Pre-Health (Veterinary Medicine) Advice from Kelly Lyle (Class of 2004)
Currently a Student of Veterinary Medicine

Helpful Information for Getting into Veterinary School

Before applying:

1. Admission requirements - Different veterinary schools have different entry requirements. Go to the websites of the schools you are planning to apply to and find out what courses, standardized tests, etc., that those schools require.

2. GRE - Most veterinary schools require that you take the GRE. Others may require the MCAT or VCAT, or you may be given a choice.

3. Animal experience - For vet school admission, animal experience is very important. Try to gain experience working with small animals, large animals, and exotic animals (other than your own). Also, try to gain experience working with animals in a medical setting.

4. Research experience - Although none of the vet schools actually require applicants to participate in a research project, it looks really good on your application. The science professors at Messiah College arrange a number of interesting research projects each year, so take advantage of this opportunity. Remember that admission to veterinary schools is very competitive, and anything that can give you an edge will be to your benefit.

VMCAS:

Most schools will require the standardized VMCAS application. However, some schools (such as Cornell and Tufts) will not accept the VMCAS, and require you to complete their personal applications.

1. Start early (it is long): After you have completed this monster, many schools will ask you to fill out a supplementary application as well (which tend to ask the same questions, but gives you more room to answer).

2. Letters of recommendation - All school require three, some schools accept more, the VMCAS only provides room for three. One must be from a veterinarian. One should be from a professor or advisor.

The Interview:

Each veterinary school will interview applicants in a different way. Sometimes the interviewers have a list of questions that they ask all applicants, and sometimes the interviewers learn about your personal interests and experiences and ask questions accordingly.

1. Introduction - Interviewers may ask that you introduce yourself, provide a quick overview of your application, reasons for wanting to go to vet school, why you would make a good veterinarian, etc. Be sure to mention research experience here, it is unlikely that you will be asked about it later.

2. Current Events - Be somewhat familiar with what is going on in the world. Be very familiar with any (major) current event involving animals (such as mad cow disease, bird flu, etc.). If something like mad cow disease has been in the media recently, you will be asked about it.

3. School information - Read over the school's website and any additional information you have access to concerning the school's programs.

4. Possible questions:

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How are you a leader/follower?
• Talk about a major obstacle that you have overcome.
• What traits make a good veterinarian? (Do you have them?)
• What are your plans for the future?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
• What do you do for fun?
• What is the difference between animal rights and animal welfare?
• Our curriculum requires students to participate in terminal surgeries, how do you feel about that?
• Also, expect questions concerning personal ethics, for example: What would you do if someone brought you a litter of unwanted kittens and asked you to euthanize them? (There are 10 healthy kittens in this litter, by the way). What would you do if a client brought you an animal that had received an unnecessary surgical procedure from another veterinarian?

1. you will continue to learn and work with animals next year, and
2. you will apply again, and again, and again . . .