What are my chances?

[allygator13]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Thanks for the tips! The GRE percentiles are from when I took them. I was wondering if I needed research experience that more directly related to the veterinary field, more extra-curics, or if I just needed to focus more on the app. I feel pretty confident in my letters of recommendation writers, I wish I could have gotten more advice on my personal statement but I guess I'll just have to take advantage of this board's proof readers next year 🙂

Yeah VMRCVM is solely based on your interview once you get to that point. After the April 15th deadline you can request to sit down with Dr. Pelzer and she'll tell you what they didn't like about your interview so that next year you'll have a better chance of doing well at their bizarre format.

 

[MYC1028]

Quick question for those who applied more than once. I am a non-traditional first time applicant (graduated May 2012). I have not heard back from my instate school and have been waitlisted at auburn and okstate. My IS (a&m) has added a psychology prereq that I am currently taking at a community college. Would taking this course at a CC affect my chance at acceptance if I were to apply again next year? and do you know if it would change my last 45 hr GPA? I know this is a bit of a stretch but any input would be appreciated!

*I am also taking a nutrition course and a college algebra course. My work is paying for it so I thought it would be fun way to kill time. But then I realized these are lower division courses and could affect me greatly in terms academic rigor.

 

[epivetlove]

Quick question for those who applied more than once. I am a non-traditional first time applicant (graduated May 2012). I have not heard back from my instate school and have been waitlisted at auburn and okstate. My IS (a&m) has added a psychology prereq that I am currently taking at a community college. Would taking this course at a CC affect my chance at acceptance if I were to apply again next year? and do you know if it would change my last 45 hr GPA? I know this is a bit of a stretch but any input would be appreciated!

*I am also taking a nutrition course and a college algebra course. My work is paying for it so I thought it would be fun way to kill time. But then I realized these are lower division courses and could affect me greatly in terms academic rigor.

From one A&M applicant to another, no, it will not look bad to take the intro psychology course at a CC. Yes, it will change your last 45 hours (everything that is traditionally graded counts). Rigor, from what I understand, is mostly based on your main undergrad institution (where you took the majority of your courses). Hopefully it'll be moot and we'll both get in! 🙂

Edit: Should add that what I said only applies to A&M. That's the only school I'm familiar with and to which I applied.

 

[MYC1028]

From one A&M applicant to another, no, it will not look bad to take the intro psychology course at a CC. Yes, it will change your last 45 hours (everything that is traditionally graded counts). Rigor, from what I understand, is mostly based on your main undergrad institution (where you took the majority of your courses). Hopefully it'll be moot and we'll both get in! 🙂

Edit: Should add that what I said only applies to A&M. That's the only school I'm familiar with and to which I applied.

Thank you for your input epivet! Crossing fingers for both of us! But psychology prereq, was that really necessary tamu?!?!?

 

[epivetlove]

Thank you for your input epivet! Crossing fingers for both of us! But psychology prereq, was that really necessary tamu?!?!?

I know the person that helped to implement that change, haha. I asked her the same thing! It's kind of a neat pre-req, though, if I'm honest. I took it as an AP course my senior year of high school, so I'm hoping that'll count if I have to reapply (it's on my transcript, so it should!). And yes, fingers and toes super crossed!

 

[WildZoo]

Anybody familiar with what Tufts weighs most heavily in an app, especially for OOS?

 

[farmgirl1992]

Anybody familiar with what Tufts weighs most heavily in an app, especially for OOS?

I can't give you an official answer but from what I can tell I think they like unique, well rounded applicants. I was at the early interview day and I think the only reason I was there was because of my Environmental Science background and emphasis on One Health in one of my application essays. I know a lot of people there had some great research experience or unique international experience as well. That's not to say the "normal" application materials (GRE, GPA, etc) aren't important I just think Tufts looks at your application a lot more holistically than some other schools that use a formula. Again, I have no idea that was just my observations based on people I know who got in there.

 

[orca2011]

Anybody familiar with what Tufts weighs most heavily in an app, especially for OOS?

I agree about the well roundness/unique experiences, but they also do put a good bit of emphasis on GPA/GRE scores. My GRE scores are the reason I didn't get an interview the second time around.

 

[smn3848]

Really quick question and maybe this has been covered in another thread so sorry if this is repetitive but is it worth retaking prereqs?

Stats:
3.46 gpa
3.26 science/math gpa
3.16 last 45 hr gpa

I am non traditional - graduated may 2013..I lacked motivation in college until my senior year when it was too late. Im so mad at myself because i know i am capable of doing really well with tough course work (i actually attended a magnet high school specifically focused on the sciences ranked #1 in the state and top 10 in the u.s. so i am definitely capable of a rigorous competitive curriculum/environment). I was just being lazy in college and considering i did not know what i wanted to do after college i failed to see the big picture that my grades mattered even after graduation. I realized this going into my senior year...unfortunately too little too late. My gpa suffered from the following:

Ochem 1: C (lab i got a B+)
Ochem 2: D retook it got a C (lab i got an A)
Physics 2: C- (lab i got a B)
Biochem: B-
Calculus: B-
Cell biology: D

All my other courses including micro, genetics, zoology, stats etc. Were As and Bs. My question is should i retake some of these courses? Will it not hold as much weight since im doing it post bac? If i do, which classes would be best to retake? Also i would probably do them at a cc for financial reasons...does that not look as good on an application? Finally i know schools require pre reqs to be a C or better so I will definitely need to retake physics 2 and orgo 2 anyway just wanted to know do schools avg the two grades together? Thanks!

 

[TheComfyCat]

Really quick question and maybe this has been covered in another thread so sorry if this is repetitive but is it worth retaking prereqs?

Stats:
3.46 gpa
3.26 science/math gpa
3.16 last 45 hr gpa

I am non traditional - graduated may 2013..I lacked motivation in college until my senior year when it was too late. Im so mad at myself because i know i am capable of doing really well with tough course work (i actually attended a magnet high school specifically focused on the sciences ranked #1 in the state and top 10 in the u.s. so i am definitely capable of a rigorous competitive curriculum/environment). I was just being lazy in college and considering i did not know what i wanted to do after college i failed to see the big picture that my grades mattered even after graduation. I realized this going into my senior year...unfortunately too little too late. My gpa suffered from the following:

Ochem 1: C (lab i got a B+)
Ochem 2: D retook it got a C (lab i got an A)
Physics 2: C- (lab i got a B)
Biochem: B-
Calculus: B-
Cell biology: D

All my other courses including micro, genetics, zoology, stats etc. Were As and Bs. My question is should i retake some of these courses? Will it not hold as much weight since im doing it post bac? If i do, which classes would be best to retake? Also i would probably do them at a cc for financial reasons...does that not look as good on an application? Finally i know schools require pre reqs to be a C or better so I will definitely need to retake physics 2 and orgo 2 anyway just wanted to know do schools avg the two grades together? Thanks!

Schools have different policies about repeated courses. Some replace old grades, some (most) average them together. Minnesota replaces the grade if the original class was taken 3+ years ago. Western (and maybe Mississippi and Ohio, IIRC) replace lower grades with your highest. Missouri has an option to ignore courses taken 6+ years ago, Illinois has an option to ignore your freshman coursework. And there might be other grade forgiveness policies I'm not familiar with. Basically, you'll have to look at the policies for each school to see which ones will make you most competitive.

Lots of people take prereqs at CC without any problems. Minor exception: UCD and UF (maybe others?) require you take a couple science prereqs at a four year university (genetics and... I forget what else). Just look at the requirements for each school you're interested in. But don't worry about taking classes at CC, especially if you're trying to save money. Many of us took prereqs at CC. And there are a lot of career switchers around here who have a bachelors degree in something totally unrelated to vet med, and took all their prereqs at CC years later.

I wouldn't bother retaking the prereqs unless you need to (i.e. got a C- or less), but it depends on where you're applying. Some schools weigh your last 45 unit GPA heavily, so retaking those classes could boost that (if you did well in the courses, anyway). What are your animal/vet experiences like? Do you have some strong LORs lined up?

 

[Ilovemanatees]

Hello everyone!!

This is my first post ever on this forum and I am really discouraged at the moment and feeling very pessimistic about life...

I am a female, 24 years old, Ohio resident, college graduate. I am non-traditional. I am graduating with both my BA in biology and AAS in veterinary technology from the University of Cincinnati at the end of this April. Like most others, I have always wanted to be a DVM but have gotten discouraged along the way and thought that becoming a RVT would be better option. Now I am ending the year for my RVT program and still feel a void and want to go to vet school. Because of my husband's career, it will be difficult to go to Caribbean schools, in fact, Ohio State may be my only option because we bought a house last year in Cincinnati....I have looked at OSU's class profile and know that I do not meet their current standards.

