Successful Applicants Stats - Class of 2023

[vetmedhead]

I don't really think anyone is trying to gate keep here. But people point out when words are misused, and I see this as no exception.

I think using the word incorrectly does a disservice to applicants who are actually nontraditional and may be looking at these posts for other people's life experiences who they may be able to connect with and find inspiration through. That is merely my opinion and you may feel differently of course.

Yes, but I think it's equally harmful to applicants who are looking for similar inspiration on these types of threads, only to find multiple people coming on to immediately tell them how wrong they are for interpreting their pre-veterinary experience as being outside of the standard. It's not a term that's readily well defined unless you're looking into it (the National Center for Education Statistics even says definitions vary), and while it's certainly most common for it to refer to older students I have seen other criteria used before that aren't necessarily wrong either.

Again, I don't see how it's productive to get into a semantics argument about it with people who are simply looking to share their story of success with others who can hopefully see something of themselves in these posts as well. Coming on specifically to quote them and jokingly needle about them not being non-trads just feels mean-spirited in a thread that is meant to be a celebration of an accomplishment for the people who post here. I think of the Successful Applicants Thread as a place for support, celebration, and inspiration every year and this feels - tonally - like an out of place conversation to have on it.

The point of identifying as non-traditional is to point out that maybe that student experienced different sorts of barriers in their process of approaching this profession. I think coming back to vet med as a second career is a barrier. I also think that coming into vet med from a non-science background is a barrier. So is coming in with children, or being a previous foster child, or being a first generation college student.

All of these things are atypical from the "standard" applicant template and are worthy of consideration as unique experiences that might augment someone's ultimate path to veterinary school. These are also experiences that I'm sure resonate with many of the people who are still hopefuls who are reading these threads in the hopes of seeing a little of themselves in these posts and feeling that maybe their stories will be reflected in one of these threads in a few years.

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[WateryTart]

maybe that student experienced different sorts of barriers in their process of approaching this profession

Absolutely. I was really just asking out of curiosity; I'm aware people can be nontraditional in lots of ways. It just sort of created an itch I couldn't scratch. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a really nebulous term.

 

[Vie1996]

22 yr old female, Pennsylvania resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Louisiana State University, Georgia State, Ohio State, University of Illinois, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Mississippi State University, Virginia-Maryland CVM, & NC State
Interview Invites: Illinois
Waiting to hear: N/A
Accepted: Illinois
Attending: Illinois!!!!!!!

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.45
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.16
Last 18 Undergraduate GPA: 3.35

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 145/159/6.0

Undergrad Degree: BS Biology, minor Chemistry (May 2018)
Graduate Degree: N/A

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Assistant (small animal holistic vet): 640 hours
Veterinary Assistant/Tech-in-Training (mixed animal ER): 1500


Animal Experience
Volunteer at Animal Shelter: 150 hours
Horse Rescue/Equine Rehab: 1080 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Missions Trip Haiti: 414 hours
Missions Trip Columbia: 110 hours
VBS Leader, Brooklyn: 105
Conference Leadership/Organizer (2013): 750 hours

Conference Leadership/Organizer (2014): 750 hours
Conference Breakout Speaker (2015): 18 hours
Conference Breakout Speaker (2017): 10 hours
Dean's List, Geneva College 2015
National Honor Society Induction 2014
3 Academic Scholarship​

Non-Animal Employment
Customer Service Rep: 1560 hours
Souvenier Photo Salesperson: 490 hours
Waitress: 455 hours

LORs
1. Mixed Animal Veterinarian
2. Associate Small Animal Veterinarian
3. Loan Processor Assisstant/Barn Manager
4. Assistant Professor of Biology
5. Associate Professor of Biology

I didn't have a very competetive GPA (obvs) and was only number 4 on OSU's waitlist last year, but in the end, I think I was well rounded enough with a lot of leadership experience that led to getting into U of I.

 

[battie]

think I was well rounded enough with a lot of leadership experience that led to getting into U of I.

One of us! One of us!

 

[desmodus]

25 year old female - IL resident, 3rd time applicant

Applied: Illinois (IS), Michigan State, Tufts, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, LMU, VMCVM, Midwestern
Rejected: Ohio, Wisconsin, VMCVM (interview waitlist)
Interviewed: Midwestern, LMU, Michigan State, Minnesota, Tufts, Illinois
Waitlisted: Tufts
Waiting to Hear: Michigan State, LMU
Accepted: Midwestern, Minnesota, Illinois
Attending: Illinois! Yee-haw!

Degrees:
B.A., Biology/Anthropology double major from a research university

Cum GPA: 3.4
Science GPA: 3.29
Last 45: Around 3.1, higher depending on what post-grad courses they include

GRE: 318; 160/158/4.5

Veterinary Experience:
Wildlife/conservation – 120 hours
SA – 1590 hours
Lab animals/rodents – 15 hours at time of application

Animal Experience:
Personal pet care and pet sitting -- ~3700 hours over 20 years
SA rescue – 8 hours
Wildlife (US, Costa Rica, South Africa) – 48 hours
Large Animal (Italy) – 16 hours
Lab animal experience (mouse colony management, assorted procedures) – 780 hours at time of application, lots more now

- ~3800 hours research experience at time of application — combined undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories
- One first-author publication, three co-author pubs in the pipeline, and 2 drug patents
- Extracurricular involvement with DIY art and music scene and the local Italian-speaking community
- LGBT and disadvantaged (Pell grant and first gen college student)

Letters of Recommendation
- Genetics professor and former PI for ~3 years
- MD/PhD and professor, current PI for ~2 years
- SA and wild raptor veterinarian (Mizzou alum)
- Conservation vet at the StL Zoo (VMCVM alum)
- Dean/Advisor from undergrad (for schools that require a letter from a pre-health advisor)

 

[ebutton97]

21 yr old female, RI resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Tufts, Cornell, UPEI, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue, Illinois, Tennessee
Rejected: Purdue, Cornell
Interviews: Tufts, UPEI, Minnesota, Illinois, Tennessee
Waitlisted: Wisconsin, Iowa (withdrew), Illinois, Tennessee
Accepted: UPEI, Tufts, Minnesota
Attending: Tufts or Minnesota???? TBD

cGPA: 3.89
sGPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.84
GRE(V/Q/W) 153/155/4.5

Undergrad major: Animal Science

Animal experience
~200 hours volunteering at animal shelters
25 hours volunteering at farm sanctuary
~1000 hours wildlife rehabbing
~50 hours zoo keeper assistant

Vet Experience
~800 hours working at a small animal clinic
~400 hours working at a wildlife clinic

Other employment
~650 hours as a substitute teacher at an early learning center
~225 hours as a cashier at pool supply store
~175 hours as a software tester at insurance company

Research
~50 hours working with Eastern Cottontail clostridium-related diarrhea and enteritis

Extracurriculars
Pre-vet club
Vet camps over the summer
Brown Environmental Leadership Lab program
Tufts AVM program

LORs
SA vet
Wildlife rehab sponsor
Academic advisor
Professor of my biochem lab

 

[NCPre-Vet]

21 yr old female, NC resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: NCSU, VAMD, Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia - (Georgia and NCSU do NOT conduct interviews)
Interviews: Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, VAMD (was initially waitlisted for interview at VAMD, but then got pulled off waitlist)
Rejected after Interview: Auburn
Waitlisted: VAMD, Georgia
Accepted: Ohio State, Tennessee, NCSU
Attending: North Carolina State University!!!!

