What are my chances?

[lepeck]

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I am just wondering want others think about my chances for this cycle. Some background, I only switched to Pre-vet a little under 3 years ago so I am lacking in some areas.

22 year old female first time applicant
Missouri resident

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Cum. GPA: 3.843
Science GPA: 3.85
Last 45: 3.86

GRE: Verbal-151 Quant-154 Analytical-4.5

Veterinary Experience:
-120 hrs shadowing shelter vet
-25 hrs shadowing small animal vet
-55 hrs working with large animal vet
-75 hrs shadowing zoo veterinarian

Animal Experience:
-96 hrs zookeeper internship
-1025 hrs working at doggie daycare and boarding facility
-50 hrs fostering
-~50 hrs volunteering with rescues and shelters

Research Experience:
2 1/2 years experience researching in a lab working on 3 projects
-Stem cell/nano particle research
-Blood loss research
-Mitral valve force chamber

Extracurricular activities:
-Phi Sigma Rho (STEM sorority) secretary
-Pre-vet club
-Honors College Ambassador
-Alpha Eta Mu Beta-founding member (Biomedical Engineering Honor Society)
-Freshman Engineering Peer Mentor

 

[SkiOtter]

I am just wondering want others think about my chances for this cycle. Some background, I only switched to Pre-vet a little under 3 years ago so I am lacking in some areas.

22 year old female first time applicant
Missouri resident

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Cum. GPA: 3.843
Science GPA: 3.85
Last 45: 3.86

GRE: Verbal-151 Quant-154 Analytical-4.5

Veterinary Experience:
-120 hrs shadowing shelter vet
-25 hrs shadowing small animal vet
-55 hrs working with large animal vet
-75 hrs shadowing zoo veterinarian

Animal Experience:
-96 hrs zookeeper internship
-1025 hrs working at doggie daycare and boarding facility
-50 hrs fostering
-~50 hrs volunteering with rescues and shelters

Research Experience:
2 1/2 years experience researching in a lab working on 3 projects
-Stem cell/nano particle research
-Blood loss research
-Mitral valve force chamber

Extracurricular activities:
-Phi Sigma Rho (STEM sorority) secretary
-Pre-vet club
-Honors College Ambassador
-Alpha Eta Mu Beta-founding member (Biomedical Engineering Honor Society)
-Freshman Engineering Peer Mentor

What schools are you planning on applying to? I assume Mizzou?

 

[lepeck]

I am planning to apply to at least Mizzou, LSU, Mississippi, Illinois, and possibly Kansas

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

21 Year Old Female (Will be applying in upcoming cycle)

Major: Animal Science with minor in Poultry science
Cum. GPA: 3.99
Science GPA: 4.0
Last 45: 4.0

GRE: Verbal-163 Quant-160

Veterinary Experience:
-250 hrs shadowing dairy vet
-100 hrs working with our farm's vet
-50 at mixed food animal practice
-75 small animal

Animal Experience:
- a lifetime working on family's farm and showing cattle

Research Experience:
Around 100 hrs so far working on undergrad honors thesis, have presented at a few research symposiums

Extracurricular activities:
- Dairy Science Club
- Pre Vet Club
- Poultry Science Club
- Animal Reproduction Research Club
-Block and Bridle (secretary)
- College Livestock Judging Team

Your GPAs and GRE look fantastic. You are maybe a little light on vet experience, although you've got decent variety. If you can, I'd pick up some extra hours before submitting your app.

How are you choosing the schools you are applying to? Your IS, Cornell, is obviously a smart place to apply. However, Penn, Michigan, and Wisconsin are some of the most expensive schools. In addition, your stellar GRE and GPA won't help you at Michigan, as they don't look at GRE scores and only require a minimum GPA for file review. If you are looking to stay closer to home, Purdue and VAMD are cheaper schools.

 

[SkiOtter]

Purdue and VAMD are cheaper schools.

Both of these also do not require the gre.

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

Both of these also do not require the gre.

Good point. I didn’t think of that. I still think it’s worth it to put in an app to at least one of the two cheapest schools in the region, providing OP can afford the extra app fee. They’ll still look at OP’s GPAs.

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

I am just wondering want others think about my chances for this cycle. Some background, I only switched to Pre-vet a little under 3 years ago so I am lacking in some areas.

22 year old female first time applicant
Missouri resident

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Cum. GPA: 3.843
Science GPA: 3.85
Last 45: 3.86

GRE: Verbal-151 Quant-154 Analytical-4.5

Veterinary Experience:
-120 hrs shadowing shelter vet
-25 hrs shadowing small animal vet
-55 hrs working with large animal vet
-75 hrs shadowing zoo veterinarian

Animal Experience:
-96 hrs zookeeper internship
-1025 hrs working at doggie daycare and boarding facility
-50 hrs fostering
-~50 hrs volunteering with rescues and shelters

Research Experience:
2 1/2 years experience researching in a lab working on 3 projects
-Stem cell/nano particle research
-Blood loss research
-Mitral valve force chamber

Extracurricular activities:
-Phi Sigma Rho (STEM sorority) secretary
-Pre-vet club
-Honors College Ambassador
-Alpha Eta Mu Beta-founding member (Biomedical Engineering Honor Society)
-Freshman Engineering Peer Mentor

Your GPAs are strong and consistent, which is great. Research and animal experience are also solid. You are pretty light on vet experience; I would try to add more this summer if you can. Who are your LOR writers? With such short vet experiences, at you sure you have a vet who can write you an excellent LOR? You also might consider retaking the GRE.

