Acing the Veterinary School Application

Although globally there is a critical need for qualified veterinarians, it’s never been more competitive to be accepted into veterinary medical school. To help prospective students navigate the application process, St. George's School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has provided some helpful tips.

Hands-On Experience is Key
According to Robert Ryan, Associate Dean of Enrolment Planning at St. George’s University, the most important prerequisite for admission is “real experience with animal care.” Prospective students should make sure they have experience working in animal clinics, shelters, emergency hospitals, or private practices. Admissions counsellors look for students who have been exposed to a true veterinary environment, as they will likely have witnessed specific situations pertinent to their education and their future careers in veterinary medicine.

Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Although each university varies, most schools require three letters of recommendation. Take the time to ask veterinarians you’ve worked for, past professors, and previous employers for letters that speak to your leadership and communication skills and experience working with animals.

Test Scores Count
Most veterinary medical schools require students to provide their Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores, so it’s a good idea to enroll in a preparation course six months before the exam. Also, plan ahead and take the GREs months before you’ll be applying to school so you’ll have plenty of time to receive your scores and re-take the exam if necessary.

Academic Programs
Founded in 1999, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers the pre-veterinary medical program and the veterinary medical program, which includes the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. For clinical studies, the program is affiliated with the University of Prince Edward Island and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, two of the seven veterinary schools in the United Kingdom, 23 of the 28 veterinary schools in the United States, and schools in Ireland, and Australia. The school offers the stand-alone degree DVM, as well as dual degrees, such as the DVM/MPH, the DVM/MSc, and the DVM/MBA.

Information on the St. George’s University is available at www.sgu.edu, and through YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter at StGeorgesU.