#### Navigating the Veterinary School Application Process: Tips and Guidelines ####

1. The Application Process Vet School:

2. The Basics: VMCAS • VMCAS – Veterinary Medical College Application Service • Background information • Education Information • GRE • Experience • Electronic Letters of Recommendation (ELORs) • Personal Statement • Transcripts and fees • Explanation Section

3. VMCAS • Opens in early June • This year’s application closed on October 2, 2012 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time • Sample Application • www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/sampleapp2011.pdf

4. Supplement Applications • Many colleges require supplemental applications • They have their own fees associated too • Mississippi State’s supplemental application • Last year’s MS State supplemental application was due October 3, 2011 and required a $45 fee • Avaliable between June 1 and October 1 of application year • http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/academics/student_admissions.html

5. Research before you apply • Research schools in which you are interested, making sure you understand the requirements • GPA • Needs to be around a 3.0 • Most first years come in with a 3.5 GPA • GRE • http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/test_chart_2012.pdf • Pre-requisites • http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/prerequisite_chart_2013.pdf • Electronic letters of recommendation • Supplemental applications • Fees

6. Before you apply: • Electronic Letters of Recommendation • Start thinking now about whom to chose as your evaluators • Form strong relationships for good letters of reference • At least one must be a vet • Ask before getting a letter if they would write you a good one

7. Before you apply: • Personal Statement • Better to start earlier over later • Make it unique

8. When applying: • Use your resources • The AAVMCs website has many helpful links and hotline numbers if troubles arrise while applying • aavmacs.org

9. What I wished I knew before I applied…