 

[SkiOtter]

Good point. I didn’t think of that. I still think it’s worth it to put in an app to at least one of the two cheapest schools in the region, providing OP can afford the extra app fee. They’ll still look at OP’s GPAs.

Oh definitely, I was just adding for op that their gre wont help them at either of them either

 

[ChoopLoops]

That all sounds great! NCSU I can't speak to but I know @ChoopLoops is going there this fall (couldn't seem to find their stat post maybe they didn't post them). As for WSU I can speak personally (you can pm me if you have questions). You seem competitive. I was honestly suprised when I got in because there are ~20 seats for 1000+ OSS applicants for Pullman campus. You can see my stats here: Successful Applicants Stats - Class of 2022 Unfortunately you're in a similar boat to me where your IS is fairly expensive, but please apply there anyway! Less competition is always good as ski said. Here is a VIN that can help compare your cheaper options VIN Foundation Cost of Education Map I also think Davis lets you change to IS @Coopah ? No idea how competitive you might be there.

Thanks for the ping @MixedAnimals77 🙂 Haven't been on here too much lately...

@mypetmoose sorry I'm a little late in the game, but I applied OOS to NCSU so PM me if you have any questions. I haven't posted my stats because I'm a non-trad coming into a DVM program with a master's degree already, so I feel like its not a good comparison. Were you looking at the list of the schools were you can convert to IS?

In case this needs posting again its this list!

Definite yes:
UC Davis
Minnesota (this might have changed, actually? Or maybe its just that their in-state price is also high? I feel like there's something about MN...)
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio
Washington State

Definite no's:
Colorado State
Cornell
Florida
Kansas State
Louisiana State
Mississippi State
Oregon State
Penn
Virginia-Maryland

Very difficult, but with exceptions
Auburn - marriage to resident; possibly military
Iowa State - marriage to resident
Michigan State - marriage to resident
Oklahoma - marriage to resident
Tennessee - marriage to resident
Illinois - marriage to resident
Purdue - marriage to resident

 

[SkiOtter]

Michigan State - marriage to resident

Michigan State will also do IS tuition for military, I believe.

 

[SteensGirl]

Do veterinary schools frown upon someone wanting to eventually get into animal chiropractic? Someone told me I might not want to include this in my application because they think that type of stuff is whacko, but I think it makes me stand out and is a big reason I am going to veterinary school.

 

[ChoopLoops]

Do veterinary schools frown upon someone wanting to eventually get into animal chiropractic? Someone told me I might not want to include this in my application because they think that type of stuff is whacko, but I think it makes me stand out and is a big reason I am going to veterinary school.

@SteensGirl my primary veterinary experience is working at a integrative/holistic practice where they do acupuncture and chiropractic. I've seen vets on here talk poorly about those modes of practice but 3 of the 4 vet schools/teaching hospitals I visited were incorporating things like acupuncture and chiro into their rehab/integrative medicine departments. All of those 3 schools had active holistic medicine clubs. (The 4th school I visited I didn't actually ask about this stuff so they may have had it too). Its really a growing field. I know that the admissions committees like to see breadth of experience and I think having those experiences helped me in my application, but I did also have experience with farm animals and shelter medicine. I think if you only had experience in the more alternative practices they might think you don't have a good enough understanding of the field.

I hope that helps?

 

[SteensGirl]

@SteensGirl my primary veterinary experience is working at a integrative/holistic practice where they do acupuncture and chiropractic. I've seen vets on here talk poorly about those modes of practice but 3 of the 4 vet schools/teaching hospitals I visited were incorporating things like acupuncture and chiro into their rehab/integrative medicine departments. All of those 3 schools had active holistic medicine clubs. (The 4th school I visited I didn't actually ask about this stuff so they may have had it too). Its really a growing field. I know that the admissions committees like to see breadth of experience and I think having those experiences helped me in my application, but I did also have experience with farm animals and shelter medicine. I think if you only had experience in the more alternative practices they might think you don't have a good enough understanding of the field.

I hope that helps?

It does! I definitely have experience in the veterinary medicine sides of things (large and small animal alike), I just didn't want to be penalized if my ultimate goal was chiropractic. Thank you for the advice!

 

[SteensGirl]

21 year old female first time applicant
Missouri resident

Major: Agriculture
Cum. GPA: 3.41
Science GPA: 3.314
Unsure of last 45 as I am finishing school in the coming year.


GRE: Verbal-149 Quant-151 Analytical-4.0
*Planning on retaking the GRE... this was my score without studying anything.

Veterinary Experience:
1034 hours companion animals
75 hours food animal
300 hours horses
100 hours other animals (wild horses)


Animal Experience:
~300 hours volunteering at various animal shelters
~4000 hours of horse handling
~100 hours of food animal
~100 hours of other animals (wild horses)
*Planning on volunteering at my schools herp lab this school year


Research Experience:
152 hours on a research project editing and interpreting thermal imaging photographs to study the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) on inflammatory response in Quarter horses.

Extracurricular activities:
Pre-Vet Club
Animal Agriculture Club (Horse Chair)
Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority (Sisterhood Chair 2017, Executive Board 2017, Social Chair 2016)
Equestrian Team

Employed part time throughout all of college
Applying to Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

Unsure of last 45 as I am finishing school in the coming year.

Are you applying this cycle? If so, your last 45 GPA as used by vet schools is simply your last 45 hours GPA at the time of application. Unless you are taking summer classes, your last 45 GPA for this application cycle would already be set.

 

[lepeck]

Your GPAs are strong and consistent, which is great. Research and animal experience are also solid. You are pretty light on vet experience; I would try to add more this summer if you can. Who are your LOR writers? With such short vet experiences, at you sure you have a vet who can write you an excellent LOR? You also might consider retaking the GRE.

