<p>I got my final grades after my first semester of college and my GPA is a 2.9. In my 4 credit classes I got an A, an AB, and 2 C's. I got an A in my 1 credit class. The C's were Biology and Calculus. I am so embarrassed that I got a C in Biology as a Biology major and I am soooo worried about how next semester will go. Is there any hope for me to get into vet school? What should I be doing differently? I am not too involved, I am part of 1 club which is 1 hour a week, I took 17 credits and have 2 jobs. I felt like my time was not too limited, to be honest I don't really have a social life so that helps some. I worked SO hard and don't know how to improve. If I can't improve significantly next semester is it time for me to quit and think of a new career option? I am so upset over my grades, especially since my sister made dean's list and I feel like an idiot compared to her. Please give me advice and let me know your honest opinion about my chances of being a vet. :(</p>
<p>Don’t beat yourself up. The first semester of college is tough. You’re figuring out how the whole higher ed thing works, and it’s entirely different from high school.</p>
<p>The good news is that you have time to bring that GPA up. Talk to your adviser, talk to the profs in the classes you didn’t ace if you don’t know why you got C’s, go to any tutoring available - you know the drill. </p>
<p>Do you have a strong science background from high school? Do you enjoy biological sciences? If not, you’re setting yourself up for some real misery over the next few years because the classes only get harder. But perhaps you just didn’t click with the professor or the material this go-round. You should consider retaking Biology to bring up that grade because vet schools take an especially close look at the science GPA.</p>
<p>You’ll also boost your chances of vet school admission by having a balanced resume which includes plenty (and I mean lots and lots) of hands on experience. Find a local vet to shadow, see if you can get an internship or better yet a paid job in a vet clinic, volunteer at a local shelter. There are many options available and the admissions folks will want to see that you have both the book learning and on the job training.</p>
<p>Good luck to you. You certainly shouldn’t give up on your plans after 1 less than stellar semester :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. It made me really happy to see that I’m not crazy for still going after this dream of mine! I actually contacted a local shelter and will be regularly volunteering there while at school. I will shadow a vet back home over the summer.
I contacted my bio professor about my grade and he never got back to me. To be honest I didn’t really like him as a professor so that might be a big reason why I didn’t do well in the class. Overall I do like biological sciences so hopefully it was just a professor issue.
I am just super frustrated because two of my sisters are in college with me this semester and they both made dean’s list and I have a stupid GPA. I really can’t wait to get back to school after break to try again and attempt to turn this around. :(</p>
<p>Honestly, from what I’ve heard the admissions folks like to see evidence of tenacity. Bring that GPA up and you’ve already got a slant for your admissions essay - How I stuck with my goal of applying to vet school after a rough start :)</p>
<p>I suggest you check out the Student Dr Network site. They have forums for both Med and Vet school students, and in particular you might benefit from lurking on the pre-vet forum. You’ll find plenty of posters with concerns similar to yours, and the “chance me” thread will give you an idea of the stats of other applicants.</p>
<p>Best wishes for a great spring semester!</p>