In tonight's webinar, we will discuss the vet school application process, creating a personal statement that stands out, maximizing your extracurricular profile, expert insights from Caitlyn, and the Q&A session.
I’m Caitlyn, a fourth-year student at North Carolina State University. I’m focused on small animals and love hosting sessions like this because I was once in your shoes. At the time, I had very little understanding of the application process and the best ways to approach it. My goal is to provide insights and tips for what you can do now, before applying, and what to do as you begin the application process.
The application process can be daunting if you’ve never seen it before. It consists of several steps, each requiring significant time and effort. Tonight, we’ll break down the different sections to make the process less intimidating.
Applying to vet school requires careful planning and attention to detail. You should understand the application timeline, submission deadlines, prerequisite courses, and required exams. Familiarize yourself with the centralized application service called VMCAS and its components. This will help you ensure that you’re prepared to submit all required materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement. With a clear approach to each stage, you can present a complete and competitive application.
VMCAS is similar to the Common App for undergraduate applications. Most vet schools use it, though a few, such as some Texas schools, do not.
The application consists of several sections:
Each section requires significant detail, so starting early is essential.
The GRE is becoming less commonly required by vet schools. Some schools make it optional, while others no longer require it at all. For example, only Tuskegee and Oklahoma State required it this past year. If you’re a strong standardized test taker, the GRE can enhance your application for schools where it’s optional.
CASPer is a newer requirement for many schools. It is a virtual, recorded assessment that evaluates your ability to handle ethical dilemmas and various scenarios. Schools use CASPer to gain insights into your personality and decision-making skills. Preparing for this assessment is critical, as more schools are adopting it.
Applying to every vet school is neither practical nor cost-effective. Each school has different requirements, and applying to many schools can be expensive and time-consuming. For instance, most schools have supplemental essays and application fees averaging $100 per school.
To narrow your list, research each school’s prerequisites and align them with your academic background. This will help you prioritize schools that are a better fit for your goals and experiences.
The personal statement is the most important essay in your application. It allows you to showcase your strengths and explain why you want to pursue veterinary medicine.
Recent prompts have focused on defining moments that inspired your interest in veterinary medicine. Your response should be unique and memorable, using storytelling techniques to engage the reader. Highlight your strengths and ensure your essay stands out from hundreds of others.
In VMCAS, you’ll categorize your experiences as veterinary-related, animal-related, or research. Veterinary experiences involve working directly with veterinarians, while animal experiences include roles such as kennel attendant or pet sitter.
Research experience, while not required, can help set you apart. Even non-veterinary research is valuable. Keeping a detailed record of all your experiences, including hours and supervisor contact information, will save you time when completing your application.
Vet schools value a well-rounded application that includes academic readiness, veterinary and animal care experiences, and extracurricular involvement.
Volunteer work unrelated to animals, participation in sports, and other activities that demonstrate a balanced lifestyle are also important. These activities show that you are more than just your academic or veterinary experiences and highlight transferable skills like teamwork and leadership.
When listing your extracurriculars, include everything from club memberships to part-time jobs, even if they are not directly related to veterinary medicine. Admissions committees value diversity in experiences, and something seemingly small might resonate with someone reviewing your application.
Your application is your chance to showcase attributes like resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Share challenges you’ve overcome and emphasize specialized skills, such as proficiency in other languages, international experience, or work with unique animal populations.
If you’ve had exposure to veterinary specialties, like exotic animal care or ophthalmology, highlight these experiences. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who can contribute something unique to the veterinary field.
Strong academic performance is essential, particularly in science courses. If possible, take upper-level science courses to demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of veterinary school.
Shadowing veterinarians in different fields can also enhance your application. For example, if most of your experience is with small animals, consider shadowing a large animal or exotic animal veterinarian. Having a range of experiences will give you more to discuss during interviews and show your willingness to explore different aspects of the field.
Interviews are an important part of the application process for many schools. They may include multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) or traditional formats.
Practice common interview questions and record yourself to evaluate your presentation skills. If you don’t know the answer to a question, focus on reasoning through the problem and maintaining composure. Schools value candidates who can think critically and remain calm under pressure.
Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare, and many undergraduate institutions offer resources for students. Additionally, online resources can provide sample questions and scenarios to practice.
Most schools require at least two letters of recommendation from veterinarians and one from a professor. A fourth letter can come from a mentor or advisor who knows you well.
Start building relationships with potential recommenders early by attending office hours, shadowing consistently, and maintaining regular communication. This ensures they can write detailed and personalized letters that reflect your strengths and potential.
Submitting your application early has several advantages. Some schools offer scholarships or waive fees for early applicants. Additionally, schools with rolling admissions may review early applications more favorably since more spots are available at the start of the cycle.
Double-check your materials for errors before submission. Typos or incomplete sections can harm your credibility, so reviewing your application thoroughly is essential.
The number depends on your financial situation and the time you have to dedicate to supplemental essays. Each application typically costs $100-$150, in addition to VMCAS fees. Narrow your list to schools that align with your goals and experiences. For most students, applying to 10-20 schools is feasible, but make sure you have enough time to craft strong, individualized applications for each school.
Fear-Free Certification is highly recommended, as it focuses on handling animals in a stress-free manner. CPR certification for veterinary professionals is another valuable addition. Additionally, certifications related to well-being or diversity in veterinary medicine can be obtained through the AVMA.
One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It’s an important concept in veterinary medicine and can be a great topic to discuss in interviews or essays if relevant to your experiences. However, only include it in your application if it aligns naturally with your story and goals.
No, it does not need to be a science professor. However, the professor should know you well enough to write a detailed and supportive letter. If you’ve been out of school for some time, consider reaching out to past professors or taking a class to establish a new academic reference.
This depends on your strengths. If you are a strong standardized test taker, a good GRE score can enhance your application, even if it’s optional. However, if preparing for the GRE would take significant time away from other application components, it might not be worth it.
Practice is key. Record yourself answering common veterinary interview questions and review your performance. Many schools use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which includes ethical scenarios and problem-solving questions. Look up MMI-style questions and practice answering them thoughtfully and professionally.
Most schools offer resources for students interested in exotic or wildlife medicine, even if they don’t have dedicated programs. For example, North Carolina State University has a sea turtle rescue team and a wildlife conservation program. Avoid schools heavily focused on large animal medicine if your interests lie elsewhere.
The personal statement typically asks why you want to become a veterinarian, your defining moment, and how you plan to contribute to the profession. Use storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with the reader. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and passions to stand out from other applicants.
Organize your applications by prioritizing your top-choice schools. Write essays for these schools first and focus on creating high-quality responses. Reuse portions of essays when appropriate, but tailor each one to the specific school’s requirements.
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