I shadowed a vet for a year at a shelter so she is going to write one letter and then I have my boss from the doggie daycare and then my research adviser so I have LOR from all areas. I am working on getting a job at a clinic currently to try and get as many hours as possible before I submit.

 

[SteensGirl]

Are you applying this cycle? If so, your last 45 GPA as used by vet schools is simply your last 45 hours GPA at the time of application. Unless you are taking summer classes, your last 45 GPA for this application cycle would already be set.

I am currently in summer courses. So does this disregard the classes I am in currently?

 

[SkiOtter]

I am currently in summer courses. So does this disregard the classes I am in currently?

Summer classes SHOULD be part of your last 45 if you submit vmcas after you get your grades back. Some schools still won’t count them towards it (Iowa State) because it’s supposedly unfair? I think they said some people may not have their grades back? Idk exactly the reasoning.

 

[deleted676737]

21 year old female first time applicant
Missouri resident

Major: Agriculture
Cum. GPA: 3.41
Science GPA: 3.314
Unsure of last 45 as I am finishing school in the coming year.


GRE: Verbal-149 Quant-151 Analytical-4.0
*Planning on retaking the GRE... this was my score without studying anything.

Veterinary Experience:
1034 hours companion animals
75 hours food animal
300 hours horses
100 hours other animals (wild horses)


Animal Experience:
~300 hours volunteering at various animal shelters
~4000 hours of horse handling
~100 hours of food animal
~100 hours of other animals (wild horses)
*Planning on volunteering at my schools herp lab this school year


Research Experience:
152 hours on a research project editing and interpreting thermal imaging photographs to study the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) on inflammatory response in Quarter horses.

Extracurricular activities:
Pre-Vet Club
Animal Agriculture Club (Horse Chair)
Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority (Sisterhood Chair 2017, Executive Board 2017, Social Chair 2016)
Equestrian Team

Employed part time throughout all of college
Applying to Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend that you apply to Texas A&M. They accept very few OOS applicants (only 11 were offered admission last cycle), and those that do get in have virtually perfect academics; the average cumulative for accepted OOS students last year is listed as a 3.87. Not trying to imply that it is impossible, of course, and I certainly can't stop you if you just feel particularly drawn to that school, but I think that you could spend your money more wisely applying somewhere where you'd have a better shot with your current stats.

Have you considered K-State or Iowa State?

 

[RedLauren]

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend that you apply to Texas A&M. They accept very few OOS applicants (only 11 were offered admission last cycle), and those that do get in have virtually perfect academics; the average cumulative for accepted OOS students last year is listed as a 3.87. Not trying to imply that it is impossible, of course, and I certainly can't stop you if you just feel particularly drawn to that school, but I think that you could spend your money more wisely applying somewhere where you'd have a better shot with your current stats.

Have you considered K-State or Iowa State?

I disagree. It is competitive applying to A&M OOS but there is potential to save A LOT of money if you do get an offer. As an out of stater, you are eligible for in state tuition (one of the lowest in the country at $27,000 a year) if you maintain a 3.0 GPA. TMDSAS is a pain but I think you should give it a shot.

 

[deleted676737]

I disagree. It is competitive applying to A&M OOS but there is potential to save A LOT of money if you do get an offer. As an out of stater, you are eligible for in state tuition (one of the lowest in the country at $27,000 a year) if you maintain a 3.0 GPA. TMDSAS is a pain but I think you should give it a shot.

Hmm. I've been compiling tons of data on all of the schools for the past 12 hours or so but haven't seen anything about this referenced anywhere. Not on TAMU's website or in the AAVMC resources, and I don't think I've seen anyone mention this here on SDN before, either. Granted, I don't live in Texas nor did I apply there, so maybe there's a note about it in the actual TMDSAS that I didn't see. But do you have a source for this? If it's true, then I'd definitely be much more inclined to agree with your post and I'd also like to include a snippet on it in my monster school data chart.

I'm not trying to be confrontational or anything, I promise! But now my curiosity is piqued and I want to learn more about this.

 

[RedLauren]

Hmm. I've been compiling tons of data on all of the schools for the past 12 hours or so but haven't seen anything about this referenced anywhere. Not on TAMU's website or in the AAVMC resources, and I don't think I've seen anyone mention this here on SDN before, either. Granted, I don't live in Texas nor did I apply there, so maybe there's a note about it in the actual TMDSAS that I didn't see. But do you have a source for this? If it's true, then I'd definitely be much more inclined to agree with your post and I'd like to have it for my monster school data chart.

I'm not trying to be confrontational or anything, I promise! But now my curiosity is piqued and I want to learn more about this.

No worries. I work for the vet school and have several friends who have taken advantage of it. I’ve known about it for a few years but I’m not sure how long it’s been going on for. I’ll ask them if there’s any literature on it and update you when I find it.

Thanks again for making that database. I’m excited to see it!

 

[deleted676737]

No worries. I work for the vet school and have several friends who have taken advantage of it. I’ve known about it for a few years but I’m not sure how long it’s been going on for. I’ll ask them if there’s any literature on it and update you when I find it.

Thanks again for making that database. I’m excited to see it!

That's really interesting. Thank you for the information!

 

[SkiOtter]

23 years old, female, California resident & second time applicant. My main problem last cycle was that I was not entirely diverse enough. So I've been trying my hardest to make that happen.

