What Should I Do?

[bigfoot777]

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**Just to warn you, this will be a little long and reads like the story of my life**

This is my first post on here, and I joined because I’m really frustrated. I’m not here to trash anyone or anything, I’m just looking for some other perspectives on my situation.

I have wanted to become a veterinarian for a very long time. From at least second grade on, I always knew that’s what I was going to do. Once I graduated high school, I was going to get my bachelors, then I was going to go to vet school, and then I was going to open my own practice one day. Needless to say, it really didn’t work out as I had planned.

My father, who is a salesman, had a contact at my local university who said he could get me a full scholarship if I joined his Mining Engineering program. I definitely didn’t want to become a Mining Engineer, however, a free degree didn’t sound too bad. My first semester went ok but then I became quite ill. In fact, a quarter of the way through my second semester, I couldn’t even attend classes. I gathered doctor’s notes, professor’s notes, and applied for medical leave. The university wouldn’t grant it to me so I ended up failing every course I had been taking.

Over that summer, I discovered a program at another university called Bioveterinary Science. It was designed exclusively around the prerequisites for veterinary school and was intended to get you in. After many discussions with my parents, we decided it was a good decision and I applied and started school in the fall.

My illness was still there and I was still missing classes. No doctor could figure out what was wrong with me. I tried going to classes, but I just couldn’t move on some of the days. I scraped by with C- grades in General Chem 2 and General Biology 1, but I knew it wasn’t going to cut it.

I met my wife my second year at my new school and we were married before the start of my third. Before we were married, I had surgery that cured me of my illness. Coming into my third year, I had a 2.6 gpa with not much room for error. I knew it was going to be hard, especially since I was taking upper division courses my last two years but I also knew it was do or die time. I worked harder than ever and graduated in 2007 with a 3.1 gpa. Not great but doable.

I started working at a veterinary clinic in 2006 and applied to veterinary school in 2007. I applied to 5 different schools but obviously, no one accepted me. No interviews, no alternates, nothing. Feeling rather dejected, I decided to meet with the dean of admissions at Colorado State University. She told me gave me three things that were negative on my application: not enough varied experience, my gpa, and the worst thing on my application was my semester of failed grades. She told me to gain experience and to get a graduate degree or take upper division courses.

Two months after my interview with the dean, I found a job working as a research technician at a medical device company. I applied to several graduate programs at the university, but no one would accept me. After working at the device company for a year, I decided to move back to my hometown where there was more opportunity. I found a job with another medical device research company and again, applied for graduate school. This time I had faculty I had been working with on my side but again, it proved useless as I was rejected.
My birthday just went by and I turned 25. I feel like my degree was a waste of money and time. I don’t know where to go from here. I can’t get into veterinary school without proving myself in a graduate program. I can’t get into a graduate program without improving my grades anyway. No matter what else I look into as a possible career, nothing intrigues me more than becoming a veterinarian but I don’t know if I should continue when all I’m getting are rejections.

Is it time to face reality with a 3.1 gpa and 1120 on the GRE that I’m just not cut out for vet school? It may not seem like a big deal to some people, but I am extremely frustrated😡 and confused😕. What do you think?

 

[littlehooves]

I'm really not good at GPAs we use letters mainly in Canada...but is a 3.1 in the 80s? Anyways have you thought about applying abroad, to schools up here, or in other countries that have accredited Universities?

If you visit the OVC website, they give the stats from the previous accepted applicants- I recall the lower end marks that were accepted were around 73%. I've done alot of research on Australian universities, and I know Murdoch looks at your whole application as a package. I think there's someone on here who goes to Murdoch who had some bad GPAs in their first few years, and pulled them up to some simliar to yours and got into Murdoch.

The road doesn't end here- don't worry!

 

[CatVet2Be]

I don't think this will doom you. Your GRE is ok but maybe with a prep course you could raise it to a more solid level. As far as your GPA, can you retake some of the previously failed courses? If not, could you enroll in upper division biology classes: immunology, physio, anatomy, micro, etc....? And as far as experience, if you've worked at a medical device company could you transition into a lab animal setting? This would add to your experience in a vet clinic. Depending on the area of the country you're in can you volunteer through a shelter for different programs? Some shelters offer emergency rescue services where you need to go through a training program but can then be called upon during an emergency situation. For example in southern California, those who have gone through the training were asked for assistance during the fire evacuations. Other people have volunteered through RAVS around the country, and some have gone overseas with different animal programs on 1-2 week or more trips. These things can help you stand out as an applicant and are unforgettable life experiences.

