Pet sitting - dog: 100 hours

Research:
Biochemistry Lab: 4000 hours (currently working on 1st author paper. fingers crossed)

Employment:
High School Water Polo Coach (currently)
GAP
Hollister
Lucky Grocery store

Honors:
D1 Rowing Championship
Water Polo Awards (MVPx2, MIP, First Team, Hall of Fame)

Community Activities:
College Leadership Club
Volunteer at San Diego Aquarium
Rowing
Water Polo

eLOR's:
P.I. from lab - very strong
Vet from San Diego - very strong
Professor from class - not as strong. definitely the weakest


Okay. GPA is bad. I didn't "figure it out" until much later in college. I'm currently coaching and working full time at an SA vet. Coaching ends in november and after that I plan on either volunteering or working at the San Francisco Zoo to get some large animal experience. I don't exactly expect to get accepted this year, but I hope that my work during this year off will show my dedication for when I reapply next cycle and that might look good? Also, if I get rejected this year, I will retake the GRE's. What do you guys think?

 

[Ashgirl]

Hello there everyone, a bit of a long time lurker here. I'm a 20 year old female, and this will be my first application cycle.

Missouri resident
Major: Animal Science
cGPA:3.76
Science GPA: Not entirely sure, around 3.7-3.8?
GRE: 155V 158Q 4.0W

Veterinary Experience

• 900 hours at a small animal clinic where I volunteered the first two years, and now am I vet assistant during the last two summers.
• 100 hours volunteering at a large animal clinic
• 250 hours volunteering at the Neurology department at the VTH.
• 150 hours volunteering at the ECC/ICU at the VTH.
• 150 hours volunteering at a small animal clinic back in high school.

Animal Experiences

• 3500 hours total for my 10 years as a member of 4-H. Showed almost every species, mostly large animals.
• 850 hours as a dog trainer for AKC shows and competitions, along with training dogs in 4-H as a 4-H leader.
• 250 hours volunteering at a local shelter back in high school.

Employment

• 500 hours as a student assistant in one of the offices on campus
• 250 hours as a private tutor in high school.

Research

• 100 hours so far in an avian lab specializing in communication in the biology department.

Honors and Extracurriculars

• Under this section I put some of my scholarships, being on the Dean's List, Valedictorian of my high school, and some awards from 4-H.
• For ECs I am a member of Goat Club, Read to Succeed, Alpha Zeta, Heifer International, Pre-vet Club, and I am currently a 4-H leader.

eLORS

• One from the small animal vet I worked with for the last 4ish years.
• One from a large animal vet
• One from the associate dean of ag (I took a class from him and now work with him).
• One personal one from the head superindent of our county 4-H.

Thanks for reading, and good luck to everyone applying this year!

 

[Falina]

23 yo Male
College: University of California: San Diego
Major: Biochemistry/Cell Biology
Cum GPA: 3.13
Last 45: ~3.4
Science GPA: 3.0

Applying to: UCDavis, Cornell, Wisconsin, Colorado State, Illinois, and Missouri.

GRE: Verbal: 153 (58%), Quantitative: 160 (78%), Writing: 4 (54%)

Vet Hours:
SA hospital - San Diego: 1500 hours
SA hospital - Bay Area (currently working ~40hrs/week): 100+hours

Animal experience:
Pet sitting - dog: 100 hours

Research:
Biochemistry Lab: 4000 hours (currently working on 1st author paper. fingers crossed)

Employment:
High School Water Polo Coach (currently)
GAP
Hollister
Lucky Grocery store

Honors:
D1 Rowing Championship
Water Polo Awards (MVPx2, MIP, First Team, Hall of Fame)

Community Activities:
College Leadership Club
Volunteer at San Diego Aquarium
Rowing
Water Polo

eLOR's:
P.I. from lab - very strong
Vet from San Diego - very strong
Professor from class - not as strong. definitely the weakest


Okay. GPA is bad. I didn't "figure it out" until much later in college. I'm currently coaching and working full time at an SA vet. Coaching ends in november and after that I plan on either volunteering or working at the San Francisco Zoo to get some large animal experience. I don't exactly expect to get accepted this year, but I hope that my work during this year off will show my dedication for when I reapply next cycle and that might look good? Also, if I get rejected this year, I will retake the GRE's. What do you guys think?

Hi fr3dman 🙂

How much do you have left for your undergrad? Any chance of bringing your gpa up?

If your gpa isn't great and you're basically stuck with it (unless you do a masters program or something), then you need to make the rest of your application as awesome as you can.
Your GRE scores are pretty good, but if you aren't accepted this year then I would study as much as possible and try to get it even higher.
I think you are on the right track with getting different experience. Adding in some large animal or livestock experience will help.
Your hours of research are a very strong point on your application. I would try to play that up as much as you can.
Also, UC Davis likes to have 2 eLORs from veterinarians, and one from a professor. So if you could find another vet (or befriend one next year in San Francisco) to write a letter, it may be better.
The UCD adcom probably isn't that picky, but hey, you really want to get accepted right? 🙂

I think that getting into vet school is doable for you. It may not happen this year simply because your gpa might put you below some cut offs, but I think that you can do it. Good luck!

 

[privera3]

23 y/o
Expecting BS in Medical Microbiology
Cum. GPA: 3.49
Last 45 GPA: 3.80
Science GPA: 3.50

-I have about 700 hours of vet experience that includes work in a clinic, going to dairy farms, stables and a zoo.
-A semester's worth of vet research (prevalence of heartworm).
-Internship in monoclonal antibodies production lab and LOR from the president.
-Worked 200 hours in a horse stable.

Five letters of reference (all vets).

Extracurriculars:
-FAA certified Private pilot
-Musician: Piano, bass, guitar
-Hundreds of hours camping and hiking with the boy scouts

Here's what worries me:
My GRE scores:
verbal: 145 (24)
Quant:148 (35)
Writing: 3.5 (30)

That wasn't my best day haha. Plus english is not my native tongue.

 

[Rainheart]

23 y/o
Expecting BS in Medical Microbiology
Cum. GPA: 3.49
Last 45 GPA: 3.80
Science GPA: 3.50

-I have about 700 hours of vet experience that includes work in a clinic, going to dairy farms, stables and a zoo.
-A semester's worth of vet research (prevalence of heartworm).
-Internship in monoclonal antibodies production lab and LOR from the president.
-Worked 200 hours in a horse stable.

Five letters of reference (all vets).

Extracurriculars:
-FAA certified Private pilot
-Musician: Piano, bass, guitar
-Hundreds of hours camping and hiking with the boy scouts

Here's what worries me:
My GRE scores:
verbal: 145 (24)
Quant:148 (35)
Writing: 3.5 (30)

That wasn't my best day haha. Plus english is not my native tongue.

Some feedback from my perspective- I had very bad GRE scores (though I cannot compare because they were from the old GRE) and a good GPA and was told straight up my first time applying that my GRE scores were so bad that I needed to retake it or I wouldn't be getting in, at least in my instate school, VMRCVM. So, I'm not sure where you applied, but at least at Missouri, they don't weigh the GRE very much (only like 4%). I did end up retaking the GRE after taking a class and studying. Still didn't do great (154Q and 149V 4.0A) but hey, it worked for Missouri. So, just some advice there.