Applied to UC Davis, Oregon State, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan State
Rejected: UC Davis, Oregon State, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois
Interviewed: Michigan State
Waitlisted: Michigan State

First Application Cycle GPA
Cumulative GPA: 3.433
Last 45 GPA: 3.613
Science GPA: 3.45

Second Application Cycle GPA
Cumulative: 3.559
Last 45: 3.948
Science GPA: 3.554

GRE Scores V/Q/W: 144/157/4.5
*not really wanting to retake this

Veterinary Experience:
• 1,000 hours from two small animal veterinary clinics (this number is increasing this summer)

Animal Experience:
• 1000+ Animal Rescue/Volunteering
• 300 hours with various animal experience (buffalos, pigs, livestock, chickens and small animals)

Research Experience:
• 338 hours on 3 different research trials

• 30 hours on a goat trial for animal welfare
• 66 hours on a calf trial for animal welfare
• 242 on a Dairy Cow Nutrition Trial (lead intern)

Leadership/extracurricular:

• Pre-vet Club (1000+ hours), held multiple leadership positions, club member
• 2nd Pre-vet club (~100 hours) - club member
• Medical club (& trying to start up a medical vet clinic) - 200 hours
• School Newspaper reporter - 130 hours
• Diversity Leadership council, served on it for a year - 160 hours
• Pre-health conference intern - 144 hours
• Assistant to an advisor - 30 hours
• Multiple Outside Clinics - 40 hours
• Decorated a department float and sat on the committee (silly but it was awesome).
• Volunteer at a homeless shelter - 100 hours
• Paid Tutor in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and General Biology

Honors/Awards:

• Deans List for five quarters (one when I had a head injury!)
• Two national writing awards in journalism

Letters of Recommendation:

• English/Writing Professor
• Professor I worked underneath for float building
• Small Animal Veterinarian at the clinic I work at

Questions:

• What schools might I be competitive at?

Planning on taking another shot at Davis and Michigan State (which I fell in love with).

If you are not going to retake the gre, I’d focus on schools that either weigh it less or schools who don’t care about it at all. Definitely look for schools who like a high last 45 over cumulative.

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

23 years old, female, California resident & second time applicant. My main problem last cycle was that I was not entirely diverse enough. So I've been trying my hardest to make that happen.

Applied to UC Davis, Oregon State, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan State
Rejected: UC Davis, Oregon State, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois
Interviewed: Michigan State
Waitlisted: Michigan State

First Application Cycle GPA
Cumulative GPA: 3.433
Last 45 GPA: 3.613
Science GPA: 3.45

Second Application Cycle GPA
Cumulative: 3.559
Last 45: 3.948
Science GPA: 3.554

GRE Scores V/Q/W: 144/157/4.5
*not really wanting to retake this

Veterinary Experience:
• 1,000 hours from two small animal veterinary clinics (this number is increasing this summer)

Animal Experience:
• 1000+ Animal Rescue/Volunteering
• 300 hours with various animal experience (buffalos, pigs, livestock, chickens and small animals)

Research Experience:
• 338 hours on 3 different research trials

• 30 hours on a goat trial for animal welfare
• 66 hours on a calf trial for animal welfare
• 242 on a Dairy Cow Nutrition Trial (lead intern)

Leadership/extracurricular:

• Pre-vet Club (1000+ hours), held multiple leadership positions, club member
• 2nd Pre-vet club (~100 hours) - club member
• Medical club (& trying to start up a medical vet clinic) - 200 hours
• School Newspaper reporter - 130 hours
• Diversity Leadership council, served on it for a year - 160 hours
• Pre-health conference intern - 144 hours
• Assistant to an advisor - 30 hours
• Multiple Outside Clinics - 40 hours
• Decorated a department float and sat on the committee (silly but it was awesome) *
• Volunteer at a homeless shelter - 100 hours
• Paid Tutor in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and General Biology *

*Still needing to record these hours

Honors/Awards:

• Deans List for five quarters (one when I had a head injury!)
• Two national writing awards in journalism

Letters of Recommendation:

• English/Writing Professor - took him for a business writing course and a journalism course. He was amazed I was able to relate my field of animal science to both business writing and journalism.
• Professor I worked underneath for float building
• Small Animal Veterinarian at the clinic I work at

Questions:

• What schools might I be competitive at?

Planning on taking another shot at Davis and Michigan State (which I fell in love with).

Did you do file reviews with Davis or Michigan State?

 

[SkiOtter]

Did you do file reviews with Davis or Michigan State?

Or like, any school you applied to that’ll do one

 

[Dinashadow]

Hi everyone, I’m a non-trad. first time applicant. I graduated with my B.S. in 2015 and have been working since. I was originally planning to go to school to become a PA because the profession is much more lucrative, but I’ve pretty much decided I won’t be happy doing anything but being a veterinarian. Curious what everyone thinks about my chances and give me some advice on my school choices. I graduated college in Pennsylvania, but I moved to CT two years ago which is unfortunate as I have no IS school.

25 year old, first time applicant!

