APPLYING FOR VET SCHOOL HANDOUTS
VMCAS – Veterinary Medical College Application Service www.aavmc.org
Educational Information
Background Information
GRE (Average scores of those accepted to the Class of 2015 were 460-590 on the Verbal
and Quantitative sections, and 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section. Schools can see
GRE scores for the previous 5 years.)
Experience
Electronic Letters of Recommendation (ELOR’s) – at least 1 must be a vet
Personal Statement (5000 characters including spaces)
Transcripts
Talk to students who have applied and can give you guidance. The application process is
open for 5 months – June through October.
EVERY VET SCHOOL IS DIFFERENT – research and know what each school
wants. www.aavmc.org has your best resources for the application process, vet
schools’ requirements, etc.
Know GPA requirements, GRE requirements, and pre-requisite requirements.
http://www.aavmc.org/Students-Applicants-and-Advisors/Veterinary-MedicalCollege-Application-Service.aspx
There is even a sample application.
http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/sample%20app.pdf
SOME SCHOOLS REQUIRE SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS WITH FEES –
this goes back to researching each of your schools in which you are interested. MSU has
one – the fee is $45.
RESOURCES HERE AT MSU TO HELP WITH APPLICATION PROCESS
Use the Student and Advisor Hotline: 202-682-0750 or vmcas@aavmc.org
Talk with Dr. Meiring and Missy Hadaway
Tony Wynne at twynne@aavmc.org or 202-371-9195 extension 124
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/
UNDERSTANDING THE GRE – GRADUATE RECORD EXAM
GRE = standardized test required by many graduate schools.
It was revised in 2011 – be sure any study aids you purchase are for the new test.
THE GRE TEST – 3 hours and 45 minutes long with six subsections and a 10
minute break after the 3rd section
VERBAL REASONING – TWO PARTS (1) reading passages and answering questions
(2) reading, interpreting, and completing sentences, group of sentences, and paragraphs
Reading Comprehension – 10 passages with up to 6 questions on each
mostly multiple choice
Text Completion – passages that have words/phrases omitted (1-3 blanks)
multiple choice
Sentence Equivalence – one sentence with one blank
choose which two answers fit into the blank
QUANTITATIVE REASONING – analyzing math skills including arithmetic, algebra,
geometry, and statistics. The content is not higher than a second course in algebra.
You are given an on-screen calculator for this section.
Quantitative Comparison – given 2 quantities: A and B; you have 4 choices: A is
always greater, B is always greater, they are equal , or the relationship cannot be
determined . Some are multiple choice with one or more answers. Some require you to
type in a numeric answer.
ANALYTICAL WRITING – This section comes first on the GRE. Other sections are
randomly distributed.
Assesses your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, construct and evaluate
arguments, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion.
Contains two separately timed “tasks”
Issue task
Purpose is to test your critical thinking and persuasive writing
You will be given an issue with specific instructions
You will have to take a position with the issue and present an argument (addressing what
the instructions ask) for why you support that position
Argument Task
Purpose is to test your ability to understand, analyze and evaluate arguments
You will be given an argument and be forced to consider the logical soundness of the
argument by examining the line of reasoning and the evidence it presents
There will be specific instructions to follow when writing your response
TIMING FOR THE GRE
SCORE EXPLANATION
RECEIVING MY SCORE - Both you and your designated score recipients receive
your official scores. Remember schools see all scores for the previous 5 years
Computer-based Test –about 10 – 15 days after your test date
Paper-based Test – within six weeks of test date
You can also view your scores online free of charge.
HOW ARE GRE SCORES USED?
(1) use them as cutoffs to eliminate applicant
(2) use them as criteria for research assistantships and other forms of funding
(3) look at GRE scores to offset weak GPA’s
(4) admissions committees will overlook poorer GRE scores if applicants demonstrate
significant strengths in other areas.
MSU AND THE GRE
With a 3-4 week lag time for reporting, be sure the take the August test.
Average scores of those accepted to the Class of 2015 were 460-590 on the Verbal and
Quantitative sections, and 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section.
MSU does not have minimum score requirement.
PRACTICING FOR THE GRE:
Kaplan
http://www.kaptest.com/GRE/Home/index.html
Usually have workshops and publish guides for the test
Courses anywhere from $500-$2200 with financial aid option
ETS
http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare?WT.ac=rx46
Offers a variety of free and low-cost tools from practice questions to what to expect
on test day and tips for each section
Barron’s
http://barronstestprep.com/gre/gre-online-practicetests.php?gclid=CKiJx9vIiq8CFUhl7Aodmm0aCA
Publish guides for the test
Limited help online for free
Access to online practice tests and solutions for $69
http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html
Has practice problems for the new GRE
Also has practice problems for the old test if you want to compare them