<p>I've been worrying so much. I really want to become a veterinarian. This has been my dream for many years. I love animals and it's my passion. Right now I am at a community college finishing my AA degree. Why did I attend a community college? Well first off I am broke. I have a scholarship in state that will last me four years. Of course, this scholarship doesn't cover everything, but it is very helpful. By going to a community college I didn't have to take loans due to my scholarship and the financial aid I received. I am in Florida by the way. I am panicking because I really want to get into the University of Florida because they have a vet school and it's the only one in the state. I applied there, but I'm not sure I will get in. I will be crushed and shattered if this institution denies me. They are really strict. I've done the best I can. Even though I went to a community college for my first two years, do you think grad schools will look at that and not expect much from me? While I was at the community college I took heavy course loads, worked, interned with animals, and was even president of a club. I really want that title as a "vet." Currently, I have a GPA of a 3.65 unweighted and plan to bring it up. I am little upset that I didn't do as well as I expected. I really want at least a 3.8. I don't know if it's possible to bring it up that high though. Does anyone have any suggestions? I plan to stay in state because I really cannot afford out of state colleges. My parents cannot contribute any money. So I'm trying to do what's best for me academically and financially. Feedback of any kind would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Sounds to me like you’re doing just fine. The average GPA for successful vet school applicants is in the 3.5-3.6 range, so you’re there. You’re a Florida resident, so you’ll receive preference for admission to both UF and UF’s vet school. You’re getting practical experience in working with animals, which is another plus for being admitted to vet school. The vet school admissions committee is not going to care that you went to community college for the first two years. What they will care about are four things: grades (both your overall gpa and your science gpa), your GRE scores, whether you are a resident or non-resident and your depth and breadth of animal related work experience (small animal, large animal, farm animal, exotic/zoo animals, clinics, research, etc.). Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Thank you very much gbesq. I really hope that I can do this. What I am worried about is not getting accepted to UF for the rest of my undergrad. I do not have all prereqs done to get accepted into their junior college until the end of summer. I applied already for the Fall 2011. I am really nervous. Florida schools are not very prestigious besides UF and UM. UM is a private school though and there’s no way I can afford that. So if I do not get into a good school I think that will also effect my chances.</p>
<p>Lavender - you seem to be ashamed of your community college background. Don’t be - it is a great thing. They have given a start to thousands of students like yourself, and community college is a great thing to have on your resume. Also, do not be afraid to fail. My D is currently a first year vet student. While she got into vet school on her first try, many of her classmates did not. There is no shame in failing. What is the worst thing that could happen if you do not get in on the first try? You prepare some more, maybe work to earn additional money, and get more animal care experience. You are on the right track, and you are obtaining all the prerequisites for vet school. Persistence is the name of the game, both to get into vet school, and to stay there once you get in. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Best of luck, lavender, and laf1980 is so right in saying not to give up if you don’t gain admission to vet school on your first try. If you get a rejection, contact an admissions rep with the school and ask for advice on how to boost your resume. Often, making personal contact is in itself a bonus.<br>
I hope you get some good news! If you don’t, consider it merely a stepping stone towards you goal.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I am going to keep trying to reach my goals. Fall semester is almost over and I have an internship with exotic animals! I am really excited that I will be working with them. I will stick to persistence and I’ll keep doing things to keep myself competitive. I am really driven and worrying is just not going to help me at all.</p>
<p>Your wonderful attitude will take you far. The internship sounds fabulous and you sound very excited! Please come back and post about the experience for us!</p>