Also, can you get a LoR from someone other than a vet? Schools like to see variety- maybe adviser or faculty member? Also any other animal experience besides horse barn? I wish you luck!

 

[privera3]

Thanks for the advice! This time I applied to 12 colleges, including mizzou. I'm worried but still hopeful.

 

[fr3dman]

Thanks so much for your response. Yeah, I just graduated and I'm trying to play up the research as much as possible. GPA is what it is, and I will definitely have to up my GRE for the next cycle. With my current work situation, I hope I can befriend the vets (they're pretty cool and easy to talk to) I'm working for now to write me a LOR for next time. Again, I appreciate the honestly and the pointers! Cheers!

 

[dpforman]

Hi all!

I just found out about this website, and am excited to jump on the train and get some advice! I am a non-traditional student; I decided in my last year of undergrad that I ultimately want to go to veterinary school. So now I am taking post-baccalaureate classes in order to do most of my prereqs...so far I'm in Genetics, Microbiology (with lab), and Animal Science. After this I still have Orgo I and Orgo II, Physics I and Physics II, Pre-Calc/Trig, Calculus, Biochemistry, and Animal Nutrition (in order to apply for my IS school -- UF).

So this is my information so far! I'm looking to pinpoint the areas that I need to strengthen before I apply (which will likely be the application to start in Fall '15).

Florida resident, 22 years old, female

B.S. Psychology with University Honors
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies -- Environmental Science Track with University Honors
Both from the University of Central Florida

GPA: 3.66
No GRE scores yet, am hoping to take it this December!

Veterinary Experience
300 hrs. vaccination clinic
120 hrs. small animal clinic
...I will be working two part-time jobs this year (in addition to full-time classes):
Veterinary Assistant at Banfield ~ 800 expected hours this year
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician at Florida Atlantic University (working with rats, mice, stingrays, fish, and potentially more) ~ 500 expected hours this year

Animal Experience
200 hrs. working at a private zoo/wildlife park
80 hrs. working as an intern at the Humane Society
140 hrs. as a laboratory assistant at a Marine Mammalogy Lab
...currently volunteering at the local Wildlife Rescue Center once a week

Work Experience
Sales Associate at UCF Ticket Center
HR Assistant at UCF College of Sciences
Team Lead for vaccination clinic

Volunteer
Local Homeless Shelter
PSY Teaching Assistant
Junior Achievement Teacher for children under the poverty line
Alternative Spring Break -- providing aftercare services for at-risk youth

Leadership
UCF Hillel Vice President
Honors College Member
Honors Congress Member
Pre-Veterinary Society Member

All advice is appreciated!! If I do get into veterinary school then I'd like to go the nontraditional route...I'm not set on which route that is, I am still doing research, but I do feel confident that I don't want to go into small animal medicine. I am hoping to get a general idea of what I should focus on strengthening over the next year before applying. Thank you!

 

[Falina]

Hi all!

I just found out about this website, and am excited to jump on the train and get some advice! I am a non-traditional student; I decided in my last year of undergrad that I ultimately want to go to veterinary school. So now I am taking post-baccalaureate classes in order to do most of my prereqs...so far I'm in Genetics, Microbiology (with lab), and Animal Science. After this I still have Orgo I and Orgo II, Physics I and Physics II, Pre-Calc/Trig, Calculus, Biochemistry, and Animal Nutrition (in order to apply for my IS school -- UF).

So this is my information so far! I'm looking to pinpoint the areas that I need to strengthen before I apply (which will likely be the application to start in Fall '15).

Florida resident, 22 years old, female

B.S. Psychology with University Honors
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies -- Environmental Science Track with University Honors
Both from the University of Central Florida

GPA: 3.66
No GRE scores yet, am hoping to take it this December!

Veterinary Experience
300 hrs. vaccination clinic
120 hrs. small animal clinic
...I will be working two part-time jobs this year (in addition to full-time classes):
Veterinary Assistant at Banfield ~ 800 expected hours this year
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician at Florida Atlantic University (working with rats, mice, stingrays, fish, and potentially more) ~ 500 expected hours this year

Animal Experience
200 hrs. working at a private zoo/wildlife park
80 hrs. working as an intern at the Humane Society
140 hrs. as a laboratory assistant at a Marine Mammalogy Lab
...currently volunteering at the local Wildlife Rescue Center once a week

Work Experience
Sales Associate at UCF Ticket Center
HR Assistant at UCF College of Sciences
Team Lead for vaccination clinic

Volunteer
Local Homeless Shelter
PSY Teaching Assistant
Junior Achievement Teacher for children under the poverty line
Alternative Spring Break -- providing aftercare services for at-risk youth

Leadership
UCF Hillel Vice President
Honors College Member
Honors Congress Member
Pre-Veterinary Society Member

All advice is appreciated!! If I do get into veterinary school then I'd like to go the nontraditional route...I'm not set on which route that is, I am still doing research, but I do feel confident that I don't want to go into small animal medicine. I am hoping to get a general idea of what I should focus on strengthening over the next year before applying. Thank you!

You will have plenty of time in vet school to figure out what you want to specialize in. I wouldn't worry about it too much. For now its best to get a variety of experience.

From what I've heard, UF really likes GRE scores. Every school has different methods of selecting students and weighs different things more heavily. From what I've read on SDN and other sources, UF weighs GRE scores reasonably heavily.
If this is incorrect then I hope someone will correct me.
But that being said, if you're really aiming for UF, I would suggest doing what you can to get the highest GRE scores possible.

Other than that it looks like you're on the right track. Try to keep your gpa as high as you can obviously, and I think you'll do fine 🙂

 

[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)

GRE weak point: 154v 156q (not sure of writing yet)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1800 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 700 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.
4. 100 hours at therapeutic horse facility
5. Founder and Organizer of a support group of owners who lost their pets and need support

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. organic chemistry professor
5. finance firm manager recommendation



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.
My GRE's aren't high, they are average.

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? I am applying to 20 schools (I know I'm insane) do you think I will get in somewhere with those credentials?

Thanks!!!!

 

[Hotfillyky]

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)

GRE weak point: 154v 156q (not sure of writing yet)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1800 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 700 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.
4. 100 hours at therapeutic horse facility
5. Founder and Organizer of a support group of owners who lost their pets and need support

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. organic chemistry professor
5. finance firm manager recommendation



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.
My GRE's aren't high, they are average.

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? I am applying to 20 schools (I know I'm insane) do you think I will get in somewhere with those credentials?

Thanks!!!!

Honestly, there is nothing wrong with your stats. You have a good GPA, GRE scores are decent, good experience hours, etc....

I would caution from applying to so many schools. They will wonder why. I am a non-trad and this is my 4th app cycle so take it with a grain of salt but I am being much more selective in where I choose to apply. I certainly have my reasons for doing it. I guess if 20 is your number than go for it!!

 

[Falina]

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)

GRE weak point: 154v 156q (not sure of writing yet)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1800 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 700 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.
4. 100 hours at therapeutic horse facility
5. Founder and Organizer of a support group of owners who lost their pets and need support

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. organic chemistry professor
5. finance firm manager recommendation



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.
My GRE's aren't high, they are average.

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? I am applying to 20 schools (I know I'm insane) do you think I will get in somewhere with those credentials?

Thanks!!!!