Cumulative GPA: 3.82
Science GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.96
GRE(V/Q/W) - 154/149/4.0 (weakest part of application)

Undergrad degree: B.S. Animal and Poultry Sciences - May 2019
Undergrad institution: Virginia Tech

Animal experience - 1660 hours total
~150 hrs as volunteer at spay/neuter clinic
~40 hrs as shelter volunteer
~150 hrs as kennel assist at SA general practice
~1320 hrs working with horses (and donkeys!!)

Vet Experience - 650 hours total
~200 hrs as intern with ambulatory equine vet
~150 hrs as intern at spay/neuter clinic
~300 hours as intern at SA general practice

Research
~100 hrs working on research project which analyzed the effects of single and pair-housing on the stress levels of shelter dogs

Extracurriculars
Pre-Vet Club
Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity - held a leadership position for 1 year
Intramural soccer and volleyball

Awards/Honors:
Animal Science Undergraduate Scholar Recognition Award - awarded to students in top 10% of the Animal Science major
Dean's List every semester
Junior Marshal in high school
3 merit based scholarships for freshman year of college

LORs
SA vet from spay/neuter clinic
Equine vet (interned with her, but she is also my vet for my own personal horses)
Academic advisor who is also a DVM

 

[vethopeful_2]

21 yr old female, NC resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: NCSU, VAMD, Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia - (Georgia and NCSU do NOT conduct interviews)
Interviews: Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, VAMD (was initially waitlisted for interview at VAMD, but then got pulled off waitlist)
Rejected after Interview: Auburn
Waitlisted: VAMD, Georgia
Accepted: Ohio State, Tennessee, NCSU
Attending: North Carolina State University!!!!

Cumulative GPA: 3.82
Science GPA: 3.77
Last 45 GPA: 3.96
GRE(V/Q/W) - 154/149/4.0 (weakest part of application)

Undergrad degree: B.S. Animal and Poultry Sciences - May 2019
Undergrad institution: Virginia Tech

Animal experience - 1660 hours total
~150 hrs as volunteer at spay/neuter clinic
~40 hrs as shelter volunteer
~150 hrs as kennel assist at SA general practice
~1320 hrs working with horses (and donkeys!!)

Vet Experience - 650 hours total
~200 hrs as intern with ambulatory equine vet
~150 hrs as intern at spay/neuter clinic
~300 hours as intern at SA general practice

Research
~100 hrs working on research project which analyzed the effects of single and pair-housing on the stress levels of shelter dogs

Extracurriculars
Pre-Vet Club
Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity - held a leadership position for 1 year
Intramural soccer and volleyball

Awards/Honors:
Animal Science Undergraduate Scholar Recognition Award - awarded to students in top 10% of the Animal Science major
Dean's List every semester
Junior Marshal in high school
3 merit based scholarships for freshman year of college

LORs
SA vet from spay/neuter clinic
Equine vet (interned with her, but she is also my vet for my own personal horses)
Academic advisor who is also a DVM

Aside from your obviously phenomenal stats, just wanted to comment on how interesting your research sounds! Congrats!!

 

[tinynest]

30 yr old female, MD resident, 1st time applicant

Now that I've heard back from every school, I can finally post here!

Applied: VMCVM (IS), Illinois, MSU, Wisconsin, Mizzou
Rejected: Mizzou
Interview Invites: VMCVM, Illinois, MSU
Waitlisted: VMCVM, MSU, Wisconsin
Accepted: Illinois!!!
Attending: ?? (Illinois unless I get off the alternate list at my IS!)

Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.96
Last 45 GPA: 4.00

GRE (Q/V/W): 150/162/4.5 (My IS school doesn't require the GRE, so I honestly didn't stress too much about my scores.)

Degree: B.A. Sociology & Art History (2010!!)

Veterinary Experience:
Veterinary technician at S.A. general practice: >6000 hours (surgical experience included)
Veterinary assistant/client care representative at S.A. theriogenology practice: 2600 hours

Animal Experience
Municipal/county animal control: ~4000 hours (shelter intakes, adoptions, animal control complaints, pet/kennel licensing, processing specimens for rabies testing)
Owner of small petsitting company: 1100 hours (primarily focused on in-home care for animals with medical needs- geriatric, CKD, diabetes...)
Volunteer for local lost & found pets organization: 400 hours

Other Employment
Sustainability Intern at undegrad Center for Environment and Society
College art gallery intern
YEARS as a camp counselor at local day camp

Research
Studied population trends of the Puerto Rican amazon (Amazona vittata) for undergraduate institution fellowship: 70 hours

Extracurriculars (Mostly from undergrad because I'm a working gal )
Co-President of undergrad Student Environmental Alliance
EROS (LGBTQ alliance)

Awards
Magna Cum Laude
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Society of Junior Fellows (my undergrad research/honor society)
Sociology Award
Outstanding Community Service Recognition Award
Dean's List - Every semester as a post-bacc student

LORs
Small animal vet/practice owner who has been my supervisor and mentor for 7 years
Organic chemistry professor of 2 semesters
Microbiology professor

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I wrote a lot about my experiences working as a veterinary technician for nearly a decade, and discussed why I ultimately decided to take the leap to veterinary school. I also talked my experiences as a non-traditional student; I earned my BA almost TEN years ago from a small liberal arts school, and never even considered vetmed until after I earned by undergraduate degree! I talked about how studying sociology has really helped me in veterinary medicine. I also wrote about some of my experiences and the challenges I had returning to school to earn my pre-reqs after living independently/working full time for several years.

Personal note
For all you nontraditional, second career applicants-- you can do it! It's hard not to feel like an outsider when you see so many people who have chosen this path from an early age, but I encourage you to go with your gut. I spent several years wondering if vetmed was worth the investment (emotional and financial). I could say I wish I had known sooner, but then I would not have had so many rich experiences in my 20s! If vetmed is your passion, then go for it!
Also, I'm super excited to meet other second career students!

