Goals
- Maintain a strong GPA and focus on coursework.
- Make an appointment with a pre-health advisor to introduce yourself
- Begin to get involved with clubs and student organizations.
- Begin volunteering and gaining relevant experience.
Involvement (Clubs and student organizations)
Volunteer
Having varied experiences working with different species is important per the AVMA
Goals
- While maintaining a high GPA, look into opportunities for research and experience engaging in two more areas of veterinary.
- Build relationships with professors as they may become letter writers.
- Attend pre-health meetings and events.
- Begin to look into preparing for the GRE (Studying and Registration).
- Continue to meet with your pre-health advisor.
Clinical experience
Leadership experience
Study abroad
Grade point average
Goals
- Maintain a high GPA and stay involved with campus clubs/ organizations, volunteer opportunities, and experience.
- Begin an internship and start prepping for the GRE (take the GRE by spring of Junior year).
- Apply through VMCAS one year prior to when you plan to matriculate.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Prep courses and practice exams
VMCAS
Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS)
Personal statement
Review off personal statement offered by Pre-Health Office.
Letters of recommendation (LOR)
Identify people who know you well and can firmly comment on your ability as a student and future veterinarian. Veterinary programs may favor having at least 1 letter of recommendation from a practicing veterinarian (D.V.M). VMCAS only allows up to six references to be submitted, though you need to list at least three. Ask in advance and give your letter writers sufficient time to complete and submit. Also, remember to stay in touch with letter writers who you may also ask in the future!
Mock interviews
Schedule mock interview with Pre-Health Office your senior year
Goals
- Meet pre-health advisor to prepare for interviews.
- If waitlisted or rejected, explore post-bac options or consider taking a gap year.
Post-bac programs
You are encouraged to meet with a pre-health advisor at least once a semester to discuss options for careers in medicine, opportunities to gain relevant experience, discussing the best time to apply, preparation for the GRE, the VMCAS application, and much more. For more information, schedule an appointment with your advisor.