Q&A: I Might Not Be a Veterinarian All Because Of My GPA

Posted onAuthorsostermannblog@gmail.com8 Comments

I’m currently a sophomore in college and have only a 3.0. I work full time as a veterinary technician but have a constant battle in my mind if I have what it takes to be a veterinarian. I want nothing more in my life but I know that my GPA is no where even close to good enough. I think all the time if it’s too late or if I step up my game and raise my GPA I can have a chance in getting into vet school. I have all my tough courses ahead of me such as organic chemistry and physics but I know if I set my mind to it, I can really do it. I don’t receive any support from my family and I’m close to financially independent which is why I work full time. My plate is very full and I feel like it is really hurting my dreams.  Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences is easy to me, its obtaining a bachelor in biology with a 4.0 that haunts me. I am, like you, a resident of California so getting into Davis or Western would be a dream to me. As someone who has been very successful in obtaining their dream, what would you recommend for someone like me? I get depressed constantly when I think that I might not be a veterinarian all due to my GPA.

MJ

4/23/11

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Hi MJ —

First of all, I know that taking the chance at a dream such as becoming a veterinarian is a time consuming and costly endeavor. However, I also know that it is incredibly fulfilling and I gather you will not be satisfied until you know you’ve given it your best shot! That being said, do not let the fear of a not-so-stellar GPA be the sole deterrent for you! I know enough people who got into vet school with lower GPAs than you to say it’s not impossible. To make things even better, you have a lot of experience and I anticipate you’ll also have a great story since you’re not the typical applicant that the admissions committees see.

Definitely keep trudging through college. Do not worry about majoring in biology or any other science. Major in something you enjoy, it can be completely unrelated! See my post on deciding what to major in: http://www.lifeinvetschool.com/2009/06/08/decidingmajor/

Do your best and let your passion for the career that lies ahead of you motivate you to achieve the best grade possible! And don’t forget, that when it comes to applying to vet school, to explain your situation in the “explanation section” of the application. I would tell schools that you worked full-time throughout college to support yourself and your grades may have suffered as a result, but you are confident that in vet school, when you are not working full time, that you will be able to focus on your studies completely and your grades will improve.

Good luck and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!

~Sharon
Life In Vet School & Tips On Getting In

8 thoughts on “Q&A: I Might Not Be a Veterinarian All Because Of My GPA”

  1. Thank you so much for posting this, it was extremely helpful with my fears & doubts of veterinarian school….God Bless YOU 🙂

  2. Thank you so much for posting this, it was extremely helpful with my fears & doubts of veterinarian school….God Bless YOU 🙂

  3. I am a junior right now at the university of north carolina at greensboro. I am a public health major with a concentration in veterinary medicine. I read your personal statement and was quickly taken aback by how similar our stories are. I began as a nursing major but early on i realized that it wasn’t in my heart to be a nurse. My sophomore year i switched my major concentration and am very happy with my decision. I am applying to North Carolina State’s College of veterinary medicine in 2013, but i’m having a hard time keeping my spirits high because like the writer above my gpa is also a 3.0 though I’m still a junior i have time to bring it up but this isn’t the only thing i want to be judged by. Ive been working with animals my entire life with my grandfather from panama’ who is my inspiration for realizing my dream. I just finished my rough draft for my personal statement and I was wondering who i should choose to read my personal statement I want it to be someone that could truly tell me if it’s unique enough to get into vet school.
    thank you!
    Luz Patsch

  4. I am a junior right now at the university of north carolina at greensboro. I am a public health major with a concentration in veterinary medicine. I read your personal statement and was quickly taken aback by how similar our stories are. I began as a nursing major but early on i realized that it wasn’t in my heart to be a nurse. My sophomore year i switched my major concentration and am very happy with my decision. I am applying to North Carolina State’s College of veterinary medicine in 2013, but i’m having a hard time keeping my spirits high because like the writer above my gpa is also a 3.0 though I’m still a junior i have time to bring it up but this isn’t the only thing i want to be judged by. Ive been working with animals my entire life with my grandfather from panama’ who is my inspiration for realizing my dream. I just finished my rough draft for my personal statement and I was wondering who i should choose to read my personal statement I want it to be someone that could truly tell me if it’s unique enough to get into vet school.
    thank you!
    Luz Patsch

  5. I am currently a junior zoology major at Suny Oswego in NY. I have the opposite problem in that my GPA is not to lo I currently have a 3.3 but I have not had a lot of time to gain many experience hours. I am putting myself through college and have been working while at school. Also I didn’t decide to actually pursue veterinary school until my sophomore year. I always hear you can make up for low grades with experience but does it work the other way in that good grades and a good GRE score can make up for a lack of experience?

  6. I am currently a junior zoology major at Suny Oswego in NY. I have the opposite problem in that my GPA is not to lo I currently have a 3.3 but I have not had a lot of time to gain many experience hours. I am putting myself through college and have been working while at school. Also I didn’t decide to actually pursue veterinary school until my sophomore year. I always hear you can make up for low grades with experience but does it work the other way in that good grades and a good GRE score can make up for a lack of experience?

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