LOW GPA HOPE

Hey everyone!

As someone who was accepted this past cycle, I wanted to share a little hope for anyone on a non-linear, non-traditional path or worried about a lower GPA.

I started working full time after COVID hit during my junior year of high school, and that continued all throughout undergrad. Between working full time, completing 13 consecutive semesters, being placed on academic probation and temporarily being dropped from my major, and navigating undiagnosed ADHD, I graduated with 1 D, 7 Cs, 4 Ws, and a 3.31 cGPA (VMCAS calculated it as a 3.16 cGPA and 2.90 sGPA).

While my GPA wasn’t perfect, I focused on building a strong, well-rounded application with diverse experiences, and that made all the difference. I wanted to share my journey and stats to remind you that it’s truly not over until it’s over. You are so much more than your GPA.

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STATS

22, Female, FL Resident, Semi Non-traditional, 2x Applicant, Exotics Focus

2024-2025 Summary

UF (IS) - Rejected

LSU - Rejected

LIU - Rejected

VAMD - Rejected

KSU - Interview Waitlisted, Rejected

U of A - Interview Waitlisted, Rejected

Ross - Interviewed, Rejected

SGU - Interviewed, Accepted, Declined

2025-2026 Summary

UF (IS) - Rejected

Mizzou - Rejected

U of A - Interview waitlisted, rejected

MS State - Interviewed, Accepted, Attending!

GPA

Overall: 3.16 (3.31 with replacements)

Science: 2.90 (3.16 with replacements)

Last 45 GPA: ~2.96 (~3.26 with replacements)

Mississippi Prereq GPA: 3.46

Degrees

Associate in Arts, General Studies, Cum Laude - Spring 2023

Bachelor of Science, Integrative Animal Biology - Fall 2025

Veterinary Experience (6,126 Hours)

General Practice Veterinary Assistant - 868 Hours

General Practice Veterinary Technician - 2,528 Hours

VEG ER Veterinary Scribe - 1,932 Hours

Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery Shadow - 57 Hours

Exotic and Avian Technician - 256 Hours

Internal Medicine Technician - 485 Hours

Animal Experience (822 Hours)

Pet Resort Specialist (Feline & Canine) - 774 Hours

Beef Cattle Farm Volunteer - 8 Hours

Humane Society Volunteer - 32 Hours

Equine and Wildlife Rehab Ranch Volunteer - 8 Hours

Non-Animal Employment (5,320 Hours)

Theme Park Merchandise Associate - 1,122 Hours

Dunkin' Crew Member - 2,866 Hours

Dunkin' Shift Manager - 660 Hours

Dunkin' Assistant Manager & Fill-in General Manager - 672 Hours

Research (194 Hours)

Loop Abroad Crocodile and Manatee Research Fellow - 104 Hours

Drosophila Melanogaster Phenotyping and Genotyping - 22 Hours

Muscovy Duck and White Ibis Population Density and Conservation - 30 Hours

Klebsiella Pneumoniae Identification - 14 Hours

Florida Ecology and Environmental Research - 24 Hours

Extracurriculars (1,513 Hours)

STEM Club Secretary & Pre-Vet Chair - 74 Hours

Pre-Vet Society President & Fundraising Coordinator - 116 Hours

Pre-Vet Club Member - 27 Hours

Social Media Content Creation & Guest Speaking - 1,064 Hours

Social Media Brand Ambassador Partnerships (4) - 181 Hours

UFCVM Vet Champs Admissions Boot Camp - 24 Hours

VMX - 24 Hours

Clearwater Marine Aquarium - 3 Hours

Honors/Awards

RECOVER BLS/ALS

Elite Fear Free Certified - Veterinary, Equine, and Avian

Cat and Dog First Aid - American Red Cross

First Aid for Opioid Overdoses - American Red Cross

AAHA March 2025 "Veterinary Voices" Feature

VetCandy June 2024 "Vet School" Feature

Certificate of Excellence (GP Clinic)

Associate Off The Week (Theme Park)

3 Dean’s List Semesters

Five Honor Societies

IACUC Certified Researcher

C.E.T. Dental Ambassador

Trudell Animal Health Certified Respiratory Educator

QPR Suicide Prevention

Vetfolio Suicide Prevention

LORs

1 GP DVM, DACVIM

1 ER DVM, DVM Lead (VEG)

1 ER DVM, NERD Lead (VEG)

1 Science Academic Advisor

Personal Statement

I wrote about growing up in a low-income household as one of quadruplets and how that experience shaped me. I connected my unique upbringing to my own medical history, which has given me a deep understanding of resilience and adaptability. I then tied these experiences into my passion for exotic animal medicine and tiered care, showing how my background has inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and provide care to underserved species and populations.

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Thank you for reading this far, and huge congratulations to anyone starting their journey, graduating, or already in vet school.

If you ever need advice or support, feel free to reach out. I offer mentorship and would love to help however I can!

🤍🐾🩺