Didn't get accepted?
I'm sorry. These things might help...
Getting a rejection letter burns. But let that burn fuel you.
Allow yourself some time to digest, wallow a bit, and then your first step: make a plan.
Here is my suggested plan for you:
1. Be your worst critic. Open up your old VMCAS and try to objectively evaluate it.
Look at your GPA. Is it what you thought it was? Here’s an article to help.
Look at your science classes. Do you need to retake one?
Look at the Vet Schools you applied to… Find their admitted class statistics- for in-state AND out-of-state. Do your statistics match up? Come close? Read this for tips if your GPA isn’t the highest.
Here are some Common Cracks applicants can fall into.
2. Make a list of things you can improve. Don’t just add things to this list that you want to do!
If your GPA needs help, use a GPA Calculator to input all of your classes, then start adding “future classes” and see how many A’s it takes to get up to your target GPA. That’s your goal. Now go find ways to take those classes, and reach that number.
Triple check your Prerequisites. Make sure they count! Make sure you hit the required grade for your Vet Schools!
For ex: Some Vet Schools require a C or better in Prereqs. Others are OK with a C-.
Some Vet Schools require Prereqs be taken within 6 years of Application. Others, 10 years.
Did you hit the minimum Vet Experience Hours? You may need to go knock on some doors, go find that job, go work for free!
Here is my post on ways you can get experience, and ways to find it!
3. Put this plan into action! Give yourself one week for each thing on your list.
Week 1: Re-evaluate your Vet School List. Dive into their acceptance rates, the little details that may have eliminated you.
Week 2: Re-calculate GPA, find the number of A’s you must make to increase it to your goal, then start looking at schools near you or your home base. There are 4 year institutions online that can help you rack up some credits!! *Check all of your planned classes with your Vet School of choice before signing up. You can often do this on their website or by emailing them. Tedious, but necessary. Don’t waste your time (5 months of studying and taking tests!) and money taking something that won’t help you.
Week 3: Plan out your summer. Take a weekend to go home and knock on doors looking for a job or volunteer opp. Look into a Pre-Vet Internship or Travel Opportunity. Get the ball rolling and actually get out your door and apply in person. Here are tips to help you plan next year: Do I get a Master’s or retake classes?
4. Start rewriting your Personal Statement.
Think outside the box. Do some research. Get to know the websites of the Vet Schools on your list.
Brainstorm. Dig deep. Reminisce on what cases you saw or helped with that struck you. Read this. Listen to this.
Tip: Don’t just rewrite all of your Veterinary Experiences in your essay. Think about what you learned from them, who inspired you, what still drives you.