Previous acceptance with low 80's

[vetlyfe]

Hi guys, 
My combined average for the 8 pre-seq and the last 2 terms is 83.8. I was wondering if anyone with a similarly low average got accepted, or even got invited to interviews last year. I'm just looking for any sign of hope that my grades are not too low. 

Thanks!

[xenaxavier]

Hey,

From what I've seen posted on here, and from what I've heard through the grapevine, it is possible. I'm thinking that it really depends on the applicant pool for this year! The best way to get some insight is to look at the previous years' stats. I've noticed that there is sometimes a VERY wide range of grades accepted, so depending on the applicant pool this year, I would say it is still possible, but of course, having higher grades gives you a better start since they will combine your interview score and grades for the final decision.

I believe they also look at your BIF and LOR after everyone is ranked by grades, so that may help you get an interview if your experiences and references are strong. I'm not 100% sure that is how it works though, because I thought interviews were based on grades and then I saw another post that said the BIF and LOR are assessed before interviews.

Hope that helps a little!

[guest36]

Here are the stats for the most recent class at OVC. It includes the grades for interviewed and accepted applicants, to give you an idea of the past year's cohort: www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/applyingtodvm/resources/DVMAdmissionStats2016forweb.pdf
However, like xenaxavier mentioned, it really does depend on this year's applicant pool!

Interview invitations are based on grades, but the BIF and references are used more to look for "red flags" in the applications before sending out invites.

Best of luck!

[xenaxavier]

Thanks for clarifying that guest36!

[Kraken]

I was admitted to the 2019 class after 3 attempts with grades roughly around 83/84. I believe I had fairly well rounded experience both inside and outside clinics. The year I was finally admitted I scored a high 80 on the interview. It is very much possible - but you have a lot of ground to make up in the interview.

[Guest7777]

Mar 31, 2017 0:21:30 GMT -5 Kraken said:

I was admitted to the 2019 class after 3 attempts with grades roughly around 83/84. I believe I had fairly well rounded experience both inside and outside clinics. The year I was finally admitted I scored a high 80 on the interview. It is very much possible - but you have a lot of ground to make up in the interview.

Wow! How did you prepare for the interview???

Thanks for your input!

[Kraken]

Mar 31, 2017 8:45:37 GMT -5 Guest7777 said:

Mar 31, 2017 0:21:30 GMT -5 Kraken said:

I was admitted to the 2019 class after 3 attempts with grades roughly around 83/84. I believe I had fairly well rounded experience both inside and outside clinics. The year I was finally admitted I scored a high 80 on the interview. It is very much possible - but you have a lot of ground to make up in the interview.

Wow! How did you prepare for the interview???

Thanks for your input!

I interview for all three applications so I had been through the process a couple times.  The FVC mock MMIs were also useful for simulating the real thing.  I also took the medical ethics course offered at UoG and read the Rollins book for good measure.

But I think the biggest advice I have is to be confident walking into that interview.  The interviewers have no idea what grades you have; make them think you are the best student out there! Do whatever you have to do to make you feel your best on the days before the interview and you will shine!  Incorporate some personal experiences if relevant but try not to go off on tangents.  Remember you are not being tested on your academic knowledge. 

[hahahahahahah]

Mar 31, 2017 0:21:30 GMT -5 Kraken said:

I was admitted to the 2019 class after 3 attempts with grades roughly around 83/84. I believe I had fairly well rounded experience both inside and outside clinics. The year I was finally admitted I scored a high 80 on the interview. It is very much possible - but you have a lot of ground to make up in the interview.

so you just took more courses each year that you did not get accepted? 

[xenaxavier]

Mar 31, 2017 23:37:19 GMT -5 Kraken said:

Mar 31, 2017 8:45:37 GMT -5 Guest7777 said:

Wow! How did you prepare for the interview???

Thanks for your input!

I interview for all three applications so I had been through the process a couple times.  The FVC mock MMIs were also useful for simulating the real thing.  I also took the medical ethics course offered at UoG and read the Rollins book for good measure.

But I think the biggest advice I have is to be confident walking into that interview.  The interviewers have no idea what grades you have; make them think you are the best student out there! Do whatever you have to do to make you feel your best on the days before the interview and you will shine!  Incorporate some personal experiences if relevant but try not to go off on tangents.  Remember you are not being tested on your academic knowledge. 

That's very helpful thank you

[Kraken]

Apr 2, 2017 10:47:26 GMT -5 hahahahahahah said:

Mar 31, 2017 0:21:30 GMT -5 Kraken said:

I was admitted to the 2019 class after 3 attempts with grades roughly around 83/84. I believe I had fairly well rounded experience both inside and outside clinics. The year I was finally admitted I scored a high 80 on the interview. It is very much possible - but you have a lot of ground to make up in the interview.

so you just took more courses each year that you did not get accepted? 

My first application was in third year so I still had another year to go.  Then half way through fourth year I chose to change majors so it was easiest to just come back for another full year.  I was planning on doing a Masters after my 5th year (and major change) but fortunately I was accepted to OVC first.

[Hopefully]

I have been told by a reliable source that the very lowest combined average to get an interview last year was 85. The stats don't really help you because they don't offer a combined. The person with the lowest 8-pre-req average probably can't be the person with the lowest 2-semester average, etc.