Not only was I lazy and unmotivated with my studies in the beginning of my academic career, but I also worked two jobs and was severely distracted. In addition to this, about 1 year ago, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. Once I started to get help with this, my grades significantly improved. However, because I have 160 credit hours, my undergrad GPA almost never changes.

I would love some general thoughts....

Education: University ofCincinnati
BA in Biology
AAS in Veterinary Technology
cum GPA: 2.808 (much higher grades during the RVT program than my BA)
GRE: I took this in 2011, prior to being treated for a learning disability. My scores are embarrassing, but they are: V:146, Q:140, AW:4.0....I plan to re-take this in the summer/fall....

Awards:
Dean's list (like one semester)
Promotions at work/merits at work

Vet Experience:
- 6500 hours in small animal medicine as a veterinary assistant/unregistered technician
- 25-30 hours of LA/equine medicine
- 100-150 hours of research experience (rodents, rabbits, frogs, manatees etc)

Animal Experience:
- Dog sitting for 5-6 years on and off
- 8000+ hours volunteering/managing a local non-profit dog rescue/founded a non-profit pit bull rescue

Extracurricular:
- President of student chapter of NAVTA
- Volunteered at summer camp for children with disabilities
- Lifeguard during HS

Current LORs:
DVM I have worked with for 5+ years
2 DVMs from RVT program
Shelter Manager where I pull most of the pit bulls from for my rescue

My question is...where do I go from here? I know that I won't get into OSU on these stats alone...should I look into getting a master's degree? I feel like I'm at the end of the road and I may have to say goodbye to vet school...

Help!

 

[that redhead]

Hello everyone!!

This is my first post ever on this forum and I am really discouraged at the moment and feeling very pessimistic about life...

I am a female, 24 years old, Ohio resident, college graduate. I am non-traditional. I am graduating with both my BA in biology and AAS in veterinary technology from the University of Cincinnati at the end of this April. Like most others, I have always wanted to be a DVM but have gotten discouraged along the way and thought that becoming a RVT would be better option. Now I am ending the year for my RVT program and still feel a void and want to go to vet school. Because of my husband's career, it will be difficult to go to Caribbean schools, in fact, Ohio State may be my only option because we bought a house last year in Cincinnati....I have looked at OSU's class profile and know that I do not meet their current standards.

Not only was I lazy and unmotivated with my studies in the beginning of my academic career, but I also worked two jobs and was severely distracted. In addition to this, about 1 year ago, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. Once I started to get help with this, my grades significantly improved. However, because I have 160 credit hours, my undergrad GPA almost never changes.

I would love some general thoughts....

Education: University ofCincinnati
BA in Biology
AAS in Veterinary Technology
cum GPA: 2.808 (much higher grades during the RVT program than my BA)
GRE: I took this in 2011, prior to being treated for a learning disability. My scores are embarrassing, but they are: V:146, Q:140, AW:4.0....I plan to re-take this in the summer/fall....

Awards:
Dean's list (like one semester)
Promotions at work/merits at work

Vet Experience:
- 6500 hours in small animal medicine as a veterinary assistant/unregistered technician
- 25-30 hours of LA/equine medicine
- 100-150 hours of research experience (rodents, rabbits, frogs, manatees etc)

Animal Experience:
- Dog sitting for 5-6 years on and off
- 8000+ hours volunteering/managing a local non-profit dog rescue/founded a non-profit pit bull rescue

Extracurricular:
- President of student chapter of NAVTA
- Volunteered at summer camp for children with disabilities
- Lifeguard during HS

Current LORs:
DVM I have worked with for 5+ years
2 DVMs from RVT program
Shelter Manager where I pull most of the pit bulls from for my rescue

My question is...where do I go from here? I know that I won't get into OSU on these stats alone...should I look into getting a master's degree? I feel like I'm at the end of the road and I may have to say goodbye to vet school...

Help!

First of all, welcome to SDN and kudos on your bravery to post 🙂 There are current vet students here (myself included) that were able to get into schools with a sub-3.0 GPA; all is not lost.

For your coursework - does that GPA count your pre-requisite courses? If you can demonstrate that you've mastered your learning disability and are committment to focusing and doing well (to be shown by a strong pre-req GPA and/or last 45 credit hours) you will have a decent argument. That being said, you may have to consider applying to other schools if this is what you want to do; I don't know about Ohio but I know schools like Minnesota and KSU weigh last 45 heavily, among others. Worth a call to OSU admissions or checking their website to see their policies.

Your vet experience is good. I personally recommend diversity (so more large animal hours would really help) but this depends on the school's preferences. Another reason to check out OSU's fine print details where you can find them.

Lastly, you can use the explanation statement section of the application to address your low GPA. I would make sure to focus on what you've done to change yourself to make yourself a better student and ready to tackle the academic challenge of vet school. Good luck

 

[smn3848]

Schools have different policies about repeated courses. Some replace old grades, some (most) average them together. Minnesota replaces the grade if the original class was taken 3+ years ago. Western (and maybe Mississippi and Ohio, IIRC) replace lower grades with your highest. Missouri has an option to ignore courses taken 6+ years ago, Illinois has an option to ignore your freshman coursework. And there might be other grade forgiveness policies I'm not familiar with. Basically, you'll have to look at the policies for each school to see which ones will make you most competitive.

Lots of people take prereqs at CC without any problems. Minor exception: UCD and UF (maybe others?) require you take a couple science prereqs at a four year university (genetics and... I forget what else). Just look at the requirements for each school you're interested in. But don't worry about taking classes at CC, especially if you're trying to save money. Many of us took prereqs at CC. And there are a lot of career switchers around here who have a bachelors degree in something totally unrelated to vet med, and took all their prereqs at CC years later.

I wouldn't bother retaking the prereqs unless you need to (i.e. got a C- or less), but it depends on where you're applying. Some schools weigh your last 45 unit GPA heavily, so retaking those classes could boost that (if you did well in the courses, anyway). What are your animal/vet experiences like? Do you have some strong LORs lined up?

Thanks for the reply! So I am super non traditional. I actually graduated college with the plan of going to dental school so my LORs are all based on that... I've been working 30+ hours a week at a dental office for almost 2 years now (which is what led me to realize i don't think i want to do it for the rest of my life).

But i have a shadowing position at a SA vet lined up and a volunteer position at an animal shelter also set up.

I hope to get LOR from vets that I shadow, not sure about an academic LOR since Im graduated... Anyway I definitely wouldnt be applying this cycle but hopefully next cycle. The reason I never seriously considered veterinary medicine before is because of my mediocre grades but at this point I realize I dont want to settle on just anything. I want a career thats rewarding and that years from now Im still going to be happy and I really think that dvm is it.

Im a nj resident but am open to go anywhere - ill do whatever it takes. Thanks again for your help!

 

[TheComfyCat]

Thanks for the reply! So I am super non traditional. I actually graduated college with the plan of going to dental school so my LORs are all based on that... I've been working 30+ hours a week at a dental office for almost 2 years now (which is what led me to realize i don't think i want to do it for the rest of my life).

But i have a shadowing position at a SA vet lined up and a volunteer position at an animal shelter also set up.

I hope to get LOR from vets that I shadow, not sure about an academic LOR since Im graduated... Anyway I definitely wouldnt be applying this cycle but hopefully next cycle. The reason I never seriously considered veterinary medicine before is because of my mediocre grades but at this point I realize I dont want to settle on just anything. I want a career thats rewarding and that years from now Im still going to be happy and I really think that dvm is it.

Im a nj resident but am open to go anywhere - ill do whatever it takes. Thanks again for your help!

I'd recommend trying to get some large animal experience as well (and not just equine). Maybe some marine mammal experience? Or something else at an aquarium? You might discover which areas of vet med you're interested in this way, too, since it doesn't sound like you have much previous experience. Basically, try to get some unique and meaningful vet experience, because with a lower GPA, it helps if you stand out in other areas. Lots of us on the message board get accepted with less than a 3.5 GPA, however people with a lower GPA usually have unique interests or experiences (especially research). Or at least they have a lot of experience. You can check out the 'successful applicant stats' thread from this and previous years to get an idea. Your grades aren't going to hold you back too much, so long as you back them up with strong GRE scores/experiences and apply to schools where you're more competitive. I think being nontraditional often helps in interviews as well, because we tend to have more life experience (and a lot to talk about in the personal statement as well) 😉

Also, some schools require an academic LOR - I think VMCAS has a spreadsheet for what types/how many LORs each school needs. Just make sure you don't apply anywhere that requires an academic LOR.

