Aubriee
What other things can I do to get into college Vet school?
I have good grades and I volunteer at a animal shelter in the clinic. But I am still worried I will not get in to the university I want to go let a lone get in to vet school, Especially since it is really competitive. #veterinarian #school #veterinary
2 answers
Krista Vollbrecht
Krista’s Answer
In my time applying to universities and colleges, the most frequently asked question I received during interviews was, "What do you do outside of school and clubs?" They want to see that you have other hobbies and interests as well. Painting, drawing, singing, dancing, etc. are all amazing things that make you different, use them to your advantage, and if you can, throw in how they push you to be a better person/leader.
THESE POINTERS APPLY TO VETERINARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS AS WELL
After speaking with a variety of vet school admissions offices, vets, alumni, and veterinary students I have compiled a small list of things that you can do to help boost your resume.
EXPERIENCE: Vet schools like to see that you have experience working with animals. While it is amazing to work at a vet clinic, don't turn down other types of animal experience opportunities. Try to continue to put yourself out there and join clubs, programs, and internships that continue to help diversify your skills. Shadow with different types of vets and look into different types of work experience (ex: retail). Vet schools like to see variety and well-roundedness.
WELL-ROUNDED: To continue off of being well-rounded, veterinary schools want to see that you do other things outside of school and shadowing. Joining clubs that you enjoy or participating in programs that are diverse from veterinary life will show them that you have other interests and hobbies outside of your desire to be a vet. It is a bonus if you participate in a sport, Greek Life, or any other time demanding program, as vet schools know how difficult it is to successfully manage these activities in combination with your schoolwork. DON'T join these programs just for this reason though and DON'T think that joining these activities is absolutely necessary to get into vet school. Your school work is more important than trying to pile too many things on your plate.
OVERALL: My advice for both undergraduate education and veterinary school as a whole would be, continue to push for good grades and continue to work at a veterinary clinic. Continue to look for other veterinary programs, such as summer shadowing programs or internships, etc. to diversify your veterinary skills. Work to join clubs and activities that make you happy and are separate from school and veterinary life. Having passions and diversity will set you apart from other applicants in both situations.
Krista recommends the following next steps:
Todd Phillips
Todd’s Answer
Aubriee, here are some suggestions. If you are in high school talk to your school counselors, talk to more than one if possible. Talk to a favorite teacher, they may be a good source of advice also. Talk to the vet that works for the shelter, find out if they are an alumni of the Vet school you hope to attend. If you are in college, talk to the guidence counselors there, as well as asking your instructors. See if there are any pre-vet or pre-med groups at the school you are at now, if not consider starting one if there is enough interest.
The last bit of advice I would give you is more strategic, think about what you might do if you did NOT get into Vet school. It's always good to have options, what if you dont get in right away? I had to apply twice before I got in.
Todd recommends the following next steps: