Veterinary School

Before applying to Vet school, applicants will need to gain hands-on experience with animals by working with veterinarians, getting involved in research, and/or caring for and managing animals (e.g. animal shelters, farms, zoos, kennels, grooming, wildlife rehab, etc.) They should also demonstrate an understanding of the veterinary profession, a genuine interest in animal care, and clear professional goals. 

At the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine, competitive applicants will have at least 300 hours of hands-on experience in both clinical and non clinical animal care across a variety of species, veterinarian practices, and settings such as surgery, dentistry, large animal, small animal, etc. 

Examples of general animal care experience may include volunteering at animal shelters or humane societies, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation facilities, as well as working at kennels, boarding facilities, or similar animal care settings. 

Here is further information on how applicants are evaluated at the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine. 

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges has an online school directory of U.S. Veterinary schools. 

Many Veterinary schools require you to apply to their program through the VMCAS - the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). If a school does not use the VMCAS service, you will need to go to that school's website for information and directions on how to apply to that school. 

Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)

For Veterinary school, you will be required to submit your applications through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). VMCAS opens in early May and closes in mid-September of each year. 

VMCAS directions for the personal statement: 
Your statement of purpose is a one-page essay (not to exceed 3,000 characters) that gives veterinary admissions committees a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly answers the question: Why do you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

Suggestions:

• Keep the statement general as this essay is sent to all the programs you apply to. If you plan to only apply to one program, we still recommend keeping your statement general in case you later apply to additional programs. Once you submit your application, the essay cannot be edited or changed. 
• Do not exceed the maximum length. Characters include spaces, carriage returns, and punctuation. You cannot save your essay if it exceeds the 3,000 character limit. 
• Use simple formatting: Formatting such as tabs, italics, multiple spaces, etc., will not be saved. To delineate paragraphs, type a double return between each paragraph. 

Additional Suggestions:

• Give yourself time to organize your thoughts, write well and edit, as necessary.
• Ask yourself if this essay is a good representation of your character, ideals, and aspirations. 
• Be yourself. 
• Don't use jargon, clichés, or big phrases that you normally don't use in normal conversation. Veterinary admissions committees want to know about the real you. 
• Don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. 
• Don't use a gimmicky style or format. 
• Remember to proofread!

View or download the "Getting Started" worksheet to get started on writing your personal statement!

Have your personal statement reviewed

Interviews for veterinary school can consist of different types of questions including traditional, behavioral based, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), and mission or competency based questions. They can also be structured as individual one-on-one interviews, group, or panel interviews. Please check with the individual program for any information they provide on the interviewing process. 

For the UMN Veterinary school, they use a behavior based interview style. Their website has more information on their interview process. 

Criteria interviewers may use to evaluate applicants include but are not limited to:

• Motivation
• Maturity
• Experience with Animals
• Knowledge of the Veterinary Profession
• Personal Qualities
• Leadership Potential
• Personal Statement
• Demonstration of Critical Thinking Skills
• Potential to Contribute to the Profession
• Supplemental Application information

Practice Interview Questions for Veterinary School

The Career Center does practice interviews! Contact us to schedule a time, or multiple times, to practice your interview. 

You can also book one of our interview rooms for a quiet space to do your virtual interviews with schools.