 

[smn3848]

I'd recommend trying to get some large animal experience as well (and not just equine). Maybe some marine mammal experience? Or something else at an aquarium? You might discover which areas of vet med you're interested in this way, too, since it doesn't sound like you have much previous experience. Basically, try to get some unique and meaningful vet experience, because with a lower GPA, it helps if you stand out in other areas. Lots of us on the message board get accepted with less than a 3.5 GPA, however people with a lower GPA usually have unique interests or experiences (especially research). Or at least they have a lot of experience. You can check out the 'successful applicant stats' thread from this and previous years to get an idea. Your grades aren't going to hold you back too much, so long as you back them up with strong GRE scores/experiences and apply to schools where you're more competitive. I think being nontraditional often helps in interviews as well, because we tend to have more life experience (and a lot to talk about in the personal statement as well) 😉

Also, some schools require an academic LOR - I think VMCAS has a spreadsheet for what types/how many LORs each school needs. Just make sure you don't apply anywhere that requires an academic LOR.

yea life experience is definitely something i have 🙂. Can't wait to get out and start getting veterinary experience! Thanks for all your insight and help!

 

[that redhead]

Really quick question and maybe this has been covered in another thread so sorry if this is repetitive but is it worth retaking prereqs?

Stats:
3.46 gpa
3.26 science/math gpa
3.16 last 45 hr gpa

I am non traditional - graduated may 2013..I lacked motivation in college until my senior year when it was too late. Im so mad at myself because i know i am capable of doing really well with tough course work (i actually attended a magnet high school specifically focused on the sciences ranked #1 in the state and top 10 in the u.s. so i am definitely capable of a rigorous competitive curriculum/environment). I was just being lazy in college and considering i did not know what i wanted to do after college i failed to see the big picture that my grades mattered even after graduation. I realized this going into my senior year...unfortunately too little too late. My gpa suffered from the following:

Ochem 1: C (lab i got a B+)
Ochem 2: D retook it got a C (lab i got an A)
Physics 2: C- (lab i got a B)
Biochem: B-
Calculus: B-
Cell biology: D

All my other courses including micro, genetics, zoology, stats etc. Were As and Bs. My question is should i retake some of these courses? Will it not hold as much weight since im doing it post bac? If i do, which classes would be best to retake? Also i would probably do them at a cc for financial reasons...does that not look as good on an application? Finally i know schools require pre reqs to be a C or better so I will definitely need to retake physics 2 and orgo 2 anyway just wanted to know do schools avg the two grades together? Thanks!

I would heavily consider re-taking any Cs or Ds you got and maybe taking an upper level science course or two to really prove to admissions that you're ready to handle the rigorous science coursework of vet school. The upside to this is that you can build a relationship with a professor and maybe get an academic letter from one of them AND that your last 45 GPA should improve, which will help your argument that you've made mistakes before but you're a new, better student now.

I would also be ready to address your career change in your PS. Having some solid vet hours will help this 🙂

Good luck!

 

[smn3848]

I would heavily consider re-taking any Cs or Ds you got and maybe taking an upper level science course or two to really prove to admissions that you're ready to handle the rigorous science coursework of vet school. The upside to this is that you can build a relationship with a professor and maybe get an academic letter from one of them AND that your last 45 GPA should improve, which will help your argument that you've made mistakes before but you're a new, better student now.

I would also be ready to address your career change in your PS. Having some solid vet hours will help this 🙂

Good luck!

Yea I want to/plan on retaking orgo 1 & 2 as well as physics 2 at my local cc. I would really like to retake cell bio but its not offered at the cc. Im considering going to a 4 yr and doing a non degree student to do cell bio and maybe some animal sciences. It really just depends on financials. I was also thinking that about the academic LOR!

 

[that redhead]

Yea I want to/plan on retaking orgo 1 & 2 as well as physics 2 at my local cc. I would really like to retake cell bio but its not offered at the cc. Im considering going to a 4 yr and doing a non degree student to do cell bio and maybe some animal sciences. It really just depends on financials. I was also thinking that about the academic LOR!

Best of luck!

 

[Strikedog]

Hey! I've been reading a good deal of these 'what are my chances?' posts and I was hoping I could get some help determining that as well. I'm rather nervous about applying this fall and was hoping for some feedback on what I can do to improve my application and what other schools I should think of applying to.

I am a 20 y.o. female. I currently attend the University of Texas at Austin and am going to be going into my Junior year of studies in the fall that I apply. (though I will probably only graduate with a Bachelors a year after my technical Senior year due to the pre-requisites not being part of my degree plan) Right now, I plan on applying at North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas A&M (my in-state). My GRE scores and experience scare me the most. I don't know if they are good enough to be accepted.

Education: University of Texas at Austin
BS in Environmental Science (currently in progress)
GPA: 3.6308 (though there are two more semesters coming) (this doesn't seem like a very high GPA but I've only received 3 B's, one in Microeconomics, one in History, and a B+ in General Chemistry 2)
GRE: Verbal: 166 (96%) Quantitative: 152 (49%) Analytical: 4.0 (54%)

Awards:
University Honors (one semester)
$500 scholarship from my hometown for college

Vet Experience:
~300 hours of time spent at my local vet clinic
I plan on working at another vet clinic this summer.

Animal Experience:
-Time spent at a local animal shelter as a volunteer
-I lived (before coming to college) on a farm. We had cows, horses, dogs, cats, and for a short time pigs and goats. I fed and medicated all the animals on the farm and I started banding the baby calves a couple years ago.

Extracurricular:
-A local market employee for a semester
-Jogging group
-Animal Shelter volunteer
-Soon may be joining a Biology Honors group

Current LORs:
-2 DVMs I worked for and was a client of for years
-There are a couple of professors that I've taken classes from that could fill this spot

 

[epivetlove]

Howdy, fellow Texan!

I can't speak for Oklahoma or NCSU much, but I did apply and was accepted to A&M, so I can help with that school.

Your grades look good so far, keep it up! 🙂 A&M doesn't have a "pre-req GPA" like some other schools, so all classes count for cumulative and any and all science classes count for the science GPA (something to keep in mind). If you can keep all 3 GPAs (cumulative, science, last 45) at or above a 3.5, you should be just fine. As for GRE, Verbal only counts for 10 points. You want to have a strong Quant and Writing score. A high GPA score can help balance this out, so while your Quant is a little low, I don't know that I'd bother retaking it.

Now to experience. A&M loves to see diversity. So if you can get some large animal or equine in there, that'll really help. You can get up to 4 extra points if you've shadowed multiple vets for more than 100 hours. I think I've heard NCSU prefers that you have hours in at least 3 different categories, so keep that in mind. At A&M, vet and animal experience don't count much in the overall score (16 and 12 points, respectively), but even half a point can make a difference.

I think that's all I can think of at this point. Hopefully someone else with more authority on the other schools can chime in. If you have any other questions about TAMU, I'd be happy to answer them. Good luck!

 

[that redhead]

Hey! I've been reading a good deal of these 'what are my chances?' posts and I was hoping I could get some help determining that as well. I'm rather nervous about applying this fall and was hoping for some feedback on what I can do to improve my application and what other schools I should think of applying to.

I am a 20 y.o. female. I currently attend the University of Texas at Austin and am going to be going into my Junior year of studies in the fall that I apply. (though I will probably only graduate with a Bachelors a year after my technical Senior year due to the pre-requisites not being part of my degree plan) Right now, I plan on applying at North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas A&M (my in-state). My GRE scores and experience scare me the most. I don't know if they are good enough to be accepted.

Education: University of Texas at Austin
BS in Environmental Science (currently in progress)
GPA: 3.6308 (though there are two more semesters coming) (this doesn't seem like a very high GPA but I've only received 3 B's, one in Microeconomics, one in History, and a B+ in General Chemistry 2)
GRE: Verbal: 166 (96%) Quantitative: 152 (49%) Analytical: 4.0 (54%)

Awards:
University Honors (one semester)
$500 scholarship from my hometown for college

Vet Experience:
~300 hours of time spent at my local vet clinic
I plan on working at another vet clinic this summer.

Animal Experience:
-Time spent at a local animal shelter as a volunteer
-I lived (before coming to college) on a farm. We had cows, horses, dogs, cats, and for a short time pigs and goats. I fed and medicated all the animals on the farm and I started banding the baby calves a couple years ago.

Extracurricular:
-A local market employee for a semester
-Jogging group
-Animal Shelter volunteer
-Soon may be joining a Biology Honors group

Current LORs:
-2 DVMs I worked for and was a client of for years
-There are a couple of professors that I've taken classes from that could fill this spot

Your grades aren't bad, but they're likely too low for NCSU as an OOS applicant. I'm not sure what your last 45 are but if they're strong, you may consider broadening your pool to include other schools that like a strong last 45.

Your GRE is good, but one thing to consider would be re-taking in an attempt to get that quantitative up. I don't know that it's absolutely necessary, but it could definitely help strengthen your application overall.