 

[COgoatguy]

22 yr old, Hispanic Male, Colorado Resident, 1st time applicant

Here's hope to those with low GPA's.

Applied: CSU, UC Davis, Penn, Midwestern, Iowa, Cornell, UGA, Ross University, Michigan State
Interview Invites: Michigan State, Ross University
Waiting to hear: N/A
Waitlisted: Iowa
Accepted: Ross University, Michigan State
Attending: More than likely Michigan State, but may consider Iowa depending where I am on the Waitlist

Overall GPA: 3.28
Science GPA: 3.17
Last 45 GPA: 3.10

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 149 /151 /4

Undergrad Degree: BS Cellular and Molecular Biology (2019) Minor in Chemistry

Veterinary Experience
Shadowed at a mixed animal practice ~1,000 hours
Veterinary Technician at a mixed animal veterinary practice ~2,000 hours

Animal Experience
At home experience with a Meat Goat Operation ~3,000 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Chemistry Club-Treasurer
Tri-Beta (Biological Honor Society)-Vice President, President
SACNAS (Science Club for Minorities)-President
Biology 4 year Scholarship Program
I talked about the different little scholarships I got during Undergrad
FFA Awards
-State Champions in Veterinary Science
-High point CO individual in Veterinary Science
-FFA Scholarship
Research Awards
-2nd place Oral Presentation and College Student Scholars Day
-3rd place Poster Presentation at Regional Tri-Beta Conference

Research
Monitoring usage of abandoned mines by large carnivores in the mountains of Southern Colorado ~150 hours

Non-Animal Employment
Local Feed store-720 hours
Lab Prep- 12 hours (I had just started in September)

LORs
Three Mixed Animal Veterinarians from my clinic
Biology Professor, also my research and academic advisor
Health Professions Committee at my University

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I talked about wanting to practice mixed animal medicine in a rural area.
I talked about my passion for One Health
How veterinarians are a key part by using domesticated animals as a barrier between wild animal diseases transmitting to humans
How veterinarians are key to ensuring safe/ humane treatment of food animals to enter our food supply.

 

[MannyEquino]

27 yr old, Hispanic Male, NC Resident, 1st time applicant

Absolutely insane that I am posting here!

Applied: NCSU
Interview Invites: NCSU doesn't conduct interviews.
Waiting to hear: N/A
Waitlisted: N/A
Accepted: NCSU
Attending: NCSU

Overall GPA: 3.11
Science GPA: 3.25
Last 45 GPA: 3.7

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 151(43%) / 157(76%) / 4.5(82%)

Undergrad Degree:
AS from Wake Tech Community College
BS in Biology; Minor in Biotechnology from NCSU

Veterinary Experience
Vet Assistant at mobile equine practice: 1250 hours
Shadowed small animal vet: 160 hours

Animal Experience
Barn Hand: 2520 hours
Horse/Dog/Cat Sitting: 300 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Pre-vet club
Wrestling
Soccer
Dean's List '13 fall, '14 spring, and '14 fall semesters.

Research
~1000 hours.
Conducted histological observations
of pig and horse intestinal tissue samples.

Non-Animal Employment
(Most Recent on top)
Materials Controller: 1.5 years
Specimen Processor: 2 years
Lyft: 2 months
Server: 1 year
Cashier at pizza restaurant: 1 year
Car wash: 3 years

LORs
Research PI/DVM
Small animal vet I shadowed
Manager from current job

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
Explanation Essay: Wrote about why I wasn't involved in much (extracurricular wise) and why my grades were noticeably lower at Wake Tech and what I did to not have the same thing happen at NCSU after transferring.
Essay 1: Wrote about how my experiences working at a horse barn, working for an equine veterinarian, and having an equine surgeon as a mentor have led me to choose a future career in equine medicine.
Essay 2: Wrote about the obvious ones like how they can provide jobs as practice owners, how their research can help both humans and animals and how they keep food supply safety for consumption. Also, the not so obvious ones like how vets can have an important role in policy making affecting people and animals.
Essay 3: Wrote about attributes that I thought are essential to be a successful vet and provided specific examples of how I have demonstrated those attributes in my experiences.

Personal Note:
For anyone out there that might be feeling overwhelmed, but TRULY wants to do this, all I can say is don't rush it. I chipped away little by little. Starting with community college, transferring to NCSU, and working until I finally met all the requirements to apply. I am aware that that might have delayed me a couple of years, but it was better than giving up outright. If your grades aren't great (as mine aren't) make sure to have strong experiences in which you can build relationships that may potentially lead to EXCELLENT (not great) LORs. Have strong mentors within vetmed and don't be afraid to use your network. As an introvert, it was sometimes difficult to "cold call" or ask people out of the blue, but I often found that they were very willing to help (or at the very least, point me in the right direction). If life happens, be honest about it in your app and don't be afraid to use that explanation statement.

 

[EmJayVetMed]

22 yr old female traditional, California resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Western, Oregon State, Kansas State, Mizzou, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Colorado State, Minnesota, Iowa State
Rejected: Colorado State
Interview Invites: Western, Kansas State, Mizzou, Ohio State, Minnesota
Waitlist: Oregon State, Kansas State, Wisconsin
Accepted: Western, Mizzou, Ohio State, Iowa State, Minnesota
Attending: Ohio State

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.75
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Last 45 Undergrad GPA: 3.62

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 156 /158 /5

Undergrad Degree: B.S. Biology

Veterinary Experience
Kennel technician/veterinary assistant: ~1520 hrs
Animal handler/veterinary assistant: ~600 hrs
Volunteer at wildlife rehabilitation center: ~300 hrs
Veterinary technician (current job): ~1280 hrs

Animal Experience
Kitten nursery volunteer/bottle feeder (yes it’s as wonderful as it sounds): ~208 hrs
Humane society animal care volunteer: ~76 hrs
Opportunities through my pre-vet club (equine rehabilitation, exotics, pocket pets, feral cat coalition etc): ~416 hrs

Extracurriculars
Animal CPR course through Cornell
Undergraduate Curriculum Committee as a student representative
Marketing Lead for the Undergraduate Research Committee
Sports Medicine Organization
Recruitment Guide
Student Government College of Sciences Representative
Student at Large for College of Sciences Student Council
Order of Omega Honors Society Vice President of Public Relations
Executive board position in sorority
Pre-veterinary club
Training on sexual violence prevention
Teaching assistant for evolutionary biology lab
Coach for Girls on the Run International
Tutor (calculus)

