college essay veterinarian

How to Write Great Personal Essays for Veterinary School

If you are getting ready to go to veterinary school, the first step in your formal acceptance process is preparing your application through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). There are many sections to this application, from general demographic information to a list of your academic history and veterinary experience, and this application takes a lot of time to fill out. While most of the application is just about listing facts, one of the more daunting aspects for many hopeful applications is crafting the perfect personal statement for the VMCAS.

The VMCAS personal statement or essay portion has changed some over the years, from a one or two-page essay during my application cycle to the most recent three essay questions with specific prompts. The prompts from the 2020 application cycle were the following:

• There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways to veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians serve. What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

Regardless of the format of the essay portion when you apply to veterinary school, the following tips are sure to help you create a great essay portion for your own VMCAS application.

1. Read the Requirements and Stick to Them!

This is an obvious suggestion, but it is important to adhere to the following requirements that VMCAS lists.

• Keep your topic general (not program-specific), as this application will be sent to multiple veterinary colleges.
• Stay within the character limits! Last year it was 2,000 characters per essay.
• Use your own words and DO NOT plagiarize.
• Use simple formatting.

2. Don’t Try to Re-List Your Experience and Achievements

The admissions committee members can see the rest of your application, where you will have plenty of space to list all of the bullet points on your resume up to this date. So when it comes to the essay questions, don’t waste time trying to re-highlight your previous experiences within your answers. Focus on answering the prompts directly without feeling the need to list your qualifications.

Except for your answer to question three, you do not even need to list any specific past examples. And when you do get to essay number three, keep in mind that you can think outside the box and are not limited to instances where you demonstrated these qualities in a veterinary-related capacity. Your attributes and personality traits outside of school and veterinary clinics are just as reflective of who you are. And who you are outside of a veterinary clinic or formal education setting can have a big impact on your personality and future success as a veterinarian.

3. Don’t Be Vague

Come up with specific examples for your essay answers that really help the admissions committee get to know you. Telling the admissions committee that you want to help improve the lives of animals doesn’t really tell them anything. You want to demonstrate insight, maturity, and depth in your essay. Show that you put a lot of thought into your answers.

Instead of generally helping animals, maybe you want to contribute to society by donating your time at a local humane society providing veterinary care at lower cost to qualifying low-income households. Maybe you want to work in rural Iowa to help decrease the barriers to accessing veterinary care for those that live in underserved regions of the United States.

Being specific will help you demonstrate more of who you are and help you stand out from the crowded pool of applications.

4. Avoid the Cliches

Another way to stand out with unique answers is to avoid cliches. For example, you probably don’t need to mention that an essential attribute to becoming a successful veterinarian is to “love animals.” Instead, think about things that are less cliche but just as essential and more specific, such as being a great communicator, so that you can improve the lives of animals by clearly discussing the importance of preventative care with a dog’s caretaker.

In addition to loving animals, it can be cliche to discuss that you have wanted to work with animals since you were young or that you feel that veterinary medicine your passion or calling. When you craft your answers to these essays it can help to write down multiple ideas for answers and get rid of the obvious responses. The more obvious the response, the less likely it will be to stand out from other applications.

5. Match Your Future Goals with Your Experience

Make sure your future goals are in line with the experience that you have listed on your VMCAS application. If not, explain why. For example, if most of your veterinary experience has been obtained working with cats and dogs, it would be expected that you are interested in working a small animal veterinary clinic after graduation.

If your future goals do not match your experience, let the admissions committee know why. Maybe you had a recent experience assisting with a research project and found purpose in research as a way to improve the lives of cats and dogs.

By explaining any discrepancy between your future goals and your past experience, you create a cohesive application and don’t leave the admissions committee wondering about the differences.

6. Set a Confident and Positive Tone

When you discuss your future goals, write about the good things that you are going to do WHEN you graduate from veterinary school. Not the things you will do IF you graduate from veterinary school. This will help you come across as confident and capable. Other people are more likely to believe in you when you also believe in your success.

And don’t make any excuses or focus on any negatives in these 3 short essays. You want to leave the admissions committees with a positive overall impression after they finish reading your essay responses.

7. Pick 3-5 Main Points for Each Answer

Since you only have 2,000 characters in which to write a great essay answer to each question, it can be helpful to list out your ideas and main points before you begin writing. Then you can review your ideas and pick the 3-5 strongest ideas for each answer. Throw out any ideas that seem cliche or vague.

By focusing your thoughts ahead of time, you can write a more clear and concise essay that clearly answers the question.

8. Write Your Essay Answers without Focusing on the Character Count

Once you have picked your main 3-5 points, write without focusing the character count. After you have written what you want to convey, read the essay and then cut out information that you don’t need and work on shortening sentences.

No fluff is needed, get straight to the point. Any sentence that isn’t directly supporting your answer can be shortened or removed. And limit descriptive words to help get as much information as possible across in your 2000 character limit.

That being said, if you have the opposite problem and your essay is not close to the 2000 character limit, consider adding another point to that essay. You do want to try and fill most of the space allowed.

9. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Type your answers out in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so that you can easily proofread your essays. I recommend having at least 3 other people read through your essays to look for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

When you proofread the essays yourself, read them aloud so that it is easier to catch any errors.

If you don’t have anyone in your life to help you proofread your personal statement, then head over to The Student Doctor Network Pre-Veterinary Forum . There is a whole topic thread of people willing to help read personal statements for the prospective class of 2025!

Time to Get Writing

Good luck in your journey to veterinary school! I remember how stressful the application process can be, but remember to take a deep breath and leave plenty of time to fill out your application in as stress-free a manner as possible.

And if you are looking for more advice on writing your personal essays, check out this great guide for writing a personal statement from Loop Abroad . It is very thorough and helpful!

The writer of this blog, Dr. Kate, has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2014. She works at a small animal practice, focusing on dogs and cats. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs. You can find out more about her adventures with her pups on PawsitivelyIntrepid.com

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Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Writing your personal statement for vet school is no easy feat, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and successful examples of vet school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements is your personal statement, which can hold a lot of weight. This essay is your first opportunity to demonstrate your personality and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond your grades. 

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get it right.

Luckily, we’ve compiled our best tips and successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through the process. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to write a stand-out essay, examine each of our essay samples, and explain what made them successful. 

If you’re currently applying for vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into vet school ; we can help!

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are some of our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In most writing scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve that stress is to start writing and keep going. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the word count initially. The purpose of this method is to pull out all the information and review it later on.

Try writing out your entire story, front to back, of how you grew up and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three relevant work experiences. 

Once you have nothing left to say, look at what you’ve written and highlight the best, most relevant parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out your best ideas. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Your story, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will see hundreds of applications. Finding a way to frame your unique perspective in your personal statement can help to create a memorable essay that will leave a lasting impression on readers. 

Consider your hometown, culture, family, passions, etc. Some students compare their passion for learning a challenging skill like playing the piano to the commitment and dedication required for vet school. 

There are no wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your work experiences and why you would be an excellent vet school candidate. 

Revise, Revise, Revise!

It may sound obvious, but there has never been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school is competitive. Something as small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not. 

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every word should sound like something you would authentically say. It would help if you had others help you edit, but ensure the paper still sounds like you. 

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Here are three excellent examples of vet school personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personal statement samples and our explanations of why the essay was successful. 

1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do. She instilled in me the need to constantly stay busy and involved.  I thrive in an environment that challenges me and requires quick thinking. Due to the influence of my mother, I have developed a strong perseverance and sense of determination. My parents’ divorce kept me in a changing environment growing up–I had to adapt to a variety of living situations with little finances to support us.  From this, I acquired the skills of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The characteristics I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but who also can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  For the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteered at Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of my role there included guest education about the animals on exhibit, usually using artifacts such as animal hides and skulls to explain various topics.  I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where I stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walked through. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as well as to educate the guests about the birds.  From working there, I realized that I really liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portion of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential experience I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic.  I have been a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the cleaning of the clinic.  I have observed numerous surgeries, including routine spay and neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor removal from a dog and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret to remove tumors from his pancreas.  I have handled and cared for not only cats and dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through working there, I had the opportunity to observe the duties of a private practice vet and see how they normally handle appointments, surgeries, and client communication in difficult situations. I have observed the doctor discussing with clients care options and the possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted in euthanasia.  I have also assisted during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen the responsibilities of a vet in caring for an animal in appointments and emergencies, as well as the importance of educating and discussing options with the pet owners.  I spent my junior year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did an Animal Care Internship in the fall and a Medical/Lab Internship in the spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my decision of wanting to go to veterinary school.  While interning, I was able to gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments and medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs to look for in a sick animal.  I learned how to make and read an ear cytology slide, as well as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals that I worked with were mainly cats and dogs, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to compare the duties of a shelter veterinarian and a private practice veterinarian, which varied due to the financial constraints of a shelter and the fact that the animals in the shelter do not have owners for the veterinarian to consult with.  Through my internships, I learned how much I enjoy doing physical exams, finding out what is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all of these experiences by working in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to the field through research and public education.  The skills that I have developed and the knowledge I have gained through working with animals have strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine.  Overall, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.” 

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passion for vet school to her childhood experiences. The applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continued investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them into the program. 

This essay is strong overall; however, it lacks a bit of reading flow. While it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen these accomplishments on your CV. 

Your personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, this student wrote a successful essay. 

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, it was clear to me that my career path would involve working with animals in a clinical context, as I have always had a passion for science, animal health, and welfare.  My first exposure to the veterinary clinical environment was through a high school program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use scientific knowledge in order to diagnose, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led me to study Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree, as I wanted to have a solid basis for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism and function of animals in health and disease. During my postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of wild and domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship between human and animal health.  I have developed a strong appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in order to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians play in the bigger picture of society. My latest internship at a companion animal veterinary clinic has taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by providing routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations.  I thoroughly enjoyed working in a veterinary clinical setting, from communicating with the clients to determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgical procedures. I want to become a veterinarian because I am dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks.  I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population.  Working as a public health veterinarian would also involve protecting the welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met.  This would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human health will be reduced as much as possible.  In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration with human health professionals so that future interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. I believe that my educational background and experience have prepared me well for a veterinary medicine program and I would be honoured to be able to attend the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) program to pursue my career as a veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that this student focuses on in their personal statement is how they intend to improve the world of veterinary medicine. 

This is an excellent perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific shortcomings you’ve noticed in veterinary medicine and how you intend to improve upon those areas. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application. 

3. Example from the University of Scranton  

“Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion for animals. Their beauty and ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path to realizing that my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in high school.  In this course I realized my intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how they worked from the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Ever since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science research. Now that I stand at the doorstep of college graduation I cannot imagine my life if I do not attend veterinary school.  I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. I learned that in medicine many things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems.  I loved being able to meet clients whose love for their pets was apparent. That love between an animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate to clients.  Volunteering at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a veterinarian. I learned how to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I had grown to love when it was in their best interest. While shadowing Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different.  Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is never just a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit my clients. I obtained a job at an emergency animal hospital where the number of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard choices a family often makes. At first, I thought the patient-doctor bond was absent in these cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients and personally calling them to disclose test results.  I learn a great deal everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prognoses, I learned that there is hope for even the worst one and that a doctor's optimism is important.  Most importantly this experience taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and calm down many patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with their pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized.  Distraught, I thought for a time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As I took in more of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is needed throughout the animal's life.  The doctor, who has been there throughout the good and difficult times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet when the only choice left is to end the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College.  I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights into the importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and place in clinical medicine.  More than anything scientific research has taught me humility and that success requires tenacity. This experience has helped me grow as an individual and to find that I am capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With my help, we are one step closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of the science used to care and treat animals.  This coincides with the compassion for and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continues to fascinate me and I look forward to devoting my life to the field of veterinary science.  Becoming a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago for me, and is now close to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination and love of animals, to creating a successful veterinary practice. I am ready for the next step to fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:  

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences. 

They present their personal statement as a cohesive, flowing story from when they first became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, honest, and - perhaps most importantly - easy to read. 

These examples of personal statements for vet school should guide you in the right direction when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Should A Vet School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school personal statement should describe how your passion for veterinary medicine began, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. It should flow nicely, be easy to read, and conclude by reinstating your passion for the profession and how you intend to improve the field. 

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools will often give you specific parameters for your essay. Pay close attention to the prompts given to you throughout your application process. 

3. How Do You End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You should always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose you have a specific way you intend to improve veterinary medicine. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place to state your intentions. 

4. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good veterinary medicine personal statement must include your passion for the field, showcases unique experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure. 

It must also exhibit strong and concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your motivation and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Important Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal statement for veterinary school is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to showcase their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability for the veterinary profession. 

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not be apparent from other application components. 

Final Thoughts

Your vet school personal statement should be thoughtful, heartfelt, and informative. You should ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language and lining up the highlights of your work experience in order. 

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, these programs are competitive. Putting your unique twist on your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee. 

Good luck! 

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• Veterinary School

VMCAS Essay Examples

VMCAS essay examples are a great place to start when you're preparing to apply to veterinary school. After researching vet school rankings and looking into the best vet schools in your chosen area, you’ve finally decided on the schools you would like to apply to. One of the items you’ll need to include in your VMCAS application is a personal essay. We’re here to show you how to highlight your personal story and provide you with some VMCAS essay examples to make the process easier.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 10 min read

Personal essay example 1.

I grew up in a family with no pets. An experimental goldfish or two, but there is no family dog I can look back on fondly. My parents were both immigrants who left their homes young and understandably focused on providing for their kids and ensuring we did well in school.

But like a lot of young kids, I developed a love and fascination for horses. My parents thought it was a phase, but when my requests for horseback riding lessons continued year after year, they finally relented and took me to a local farm for lessons. I remember my first connection with the pony. I felt like it could understand, hear, and accept me, without being able to say a word. That’s when I started to understand the relationship that people have with the animals in their lives, and I wanted nothing more than to experience it again.

Want to know how to answer the hardest MMI Questions? Watch this video:

Several years later, I jumped at the opportunity to help out at the riding camp during the summer break. I didn’t realize until then how different it is to participate in the care of the animals, instead of just passively riding them. Every chore was to make sure the horses were comfortable, healthy, and happy. I felt like they relied on me, and they, in turn, provided peace and enjoyment to the people around them.

Since then, I’ve volunteered at the Second Chances Animal Sanctuary for several years, developing and applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my biology and zoology classes. My proudest moments were when we were able to help a family’s beloved pony walk again after a leg fracture that might have otherwise resulted in euthanasia. Being able to give the family hope when they thought there was nothing we could do was amazing, and giving the animal a chance at a full life was incredibly fulfilling.