Hi vetfinance88 🙂
Couple of questions first:
What is your overall gpa? Your undergrad and grad work combined. I can't guess very easily because I'm not sure how many units you took of each. (there are gpa calculators online that you can use).
Secondly, in your experience you say that you were a "tech". Does this mean you are an RVT? If yes, then what grades did you get in those classes (you might be able to use them as prereqs). If you're not an RVT or LVT, then I would caution against using the term "tech" on your application since it might confuse or mislead adcomms.
Thirdly, can you describe your research experience? Research is very good to have on applications, so if you can play up your hours that would help. Also, did you work with a veterinarian or non-vet? (in the past that would determine where in your application the research hours were put. I'm not sure if that applies this year or not.)

For the most part I think that your application is pretty good. You're also a unique applicant due to your financial background, which I think is of benefit to you.

 

[vetfinance88]

Hi vetfinance88 🙂
Couple of questions first:
What is your overall gpa? Your undergrad and grad work combined. I can't guess very easily because I'm not sure how many units you took of each. (there are gpa calculators online that you can use).
Secondly, in your experience you say that you were a "tech". Does this mean you are an RVT? If yes, then what grades did you get in those classes (you might be able to use them as prereqs). If you're not an RVT or LVT, then I would caution against using the term "tech" on your application since it might confuse or mislead adcomms.
Thirdly, can you describe your research experience? Research is very good to have on applications, so if you can play up your hours that would help. Also, did you work with a veterinarian or non-vet? (in the past that would determine where in your application the research hours were put. I'm not sure if that applies this year or not.)

For the most part I think that your application is pretty good. You're also a unique applicant due to your financial background, which I think is of benefit to you.

hello Falina!

Thank you for reviewing it!!!

1. my overall GPA is about a 3.6. But I hope that they overlook the fact that I got a bad grade in corporate finance but got an A in orgo and similiar science classes. The only B I have from any science pre-reqs is in physiology which many schools dont consider a pre-req.

2. You're right. Although I did the same work as a technician (take blood, xrays, assist in procedures, do rooms beginning to end) I am NOT an RVT. Should I state that I am an assistant instead? would that terminology be more appropriate?

3. The research was with a professor on campus (non-vet). We did a crayfish hormonal study, first studying the general behavior of crayfish and then exposing them to different hormones and seeing how the behavior changes. It wasn't a breakthrough research and we didn't get published, but I put hours into it weekly over the course of two semesters. I mentioned this research in my "research" section on VMCAS. Not in animal/veterinary.

 

[Falina]

hello Falina!

Thank you for reviewing it!!!

1. my overall GPA is about a 3.6. But I hope that they overlook the fact that I got a bad grade in corporate finance but got an A in orgo and similiar science classes. The only B I have from any science pre-reqs is in physiology which many schools dont consider a pre-req.

2. You're right. Although I did the same work as a technician (take blood, xrays, assist in procedures, do rooms beginning to end) I am NOT an RVT. Should I state that I am an assistant instead? would that terminology be more appropriate?

3. The research was with a professor on campus (non-vet). We did a crayfish hormonal study, first studying the general behavior of crayfish and then exposing them to different hormones and seeing how the behavior changes. It wasn't a breakthrough research and we didn't get published, but I put hours into it weekly over the course of two semesters. I mentioned this research in my "research" section on VMCAS. Not in animal/veterinary.

No problem 🙂

Your overall gpa isn't bad, but it definitely sounds like your science and last 45 gpas are stronger. I know you're planning on applying to a lot of schools, but I would recommend focusing on schools that weigh those gpas more heavily than overall. You can find that information on a lot of the schools' websites.

You would be a "veterinary assistant". I completely understand calling yourself a tech, at my clinic we are all assistants but call ourselves techs. It's really easy to fall into that habit, and usually in the practice its not a big deal, but for vet school applications you want everything to be as perfect as can be.
Also, make sure that you find out what the laws in New York are about the duties that can only be done by RVTs, and make sure that those are not on your application. For example, here in California assistants cannot induce anesthesia, but RVTs can. As such, I made sure that I did not include that in my "duties" for that experience. Doing so would basically be admitting that I and my practice were doing illegal activities. Most schools won't know New York's laws, but Cornell might.

Honestly this is being really nit-picky. But hey, we want our applications to be awesome right?

That research sounds like an awesome opportunity, I think it'll help you a lot.

 

[Museum Nerd]

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)

GRE weak point: 154v 156q (not sure of writing yet)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1800 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 700 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.
4. 100 hours at therapeutic horse facility
5. Founder and Organizer of a support group of owners who lost their pets and need support

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. organic chemistry professor
5. finance firm manager recommendation



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.
My GRE's aren't high, they are average.

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? I am applying to 20 schools (I know I'm insane) do you think I will get in somewhere with those credentials?

Thanks!!!!

Several people have mentioned the 20 schools as being alot....not only is it a ton of money but a lot of work if the school requires a supplimental application. The other is making sure that you have all of the pre reqs for each school becasue they do vary. I created a matrix that started with my first priority in the first column to my last priority then make sure that i list each pre req required at the school. there were several schools that i could not get the class at my schools so i would have had to take the class on-line so i deleted those. I then figured out which "extra" classes i could fit into my schedule without delaying graduation and that eliminated a few more.

 

[psilovethomas]

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)

GRE weak point: 154v 156q (not sure of writing yet)

Animal/veterinary/biomedical experience:
1. 1800 hours at a small animal clinic as a technician
2. 700 hours at zoo animal hospital as a vet tech intern
3. Research assistant on campus with a crayfish study.
4. 100 hours at therapeutic horse facility
5. Founder and Organizer of a support group of owners who lost their pets and need support

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. organic chemistry professor
5. finance firm manager recommendation



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.
My GRE's aren't high, they are average.

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? I am applying to 20 schools (I know I'm insane) do you think I will get in somewhere with those credentials?

Thanks!!!!

You should apply to Michigan State. They only consider required course work GPA and last 45 GPA, along with the GRE and many other subjective qualities.

 

[vetfinance88]

No problem 🙂

Your overall gpa isn't bad, but it definitely sounds like your science and last 45 gpas are stronger. I know you're planning on applying to a lot of schools, but I would recommend focusing on schools that weigh those gpas more heavily than overall. You can find that information on a lot of the schools' websites.

You would be a "veterinary assistant". I completely understand calling yourself a tech, at my clinic we are all assistants but call ourselves techs. It's really easy to fall into that habit, and usually in the practice its not a big deal, but for vet school applications you want everything to be as perfect as can be.
Also, make sure that you find out what the laws in New York are about the duties that can only be done by RVTs, and make sure that those are not on your application. For example, here in California assistants cannot induce anesthesia, but RVTs can. As such, I made sure that I did not include that in my "duties" for that experience. Doing so would basically be admitting that I and my practice were doing illegal activities. Most schools won't know New York's laws, but Cornell might.

Honestly this is being really nit-picky. But hey, we want our applications to be awesome right?

That research sounds like an awesome opportunity, I think it'll help you a lot.

Falina thank you so much for your invaluable input!!!!!!!!

 

[las777]

I was going to apply to like 12 schools this cycle and my old boss (a veterinarian) advised me against doing so because these schools are able to see where else you're applying to, and they'll wonder why you're applying to so many. Not only that, but schools want to see that you're really interested in going to THEIR school, so if they see you're applying to their school and like 20 others, they'll give that spot to someone they know really wants it.