Awards
Completion of over 100 Community Service Hours
Outstanding Graduating Student Leader
Dean's List: every semester except one

Research
Research for a non-profit geared towards ending sexual violence on college campuses

Non-Animal Employment
Smoothie/juice place (very California of me)

LORs
Head veterinarian (Tennessee alum)
Associate veterinarian (Ohio State alum)
PhD candidate at Cornell (was her student and TA when she worked at my college)
Student government advisor

Essays:
Feel free to PM me about these if you’re curious lol. Too lazy to type everything


Takeaways:
I’m still in shock that I’ll be a veterinarian in a few years. I totally went into this application cycle with the mentality that it’ll be a learning experience for next year. With that being said, my undergraduate school does not have the best pre-health resources. We basically have ONE advisor for every pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-anything except physical therapy. You have to request meetings MONTHS in advanced and they’re often 15 minutes or less. Not saying this is an excuse for not knowing much about applying to vet school or student loans, but it did hinder my ability to apply smart (aka not to nine schools when I maybe didn’t need to).
I also discovered that I really enjoy veterinary school interviews?? Am I okay??

I am so grateful that this cycle was successful for me and I can’t wait to start school in the fall! Go Bucks

 

[Ixorie]

21 yr old, Asian Female, Canadian, 1st time applicant

Applied: Cornell, UPenn, Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin-Madison, Illinois
Interview Invites: Ohio State, Michigan State (declined interview invite)
Waiting to hear: N/A
Waitlisted: N/A
Rejected: Illinois, UPenn
Accepted: Cornell, Ohio State, Wisconsin-Madison
Attending: Cornell

Overall GPA: 3.91
Science GPA: Probably pretty close to 3.91 as well (most courses taken were science-based)
Last 45 GPA: 3.88

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 170 (96%) / 167 (97%) / 5.0 (92%)

Undergrad Degree:
Honors BSc at University of Toronto (double major in Animal Physiology and Immunology with a minor in Psychology) - graduating 2019

Veterinary Experience
Volunteer then later vet assistant at small animal vet hospital - ~800 hours

Animal Experience
Animal Shelter - 312 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Executive member in a non-profit for children with disabilities
Executive in a healthy living club at U of T
Academic awards (Dean's List, departmental/research awards etc.)
Many many piano/choir things

Research
640 hours.
Independent research project on Daphnia magna clutch sizes and senescence

LORs
Research PI and 2 DVM
A professor who I went to Mexico with on a marine mammal field course

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
Essay 1: Wrote about how my diverse experiences especially research has cultivated my passion for learning and seeking new knowledge
Essay 2: Described very briefly the different professions that veterinarians are involved in e.g. small animal, food animal, research, education etc. and provided a specific example of an area of research I'm interested in i.e. zoonotic diseases
Essay 3: Listed attributes I thought were important, and my experiences in various positions that may have involved difficult situations and setbacks and how I overcame them

A Little Ramble: to be honest I was filled with a lot of doubt applying this cycle; for one, I do not have very diverse animal experiences, most of which are limited to small animal exclusively. I have only lived in large cities all my life and the only pet I've ever owned were a couple of hamsters. There were multiple times throughout my undergraduate education when I've thought about transferring schools or put myself down just because of one bad grade but I've pushed through and it honestly still feels surreal to me that I am able to post here. I've been doubted many times and endured some harsh experiences just because of my physical appearance. My message to all future applicants or to anyone reading this is that it was a long and difficult road, and I'm sure I'll continue to face challenges here on out, but it feels excellent to prove a naysayer wrong, whether that person is someone around you, or even yourself.

 

[spottedfeatherik]

22 yr old female traditional, California resident, 1st time applicant

Applied: Western, Oregon State, Kansas State, Mizzou, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Colorado State, Minnesota, Iowa State
Rejected: Colorado State
Interview Invites: Western, Kansas State, Mizzou, Ohio State, Minnesota
Waitlist: Oregon State, Kansas State, Wisconsin
Accepted: Western, Mizzou, Ohio State, Iowa State, Minnesota
Attending: Ohio State

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.75
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Last 45 Undergrad GPA: 3.62

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 156 /158 /5

Undergrad Degree: B.S. Biology

Veterinary Experience
Kennel technician/veterinary assistant: ~1520 hrs
Animal handler/veterinary assistant: ~600 hrs
Volunteer at wildlife rehabilitation center: ~300 hrs
Veterinary technician (current job): ~1280 hrs

Animal Experience
Kitten nursery volunteer/bottle feeder (yes it’s as wonderful as it sounds): ~208 hrs
Humane society animal care volunteer: ~76 hrs
Opportunities through my pre-vet club (equine rehabilitation, exotics, pocket pets, feral cat coalition etc): ~416 hrs

Extracurriculars
Animal CPR course through Cornell
Undergraduate Curriculum Committee as a student representative
Marketing Lead for the Undergraduate Research Committee
Sports Medicine Organization
Recruitment Guide
Student Government College of Sciences Representative
Student at Large for College of Sciences Student Council
Order of Omega Honors Society Vice President of Public Relations
Executive board position in sorority
Pre-veterinary club
Training on sexual violence prevention
Teaching assistant for evolutionary biology lab
Coach for Girls on the Run International
Tutor (calculus)

Awards
Completion of over 100 Community Service Hours
Outstanding Graduating Student Leader
Dean's List: every semester except one

Research
Research for a non-profit geared towards ending sexual violence on college campuses

Non-Animal Employment
Smoothie/juice place (very California of me)

LORs
Head veterinarian (Tennessee alum)
Associate veterinarian (Ohio State alum)
PhD candidate at Cornell (was her student and TA when she worked at my college)
Student government advisor

Essays:
Feel free to PM me about these if you’re curious lol. Too lazy to type everything


Takeaways:
I’m still in shock that I’ll be a veterinarian in a few years. I totally went into this application cycle with the mentality that it’ll be a learning experience for next year. With that being said, my undergraduate school does not have the best pre-health resources. We basically have ONE advisor for every pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-anything except physical therapy. You have to request meetings MONTHS in advanced and they’re often 15 minutes or less. Not saying this is an excuse for not knowing much about applying to vet school or student loans, but it did hinder my ability to apply smart (aka not to nine schools when I maybe didn’t need to).
I also discovered that I really enjoy veterinary school interviews?? Am I okay??

I am so grateful that this cycle was successful for me and I can’t wait to start school in the fall! Go Bucks

...are you a Gamma Phi? (Peeping the order of omega/exec position/GOTR work)

I also enjoyed the interviews so you’re not alone!