I developed a special interest in animal orthopedics while completing an internship at the Main Street Animal Hospital. What I want more than anything is to be a vet who works within the field of orthopedics for large animals, developing therapies and treatment programs to help regain mobility. These animals are often essential to rural businesses or farms and should get the care a partner deserves. The sense of responsibility I feel toward them and their quality of life continues to drive me to pursue the skills and knowledge I need to care for them as a practitioner of veterinary medicine.

My parents didn’t believe in going to conventional places when it came to vacations. They wanted to see places that were unusual and immerse themselves in everything the locals did while they were there.

This meant that my brother and I were regularly exposed to places that were very culturally different from ours, but also climates that were totally new to us. As I got older, what struck me wasn’t always the exotic animals and plants, but the relationship a lot of people had with wildlife, and how it was different from what I experienced at home. At home in the urban setting where I lived, “wildlife” was what got into your garbage if you didn’t secure the lid properly. It was what dug through your flower pots at night. But in a lot of countries I visited, wildlife was an inseparable part of everyday life, and vital to the local economies. The animals there were valued as pollinators, decomposers, and yes, food. It made me curious about how people could value and experience wildlife back in the city where I lived.

At the beginning of high school, a friend and I decided to volunteer at the city’s wildlife center. As untrained volunteers we would mostly be cleaning cages and measuring feed for the animals, but I had never been so excited. The vets and vet technicians were so dedicated and resourceful. They relied on local donations, and the center survived on a shoestring budget, but they made it work. To them, even the common sparrows deserved kindness and care. Witnessing that level of empathy from vets and vet techs is humbling and inspiring.

Since that experience, I’ve taken as many opportunities as possible to work with wildlife organizations as possible. I volunteered at a summer program that was specifically created to help and preserve local turtle species, treating and tracking injured animals to ensure their survival. I’ve also participated in local songbird data collection, aiding in gathering information about migration patterns and population decline.

What I want is to be one of those veterinarians who cares for animals that don’t have anyone to care for them, or are treated like nuisances. Dogs and cats are loved and cared for, but so many city-dwelling animals are displaced or trapped or impacted negatively by humans. Working at a wildlife organization has taught me to be creative and resourceful, making the most out of the materials and equipment we had. I want to show people that even the plainest city wildlife deserves respect and help when they need it.

The VMCAS essay is one of the application components required by the Veterinary Medical College Application Service when you use their process to apply to vet schools. This essay is intended to provide admissions committees with “a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.” While they may have your credentials on paper through your vet school resume , they might not have a good idea of what your personality is like, or what your goals are. Even your veterinary school letters of recommendation only represent who you are through someone else’s eyes, not your own.

Different from your vet school letter of intent , which must make a clear connection between your background, training, areas of interest, and the objectives and mission of your chosen veterinary school program, the VMCAS essay is more personal. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee why you love veterinary medicine and why you think you will make a good veterinarian.

Requirements

The VMCAS essay or vet school personal statement can be a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). This comes out to about one page of writing. It’s important to make sure your essay falls within the character count and contains all the listed requirements .

Note that the application site doesn’t have spell-check, and you can’t edit your work once you’ve submitted it. Making sure your punctuation and spelling is correct is the most basic way to show you’ve paid attention to the details in your essay. If you aren’t sure about a word or grammar choice, look it up so you know you’ve used it properly.

For help writing your essay, you could consider medical school personal statement editing services, which can easily be modified by an advisor to suit veterinary school requirements. Engaging an expert, such as those at BeMo Academic Consulting, is well worth it to improve your application documents and stand out from the crowd.

Is the VMCAS Essay Important?

The personal essay might not seem as formal or intensive as other parts of your application, but it’s still very important and can help or hurt your chances of being accepted into a program. A great essay showcases your personality traits, your sense of responsibility, as well as your motivations for going into veterinary medicine. A middling essay may be acceptable but fail to separate you from the pack, while a poor essay can show a want of attention to detail. One of the easiest ways to figure out what should be in yours is to look up VMCAS essay examples and see what you should aim for.

Want to learn more about vet school rankings? Check out this infographic:

What Should I Include in My Essay?

You may immediately think of a hundred things you want to tell the admissions committee, from your first pet hamster to your experience as an intern at the city zoo. However, keep in mind that you only have about 500 words, and you need to make them count. Here are some ideas of what you’ll want to include in your VMCAS essay.

• Career goals. Where do you ultimately want to be, and what is your dream job? Don’t just list a title – explain what appeals to you about it, or why you want this specific position over any others.
• What you want to contribute. You don’t need to make up a grand, world-altering contribution here, unless that is what you sincerely want to do. Your goal can be to simply bring joy and comfort to families by taking care of their pets. It can also be to make significant advancements to the field of veterinary science. Make sure you’re authentic.
• Characteristics that make you a good vet. Yes, you need good marks to get into vet school, but the admissions committee also wants to know that you have the right personality traits. For example, you may be a very motivated self-learner. This is a great attribute to have, but you need to highlight how being an excellent self-learner would help you in vet school and ultimately, as a vet.
• Always give examples. Remember that the committee doesn’t know you, so they will be wary of applicants who make claims without backing them up. It’s important to give examples so that the committee can see how you’ve used your skills and individual attributes in real-life situations: “show, don’t tell.” If you write that you’re an empathetic and caring person, write about a time when you demonstrated that empathy. This shows that you aren’t just listing what you think they want to hear.
• Set yourself apart. Any special experiences, personal revelations, or big life events that affected your desire to be in veterinary medicine are worth noting. You have a limited amount of space, so stick to the most important ones. These unique experiences are what will help the admissions committee remember you and set you apart from the crowd.

With only 500 or so words to make your case, what you don’t include can be just as vital as what you do include. The admissions committee likely doesn’t want an entire essay on your childhood pet, so be careful about getting stuck on one aspect. In fact, the VMCAS guide explains that while many applicants “have had meaningful experiences with animals or veterinarians as children … these should only be mentioned briefly.”

Here are some other things you’ll want to make sure you avoid when writing your VMCAS essay.

• Information they already have. At this point, the admissions committee already knows about your academic achievements. They may be familiar with the jobs you’ve had, based on your letter of intent or high school resume . They may have a list of any vet school extracurriculars in which you participated. In your essay, don’t repeat what they already know. Instead, tell them something they don’t have on paper, expand on one or two of those experiences, or explain how an event impacted your motivation to go into veterinary medicine.
• Vague, generalized information. Telling them that “you’ve always liked animals” is nice, but vague, and likely a trait that many applicants share. Make it more specific: What is it that draws you to animals? When, exactly, did you start taking a special interest in animals?
• Jargon, unless it’s necessary. The admissions committee is unfortunately not going to be impressed if you throw terms around or use 5-syllable words in every sentence. You aren’t a vet yet, and one of the more embarrassing things you can do is attempt to use a term and use it wrong. Stick with language that is used in everyday conversation.
• Make unnecessary explanations. The members of the admissions committee don’t need you to explain the process of getting into vet school or how medical procedures work. Explain something if it is very specific to you, like the type of club you were in at school, or an event that occurred in your year of study. Giving an example is a better way of showing the committee what you mean, instead of getting bogged down in explanations.
• Irrelevant things. If the event isn’t relevant to why you want to be a vet or what you are looking for in a school/program, you probably don’t need to write it here. Take note of the various parts of the application process that would allow you to go into more detail. For example, should you be invited to answer vet school interview questions , you will have such an opportunity. The “tell me about yourself” vet school interview question would be the perfect moment to discuss your personal background further. It’s a good idea to go back and examine each piece of information you’ve provided in your essay and make sure it ties into the main topic: why you want to have a career in veterinary medicine.

Language and Tone

Ideally, the tone in which you write your VMCAS essay is similar to the way you would talk with someone in person. Keep your word choice conversational. Writing in a way that is overly formal doesn’t give the admissions committee members a clear sense of your own voice, and doesn’t humanize you. You’re writing your story, so it helps to read the essay aloud and see if it sounds like an accurate representation of yourself. Having a friend or family member read it can also be beneficial.

Admission to vet school is challenging, as shown by veterinary school acceptance rates ; some schools are more difficult to get into than others. Applying is a long process with a lot of pieces to consider. Your VMCAS essay is perhaps one of the least restrictive parts, where you’re given the freedom to tell the admissions committee why you’re there and what you want to do. Being authentic and specific is your best approach to being accepted into the school of your choice.

It won’t make as much of an impact as your grades or your resume, but it can make you more memorable and more likeable to the committee members. An average essay likely won’t hurt you too much, but a bad one can.

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges is a good place to start. There you’ll find all the pieces you’ll need to submit for the application as well as contacts if you need more help. You can also have a look at our list of the best vet schools, along with tips for getting in.

A letter of intent shows how serious you are about your application and emphasizes what sort of experience and education you have related to veterinary medicine. The personal essay is more about your personality, motivation, and goals.

You don’t need to list everything you’ve ever done that is related to the field. That is already outlined in other parts of the application. Highlight the personal impact certain experiences have had on you – be specific about how they made you feel, how they changed your perspective, and how they moved you in the direction of veterinary studies. 

Admissions committee members aren’t expecting fine literature when you submit your personal essay. They know that not all candidates are natural writers. What they’re interested in is your ability to express yourself in a short piece of writing. Don’t worry about using fancy terms – write in a way that sounds natural and authentic to you. 

The committee will want to know about your experiences if they’re specific to you and have impacted you in a tangible way. You don’t have to tell them about every interaction you’ve had with animals, just the ones that were special to you.

Use the language you would use in a normal conversation in your essay. Very few people speak in a formal tone, and it can end up sounding stilted and unnatural. Be expressive but stick to the requirements. 

There is no editing once your VMCAS essay has been submitted. However, if there is a serious mistake in the essay, you can contact the admissions committee and forward them a corrected copy as soon as possible. 

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How To Write a Vet School Personal Statement

Personal statements are one of the first big steps towards becoming a vet, but how do you write one? Find out in our detailed guide.

How to write a vet school personal statement

Getting into a great veterinary school can be tough. Vet course admissions are very competitive, so you need to do everything you can to prove that you are an exceptional candidate. This includes writing a great veterinary personal statement. We look at how to write a personal statement for vet school, key items to include, and why nailing your personal statement is important.

Why we have to write personal statements

Your personal statement is an important part of your application process, as veterinary school is highly competitive. This is the chance to add a personal touch to your application and make you stand out from the crowd. While your resume will list all of your accomplishments, educational background, and experience, your personal statement allows you to tie all of this together and let your passion, personality, and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through. Your personal statement is also where you can mention anything that doesn’t fit into the other sections of your application, and it’s an ideal place to reinforce how you meet the admission requirements .

Here, you’ll introduce yourself and explain why you’ll be a great fit for the program, touch on what has inspired you to further your studies, and why you think you are good candidate to become a veterinarian. You might also want to include what you like about this particular program and how you think it will enrich your knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine. 

This means that when you get an interview for admission, the admissions officer should already know a bit about you and allows you to jump straight into answering their questions.

Demonstrate your passion for animals 

Since you only have limited space on your personal statement, it’s important to use this space to convince the admissions team that your passion for animals would make you an excellent veterinarian.

In order to uniquely demonstrate your passion for animals, try to think outside of the box. Don’t just talk about family pets. Mention times you’ve been proactive, hands-on, and gained experience with animals. This might include helping with the birthing season on a local farm, volunteering in kennels, or helping strays find foster homes in animal shelters.

It’s also important to specify what type of animals you have interacted with. Did you grow up riding horses and love tending to large mammals? Or did your family raise small animals? Whatever your particular interest in the veterinary world, be sure to add it. Schools like to see students who have a plan of where to specialize and continue their education.

Of course, don’t forget that most vets have to work with people too, so it’s a good idea to include something that shows you can work as part of a team or with clients.

Highlight all relevant experience

Whatever you’ve done for animals outside your normal household, include it, especially if it’s something related to wellbeing and health. Even better, if you can remember a particular interaction that made you want to be a veterinarian, be sure to include it. 

Your resume will list your experience and qualifications, but your vet school application personal statement is where you can say why your experience is relevant to the program. When you’re planning your statement, you can make notes of what experience you have, and what transferable skills you have gained. Then you can find ways to tie this into veterinary medicine. For example, if you’re an empathetic person who has worked in customer service, you can relate this to dealing with clients at a standard vet practice. If you have experience running a social group, this ties into leadership skills and motivation to go above and beyond for something you’re interested in.

Remember, you’ll have gained invaluable experience from almost everything you do, whether that’s education, work, voluntary roles, or hobbies. You just need to think about how it is relevant to what you want to do next.

Set yourself apart from the crowd  

First, you should try to think about what makes you unique. Try to think about the things you’ve done that other people haven’t, or experiences you’ve had. Remember that you’ll be competing for a seat against people all over the country and potentially all over the world, so even the most basic things might be unusual compared to other applicants.

Just like in the previous section, think about how your background gives you a different perspective or relevant skills. Try to tie it into the topics you’ll be learning in vet school, and the challenges you would face in your daily life as a veterinarian.

While you might want a large portion of your statement to be positive, you can also bring up any difficulties you’ve had and how you’ve used problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to overcome them. It shows that you’re willing to do a lot to reach your dream, which suggests you’ll be a focused and dedicated student.

You should also be sure to be personable in your personal statement. Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with word limitations in mind. However, you should aim for a conversational, friendly tone. Your personal statement is about you, so it should give the admissions committee an insight into your personality. Try to find a happy medium where you don’t sound too stiff and formal, but also don’t use slang too much.

Preparation is key

There are a lot of different things you will want to cover in your personal statement for vet school, and it’s more than simply a ‘why I want to be a veterinarian’ essay. That’s why it’s vital to prepare and plan your statement before you write it.

Just like any other assignment, you should break the statement down into sections. Make sure you highlight the goal of each section – one section might be talking about your background, and one might be about your experience. Then plan out each section with some key points to include, such as the skills your experience has provided. Then you can write the actual contents without wavering too much – and you definitely don’t want to waste words.

Afterward, be sure to proofread it thoroughly. If you can, you should ask someone else to read it too. Ask them if it makes sense, as well as get them to note any errors they find.

If you’re ready to take the next step and start studying at a leading vet school, contact us to speak to one of our expert advisors. St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine provides graduates with new knowledge, skills, and methods necessary to become caring, competent veterinarians.

Check out webinar events at St. Matthew’s School of Veterinary Medicine for more information about the application process, including your personal statement.

Get in touch for more information

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Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples

What is a veterinary medicine personal statement?

Your veterinary medicine personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself to admissions tutors, and tell them why you would make a great candidate on their course.

Your statement should include how you meet all the entry requirements for a veterinary science degree and demands of the course. For example, your love of animals, patience, empathy, and your academic and practical skills.