 

[NStarz]

I have slightly different advice. Being OOS everywhere, I applied to 15 schools. I ended up having a really successful application cycle. I think only one school asked me why I applied to so many--I said it was because I was an OOS student and that I didn't know how competitive I would be in the process. I then followed with specific reasons why I wanted to attend that school (I got in there, so they most likely found my answer satisfactory). I think adcoms know this is a competitive process and that you are a distinct disadvantage being from OOS. That being said, I felt like 15 schools was a bit overkill in the end (though I didn't know it at the time). I think I would have been fine with 10-12 schools. I had a "top 3" in my mind when I started the application process--and none of those was the school I ended up attending. Applying to more schools allowed me to find out where I best fit and where I'd be most happy. It is incredibly expensive to apply to a lot of schools, so please keep this in mind as well (not just application costs, but interviews as well). Good luck!

 

[bluehorse8989]

I would caution from applying to so many schools. They will wonder why.

Do schools see where else you have applied?

 

[orca2011]

Do schools see where else you have applied?

I think someone in an older class said they used to, but I'm not sure they do anymore. Many schools do ask you where you applied, if you interviewed, etc during interviews.

 

[futureDVM31]

I've taken the GRE several times over the last four years. The first time I took it I did study so that was a wake up call.
Over the last couple of year especially this year I studied non stop... Doing GRE questions continuously since Jan of this year.
GPA:3.4
Science GPA:3.0
Vet experience
5,200 hours clinic experience
300 hrs internship at U.F vet school
200 hrs internship State of Florida Department Agriculture
50 hrs farm experience -castrations / vaccinations
150 hrs volunteering Tallahassee museum-feeding animals/cleaning enclosures
2000+ hrs employed at University of Miami research area (vet tech) & certified laboratory tech

BUT my GRE scores are in the toilet. I tried a prep class at Miami Dade College last year and still no improvement in my score. This year early January I started preparing because I was determined to apply this year. It's been four years now since I graduated and I'm not sure at this point what to do. I took GRE ON AUG 30 (Q 144) (v142)). Should I try to apply? I purchased the Barron's test prep program to prepare. Also I don't know if having a learning disability has something to do with it. Was diagnosed early on but managed to perform well in regular class in college...

 

[WulfpackChica]

I've taken the GRE several times over the last four years. The first time I took it I did study so that was a wake up call.
Over the last couple of year especially this year I studied non stop... Doing GRE questions continuously since Jan of this year.
GPA:3.4
Science GPA:3.0
Vet experience
5,200 hours clinic experience
300 hrs internship at U.F vet school
200 hrs internship State of Florida Department Agriculture
50 hrs farm experience -castrations / vaccinations
150 hrs volunteering Tallahassee museum-feeding animals/cleaning enclosures
2000+ hrs employed at University of Miami research area (vet tech) & certified laboratory tech

BUT my GRE scores are in the toilet. I tried a prep class at Miami Dade College last year and still no improvement in my score. This year early January I started preparing because I was determined to apply this year. It's been four years now since I graduated and I'm not sure at this point what to do. I took GRE ON AUG 30 (Q 144) (v142)). Should I try to apply? I purchased the Barron's test prep program to prepare. Also I don't know if having a learning disability has something to do with it. Was diagnosed early on but managed to perform well in regular class in college...

If you have a learning disability, use it to your advantage when taking the GRE especially if you did so poorly. My boyfriend did it once without the extra time allotted and again with it and it made quite a difference. Do not be ashamed if you need extra time, that is why the option is there. Just make sure you have the proper paperwork in line before you go.

 

[Flutestar72733]

Hi Im 23 female replying for my second try wondering if i could still use some improvements. I know my GRE sucks so ill have to retake it after this cycle if i dont get in but still wondering if i have a chance with everything else.

cGPA 3.20
sGPA 3.45
45GPA i can not remember nor do i know what they will count as my last 45 hours. If they include my study abroad then it is a 3.33(unfortunately failed a class)
GRE: V144 Q149 A3.5

Vet experience
8 hrs shadowing a small animal vet

Animal experience
340hrs wildlife
769hrs fostering puppies/kittens(based on how long it took to actually care for the animals to include feeding, watering, administering meds, doctor visits, etc.)
1460hrs training my dog to come to a dog whistle, sit, lay, down/ off, leave it, too far(used when hiking and he has gone too far up the trail), this side(used when on walks and he is starting to go into the street or when we are crossing the street), paw, outback, pillow, up, leave it, and no chew. I have also trained him to follow hand/ whistling commands to sit, come, up, and down.
I also added my pets ive had over the years and that was 10400hrs but im not sure if all my schools will look at that or if theyll count me training my dog but i am extremely proud of my dog and the work i put into him.
1000 SA working as an animal attendant at shelter

Research
630hrs not vet related doing Water quality

Honors and awards
Citizenship and leadership Award-nominated by all faculty and staff and awarded at graduation
Biology Award
Outstanding student
Music award
Girl Scout Gold Award

Community Activities

Participated in my high school and college spring musicals for 6 years
Member and leader in Marching band in high school
Member and leader in Wildlife club.


Im not good at taking tests and i know im not, i have to work extra hard to pull As. Any opinions?

 

[Flutestar72733]

Hi Im 23 female replying for my second try wondering if i could still use some improvements. I know my GRE sucks so ill have to retake it after this cycle if i dont get in but still wondering if i have a chance with everything else.

cGPA 3.20
sGPA 3.45
45GPA i can not remember nor do i know what they will count as my last 45 hours. If they include my study abroad then it is a 3.33(unfortunately failed a class)
GRE: V144 Q149 A3.5

Vet experience
8 hrs shadowing a small animal vet

Animal experience
340hrs wildlife
769hrs fostering puppies/kittens(based on how long it took to actually care for the animals to include feeding, watering, administering meds, doctor visits, etc.)
1460hrs training my dog to come to a dog whistle, sit, lay, down/ off, leave it, too far(used when hiking and he has gone too far up the trail), this side(used when on walks and he is starting to go into the street or when we are crossing the street), paw, outback, pillow, up, leave it, and no chew. I have also trained him to follow hand/ whistling commands to sit, come, up, and down.
I also added my pets ive had over the years and that was 10400hrs but im not sure if all my schools will look at that or if theyll count me training my dog but i am extremely proud of my dog and the work i put into him.
1000 SA working as an animal attendant at shelter

Research
630hrs not vet related doing Water quality

Honors and awards
Citizenship and leadership Award-nominated by all faculty and staff and awarded at graduation
Biology Award
Outstanding student
Music award
Girl Scout Gold Award

Community Activities

Participated in my high school and college spring musicals for 6 years
Member and leader in Marching band in high school
Member and leader in Wildlife club.


Im not good at taking tests and i know im not, i have to work extra hard to pull As. Any opinions?