 

[EmJayVetMed]

...are you a Gamma Phi? (Peeping the order of omega/exec position/GOTR work)

I also enjoyed the interviews so you’re not alone!

Yes I am! And yay glad we’re in it together! Just a fun challenge in my opinion

 

[MOOSEygoosey]

Yes I am! And yay glad we’re in it together! Just a fun challenge in my opinion

quick question, was there a reason you didn't apply to Davis?

 

[EmJayVetMed]

quick question, was there a reason you didn't apply to Davis?

To be honest: my degree didn’t require me to take orgo 2 and Davis required it as a prerequisite. Now looking back at when I was applying, I really didn’t apply smart. I think if I could go back in time I would’ve taken that class before I graduated and applied to Davis since it’s my IS! Probably would’ve done some more research on student loans as well

 

[spottedfeatherik]

Yes I am! And yay glad we’re in it together! Just a fun challenge in my opinion

Ahh yay! I'm a Gamma Phi too!! So glad to see that there are some other sisters starting vet school the same year as me

 

[VeterinaryHopeful 2023]

23 year old female, Texas Resident, 1st time applying.

Applied: Midwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, A&M, Oklahoma State, Mizzou, North Carolina.
Interview Invites: Midwestern, Ohio State (declined), Purdue (declined), A&M, Mizzou
Rejected: North Carolina, A&M.
Accepted: Midwestern, Mizzou, Oklahoma State
Attending: Oklahoma State

Overall GPA: 3.99
Science GPA: 3.99
Last 45 credits: 4.0

Degree: B.S. Biology, Chemistry Minor

GRE (Q/V/W): 155/155/4.0

Extracurriculars
-Collegiate soccer athlete for 4 years
-Captain for 2 years on collegiate soccer team
-Various intramural sports (basketball, volleyball, softball)
-Special Olympics volunteer
-Traveled to Italy with soccer team

Awards:
-1st team all-american
-Academic all-American player of the year
-NCAA Elite 90 award
-Various others, but those are the big ones.

Experience:
-Little over 1000 hours working at an ER vet clinic.
-50 hours shadowing an equine veterinarian
-50 hours shadowing a zoo veterinarian
-80 hours at various small animal clinics

Research:
-None

Animal Experience:
~300 hours pet ownership
~100 hours animal shelter

LORs:
For TMDSAS
-Two A&M Alumni Vets I shadowed
-Dean of science program at my university

For VMCAS
-Zoo vet I shadowed
-Soccer Coach
-Honestly can't remember

 

[imdyinscoob]

I've finally heard from all the schools I applied to so I get to post here now weeee

22 yr old (21 at time of applying) Latina female, Texas resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Texas A&M, Louisiana State, Michigan State, Kansas State, Colorado State, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial, Western
Interview Invites: Glasgow, Western, Lincoln Memorial, Kansas State (declined), Michigan State
Accepted: Michigan State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial
Waitlists: Western
Attending: Michigan State

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.29
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.35
Last 45 Undergraduate GPA: 3.18

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 151/160/4.5

Undergrad Degree: BS Zoology, Minors in chemistry and equine science

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Technician (zoo): ~300 hours
Veterinary Technician (mixed practice): had just been hired at time of applying so ~60 hours
Shadowing at various small animal practices: ~300 hours

Animal Experience
Volunteer at Reptile House/Aviary: ~600 hours
Volunteer at Humane Society: ~30 hours
Equine Science hands on time: ~30 hours
Lab animal: ~15 hours

Research Experience
Research assistant in parasitology lab, presented 2 theses: ~150 hours
Lab assistant in toxicology lab: ~30 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Vice President of Wildlife Society local chapter
Received a couple scholarships
Dean's list like 2-3x

Non-Animal Employment
Bartender: ~2000 hours
Tutor: ~150 hours

LORs
1. Zoo Veterinarian
2. Research Advisor/Professor
3. Research/Academic Advisor/Professor
4. Equine Science Professor

In my undergrad I had 2 semesters where my GPA tanked, the first was because I got reeeeeally sick and the second was in a bad car accident (both times involved heavy pain killers lol), so I made sure to put that in my explanation statement. Here's to us with low GPAs! We did it lads

 

[rimfree]

I've finally heard from all the schools I applied to so I get to post here now weeee

22 yr old (21 at time of applying) Latina female, Texas resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Texas A&M, Louisiana State, Michigan State, Kansas State, Colorado State, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial, Western
Interview Invites: Glasgow, Western, Lincoln Memorial, Kansas State (declined), Michigan State
Accepted: Michigan State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial
Waitlists: Western
Attending: Michigan State

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.29
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.35
Last 45 Undergraduate GPA: 3.18

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 151/160/4.5

Undergrad Degree: BS Zoology, Minors in chemistry and equine science

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Technician (zoo): ~300 hours
Veterinary Technician (mixed practice): had just been hired at time of applying so ~60 hours
Shadowing at various small animal practices: ~300 hours

Animal Experience
Volunteer at Reptile House/Aviary: ~600 hours
Volunteer at Humane Society: ~30 hours
Equine Science hands on time: ~30 hours
Lab animal: ~15 hours

Research Experience
Research assistant in parasitology lab, presented 2 theses: ~150 hours
Lab assistant in toxicology lab: ~30 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Vice President of Wildlife Society local chapter
Received a couple scholarships
Dean's list like 2-3x

Non-Animal Employment
Bartender: ~2000 hours
Tutor: ~150 hours

LORs
1. Zoo Veterinarian
2. Research Advisor/Professor
3. Research/Academic Advisor/Professor
4. Equine Science Professor

In my undergrad I had 2 semesters where my GPA tanked, the first was because I got reeeeeally sick and the second was in a bad car accident (both times involved heavy pain killers lol), so I made sure to put that in my explanation statement. Here's to us with low GPAs! We did it lads

Did you interview March 1st? If so, I wish I said hi! I’ve been cheering silently for you

 

[imdyinscoob]

Did you interview March 1st? If so, I wish I said hi! I’ve been cheering silently for you

nooo i interviewed 2/8. and omg aw you're making me emotional :') I'm excited to eat those squeaky cheese curds

 

[rimfree]

nooo i interviewed 2/8. and omg aw you're making me emotional :') I'm excited to eat those squeaky cheese curds

Haha well you deserve it! If I end up taking my acceptance to MSU, first cheese curd platter is on me

 

[imdyinscoob]

Haha well you deserve it! If I end up taking my acceptance to MSU, first cheese curd platter is on me

 

[MOOSEygoosey]

I've finally heard from all the schools I applied to so I get to post here now weeee

