3 answers
Lauren
Student
Noblesville, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do before I apply to colleges and related programs/scholarships in order to have a competitive application that stands out?
I am getting ready to go into my senior year of high school and want to make the most out of it before I apply to colleges and related programs/scholarships. I am interested in doing biochemistry and animal sciences, considering double majoring. My long term goal is to go to vet school. I already work at a vet clinic, have lots of leadership and volunteer experience, get good grades, have shadowed veterinarians, and take many science/health classes. I have also been very involved inside and outside of school in a variety of activities. Lately I’ve tried to find more opportunities related to animals. I feel like I’m in a good place for applying to colleges but is there anything I should be doing to stand out? I want to apply for competitive programs such as Purdue’s Veterinary Scholars Program.
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3 answers
JOHN German
85
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
From Purdue's own website about the Vet Scholars:
"Possess an outstanding high school academic record defined as:
- High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.75/4.00
- Strong science and mathematics background
- Standardized Tests* (must have met the minimum score for either the SAT or the ACT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1370 out of 1600 (current SAT)
- American College Test (ACT) composite score of 29".
And one thing you already have, that you should provide in any application, is the passionate love you seem to gift out for this career. That can be a deciding factor, outside of the above information, that welcomes your unceasing dedication to not only the positional possibilities, but those amazing animals you could help.
Thankful to your roads.
God Bless,
John German
From Purdue's own website about the Vet Scholars:
"Possess an outstanding high school academic record defined as:
- High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.75/4.00
- Strong science and mathematics background
- Standardized Tests* (must have met the minimum score for either the SAT or the ACT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1370 out of 1600 (current SAT)
- American College Test (ACT) composite score of 29".
And one thing you already have, that you should provide in any application, is the passionate love you seem to gift out for this career. That can be a deciding factor, outside of the above information, that welcomes your unceasing dedication to not only the positional possibilities, but those amazing animals you could help.
Thankful to your roads.
God Bless,
John German
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement!
Lauren
David Cink
Ophthalmologist
5
Answers
Crescent City, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Your accomplishments listed above are a great start. You obviously understand admission to a quality vet program is competitive. I'm an MD, but had many pre-vet friends back in college. They were all quality students, but some did have to apply to vet school several times before that final acceptance. My advice would be as follows:
1. Be prepared to try several times if you don't get in on your first try. Those who reapply after doing more course work or relevant veterinary work show they are truly interested. It's the old if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
2. Personally, and this is certainly true for medical school, I think it's very important to show you understand what you're getting into with work experience. Someone with good grades who belonged to a few clubs , but never worked in the field, is a poor choice for several reasons.
A. No professional school wants to train someone, only to have them discover too late they hate the field. It's a total waste of a class seat.
B. There is no one more sad that someone stuck in a career that they truly don't love. Imagine getting up everyday and doing something you dislike. That's not the way to spend your life. Get yours hands dirty in the vet field to make sure it's for you. You'll sleep better at night.
C. Vets make a good income and I did have friends interested for purely financial reasons. I think that's a huge mistake (see B above).
3. You sound like a well-rounded student and hopefully truly enjoy all those activities you're doing. Don't join the chess club because you think it'll look good on your application - join because you want to play chess. You get the point.
4. Finally, and not to be a pessimist, but have plans for your life just in case you don't get into vet school - ever. Think about what makes you happy and matches your skill-set and have a back-up plan, just in case. The world needs quality, skilled, caring individuals. You can do wonderful things with your life, no matter where you finally land. Enjoy high school and college - those years never come back.
1. Be prepared to try several times if you don't get in on your first try. Those who reapply after doing more course work or relevant veterinary work show they are truly interested. It's the old if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
2. Personally, and this is certainly true for medical school, I think it's very important to show you understand what you're getting into with work experience. Someone with good grades who belonged to a few clubs , but never worked in the field, is a poor choice for several reasons.
A. No professional school wants to train someone, only to have them discover too late they hate the field. It's a total waste of a class seat.
B. There is no one more sad that someone stuck in a career that they truly don't love. Imagine getting up everyday and doing something you dislike. That's not the way to spend your life. Get yours hands dirty in the vet field to make sure it's for you. You'll sleep better at night.
C. Vets make a good income and I did have friends interested for purely financial reasons. I think that's a huge mistake (see B above).
3. You sound like a well-rounded student and hopefully truly enjoy all those activities you're doing. Don't join the chess club because you think it'll look good on your application - join because you want to play chess. You get the point.
4. Finally, and not to be a pessimist, but have plans for your life just in case you don't get into vet school - ever. Think about what makes you happy and matches your skill-set and have a back-up plan, just in case. The world needs quality, skilled, caring individuals. You can do wonderful things with your life, no matter where you finally land. Enjoy high school and college - those years never come back.
Thank you so much for your insight and advice! It really means a lot to me.
Lauren
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3765
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Lauren!
As you gear up to apply for colleges and their associated programs or scholarships, there's a bunch of things you can do to jazz up your application and make it shine. Given your love for biochemistry and animal sciences, and your dream of getting into vet school, here are some tips:
1. Keep up the good work in your studies: You've mentioned that you're already doing well in school, especially in your science and health classes. That's fantastic! Keep that momentum going in your senior year. Admissions folks love seeing students who consistently do well in their studies, so keep aiming high!