How do I write a veterinary medicine personal statement?

Most veterinary medicine candidates open their personal statement with why they want to become a vet. Motivations for wanting to study any course at university are always important.

We recommend you write a series a notes about your skills, experience, hobbies, extracurricular activities, career plans and anything else that is relevant to your application.

When you have put an initial draft together, proofread it and leave yourself plenty of time to amend your statement.

Ask family, friends and tutors to read your veterinary medicine personal statement, and invite them to make suggestions, comments and any other feedback to help you improve it.

What should I include in my veterinary medicine personal statement?

• Your passion for animals should be obvious from the outset. Think about what made you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine in the first place - was it a childhood experience or something you read or encountered? Were you inspired by a family member or friend who is already a qualified vet?
• Talk about any work experience (paid or unpaid) or voluntary roles that have helped you gain experience in the veterinary science field. This will help demonstrate your skills, commitment and ambition to the university admissions tutors.
• If you're applying to Oxbridge, your personal statement will need to be exemplary. Veterinary medicine is a highly competitive course, so you have to show that you are a talented, dedicated and enthusiastic student that meets all the academic and vocational requirements.

For more help and advice on what to write in your veterinary medicine personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
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• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

What can I do with a veterinary medicine degree?

There are many career options available to those wanting to study veterinary medicine, including:

• Animal nutritionist
• Veterinary surgeon
• Animal physiotherapist

However, there are other job roles where your veterinary science degree could be useful, such as:

• Animal technician
• Veterinary nurse
• Environmental consultant
• Nature conservation officer.

For more information about careers with a veterianary science degree, please see Prospects and The Times .

What are the best UK universities for veterinary medicine?

Currently the best UK universities for veterinary medicine are:

For more information about UK university rankings for veterinary science, please see The Complete University Guide and The Guardian .

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How to write a personal statement for veterinary science

Focus on your experience and motivation – and show you understand the challenges of the job

I f you're applying to study veterinary science, a personal statement will be just one part of your application. Chances are you will also have to fill out a work experience questionnaire, do a test and possibly go to an interview as well.

"The work experience questionnaire is there to check that the student meets our minimum work experience requirements," says Vikki Cannon, head of admissions and recruitment at the Royal Veterinary College.

Some courses don't even look at the personal statement. Dr Kieron Salmon, director of admissions at the University of Liverpool, says: "In our experience, very few personal statements are 'personal'. They read very similarly and have hints of having being written under the guidance of a teacher or parent. So we focus more on face-to-face interviews."

But for the courses that do ask for one, the personal statement can play a really important role.

"If you get it wrong, then it can be the difference between you getting an interview and not getting an interview," says Cannon.

So here are some tips to help you when it comes to writing yours.

What to include

Why do you want to be a vet?

"What we're looking for from a personal statement is to get a feel for why they want to be a vet and an understanding of what they've done about it," says Cannon.

It's also worth thinking about your long-term career aims and what kind of vet you want to be.

Sam Hillage, assistant faculty registrar at the University of Surrey, says: "Showing your motivation and talking about some of your career aspirations would be good. Also acknowledging the diversity of roles in the field."

Work experience

"Sometimes people forget to actually mention the four weeks of work experience they've done," says Hillage. "As that's a mandatory requirement, it's important they get that in."

It might be that a particular moment from your work experience has stuck with you, and if you link that to why you want to be a vet and what you've learned, it can impress tutors.

Claire Phillips, director of admissions at Edinburgh University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies says: "Sometimes it can be something quite minor that they have seen on work experience that has made an impression and shown them what it is all about."

Relevant hobbies

Use your statement to show your wider interests as well as your interest in veterinary medicine. Phillips says: "We're looking for a holistic, rounded student. It's not just about academic ability, we want to see people who have other things outside work and academics."

Try to link your hobbies back to your interest in veterinary medicine, but don't worry if not everything is relevant.

"It could be sport, music, voluntary work – it doesn't have to be animal-related," says Phillips.

"Being academically very good is not everything. They need an outlet to cope with the veterinary profession when they qualify. It's a tough job, especially if they go into a practice, so the fact they have something outside of academia is important."

Don't forget to mention people

A vet should understand that a big part of their job is dealing with people, say tutors.

"Some people just explain conditions or talk about animals, but it is important to talk about the sensitivity of the profession," says Phillips.

"You need to be aware that it's not just theory but about the overall sensitivity to people."

You could get this across by talking about some of the human interactions you encountered on your work experience, perhaps how you observed a vet dealing with a client.

Things to avoid

Spelling mistakes

You might not be applying to study English, but good spelling is still important.

Phillips says: "It's a professional degree and communication skills are very important."

And if you're going to refer to particular medical terms, it's really important that you spell them correctly.

"The number of people who write that they've witnessed caesareans in their personal statement but can't spell caesarean is amazing," says Cannon.

"One bad spelling isn't going to lose you a place, but you are marked on the quality of your writing, so if it was littered with spelling mistakes then it might be a problem."

"I've wanted to be a vet since I was..."

"We're not interested in the fact that you've wanted to be a vet for the last 16 years," says Cannon.

"You could have been interested in being a vet for the last 16 months, it's what you do about it that is the interesting thing."

That's not to say you should avoid the phrase altogether. Just make sure you link it back to why you would be good on the course.

Cannon says: "Lots of them will start their personal statement with: 'I've known I wanted to be a vet since I was 3, 4, 5, 6'. But then a lot of them do go on and say why. That's what we're looking for."

Too much technical detail

You might want to include some reference to a strand of veterinary medicine or a type of technology that interests you, but don't go overboard.

Sam Hillage, assistant faculty registrar at the University of Surrey, says: "I'd avoid getting bogged down in a lot of technical detail.

"While it's good to show you have some technical knowledge, it's not necessarily what we look for in a personal statement."

Mentioning the most up-to-date technology won't always win brownie points. "It's the more grounded things that make an impression," says Phillips.

Don't forget to mention animals

It might sound really obvious that a personal statement for veterinary science should include animals. But not everyone remembers. "Sometimes we get people who focus very much on the science side of things, without ever really mentioning animals," Cannon says.

Equally, make sure not to go too far in the other direction.

Cannon says: "Saying 'I want to be a vet because I like cats' doesn't really tell us anything."

If you're looking for more help in getting to vet school, why not apply for a place on a summer school? This year, the Royal Veterinary College is offering 50 places on a summer course with the Sutton Trust that will teach you what it's like to be a vet and give you tips on applying to study veterinary medicine at uni.

The scheme, sponsored by Barclays, is free to students from low and middle income backgrounds. If you're interested in applying for a place, take a look at the Sutton Trust's website .

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Applying to Penn Vet

You've made the decision to apply. What's next? Here's a checklist that will help you get through the application process. You can check out what you need to matriculate by learning about our requirements. You can get application tips for the VMCAS, and, finally, you'll have a direct link to our Supplemental Information Form , a requirement of your application. 

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For International Applicants

Penn Vet welcomes international applicants. Currently, Penn Vet accepts the majority of the starting class of 125 students from outside the state of Pennsylvania. This includes all other states within the U.S., U.S. territories and internationally. Academic qualifications for admission are the same for international students as for U.S. citizens.   All international students must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by World Educational Services (wes.org) and sent electronically to VMCAS prior to the deadline date.  VMCAS will not accept paper versions of the evaluation.

• Get more information on required matriculation courses ...
• Visit our FAQ section for more information on our applications ...

All applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Scores for each section of the test are expected to be at the 90th percentile or above. For those applicants who have earned undergraduate or graduate degrees from a college or university where English is the language of instruction, the TOEFL may be waived. The TOEFL is administered by the ETS (Educational Testing Service,  www.ets.org ) through testing centers worldwide. For VISA information, please go to the website of the Office of International Programs (OIP) at the University of Pennsylvania,   www.upenn.edu/oip/isss .

Once We Receive Your Application

Once you've completed your application, the next step will be the internal review by the Penn Vet Committee on Admissions of all of applications. We will then invite a select number of applicants for an interview.

• Check out our timeline to learn more about that process and additional next steps...

About the Penn Vet Committee on Admissions

All applicants to Penn Vet are reviewed by our Committee on Admissions, a standing faculty committee.  Applicants are selected on a comparative basis.  Because there are many more applicants than places in each class, meeting all requirements for admission does not ensure acceptance. 

When making its selections, the committee considers all aspects of an applicant's file. Those we consider to be the most important include:  academic ability; familiarity with the profession and resultant sincerity of interest; recommendations of academic counselors, science faculty and veterinarians; character; personality; and general fitness and adaptability for a career in veterinary medicine.

The obligation to understand and meet Penn Vet’s admissions requirements rests solely with the applicant.

 Tips & Details

A grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned for any courses that will be considered towards our Matriculation Requirements.  The Matriculation Requirements do not need to be complete upon application submission in order to be considered for admission.  In fact we don't audit requirements until an accepted applicant deposits to attend Penn Vet.  Pass/Fail courses can be used towards Matriculation Requirements, but accepted students depositing to Penn Vet must provide an email/letter from and advisor to confirm the number grade of the course (C or above required).

For prospective applicants at colleges/universities on a Quarter system, please pay special attention to the conversion to Semester credits. Quarter conversions must be at or above the Semester credit requirement. Anything short, even if by the smallest of fractions, will not meet the requirements. (Penn Vet conversion is: Qtr Units x .66 = Semester Credits).

While we do consider junior year applicants (90 credits to matriculate), the more academic course work you have completed, the stronger the application specifically in science based (bio) courses. Students entering (not applying to) Penn Vet without completing the bachelors degree is less than 1%.

AP credits will be accepted toward matriculation requirements, however the course and credits given must itemized on your official college transcript.

The choice of additional courses (other than the above requirements) is left to you and your required curriculum set forth by the degree granting institution. We recommend taking as many science-based as possible prior to applying to Penn Vet (mainly biology as the spectrum of available courses is closely related to medicine). Many of our applicants have at least 15 semester hours in biology and in many cases significantly more. Upper level biology courses with solid grades not only help show academic ability, but also help broaden your knowledge base.

While courses in the sciences are important for the application, we recommend that students also broaden their college years by taking courses in the humanities and social sciences. These courses don't replace those recommended in the sciences, but supplement learning and growth that should be gained in your undergraduate studies.

Questions? Always Welcome!

If you have questions about our matriculation requirements, or about any part of the application process, we're here to help. Call us, email us, get in touch!

• Phone: 215-898-5434
• Email: [email protected]

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Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Vet School Personen Statement: How to Write + Examples

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia Univ

Reviewed: 6/16/23

Writing choose personal display for vet language is no easy feat, and we’ve got thou covered! Follow along by expert tips and successful examples of veteran school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements a your personal statement, what can hold one property starting weight. Aforementioned seek is your firstly wahrscheinlichkeit to demonstrate your body and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond respective grades. 

Available some, the excellent personalized statement can even help make up available low degrees or tests scores, so it’s important to get it rights.

Luckily, we’ve compiler our best tips or successful vet school personal statement examples to related them through which processed. We’ll review tips after our experts on how for write a stand-out article, examine each in our write samples, and explain about manufactured them successful. 

If you’re currently applying for vet school furthermore are looking for assistance on anywhere part of the application process, don’t hesitation to contact out to one of to experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how severe it is to retrieve into vet language ; we can help!

Let’s receiving started!

Get Which Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personalized Statement since Vets School

Siehe are some of our up tips when writing a personal statement forward vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In majority how scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve ensure stress is to start writing and keep going. To doesn’t had the breathe perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the news count initially. The purpose of this method a to pull out all the information and watch computer later on. Now that IODIN stand on the doorstep of college diploma I cannot imagine my life with I do not attend veterinary school. I shadowed my va Dry. Henry ...

Try writing out your entire story, front to endorse, of wherewith thee grew increase and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three important work experiences. 

Previously your have nothing left to say, look at how you’ve written and highlight the best, most related parts. Then, you can begin editing previous and pull outside your best ideas. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Our narrative, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will please hundreds of applications. Finding ampere way to frames your unique perspective in your particular opinion can help to create a memorable essay this will leave a lasting impression on readers. 

Please your hometown, culture, house, enthusiasms, etc. Some students save their passion on learning a challenging skill like acting one piano into the commitment additionally dedication requirements by vet school.  Mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay - Curl Foreign - Veterinary Featured Abroad

There are don wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your operate experiences and why you would be an super vet school candidate. 

Editing, Revise, Revise!

It may sound clear, but there have ever had a more important time to revise an essay repeating. Recollect, vet school is competitive. Something while small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not.  VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! All word should sonor like something you would authentically say. It would help if your had others help you edit, instead ensure the color still sounds like you. 

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Vet school mitarbeitende description examples.

Here will three excellent examples of vet college personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personen order samples and our explanations regarding why the essay was successful.  Veterinary school personally statement can be one daunting task to open. Applicants are much wondering what manufacture a personal statement stand out, where do I ...

1. Exemplary From the Veterinary School at that University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my only rear, a surgical who often works over 60 lessons a weekend into support my family, has taught me the evaluate of heavy operate. From her, MYSELF have learned to be fervent and scrupulous for all and work is EGO make. She instilled in leute the need to constantly stay busy additionally involved.  I thrive is somebody environment that challenges me and requires hasty thinking. Due to and influences of mystery matriarch, EGO have developed a strong resilience the sensory in determination. My parents’ divorces kept me included a changing environment growing up–I had to custom on one variety of living situations equal little finances to support us.  From this, I acquired the our of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The specifications I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for veterinary school and a subsequent veterinarian – a human who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but whoever also can cope with adenine fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  Available the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering additionally sympathetic for fauna, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteering at Bristol Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of mys choose there included guest education about the pets on exhibite, mostly uses related such as animals shrouds and soft to explain various topics.  MYSELF worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where ME stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walks throws. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and and your, while well as to educate which guests about the birds.  Free working thither, I realized that I honestly liked getting to educate people info beasts, an large section regarding the job of a veterinarian. The most influentially undergo I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was functioning at Moon Grove Darling Clinic.  I take have a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is in bear caring of all to in-house pets, care for the embarkment animals, assist to appointments, give medications, and help with of cleaning of the clinic.  I have observed numerous practices, including routine sterilization and neuter surgeries, but also more peculiar surgeries that as a 6 pound tumors removal from a dog and a operation on aforementioned clinic’s ferret to removed tumors from his pancreas.  I have handled and cared for not must cats press dogs, aber also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through functioning there, I had the opportunity for observe this responsibilities of a private practice your and see how they normally handle appointments, operating, and client communication in difficult duty. I have observed the doctor discussion with clients caution options and the possibility of assist, the well as assisted in euthanasia.  I have or sponsored when emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Trough working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen this job of a vet in caring for an animal by schedules and emergencies, while well as the importance of educating real discussing alternatives with that pet owners.  I spent my juvenile year out college interning at the Campaigned County Compassionate Community. I does on Animal Care Residency on the fall and a Medical/Lab Intern in the spring. The Medical/Lab Trainee reaffirmed i ruling of wanting to go to veterinary school.  While interning, I was ably at gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments furthermore medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs at look for in a queasy animal.  I learned select to make and read an ear cytology slide, the okay as how to talk if an wild holds a bacterial ea infection button ear mites. The creatures that I labor with were mainly cats and happy, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferns, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to compare the your out a shelter veterinarian and a private training veterinarian, which varied outstanding to the financial constraints of a shelter furthermore of fact that the animals in the protecting do does having owners for the veterinarians to consult with.  Through own internships, I learned instructions great I enjoy work physical exams, finding leave what is incorrect at an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, ME become be skillful to apply all in these experiences by working in a skill that can continually advancing, when contributing to the select through find and public education.  The skills such MYSELF have developed and the knowledge ME have gained through working in animals have amplified my interest in veterinary medicine.  Overall, my empirische with animals, mine profound my for natural, and the traits I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.” 

