By April KarbowskyVeterinarySchools.com Staff Writer
March 14, 2005
Getting accepted to a veterinary program at any level has many requirements that students need to be sure to pay keen attention to. Generally, the process for students of veterinary technology programs is simpler than that for veterinary students wishing to earn graduate or doctoral degrees.
Students of veterinary technology/technician programs who wish to earn an associates or bachelors degree are required to have a high school diploma or GED and submit either SAT or ACT scores.
The SAT test has been modified, so students who graduate in 2006 will be the first to be tested using the new format. The SAT measures a student's skills in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
The ACT test, America's most widely accepted exam, assesses a student's general education development and their ability to complete college-level coursework. Students are tested via multiple-choice questions in four skill areas: English, math, reading, and science. There is an optional writing test that measures a student's skill in the planning and writing of a short essay.
Schools may also look for personal qualities such as leadership, motivation, and good communication skills when making acceptance determinations. Additionally, applicants are expected to have some experience working with or near animals (such as in pet stores or animal shelters) as this exemplifies the student's ability and demeanor for the proper care and handling of animals.
It is much harder to get accepted into a veterinary program at either of these levels. The number of colleges and universities that offer these programs is relatively small (compared to other majors) and the competition can be fierce. Usually very high standards are set and students need to meet all of the criteria that a school uses as its outline for selection of individuals into their programs. A typical example of such criteria is as follows:
- Residency status
- Academic Performance
- GRE or MCAT Scores
- Background Experience
- Character Affidavits
- Communication Skills
- Extracurricular Activities
Residency Status
In many cases, there are no more than one or two institutions of higher learning in a given state that offer master or doctoral programs in veterinary science. In such cases, schools often give preference to in-state students first.
Academic Performance
With so much competition, schools often set a high minimum GPA for incoming students. Students should not expect to be accepted if their average is below 3.0, with some schools opting for an even higher GPA.
GRE or MCAT Scores
Testing for acceptance into masters or doctoral level programs is done through either the GRE or MCAT. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is made up of two separate parts: the General Test and the Subject Test in psychology.
The General Test is a three part test comprised of sections that measure verbal skills, quantitative knowledge, and analytical writing skills.
The Subject Test (which only is required by some programs) measures knowledge of psychological concepts that are essential to graduate study.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination. The MCAT is designed to assess a student's problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills. In addition, is assesses the student's knowledge of science concepts (physical and biological) and other principles that are considered prerequisites to the study of medicine.
In addition to consideration of standardized test scores, schools place a lot of importance on the types of courses covered at an undergraduate level. Typically, courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and animal science must have been taken within a specified number of years prior to the student's application to ensure that he or she has been educated in those areas by the most current standards as are deemed necessary.
Background Experience
Often students are expected to have some type of animal care experience (other than mere observation) already under their belt. This experience should exemplify the student's interest in animal well-being, their work habits, and their personal integrity. Typical venues for achieving such animal-related experience include zoos, animal medical environments, veterinary practices, animal research institutions, humane shelters, regulatory animal control facilities, and commercial animal production operations.
Character Affidavits
Some schools require applicants to submit written referrals from either their personal and/or professional associates that attest to their interest in the field, their commitment to the profession, and their general attitude and demeanor towards animal welfare.
Communication Skills
Students are assessed on their communication skills either through personal essays or by way of personal interviews. Since excellent communications is required in written and verbal forms with staff and patients, this can be a key component used by schools in the consideration of a student's acceptance into a veterinary program.
Extracurricular Activities
As with undergrads, activities done in the community are looked upon favorably by schools. A student's extracurricular work can further exemplify their commitment to the field and their level of devotion to causes that are important to them can portray compassion - a key characteristic for individuals who wish to become veterinarians.
It may seem that there are a lot of requirements that have to be met for acceptance to veterinary programs - at any level. This is true because of the nature of the profession. Veterinary practitioners deal with life on many levels. Veterinary colleges and universities make a point of selecting individuals who can meet the challenges of the profession while serving to protect and enhance the lives of the creatures that come before them, advance the causes of science related to veterinary practices, and live up to the ideals set forth in the Veterinarian's Oath.
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