Applying to (I might cut back on this list, but still haven’t decided): Tufts, UPenn, Cornell, U of Illinois, Michigan State, Iowa, U of Minn., and Purdue

Overall GPA: 3.5
Last 45 GPA : 3.5
Science GPA: somewhere between 3.55-3.6 if I had to guess
GRE: I’m taking it next week but I scored 164 Q/163 V on the PowerPrep practice test


Veterinary Exp.
~3,500 hrs as a vet tech at a SA hospital. (I’ve learned how to draw blood, place catheters, room appts., take radiographs, monitor anesthesia, doing dental cleanings, etc. since I started here)
-60 hrs at Tufts AVM program
-16 hrs (but hoping to get up to 50 by the time I apply) volunteering at a rescue clinic at a local aquarium. I mostly clean but sometimes get to help with meds/food prep for the seals/turtles or the veterinarians when we have a necropsy (i.e. bagging samples, cleaning up afterwards)
~1,000 hrs working for a vaccine clinic doing customer service, drawing vaccines, and restraining


Animal Exp.
~100 hrs of volunteering as an assistant trainer at an animal rescue with their dog training classes
~30 hrs. of running puppy class at my job (paid)
~50 hrs of volunteering with a guide dog foundation (walking dogs, doing reception, helping with simple administration tasks)
~20 hours grooming/walking horses at a equine rescue

Other Employment
~1,000 hrs. working at my college creamery (this is how I paid my rent in school)
~75 hrs. Paid tutoring physics, biology, and o. Chem to other college students
~350 hrs. working as a Trading Post Manager at two of our stores at a boy scout camp during one summer
~50 hrs. as a hospital volunteer (this was when I thought I wanted to go into human med.)
~500 hrs. as a CNA in a long term care facility
~100 hrs. As a home health aide

Achievements
-Dean’s list 5 out of 8 semesters
-Going to add in a few scholarships I got for college

Research
None :/


Extracurricular
-I was really heavily involved all four years of college with volunteering and fundraising for a program at my university that supports children with pediatric cancer and their families. I was our family relations chair in my club one year and the other years I volunteered on committees that helped run and put events together that supported this cause.
-IM soccer
-I compete in rally with my dog and we’ve earned a few titles so far

LORS
-Medical Director at my current place of employment
-Veterinarian at my current place of employment who knows me really well
-College Advisor
-Professor I had a few classes with (this letter is going to be my weakest, but Tufts requires two academic letters)

I’m definitely most worried about my mediocre GPA but I’m hoping my GRE score will help. I also really only have SA experience so I’m not sure if that’s going to hurt me either.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SkiOtter]

Professor I had a few classes with (this letter is going to be my weakest, but Tufts requires two academic letters)

Remember, a weak letter can hurt you more than help you. Does this professor actually know you well? If they don’t, it could hurt you not just for tufts, but the other schools who read that letter too.

Also, Iowa State, Michigan State, and Purdue don’t require the GRE anymore so a high score isn’t going to help you there. MSU doesn’t care about GPA beyond making sure you have a 3.0 or higher last 36 and science GPA.

 

[Dinashadow]

Remember, a weak letter can hurt you more than help you. Does this professor actually know you well? If they don’t, it could hurt you not just for tufts, but the other schools who read that letter too.

This is something I've been struggling with. The professor knew me well while I was in school, but then I graduated and three years passed before I asked about the letter. I'm planning on contacting Tufts admission about it. When I spoke to them at AVM they encouraged me to reach out to my professors despite the fact three years had passed, but I'm hoping they'll let me submit the one academic letter from my advisor that I know is good and my two from work.

 

[purpleflower432]

Hi, wondering if someone can comment on my chances.

GPA: 3.2
GRE: 164 V, 165 Q, 4 A

I work part time as a VA and have a total of ~700 hours in veterinary setting (all small animal)

Have 4 years of research experience, 1 year full time and a few publications

Retaking a few courses, got A's in all but not enough $$ to retake enough courses to really impact my GPA. I went to a top 15 undergrad, not sure if admissions factor that in when looking at grades.

What kind of schools might play to my strengths? Thanks!

 

[SkiOtter]

Hi, wondering if someone can comment on my chances.

GPA: 3.2
GRE: 164 V, 165 Q, 4 A

I work part time as a VA and have a total of ~700 hours in veterinary setting (all small animal)

Have 4 years of research experience, 1 year full time and a few publications

Retaking a few courses, got A's in all but not enough $$ to retake enough courses to really impact my GPA. I went to a top 15 undergrad, not sure if admissions factor that in when looking at grades.

What kind of schools might play to my strengths? Thanks!

What is your science gpa and last 45 gpa?
What state are you a resident of?

 

[purpleflower432]

What is your science gpa and last 45 gpa?
What state are you a resident of?

science GPA not totally sure but guessing around 3.1-3.2 as well
last 45 ~3.4
I'm in CA

 

[MixedAnimals77]

science GPA not totally sure but guessing around 3.1-3.2 as well
last 45 ~3.4
I'm in CA

So not sure your animal and other activities, but try and get more experience outside of small animal before submission if possible. Things that jump right out at me is look for schools who do grade replacement for retaken courses. @Coopah can comment more on Davis admissions, but from my understanding I think you'll pry have better luck elsewhere. Same goes for Western. Places I would suggest are MI and IL-someone that goes there please correct me otherwise. One place to stay away from OSS is CO (most people with 3.4 or less aren't invited for interviews). Your last 45 isn't great so not sure schools like IA would be that great to apply to. KS might be an option @LyraGardenia and @PigFarmer25

 

[Coopah]

So not sure your animal and other activities, but try and get more experience outside of small animal before submission if possible. Things that jump right out at me is look for schools who do grade replacement for retaken courses. @Coopah can comment more on Davis admissions, but from my understanding I think you'll pry have better luck elsewhere. Same goes for Western. Places I would suggest are MI and IL-someone that goes there please correct me otherwise. One place to stay away from OSS is CO (most people with 3.4 or less aren't invited for interviews). Your last 45 isn't great so not sure schools like IA would be that great to apply to. KS might be an option @LyraGardenia and @PigFarmer25

Yeah Davis wouldn't be the best fit, she should still try, might end up as one of the holistic reviews but it doesn't looks great. Sorry @purpleflower432, I wish you the best!