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passionate for vet school go her childhood experiences. And applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continuations investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing the write - mentioning their passions for animals, science, real experience, all as reasons to accept themselves into the program. 

This essay is strong overall; however, i lacks a bit of reading durchsatz. During it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen this accomplishments on your CV. 

Thy personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather about simply listing their success. Still, this student wrote a successes essay. 

2. Example von the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, it was clear to me ensure my career path should entail working using animals int adenine clinical context, as I have always had a passion on science, live condition, and welfare.  My first exposure to the human clinical environment was through ampere high school program, which provided me is the insight into how worthwhile real fulfilling it was on be able to use scientific knowledge are order to create, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led me to study Biochemistry for my graduate degree, as EGO wanted to have a strong basis for one comprehensive understanding of this metabolism and function in animals in good and disease. Within own alumnus studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working the Trypanosoma brucei, the causative authorized for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease from wild plus domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis your a zoonotic disease, get find experience had introduction mee to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness out the intricate association between human and animal health.  MYSELF have made a stronger appreciation to the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in place to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as aforementioned key role that veterinarians play are the bigger picture concerning society. My latest internship to a companion animal veterinary clinic features taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by provision routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations.  MYSELF thoroughly enjoyed working in a general clinical preference, from communicating with the clients go determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental purifying and aiding during operation procedures. I want on become one veterinarian because I i dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating additionally running tier health press zoonotic disease risks.  ME will love collaborating use other veterinarians plus various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emergence diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the bird population.  Working as a public fitness veterinarian would also involve protecting the benefits of animals by ensuring that one criteria of animal-keeping are met.  Here would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human condition will be reduced as much since possible.  In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration on human your professionals so that future interdisciplinary community health issues can be addressed more efficiently. MYSELF believe such my educational background real experience have prepped me well for a veterinary drug application and I could be honoured to be able the attend one College Graduate Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) schedule to pursue meine career in ampere veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career expert. Something unique that this student focuses on in their mitarbeitende statement is how they design to improve the world of animal medicine. 

This is a fine perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific insufficiencies you’ve notified includes veterinary medication and how you intend to improve upon those divider. It’s not essentials if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application.  Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples | Studential.com

3. Demo from the University of Scranton  

“Ever since I can mind EGO have forever had a passion for animals. Them beauty press ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path in realizing that meine true calling liars in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in higher school.  In this course ME realised my scheming is animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested the how they worked from the inside real realized that I should be their medical. Ever after that first high school type I have focused my formative route in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians real participated in basic research research. Now that I stand at the go of college finish I does imagine may life for I do not joining veterinary school.  EGO shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. IODIN learned that in clinical lots things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems.  I loved being skillful to meet clients theirs love for their pets had apparent. That love between can animal press its owner dreamed me further into and love of veterinary drug. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate at clients.  Volunteered at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a doctor. I learned whereby to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I possessed grown to dear although this was in their best interest. While pursuing Dr. My Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice is different.  Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is none just a routine doctor's tour. I beliefs that I, to, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit mine clients. EGO obtained an occupation at an emergency type hospital where the numbers of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians has to work under time constraints and I learned about one strong selectable a lineage often makes. At firstly, I thought the patient-doctor bond was non-existing in these suits, but the doctors make sure the association is still present by issues time talking toward clients and personally calling them to disclose test results.  I learn an great close everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prophecies, I learned that there has erwartung for even that worst one or that a doctor's bullishness is important.  Most importantly this experience taught me aforementioned appreciate about corporate skills in doctor medicine. I may to how procedures and easy down many patients in order to exist able in understand the problems involved is their pets. I be never forget the start time I watched adenine pet euthanized.  Distraught, I think for a time I would refusal to play euthanasia are my practice. As I took in show of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not is fair. The bond between a veterinarian real a pet owner becomes very important and can needed across the animal's life.  The doctor, who has been there throughout the right and hardly times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet as the just choice links is to cease the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College.  I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott in aforementioned manifestation of connective tissue rise factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights down the weight of the basic sciences and EGO have developed great respect to their study additionally place for clinical medicine.  Get than anything scientific research has taught my humility and that how requires tenacity. Those experiences has helped mi grow as an individual and to find that I americium capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With get help, we are one level closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth press thus are closer to potentially identification molecules the willingly expand boned growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of this science used at care and treat animals.  This coincides with the compassion required and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on which owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continuation to fascinating me and I look forward to give my life to and field in veterinarian science.  To a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago to me, and is now shut to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue ampere love I have harbored since a youth, carrying a from a fascination and love of animals, on creating a triumphant human practice. IODIN a finished used the next step go fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:  

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive english when people mention their previous experiences.  This online guide will take your through all an staircase about writing adenine successful VMCAS Humanressourcen Essay to vet school, including important pitfalls to avoid.

I presence their personal statement while a cohesive, flowing story from when they start became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simplified, compelling, honest, and - eventually greatest importantly - easy to read.  Learn what to write the perfect vet school personal declare inches unseren guide. Here we discuss vet school personal statement examples, tips, and more.

Such examples of personal statements for get school shall guides you in who right command although creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Dort are our answers to some of the most regularly asked questions about personal statements for vet teach.

1. What Should A Get Schools Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school custom statement should describe how own passion for veterinary medicine began, and pair to three experimente you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. Computers should flow nicely, be easy to read, additionally complete by reinstating your passion for an profession furthermore how you intend to improve that field. 

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Examine School?

Intimate statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 lyric long. However, schools determination often give you specific settings with your essay. Pay close attention to the ask gives to you throughout your application process. 

3. How Do You Stop an Vet School Personal Statement?

Go are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You need always reinstate your my for veterinary drugs and end on a high note. Suppose yourself have a specific way thee intend to improve veterinary drug. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place on state your intentions. 

4. Something Makes a Healthy Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good doctor medicine personal statement must include your passion available the field, showcases unusual experiences and key, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure. 

It must other show strong plus concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your reason and leave a lasting impression on this admissions committee. What should I involve in my veterinary medicine personal opinion? · Your passion for animals should be apparent away of outset. · Speaks info any work experience ...

5. As Important Are Personal Statements for Human Schools?

AN special statement for veterinary school is extremely importance. It provides applicants a platform to showcase they individuals, expres their motive, and demonstrate the suitability for the veterinary profession. 

Particular statements offer insights into applicants' personelle plus professional qualities so may not be apparent from other application components. 

Finale Thoughts

Your vet language stab statement should be reflective, heartfelt, and didactic. You shoud ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language the lining up the highlights of our work endure in order.  Ross Vet suggests the best tips for your vet school personal statement. Make your personen statement stand out with willingness guide!

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, which programs were competitive. Putting your unique twist over your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee.  Tips for Your Examine School Personnel Statement

Good luck! 

Former Chief Dweller for Anesthesiology, Weill Cornel Medicine, & Accreditation Officer, Columbia University

Considered: 6/16/23

Writing choose personal statement for vet school is cannot single special, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and proven examples of vet school personal statements.

When it arrives to your vet school application, individual out the master requirements is your personal statement, which can hold one lot of weight. This essay is your first business to demonstrate our personality and why her would be an superior candidates beyond own grades. 

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get this right.

Happily, we’ve compiled our best tips or successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through one litigation. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to post a stand-out essay, examine each of our superior samples, furthermore explain what made them successful. 

If you’re currently implement available vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of one application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into veget school ; we can help!

Let’s gets started!

Gets The Ultimate Lead at Writing an Unforgettable Personal Declare

How for Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Present are some regarding our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Go, Edit Future

In most writing scenarios, getting initiated is the harsh part. The best how for relieve that stress is at start writing and keep go. Is doesn’t have to be perfect; it can shall longer or shorter higher the word count early. The purpose of this how is to pull out all the information and review it later on. Veterinary School Personal Testimonies: Who Heart for your ...

Try writing out your entire history, front to back, of how you grew up both developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to trio relevant work experiences. 

Once yours do nothing left-hand to say, look at what you’ve written both highlight the best, most related parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out thine best ideas. 

Your story, no materielle that it is, has valued. Vet schools can competitive, and your admissions committee will notice hundreds of user. Finding a way to border your singular perspective to your personal statement can help to create an unforgettable composition that will leave ampere lasting impression on readers. 

Consider your hometown, culture, household, desires, etc. Some students compare own passion with learning a challenges expertise like performing the play to the commitment and dedication required for vet school. 

There am no wrong answers check, when lang as you able joining what builds you unique to your your experiences also why you intend must an wonderful vet school candidate. 

Redesign, Revise, Revise!

Information may sound obvious, but there has none been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school has competitive. Any as small as a check or grammatical error could create the gauge between geholt inside or not.  The following the the personal statement written by Seidengaze Bautler ...

Run your jobs by the teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every talk should audio like something you want authentically declare. It would help are you had others support you edit, but ensure the color still sounds like you. 

Indication up to their Magazine

Vet school personal statement examples.

Here are thrice excellent examples of vet train personal statements. Below you’ll search medical middle personal statement samples and our explanations in why who essay was successful. 

1. Real From the Veterinary Instruct at the University to Illinlinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my single mommy, a nurse who common works over 60 hours a hebdomad to support my family, has instruction me the value of hard work. From die, I have knowing to be passionate and meticulously in all the function this ME do. She instilled included me to need to constantly stay busy and involved.  I burgeon in an environment that challenges me and requires fast think. Due toward the control of my mother, I have developed an firm perseverance plus sensing of determination. Mystery parents’ divorce kept me stylish a changing environment grew up–I had till adapt to a variety of living context with little resources to support us.  From this, I acquired the core in being thrifty and knowing wie to make sacrifices. The functional I have developed through my home environment growing up made die into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but whoever see can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  For the past sever years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, evolve my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I ehrenamtliche by England Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of insert function on included guest education about the animals on share, usually using x such as animal hides and bone to define various topics.  I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, what I stayed in the issue with the water while our walked through. My career were into watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as okay in to educate the guests about the birds.  From working there, I realized that I reality liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portions of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential know I’ve kept set my decision to become a your been workers by Elk Grove Pet Clinic.  I have was a kennel attendant there as 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the purification of the clinic.  I have observed numerous clinics, including routine spay plus neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor elimination from adenine dogs and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret in remove tumors from his pancreas.  I got edit and cared for not simply tomcats both dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, vipers, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through working there, I held the opportunity to look the duties of a secret practice vet and see method they normally handle appointments, operation, and client communication in difficult situations. I may observed the doctor discussing because buyers take options and an possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted at euthanasia.  I have also facilitated during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog punched until a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, EGO have visited the responsibilities of a doctor in caring for an lion in appointments and emergencies, the well as the importance of educating and decide options with to pet owners.  I spent me younger year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did on Animal Care Intership are of fall and a Medical/Lab Internship included that spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my judgment of wanting to go at veterinary school.  While interning, EGO was able to gain experience performing physical tests, drawing blood, giving choose and medication, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what marks to look for in one unwell animal.  I learned how to make and read an heed cytology slide, as right as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals which I worked with were mainly cats and house, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hoarding, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to save the dues of a shelters veterinarian both a private how veterinarian, which varied due to the finance limits of a shelter and the actuality that the animals in the shelter do not hold owners for that veterinarian to consult with.  Through my internships, I learned wherewith of EGO enjoy doing physical exams, locate out where is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all in these events by running in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to and field through research and people education.  The skills that I have mature and the knowledge MYSELF have gained through working with animals own strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine.  Gesamtkosten, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home surround have shaped meier into any excellence prospective for veterinary school.” 

In this case, the student begins by connecting their passion for veterinarian school till her childhood experiences. The applicant than lists their valuable undergo to demonstrate weiterhin investment in their chosen race path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them for to program.  For to past seven years, EGO have applied these qualities volunteerism and caring on animals, develop my interest to veterinary medicine keep. When I was ...

Is essay a strong overalls; however, it lacks a bit of reading current. While it’s good up remind the recordings committee of your achievements also how they helped you grow, retain in mind the they’ve already seen these accomplishments on their CV. 

Your personalization instruction should be focused on telling insert story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, all student writes a succeeded essay.  Vet school particular statement examples for 2023

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medication Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, a was clear for me that my career path would involve worked includes animals in adenine clinical context, as I have always got a passion for life, animal mental, and welfare.  Mys first exposure the which veterinary clinics environment was through a high educate program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use research knowledge in order in diagnosing, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led own the study Biochemistry for mystery undergraduate degree, as I searches to have a solid basis to a comprehensive understanding are the metamorphosis and function of animals stylish health and disease. During i postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year exploring project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents forward African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of crazy also domestic animals and humans about sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis is ampere zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship with humanity and animal health.  I have developed a stronger appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and humanity health professionals working together in order into detect, inhibit and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians games in an bigger picture of society. My news field with a companion wild human clinic possessed taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and best health aircraft by providing routine procedures and the appropriate vaccinations.  I thoroughly enjoyed working in an animal clinical setting, from communicating with to clients to determine the animal’s medical record, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the diverse laboratory equipment fork diagnostics, to this hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgically procedures. ME want to become a veterinarian because I am specialized till improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks.  I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health business, as as epidemiologists both pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging related and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population.  Working as a public healthiness veterinarian would also involve protecting and welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met.  This become make this the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases so could have repercussions on mortal health desires be reduction since much as possible.  In this regard, I would furthermore same to foster better collaborator with human health professionals so that save interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. MYSELF trust that i educational technical and experience do prepared me well in a veterinary medicine program and I would subsist honoured to be able for attending this University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) how to pursue meine career as an veterinarian.”

