Essential veterinary medicine experiences for prospective students
Veterinary medicine is an animal health- and production-oriented profession. The admissions committee considers animal experience outside of classrooms to be an important preparation for the curriculum.
Animal experience includes such things as breeding, rearing, feeding, and showing various species of companion animals, livestock, laboratory animals, zoo animals, or wildlife.
A basic knowledge of the veterinary profession is best gained by closely observing the role of the various members of the animal health care team in a traditional practice setting. Practice experience can range from private-practice (local veterinarians) to public practice (zoos or federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sites).
Participating in biomedical research, public health, academic medicine, regulatory medicine, or industry can enhance an applicant’s appreciation for the breadth of the veterinary profession. The committee also takes involvement in seminars, practica, and other veterinary professional activities into account.
Biomedical research is an important part of veterinary medicine. Exposure to the workings of a research laboratory can help prepare students for the veterinary curriclum. The more fully students invest themselves in research projects, the better their application will be.
Achievements, leadership ability, and participation in academic and other activities will be evaluated carefully by the committee. Community service activities are viewed as an indication of an applicant’s desire to contribute to society. These activities need not be directly affiliated with veterinary medicine.