Good that you're planning to get more experience. I would recommend diversity like epivet mentioned if at all possible, but don't sacrifice quality for quantity. You want to be able to have meaningful experiences and build some good relationships with the vets you work with.

Good luck 🙂

 

[Strikedog]

Thank you for the input! I will definitely look to diversify my experience this summer, though it may be difficult to find equine or large animal veterinarians out in Austin. The one practice I have worked for was mixed and I did work with some larger animals, so hopefully that counts for something?
Also, I've been playing with retaking the GRE and I think I've decided to apply with the scores I have now and see where that takes me. If this application cycle doesn't work out, I will consider retaking the exam.
I don't have many hours and so my current GPA is pretty much my last 45 hours GPA. But I'll continue to work hard for the next two semesters and see where that gets me.
You've both given me a good deal to think about and a good place to start my improvement. Thank you so much for your help and input!

 

[Emily1664]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is under the right thread, but I was looking for advice on what extracurriculars/ experience I should add.
Currently I have a 3.5 GPA and a 3.4 Science
I am currently a second semester sophomore
-In addition to being a shelter volunteer, vet assistant, and therapeutic riding instructor, what should I become involved in to make me a more well rounded candidate?
I live in NYC so any kind of consistant bovine/farm work is pretty much out of the question.
I was thinking about trying to shadow a Vet at the Bronx Zoo during the summer, as well as training dogs for a shelter on the side.
How many hours make you an above and beyond candidate?
Do you think I need an international trip? They are so expensive but if any of you guys have any suggestions for a specific program please let me know.
Thanks!

 

[orca2011]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is under the right thread, but I was looking for advice on what extracurriculars/ experience I should add.
Currently I have a 3.5 GPA and a 3.4 Science
I am currently a second semester sophomore
-In addition to being a shelter volunteer, vet assistant, and therapeutic riding instructor, what should I become involved in to make me a more well rounded candidate?
I live in NYC so any kind of consistant bovine/farm work is pretty much out of the question.
I was thinking about trying to shadow a Vet at the Bronx Zoo during the summer, as well as training dogs for a shelter on the side.
How many hours make you an above and beyond candidate?
Do you think I need an international trip? They are so expensive but if any of you guys have any suggestions for a specific program please let me know.
Thanks!

There are many people who are from NYC who have managed to get large animal experience, so it's not impossible, just more difficult. You might have to look at asking family or friends who might live either outside the city or out of the state and just stay with them for a week and shadow a vet that way. If you put in a solid week of shadowing, that can easily be 40+ hours in a particular field. Also, if you're a therapeutic riding instructor, ask who the equine vet is at the place you work. You could probably try to shadow them.

The amount of hours that make you an ideal candidate can vary by school. Some want more diversity while others want more depth in a specific area or only a few. I wouldn't do an international trip unless you have to. I've heard mixed reviews on people's experiences and like you said, they cost a lot.

Also, do you have any non-vet/animal extracurriculars? Those are also important aspects of your application and shouldn't be ignored.

 

[Emily1664]

Unfortunately I have no connections to any farms through family or friends. I will definitely follow your advice in asking to shadow the equine vet, hopefully that works out!
I'm going to look into petting zoos around the area, I know that's not ideal in terms of rigorous academia but I'm hoping that I'll be able to gain more farm experience.
I have several non-vet extracurriculars through clubs at my college and hobbies in general, but I feel pretty confident in them.

 

[orca2011]

Unfortunately I have no connections to any farms through family or friends. I will definitely follow your advice in asking to shadow the equine vet, hopefully that works out!
I'm going to look into petting zoos around the area, I know that's not ideal in terms of rigorous academia but I'm hoping that I'll be able to gain more farm experience.
I have several non-vet extracurriculars through clubs at my college and hobbies in general, but I feel pretty confident in them.

Also, it might be a little late to apply to any of these things, but I think U of NH or VT has a list of externships for vet students and pre-vet. THey might have something large animal related you can look into. I'm sure other schools with a Ag program have something similar. Don't be afraid to reach out to schools for sources like that. I'm sure many would be helpful.

 

[catnips]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is under the right thread, but I was looking for advice on what extracurriculars/ experience I should add.
Currently I have a 3.5 GPA and a 3.4 Science
I am currently a second semester sophomore
-In addition to being a shelter volunteer, vet assistant, and therapeutic riding instructor, what should I become involved in to make me a more well rounded candidate?
I live in NYC so any kind of consistant bovine/farm work is pretty much out of the question.
I was thinking about trying to shadow a Vet at the Bronx Zoo during the summer, as well as training dogs for a shelter on the side.
How many hours make you an above and beyond candidate?
Do you think I need an international trip? They are so expensive but if any of you guys have any suggestions for a specific program please let me know.
Thanks!

Hey! From one New Yorker to another - I know how hard it is to find large animal experience, especially if you don't drive. But I would suggest you to maybe look up farms in upstate. There are some farm sanctuaries that have internships available all year long you can go in for any month you like, and some have housing provided. As for large animal veterinary experience, I am yet to succeed in getting one 🙁
But if you have everything else, a summer away from NY doing large animal might be enough. I am applying this year for the first time tho so take my advice with a grain of salt 🙂
Oh and, if you can do research at your school or any lab, some schools really value that.

Good luck!

 

[NStarz]

For what it's worth, I got in with only 10 hours of equine vet experience (and no food animal). Your mileage may vary.

 

[SolvationEnergy]

Hi All,

I love that this thread exists. I am curious as to what my chances may be. I am hoping for either UPENN or CSU. I certainly have my concerns though.
GPA:

Undergrad: Human Biology and Chemistry double major
Cum GPA: 3.26
Last 45: 3ish
Science: 3.2ish
undergrad research was in behavioral neuroscience

GRE was 720 Quant, 480 Verbal, 6 Writing - but i am going to have to retake them because they will expire before i can apply (i took them in 2010)

Graduate School: Current PhD student; molecular biophysics, UPENN med school.
Cum GPA: 3.7ish

Awards thus far:
Multiple Deans lists semesters
Presidential research award - senior year undergrad
Grad - Structural biology training grant
Travel award
hoping for individual pre-doc NRSA.

Animal Experience:
250+ Hours doing Rat handling/surgery/testing in undergrad
100+ Hours volunteering for animal shelters

Right now i am trying to get my animal/vet experience up, which is the hardest part. i have about 2-3 more years before i graduate. I expect about 700-1000 hours total, unless i take a year off and manage to get a job as a tech or similar. I am a full time student, so i am really only able to grab any hours that are after work or on weekends.

Thanks in advance.

 

[orca2011]

Hi All,

I love that this thread exists. I am curious as to what my chances may be. I am hoping for either UPENN or CSU. I certainly have my concerns though.
GPA:

Undergrad: Human Biology and Chemistry double major
Cum GPA: 3.26
Last 45: 3ish
Science: 3.2ish
undergrad research was in behavioral neuroscience

GRE was 720 Quant, 480 Verbal, 6 Writing - but i am going to have to retake them because they will expire before i can apply (i took them in 2010)

Graduate School: Current PhD student; molecular biophysics, UPENN med school.
Cum GPA: 3.7ish

Awards thus far:
Multiple Deans lists semesters
Presidential research award - senior year undergrad
Grad - Structural biology training grant
Travel award
hoping for individual pre-doc NRSA.

Animal Experience:
250+ Hours doing Rat handling/surgery/testing in undergrad
100+ Hours volunteering for animal shelters

Right now i am trying to get my animal/vet experience up, which is the hardest part. i have about 2-3 more years before i graduate. I expect about 700-1000 hours total, unless i take a year off and manage to get a job as a tech or similar. I am a full time student, so i am really only able to grab any hours that are after work or on weekends.

Thanks in advance.

Are you shadowing at Penn Vet at all? I feel like some of the departments would allow it (don't know from personal experience), so it might be something to look into if you're not. Also, if you're willing to travel a little, I know some practices in the area that are more open to shadowing. I realize you would prefer a job, but it might be harder if you're super busy. You might also be able to get involved at some of the shelters we volunteer at (PAWS, ACCT, Delco SPCA, PSPCA, etc).

Also since you're local, I'd even arrange an appointment to go over your application with Mr. Keiter or someone else in admissions. Pretty sure I've heard he'll do pre-application file reviews to tell you your weak areas so you can work on improving them. Also, since you still have a few years until you graduate, you should be able to accumulate enough hours (you already have more than I did when I applied). I'd maybe try to get some diversity, but Penn does prefer to see more hours in the area of your interest.


In regards to CSU, past applicants have had an average of 1000 hours in both vet and animal experience. GPA has usually fallen around a 3.6. Your graduate GPA meets that, but I don't know how they will calculate your GPA between both your degrees.