Why get essay works:

Which postulant viewing a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that those course focuses on in ihr personal description is how they intend toward improve the around of veterinary medicine.  I eagerly move go pursue any opportunity I encounter to widen my breadth of awareness about veterinary drug. Through my experimentelle, I am beginning to ...

Is is an excellent perspective to present by autochthonous humanressourcen statement! Consider the special shortcomings you’ve noticed in vet medicine and how your intentions to improve above those domains. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but a seems great on an application.  Personal Statement | gvprevetstudent

3. Instance from the University out Scanton  

“Ever since I can remember I own always had ampere our for animals. Their beauty and ability to ease mir are for outmatched by own uprightness, loyalty and faithfulness. Mysterious path to realizing is my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I stole a life biology class for high school.  In this course I realized i intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how group worked away the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Always since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of become ampere veterinarian.  I need volunteered at animal shelters, worked at clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science search. Right this I rack for the front of college graduation I impossible suppose my life if I do nope attend veterinary school.  I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed over his precision, immense information additionally skill. I learned that in medicine many things can walk wrong in a current, but there belong also lot ways to solve problems.  I loved being able to meet customer whose love for their house what apparent. That love between on animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared sympathy plus loving for animals helped leute relate to clients.  Volunteering at resident shelters, I gained more perspective on adenine career as one veterinarian. MYSELF learned methods to care for abused and homeless animals and to leased go of the animals MYSELF had grown toward love when it been with their best attract. While shadowed Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different.  Medics carry their customizable body to make each experienced special; it is never pure a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality toward the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit mine clients. I obtained an mission under an crisis animal hospital wherever to number of patients and the varietal of problems presented what vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard selection an family repeatedly does. During first, EGO thought the patient-doctor relationship was absent in that cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients also personally calling she to disclose test results.  I teaching a great deal everyday at the emergencies clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for our and animals in difficult situations. Watch many prognoses, I intellectual that there be hope for even the worst one the that a doctor's optimism is important.  Most importantly this experiences taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and still down more patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with to pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized.  Distraught, I thought for ampere time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As MYSELF took in better of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized dieser would don be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is require throughout the animal's life.  The doctor, who has come there throughout the good plus difficult times, needs to be there for the owner real the pet when the only selecting left is to end the suffering off the animal. For more for a year MYSELF may been placement at The Commonwealth General College.  MYSELF am conducting a research study include Dr. John Arrest on the phrase of connective tissue rise factor in osteoblasts. This experience available me with new insights down this importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and put in clinical medicine.  More than anything scientific research has teacher me humble additionally that success demands tenacity. Those experience has helped me grew as an individual plus to find this ME am capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With mys help, were am one step closer to figuring out the stairs include that cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. General medicine is ampere love of the learning utilised to care and treatable animals.  This coincident equipped the compassion for and communication with animal owners. As these animals are unable to commune as a human could, veterinarians go dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe trouble. Like challenge continues to entrance me and EGO look forward to devoting my life to the user of veterinary science.  Becoming a veterinarians starts as one dream lots years ago for i, and is now closed to adenine reality. My dream features always been a simpler to - into folgen a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination both love of animals, on how an triumphant veterinary practice. I am ready for the go stepping to fulfill this dream.”

This essay is of most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences.  Acceptance committees look for applicants who capture and compassion as well as the passion for the field to which they express to getting.

They present their my account as a cohesive, flowing story with when few first is interested in vet medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, frank, plus - perhaps most importantly - easy to read. 

These examples of personal statements for vet schooling should instruction you in this legal directing when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet Schools

Here are our answers to some of who almost frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Supposed AMPERE Examine School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet go personal statement should describe how your fondness for veterinary medicine launched, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve upgraded upon that passion. It should flow clean, be slight to read, and conclude by reinstating respective passion for the profession and how you propose to improve to field. 

2. Like Long Is A Personen Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school have typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools willingly oft give you specific parameters for your essay. Repay close attention to the prompts given at you throughout yours application process. 

3. Method Do To End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There live several ways to end an vet school personal statement successfully. You shoud always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose them have adenine specific way you intend up improve animal clinical. In that case, and end of your personal statement is an award place to state autochthonous intentions. 

4. What Makes a Right Personal Command for Vet School?

AN good veterinary medicine personal statement require include insert affection for of field, showcases exceptional experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, press utilizes useful storytelling and structure.  Check out these expert vets school personal statement examples for 2023 to learn methods the write you own.

It must furthermore exhibit thick and concise writing plus attention to detail. It should genuinely convey thine motive also leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Major Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal display for veterinary schools is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to shop their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability forward the veterinary profession.  How to Write a Vet School Personal Assertion

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not remain clear free other application components. 

Final Thoughts

Their vet school personal statement supposed be thoughtful, genuine, and informative. You should ensure that your story is slim to read by using descriptive language and lined up the highlights of your work experience in order. 

Consider your unique objective. Remember, these programs are competitive. How your unique twisted on your essay will search you stand out from aforementioned pack and keep with the mind of the admissions committee. 

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Vet School Personal Statement Sample Essay EDITED

EssayEdge > Blog > Vet School Personal Statement Sample Essay EDITED

EssayEdge significantly improves each essay using the same voice as the author. The only way to evaluate editing is to compare the original essay with the edited version. We significantly improve essays both for clients who write poorly and for clients who write well.

Table of Contents:

Edited Essay

Was it Jane Goodall’s In the Shadow of Man that changed my mind? How about the rush of excitement surrounding Earth Day in junior high? Was it my high school science teacher who revealed the truth about endangered species, habitat loss, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion?

When I look back and try to pinpoint the moment when I started to see things differently, too many events come to mind. I know that it did not happen in one day. From the time I saw David Suzuki talk on deforestation and our ecological footprint, to the time I euthanized my first litter of kittens because of pet overpopulation, my life has been a process of continual learning and discovery. Not all the lessons have been pleasant. Sometime while studying the harmful effects of large-scale farming during college, I realized that I needed to do more than merely recycle cola bottles, avoid aerosol cans, and make sure that my animals were neutered. I needed to do more.

This process of discovery began in rural Canada, where I spent the first six years of my life as an only child. My pets were my constant companions. I played make-believe not with dolls or with other little girls, but with the barn cats who were nice enough to tolerate the dresses and baby carriages. My sheep dog, Charlie, treated me as one of his flock, herding me from place to place as he saw fit. When my sister and cousins were born, they became part of my circle of friends, but Charlie and the other animals were never excluded from our games. I simply assumed everyone loved animals as much as I did.

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My realization that this was not true came in the fourth grade when I witnessed a harrowing act of animal cruelty. Two older children with a sadistic streak tied one of my classmates to a tree and tortured his kitten in front of him. I still remember the description of the torture from the newspaper–the kitten’s eyes were gouged out, and he had sticks shoved through his body. I cried for weeks. I do not know what happened to the two boys, but I suspect that the incident was treated as yet another case of “boys will be boys.”

I have since encountered numerous other cases of atrocities committed against animals, especially through my work at an SPCA. In disbelief, I have witnessed the results of dogs being dragged behind snowmobiles, cats left out to freeze, horses starved to death, and innumerable puppies and kittens being thrown away like so much garbage. Determined to help stop the abuse, I became involved with activism and policy, assisting in fundraising and letter writing campaigns to protest the unfair treatment of animals.

While earning my B.Sc. in Agriculture, I learned that the family farm is an antiquated and outmoded ideal. Farming has become big business. The result of large-scale industrial farming is the overcrowding of animals in inhumane conditions, excessive antibiotic and pesticide use, and devastating clearcutting of the rainforest. Knowing that I had to contribute to environmental protection on a personal level, I made the decision to eat only free range meat. Limiting my meat consumption proved no easy task, particularly since free range meat is often hard to obtain in small quantities and is prohibitively expensive for most college students. Finally, convinced by the literature on animal welfare and the environmental movement, I decided to give vegetarianism a try. Giving up meat was perhaps the most difficult thing I have ever done, yet I knew that proper policy-making had to start with personal sacrifices. It took me two full years to master my cravings and become a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

Vegetarianism complemented my ever-increasing interest in animal rights and environmentalism. From the time I was a little girl, I have always known that I wanted to be a veterinarian. Nonetheless, my newfound concern for policy suddenly opened up several previously unconsidered career paths. At first, I found the abundance of possibilities daunting. Not wanting to take a year off school, I decided to enroll in a few graduate courses to see where they led me. After taking additional classes and time off to work and regroup, I finally came across a poster for a master’s degree program in Animals and Public Policy. I thought it was too good to be true; the program seemed to match my background, interests, and aspirations perfectly. I had no idea that such a program actually existed.

Although I have not renounced my ultimate ambition of becoming a veterinarian, I know that XXX’s program will allow me to develop expertise in an area that is personally important to me. My interest in animal welfare is not restricted to helping individual animals–I believe that I can complement my veterinary practice by opening people’s eyes and by helping them remember the wonder they felt as children when they saw their first giraffe. We have become dangerously blasé about the ecological diversity surrounding us, and I believe that, in order to preserve what is left, cases of animal abuse must be treated as serious crimes. By understanding and shaping animal welfare policy, I believe that I will be able to leverage my knowledge of veterinary medicine to make a powerful case in defense of animal rights. I believe that one person can make a difference, and I have no doubt that XXX’s program is the most efficient way for me to attain my objective.

Customer’s Comments

“I cannot thank you enough for editing my essay. You took what I said, kept the same tone and modified it to make it sound great!! I will keep you posted on how I make out.”

The essay is colorful and comprehensive–I am impressed with your ability to enumerate your qualifications for a master’s degree while retaining a descriptive, engaging style. Your essay is packed with interesting details, and it was a pleasure to work on this piece.

Despite its comprehensive and engaging style, your essay did contain a few weaknesses. Your grammar and phrasing were awkward in parts, and a few of your transitions were too abrupt or were missing altogether. In addition, your conclusion was too abstract; you should always anchor your arguments in concrete detail.

In your note, you inquired about the desirability of giving a title to your essay. Titles are unnecessary in application essays, and admissions officials generally prefer that they be omitted. If you print your essay on a separate sheet of paper, I suggest that you simply include the question in italics at the top of the sheet.

Your revised essay is well within the word limit, and I have illustrated a few places in which you might want to add additional information to make your passages more concrete.

As for sentence level changes, I concentrated on refining your language, highlighting your most vivid and interesting ideas, and making the logic of your ideas stand out more clearly. I rephrased passages that contained slightly awkward English, eliminated phrases or sentences that seemed extraneous or repetitive, and varied vocabulary to render the text more lucid and interesting.

The following are specific comments on the individual paragraphs of your essay:

Paragraph 1

Your use of rhetorical questions is effective in this introduction, but I have reworked your original first paragraph to give it more style and verve.

I transformed two of your original questions into a statement, since having too many questions in a row makes the rhythm of your introduction uninteresting. By varying sentence structure, and by breaking up your first paragraph into two parts, I have provided a new introduction that is compelling and vivid without bogging the reader down in a swamp of interrogatives.

Paragraph 2

The description of your childhood connection to animals is strong, but I have shown how you can make the passage even more compelling. For instance, I suggest interjecting new details that cement your images into the reader’s mind. Here is one such suggestion: “My sheep dog, Charlie, treated me as one of his flock, herding me from place to place as he saw fit.”

Paragraph 3

You were missing a strong transition between the second and third paragraphs. See the transition I have provided.

Paragraph 4

The description of your developing social conscience is very effective. Nonetheless, I suggest slight adjustments to verbiage to make your points more powerful. Instead of saying, “I helped with fund-raising and wrote letters,” for instance, I suggest, “I became involved with activism and policy, assisting in fundraising and letter writing campaigns.”

Paragraph 5

You need to draw out the logic of why it is bad that farming has become big business. See the new sentence I have proposed which addresses the new ecological concerns raised by industrial farming.

Paragraph 6

You should add a word or two about the graduate courses you took. What did you study? I have streamlined the discussion of your indecision to avoid the impression that your interests were unfocused.

“Though I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, my newfound concern for animal issues and the environment were pulling me in another direction.”

The logic of this transition sentence is not entirely clear. Your activism complements your vegetarianism, so I rephrased this transition to better highlight the synergy between your two activities.

Paragraph 7Â

Since you assert that your master’s degree will be useful in your eventual work as a veterinarian, you need to explain why. Apart from the obvious fact that through both activities you will be helping animals, it was not very clear from the original essay how you plan to combine veterinary science and policy. I have addressed this by connecting the two ideas with the following sentence:

“By understanding and shaping animal welfare policy, I believe that I will be able to leverage my knowledge of veterinary medicine to make a powerful case in defense of animal rights.”

Paragraph 8

Your original final paragraph was too abstract and dreamy. It is best to avoid waxing poetic at the end of your essay. Instead, I suggest ending your essay with the previous paragraph, ensuring that it concludes on a concrete and memorable note.

Congratulations on a great essay and on a very interesting career path. I wish you the best of luck in the admissions process.

Sincerely, Your EssayEdge Editor

This paper sample is one of the orders completed by EssayEdge editors. The amount of information you get depends on your chosen pricing plan, but we never deliver papers with no comments. The critique and feedback help clients see their mistakes and improve writing quality. Order personal statement editing on EssayEdge to evaluate the performance of editor

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Veterinary College Essays Samples For Students

13 samples of this type

While studying in college, you will certainly have to craft a lot of College Essays on Veterinary. Lucky you if linking words together and organizing them into meaningful text comes easy to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding an already written Veterinary College Essay example and using it as a template to follow.

This is when you will certainly find WowEssays' free samples collection extremely useful as it contains numerous expertly written works on most various Veterinary College Essays topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your requirements and use it as a template to build your own College Essay. Alternatively, our skilled essay writers can deliver you a unique Veterinary College Essay model crafted from scratch according to your individual instructions.

Resource Based View Analysis Essay Sample

Internal analysis of petsmart inc, biology discussion questions essay, the strategic implementation of petsmart inc. essay, introduction.

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Inspiring essay about roy blunt.

U.S. Senator, Missouri

2011-Present

Personal Background Martial Status: Married to Abigail Blunt Education: B.A. History, Southwest Baptist University (1970) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt M.A. History, Missouri State University (1972) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Previous Experience: Clerk of Greene County, Missouri (1972-1984) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Missouri Secretary of State (1985-1992) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt President, Southwest Baptist University (1993-1996) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt U.S. House of Representatives (1996-2010) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt

Committee Assignments:

Appropriations Committee 2011- present https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Commerce. Science, and Transportation Committee 2011-2016 https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Rules and Administration Committee 2011- present (became chairman 2015) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Joint Committee on the Library 2015- present https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Joint Committee on Printing 2015-present (vice chairman) https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt Committee on Armed Services 2013-2014 https://ballotpedia.org/Roy_Blunt

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Example of e-research incorporation in research essay, free general purpose: provide information essay sample, specific purpose: to inform the audience about the myriad ways to ensure the health dogs of our dogs.