 

[TheComfyCat]

Hi Im 23 female replying for my second try wondering if i could still use some improvements. I know my GRE sucks so ill have to retake it after this cycle if i dont get in but still wondering if i have a chance with everything else.

cGPA 3.20
sGPA 3.45
45GPA i can not remember nor do i know what they will count as my last 45 hours. If they include my study abroad then it is a 3.33(unfortunately failed a class)
GRE: V144 Q149 A3.5

Vet experience
8 hrs shadowing a small animal vet

Animal experience
340hrs wildlife
769hrs fostering puppies/kittens(based on how long it took to actually care for the animals to include feeding, watering, administering meds, doctor visits, etc.)
1460hrs training my dog to come to a dog whistle, sit, lay, down/ off, leave it, too far(used when hiking and he has gone too far up the trail), this side(used when on walks and he is starting to go into the street or when we are crossing the street), paw, outback, pillow, up, leave it, and no chew. I have also trained him to follow hand/ whistling commands to sit, come, up, and down.
I also added my pets ive had over the years and that was 10400hrs but im not sure if all my schools will look at that or if theyll count me training my dog but i am extremely proud of my dog and the work i put into him.
1000 SA working as an animal attendant at shelter

Research
630hrs not vet related doing Water quality

Honors and awards
Citizenship and leadership Award-nominated by all faculty and staff and awarded at graduation
Biology Award
Outstanding student
Music award
Girl Scout Gold Award

Community Activities

Participated in my high school and college spring musicals for 6 years
Member and leader in Marching band in high school
Member and leader in Wildlife club.


Im not good at taking tests and i know im not, i have to work extra hard to pull As. Any opinions?

Many (most?) schools have a minimum requirement for vet experience, usually anywhere from 100-500 hours. Increasing your vet experience hours would definitely strengthen your application. I know Western only requires animal experience, though, so you might consider applying there. Some schools do look at pet ownership hours, so putting it on your application is fine. Other schools can just ignore it if they want.

Also, if you retake the GRE perhaps a prep course would help you.

 

[beatles1964]

I've taken the GRE several times over the last four years. The first time I took it I did study so that was a wake up call.
Over the last couple of year especially this year I studied non stop... Doing GRE questions continuously since Jan of this year.
GPA:3.4
Science GPA:3.0
Vet experience
5,200 hours clinic experience
300 hrs internship at U.F vet school
200 hrs internship State of Florida Department Agriculture
50 hrs farm experience -castrations / vaccinations
150 hrs volunteering Tallahassee museum-feeding animals/cleaning enclosures
2000+ hrs employed at University of Miami research area (vet tech) & certified laboratory tech

BUT my GRE scores are in the toilet. I tried a prep class at Miami Dade College last year and still no improvement in my score. This year early January I started preparing because I was determined to apply this year. It's been four years now since I graduated and I'm not sure at this point what to do. I took GRE ON AUG 30 (Q 144) (v142)). Should I try to apply? I purchased the Barron's test prep program to prepare. Also I don't know if having a learning disability has something to do with it. Was diagnosed early on but managed to perform well in regular class in college...

I agree with what WulfpackChica said about taking the GRE again and indicating that you have a learning disability. Even if you do completely fine in your college courses, you may need a little extra time on standardized tests to do well. How well you do in your regular classes doesn't necessarily compare with how you do on tests like the GRE. It's unfortunate schools even require the GRE because a 4 hour test really isn't any indication of how you'll do in vet school or later as a vet.

I wouldn't apply this year only because of the new transcript verification process. The unofficial deadline was Sept. 1 because VMCAS says it can take up to a month to verify coursework. In my case, my transcripts were verified in 5 days. Since the official deadline is Oct. 2, you may be cutting it close to get verified and get all the supplemental apps in on time. I would take a GRE prep course and apply next year. Good luck!

 

[Flutestar72733]

I also dont know whether to put my current job under veterinary experience. i work at the shelter overseen by the vet and administer medicine, vaccinations, and a euthanasia technician when needed. so she had to watch me do all that to be certified to do it and shes around every once in a while but its not like all the time shes there over my shoulders so i put it as animal experience and described what i did.

 

[TheComfyCat]

I also dont know whether to put my current job under veterinary experience. i work at the shelter overseen by the vet and administer medicine, vaccinations, and a euthanasia technician when needed. so she had to watch me do all that to be certified to do it and shes around every once in a while but its not like all the time shes there over my shoulders so i put it as animal experience and described what i did.

I had a kennel attendant job at an animal shelter, and I split up the animal/ vet hours on my application. Most of my job involved working with the public, caring for the animals, etc. But I also assisted the vet staff sometimes. So I put most of the hours under animal hours, and the hours I spent working with the vet and vet clinic staff under vet experience.

 

[jmstroup]

Hey everyone, I just found this website and I think it'd be awesome to get some advice. I'm only a Junior right now, but it'd be better to get advice now rather than in a year when it's too late for the advice to matter because I'm applying....

California resident
Attending: University of Georgia (3rd year)
Majors: Ecology & Genetics(might switch Genetics to Biology)
Cum GPA: 3.12
Science GPA: 3.04~
Practice GRE: 149V 161Q

So I didn't decide I wanted to be a vet until after my Freshman year of college. Therefore, my grades the first year of college were bad... And then I took Ochem and blew that to pieces. My science GPA is terrible because of my chemistry classes, but I'm a lot better at biology, so I think I can raise my science GPA some. I've also matured a lot since last year. I am working on a double major and studying 24/7 taking 20 hours with research and President of the Men's Club Volleyball team. I aced my first biochem test, and my other science classes' tests. I have faith that I can raise my GPA. My goal by the end of Junior year is to have at LEAST:

Cum GPA: 3.50 (3.56 if I get straight As this and next semester)
Science GPA: 3.30


Veterinary Experience
-224 hours with UGA vet in South Africa at Cheetah and Wildlife Ranch (exotic)
-40 hours dairy
-10 hours small animal


Animal Experiences
-Own dairy cows and showed dairy as a 4-H member for 6 years
-20 hours at dog kennel

Drawing a blank because I'm extremely rushed, but there is some more experience somewhere in there.


Research
-Currently working on examining levels of erythropoiesis in toads under PhD (100hr)
-Lined up to do swine nutrition research under PhD next semester
-Currently contacting DVMs from vet school to be a research assistance


Honors and Extracurriculars
-Men's Club Volleyball: VP for one year, Captain for one semester, currently President
-Member of Pre-vet club
-Member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity (might hold a position this year)

High School: (Idk how much of this, if any, I would/should include on my application)
-Salutatorian
-Journalism Photo Editor
-Member of 3 clubs
-Track, Basketball, Volleyball player


eLORS
Prospective candidates:
-Vet that went to South Africa
-Vet in mixed animal clinic I shadow at
-PhD and/or DVM I do research with
-Ecology academic advisor (small college, so she knows me very well)


I'm still a Junior, so please just give any advice on what I need to do/improve to help my chances when applications come around next year. I plan on contacting small animal clinics in town and applying for a large animal critical care volunteer team at UGA and another clinic volunteer position next semester. And during the summer I plan on continuing my mixed animal (dairy + small) back home in CA where I've already had 50 hours of experience. Thanks for any advice, I really do appreciate it.

 

[farmerk]

Hey everyone, I just found this website and I think it'd be awesome to get some advice. I'm only a Junior right now, but it'd be better to get advice now rather than in a year when it's too late for the advice to matter because I'm applying....