 

[SolvationEnergy]

Hi Orca,

Thanks for the quick reply! So right now i am trying to get in touch with University Lab Animal Resources to see if they have any training opportunities. I haven't contacted Penn Vet directly, although it will probably be a good idea. i just was working off of the assumption that they already have so many students (that are actually pursuing degrees) so they might not have time for more students. For the past few months i have been trying to get in touch with private practices and it has been a real headache. I have no issue traveling, so if you have recommendations for any private places that are amenable to shadowing that would be a fantastic help! I do volunteer with PAWS. Up until recently i have been doing offsite events, but right now i am trying to get a bit more involved and i have spoken to some of the vet techs and they have said they are willing to let me shadow some of the stuff they do, but that the vet doesn't allow people to shadow.

I am trying to get as many hours as possible. for the time being i am willing to make my weekends totally devoted to volunteering and shadowing, and i have no issues putting in long chunks of time. In theory, that would put me at <1000. Its just a matter of securing a position that would allow me to do that, which i currently don't have. I would also do nights, or if its on campus i could do like a couple hours here and there. I just can't actually take time off from work. We don't have summer breaks, so summer internships or externships are essentially out of the question.

 

[orca2011]

Hi Orca,

Thanks for the quick reply! So right now i am trying to get in touch with University Lab Animal Resources to see if they have any training opportunities. I haven't contacted Penn Vet directly, although it will probably be a good idea. i just was working off of the assumption that they already have so many students (that are actually pursuing degrees) so they might not have time for more students. For the past few months i have been trying to get in touch with private practices and it has been a real headache. I have no issue traveling, so if you have recommendations for any private places that are amenable to shadowing that would be a fantastic help! I do volunteer with PAWS. Up until recently i have been doing offsite events, but right now i am trying to get a bit more involved and i have spoken to some of the vet techs and they have said they are willing to let me shadow some of the stuff they do, but that the vet doesn't allow people to shadow.

I'll send you a PM with some stuff later today once we're done with class.

 

[SummerTheLynx]

Hey! From one New Yorker to another - I know how hard it is to find large animal experience, especially if you don't drive. But I would suggest you to maybe look up farms in upstate. There are some farm sanctuaries that have internships available all year long you can go in for any month you like, and some have housing provided. As for large animal veterinary experience, I am yet to succeed in getting one 🙁
But if you have everything else, a summer away from NY doing large animal might be enough. I am applying this year for the first time tho so take my advice with a grain of salt 🙂
Oh and, if you can do research at your school or any lab, some schools really value that.

Good luck!

I was born and raised LI, and if you want any experience in terms of LA, Suffolk county is actually pretty great for it. There were a ton of connections that I was able to make through Cornell's 4H pre veterinary program out on the island . I personally rode with someone separately from those connections, a couple who is super awesome and takes on anywhere from 5 to 20 students at a given time. If any New Yorkers want to shoot me a message, I can try and scrounge up their contact info to give to you guys. Do note that this was a 40 minute drive from me, and I lived 40-50 minutes from the city, so it would be a long round trip.

 

[SummerTheLynx]

Hey! From one New Yorker to another - I know how hard it is to find large animal experience, especially if you don't drive. But I would suggest you to maybe look up farms in upstate. There are some farm sanctuaries that have internships available all year long you can go in for any month you like, and some have housing provided. As for large animal veterinary experience, I am yet to succeed in getting one 🙁
But if you have everything else, a summer away from NY doing large animal might be enough. I am applying this year for the first time tho so take my advice with a grain of salt 🙂
Oh and, if you can do research at your school or any lab, some schools really value that.

Good luck!

And sorry for the second post, but forgot about research experience. Horse research experience is SUUPERR easy to get from cornell. Granted this was now around 5 years or so prior that I did so, but I was only a sophomore in high school and they got me into a cribbing study for horses there, just through a general inquiry. If you are willing to do a sublet for a month or two up in Cornell over the summer, it can certainly be beneficial for you 🙂.

 

[FlopsyMopsy]

Hi everyone! Very nervous to post, but I am applying this fall and wanted some opinions!

Virginia Tech Class of 2015
B.S. Biological Sciences
B.S. Animal and Poultry Sciences (Livestock Emphasis)
Minor Chemistry
Minor Leadership and Social Change


Overall GPA: 3.3
Science GPA: 3.5
Last 45 GPA: 3.5


GRE Quan 165
GRE Verbal 172


Experience:
Small Animal Clinic 1100 (three summers working 40 hours per week in a prestigious, busy animal hospital)

The only formal LA work I have is in class. I have halter broken cattle, feed cattle, raised my own litter of pigs, and am generally proficient and comfortable with all livestock.

I have been a TA for an Intro to Animal Science course for the past four semesters, I have been a TA for four leadership classes, and I TA a freshman Bio class.

I lead service trips- I have gone lead trips, mostly focusing on construction to Oklahoma, New York, The Dominican Republic, W. Virginia, Tennessee, I also led a weekly trip to the local Humane Society.

I am an RA on campus.

I have been a speaker at numerous leadership conferences

I put together science/education events for kids aged 8-12 starting with a few kids, and now we have +400 kids coming to an event this weekend about math and we do events across the region now. I have applied for and won +$20,000 in grants for this program.

I did Bio-Fuels research or a semester? Long enough to learn that I hated it haha

I have dear research on American Black Bears for two semesters


My GPA is my major downfall, but I have challenged myself academically- you won't find any "fluff" classes in my transcript. I have accomplished a tremendous amount of things in my three years in undergrad, I am a great writer, I am a great leader, I will have exemplary letters of rec (I am on a first name basis with the dean of the college of science and regularly go to dinner parties at his house with professors in the department, I trained for a marathon with one of my professors, I dog sit for the dean of the college of engineering, and the vets at my animal hospital love me). I know that I can rock any interview I walk into- but that is just the issue, I need to get there first!

So my question- do you think my other experiences can help out with my GPA?

I also have NO IDEA where to apply! I know I am applying to VMRCVM, but outside of that I have no idea. Where should I apply?

Hi,

I would encourage you to apply to University of Tennessee - they redid their admission procedures to weigh the GPA at 33% instead of 70%. That means that they are looking at experience/research and the interview as the other 67% to fill their class with a more diverse student body. They will also score the rigor of your major - yours looks challenging! My cumGPA was lower than yours but I was still offered an interview at Tennessee because my research and vet/animal experiences were great and I worked all through college. They WANT students like that. I was ultimately waitlisted but when I called, Dean Kirk assured me that the waitlist does move and that students do get admitted. I ended up withdrawing my position on the list because I got in to my IS school (NCSU) but that means that someone else like me could be offered a spot. Also, I'm not sure if your interest really is in poultry or not, but that should help you too. I'm interested in food animal and worked at a cattle farm last summer to get bovine experience, so a genuine interest does count for something in your qualitative score. Like my advisor said, stay positive!

 

[hawaiiandaisy]

Hi everyone 🙂
I am in my third year of undergrad and my plan was always to apply for the class of 2020...
I've been thinking recently though that I might be ready to apply this round and I wanted to know if I even have a chance?
I'm in the process of getting my B.S. in animal science at the university of Hawaii and would like to apply to CSU, OregonSU, UF, and NCSU (I know it's a long shot, but I really like some of their programs)..
GPA: 3.9
Classes taking next year: biochem, repro, genetics, nutrition, physics labs... plus others to graduate , not pre-reqs, will have an approximately 16 credits per semester, if I decide to finish in 4 years instead of 5...
GRE: am planning on taking this summer

Vet experience:
300 - SA vet hospital, paid
100 - SA vet hospital, volunteer
200 -Luv My Pet low cost vaccination clinic, paid
50- VIDA volunteer trip (LA and SA)
100- LA, volunteer
currently volunteering at a SA clinic that is awesome!, hope to have around 500 by the time I'm ready to apply

Animal experience:
500- University farm, paid and volunteer- pigs, goats, sheep, cattle
12- bird banding
200- horseback riding
300- fostering
100- production classes
100- pet ownership - poultry
100? - internship this summer working with a wildlife rehab (rehabilitating native birds)
2000+ - pet ownership (don't know if this counts)...