22 yr old (21 at time of applying) Latina female, Texas resident, 2nd time applicant

Applied: Texas A&M, Louisiana State, Michigan State, Kansas State, Colorado State, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial, Western
Interview Invites: Glasgow, Western, Lincoln Memorial, Kansas State (declined), Michigan State
Accepted: Michigan State, Glasgow, Lincoln Memorial
Waitlists: Western
Attending: Michigan State

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.29
Science Undergrad GPA: 3.35
Last 45 Undergraduate GPA: 3.18

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 151/160/4.5

Undergrad Degree: BS Zoology, Minors in chemistry and equine science

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Technician (zoo): ~300 hours
Veterinary Technician (mixed practice): had just been hired at time of applying so ~60 hours
Shadowing at various small animal practices: ~300 hours

Animal Experience
Volunteer at Reptile House/Aviary: ~600 hours
Volunteer at Humane Society: ~30 hours
Equine Science hands on time: ~30 hours
Lab animal: ~15 hours

Research Experience
Research assistant in parasitology lab, presented 2 theses: ~150 hours
Lab assistant in toxicology lab: ~30 hours

Extracurriculars/Awards
Vice President of Wildlife Society local chapter
Received a couple scholarships
Dean's list like 2-3x

Non-Animal Employment
Bartender: ~2000 hours
Tutor: ~150 hours

LORs
1. Zoo Veterinarian
2. Research Advisor/Professor
3. Research/Academic Advisor/Professor
4. Equine Science Professor

In my undergrad I had 2 semesters where my GPA tanked, the first was because I got reeeeeally sick and the second was in a bad car accident (both times involved heavy pain killers lol), so I made sure to put that in my explanation statement. Here's to us with low GPAs! We did it lads

yes!!!!! so happy for you!!!!

 

[jhamb1998]

I've finally heard from all the schools I applied to so I get to post here now weeee

Veterinary Experience
Veterinary Technician (zoo): ~300 hours
Veterinary Technician (mixed practice): had just been hired at time of applying so ~60 hours
Shadowing at various small animal practices: ~300 hours

Congratulations on the acceptance!!! What zoo were you a veterinary technician at? I am also a Texas resident and looking to get some zoo vet experience hours if I have to take a gap year.

 

[imdyinscoob]

Congratulations on the acceptance!!! What zoo were you a veterinary technician at? I am also a Texas resident and looking to get some zoo vet experience hours if I have to take a gap year.

Thanks! I’ll send you a pm

Edit: actually it’s not letting me so maybe send me one lol

 

[jhamb1998]

Thanks! I’ll send you a pm

Edit: actually it’s not letting me so maybe send me one lol

Just sent it

 

[TheSharkTank91]

First time applicant, 25 years old, Male, California resident. Non-traditional applicant.
Applied: UC Davis, LMU, MWU, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, NCSU, WSU, OSU, Mizzou, Auburn, and Florida
Interview: LMU, UC Davis, and Purdue
Interview declined: MWU (officially still on the waitlist, I guess)
Accepted: LMU
Attending: Dunno! I'm still trying to learn more about LMU (if anyone has insight, I'd love to hear it)

B.S. Biochemistry in 2015

Cum GPA: 3.15
Last 45 credit hrs: 3.6
Science GPA: 3.1
GRE: 151V, 154Q, 4.5A

Veterinary Experience:
~1000+ hours working as a tech assistant -> vet assistant at a veterinary emergency clinic
~4200+ hours working as a vet nurse working with with animals in research (half with rodents, half with larger species)
~30 hours volunteering in a veterinary consultation and outreach program
~300 hours volunteering at a zoo hospital

Animal Experience:
Worked as a dog walker/pet sitter on and off around my neighborhood
Spent a little time caring for local horses

Research Experience:
Worked part time my final year of school in an ecology lab (~500 hours)
Worked ~2 years following graduation working as a research associate at a neurological institute (~3500 hours)

Extracurricular/Community Activities:
Captain of high school hockey team for two years, played in college, and now recreational
I also volunteer referee/coach for a local hockey league
I also have a bunch of hobbies (sports, hiking, etc.)

eLORS:
Two vets at my research facility (one large and one small animal) and two former PIs (ecology and epilepsy research)

Hopefully this provides some encouragement to those with poor GPAs. In my interviews I tried to stress the importance of my development over the last 2 years of undergrad. My GPA was heavily weighted down by my first year, including a failed class or two and a major that I was not suited for. This may have also been the result of some social problems as well. However I always try to remind myself that I came out better because of it. I was able to face some adversity and use that.
After I graduated I have been working 50+ hour weeks and taking a few postbacc classes. They don't do a whole lot for the GPA, but they do display your determination to succeed. Concerning my essays, I talked a lot about my non-traditional background in research and I think that helped me stand out. I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to disclose here, but if anyone has more questions, I'd be happy to answer!

Also, if anyone has more information about LMU, I'd love that as well. PM me!

 

[battie]

Attending: Dunno! I'm still trying to learn more about LMU (if anyone has insight, I'd love to hear it)

With LMU as your current only acceptance, would you not accept it?

 

[Spoot]

With LMU as your current only acceptance, would you not accept it?

That's not as crazy as you might think.

 

[amwildlife]

That's not as crazy as you might think.

I’m just curious as to why you think that? As an accredited vet school i would assume people would want to attend it also.

 

[Spoot]

I’m just curious as to why you think that? As an accredited vet school i would assume people would want to attend it also.

I don't want to be overtly negative because I know many people genuinely enjoy and cherish the school. But from what I garnered when I interviewed, was told from people who attended the school, and read, I was not left with a positive impression

 

[vetmedhead]

That's not as crazy as you might think.

I think her question was more in the vein of "Why apply if you knew you wouldn't attend if it was your only option?"

 

[Spoot]

I think her question was more in the vein of "Why apply if you knew you wouldn't attend if it was your only option?"

The way it was worded, I don't think so. But if that is what she meant, you learn a lot about the school through the process of application/interview that you wouldn't have known beforehand.

 

[rimfree]

The way it was worded, I don't think so. But if that is what she meant, you learn a lot about the school through the process of application/interview that you wouldn't have known beforehand.

I guess I’m curious too because if it was my only acceptance, I would have to have seen some pretty serious cons to opt for another application cycle

 

[Spoot]

I guess I’m curious too because if it was my only acceptance, I would have to have seen some pretty serious cons to opt for another application cycle

Everyone will form their own opinion based on what makes 'em tick. But a lot of factors culminated to form my opinion that if it was my only acceptance, I was going to take another year off. But I think we should probably stop discussing it in this thread, kinda steering it off topic.