Getting into vet school is doable but it comes down to how much you're willing to sacrifice to get there. Sometimes you have to realize it may take you a few years of work and for some people that's too much time. For others the end result is enough of a payoff to justify putting life on hold for a while. You just need to sit down and honestly decide how much are you willing to give to get there?

 

[bigfoot777]

I don't think this will doom you. Your GRE is ok but maybe with a prep course you could raise it to a more solid level. As far as your GPA, can you retake some of the previously failed courses? If not, could you enroll in upper division biology classes: immunology, physio, anatomy, micro, etc....? And as far as experience, if you've worked at a medical device company could you transition into a lab animal setting? This would add to your experience in a vet clinic. Depending on the area of the country you're in can you volunteer through a shelter for different programs? Some shelters offer emergency rescue services where you need to go through a training program but can then be called upon during an emergency situation. For example in southern California, those who have gone through the training were asked for assistance during the fire evacuations. Other people have volunteered through RAVS around the country, and some have gone overseas with different animal programs on 1-2 week or more trips. These things can help you stand out as an applicant and are unforgettable life experiences.

Getting into vet school is doable but it comes down to how much you're willing to sacrifice to get there. Sometimes you have to realize it may take you a few years of work and for some people that's too much time. For others the end result is enough of a payoff to justify putting life on hold for a while. You just need to sit down and honestly decide how much are you willing to give to get there?

I took a GRE prep course and my 1120 is actually almost 200 points higher than I got the first time I took it. I'm not a good test taker at all, especially a generalized test like the GRE. The medical device companies I've worked for are contract preclinical research facilities performing research on animals. I've calculated my hours for experience with animals/vet technician and I've easily got over 5000 hours. All these decisions are so much easier when you don't have a wife that you have to think about. She's behind me 100% however, I don't want to make her wait on me either.

 

[shortnsweet]

Don't lose hope!!!! You just need a chance to prove yourself and show yourself as a whole. Take a step back and start looking critically at yourself. This is clearly what you want...and only 25? you have plenty of time!!

Now, with that said...a low (and yours is not THAT low) GPA is not going to end your chances of getting in. I have a 3.2 overall and a 1080, yes you read that right, on my GREs. I was accepted to both Glasgow and Dublin. If you are willing to consider the European schools (or Aussie), they truly do look at the student as a whole. They give you ample chance to explain yourself, and reflect on where you are and where you want to go.

There are also grad programs like the one at Dexel that allow you to "fix" up your grades from undergrad and try and help your overall GPA....Maybe take a look at that? They have a one year and a two year that I know of. Now that you are over your illness, maybe retaking those not so great classes could really help you!!

Keep trying and don't lose hope!! 🙂

 

[GellaBella]

I agree with the other posters. All is not lost, its just going to take a little longer than you expected. But hey, you're still young, even if you don't feel like you are, so if you want to be a vet, you will get to be a vet as long as you keep striving towards it.

It may be possible to re-take some of the courses you did poorly in. That will help. I also suggest you get a research job in academia-that is, at an academic institution. Perhaps ask to meet with the Dean at a university you would apply to for a graduate program and see what they have to say. I'm not sure about other institutions, but the deans at every school I've been to have been very nice and willing to help, I'm sure they would help someone trying to get in.

Perhaps you can also take graduate level courses without being enrolled? Good grades in those combined with academic research experience could go a long way towards proving you can handle upper level courses, and letters of recommendation from people who you've done research with are always very valuable.

Good luck.

 

[sumstorm]

I think you may have to re-evaluate. Instead of trying for grad programs, improve your post-bac GPA by taking upper division courses. Prove you can hack it now....if you can, consider taking off a semester and proving your academic determination via a science course load. Consider replacing those grades.

Gather all the documentation of your medical illness (if it is resolved and will not put you in a bad light) and send that to schools when you apply. If it will put you in a bad light, track down the doc's and ask them to write letters based on their documentation.

Have you obtained varied vet experience yet? That might be something else that helps.

I am 29 and was just accepted. Several on here are non-trads starting later than that. Sit down with your wife and have a serious talk. Maybe you have to set realistic timelines where you decide when enough is enough, that you have realisticly given it your best shot and you need to move on....but it doesn't sound like that is necessarily just now.

 

[robeezy08]

Sorry this is going to be short n sweet, I'm at work here and have to leave pretty soon...but couldn't resist the post....I'm a nontrad, 31 (yikes!) female w/ MLAS degree from Drexel....This was my 2nd cycle and I finally got in to Western. However, if I wasn't so lucky then plan B was Ross Univ. I didn't have the money to apply a 3rd cycle nor did I have time (my pre-req courses wouldn've expired) Soo, have you thought of the Carribbean school's? I think there are some pretty useful posts on here weighing the pro's and con's of overseas school, particularly Ross and St. George's (although there are much more to choose from.)
Ok good luck and keep the questions coming!