Research
100- avian vocalization research, paid

Other activities:
Training to be a Pilates instructor, in process of getting certified...
Worked at Hawaii Chrysalis (non-profit organization integrating ocean therapy with foster children, dolphins!)
Volunteer at various homeless shelters and food banks...
IACUC certification

Letters of rec:
will be from advisor, research advisor (both pHD's), vet I am currently interning for

Anyways, not totally sure if I'm competitive, my grades are good A's in everything but calculus (2 B's) and one section of general chem... Also, during the time I got the B's, my grandfather was dying and I had to leave school and move home, finishing the semester at a community college.
I have a little bit of a weird transfer situation... finished high school at a community college, then went to UCSC for 2 quarters, then back home for 1 quarter at community college due to family problems, then transferred to University in Hawaii to be closer to home... and have been very happy and successful there...
I am a little bit concerned cause I won't have taken Biochem, Physics labs, and Genetics by the time I apply but Biochem and Physics lab 1 will be in progress and Physics lab 2 and Genetics the following semester
Also here's what my schedule will look like for next year...
Fall 14 Spring 15
Biochem (3) Genetics (3)
Reproductive Physiology (3) Animal Breeding and Genetics (3)
Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition (3) Sustainable Ag (3)
Beef Cattle (3) Goat and Sheep (3)
Physics Lab 1 (1) Microcomputing for Ag (3)
Ag 496 (senior seminar) (1) Physics lab 2(1)

Summer 14
Physics 1 &2 online through BYU
Microbio - lecture online, lab on campus, through my university

Am I crazy??? The vet I was working for told me that I should apply this summer and that I was ready, but I don't know!
Any advice would be really helpful!
What do I need to improve on, will not having taken these classes hurt my app?

 

[belugal]

Go for it, you have a great GPA and you have diverse experiences. Just make sure you finish the pre reqs.
just so you know, NCSU hates seeing pet ownership on apps so I would avoid it unless a school asks for it.
Also, I am a little jealous that you are from Hawaii 🙂

Hi everyone 🙂
I am in my third year of undergrad and my plan was always to apply for the class of 2020...
I've been thinking recently though that I might be ready to apply this round and I wanted to know if I even have a chance?
I'm in the process of getting my B.S. in animal science at the university of Hawaii and would like to apply to CSU, OregonSU, UF, and NCSU (I know it's a long shot, but I really like some of their programs)..
GPA: 3.9
Classes taking next year: biochem, repro, genetics, nutrition, physics labs... plus others to graduate , not pre-reqs, will have an approximately 16 credits per semester, if I decide to finish in 4 years instead of 5...
GRE: am planning on taking this summer

Vet experience:
300 - SA vet hospital, paid
100 - SA vet hospital, volunteer
200 -Luv My Pet low cost vaccination clinic, paid
50- VIDA volunteer trip (LA and SA)
100- LA, volunteer
currently volunteering at a SA clinic that is awesome!, hope to have around 500 by the time I'm ready to apply

Animal experience:
500- University farm, paid and volunteer- pigs, goats, sheep, cattle
12- bird banding
200- horseback riding
300- fostering
100- production classes
100- pet ownership - poultry
100? - internship this summer working with a wildlife rehab (rehabilitating native birds)
2000+ - pet ownership (don't know if this counts)...

Research
100- avian vocalization research, paid

Other activities:
Training to be a Pilates instructor, in process of getting certified...
Worked at Hawaii Chrysalis (non-profit organization integrating ocean therapy with foster children, dolphins!)
Volunteer at various homeless shelters and food banks...
IACUC certification

Letters of rec:
will be from advisor, research advisor (both pHD's), vet I am currently interning for

Anyways, not totally sure if I'm competitive, my grades are good A's in everything but calculus (2 B's) and one section of general chem... Also, during the time I got the B's, my grandfather was dying and I had to leave school and move home, finishing the semester at a community college.
I have a little bit of a weird transfer situation... finished high school at a community college, then went to UCSC for 2 quarters, then back home for 1 quarter at community college due to family problems, then transferred to University in Hawaii to be closer to home... and have been very happy and successful there...
I am a little bit concerned cause I won't have taken Biochem, Physics labs, and Genetics by the time I apply but Biochem and Physics lab 1 will be in progress and Physics lab 2 and Genetics the following semester
Also here's what my schedule will look like for next year...
Fall 14 Spring 15
Biochem (3) Genetics (3)
Reproductive Physiology (3) Animal Breeding and Genetics (3)
Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition (3) Sustainable Ag (3)
Beef Cattle (3) Goat and Sheep (3)
Physics Lab 1 (1) Microcomputing for Ag (3)
Ag 496 (senior seminar) (1) Physics lab 2(1)

Summer 14
Physics 1 &2 online through BYU
Microbio - lecture online, lab on campus, through my university

Am I crazy??? The vet I was working for told me that I should apply this summer and that I was ready, but I don't know!
Any advice would be really helpful!
What do I need to improve on, will not having taken these classes hurt my app?

 

[wildcatj]

Hi everyone 🙂
I am in my third year of undergrad and my plan was always to apply for the class of 2020...
I've been thinking recently though that I might be ready to apply this round and I wanted to know if I even have a chance?
I'm in the process of getting my B.S. in animal science at the university of Hawaii and would like to apply to CSU, OregonSU, UF, and NCSU (I know it's a long shot, but I really like some of their programs)..
GPA: 3.9
Classes taking next year: biochem, repro, genetics, nutrition, physics labs... plus others to graduate , not pre-reqs, will have an approximately 16 credits per semester, if I decide to finish in 4 years instead of 5...
GRE: am planning on taking this summer

Vet experience:
300 - SA vet hospital, paid
100 - SA vet hospital, volunteer
200 -Luv My Pet low cost vaccination clinic, paid
50- VIDA volunteer trip (LA and SA)
100- LA, volunteer
currently volunteering at a SA clinic that is awesome!, hope to have around 500 by the time I'm ready to apply

Animal experience:
500- University farm, paid and volunteer- pigs, goats, sheep, cattle
12- bird banding
200- horseback riding
300- fostering
100- production classes
100- pet ownership - poultry
100? - internship this summer working with a wildlife rehab (rehabilitating native birds)
2000+ - pet ownership (don't know if this counts)...

Research
100- avian vocalization research, paid

Other activities:
Training to be a Pilates instructor, in process of getting certified...
Worked at Hawaii Chrysalis (non-profit organization integrating ocean therapy with foster children, dolphins!)
Volunteer at various homeless shelters and food banks...
IACUC certification

Letters of rec:
will be from advisor, research advisor (both pHD's), vet I am currently interning for

Anyways, not totally sure if I'm competitive, my grades are good A's in everything but calculus (2 B's) and one section of general chem... Also, during the time I got the B's, my grandfather was dying and I had to leave school and move home, finishing the semester at a community college.
I have a little bit of a weird transfer situation... finished high school at a community college, then went to UCSC for 2 quarters, then back home for 1 quarter at community college due to family problems, then transferred to University in Hawaii to be closer to home... and have been very happy and successful there...
I am a little bit concerned cause I won't have taken Biochem, Physics labs, and Genetics by the time I apply but Biochem and Physics lab 1 will be in progress and Physics lab 2 and Genetics the following semester
Also here's what my schedule will look like for next year...
Fall 14 Spring 15
Biochem (3) Genetics (3)
Reproductive Physiology (3) Animal Breeding and Genetics (3)
Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition (3) Sustainable Ag (3)
Beef Cattle (3) Goat and Sheep (3)
Physics Lab 1 (1) Microcomputing for Ag (3)
Ag 496 (senior seminar) (1) Physics lab 2(1)

Summer 14
Physics 1 &2 online through BYU
Microbio - lecture online, lab on campus, through my university

Am I crazy??? The vet I was working for told me that I should apply this summer and that I was ready, but I don't know!
Any advice would be really helpful!
What do I need to improve on, will not having taken these classes hurt my app?

I would recommend expanding what schools you want to apply to. Though you GPA is excellent, you don't know what your GRE scores are yet and your experience is a little low. The schools you have selected are especially competitive for OOS students. I don't think you wouldn't get in anywhere, I just think you should expand your applications if possible.
Also make sure you take a look at specific schools for how many pre-req credits you can have outstanding at the time of application. That may limit things for you as well.

 

[sayabear3]

I would recommend expanding what schools you want to apply to. Though you GPA is excellent, you don't know what your GRE scores are yet and your experience is a little low. The schools you have selected are especially competitive for OOS students. I don't think you wouldn't get in anywhere, I just think you should expand your applications if possible.
Also make sure you take a look at specific schools for how many pre-req credits you can have outstanding at the time of application. That may limit things for you as well.

I ran into that prereq problem - I had 2 full semesters I prereqs to finish and Cornell only allowed a max of 12 unfinished credits at the time of application. Because of this I took a year off after undergrad and delayed applying for a year. Can't say I am upset about that, having a year to take a break from academics has been great and I am so excited to get back into it this fall.

 

[catsandboots123]

Perhaps someone can give me feedback so that I can improve my chances for next years entry to start in fall 2015)...

