Hi all, I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on my application. I am a 19 year old junior (sophomore really but graduating in 3 years) graduating May of 2018 so I will be applying this upcoming application cycle. I am a little worried about my age because I am so young (just turning 20 in June) and I'm hoping that won't work against me but it's also a good thing because I have nothing to lose if I don't get in the first time. I have visited Penn, Cornell and NCSU. I love NCSU, I have visited twice - once for the APVMA conference and once on my own. I know how hard it is to get in so I am also applying for a masters in animal science at NCSU as a back up plan and also to establish residency for a year and then apply again as in-state (if I don't get in OOS) since the tuition is so much lower compared to other schools. I'm applying to probably Cornell, Penn, Ross, Florida & NCSU. I have decent experience because I have been shadowing since I was 14 years old.
20 year old female, New York resident, 1st time applicant
Cumulative GPA: 3.886
Science/Pre-Requisite GPA: 4.0 (I've gotten a couple A-'s in my equine classes which is what brought down my final GPA)
Last 45 GPA: 4.0? I still have a year of undergraduate to go but it's looking like a 4.0 this semester (plus next year I finally get to take 4 classes a semester and not 5!)
Degree: BS in Biology and BS in Pre-Vet Equine Science, Minor in Chemistry
GRE (Q,V,W): 152, 147, 5.0 (I just took this 3 weeks ago during spring break without studying at all, I am retaking in July after some studying over the summer since I didn't do so hot)
Veterinary Experience:
Small Animal veterinary assistant (2,100)
Small Animal veterinary shadow (430)
Small animal emergency clinic shadow (350)
Equine vet/surgeon shadow (300)
Wildlife shadow (15)
Tufts AVM Program & Cornell Veterinary Exploration Program (30)
Animal Experience:
Zoo nursery assistant (20 hours a week this summer - expecting 350 hours)
Horseback instructor (200)
Horseback riding camp counselor (350)
Horseback rider (1500)
Member of equestrian team in high school (200 hours)
Wildlife shelter volunteer (60)
Cat/dog/rabbit shelter volunteer (80)
Planning to foster a puppy this summer for my rescue (500 hours?)
Coordinated a "ride for the cure" breast cancer horse show and raised over $3000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation (100 hours)
Research Experience:
Psychological decision factors regarding human and pet clinical trials (150)
Autonomic research on indigenous bat species (60)
Non Animal Employment/Volunteer:
Admissions office tour guide ( 3 years of undergrad)
Receptionist at electrical engineering company (2 years during high school)
Kiddie soccer coach (1 year during undergrad)
Student note taker (3 years of undergrad)
Peer tutor for general biology, equine health and physics (2 years of undergrad)
My apartment is the "show room" for admissions tours (3 years undergrad)
Extracurricular Activities:
President/founder of pre vet club for 2 years (created and sold equine emergency kits to purchase animal oxygen masks for the local fire department, made over 100 toys out of donate towels for a rescue, held an anatomy bowl, sutured bananas, holding a blood typing program this week, attended the 2017 APVMA conference at NCSU, coordinated field trips to Penn & Cornell, held various veterinary speakers from all different fields)
Member of Tribeta Biology Honor Society (top biology majors)
Member of Golden Key Honor Society (top 15% of the school)
Member of I AM club, Evergreen Environmental club and LIONS club
Considering becoming a Student Government Senator next year?
College Awards:
Presidential scholarship (highest scholarship at my school -covers 75% tuition and has perks such as research with a professor, priority registration, priority housing, etc.)
APVMA scholarship
Making a Difference scholarship
High School Awards:
AP scholar award
Girl scout bronze and silver award
Douglas Sposato wildlife scholarship
Lt. Joseph Fenty scholarship
LI teachers benevolent scholarship
St. Johns soccer scholarship
High School Extracurricular Activities:
Member of National Honor Society
Member of Foreign Language Honor Society
Member of equestrian team
Member of breaking boundaries and clam cleanup club
JV cheerleader (freshman/sophomore year)
Travel soccer since I was 12 up until going away for college
Church volunteer (50 hours)
LoRs : they all have mentioned writing me awesome letters already
Small animal veterinarian
Equine vet/board certified surgeon
Advisor of pre-vet club who is a medical doctor who does my bat research with me
My actual advisor who is a marine biologist/PhD scientist who does my research on clinical trials with me
I am taking animal nutrition this summer online through K-State, and biochemistry through Stony Brook University (SUNY) and I just have to take Organic I (fall) and Microbiology (fall) and Organic II (spring) and my pre-requisites are done!!!
Thank so much for reading this! Please let me know what you think! I already know the GRE scores need improvement. And I am really trying to diverse my experience. I am applying for an internship at the aquarium for winter break/session but that won't be on my application if I get it.