 

[Georgethecat]

Hi, wondering if someone can comment on my chances.

GPA: 3.2
GRE: 164 V, 165 Q, 4 A

I work part time as a VA and have a total of ~700 hours in veterinary setting (all small animal)

Have 4 years of research experience, 1 year full time and a few publications

Retaking a few courses, got A's in all but not enough $$ to retake enough courses to really impact my GPA. I went to a top 15 undergrad, not sure if admissions factor that in when looking at grades.

What kind of schools might play to my strengths? Thanks!

Check out this link for accepted student stats for class of 2018 - 2021. That will help you narrow down where you think your gpa fits in. Your GRE scores are excellent! For schools that consider the GRE it should help compensate for a slightly below average gpa.

AAVMC | Admitted Student Statistics

Doing a quick look through of Elkhart's amazing compilation of data, schools that immediately stand out as good possibilities are Kansas State (approx gpa 3.43 and 62 OOS seats) and Illinois (approx gpa 3.4-3.5 and 60 OOS seats). I'm sure there are plenty of other schools that are good fits, these 2 just stood out immediately and admit a large # of OOS.

I'm not familiar with schools that are "research" heavy, but my suggestion would be to contact the Admissions Director at any school that you are interested in and ask about their admissions criteria/process. Applying is not cheap and there is no point in applying to schools where your application would automatically be discarded (NC State not meeting the 3.4 gpa) or highly unlikely to make the cut for interviews (Davis or LSU who have very high gpa avg's).

Averages are just that...an average. Half of the class has lower and half higher. Hopefully a chat with admissions will let you know if you are in the running. I'm sure there are schools where your extensive research background will be a plus as well.

Have you decided who will be writing your recommendations? I'd consider having a frank discussion with whoever is writing your academic letter and ask if they are comfortable writing a strong letter of support for your succeeding in the academic environment of vet school.

Best of luck to you!

 

[vethopeful_2]

Guys....

I'm having one of those "I suck, why should I even apply" days. I posted my stats like 1.5 years ago but they have changed since then, and I really am just feeling defeated. At the end of the day I know I'm going to apply this year regardless (because why not), but I think I'm just wanting to know how to mentally prepare and if I should actually be applying to all of the places that are currently on my VMCAS list. So here's a rough rundown of my stats from the top of my head:

B.S Cell/Molecular Biology- graduating May 2019

Cum GPA: ~3.19
SCI GPA: ~3.00 (according to VMCAS standards, but probably even lower if schools just calculate "required" science classes)
Last 45 GPA: ~3.30

GRE- Q151/V155/4.5

Vet experience: ~1,000 hours as a vet assistant at a small animal speciality hospital and a couple hundred just shadowing at a regular SA clinic

Non animal employment: ~2,000 hrs between jobs as a bridal consultant/babysitting/etc throughout college

Animal experience:
-My family's farm (horses, cattle)- I think I capped it out at like 500 hrs because I figure they will get the hint that I was raised with a farm and it's actually probably thousands of hours
-Pet sitting for several years (dogs, cats, rabbits)
-sea turtle nest excavations
-humane society volunteering
-low cost spay/neuter clinic volunteering

Non vet-related activities that I deemed noteworthy: ~300 hours of leadership experience with the organization that I volunteer with
~have played piano for 15 years
~I am a commissioned painter, random but I guess that highlights my "uniqueness" so I added it
~coached a kids sports team for about two years
~small amount of research experience studying a virus

I want to be a mixed animal veterinarian, recently decided I specifically want to practice in rural communities to serve farmers who don't have easy access to veterinary care (because that's the situation my family is in with the farm being in the middle of nowhere)

These are the schools that are on my list:
-midwestern
-LMU
-Kansas state
-Illinois
-UGA
-Iowa state
-Mississippi state
-Tennessee (my in-state)
-UPenn
-Tuskegee
-Ohio State
-Western
-VA/MD
-Purdue
-Michigan state

I know some of those seem like a super reach but occasionally I'll come across someone who has gotten into one of them with low stats so I gain a little hope and go add it to my VMCAS school list.

Should I basically just prepare myself for the fact that I'm going to have to do a masters? I should mention that I would be totally open to a Caribbean school but I don't think my husband would want to move there and I would rather have to reapply than make him miserable.

This may be irrelevant but I am a military spouse and have had to move around quite a bit, and have basically been alone for my whole undergrad because my hub has been deployed and we are stationed away from all family and friends. I just wanted to add this because sometimes I feel like an unworthy idiot when I have to look at my stats but the reality is that I've dealt with a lot emotionally. Just trying to give a more clear picture of who I am as an applicant

Thank you for any advice you may have! I really want some straight honesty- I value your opinions a lot!

Geez that was longer than expected. Sorry y'all!

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[SkiOtter]

Guys....