Undergraduate Honours with a Major in Biology, Minor in Env. Studies
Cum: ~3.04
Last 2 years: closer to ~3.30
Took full course load

Masters Primatology
Cum: 4.0 (Took 5 courses required for my degree)
Thesis based research conducted 10 months independent study on wild primates

300 hrs volunteering in animal shelter (cats and dogs)
400+hrs volunteering wildlife clinic
1000 hrs working in small animal practice (by the time of application)
1000 hrs volunteering at a different small animal practice (by the time of application)

No experience with large farm animals...looking to change this BUT I am really allergic to horses/hay so barns don't agree with me all that well 🙁 Obs I am more interested in working with small animals as a career choice. I can handle horses one on one a little better than I can in a full barn scenario.

CANADIAN student applying to UCVM and WCVM possibly abroad as well so I would like recommendations if possible...thinking maybe NZ/Australia.

Will they even consider my courses in my Masters? Or is it strictly courses from undergrad?

Thank you!

 

[catnips]

I was born and raised LI, and if you want any experience in terms of LA, Suffolk county is actually pretty great for it. There were a ton of connections that I was able to make through Cornell's 4H pre veterinary program out on the island . I personally rode with someone separately from those connections, a couple who is super awesome and takes on anywhere from 5 to 20 students at a given time. If any New Yorkers want to shoot me a message, I can try and scrounge up their contact info to give to you guys. Do note that this was a 40 minute drive from me, and I lived 40-50 minutes from the city, so it would be a long round trip.

Ahh, this would be such a great opportunity! I just google mapped Suffolk County though and i said 5,5 hours with public transportation.

I am going into get my permit this Friday and finally learn to drive just because it really limited my large animal opportunities.

 

[that redhead]

Perhaps someone can give me feedback so that I can improve my chances for next years entry to start in fall 2015)...

Undergraduate Honours with a Major in Biology, Minor in Env. Studies
Cum: ~3.04
Last 2 years: closer to ~3.30
Took full course load

Masters Primatology
Cum: 4.0 (Took 5 courses required for my degree)
Thesis based research conducted 10 months independent study on wild primates

300 hrs volunteering in animal shelter (cats and dogs)
400+hrs volunteering wildlife clinic
1000 hrs working in small animal practice (by the time of application)
1000 hrs volunteering at a different small animal practice (by the time of application)

No experience with large farm animals...looking to change this BUT I am really allergic to horses/hay so barns don't agree with me all that well 🙁 Obs I am more interested in working with small animals as a career choice. I can handle horses one on one a little better than I can in a full barn scenario.

CANADIAN student applying to UCVM and WCVM possibly abroad as well so I would like recommendations if possible...thinking maybe NZ/Australia.

Will they even consider my courses in my Masters? Or is it strictly courses from undergrad?

Thank you!

Different schools consider grades from masters programs differently - best to contact the schools directly and ask. I'm not sure how many of your hours are vet vs animal, but they look fine if all vet stuff. Hopefully @Escalla can chime in with her opinion.

 

[Escalla]

Perhaps someone can give me feedback so that I can improve my chances for next years entry to start in fall 2015)...

Undergraduate Honours with a Major in Biology, Minor in Env. Studies
Cum: ~3.04
Last 2 years: closer to ~3.30
Took full course load

Masters Primatology
Cum: 4.0 (Took 5 courses required for my degree)
Thesis based research conducted 10 months independent study on wild primates

300 hrs volunteering in animal shelter (cats and dogs)
400+hrs volunteering wildlife clinic
1000 hrs working in small animal practice (by the time of application)
1000 hrs volunteering at a different small animal practice (by the time of application)

No experience with large farm animals...looking to change this BUT I am really allergic to horses/hay so barns don't agree with me all that well 🙁 Obs I am more interested in working with small animals as a career choice. I can handle horses one on one a little better than I can in a full barn scenario.

CANADIAN student applying to UCVM and WCVM possibly abroad as well so I would like recommendations if possible...thinking maybe NZ/Australia.

Will they even consider my courses in my Masters? Or is it strictly courses from undergrad?

Thank you!

Hey!

So I agree with @that redhead in that you should contact UCVM and WCVM directly to determine exactly how they're going to treat graduate courses. I could speculate, but it's best you hear from them. UCVM looks at just your prereqs and your two most recent years (whether grad work counts or not, I don't know). Your prereq GPA ends up being important for UCVM and they do allow one repeat of a course to be replaced, but that's it. They interview about 128 each year and take 30 from there. 60% is the interview/essay, so grades are more vital for getting the interview vs your total admissions score. Getting through the MMI format is the goal. Your grades are on the lower side, so if there are any prereqs that you didn't do well in, I would consider retaking them.

WCVM weights grades a lot differently. They look at your cum. GPA, prereqs and single best year. The interview is only worth 40% but they grill you on your experience, not just with animals, but everything. I would recommend getting some volunteer experience outside of animals as a whole as they do care about how much you're doing that is not related to animals or vet school. Also, they will want to see well-rounded animal experience hours, so finding a way to get some large animal experience should be something to think about. Is there a mixed animal clinic that you can shadow at? That would provide some large animal clinical experience without doing much for entering barns.

 

[catsandboots123]

Hey!

So I agree with @that redhead in that you should contact UCVM and WCVM directly to determine exactly how they're going to treat graduate courses. I could speculate, but it's best you hear from them. UCVM looks at just your prereqs and your two most recent years (whether grad work counts or not, I don't know). Your prereq GPA ends up being important for UCVM and they do allow one repeat of a course to be replaced, but that's it. They interview about 128 each year and take 30 from there. 60% is the interview/essay, so grades are more vital for getting the interview vs your total admissions score. Getting through the MMI format is the goal. Your grades are on the lower side, so if there are any prereqs that you didn't do well in, I would consider retaking them.

WCVM weights grades a lot differently. They look at your cum. GPA, prereqs and single best year. The interview is only worth 40% but they grill you on your experience, not just with animals, but everything. I would recommend getting some volunteer experience outside of animals as a whole as they do care about how much you're doing that is not related to animals or vet school. Also, they will want to see well-rounded animal experience hours, so finding a way to get some large animal experience should be something to think about. Is there a mixed animal clinic that you can shadow at? That would provide some large animal clinical experience without doing much for entering barns.

Thanks for the advice! Since they don't mention anything about other degrees or courses taken in more detail than a single sentence it's hard for me to judge how it might affect my application but I'll contact them directly. Oh I have lots of volunteer experience outside vet/animal stuff (volunteering as a tutor/mentor; volunteering as a docent at the local zoo; volunteering with community projects; volunteering for conferences). I pretty much volunteer 10+ hours each week, so I feel that I have at least a really well rounded and strong application in terms of experience/maturity but my concerns are mostly my undergraduate grades hindering me from getting to the interview stage. My prereqs are strong...it was other classes that brought my GPA down.

 

[that redhead]

Thanks for the advice! Since they don't mention anything about other degrees or courses taken in more detail than a single sentence it's hard for me to judge how it might affect my application but I'll contact them directly. Oh I have lots of volunteer experience outside vet/animal stuff (volunteering as a tutor/mentor; volunteering as a docent at the local zoo; volunteering with community projects; volunteering for conferences). I pretty much volunteer 10+ hours each week, so I feel that I have at least a really well rounded and strong application in terms of experience/maturity but my concerns are mostly my undergraduate grades hindering me from getting to the interview stage. My prereqs are strong...it was other classes that brought my GPA down.

If your pre-reqs and/or your last 45 credits are strong, I imagine you can make a good case for yourself. Good luck!

 

[brandkast]

Hey guys, first time poster here! Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread - I'm still a few years away from obtaining my undergraduate degree but I'm looking for help wherever I can get it before I waste any more time.

My main question is: Should I bother?

My current GPA is 2.59. During my first year of college I got all A's and B's, but recently I've fallen into some sort of hole that I can't get myself out of.

Fall term of 2012 I failed Gen Chem 1, not for a lack of understanding but more-so for a lack of effort on my behalf.

Spring term of 2013 I failed both Trig and Pre-Calc, which I did well in until the end of the semester and a family member passed away and I skipped my final. This semester I am re-taking Trig and it is looking like I will come out with a B.

I've gotten about 4 C's here and there in general ed requirements, simply because of a severe disinterest in the material. Aside from that I have finished all of my gen ed requirements and have ONLY the "important" classes left. Eek.

Last semester I re-took Gen Chem 1 and got a B. I also took Bio 1 and got a B in both the class and the lab. This semester, on top of Trig I'm also taking Gen Chem 2 and Bio 2. Unfortunately, I don't think I will make it out of Bio 2 without a C and I have to withdraw from Gen Chem 2 to prevent another F from going on my transcript. Once more both are from a lack of effort.

