I graduated in 2008 with a degree in sociology and last month I finally decided to pursue my dream of becoming a vet. I’ll be going back to get my prereqs in August.
I’m still doing a lot of research on schools and acceptance stats and I was hoping I could ask you a few questions about the application process… I totally understand if you don’t have time or if you can’t help me.
Would you recommend applying in Fall ’12 or Fall ’13 if I have intentions of entering vet school in the fall of 2014? My prerequisites should be done at the end of Fall ’13.
If you are planning to begin vet school in the fall of 2014, then I would suggest that you apply via VMCAS in the fall of 2013.
This may be a silly question but how exactly does VMCAS application process work? Does my application get sent to every school or only schools that I specify in the application?
With VMCAS, you select which schools to apply to on the website and once you submit your application, only those schools receive your application. The fees for your application are based upon the number of schools you apply to.
I see in your blog that you stress the importance of choosing schools with strong reputations in your area of interest. Is there a centralized place where I can find information on each schools focused areas or should I look at each individual schools website. My first interest now is shelter medicine and I know (from your blog) that UC Davis has a shelter medicine program and (from my own research) that The University of Florida has a brand new program for shelter medicine.
If you are interested in a specific area of veterinary medicine, I would suggest looking at school websites, calling the schools admissions office, or asking around. I don’t believe there is one central location to find that information (though it certainly would be useful!) And yes, Davis has a shelter medicine residency program (and a clinical rotation that is offered during 4th year) and I know that Florida is generally involved in the shelter medicine rounds that Davis hosts every Monday afternoon, so I do believe they have a promising shelter program.
I keep seeing the phrase “sponsored” in acceptance information. What doe this mean?
I am not entirely sure what sponsored means in acceptance information, but it likely has to do with how financial aid is given. Sponsored students are probably either in-state students or students from states without a vet school that are “sponsored” to go to vet school in another state for a lower tuition than non-sponsored students. Generally students have the best chance of acceptance (and least expensive tuition) at schools that are either considered “in-state” or where they are sponsored.
Thanks again for all that you do!
AB
4/27/11
http://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Medical-Admission-Requirements-ebook/dp/B004XN04EW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320240306&sr=1-1
Product Description:
“This annually updated publication provides a comprehensive overview of the admission process for the national and international veterinary schools that are members of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). The following need-to-know information is provided for each school: · Summary of application procedure · Requirements for application and residency · Prerequisites for admission · Deadlines for each component of the application process · Description of campus and campus life · Cost of tuition and fees Additional information includes an overview of the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and information about the accreditation of veterinary schools and professional licensure as a veterinarian. The AAVMC coordinates the national and international affairs of all thirty-three veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada, nine departments of veterinary science, nine departments of comparative medicine, three other veterinary medical education institutions, eight international colleges of veterinary medicine, and three affiliate international colleges of veterinary medicine. The AAVMC fosters the teaching, research, and service activities of its members, both nationally and internationally. The mission of the AAVMC is to improve the quality of life for people and animals by advancing veterinary medical education, improving animal health and welfare, strengthening biomedical research, promoting food safety and food security, and enhancing environmental quality.”
http://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Medical-Admission-Requirements-ebook/dp/B004XN04EW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320240306&sr=1-1
Product Description:
“This annually updated publication provides a comprehensive overview of the admission process for the national and international veterinary schools that are members of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). The following need-to-know information is provided for each school: · Summary of application procedure · Requirements for application and residency · Prerequisites for admission · Deadlines for each component of the application process · Description of campus and campus life · Cost of tuition and fees Additional information includes an overview of the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and information about the accreditation of veterinary schools and professional licensure as a veterinarian. The AAVMC coordinates the national and international affairs of all thirty-three veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada, nine departments of veterinary science, nine departments of comparative medicine, three other veterinary medical education institutions, eight international colleges of veterinary medicine, and three affiliate international colleges of veterinary medicine. The AAVMC fosters the teaching, research, and service activities of its members, both nationally and internationally. The mission of the AAVMC is to improve the quality of life for people and animals by advancing veterinary medical education, improving animal health and welfare, strengthening biomedical research, promoting food safety and food security, and enhancing environmental quality.”
Thank you Sharon. We here at AAVMC and VMCAS truly appreciate your dedication to veterinary students and applicants. Please let me know how I can help support your efforts!
Tony Wynne
Operations Manager, VMCAS
IT/Facilities Manager, AAVMC
Thank you Sharon. We here at AAVMC and VMCAS truly appreciate your dedication to veterinary students and applicants. Please let me know how I can help support your efforts!
Tony Wynne
Operations Manager, VMCAS
IT/Facilities Manager, AAVMC