Introduction Attention Getter: to many they are just animals but to most dogs are more than what we may think. They are our pets, friends, family and loved ones. What a better way to take care of such an important aspect of your life than through ensuring it lives. Thesis: In order to keep your dog healthy, feed it a balanced diet, exercise it and have the veterinarian take a look at it several times a year to prevent diseases.

Credibility statement:

Essay on agriculture bacteriology, regulation of veterinary biologics (question 2), good essay on biology.

I. Google Search A. http://www.mymsaa.org/about-ms/overview/ This is a website of Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease wherein the myelin sheath sof the nerves are damaged causing symptoms such as numbness, fatigue, mobility problems and more (Mymsaa.org). 5 Facts

A steroid (Cortisone) was first to treat Multiple Sclerosis relapses in the year 1951.

Health, narrative paragraph, and job skills, example paragraph essay example, health, narrative paragraph, the early warning system of rinderpest disease essay examples, the early warning system of rinderpest disease.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to become a veterinarian: key steps and qualities.

General Education

It’s quite likely that your first encounter with a veterinarian happened when your pet was sick and needed a little extra care. That’s because a veterinarian’s primary job is to care for animals! Working with cute, cuddly critters is part of the appeal of the job--in fact, “ veterinarian” is one of the most common responses from kids when they’re asked what they want to do when they grow up!

If you’re interested in becoming a vet, it’s a good idea to know quite a bit about the profession. In this article, we’ll talk about what vets do, what kinds of degrees and licenses they hold, how long it takes to become a vet, and what kinds of personal qualities it takes to succeed in the profession. We’ll also walk you through the process of becoming a vet step by step to help you prepare for your dream career. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

• How long does it take to become a vet
• How to decide whether becoming a veterinarian is right for you
• What classes you should take in high school and college
• How to pick a good undergraduate university and vet school
• What vet school is like

So let’s get started!

What Is a Veterinarian and What Do They Do? 

By definition, a veterinarian is a doctor who is qualified to practice the science of prevention, cure, and alleviation of disease and injury in animals. Veterinarians work to diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions of pets, livestock, and other animals. Put another way: if it has wings, a tail, or scales, there’s probably a vet whose job it is to keep it happy and healthy.  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Vet? 

At this point, you might be wondering how long it takes to become a vet. Generally speaking, it takes about 8-10 years from when you graduate high school to become a vet.  After completing an initial four-year bachelor degree program, it takes an additional four years of vet school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and obtain licensure to practice in your state. If you wish to concentrate on a specific niche, such as cardiology or neurology, you’ll need two or more years of specialized training on top of that. 

How long it takes to become a vet can vary, but if you really love animals and think caring for them is up your alley, then becoming a veterinarian may be the right choice for you.  

The 4 Qualities You Need to Become a Veterinarian 

The process of becoming a veterinarian and practicing veterinary medicine requires some pretty serious dedication to the field. Veterinarians spend their entire lives improving their skill sets and contributing to the field, just like doctors who treat humans. That’s why it’s important to really think about whether you’re a good fit for the profession. 

Here are four personal qualities to consider when thinking about how to become a veterinarian and if the field is right for you.

#1: Ability to Handle Emotional and Physical Stress

Unfortunately, vets don’t always encounter the animals they love in the best condition. Depending on the specialty, vets will have to see animals in distress or in the last moments of their lives. There will be tough decisions to make and there will be heartbreak. If you are unable to put aside your love for animals enough to focus on treatment, becoming a veterinarian may be more emotionally challenging for you than you might expect. 

Additionally, while the critters you help are seriously cute, you’ll also encounter the less glamorous side of veterinary medicine. Vets definitely get their hands dirty! If you are unable to handle the sight of blood and bodily fluids, this profession might not be the best fit for you. 

#2: Ability to Work With People

Many people enter in the veterinary field because they love animals...sometimes even more than they love people. However, it’s a common misconception that practicing veterinary medicine will only require interaction with animals. 

The field of veterinary medicine requires dealing with people, too. You may not be treating humans, but you will be talking with them about their beloved pets, guiding them to become better owners, and teaching them how to enhance the quality of animals’ lives. Even if you aren’t going to be working with client-owned animals, you will still have to collaborate with peers and colleagues throughout your entire career journey. 

In other words, if you’re going into the vet field because you want to completely avoid working around people, you’re out of luck. 

#3 Sound Decision-Making Skills 

An animal’s quality of life is often in your hands when you’re a veterinarian. Owners will trust you to know what to do to help their animals. As a vet, you will have to have sound decision-making and problem-solving skills. You must also be able to perform well under pressure during critical-care cases. Just like medical doctors, vets have to be able to think on their feet and act quickly even when there’s a lot at stake . 

#4: Intellectual Curiosity and Dedication

The entire process of becoming a vet begins in high school and requires serious intellectual investment. In fact, you’ll have to be prepared for 8 to 10 years of additional schooling! Additionally, the field is both challenging and competitive, so you’ll need to be prepared for that as well. If you’re truly dedicated to becoming a vet, the time and effort will be worth it in the end! 

Whether you love caring for people’s pets, educating pet owners about their beloved animals, researching livestock behavior, rehabilitating wild birds, or some other type of animal care, your love for the profession will take you a long way. While there will be challenges to becoming a vet, you will probably  find the profession very rewarding and ultimately worth it. 

How to Become a Veterinarian: High School

If you’re still here, congratulations—you might be a good fit for the veterinary profession. Now it’s time to start your journey. You can begin taking steps down this career path while you’re still in high school by planning your schedule around your goals, applying to the right colleges, and seeking hands-on volunteer opportunities. Here are some of the best ways you can start to make your dream of becoming a vet a reality before you ever step foot on a college campus. 

Planning Your Schedule

Math and science are key components when you think about how to become a vet. In fact, Purdue University recommends that you take at least four years of math (geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus), four years of English, four years of lab science (physics, biology, and chemistry), and electives like animal science if you’re serious about vet school.

It’s important that you pay attention to your schedule to ensure you’re taking the right classes and making good grades in them! It’s also a good idea to take courses that will give you college credit. AP or IB classes are a great way to earn college credit, and they also prepare you for the more rigorous courses you will encounter beyond school. 

Choosing the Right College

Speaking of college, it’s also important to think about the best institution for you to attend as you prepare for veterinary school. Your choice of college will depend primarily on what best suits your needs, but you should also consider criteria such as GPA , SAT , and ACT requirements.  

Having a good GPA and excellent ACT or SAT scores are important for getting accepted into most universities, but standards will vary between institutions. The average high school GPA for college-bound students around a 3.0, and the most competitive colleges (such as Harvard , Yale , and Princeton ) closer to a 4.0 average. Ultimately, you will need to meet the requirements specified by your institution, but it’s a good idea to make sure you have a 3.5 GPA or higher so that your options are as open as possible . 

Another part of choosing the right college is looking for a degree program that will provide you with a strong education in physical and biological science —an important part of being prepared for vet school. Most universities have the option to major in chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology, or anatomy, which are great choices for anyone looking to become a veterinarian. A few universities, such as Ohio State University , Texas A&M University , and University of California in Davis , offer a pre-vet major to give you specific disciplinary knowledge. Many pre-vet programs will help you meet all of the prerequisites for vet school and give you some pre-professional training, too. 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that vet school is incredibly competitive. (More on that later.) With that in mind, it’s a good idea to aim for good schools with strong degree programs. That will give you a little more of an edge when you submit your vet school applications later. 

Getting Hands-On Experience 

While your test scores and grades are important, it’s a good idea to get involved in extracurricular activities that give you a glimpse into the day to day life of working with animals. Get involved with high school organizations like the 4-H or FFA to give you hands-on experience, or seek out volunteer opportunities at the humane society, zoo, or even a livestock farm. You can also job shadow a real veterinarian at a local vet clinic. All of these options will give you valuable field experience and give you insight into how to become a vet. 

Another perk to volunteering is that colleges want to see that you have a record of community service. Some colleges may also ask you to explain why you’re a good fit for your college or program. Having specific volunteer experiences to draw from can help you stand out in comparison to other potential students, too. 

How to Become A Veterinarian: College 

Once you’ve chosen the perfect college, it’s time to saddle up and get down to business. Your major, your academic performance, your relationships with your professors, and your experience with animals will ultimately determine whether you get into vet school —which is the last and most important step in how to become a vet.

Choosing a Major

Choosing the right major will help you structure your undergraduate degree to meet the right prerequisites for vet school. Schools will vary slightly in number of credits required, but according to Purdue, most U.S. vet schools require a list of the following prerequisite courses, regardless of your major:

• General education (some of which you may complete in college through AP classes)
• Two semesters of general chemistry with lab 
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab 
• One or two semesters of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with lab (Cell Biology may also be required) 
• Two semesters of general biology with lab
• Two semesters of physics with lab 
• Math, with the minimum requirement ranging from algebra and trigonometry to two semesters of calculus (most schools want students to take calculus) 

Some four-year universities also offer a pre-vet track, which includes on the same criteria but may also require additional coursework in animal science, genetics, or microbiology. You don’t need to be pre-vet to get into vet school, but it may be worth exploring if you know you’re interested in a specific discipline, such as equine science, zoological medicine, reptile and amphibian practice, or exotic companion mammal practice.  

Maintaining GPA, Getting Experience, and Building Relationships

It’s important to keep up the good academic work in college since getting into vet school is incredibly competitive. In fact, it’s as competitive as getting into med school ! The more competitive the program, the higher your cumulative GPA needs to be . Generally speaking, we recommend you aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher to give yourself the best shot. 

Remember all the extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and job shadowing sessions you pursued in high school? You should also keep that up in college. You’ll have to write a statement of purpose explaining why you’re a good fit for vet school, and you’re more likely to stand out amongst your peers during the admissions process if you have experience. Luckily, most universities offer students many opportunities to get involved. For example, you can join student organizations and club activities, volunteer initiatives, and even professional experience programs. Joining organizations (and sticking with them!) is a great way to beef up your vet school application . 

Along with participating in extracurriculars, it’s also important to build relationships with your advisors and professors, since they’ll be the ones writing your letters of recommendation . That means speaking up in class, asking questions, taking advantage of office hours, and showing a true interest in the subjects you encounter. Having a professional rapport with your advisors and professors is critical: the better they know you, the more specific and compelling their letters will be. 

All students have to apply to vet school using the VMCAS. It's kind of like the Common App for vet school!

Applying for Vet School 

Vet school applications will be due around mid-September of your senior year of college , so start thinking about the application process at the beginning of your junior year. At that point, it’s time to choose the vet schools you want to apply to and begin your applications.

There are currently 30 accredited colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States . Jot down the names of your top choices on a list so you can start researching the schools and their programs. Broadly speaking, you should consider the following criteria while choosing your vet school: 

Areas of specialty : does the school have strengths and services in the specific areas you’d like to practice? Check out AVMA’s list of veterinary specialties to see all of your options.

Class size : How many students are enrolled in each class (on average)? Consider whether you prefer bigger or smaller classes. 

Expenses : How expensive is each school? Be sure to look at the total cost of attending each college, which includes room and board, program fees, and equipment cost. 

Teaching hospital : does the school have a hospital for clinical training, and is the caseload reflective of the work you want to do in your career? 

Off campus training : will you want to seek training at other sites through externship opportunities? Training will be a big part of getting a good job after graduation. 

Because vet school is very competitive, it’s important to apply to several different institutions in order to have a backup plan. 

For example, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine program received 979 applications for the class of 2023, and only 191 of those applicants were offered admission, while 478 students applied to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine program , and only 158 were admitted. It’s a good idea to rank your list of universities from most preferred to least preferred institutions, and plan to apply to at least five to seven of your top-ranked schools. 

One way to make sure you get into the school of your dreams is acing your entrance exams. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to study for the GRE or MCAT, and take the exam more than once if necessary. During the 2013 application cycle, the average vet school applicant had an average GPA of 3.56 and GRE scores of 155 (66th percentile), 154 (57th percentile) and 3.9 (54th percentile) on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical tests, respectively. You should also make sure to give your professors a few months to write your letters of recommendation. 

The good news is that you only need to fill out one singular application for vet school, which will then be sent to each institution you select. This application—called the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VCMAS)—is provided through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). You’ll have to submit:

• General candidate information
• Proof of requisite completion 
• A reflection on experiences (i.e. a statement of purpose)
• Copies of transcripts
• Your GRE or MCAT test scores
• Letters of recommendation (sometimes referred to as letters of evaluation)
• School-specific requirements (be sure to check with each school about this) 

Luckily, the AAVMC provides a detailed application checklist to help keep you on track. Once you have submitted your application, you will be waiting a little while to hear back from the schools. If a school is interested in you, they will most likely contact you about doing an interview to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process. All students receive final decisions from schools around mid-April.

Having a Backup Plan 

Admission to vet school can be very competitive, with about 50% of applicants accepted each year. It’s important to have a backup plan in case you change your mind miss the cut. 

The good news is that the majors that prepare you for vet school also open up other excellent career opportunities. Many people who don’t want to go to vet school (but still want to work with animals!) become veterinary technicians. Vet techs provide veterinarians with technical support in all aspects of patient care and perform tasks such as taking blood samples, weighing animals, and sterilizing surgical instruments. 

Additionally, becoming a certified vet tech requires less education than becoming a vet. It requires a two-year associates degree from an accredited program in veterinary technology and practical experience in a vet hospital. If you find that you would like to work with animals but that you are not interested in attending an extensive vet program, exploring how to become a vet tech is a great idea. 

Dr. Nina Griffin gives an adorable dog an exam, which is a normal part of a veterinarian's day! (Brittany E. N. Murphy / Joint Base Langley-Eustis)  

How to Become a Veterinarian: Vet School 

Vet school is an exciting time where you will professionalize by diving into specific content knowledge and gaining more experience with clinical practice.

What Vet School Is Like

So what is vet school generally like? First and foremost, it’s usually an all-day commitment. According to Dr. Schott, a veterinarian at SGU , a typical day can last from 8 AM to 5 PM (much like a full-time job), and you’ll most likely spend that time jumping from lectures to labs . It might be tough for you to shoehorn in other responsibilities during school hours. 

Depending on the term, you’ll either go directly to class for morning lectures or to one of your labs. If you go to class first, you will most likely have several lectures in a row with ten to fifteen minute breaks in between.

When you have breaks in between classes and labs, you may use the time to look over assigned readings, prepare for your next class session, or study for quizzes (which will be given regularly in addition to scheduled midterms and final exams). Also keep an eye out for clubs and organizations and find yourself attending some of those meetings throughout your week. 

