Passion, Commitment, and Planning: Vet School and One Health
This past week, I reached out to two of my clients who I worked with when they were applying to college to congratulate them on their new acceptances.
You see, I had the wonderful opportunity to support them once again as they researched universities, wrote compelling essays, and submitted applications where they were accepted to top veterinary schools and combined veterinary/Ph.D. programs.
I am incredibly proud of them and know they will play important roles in making a difference in their fields. It wasn’t luck, though, that got them there; it was passion, planning, and commitment on their part, and lots of it.
The most critical components of successful vet school applications are undergraduate GPA, well-crafted essays, excellent recommendations, and diverse and relevant clinical experience. In-depth research experience is vital if you are thinking of combining your degree with a Ph.D.
By engaging deeply with that which they cared about, they sought out opportunities to gain knowledge and experience early on and continued through their college years. They worked on dairy and cattle farms, did rounds with equine vets, and conducted field research on endangered turtles. They were curious and involved.
They were also planners. By attending colleges where they could thrive academically but not be in the middle of the pack in their coursework, they were able to participate in research, be mentored, and ultimately be seen in and known for their leadership, hard work, and intellectual curiosity. Both in school and beyond, they were connected to their recommenders who could authentically share with the graduate school admissions committees the unique characteristics these applicants would bring to their programs and the profession at large.
They are thoughtful and committed and know the importance of setting goals and solving life’s critical problems for the betterment of others. Look out world. We’ve got two wonderful people entering the field of veterinary medicine and One Health.