 

[battie]

That's not as crazy as you might think.

I don't want to be overtly negative because I know many people genuinely enjoy and cherish the school. But from what I garnered when I interviewed, was told from people who attended the school, and read, I was not left with a positive impression

The discussion is relevant to my question. I was getting at the fact that if someone turns down an acceptance, they better be extremely aware they may never be accepted again anywhere. The applicant pool is only getting more competitive with a 2:1 applicant to seat ratio. That to me, as someone who went through 3 application cycles, is crazy.

 

[TheSharkTank91]

Everyone will form their own opinion based on what makes 'em tick. But a lot of factors culminated to form my opinion that if it was my only acceptance, I was going to take another year off. But I think we should probably stop discussing it in this thread, kinda steering it off topic.

Yes, sorry don't mean to continue this skid, but to disclose my rationale, I am interested in exploring more lab animal and from what I garnered on interview day, they didn't seem to have too much in place to support that other than 1 elective. In general, they seemed heavily focused on companion animal and not much else (but they are improving on that).
Not sure if it was a subconscious bias or not, but when I toured Davis and Purdue, I felt those thrilling butterflies of excitement in my stomach and I didn't quite get the same effect at LMU. Some vets that I work with have told me that I just need to hone clinical skills first and then I can focus on lab animal boards once I have my degree, but I just don't want to put myself behind the 8-ball if that's the route I end up going. I suppose that is a "future-me" problem though.

The applicant pool is only getting more competitive with a 2:1 applicant to seat ratio. That to me, as someone who went through 3 application cycles, is crazy.

Thank you for the perspective. That's a good point, I guess I just assumed that if I continued working and improving my academics that I would be a more valuable candidate next year. Part of me feels that I came so close to my IS, that I should try again next year. But these are all great things to consider!

 

[AuntieD]

First time applicant, 22 years old (21 at application), Female, New Mexico resident. Non-traditional applicant.
Applied: Midwestern, Colorado, Iowa, Washington, Oregon
Interview: Midwestern
Rejected: Colorado, Washington, Oregon
Waitlisted: Iowa
Accepted: Midwestern!
Attending: Midwestern!
B.S. Agricultural Biology (May 2019)

Cum GPA: 3.33
Last 45 credit hrs: 3.6
Science GPA: 3.1
GRE: 151V, 151Q, 4.0A

Veterinary Experience:
~10,000+ hours working as a tech assistant -> vet assistant at a large and small animal clinic
~30 hours working with cheetahs in South Africa
~30 hours working at a rescue (mainly kangaroos and exotics) in Australia

Animal Experience:
Worked as a dog walker/pet sitter on and off around my neighborhood for about 15 years


Research Experience:
About 20 hours combined from the previously listed internships

Extracurricular/Community Activities:
Volunteering through FFA
Pre-Vet club

eLORS:
Two vets at my clinic and 1 professor

 

[battie]

Yes, sorry don't mean to continue this skid, but to disclose my rationale, I am interested in exploring more lab animal and from what I garnered on interview day, they didn't seem to have too much in place to support that other than 1 elective. In general, they seemed heavily focused on companion animal and not much else (but they are improving on that).
Not sure if it was a subconscious bias or not, but when I toured Davis and Purdue, I felt those thrilling butterflies of excitement in my stomach and I didn't quite get the same effect at LMU. Some vets that I work with have told me that I just need to hone clinical skills first and then I can focus on lab animal boards once I have my degree, but I just don't want to put myself behind the 8-ball if that's the route I end up going. I suppose that is a "future-me" problem though.

Thank you for the perspective. That's a good point, I guess I just assumed that if I continued working and improving my academics that I would be a more valuable candidate next year. Part of me feels that I came so close to my IS, that I should try again next year. But these are all great things to consider!

Keep in mind that specializing for anything like lab animal, your school choice is going to be the least important factor in the journey to getting boarded. UIUC doesn't have a very obvious lab animal program evident on tours/interview day. But we have plenty of people going for that and most of their board journey is happening during breaks while on externships. Just something to keep in mind.

As far as getting reaccepted, you are competing with the rest of the applicant pool as much as yourself. So if the other applicants are improving like you do, then you're essentially in the same place. This came up in another thread, but applicants should always consider themselves rejected from the moment the application is submitted. That's becoming more true every year.

 

[Justreallytryingtobeavet]

After one gap year - I CAN FINALLY POST I’M ACCEPTED!


24 year old male, Alabama resident, first time applicant.


Applied: Auburn, LMU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites: Auburn, LMU, Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: Lmu
Waitlisted: UGA
Accepted: Mississippi State, Auburn
Attending: Auburn!

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Science undergrad GPA: 3.95
Last 45 undergrad: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 152/153/4

Undergrad Degree: BS Biology/chemistry (May 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Volunteer/shadowing at SA clinic: 650 hours
Volunteer/shadowing at LA clinic: 150 hours

Animal Experience
Pumpkin patch petting zoo ~300 hours
Reptile and amphibian breeding/pet keeping
Animal shelter

Extracurriculars/Awards
Deans list for 7 semesters
Most outstanding biology student award
summa cum laude
AED/prehealth club
TriBeta
—both did A LOT of volunteer and community stuff, so mentioned all of that.
Biology scholarship
Academic scholarship

Research
Salamander research project on gut passage and temperature that got published: 200 hours

Non-Animal Employment
Certified Pharmacy Technician: 9,000+ hours (where I’ve been stuck cause I practically run the place now lol)

LORs
Small animal vet (owner of the clinic)
Pharmacist (worked with for 5 years)
Professor (animal physiology and research)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I talked about how I’ve always wanted to be a vet, but that road has been filled with challenges (no job at a vet clinic lol) and things that I’ve tried to force myself to go on a different route (one of the pharmacists I worked with really wanted me to go to med school). Also how working with large animals became a big interest to me.

Still in shock I’ll be going back to school to pursue my dream!

 

[scags]

After one gap year - I CAN FINALLY POST I’M ACCEPTED!


24 year old male, Alabama resident, first time applicant.


Applied: Auburn, LMU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites: Auburn, LMU, Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: Lmu
Waitlisted: UGA
Accepted: Mississippi State, Auburn
Attending: Auburn!