I'm having one of those "I suck, why should I even apply" days. I posted my stats like 1.5 years ago but they have changed since then, and I really am just feeling defeated. At the end of the day I know I'm going to apply this year regardless (because why not), but I think I'm just wanting to know how to mentally prepare and if I should actually be applying to all of the places that are currently on my VMCAS list. So here's a rough rundown of my stats from the top of my head:

B.S Cell/Molecular Biology- graduating May 2019

Cum GPA: ~3.19
SCI GPA: ~3.00 (according to VMCAS standards, but probably even lower if schools just calculate "required" science classes)
Last 45 GPA: ~3.30

GRE- Q151/V155/4.5

Vet experience: ~1,000 hours as a vet assistant at a small animal speciality hospital and a couple hundred just shadowing at a regular SA clinic

Non animal employment: ~2,000 hrs between jobs as a bridal consultant/babysitting/etc throughout college

Animal experience:
-My family's farm (horses, cattle)- I think I capped it out at like 500 hrs because I figure they will get the hint that I was raised with a farm and it's actually probably thousands of hours
-Pet sitting for several years (dogs, cats, rabbits)
-sea turtle nest excavations
-humane society volunteering
-low cost spay/neuter clinic volunteering

Non vet-related activities that I deemed noteworthy: ~300 hours of leadership experience with the organization that I volunteer with
~have played piano for 15 years
~I am a commissioned painter, random but I guess that highlights my "uniqueness" so I added it
~coached a kids sports team for about two years
~small amount of research experience studying a virus

I want to be a mixed animal veterinarian, recently decided I specifically want to practice in rural communities to serve farmers who don't have easy access to veterinary care (because that's the situation my family is in with the farm being in the middle of nowhere)

These are the schools that are on my list:
-midwestern
-LMU
-Kansas state
-Illinois
-UGA
-Iowa state
-Mississippi state
-Tennessee (my in-state)
-UPenn
-Tuskegee
-Ohio State
-Western
-VA/MD
-Purdue
-Michigan state

I know some of those seem like a super reach but occasionally I'll come across someone who has gotten into one of them with low stats so I gain a little hope and go add it to my VMCAS school list.

Should I basically just prepare myself for the fact that I'm going to have to do a masters? I should mention that I would be totally open to a Caribbean school but I don't think my husband would want to move there and I would rather have to reapply than make him miserable.

This may be irrelevant but I am a military spouse and have had to move around quite a bit, and have basically been alone for my whole undergrad because my hub has been deployed and we are stationed away from all family and friends. I just wanted to add this because sometimes I feel like an unworthy idiot when I have to look at my stats but the reality is that I've dealt with a lot emotionally. Just trying to give a more clear picture of who I am as an applicant

Thank you for any advice you may have! I really want some straight honesty- I value your opinions a lot!

Geez that was longer than expected. Sorry y'all!

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Michigan State doesn’t care about GPA as long as you have at least 3.00 in last 36 and prereq gpa. If you meet that, definitely apply there (I know it was on your list, but after you meet the minimum they toss your gpa out and then it’s the rest of your app and your interview)
MSU will even give you higher points in your app review for growing up on a farm.

 

[vethopeful_2]

Michigan State doesn’t care about GPA as long as you have at least 3.00 in last 36 and prereq gpa. If you meet that, definitely apply there (I know it was on your list, but after you meet the minimum they toss your gpa out and then it’s the rest of your app and your interview)
MSU will even give you higher points in your app review for growing up on a farm.

Thanks for telling me! I'll need to make sure my pre-req GPA is indeed at least a 3.00 then . Random question- if a school has a requirement for, let's say, psychology.... could I use an upper level psych class as my "pre-req" fulfillment instead of psych 101?

Your new profile pic just made me LOL.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[SkiOtter]

Thanks for telling me! I'll need to make sure my pre-req GPA is indeed at least a 3.00 then . Random question- if a school has a requirement for, let's say, psychology.... could I use an upper level psych class as my "pre-req" fulfillment instead of psych 101?

Your new profile pic just made me LOL.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

It’s possible, you’d have to ask each individual school, but they may let you. I was able to swap calc 1 for calc 2 in my stuff for some schools.
And thank youuuu! @Miranda Senft made it for me and I made one for her hahaha

 

[fmdub]

LSU, Minnesota and Iowa State are also focused on last 45 hour / required courses GPA. LSU will also include any science or animal science class you made an A in into your required courses GPA so that helped me a lot.

This is a SUPER delayed response LOL but I had crossed LSU off my list because their previous class stats seemed super high compared to mine but if they include any animal/science classes into required GPA I might have a chance. Is this something they for sure do?

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

This is a SUPER delayed response LOL but I had crossed LSU off my list because their previous class stats seemed super high compared to mine but if they include any animal/science classes into required GPA I might have a chance. Is this something they for sure do?

How are GPAs Calculated?

"Required Courses GPA
In addition to the specific prerequisite courses, also factored into the Required Course GPA are any other Animal Science, Physical Science or Biological Science courses that are taken and in which an "A" grade is earned. Social science, humanities, business, engineering, kinesiology, and any general education courses are NOT calculated into the Required Course GPA; however these courses (with the exception of kinesiology courses) will still be used for the Last 45 Credit Hour as seen below."

 

[fmdub]

How are GPAs Calculated?

"Required Courses GPA
In addition to the specific prerequisite courses, also factored into the Required Course GPA are any other Animal Science, Physical Science or Biological Science courses that are taken and in which an "A" grade is earned. Social science, humanities, business, engineering, kinesiology, and any general education courses are NOT calculated into the Required Course GPA; however these courses (with the exception of kinesiology courses) will still be used for the Last 45 Credit Hour as seen below."

That's awesome!