Aside from grades, I have been volunteering at a wildlife hospital for a year and have 139 hours. I have also worked at Banfield part-time for a little over 6 months as a Kennel Tech but received some Vet Assistant training; however, I quit about a month ago in an effort to put forth more time for school.

I've asked several doctors about the issue and while I've mostly gotten positive responses and encouragement, I've heard some negative responses and been told to give up as well. I suppose I'm just looking for a truthful, non-sugarcoated answer as I seem to keep making the same mistakes time and time again.

 

[neocia]

Hey guys, first time poster here! Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread - I'm still a few years away from obtaining my undergraduate degree but I'm looking for help wherever I can get it before I waste any more time.

My main question is: Should I bother?

Depends how bad you really want to be a vet - just remember that in vet school, you won't be able to just retake classes the same way we can now in undergrad. If you are really unsure, have you considered other careers with animals such as becoming a certified vet tech, working in different facets of animal shelters/rescues, etc? I'd say instead of retaking so many 'lower' level classes, like gen chem and gen bio, if you are allowed to go forward (ie if you are not required to retake it - generally vet schools will not accept anything lower than a C in required classes), challenge yourself with some harder, upper level classes and see how you do. Have you taken things like cell bio, anatomy, microbio, organic chem, etc yet? I've heard that vet schools like to see you improve in higher level classes rather than just retaking gen bio and gen chem 2-3 times. That all depends on your financial situation, how much time you can put into your studies, etc. (PS: I didn't do super hot in gen chem either so I got a private tutor and that really helped! I got B's in gen chem 1 and 2 thanks to one on one tutoring.)

You may even consider trying to get a master's or PhD in bio, zoology, environmental science, math, something science-y that interests you and that you feel you can handle. Again this depends on your timeline, financial stuff, and that kind of stuff, but it's hard to raise your GPA so try to impress schools with furthering your education in a positive manner. That said, if you are determined, check out the "Low GPA" threads on here in the search bar and you might be surprised to see how others have worked their butts off to turn around their low grades and get into vet school 🙂 Hope you find this info helpful.

 

[brandkast]

Depends how bad you really want to be a vet - just remember that in vet school, you won't be able to just retake classes the same way we can now in undergrad. If you are really unsure, have you considered other careers with animals such as becoming a certified vet tech, working in different facets of animal shelters/rescues, etc? I'd say instead of retaking so many 'lower' level classes, like gen chem and gen bio, if you are allowed to go forward (ie if you are not required to retake it - generally vet schools will not accept anything lower than a C in required classes), challenge yourself with some harder, upper level classes and see how you do. Have you taken things like cell bio, anatomy, microbio, organic chem, etc yet? I've heard that vet schools like to see you improve in higher level classes rather than just retaking gen bio and gen chem 2-3 times. That all depends on your financial situation, how much time you can put into your studies, etc. (PS: I didn't do super hot in gen chem either so I got a private tutor and that really helped! I got B's in gen chem 1 and 2 thanks to one on one tutoring.)

You may even consider trying to get a master's or PhD in bio, zoology, environmental science, math, something science-y that interests you and that you feel you can handle. Again this depends on your timeline, financial stuff, and that kind of stuff, but it's hard to raise your GPA so try to impress schools with furthering your education in a positive manner. That said, if you are determined, check out the "Low GPA" threads on here in the search bar and you might be surprised to see how others have worked their butts off to turn around their low grades and get into vet school 🙂 Hope you find this info helpful.

Thanks so much for the advice and incredibly quick response! In order to move forward, taking these lower level science courses are required, unfortunately. I haven't taken any of the upper level courses that you've listed, but they're next, once I finish these two. I suppose my main concern is, even if I do manage to do well in the upper-level courses, whether or not these failures in more-or-less "simple" classes will make it impossible for me to be considered for vet school.

I have all of the time in the world to pursue a master's and such, as well as re-take classes if need be. So if that will help, it is definitely something I can commit myself to. Once again, thanks!

 

[that redhead]

Hey guys, first time poster here! Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread - I'm still a few years away from obtaining my undergraduate degree but I'm looking for help wherever I can get it before I waste any more time.

My main question is: Should I bother?

My current GPA is 2.59. During my first year of college I got all A's and B's, but recently I've fallen into some sort of hole that I can't get myself out of.

Fall term of 2012 I failed Gen Chem 1, not for a lack of understanding but more-so for a lack of effort on my behalf.

Spring term of 2013 I failed both Trig and Pre-Calc, which I did well in until the end of the semester and a family member passed away and I skipped my final. This semester I am re-taking Trig and it is looking like I will come out with a B.

I've gotten about 4 C's here and there in general ed requirements, simply because of a severe disinterest in the material. Aside from that I have finished all of my gen ed requirements and have ONLY the "important" classes left. Eek.

Last semester I re-took Gen Chem 1 and got a B. I also took Bio 1 and got a B in both the class and the lab. This semester, on top of Trig I'm also taking Gen Chem 2 and Bio 2. Unfortunately, I don't think I will make it out of Bio 2 without a C and I have to withdraw from Gen Chem 2 to prevent another F from going on my transcript. Once more both are from a lack of effort.

Aside from grades, I have been volunteering at a wildlife hospital for a year and have 139 hours. I have also worked at Banfield part-time for a little over 6 months as a Kennel Tech but received some Vet Assistant training; however, I quit about a month ago in an effort to put forth more time for school.

I've asked several doctors about the issue and while I've mostly gotten positive responses and encouragement, I've heard some negative responses and been told to give up as well. I suppose I'm just looking for a truthful, non-sugarcoated answer as I seem to keep making the same mistakes time and time again.

My advice at this point would be to consider taking some time off of school. I'm not sure what is causing your lack of effort into these classes, but until you can dedicate the time, energy and caring to pull off As in these classes, I think you'll just continue to hurt your chances in the future. During your time off you could gain work experience in the field either as a technician, research assistant or something vet-related to put toward your application. You may find that you aren't as excited about vet med as you had thought, and you can redirect. Or you may discover just how badly you want to be a vet and take that renewed enthusiasm and put it toward succeeding in school.

Your chances aren't shot but continuing to take classes with this attitude toward them is going to hurt you in the long run. A masters is all well and good, but it isn't the golden ticket into vet school like many people seem to think. Additionally, it may seem like you have forever ahead of you, but time goes back so fast and you don't want to be one of those people that post here wishing they had done it all differently so many years ago.

Good luck!

 

[Equestvet]

Hey everyone!

This thread is exactly what I have been looking for and I have almost read the entire thing! I really could use some help on determining what moves to make on my current situation. I am a graduating senior from Georgia and am going to receive my BS in biology over the summer (there are a few courses that I need to complete). I am at a crucial point where I need to make an educated decision. Here is the line up from my undergraduate experience:

Academics
cGPA: 2.75
sGPA: >2.70 (ouch)
L45 GPA: 3.38
-Full year of research that will be published (animal protein research)

GRE
VR: 146
QR: 155
Writing: 3.5

Related Experience
-330 hrs LA
-55 hrs SA
-1500 to 2000 hrs volunteering at a horse rescue
-Cared for small animals since youth (pet owner)
-Founder and President for 2 yrs of the Equestrian Club at my current college

Unrelated Experience and Achievements
- Eagle Scout of the BSA (involved 18 yrs)
- Active member in community
- Volunteer hours in nursing homes and soup kitchens (over 400 hrs)

What I know:
I understand that the GPA and the GRE are my really weak points and am eager to improve on them. The GRE is the factor that can be improved in the near future. As for the GPA please see below. Additionally, my SA experience must increase prior to applying to veterinarian school.

The plan so far (rough outline):
From what I have been reading it would seem that the prime option as of now is to apply to a graduate school in a biomedical field which contains loads of research. My end goal is to enter University of Tennessee College of Veterinarian Medicine. Of course, I am willing to enter into any veterinarian school.

What I don't know:
There are a few things that need some clarification in my plan.
-Is the best move at this moment to apply to masters programs?
-Are any fields viewed as better then others because of relevance?
-Should I apply to programs in schools that have vet programs as well (I heard a rumor that chances are increased if I do)?
-Is it more beneficial to take a year off to obtain better LA/SA experience and focus on GRE scores than entering into a masters program to raise my GPA?
-Does UT focus on the L45 or the overall GPA (I will be emailing them)?
-Is there anything that I can do which will make me stand out among other applicants besides GPA and GRE?
-Should I focus on other schools, including those overseas, such as SGU and Ross?

I know that this is a lot to ask but I really want to become a vet. This has been my dream and I am not going to give up unless I am completely out of options. There are several factors that explain my low GPA and I was able to overcome them towards my Junior and Senor years. I am pumped to do whatever I need to improve my chances and enter into vet school. Thank you for looking over this and please let me know if I missed anything.