California resident
Attending: University of Georgia (3rd year)
Majors: Ecology & Genetics(might switch Genetics to Biology)
Cum GPA: 3.12
Science GPA: 3.04~
Practice GRE: 149V 161Q

So I didn't decide I wanted to be a vet until after my Freshman year of college. Therefore, my grades the first year of college were bad... And then I took Ochem and blew that to pieces. My science GPA is terrible because of my chemistry classes, but I'm a lot better at biology, so I think I can raise my science GPA some. I've also matured a lot since last year. I am working on a double major and studying 24/7 taking 20 hours with research and President of the Men's Club Volleyball team. I aced my first biochem test, and my other science classes' tests. I have faith that I can raise my GPA. My goal by the end of Junior year is to have at LEAST:

Cum GPA: 3.50 (3.56 if I get straight As this and next semester)
Science GPA: 3.30


Veterinary Experience
-224 hours with UGA vet in South Africa at Cheetah and Wildlife Ranch (exotic)
-40 hours dairy
-10 hours small animal


Animal Experiences
-Own dairy cows and showed dairy as a 4-H member for 6 years
-20 hours at dog kennel

Drawing a blank because I'm extremely rushed, but there is some more experience somewhere in there.


Research
-Currently working on examining levels of erythropoiesis in toads under PhD (100hr)
-Lined up to do swine nutrition research under PhD next semester
-Currently contacting DVMs from vet school to be a research assistance


Honors and Extracurriculars
-Men's Club Volleyball: VP for one year, Captain for one semester, currently President
-Member of Pre-vet club
-Member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity (might hold a position this year)

High School: (Idk how much of this, if any, I would/should include on my application)
-Salutatorian
-Journalism Photo Editor
-Member of 3 clubs
-Track, Basketball, Volleyball player


eLORS
Prospective candidates:
-Vet that went to South Africa
-Vet in mixed animal clinic I shadow at
-PhD and/or DVM I do research with
-Ecology academic advisor (small college, so she knows me very well)


I'm still a Junior, so please just give any advice on what I need to do/improve to help my chances when applications come around next year. I plan on contacting small animal clinics in town and applying for a large animal critical care volunteer team at UGA and another clinic volunteer position next semester. And during the summer I plan on continuing my mixed animal (dairy + small) back home in CA where I've already had 50 hours of experience. Thanks for any advice, I really do appreciate it.

I'd say you're on the right track, better than where I was when I decided to pursue Vet school 😀(which for me wasn't until the summer prior to my Junior year). Anyways, you definitely have the right idea, most schools like high numbers, so anything you can do to boost the GPA will only be in your favor. Have you also considered re-taking the Orgo class, as it is a req. for most schools? It may result in the grades being averaged, but if you have a fairly slack semester ahead of you (I know, shooting for the moon for us pre-vet students) then it might be an option.
Also: STUDY, STUDY, STUDY for the GRE. That is the one thing I regret not doing, but I sadly ran into too many problems b/t health/work/and school to dedicate enough study time to justify spending the $ to take it a second time, but it is what it is.
As far as Vet experiences are concerned: DIVERSITY is a BIG, BIG factor. I am an In-State resident in NC and have heard on multiple occasions that those students with the daunting numbers of hours for their experience are in no better, if not in a worse, position than those with an adequate amount of experience in a variety of settings. Based off information I have gleaned from various staff members at NC State, I consider an adequate amount of experience to be 100-400 hours. I have heard that much past the 400 doesnt earn you more than diversifying would. - so get that diversity of experiences in, especially in food animal medicine if you can swing it.
As far as including the High School stuff is concerned, it is really your call, I did it though. I feel as though it was an integral part of who I was and who I turned out to be, also it was similar to stuff I did in college and showed a fairly long commitment if looked at all together. Moreso, I just hold the attitude, why not? If they don't want to consider it, then dont, but it is recent (less than 5 years) and there are many others counting things from much further back than that, so why not?
Anyways, you are on the right track, so keep it up and don't give up!
Good Luck!😀

 

[WildZoo]

Disregard this, my phone hadn't updated the page, so others have already said what I said. 🙂

 

[lso5013]

So I posted on this forum a while ago when I first started the app process...thought I would re-post for any additional feedback

I'm applying to 8 schools (expensive, I know):
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa State, Missouri, Glasgow (UK), and Tennessee (IS, but would prefer OOS)

Here's my some of stats:
Gender - Male
Age - 22
Major - Animal Science
Minor - Spanish
Applicant Status - Traditional, graduating this December
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)
GRE - 154 V (62%), 146 Q (25% - FAIL 😱), 5 AW (93%)

Veterinary and Animal Experiences
A little under 1200 hours of veterinary experience (mostly small, but a little bit of exotics and large animal), pet ownership for 11 years (don't know if that counts...? But I've owned a dog, a cockatiel, and fish), two summers of 36-40 hours a week of large animal-related research at two universities (9 weeks each), classroom experience for 3 years give or take (don't know if that counts...?), miscellaneous volunteering and short-term internship activities including companion animals, wildlife, large animals, and laboratory animals (basically pocket pets) - can't really count up all these hours cause there's quite a bit of them...but I did all the math on the VMCAS

Employment
Part-time for a summer as a Spanish translator for a small law firm

Personal Statement
I had this revised A LOT, but I'm glad to have finally finished my VMCAS. Don't really wanna shed too many details on this just yet...

Honors and Extracurriculars

• WAY too much to list here...notable ones include Dean's List every semester, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Scholastic Achievement Award (x2), several scholarships including one that was part of an 8-semester scholarship program, awards from summer research presentations
• Some of my extracurriculars include Pre-Vet Club, new student orientations (basically guiding students new to campus), study abroad in Mexico, fundraisers for pediatric cancer research and treatment, and leadership involvement with a media / video / photography team as part of a campus fellowship

eLORS

• Two from professors who have DVMs
• One from a professor / practicing research vet
• One from a vet I did research for this summer

All the best to fellow c/o 2018 applicants!

I posted the above thread a while back, but haven't gotten feedback yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Crystalight33]

I posted the above thread a while back, but haven't gotten feedback yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

You have a strong GPA which is really good, but you're GRE could be better. It looks like you have a good amount of various kinds of vet experience which also works in your favor. I'd be surprised if you don't get offered interviews at most of the schools you applied to. Any particular reason you don't want to stay in state? (other than the fact that, based on where you applied, it looks like you enjoy being buried in snow 😉)

 

[Flutestar72733]

I had a kennel attendant job at an animal shelter, and I split up the animal/ vet hours on my application. Most of my job involved working with the public, caring for the animals, etc. But I also assisted the vet staff sometimes. So I put most of the hours under animal hours, and the hours I spent working with the vet and vet clinic staff under vet experience.

Thanks ill have to do that next year if I don't get in this time around.

 

[clairebear210]

I'm so nervous!!

21 years old, Georgia resident, UGA undergraduate

Biological Sciences
Music Minor
Cum GPA: 3.21
Science GPA: not sure

Applying to: UGA(IS), Western, Oklahoma, OSU, Ross

GRE:
Verbal - 156
Quant - 153
Writing - 4.0
I'll be taking it again to improve the writing score (UGA requires it)

Vet Hours:
800 Hours - UGA Small Animal Teaching Hospital
60 Hours - Small Animal Clinic
8 Hours - Zoo Med observation

Animal Hours:
660 Hours - Internship at zoo with large animal, wildlife, and exotics
60 Hours - Volunteer work at zoo
3000+ Hours - Guide Dog Foundation
15 Hours - Volunteer at Humane Society
72 Hours - Pet-sitting
8 Hours - Therapeutic Equine Center
6000+ Hours - American Quarter Horse Association (riding, training, care, etc.)