Vet School Course Curriculum

Lectures will be a good time to take notes and ask questions, while labs give you hands-on experience. While every curriculum is different, your two biggest classes your first year will likely be anatomy and physiology, and you may also have a small-animal anatomy lab. This may include dissection to learn about muscles, organs, and all the inner workings of animals. You may also be working in small groups, so labs can be a good time to get to know your classmates, form outside study groups, and discover how you best collaborate and learn with potential colleagues.

Other classes you can expect to take include neuroanatomy, general pathology, parasitology, and more. For example, at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program, students are required to take “Foundation” courses. These include the animal body; neuroanatomy; general pathology; cell biology and genetics; function and dysfunction; host, agent, and disease; clinical rotations; and veterinary practice. Students in Cornell’s program can also take “Distribution Courses” that represent opportunities for students to pursue areas of interest in great depth or explore other professionalization aspects such as research and off campus clinical experience.

Along with your core requirements, you’ll also take classes in your specialty. For example, if you specialize in veterinary internal medicine, you’ll probably take classes like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. If you’re specializing in animal surgery, you may take orthopedics or soft tissue surgery courses.

Remember: the classes you take will all depend on your school, program, and specialization ...so be sure to research those thoroughly before you apply.

You'll learn many new skills in vet school, including how to perform surgery. 

Succeeding in Vet School

Classes and labs will become more advanced and rigorous each year, building off of previous course knowledge, so it’s important to really engage with the information you’re learning. It’s not just about memorizing definitions—it’s also about really understanding the material. Seek out tutoring if you need extra help, and make sure you meet with your professors if you’re struggling.

And because you’re going to be very busy and consumed with vet school, it’s important to also give yourself breaks to avoid burning out. Depending on the school, you’ll need to maintain a certain minimum GPA, so make sure you are living a balanced lifestyle to help you stay on top of your coursework. Get involved with something outside of school that helps you decompress.

Graduating From Vet School

While the early years of vet school are mostly spent in the classroom and laboratory, you’ll get additional experience during clinical rotations , where you’ll treat patients under the supervision of a more experienced mentor. Clinicals are a chance for you to practice what you’ve learned.

In the last year of your program, you will need to focus on studying for your North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). Administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) since 2000 , NAVLE s a requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing jurisdictions in the US and Canada. The NAVLE consists of 360 clinically relevant multiple-choice questions. While you can retake the NAVLE if you don’t pass it the first time, the AAVME limits the number of times you can take the licensing exam . That’s why it’s important that you study early and often for the test.

Once you graduate, you will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree and will be qualified to perform the duties of the profession . A number of veterinarians may go on to become board certified in a specialty area or may seek additional training in internship or residency programs. For example, a number of veterinarians also seek additional training in the form of an internship (usually one year) and/or residency (approximately 2-3 years) so they can become board certified in a specialty area.

Anyone who wants to practice veterinary medicine must be licensed in the state where they wish to practice. Some states may also require you to pass a state-specification exam to test your knowledge of state laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine. To maintain your license, you must also obtain continuing education, such as attending seminars, writing for vet publications, or pursuing further research. That means that even once you’ve graduated, you aren’t quite done with school! 

Takeaways 

Practicing veterinary medicine is an exciting career choice. You’ll help better the lives of animals every day. If you’re wondering how to become a vet or if the career is right for you, keep these things in mind: 

There are many specialties you can pursue within veterinary medicine, including pet care, equine science, zoological medicine, reptile and amphibian practice, exotic companion mammal practice, and many more. 

Becoming a vet isn’t for everyone. You have to be resilient and decisive in the face of emotional and physical challenges. You also have to be patient with those you work around, whether that’s vet techs, other vets, or pet owners. 

Understand that it takes 8 to 10 years to become a vet. 

If you think the career is right for you, the path starts in high school. Volunteer with animals, and take advanced biological science classes. Also, apply to colleges that will help you meet the required prerequisites for vet school and pursue hands-on opportunities.

Once in college, keep focusing on making good grades and staying involved. Give yourself enough time to complete the application for vet school and choose the best institution for your desired specialty. 

Through high school, college, and vet school, remember to utilize the resources and mentors around you for support and guidance at every step. 

While in vet school, be sure to stay on top of your work. You’ll need to pass the licensure exam (NAVLE) in order to practice veterinary medicine, and you’ll also need licensure in your state.

Veterinary medicine is a life-long commitment to helping other creatures. Even though becoming a vet takes work, you’ll be devoting your life to a noble and rewarding cause.

What's Next?

You’ll need to write essays for both your college and vet school applications. Application essays are one of the most important aspects of your application because they give committees the chance to get to know you, your passions, and your interests . Learn what it takes to write a great application essay here.

We have guides that can help you ace all of your entrance exams. Check out this one for the SAT , this one for the ACT , and this one for the GRE . Remember: making great test grades will help you get into your dream school!

If you want to become a vet but struggle with biological science, it’s important that you start getting extra help now . We have guides to different topics in biological science, including an introduction to animal cells , a guide to mitosis , and an overview of enzyme function.  

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROFESSION COMPETITION

We’re here to help students get ahead.

The VIN Foundation’s Solutions for the Profession initiative is an international veterinary student scholarship in which currently enrolled veterinary students write a compelling essay based on an innovative solution to a current topic/issue in the veterinary profession. After three rounds of anonymous judging, the winners receive cash prizes to help with tuition and educational expenses.

The annual Solutions for the Profession Competition opens every Fall. We encourage you to sign up for updates to stay informed on the latest scholarship announcements. 

The VIN Foundation’s 8th Annual (2024) Solutions for the Profession Competition is now OPEN.

The vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition opens for submissions on wednesday, november 15, 2023., 8th annual competition (2024):, the vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition has closed. please check back for updates, or sign up above to be notified of updates via email..

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants won scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

First place: $5,000 Second place: $3,000 Third place: $1,500

Telemedicine

There are current efforts to expand the use of telemedicine and alter the criteria for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

Entrants must answer the following two questions in their essay:

• What are the pros and cons for veterinarians, clients and patients that will result from these efforts?
• If you were able to dictate the outcome of this issue, what would you propose as the best framework to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks to veterinarians, clients and patients?
• First place was awarded to Febbry Setiawan (University of Pretoria 2025) for the essay titled, Paws and Pixels: The Digital Leap in Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships.
• Second place was awarded to Jake Kline (VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2024) for the essay titled, Telemedicine, The Future Integration in Veterinary Medicine?
• Third place was awarded to Alaire Comyn (Iowa State University 2027) for the essay titled, Telemedicine: An Opportunity to Educate the Public.

FIRST PLACE:

• First place was awarded to Danielle Keerbs (Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Obsolescence vs Adaptability: An Analysis of the Veterinary Clinical Education Paradigm .

SECOND PLACE:

• Second place was awarded to Morgan Weed (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Trend or Tried and True – The Distributive and Teaching Hospital Models in Veterinary Schools.

THIRD PLACE:

• Third place was awarded to Dionne Rasquinha (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, The Future of Veterinary Medicine is in Our Teaching Hospitals .

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition is open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants will win scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

WORD LIMIT:

1,000 words (not including references or titles) This is a strict parameter and all essay submissions higher than 1,000 (not including references or titles) will be automatically dismissed.

All essays must be submitted in English .

All essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format .

Judging is based on how well student essay submission describes their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round will be judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round will be judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition is now closed for submissions.

Winners announced: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (updated date)

ESSAY SUBMISSION:

Essays must be submitted online. Only one entry per student.

Please check back on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 when the scholarship opens to submit an essay.

Please share the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition with your friends and networks. 

• Phone: 888.616.6506

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR WINNERS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023. ALL ENTRANTS WILL RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENT EMAIL.

The 7th annual (2023) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three winners earned scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses (winnings were increased this year thanks to donations!) :

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Please answer both of the following questions in your essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

Judging was  based on how well student essay submission described their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round is judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round is judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition closed: Friday, January 20, 2023 11:59pm PT

Winners announced: Friday, April 21, 2023

PREVIOUS YEARS WINNERS:

7th annual competition (2023):.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals:

Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Entrants were asked to answer both of the following questions in their essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

6th Annual Competition (2022):

Staff shortages:

Many businesses have been experiencing a shortage of workers. Although COVID has exacerbated the situation, veterinary practices have had great difficulty finding both doctors and support staff since well before the pandemic started. The following 3 question needed to be addressed in the essay submissions:

• What do you believe are the main causes of this staffing shortage in veterinary practices?
• How will this affect you?
• What actions can be taken to improve the situation?
• First place was awarded to Ian Doody (Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled,  Labor Shortages in Veterinary Medicine .
• Second place was awarded to Elyse Politica (University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  Extinguishing the Fire Before Burnout Takes Over .
• Third place was awarded to Elizabeth Handberg(University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  From the Ground Up: A Focus on Veterinary Technicians .

NOTABLE MENTIONS:

• Olivier Weber (Utrecht University, faculty of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  Let Students Work Against Veterinary Employee Shortages .
• Katherine Keane(University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled,  The COVID Silver Lining .

5th Annual Competition (2021):

• First place was awarded to Ashley Wang (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Beyond Checking Off Boxes: Realizing Transformational Change in Diversity Work .
• Second place was awarded to Natalya Redmond (University of Bristol 2024) for the essay titled, Breaking the Cycle .
• Third place was awarded to Hannah Lee (University of Queensland 2021) for the essay titled, Putting the vet in diversity: A proposal for diversifying the veterinary profession .

4th Annual Competition (2020):

• First place was awarded to Ilene Ellis (North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Retiring James Herriot; A proposal for modern veterinary education .
• Second place was awarded to Ava Abuchaei (University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, From Student to Doctor: Evaluating my Veterinary Education .
• Third place tie was awarded to Allison Hale (Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine 2020) for the essay titled, A Perfect Education .
• Runner up was acknowledged to Imani Williams (Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled, The Great Divide; Is the veterinary school education you are receiving effective, efficient, and relevant to your career goals?
• Runner up was acknowledged to Amanda Chase (University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, Is My Veterinary Education Up to Me?

3rd Annual Competition (2019):

• First place was awarded to Joanne Yi for her big fish little fish perspective on corporations versus the independent practices. Joanne is a second year student at the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine.
• Second place went to Joseph Marchell for his financial viewpoint on the impact of consolidation on the profession. Joseph is set to graduate this year from Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Annie Showers won third place with her in-depth approach to polling hundreds of practicing veterinarians for their responses on the pros and cons of corporate ownership. Annie is a second year student at Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

2nd Annual Competition (2018):

• First place was awarded to Paige Livingston , for her essay on ways to improve student debt education. Paige is entering her fourth year as a student at the University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
• Second place went to Cheyenne Cannarozzo for her innovative suggestion to add resilience to the core competency requirements for veterinary students. Cheyenne is entering her third year at the Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Linnea Thraen won third place with her essay highlighting the need for improved business management education in veterinary school. Linnea has just graduated the University of Minnesota, School of Veterinary Medicine.

1st Annual Competition (2017):

• First place was awarded to Hanum Wensil-Strow for her thought-provoking essay on the veterinary student debt situation. Hanum is in her fourth year has a student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is interested in large animal medicine and wildlife conservation.
• Second place went to Shannon Finn for her innovative approach to the mental health issues challenging colleagues in the veterinary profession. Shannon is in her fourth and final year at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Canada. She is hoping to go into rural food animal practice upon graduation, but also has interests in public health and regulatory medicine.
• Alexandra Ripperger won third place for her inventive approach to gender inequality. Alexandra is in her fourth year as a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys working with small animals, and small ruminants/camelids.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

© 2005 – 2024 VIN Foundation. All rights reserved.

Your Best College Essay

Maybe you love to write, or maybe you don’t. Either way, there’s a chance that the thought of writing your college essay is making you sweat. No need for nerves! We’re here to give you the important details on how to make the process as anxiety-free as possible.

What's the College Essay?

When we say “The College Essay” (capitalization for emphasis – say it out loud with the capitals and you’ll know what we mean) we’re talking about the 550-650 word essay required by most colleges and universities. Prompts for this essay can be found on the college’s website, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. We’re not talking about the many smaller supplemental essays you might need to write in order to apply to college. Not all institutions require the essay, but most colleges and universities that are at least semi-selective do.

How do I get started?

Look for the prompts on whatever application you’re using to apply to schools (almost all of the time – with a few notable exceptions – this is the Common Application). If one of them calls out to you, awesome! You can jump right in and start to brainstorm. If none of them are giving you the right vibes, don’t worry. They’re so broad that almost anything you write can fit into one of the prompts after you’re done. Working backwards like this is totally fine and can be really useful!

What if I have writer's block?

You aren’t alone. Staring at a blank Google Doc and thinking about how this is the one chance to tell an admissions officer your story can make you freeze. Thinking about some of these questions might help you find the right topic:

• What is something about you that people have pointed out as distinctive?
• If you had to pick three words to describe yourself, what would they be? What are things you’ve done that demonstrate these qualities?
• What’s something about you that has changed over your years in high school? How or why did it change?
• What’s something you like most about yourself?
• What’s something you love so much that you lose track of the rest of the world while you do it?

If you’re still stuck on a topic, ask your family members, friends, or other trusted adults: what’s something they always think about when they think about you? What’s something they think you should be proud of? They might help you find something about yourself that you wouldn’t have surfaced on your own.  

How do I grab my reader's attention?

It’s no secret that admissions officers are reading dozens – and sometimes hundreds – of essays every day. That can feel like a lot of pressure to stand out. But if you try to write the most unique essay in the world, it might end up seeming forced if it’s not genuinely you. So, what’s there to do? Our advice: start your essay with a story. Tell the reader about something you’ve done, complete with sensory details, and maybe even dialogue. Then, in the second paragraph, back up and tell us why this story is important and what it tells them about you and the theme of the essay.

THE WORD LIMIT IS SO LIMITING. HOW DO I TELL A COLLEGE MY WHOLE LIFE STORY IN 650 WORDS?

Don’t! Don’t try to tell an admissions officer about everything you’ve loved and done since you were a child. Instead, pick one or two things about yourself that you’re hoping to get across and stick to those. They’ll see the rest on the activities section of your application.

I'M STUCK ON THE CONCLUSION. HELP?

If you can’t think of another way to end the essay, talk about how the qualities you’ve discussed in your essays have prepared you for college. Try to wrap up with a sentence that refers back to the story you told in your first paragraph, if you took that route.

SHOULD I PROOFREAD MY ESSAY?

YES, proofread the essay, and have a trusted adult proofread it as well. Know that any suggestions they give you are coming from a good place, but make sure they aren’t writing your essay for you or putting it into their own voice. Admissions officers want to hear the voice of you, the applicant. Before you submit your essay anywhere, our number one advice is to read it out loud to yourself. When you read out loud you’ll catch small errors you may not have noticed before, and hear sentences that aren’t quite right.

ANY OTHER ADVICE?

Be yourself. If you’re not a naturally serious person, don’t force formality. If you’re the comedian in your friend group, go ahead and be funny. But ultimately, write as your authentic (and grammatically correct) self and trust the process.

And remember, thousands of other students your age are faced with this same essay writing task, right now. You can do it!

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.

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Educating Generalists for Adaptive Expertise - Sunday, June 23, 2024 - 8:00am

This conference will focus on teaching approaches that encourage and support veterinary students’ reflection on their learning experiences, and the development of lifelong learning skills through self-regulated learning. These will be examined in the context of both classroom settings and the clinical learning environment, and the implications for students’ academic achievement, the development of clinical skills, and wellbeing will be considered. Keynote speakers will address topics such as narrative medicine, principles of self-regulated learning, metacognition, feedback, and evaluation.

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LIU Post's veterinary college graduating inaugural class

The LIU Post College of Veterinary Medicine is graduating its inaugural class Tuesday. Credit: Howard Schnapp

The LIU Post College of Veterinary Medicine  is graduating its inaugural class Tuesday, addressing a nationwide shortage of vets and making it the second veterinary school in New York.

The school is graduating 101 students enrolled at the university since 2020 and completing the first class for the veterinary college since its inception in 2017.

Students studied through the COVID-19 pandemic, completing hands-on work with animals ranging from dogs and cats to horses, cows and exotic animals, said Dr. Carmen Fuentealba, dean of the veterinary college in Brookville.

Students have been working with clinicians, veterinarians and farms on Long Island to learn how to treat the animals, Fuentealba said. The school annually has about 1,200 applications wait-listed and has a total student class of about 450 students in the program. The veterinary school began taking applications in 2019, she said.

“It’s very rewarding and seeing how the whole thing started and when they arrived. They said behind each student is a story and we came to be aware of those stories to know that all of these students are able to make their dreams become a reality,” Fuentealba said. “We started at a time when we were aware there are not enough veterinarians. Our students have been successful in finding jobs and it’s been a very good story.”

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LIU was accredited in 2019 to begin taking students. Previously, Cornell University was the only other veterinary school in New York out of just over 30 veterinary schools in the country, Fuentealba said.

Shortages of veterinarians caused by the pandemic are waning, but demand for new vets remains and more colleges are opening to meet it, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The AVMA also cited “unprecedented growth” in enrollment and opportunities at newly opened colleges. At least two veterinary colleges have doubled their graduation numbers and a dozen new veterinary colleges are in development, according to the veterinary association.

“The cumulative effect of these changes will be a significant increase in the number of veterinarians entering the workforce into the 2030s,” the AVMA says on its website.

A survey by the AVMA last year found that about 76% of pet owners said they were able to find an appointment for their animals within about a week.

LIU’s College of Veterinary Medicine has matched its students with clinicians in veterinary offices and also at Marion Carll Farm, in Commack, where they work with horses and cows.

The veterinary college has also helped train students to work with companion animals while others have focused on equine medicine.

Frank Auletti, 33, of Deer Park, is the valedictorian of the inaugural class. He worked as a veterinary technician for seven years while completing a bachelor's degree in biology. Auletti said he was born and raised on Long Island and wanted to go to veterinary school close to home.

"Being part of the inaugural class was a roller coaster, but a good one. It’s crazy to think we’re going to be doctors tomorrow," he said. "I think pets are a part of people’s family, so we're not just helping the animals but the people attached to them."

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.

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Inaugural Jordan Awards showcase excellence in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences

Faculty, staff, and students in the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine were recognized earlier this month at the Dr. Winfred A. Jordan Awards for their contributions to the fields of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.

The inaugural event, organized by the college’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Maurice Cottman, was inspired as part of the college’s 125th anniversary and is named after the college’s first Black graduate, who graduated in 1920 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Cottman said the awards recognize the hurdles those in underserved communities face in veterinary medicine, but also provide a space to recognize students for their academic prowess.

“Dr. Jordan did something that is special. He graduated from our college in the 1920s, more than 40 years before he could even legally vote in the United States. His story deserves to be told to remember our Cougs of the past while also using his triumph as a guiding light for the Cougs of the future,” said Cottman. “Our college is in our 125 th year of existing — that isn’t just a number to me. The people who were the foundation for our current success are important and an event like what we created helps to prove this.”

The night’s honors included the Stewardship and Servant Leadership award, the Legacy of Equity award, the Student Organization of the Year award, and distinguished awards for faculty, staff, and students, as well as the college’s Top Seniors, adopted from the university’s Top Ten Seniors model.

Associate Professor Dr. John Wenz was recognized with the Stewardship and Servant Leadership award. The award honors a college affiliate whose stewardship and servant leadership efforts have measurably and significantly improved the lives of animals through engagement with industry or other elements of institutional advancement.

Retired longtime college photographer Henry Moore Jr. was recognized with the Legacy of Equity award, which is presented to a college staff or faculty member who, in retirement, continues to make outstanding contributions to academia, the college, and the community.

The Veterinary Business Medical Association received the college’s first Student Organization of the Year award that recognizes a club or organization at the college for excellent service in administration, community engagement, professional development, and collaboration.

Distinguished faculty, staff, and students were also honored for advancements in diversity and equity.

Anita Peralta, manager of WSU’s Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences program, and Cassondra Yarlott, veterinary student academic coordinator, received Distinguished Staff awards. 

Regina Meeks, a third-year veterinary student, and Mustika Rahmawati, a graduate student in WSU’s PhD in Molecular Biosciences program, received Distinguished Student awards. 

Professors Emily Qualls-Creekmore, the late Gary Haldorson, and Anthony Nicola earned Distinguished Faculty awards.

Top seniors recognized for outstanding dedication to academic excellence and service to the college and their communities included: veterinary students Julia Bagshaw, Nadine Encarnacion, Georgiana Kostov, Liza Sperry, Janelle Thomas, and Tanya Weber, as well as graduate students Brianne Jones, Mustika Rahmawati, and Jalene Velazquez.

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Graduation Celebration Honors Purdue DVM and Veterinary Nursing Grads in the Class of 2024

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Mother’s Day 2024 proved to be extra special for families of the graduates in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2024, as the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the annual Graduation Celebration and Oath Ceremony Sunday, May 12, in the Purdue Memorial Union.  The program honored graduates earning their DVM and Veterinary Nursing degrees and included the recitation of the Veterinarian’s Oath and the Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct.

The ceremony followed the Purdue University commencement exercises that began at 9:30 a.m. in the Elliott Hall of Music.  Afterward, the Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduates and their families relocated to the Purdue Memorial Union for the college’s recognition ceremony.  “It is wonderful that we can be together today to recognize our Class of 2024,” Dean Willie Reed said after he stepped to the podium in the PMU North Ballroom to begin the ceremony.  Noting that the graduates had to persevere in overcoming a global pandemic to complete their Purdue veterinary education, Dean Reed exclaimed, “If ever there was a time to celebrate, this is it!”

The graduates next heard from invited speakers, including Dr. Angela Demaree (PU DVM 2002), an alumna and the president of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association ; Dr. Lindsey Hedges (PU DVM 2011), also an alumna and the president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association ( IVMA ); and Crystal Schaeffer, BS, RVT, president of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association ( IVTA ).  Then, just before the recognition of the Veterinary Nursing graduates, Dean Reed invited the Veterinary Nursing Class Responder, Kayleigh Clevenger, BS, RVT, to address her classmates and the assembled guests.

As the program continued, Dr. Chad Brown, Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs director, stepped to the podium to introduce each of the Veterinary Nursing graduates individually.  As their names were announced, they each came forward, stepped onto the North Ballroom stage and received their veterinary nursing pin, which was presented by Holly McCalip, BS, RVT, instructional technologist in the Veterinary Nursing Program, as a symbol of their entry into the Veterinary Nursing profession.  The graduates earning the Associate in Applied Science degree were recognized first, followed by those receiving their four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing.

Once all of the Veterinary Nursing graduates were assembled on the stage, they paused for a group photo and then remained on stage to recite their professional oath, which was led by Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLAT, senior instructional technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program.  All of the veterinary nurses present at the ceremony were invited to join in reciting the oath. 

Then Dean Reed returned to the podium to address the DVM graduates.  “Through your own personal commitment and hard work; your consistent and persistent effort during the pandemic to protect the health and safety of yourselves, your fellow students and our faculty and staff; as well as your willingness to work together and pursue goals beyond individual success, you have accomplished much,” Dean Reed said.  “You understand your responsibilities to the profession, to your colleagues and most importantly, to the people and animals you will serve. We believe that you are indeed ready to assume your new role as veterinarians.”

Dean Reed then invited one of the members of the DVM Class of 2024, Dr. Joe Chandler, to give the formal class response.  Following Dr. Chandler’s comments, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathy Salisbury, announced the names of the graduates as they came forward to take their place on the risers on the stage.  Additionally, graduates who received awards were recognized as they crossed the stage. 

Once all of the DVM graduates were together on stage, an official group photo was taken, and then Dean Reed asked the graduates, faculty and all other veterinarians in attendance to join in reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath.  Then the Veterinary Nursing graduates returned to the stage to join the DVM graduates for a photo of the entire PVM Class of 2024.

Before concluding the ceremony, Dean Reed presented two teaching awards.  Jennifer Smith received the Elanco Veterinary Technology Outstanding Teaching Award for a Veterinary Nursing educator who has clearly communicated course content, facilitated skill acquisition, motivated students, shown a continued willingness to facilitate learning outside of a formal setting, counseled and mentored students, and served as a positive role model.  The Weedon Faculty Recognition Award for the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution to members of the current fourth-year veterinary class during their progress toward the DVM degree, was presented to Dr. Mindy Anderson , clinical assistant professor of basic medical sciences , on the basis of her selection by members of the class.

The event concluded with a reception in the Purdue Memorial Union main lounges, where graduates and their families gathered along with faculty and staff for refreshments and celebration.  The beautiful Mother’s Day weather also enabled many graduates and their classmates to gather with family and friends for additional keepsake photos outside.

Congratulations to all members of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Class of 2024!

Photos from the event taken by photographer Ed Lausch are available to view and purchase at Lausch Photography . Look for the gallery labeled “2024 Purdue Vet Med” and use the password “2024PVM”.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | [email protected]

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May 20, 2024 | Anna Zarra Aldrich, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

CAHNR Celebrates Kirklyn Kerr’s Decades of Service

Members of the College and University community came together to recognize Dean Kerr's 30-plus years of service to UConn

Former CAHNR Dean Kirklyn Kerr's contribution to the University was celebrated on May 10, 2024. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

Kirklyn Kerr has served the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) in various capacities for more than 30 years.

Kerr joined UConn as the dean of the College (then, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) in 1993. Under his leadership, the University, the College, and the state of Connecticut made impressive strides in research, teaching, and Extension engagement.

While Kerr was dean, the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at UConn isolated West Nile Virus from birds in Connecticut and researchers from UConn’s Department of Animal Science cloned a dairy cow.

It was all in a day’s work for Kerr.

“To say that Dean Kerr left a mark on UConn and CAHNR would be an understatement,” says Indrajeet Chaubey, current CAHNR dean. “On behalf of the College, I would like to thank Dean Kerr for his commitment to advancing our research, teaching, and extension mission in such a profound way.”

Making a Mark

Before coming to UConn, Kerr held administrative positions at the Ohio State University and Louisiana State University.

He credits his participation as a youth in 4-H for his educational success. As Dean, he would go on to strengthen UConn’s own 4-H program significantly.

Kerr served as CAHNR’s dean for 15 years. During his tenure, Kerr oversaw the modernization of the College’s and related University’s programs.

One major initiative was the introduction of biotechnology, a brand-new field at the time, into the College.

“We advised the University administration that we would enhance the traditional programs but that we would also try to add what we thought we should be doing with biotechnology,” Kerr says.

Kerr also advocated for the construction of the Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory Building and later the Advanced Technology Laboratory. Other CAHNR facilities like the greenhouse, new equine arena, and new Plant Science turf program facility at the Plant Science Farm were also completed under Kerr’s leadership.

“It wasn’t all just building and facilities,” Kerr says. “With that, we built the educational programs and strengthened UConn Extension.”

Kerr also chaired the university advisory committee tasked with implementing UConn 2000. This program focused on modernizing, rehabilitating, and expanding UConn’s infrastructure to meet the educational and economic needs of the state and the University in the 21st century.

“If you look around, there have been many, many changes to the University campus,” Kerr says.

Kerr also worked to create a welcoming culture in the College. His late wife Anna Rosemary Parker Kerr even made lunch for dozens and sometimes even hundreds of people in the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena.

“Those lunches were a tremendous help in building the family environment we had at the College,” Kerr says.

Since completing his third and final term as dean, Kerr, a board-certified veterinary pathologist, has worked in the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) where he is a senior pathologist for diagnostic necropsies.

Kerr has also served as academic and experiential learning advisor to undergraduate students in the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. Kerr has coordinated the department’s Residency Program in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology where he helped train many residents over the years. Kerr has also coordinated a course on biomedical issues in pathobiology for the department.

“It’s really outstanding,” says Paulo Verardi, professor and head of the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. “How do you get the energy to dive back into so much teaching, research, and service after being in leadership for so long? That was really impressive.”

The Connecticut legislature is currently considering renewing the funding of a bill named in honor of Kerr. The bill, HB-5338, would fund the Kirklyn M. Kerr grant program and form an agreement between UConn and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Because Connecticut does not have a veterinary school, this agreement would allow Connecticut residents to pay in-state tuition at Iowa State University each year with assistance for out-of-state tuition. This would help address a major need for more trained veterinarians in Connecticut.

The grant program would provide students with $15,000 per semester for four years to help cover the cost of the out-of-state tuition.

“This program was extremely effective in expanding access to our top students when it was originally launched, and it could not have happened without Dean Kerr’s commitment and advocacy,” says Chaubey.

A New Chapter

Kerr will continue to participate in the College as a professor emeritus after his retirement, which will take effect on July 1.

While Kerr may be retiring, his legacy at UConn will live on for years to come.

In fact, in June 2023, a red Holstein calf from UConn’s award-winning herd was named D.K. for “Dean Kerr.” The calf currently lives in UConn’s Cattle Resource Center, and it embodies the new life Kerr infused into so many of UConn and CAHNR’s programs.

“[UConn] has been very good to me and my family,” Kerr says. “We think it was a wise move to come to the University of Connecticut.”

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