 

[Thunderbunny]

Wow, I was browsing/lurking the forums when I read OP's story...it sounds so much like mine I had to register and respond. I also have a semester of failing grades due to medical reasons. This was my second semester of freshman year at undergrad. I had to take a year off to get better, and now I am a junior at another university. I have been here for 3 full semesters and one summer, and had a 4.0 until just last semester (O-Chem, rawr). I haven't applied anywhere, but I am terrified that no one will want me. I wanted to be a vet since I was a kid, went through my med issues, and now I feel like I am finally on track and working hard towards these goals, and it may all be for nothing 🙁

Everyone posting message of support in this thread, thank you. You all seem really nice, and it is good to hear that I may still have a chance at vet school.

 

[Ninnerfish]

I'm facing my *gasp* 26th birthday in less than a month and I'm not in vet school yet either and there are plenty of people who decide at age 40 to apply, so don't feel bad that you're not a fresh-faced 21 year old straight out of undergrad. Your gpa and test scores aren't terrific, but they certainly don't doom you (take a look at the accepted stats threads here and you'll see that not everyone has a 4.0).

You say you have 5000 hours of experience with the medical device company, but if that's the only animal/vet experience you have, you might try volunteering or shadowing different kinds of vets to get more varied experience. And taking a semester or two of hardcore science classes wouldn't hurt, just to prove that what happened before was you being ill, not you being a bad student.

 

[meadow36]

So, did you retake those low C's and failed pre-reqs? This is what I would do. I would also maybe go for a second bachelor's degree in another science related field, and kick ass with it. This wil be factored into your GPA and help bring it up. Just because you graduated doesn't mean you can't take post-bacc classes. That's what I did.

You need to take a prep course or get a tutor and re-take the GRE. I would shoot for at least a 1200, preferably higher.

Get experience in as many different fields as you can - equine, livestock, small animal, emergency, specialists. Research technician at a medical device company is not veterinary experience.

I can see a lot of holes in your application; you haven't been working consistently in the field, and you haven't gone back to school to take any post-bacc classes. I know it sucks to make these sacrifices, but if this is really what you want then you have to do it.

 

[bigfoot777]

Thanks to everyone for replying. I feel like I need to clarify a couple of things before we continue.

First: The medical device company(s) I have worked for are preclinical contract research facilities. I have 5000+ hours experience with nude rats, nude mice, rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, sheep, pigs, cattle, but not monkeys. Research technician in this facilities is everything from protocol writing to minor surgery to necropsy. I have also worked at 2 veterinary clinics. One I interned at for 6 months in high school, the other I worked at and was lead technician supervisor for two and a half years.

meadow36 what did you mean by not working consistently in the field.

The dean of admissions at CSU told me not to worry about retaking my lower division courses I did poorly in. She said it's more valuable to take upper division courses and do well in them. I did very well in my upper division courses but my basic courses were the ones with the bad grades.

I have thought about going to Ross or out of the country, but my wife isn't willing to go with me. Moving out of state is one thing, but moving out of country is out of the question for her. If I was single, I would have already applied.

As far as age is concerned, I know I'm not too old, I know I've still got a lot of life ahead of me. I guess that was just an overreaction? That's the feeling I get from most of you. Sorry 🙁.

 

[sunnex3]

if you look at some of the life stories of some people on this board, you will realize that literally NOTHING can get in the way of what you want, if you want it enough - whether it takes you 3 application cycles or 10 years, whatever, if you want it, IT WILL HAPPEN.

for me, reading about some of the people on this board made me realize it's really much more than grades and GRE scores!

some of the stories that people have shared are just amazing! so don't give up!

