You will have two different pre-vet advisors while at UK

• Ms. Tebeau advises prospective, freshman and sophomore students.
• Dr. Dwyer advises junior and senior students.

 

 

 

The majority of US vet schools participate in the Veterinary Medical School Application Service (VMCAS). http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.html. Veterinary schools admit students once a year in the Fall.

 Applications are submitted at least 12-15 months in advance of the desired enrollment date. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework, and successfully take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if necessary.

 Requirements vary from program to program. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

Your Pre-Vet advisor is happy to do this for you.

The Veterinary School Application includes up to 5 main components:

1. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)—Most schools
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Supplemental Applications—Most Schools
5. Interviews

Letters of Recommendation/Support:

Requirements for letters vary between Vet schools, so research schools early and know what you need. Get to know people from these categories so they can write excellent letters for you. Generally, veterinary schools require letters from:

1) Veterinarians with whom you have worked or volunteered,

2) A college professor who has taught you in a classroom setting and has given you a letter grade

3) An employer/supervisor

Personal Statement

The personal statement is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career as a veterinarian. Remember, why you want to be a veterinarian is different from how you were inspired to become one. Describe your current passion for the field with specific examples from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information.

Most veterinary schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, written essays, school tours, and opportunities to meet students and faculty.

Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The Stuckert Career Center can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One on one interview—Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow-up questions or play out the scenario with a trained actor.
• Group interview—May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.

Although the Commonwealth of Kentucky does not have a veterinary school, it does have contracts with Auburn University and Tuskegee University in Alabama. Thirty-eight seats are available at Auburn and two at Tuskegee for legal Kentucky residents. These seats are not reserved for any specific Kentucky college or university but are for any qualified legal Kentucky resident. However, pre-vet students can apply to any US veterinary school if they have all prerequisites.