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Science undergrad GPA: 3.95
Last 45 undergrad: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 152/153/4

Undergrad Degree: BS Biology/chemistry (May 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Volunteer/shadowing at SA clinic: 650 hours
Volunteer/shadowing at LA clinic: 150 hours

Animal Experience
Pumpkin patch petting zoo ~300 hours
Reptile and amphibian breeding/pet keeping
Animal shelter

Extracurriculars/Awards
Deans list for 7 semesters
Most outstanding biology student award
summa cum laude
AED/prehealth club
TriBeta
—both did A LOT of volunteer and community stuff, so mentioned all of that.
Biology scholarship
Academic scholarship

Research
Salamander research project on gut passage and temperature that got published: 200 hours

Non-Animal Employment
Certified Pharmacy Technician: 9,000+ hours (where I’ve been stuck cause I practically run the place now lol)

LORs
Small animal vet (owner of the clinic)
Pharmacist (worked with for 5 years)
Professor (animal physiology and research)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I talked about how I’ve always wanted to be a vet, but that road has been filled with challenges (no job at a vet clinic lol) and things that I’ve tried to force myself to go on a different route (one of the pharmacists I worked with really wanted me to go to med school). Also how working with large animals became a big interest to me.

Still in shock I’ll be going back to school to pursue my dream!

YAY so happy for you!!!! I’ll be starting at Auburn as well in the fall!

 

[Spoot]

The discussion is relevant to my question. I was getting at the fact that if someone turns down an acceptance, they better be extremely aware they may never be accepted again anywhere. The applicant pool is only getting more competitive with a 2:1 applicant to seat ratio. That to me, as someone who went through 3 application cycles, is crazy.

I suppose if your ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian no matter the cost, I can see what you're saying. However, even though my ultimate aspiration as always been veterinary medicine, I would not pay exorbitant amounts of money for an education and educational environment I did not feel was satisfactory.

 

[battie]

I would not pay exorbitant amounts of money for an education and educational environment I did not feel was satisfactory

I actually don't disagree with you overall (as I'm sitting in a classroom as an OOS student getting ready for a lecture I'm not going to pay attention to).

My main point is that it's hard to get a real sense of the school through 1) one day of interaction (ie interview day or personal tours) or 2) getting a small sample size of opinions. I honestly don't think non-students can get a sense of what a veterinary school is like until they are actually there in the program. So the idea of a superior educational environment just isn't a concept for me. At the end of the day, the vast majority of veterinarians who regret veterinary school don't regret it because of the atmosphere of their school or class. There are people who love/hate their school, but I would imagine the vast majority of opinions fall on a bell curve where the vast majority are in the middle. Overall, not taking an acceptance or accepting an acceptance because of the perception of the school (no matter the school) you have is short-sighted in the grand scheme of things.

All of this is coming from someone who repeated their first year, and did not have a good relationship with my original class as a whole. The atmosphere of 2021 vs 2020 (to me) is totally different and I jive with this class so much more. But I just watched my original class go through third year, setting up their clinical schedules, and last Saturday, they got their white coats. Having to spend the extra year, even with a group of people I love, does sting significantly. Maybe not now, but possibly in 5 years, I may wish I had been stuck with the people I didn't like with 62k more (COA) in the bank and a year more out in the real world.

 

[prevetkid]

After one gap year - I CAN FINALLY POST I’M ACCEPTED!


24 year old male, Alabama resident, first time applicant.


Applied: Auburn, LMU, UGA, Mississippi State
Interview Invites: Auburn, LMU, Mississippi State
Waiting to hear: Lmu
Waitlisted: UGA
Accepted: Mississippi State, Auburn
Attending: Auburn!

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.97
Science undergrad GPA: 3.95
Last 45 undergrad: 4.0

GRE (Q/V/W)-: 152/153/4

Undergrad Degree: BS Biology/chemistry (May 2017)

Veterinary Experience
Volunteer/shadowing at SA clinic: 650 hours
Volunteer/shadowing at LA clinic: 150 hours

Animal Experience
Pumpkin patch petting zoo ~300 hours
Reptile and amphibian breeding/pet keeping
Animal shelter

Extracurriculars/Awards
Deans list for 7 semesters
Most outstanding biology student award
summa cum laude
AED/prehealth club
TriBeta
—both did A LOT of volunteer and community stuff, so mentioned all of that.
Biology scholarship
Academic scholarship

Research
Salamander research project on gut passage and temperature that got published: 200 hours

Non-Animal Employment
Certified Pharmacy Technician: 9,000+ hours (where I’ve been stuck cause I practically run the place now lol)

LORs
Small animal vet (owner of the clinic)
Pharmacist (worked with for 5 years)
Professor (animal physiology and research)

Essay Questions/Personal Statement
I talked about how I’ve always wanted to be a vet, but that road has been filled with challenges (no job at a vet clinic lol) and things that I’ve tried to force myself to go on a different route (one of the pharmacists I worked with really wanted me to go to med school). Also how working with large animals became a big interest to me.

Still in shock I’ll be going back to school to pursue my dream!

what did you do in the gap year!!

 

[Justreallytryingtobeavet]

what did you do in the gap year!!

I volunteered/shadow at a vet clinic for experience and a letter of recommendation. I only had ~150 hours prior, and obviously needed more.

 

[Riotgrl91]

@TheSharkTank91 i think i met you when I interviewed at LMU (i think we also interviewed on the same day at Purdue). If it makes you feel any better, I was not over the moon about LMU either on interview day and am not entirely upset that I havent recieved an acceptance yet. I did, however, basically want to jump in front of traffic when Purdue gave me the finger, especially after TRAVELING ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN 0 DEGREE WEATHER AND GETTING THE PLAGUE.

 

[TheSharkTank91]

@TheSharkTank91 i think i met you when I interviewed at LMU (i think we also interviewed on the same day at Purdue). If it makes you feel any better, I was not over the moon about LMU either on interview day and am not entirely upset that I havent recieved an acceptance yet. I did, however, basically want to jump in front of traffic when Purdue gave me the finger, especially after TRAVELING ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN 0 DEGREE WEATHER AND GETTING THE PLAGUE.

Right though! Indiana seemed like a frozen tundra from that one visit! Well that does make me feel a little better that you had a similar impression. It makes me not feel like an ostracized lunatic over here.

 

[Lab Vet]

Some vets that I work with have told me that I just need to hone clinical skills first and then I can focus on lab animal boards once I have my degree!

I'm a current resident in LAM. Worry about learning how to be a doctor, before specialization in LAM enters your mind. All accredited vet schools with provide you with the knowledge base required to practice LAM. One of my program faculty described the field best: "LAM is a river that's a mile long and an inch deep." Much of the time, LAVs practice general medicine in a very specific environment. Make no bones about it- LAM is GP. Although you'll have the chance to further specialize as you progress in your career, this will certainly be the mainstay of your function throughout residency.

I wouldn't hesitate to accept the offer at LMU. The folks at Harrogate seem like a very nice bunch.