 

[robeezy08]

First: The medical device company(s) I have worked for are preclinical contract research facilities. I have 5000+ hours experience with nude rats, nude mice, rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, sheep, pigs, cattle, but not monkeys. Research technician in this facilities is everything from protocol writing to minor surgery to necropsy. I have also worked at 2 veterinary clinics. One I interned at for 6 months in high school, the other I worked at and was lead technician supervisor for two and a half years.
I have thought about going to Ross or out of the country, but my wife isn't willing to go with me. Moving out of state is one thing, but moving out of country is out of the question for her. If I was single, I would have already applied.
quote]

Ah ok thanks for the added info - overseas schools are not an option. Well to be honest w/ you get ready for a long and possibly expensive road ahead of you. Unless you can find a paid Master's program you'll be spending quite a bit on post-bac programs (maybe someone knows of paid postbac programs?) Here's my story in a nutshell just in case your interested:
1. Graduated HS 1996 (eek)
Community College 3 years (thought I was going to law school!)
- worked part time: single doctor practice, kennel aid/asst
- worked part time: multidoctor practice, vet tech

2. State College 4 years
- worked part time: emergency/referral VCA (eek)
- active prevet (officer)/student govt
-volunteered various places
GPA = 2.8

3. After I graduated:
worked full time at emergency/referral hospital for a year then
applied Drexel program: masters in lab animal science - two year non-thesis program = $$$very expensive! Scraped by to get through the program:
- worked two jobs while in program: emergency hospital and cardiothoracic research lab
Applied first cycle - several schools; waitlisted at Western, and thats it!
Applied second cycle - applied to more schools and denied everywhere BUT Western (yay)
GPA after Drexel = 3.1 (ugh)
GRE 1140

So I guess my point is that there's no easy nor cheap way around the whole grade/GRE issue.
- It's gonna take time b/c I think you need either more small animal or large animal experience. You have tons of research exp so thats a PLUS!
- improve your scores: either find a postbac program (1 or 2 years) and get close to 4.0 GPA if you really want to get in your next cycle or a master's program (paid if possible) in a state who's vet school doesn't weigh undergrad scores as heavily as GRE scores and Last 45 units
(or better yet, see if your company will pay for masters or PhD degree)

Ok hope I didn't scare you or anything. Now that I think about what I just stated, it may not take you that long, but costly, yes.
OK just wanted to give you another perspective from a non-trad applicant who, like many here, had to jump through alot of hoops to finally get into vet school 🙂

 

[onepunch]

Hi Robeezy,
I'm interested in the Drexel MLAS ( Masters in lab animal science). The requirement stated on Drexel's webpage requires a bachelor with a GPA of 3. I was wondering if Drexel would consider a lower GPA (lets say below 2.2) for admission into MLAS.
I qualified for RLATG from AALAS in Nov 08 and have close to 6 years of experience in lab animal science. In btw, my bsc is from Australia. Thanks in advance.

 

[robeezy08]

Hi Robeezy,
I'm interested in the Drexel MLAS ( Masters in lab animal science). The requirement stated on Drexel's webpage requires a bachelor with a GPA of 3. I was wondering if Drexel would consider a lower GPA (lets say below 2.2) for admission into MLAS.
I qualified for RLATG from AALAS in Nov 08 and have close to 6 years of experience in lab animal science. In btw, my bsc is from Australia. Thanks in advance.

It would greatly depend on GRE scores as well. If you can offset the low GPA, then the better your chances. However, your interests play a factor too and every admitted class is different. For instance, I graduated in 2006 and half my class wanted to go to vet school while the other half wanted to management positions. The graduating 2009 class is something like 90% vet school bound and from what I hear, the program is being sold as a stepping stool into vet school. I don't think the bsc will effect your app but I'd def contact the office and set up a phone or face-to-face interview with Dr. Mesina, the program director. He's a pretty honest guy and will give you all the advice you need!
OK don't really want to hijack this thread any longer, so hopefully I've answered your question. PM me too and we'll chat more!

 

[projekt]

It's a good idea to look at schools that have an advantageous formula for you. UGA, where I go, breaks GPA into 3 numbers: cumulative, last 45hrs, and science, which together count for 45% of your application. If you take upper-division courses and/or graduate courses, all in science, and get straight As, you'll have two 4.0s in a year and a half. The GRE score is reasonable if you have a high GPA, but it'd be much better if it were higher. More life experience is a definite plus. A masters is a plus.

 

[BR549]

I have a 3.1 and an 1100 on the GRE and got in (Finally! I first applied in 2006 and was rejected from 4 schools). Did you fail any pre-req's? I took a two year hiatus and am now 25. I have a lot of animal experience and stellar LOR. However, I would have to say that my interview was what sealed the deal. I know it can be discouraging, but I'm sure you can do it. Look into schools that have lower GPA requirements. If you can at least get your foot in the door and get an interview, you can win them over.

 

[onepunch]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
Robeezy, I have PM you.
Cheers.

 

[sofficat]

Don't give up. Your GPA isn't bad and your GRE is way better than mine was. Many people get rejected the first few times. Keep trying, take the suggestions above and keep on going!
Good luck!


Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"