Employment:
Bartender
Clothing Retail

Dean's list one semester
Leadership position at Wesley Foundation for 3 years
Countless choirs, voice lessons, instruments--using this for the diversity factor 😉

eLOR's:
Veterinarian at small animal clinic
Radiation Therapy Veterinarian
Undergraduate Advisor
Vet Tech I worked with and developed good friendship with
Head zookeeper from internship
Supervisor from internship

The thing I'm most concerned about is my lower-than-average GPA...

What do you guys think?

Hey can someone please look at my stuff? I posted a while ago 🙂

 

[TheComfyCat]

Hey can someone please look at my stuff? I posted a while ago 🙂

So your experience hours are your strong point (and hopefully your background in music will make you stand out), but your GPA seems to be your weakness. It looks like you have some interesting animal experience, and a decent number of vet hours. Western likes hands-on experience more than observation, so they'll probably like that aspect of you application. How's your GPA for your last 45 semester units? Also, did you end up retaking the GRE?

 

[farmerk]

I'm so nervous!!

21 years old, Georgia resident, UGA undergraduate

Biological Sciences
Music Minor
Cum GPA: 3.21
Science GPA: not sure

Applying to: UGA(IS), Western, Oklahoma, OSU, Ross

GRE:
Verbal - 156
Quant - 153
Writing - 4.0
I'll be taking it again to improve the writing score (UGA requires it)

Vet Hours:
800 Hours - UGA Small Animal Teaching Hospital
60 Hours - Small Animal Clinic
8 Hours - Zoo Med observation

Animal Hours:
660 Hours - Internship at zoo with large animal, wildlife, and exotics
60 Hours - Volunteer work at zoo
3000+ Hours - Guide Dog Foundation
15 Hours - Volunteer at Humane Society
72 Hours - Pet-sitting
8 Hours - Therapeutic Equine Center
6000+ Hours - American Quarter Horse Association (riding, training, care, etc.)

Employment:
Bartender
Clothing Retail

Dean's list one semester
Leadership position at Wesley Foundation for 3 years
Countless choirs, voice lessons, instruments--using this for the diversity factor 😉

eLOR's:
Veterinarian at small animal clinic
Radiation Therapy Veterinarian
Undergraduate Advisor
Vet Tech I worked with and developed good friendship with
Head zookeeper from internship
Supervisor from internship

The thing I'm most concerned about is my lower-than-average GPA...

What do you guys think?

I would have to agree with the above statement on the GPA, and also what are the %s on the GRE, the numbers, in most cases, do not matter as much as your percentages do to many schools. But in most cases the schools will consider a very competitive applicant to be in the 75th % or above. But I'm not the strongest applicant when it comes to GPA or GRE either, and where we make the difference in our applications is with experience. While you do have a very good and diverse amount of animal experience, your "veterinary" hours are much less diversified. Maybe try aiming to get a diversity of Vet hours by expanding the type of clinic or veterinarian you shadow. Maybe shadow a LA vet, Equine, exotic, or even research.
Reguardless, a major portion is how you present yourself, and also the dreaded interviews, so best of luck to you!!!😀

 

[pony puffle]

Hi! First time posting on SDN & applying to vet school.

Just wrapping up my VMCAS (I know, a bit late of me, but considering I suffer from "chronic procrastination" I guess it's not a surprise) and I thought I'd post my stat's to get a bit of feed back from those who have gone through this process before. It would give me a better picture of what to expect from schools once I hit "SUBMIT".

Anyways, here are my stat's:

20 yo, MD resident, commuting to Wilson College (in PA).

Major: Biology
Minor: possibly Chem (if I take Bchem II)
Applying to: VMRCVM, Ohio, NC, UPenn, Tufts (UPenn & Tufts are my top 2)

GPA: 3.57
last 45 GPA: 3.45

GRE:
First Attempt
Verbal - 157
Quant - 149
Analytical - 3.5
Second Attempt
Verbal-160
Quant-150
Analytical- 3.5

Vet Hours:
300 Hours - Equine Mobile Vet
100 Hours - Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center
70 Hours - Belize large animal veterinary course (included castrations, vaccinations, cattle pregnancy palpations, ect.)

Animal/ Volunteer Hours:
4000+ Hours - Work at horse barn as a personal care provider.
15 Hours - Volunteer Therapeutic Riding center
80+ Hours: Work with dog breeder/groomer
4000+ Hours - Care for personal pets with various ailments (diabetic cat, diabetic dog, skin allergies and subsequent allergy injections for dogs, deliver medicine to chinchilla)
30 hours: 4-H volunteer for a dog chapter that my sister is in. I assist with obedience classes and show prep

Research:
For my senior project I am starting a two part study aimed at determining whether or not bacterial culture of fecal samples for four genera of bacteria (Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Fibrobacter spp., and Runimococcus spp.) could be used to monitor the microbial environment of a horses hindgut, and in turn the health of their laminae. Essentially, if this proves to be successful, then horse owners could have fecal samples tested regularly and make changes to management based on results before the structural damage of laminitis can develop. A possible collaboration with the Laminitis Institute at UPenn is still up in the air *fingers crossed*

Employment:
Nature Center Camp Counselor: essentially taught kids about local wildlife

Dean's list 4 semesters
In high school, was an officer in FFA and won State for Food Science in 2009

eLOR's:
-Mobile Equine Veterinarian
-Undergrad advisor for 9 semesters/chemistry professor
-Current undergrad advisor/biology professor (my school is small, so I have a class with him almost every semester)
-Research advisor/biology professor (same goes for him, I have had many classes with him)

I'm open to constructive criticism. I realize I probably will not be getting into vet school on my first attempt, and I am planning to apply to Public Health Masters programs as a plan B. Even if I do not matriculate this round, I still plan on improving my credential and reapplying. Anyways, I'm eager to read what you have to say!

 

[Megmerizing]

Hey guys! I thought I would use my first post on here and see how it was going. I am a first time applicant, i'm kind of nervous, but am already fully submitted so we'll see what happens!

19 yo, NC resident, Western Carolina University (Honors College student)
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Applying to: NC State (IS), Tennessee, Florida

GPA: 3.81
Last 45 hours: 3.85ish
Science GPA: 3.8

GRE:
First attempt:
V: 153 (57%) Q: 151 (48%) Writing: 4.0
Second attempt:
V: 155 (65%) Q: 152 (52%) Writing: 4.0

Vet hours (at time of application):
115 hours - Equine Mobile Vet
245 hours - Small animal mountain clinic (private owned)
1200+ hours - Small Animal multi-vet practice

Animal/volunteer hours:
2400+ hours - Barn/pet sitter, riding instructor, schooled horses and did farm work
2200+ hours - Summer camp counselor for a riding camp, fed/cared for 11+ horses, riding instructor
1200+ hours - Kennel attendant

Research:
Nothing yet, put down that I am beginning Song Bird Behavior research for my senior research now/in the spring. I ended up dropping a double major last semester to be able to graduate in three years, so lack of research experience is probably a weak point for me.

