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

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

3. Selection Criteria

4. 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.

5. 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%)

6. Rigor Degrees/Credits Honors College Attended Academic Efficiency
Academic Workload

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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%)

11. 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.

12. 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!

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

14. 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.

15. 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?

16. 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?

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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!

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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.

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