Viewer Viewpoint
And now, a few words from our viewers...

14 tips for vet school applications
by Joanne (JINTILE),
Pre-Vet/Career Forum Host

I thought I'd share some of my personal tips for the application process since people must be gearing up for it pretty soon. There is nothing pretty about the process, so maybe something I write can help someone, if even in a small way.

1) APPLY EARLY!
Especially if using VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service). VMCAS is horrible and they had a lot of problems last year because something like 90% of the applicants filled out the application the last two days before it was due (yes I was one of them!). Just work on a little bit each day, and try and get it finished one month before it is due.

2) Research the schools you want to apply to.
It is very tempting to just check off boxes on the application thinking the more you apply to, the better your chances. THIS IS NOT SO! Look up stats on the school.

3) Apply to 3 schools maximum.
That may seem harsh, but I haven't come across anyone who benefited by doing more than that. You'll have the best shot at your state school (if you have one). Acceptance rates actually go down after 3 schools. Likewise, don't apply to a school you wouldn't want to attend. It comes down to research on your part to figure out where you have the best chance of being admitted, and where you would like to live and go to school.

4) If your school allows it, send in more than three letters of recommendation.
Get a letter of recommendation from each animal experience you list on the application. It will support your experiences and lend credence to your application. Make sure the person writing your letter will write a supportive one. Don't be afraid to ask them that first. This is your application and you need it to look the best it can. I think the above-and-beyond mentality is a good one to have: take more than the pre-req classes, have more hours of experience than avgerage, have more letters, etc. etc.

5) Ask for people to write you letters of recommendation early.
You'll be surprised at how easily people forget things or put them aside. Check in with the people you have asked once a week, until they physically hand you the letter or assure you they mailed it in. Give them a list of points to include in the letter. If animal related, be sure to ask them to evaluate you on your ability to handle animals, and your confidence. Also if they can comment on your commitment to veterinary medicine that's good too.

6) Get in contact with the admissions office of the schools you are applying to.
This doesn't mean call them every day with updates, but let them know who you are and that you are applying and ask any questions you may have. Surprisingly people who work in these offices will remember you! It might come in handy later on.

7) Have EVERYONE you know read your personal statement.
Be prepared to write 4-5 drafts of it. Start working on that NOW! Spell everything correctly and watch for grammar errors and typos. Stick to the facts and don't ramble. Under 1000 words (or less) is a general recommedation.

8) Send your GRE scores early.
Sometimes it can take a week or two and you want everything to get to the admissions office early so your file is complete and ready for review before a mad rush of papers comes in and they can lose it easily.

9) Visit the schools you are considering applying to.
Most have open houses and this is the time to meet students and admissions people and ask questions. Take a look at the surrounding area and consider this is where you will spend the next four years. Stay overnight with a student, or group of students, if you can.

10) Once you application is done, DON'T STALK THE MAILMAN.
I did this from about mid-December on and it was excruciating. Depending on the school you apply to, and how crappy VMCAS is, you may not hear a peep from places until February. Once finished, relax, have a glass of wine or a beer or some juice and let it go! There's nothing more you can do now but wait.

11) Keep track of every hour spent doing your work with animals, your clubs, your community service, etc. etc.
You have to provide information from way back in high school. If you ever won an award, they want to know about it. Just be really anal about that early on; it saves time later. Make sure the number of hours you write on the application jives with the number the person writing your letter of recommendation puts in their form.

12) Request that recommendation letters and transcripts be sent to you first, so you can send the info off to the schools directly.
I think if you have letters and transcripts all coming in separately, there is a big chance something will get lost along the way. If your school won't send the transcript to you directly, beg them! There is some phrase on the VMCAS instructions when I applied that said they prefer you to do it that way or something. I showed that to one of my schools and it suffices. I would also suggest including a nice, well organized cover letter with this info to show you are really a professional at heart!

13) Get a copy of the VMSAR (Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements) for the year you are applying.
This book will give you all the information you need on application statistics, number of out of state people who get in, avg. GPA's, what pre-reqs you need, etc. Live by this book!

14) Get as much and as diversified animal experience as you can.
Applying with only small animal (or only large animal) experience will probably not be beneficial. Lack of breadth of experience is a main reason why people are not accepted, above and beyond GPA and test scores.

Good luck to all.

Back to Viewer Viewpoint Table of Contents