Employment:
Vet camp counselor/receptionist - taught kids about animals and veterinary medicine, checked in boarders and handled emergency calls as a kennel receptionist.

Awards:
Deans List throughout entire college career
Honors College Student throughout entire college career

Extra Curriculars:
Equestrian Club Vice President/IHSA Rider
Swim Club Member
Musician

High school:
Youth Group Leadership position
Horseback Rider for 12 years
Competitive Swimmer for 10+ years


eLORs:
-Mobile Equine Vet (only 115 hours riding with him, but he has known me since I was a kid)
-Mountain Animal Clinic Owner/Head Vet (Employer)
-Equestrian Club Advisor/Head of Math Department
-Organic Chemistry Lab Professor

I'm mainly concerned about my GRE/Research being really weak :/ Hopefully it will be okay!

 

[MysteryCat]

Hey guys! I thought I would use my first post on here and see how it was going. I am a first time applicant, i'm kind of nervous, but am already fully submitted so we'll see what happens!

19 yo, NC resident, Western Carolina University (Honors College student)
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Applying to: NC State (IS), Tennessee, Florida

GPA: 3.81
Last 45 hours: 3.85ish
Science GPA: 3.8

GRE:
First attempt:
V: 153 (57%) Q: 151 (48%) Writing: 4.0
Second attempt:
V: 155 (65%) Q: 152 (52%) Writing: 4.0

Vet hours (at time of application):
115 hours - Equine Mobile Vet
245 hours - Small animal mountain clinic (private owned)
1200+ hours - Small Animal multi-vet practice

Animal/volunteer hours:
2400+ hours - Barn/pet sitter, riding instructor, schooled horses and did farm work
2200+ hours - Summer camp counselor for a riding camp, fed/cared for 11+ horses, riding instructor
1200+ hours - Kennel attendant

Research:
Nothing yet, put down that I am beginning Song Bird Behavior research for my senior research now/in the spring. I ended up dropping a double major last semester to be able to graduate in three years, so lack of research experience is probably a weak point for me.

Employment:
Vet camp counselor/receptionist - taught kids about animals and veterinary medicine, checked in boarders and handled emergency calls as a kennel receptionist.

Awards:
Deans List throughout entire college career
Honors College Student throughout entire college career

Extra Curriculars:
Equestrian Club Vice President/IHSA Rider
Swim Club Member
Musician

High school:
Youth Group Leadership position
Horseback Rider for 12 years
Competitive Swimmer for 10+ years


eLORs:
-Mobile Equine Vet (only 115 hours riding with him, but he has known me since I was a kid)
-Mountain Animal Clinic Owner/Head Vet (Employer)
-Equestrian Club Advisor/Head of Math Department
-Organic Chemistry Lab Professor

I'm mainly concerned about my GRE/Research being really weak :/ Hopefully it will be okay!

You seem to make up for your GRE score with a pretty awesome GPA. You've also been able to get some good vet and leadership experience. I'd say you have a pretty darn fair shot.

If you don't get in this time, then you have a whole year to do some research and also retake the GRE. Not having any research experience doesn't seem to be a huge issue, but I'm sure it would help your case if you had to take another shot! Good luck!

 

[nachomamma]

Can't say how long I've been lurking, but I'm finally taking the plunge and posting- now that all my apps have been submitted😀

So here goes...

23 years old, female, VA resident, first-time applicant

Cum GPA: 3.46
Last 45-GPA: 3.36
Pre-req: 3.20

GRE
V: 164
Q: 157
A: 5.0

Experience
1,500 small animal (I worked as an assistant in a small animal/exotics hospital, even though SA is not my primary interest it was still a great experience)

250 equine veterinary experience (shadowing), and approximately 10,000 hours riding/showing/training, etc.

300 hours working with pigs and rats in a biomedical research lab

LORs
- 2 veterinarians (1 equine, 1 SA)
- chemistry professor
- economics professor from college who was my unofficial advisor

I majored in business and had a lot of internships/work experience in that area before switching my goals to vet med, so I have a lot non-vet related experiences in my app which I played up...

My main concern is my GPA- especially since I have so many credits that it will be pretty hard to change it. I don't really know how to feel about my GRE. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Elbie59]

Hey guys! I've been using SDN for a while but just now made a profile. 🙂
I am not sure about applying to vet school because I don't think I stand a chance to be honest. I would like to go into research so I definitely want to pursue a PhD. I'd like to apply to a DVM/PhD program but like I said, i know my chances are slim. Here are some stats:

Cum GPA:3.5

~1500 hours as a vet tech at a small animal vet clinic
~800 hours bathing dogs at a grooming shop
~500 hours as a kennel tech at my current job. grooming/boarding shop.
~5 hours volunteering at an equine rescue (scooping poop mostly)....
~10 hours of wolf puppy socialization at a wolf preserve. we also helped with a lot of manual labor. that part sucked lol.

-Volunteering in the aquatic greenhouse at school since this past summer. We do a lot of animal husbandry, water chemistry checks, and aquaculture. I'm in charge of maintaining the phytoplankton and copepods and rotifers (I LOVE microbes).

-TAing for micro lab and zoology lab at school currently.

-member of American Society of Microbiology

-member of scuba club

-member of pre-vet society (was VP for 2 semesters before I had my quarter life crisis.)

I haven't taken my GRE yet. I will graduate w my b.s. in Biology in Fall 2014.

What do you guys think- worth going the DVM/PhD route??

 

[Falina]

Can't say how long I've been lurking, but I'm finally taking the plunge and posting- now that all my apps have been submitted😀

So here goes...

23 years old, female, VA resident, first-time applicant

Cum GPA: 3.46
Last 45-GPA: 3.36
Pre-req: 3.20

GRE
V: 164
Q: 157
A: 5.0

Experience
1,500 small animal (I worked as an assistant in a small animal/exotics hospital, even though SA is not my primary interest it was still a great experience)

250 equine veterinary experience (shadowing), and approximately 10,000 hours riding/showing/training, etc.

300 hours working with pigs and rats in a biomedical research lab

LORs
- 2 veterinarians (1 equine, 1 SA)
- chemistry professor
- economics professor from college who was my unofficial advisor

I majored in business and had a lot of internships/work experience in that area before switching my goals to vet med, so I have a lot non-vet related experiences in my app which I played up...

My main concern is my GPA- especially since I have so many credits that it will be pretty hard to change it. I don't really know how to feel about my GRE. Any input would be appreciated!

Hello Nachomamma, and welcome to SDN!

Firstly, what schools did you apply to this year?

Looking at your application, I would agree that your gpa is your weak spot. The rest of your application is definitely competitive though, so I think you have a shot at some interviews.

If you happen to not get accepted this year, this is what I would try to do for next year:
-Try to find out which schools look at overall gpa and apply to those, rather than science or last 45. You'll be more competitive with a 3.46 than a 3.3.
-Since you can't change your grades, you'd have to change other parts of your application. Even though your GRE scores aren't bad (congrats on the 5.0 by the way, not many people can get that), you can in theory do better. I'd spend a few months studying and rock that thing.
-Your vet experience is good, but again if you don't get in you'll have to change it up somehow. I'd try to get some food animal or exotics experience.
-Your research is great. If you can get any more hours, do it.