 

[hopefully2018]

Hey all, applying this cycle for Midwestern, Missouri, UF, Auburn, and UT
almost have my app done. My boyfriend told me not to post on here but I want to see what yall think

Biomed major Art minor

3.51 Cum GPA (not sure of science GPA)
155 Quant (59th)
159 Verbal (83rd)
4.0 Analytical (60th)

Animal/Vet experience
~500 hrs Intern at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
~500 hrs as a vet tech at a domestic, small exotic, and bird clinic, 200 hrs volunteering at same clinic
~150 hrs shadowing at small domestics clinic
~150 hrs Wildlife Sanctuary
~50 hrs humane society
Totaling in about 820 vet hours and 700 animal hours

Research
Part-time lab assistant over summer in Microbio lab - published work
Year-long research project on bacteriophages
Shadowed in 4 different labs

Extracurricular
College
VP of Latina-Founded Serviced-Based nationally recognized sorority
Senate Pro Tempore of SGA
-Wrote bills adopted by the mayor of my city
Social Chair in Honors Program
STEM Resident Assistant x 2 years
Lead Resident Assistant this upcoming year
HS
19 Art awards, named top ten artist for my county
honors societies
key club
science olympiad

I know my GPA is a little weak and my GRE is exactly average, where do yall think everything else lands me?

 

[DVMoftheFuture]

Hey all, applying this cycle for Midwestern, Missouri, UF, Auburn, and UT
almost have my app done. My boyfriend told me not to post on here but I want to see what yall think

Biomed major Art minor

3.51 Cum GPA (not sure of science GPA)
155 Quant (59th)
159 Verbal (83rd)
4.0 Analytical (60th)

Animal/Vet experience
~500 hrs Intern at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
~500 hrs as a vet tech at a domestic, small exotic, and bird clinic, 200 hrs volunteering at same clinic
~150 hrs shadowing at small domestics clinic
~150 hrs Wildlife Sanctuary
~50 hrs humane society
Totaling in about 820 vet hours and 700 animal hours

Research
Part-time lab assistant over summer in Microbio lab - published work
Year-long research project on bacteriophages
Shadowed in 4 different labs

Extracurricular
College
VP of Latina-Founded Serviced-Based nationally recognized sorority
Senate Pro Tempore of SGA
-Wrote bills adopted by the mayor of my city
Social Chair in Honors Program
STEM Resident Assistant x 2 years
Lead Resident Assistant this upcoming year
HS
19 Art awards, named top ten artist for my county
honors societies
key club
science olympiad

I know my GPA is a little weak and my GRE is exactly average, where do yall think everything else lands me?

Which school is your IS? It would be helpful to know roughly what your science and last 45 GPAs are, too.

 

[mdog20]

Hi, first time applicant, long-time hopeful. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as far as narrowing down schools. I'm being pretty realistic here, and I know my grades aren't very competitive, but my experience is. I know that I am going to apply to LMU, Mid-Western, and probably UF (since it's my in-state). I feel like I should apply to 1 or 2 more schools, but i want to choose wisely. Basically my question is, what are some schools that I might have a better shot with, maybe that have more of a "holistic" view on applicants. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[deleted676737]

Hi, first time applicant, long-time hopeful. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as far as narrowing down schools. I'm being pretty realistic here, and I know my grades aren't very competitive, but my experience is. I know that I am going to apply to LMU, Mid-Western, and probably UF (since it's my in-state). I feel like I should apply to 1 or 2 more schools, but i want to choose wisely. Basically my question is, what are some schools that I might have a better shot with, maybe that have more of a "holistic" view on applicants. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

When you say that your grades aren't competitive, what do you mean by that? Are we talking a cumulative GPA of, say, 3.5? 3.3? 3.0 or lower? Do you have an upward trend or a high last 45 hours GPA?

How's your GRE scores, if you've taken it?

We need a little bit more detail in order to give you much advice.

 

[mdog20]

When you say that your grades aren't competitive, what do you mean by that? Are we talking a cumulative GPA of, say, 3.5? 3.3? 3.0 or lower? Do you have an upward trend or a high last 45 hours GPA?

How's your GRE scores, if you've taken it?

We need a little bit more detail in order to give you much advice.

My cumulative GPA is a 3.02. My last 45 are mostly higher, except for my very last semester which was still over a 3.0 but lower than other semesters. I have about 6.5 years of vet tech experience in private practice and specialty practice combined. I have not yet taken the GRE. My cumulative GPA includes a D+ in physics 2, which I haven't retaken (because of the trauma lol), but if accepted to a school that requires it i would obviously take it before attendance.

 

[SkiOtter]

My cumulative GPA is a 3.02. My last 45 are mostly higher, except for my very last semester which was still over a 3.0 but lower than other semesters. I have about 6.5 years of vet tech experience in private practice and specialty practice combined. I have not yet taken the GRE. My cumulative GPA includes a D+ in physics 2, which I haven't retaken (because of the trauma lol), but if accepted to a school that requires it i would obviously take it before attendance.

I’ve said this many times, with the most recent being about 4 posts prior to yours.

Michigan State doesn’t care about GPA as long as you have at least 3.00 in last 36 and prereq gpa. If you meet that, definitely apply there

 

[SkiOtter]

My cumulative GPA is a 3.02. My last 45 are mostly higher, except for my very last semester which was still over a 3.0 but lower than other semesters. I have about 6.5 years of vet tech experience in private practice and specialty practice combined. I have not yet taken the GRE. My cumulative GPA includes a D+ in physics 2, which I haven't retaken (because of the trauma lol), but if accepted to a school that requires it i would obviously take it before attendance.

And as for physics 2, some schools want all repeated prereqs completed BEFORE you apply. I’m not sure if there are any that don’t require both physics 1&2. It didn’t apply to me so I didn’t look.

 

[mdog20]

And as for physics 2, some schools want all repeated prereqs completed BEFORE you apply. I’m not sure if there are any that don’t require both physics 1&2. It didn’t apply to me so I didn’t look.

Thank you. I know there are some schools that only require physics 1, honestly can't even remember off the top of my head but I did look into it.