2. Dive into research: If you can get some research experience under your belt, that's a big plus, especially for someone interested in biochemistry and animal sciences. Look for opportunities at universities, government agencies, or private labs. Not only will this deepen your knowledge, but it'll also show the admissions folks how dedicated and passionate you are.
3. Get hands-on with internships or externships: Practical experience can really boost your application. You're already working at a vet clinic, which is great! Keep building on that experience. Maybe reach out to other vet clinics, animal shelters, wildlife rehab centers, or research facilities to see what other opportunities are out there.
4. Step up as a leader: Admissions teams love to see applicants who have leadership skills and can work well in a team. Look for leadership roles in school clubs or organizations that are related to science or animals. You could also consider leading community service projects or volunteer groups.
5. Broaden your volunteer horizons: You've got some volunteer experience, which is awesome! But it's always a good idea to get involved in more community service activities. Look for opportunities that match your interest in animal welfare or scientific outreach programs. This could be volunteering at an animal shelter, helping with wildlife conservation, or organizing biology or veterinary medicine educational events.
6. Attend workshops or conferences: Going to workshops or conferences related to biochemistry, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine shows your commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Plus, these events are a great way to meet professionals in your field and learn about the latest research and developments.
7. Get ready for standardized tests: Many colleges and scholarship programs ask for standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. Make sure you're ready for these exams by using study resources, taking practice tests, and maybe even taking a test prep course if you need to.
8. Connect with mentors: It's really helpful to have mentors who are experienced in the field you're interested in. Think about reaching out to professors, vets, or professionals in biochemistry or animal sciences who can give you advice, write recommendation letters, or give you insights into the application process.
9. Personalize your application materials: When you're applying to colleges and scholarships, make sure your application materials (like essays, personal statements, and resumes) really show off your passion for biochemistry, animal sciences, and veterinary medicine. Highlight your experiences, skills, and achievements that are relevant to these fields.
10. Do your homework on college programs and scholarships: Spend some time researching colleges and universities that have strong programs in biochemistry, animal sciences, or pre-veterinary studies. Look for places that have a good track record of getting students into vet schools. Also, look for scholarships that are designed for students pursuing degrees in these fields.
By following these steps, you'll be able to put together a strong application that stands out from the crowd. Remember to stay focused on your goals, work hard, and let your true passion for biochemistry, animal sciences, and veterinary medicine shine through.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Sites:
1. College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. Peterson's (www.petersons.com)
3. U.S. News & World Report - Education (www.usnews.com/education)
As you gear up to apply for colleges and their associated programs or scholarships, there's a bunch of things you can do to jazz up your application and make it shine. Given your love for biochemistry and animal sciences, and your dream of getting into vet school, here are some tips:
1. Keep up the good work in your studies: You've mentioned that you're already doing well in school, especially in your science and health classes. That's fantastic! Keep that momentum going in your senior year. Admissions folks love seeing students who consistently do well in their studies, so keep aiming high!
2. Dive into research: If you can get some research experience under your belt, that's a big plus, especially for someone interested in biochemistry and animal sciences. Look for opportunities at universities, government agencies, or private labs. Not only will this deepen your knowledge, but it'll also show the admissions folks how dedicated and passionate you are.
3. Get hands-on with internships or externships: Practical experience can really boost your application. You're already working at a vet clinic, which is great! Keep building on that experience. Maybe reach out to other vet clinics, animal shelters, wildlife rehab centers, or research facilities to see what other opportunities are out there.
4. Step up as a leader: Admissions teams love to see applicants who have leadership skills and can work well in a team. Look for leadership roles in school clubs or organizations that are related to science or animals. You could also consider leading community service projects or volunteer groups.
5. Broaden your volunteer horizons: You've got some volunteer experience, which is awesome! But it's always a good idea to get involved in more community service activities. Look for opportunities that match your interest in animal welfare or scientific outreach programs. This could be volunteering at an animal shelter, helping with wildlife conservation, or organizing biology or veterinary medicine educational events.
6. Attend workshops or conferences: Going to workshops or conferences related to biochemistry, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine shows your commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Plus, these events are a great way to meet professionals in your field and learn about the latest research and developments.
7. Get ready for standardized tests: Many colleges and scholarship programs ask for standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. Make sure you're ready for these exams by using study resources, taking practice tests, and maybe even taking a test prep course if you need to.
8. Connect with mentors: It's really helpful to have mentors who are experienced in the field you're interested in. Think about reaching out to professors, vets, or professionals in biochemistry or animal sciences who can give you advice, write recommendation letters, or give you insights into the application process.
9. Personalize your application materials: When you're applying to colleges and scholarships, make sure your application materials (like essays, personal statements, and resumes) really show off your passion for biochemistry, animal sciences, and veterinary medicine. Highlight your experiences, skills, and achievements that are relevant to these fields.
10. Do your homework on college programs and scholarships: Spend some time researching colleges and universities that have strong programs in biochemistry, animal sciences, or pre-veterinary studies. Look for places that have a good track record of getting students into vet schools. Also, look for scholarships that are designed for students pursuing degrees in these fields.
By following these steps, you'll be able to put together a strong application that stands out from the crowd. Remember to stay focused on your goals, work hard, and let your true passion for biochemistry, animal sciences, and veterinary medicine shine through.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Sites:
1. College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. Peterson's (www.petersons.com)
3. U.S. News & World Report - Education (www.usnews.com/education)