Hey Jay!
Recently I have found myself back in the world of veterinary medicine after taking a few years to decide what I wanted to do and finish my undergrad degree in Management instead of Animal Science which is what I was pursuing when I started my college journey. At the age of 27 (for the next two months) I have decided that I do in fact want to pursue my dream of applying to vet school and I have been trying to connect with folks who have experienced applying and I was wondering if you would be open to sharing your experience with me.
Hope you're doing well recovering your knee!
Talk soon,
GT
Ahahhahhhhaahhh you poor naive FOOL!
I’m just kidding - we’re happy to have you back in the field!
But I won’t lie to you, the journey to vet school is butts. I’m still on it, still wanting to go the distance, but it’s stiiillll butts.
So GT, first things first, RESEARCH YOUR SCHOOLS.
You gotta know their minimum requirements, their prerequisites, their DUE DATES, their additional fees (it’s all about additional fees), and anything else you can get from their websites, emails, and VMCAS.
Ahahhahhhhaahhh you poor naive FOOL!
I’m just kidding - we’re happy to have you back in the field!
But I won’t lie to you, the journey to vet school is butts. I’m still on it, still wanting to go the distance, but it’s stiiillll butts.
So GT, I’m gonna give you a bulleted list of what I think are the most important things you need to know before and while applying for veterinary school starting in the 2024 cycle.
- Set up an account at VMCAS (aka Veterinary Medical College Application Service)
The site doesn’t open until January (when the application cycle for 2024 starts), but keep the site bookmarked and check back frequently so you can stay updated. - On that note, check out AAVMC (American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges)
Here you can get the lowdown on ALL the veterinary schools, which can inform your decision on which to apply to - The most important information you are going to want to focus on;
1. DUE DATES - for all applications, fees, and coursework
a. Put them in your calendar, on sticky notes, on your forehead - whatever you need to do to not miss them. Once they’re passed, you’re out of luck
2. Minimum prerequisite course requirements (coursework and grades)
a. Also, know that prerequisite coursework expires after ten years. It’s BS and I’m dealing with that right now ugh
2. Letters of recommendations - You will need at least three - no exceptions - and at least one needs to come from a licensed veterinarian
- All your previous academic records, relevant experience, volunteer work, and anything else that is even slightly animal/veterinary related that can beef up your application
- You will have to dig back through your old transcripts (you’ll need to get an official one) and get all your old coursework - it is very important to get your grades and courses correct/exact on the application
- They’re gonna ask for very specific dates, hours, and numbers so just do the best you can in documenting this
- The next part of the application(s) is all about personal essays. The standard application has its own base essays and then each individual application for each school has its own essays.
- Spend the most time on this. Every admissions person I have talked to says that the essays are where it’s at. Try to make yourself stand out from the crowd - explain your reasonings for wanting to be a vet beyond “I like animals,” and do your best to tell your story.
- Sidenote: If you plan to apply to the two colleges in Texas, there is an entirely DIFFERENT application called the TMDSAS (Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service) you will have to make an account for, fill out, have your letter of recommendation sent to, and pay for. It’s very annoying because Texas thinks it’s just so special. (I live in Texas I can say these things)
I wanna say that’s everything? I’m sure there is more, but the listed websites help a lot too.
I also want to say, don’t get discouraged. Most people don’t get in on their first try. Not saying you won’t! It’s just statistics. So if you don’t get in, keep trying! Lord knows we need more vets!
Best of luck to you and if you need any more help, you know where to find me!
The formatting got all jacked on this post :T
Below is a better formatted version. Sorry for the inconvenience!