Application Review Workshop Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine June 11, 2011 Kathy Kuehl Coordinator of Admissions

There is no specific formula for being admitted to a College of Veterinary Medicine

Selection Criteria

Three Phase Process Academics, Committee Review, Interview Thresholds need to be met at each phase May change based on applicant pool classification (resident, contract, non-resident/non-contract) May change based on number of applications received Generally those scoring in the bottom 10% for that phase Ranked lists are created and cutoff determined by total number or obvious break in scores.

Academics (60% or 60 pts) Cumulative GPA (10%) Required Science Course GPA (10%) Last 45 undergraduate credit GPA (10%) Graduate Record Exam (10%) Rigor (20%)

Rigor Degrees/Credits Honors College Attended Academic Efficiency Academic Workload

Academic Profile of Class of 2015 (as of 5/25/2011) IOWA ADMITS Mean Cumulative GPA: 3.51 Mean Science GPA: 3.26 Mean Last 45 GPA: 3.55 Mean Verbal GRE: 460 Mean Quant GRE: 620 Mean Analytical Writing GRE: 4.0 Mean Rigor Score: 14

Academic Profile of Class of 2015 (as of 5/25/2011) CONTRACT ADMITS Mean Cumulative GPA: 3.55 Mean Science GPA: 3.32 Mean Last 45 GPA: 3.61 Mean Verbal GRE: 470 Mean Quant GRE: 650 Mean Analytical Writing GRE: 4.0 Mean Rigor Score: 14

Academic Profile of Class of 2015 (as of 5/25/2011) NON-RESIDENT ADMITS Mean Cumulative GPA: 3.49 Mean Science GPA: 3.29 Mean Last 45 GPA: 3.49 Mean Verbal GRE: 490 Mean Quant GRE: 650 Mean Analytical Writing GRE: 4.0 Mean Rigor Score: 15

Committee Review (20% or 20 pts) Work Experience (2%) Animal/Vet/Research Experience (6 %) References (2%) Essays (6%) Community Service/Leadership/Honors (2%) Personal development (1%) Special circumstances (1%)

Committee Review WORK EXPERIENCE (2%) Do not leave this blank unless you have never worked! Include work at fast food places, retail stores, recreational venues, etc. If your only paid employment is listed under vet or animal experience include a note here.

Committee Review ANIMAL/VETERINARY/RESEARCH EXPERIENCE (6%) Make one entry per place of employment. Watch your hours and dates of employment! Pets are not considered animal experience. College coursework is not considered animal experience. MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!

Committee Review REFERENCES Know your references and make sure they know you.

Committee Review COMMUNITY SERVICE/LEADERSHIP/HONORS (2%) One entry per award with years in description One entry per activity with leadership positions in description. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (1%) Developing yourself or others. Discuss in personal statement. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (1%) Discuss in “Explanation” portion of VMCAS application.

Committee Review ESSAYS (6%) Personal Statement Supplemental Essays What do you believe the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University has to offer you that is unique? What will you as an individual bring to the ISU veterinary community?

Personal Statement Why are you interested in becoming a veterinarian? This must go beyond love and compassion for animals. Phrases not to use: Ever since I was a little kid I have loved all animals. In addition to my innate love for animals, . . . I was born with a passion for animals. . . I have been passionate about animals for my entire life. Ever since I was a young girl I've been around animals, from goldfish to horses. I have always had a strong love for animals. What about the veterinary profession intrigues you?

Personal Statement What have you learned about the veterinary profession from your experiences? Do not reiterate the duties of your experiences. These should be listed in the Experience section. What have your general work experiences taught you? How will this help you as a veterinary student and veterinarian? What type of personal development/leadership experiences have you had and what have you learned from them? Do you believe there are special circumstances that you have overcome? Show that you have a realistic understanding of the veterinary profession.

Personal Statement THINGS TO CONSIDER This is the same as applying to medical school or law school. Be professional. Do not make this a creative writing project. Remove emotion from your statements. Don’t try to impress the Committee with big words.

Personal Statement THINGS TO CONSIDER Don’t get on your soapbox and preach. Make sure your statements are realistic and not idealistic. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread Look at the content as well as for grammatical and spelling errors. You have one page,use it!

Supplemental Essays Why ISU? What will you bring to the ISU-CVM? Learn something about Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU-CVM) that pertains to your interests Do not copy the general information on the web What will you bring to the ISU-CVM? Think about your characteristics and skills and how they may positively impact your peers and the ISU-CVM.

Interview (20% or 20 pt) Behavioral-based Examples do not need to be animal or veterinary related 5 Competencies (all weighted equally) Acts Autonomously and Confidently Demonstrates Integrity Demonstrates Adaptability and Resilience Uses Sound Judgment Thinks Innovatively

Improving Your Application Retaking coursework (?) Retaking the GRE Taking additional coursework Pursuing an advanced degree Gaining more animal/vet/research experience Looking at all of your experience Obtaining certifications if applicable (i.e. certified medical technician, certified laboratory technician, certified veterinary technician) Rewriting your essays Become more familiar with the behavioral interview

Do not do something because it will “get you into vet school Do not do something because it will “get you into vet school.” Do something because it will help you if you are admitted to vet school and/or will help you with your Plan B if you do not.

Student Doctor Network http://forums.studentdoctor.net Pre-Veterinary Forums Veterinary Forums Information on Specific Veterinary College Interviews Articles on personal statements, interviews, etc.