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Pre-Veterinary Newsletter
March 2004

All articles are by Joseph M. Piekunka, Director of Admissions for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program, unless otherwise indicated. This is an open newsletter; please forward it to anyone who may be interested.

Articles in This Issue:

         

Should I Take the GRE or MCAT?

Most veterinary colleges accept only the GRE www.gre.org as their standardized admissions test. Some colleges accept either the GRE or the MCAT www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm and there are some advantages to taking the MCAT.

The GRE is a computer-adaptive test. While subject tests are given twice a year in a paper-based format, the main (general) GRE test is available in North America only in a computerized format. Some students claim to test better with one format or the other. With the computerized GRE, you cannot skip a question and return to it like you can with a paper-based test. Many students claim this can affect their score.

The MCAT is offered in either a paper-based or computer-based format. If you believe you would do better with a paper-based format, you should consider taking the paper-based MCAT. The veterinary colleges at Cornell U., Louisiana S.U., Ohio S.U., Michigan S.U., Tuskegee U., and Western U. allow you to submit either the GRE or MCAT.

Whichever test you take, it is important to practice before hand. If you will take a computer-based test, then practice on a computer. If you will take a paper-based test, then practice using printed materials. Becoming familiar with any standardized test before taking it can help reduce test anxiety and thus improve performance.

Standardized testing is used not just for college admissions but also for licensing decisions. If one does not pass a standardized licensing exam, s/he cannot gain licensure even with the proper degree.

Since most students will do better the second time they take any standardized test, Cornell will not penalize students for taking a test twice. We will use your best scores from either the GRE or MCAT -- we will not calculate your average scores from multiple tests. Cornell gives you options on testing (GRE or MCAT, paper or computer-based testing, using your highest scores) as we want to help reduce any test anxiety you may have.

Two Common Mistakes with Letters of Evaluation

Applicants to veterinary college make two common mistakes when asking for letters of evaluation. First, some applicants will gain minimum experience working in a particular practice and then ask for a letter. Letters based on less than 200 hours of experience are not very meaningful to our admissions committee. While there is no minimum number of hours required, most evaluators are uncomfortable writing for someone they do not know well.

Second, many veterinary colleges require a narrative yet many veterinarians will complete only the evaluation forms that ask questions and will fail to include a narrative. It is the applicants' responsibility to be sure the evaluator understands that a narrative is requested in addition to the evaluation form. (Forms for 2004-05 are not yet available, see #5.)

Other common mistakes include the applicant asking the evaluator at the 11th hour for a letter and the applicant not asking for a "good letter." Some evaluators may have a hard time saying "no," and will write a letter that is superficial. It is important that the applicant ask for a "good letter" and give the evaluator a way of saying no if s/he is not enthusiastic about writing for you.

High School and College Students in NYC

On Friday, March 26, Cornell's Director of DVM Admissions will hold two veterinary admissions presentations -- one for high school students and the other for college/adult students -- in New York City. Both are open to the public and it is requested that you let us know whether we should save a seat or two for you and a friend if you plan on attending.

The presentation for high school students will be held at 163 West 125th Street in Manhattan at the SUNY College and Career Day. The SUNY offices and fair are on the 15th floor in room 1517. The slide presentation will be 1 hour long and will begin at 10:30am. It will cover the topics listed below in #6.

The presentation for college and adult students will be held at New York University in Silver (Main) Building at 3:30pm. This is 90 minutes long and is also described in #6 below. NYU Building #27 on map http://www.nyu.edu/v40extras/nyumap.pdf. Please email us at vet_admissions@cornell.edu using the instructions below in #6 for the room locations.

Would you please cut and paste this article and send it to your high school counselors or college advisors so that they can send it on to their pre-vets? This entire newsletter is also posted at www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/newsletters.htm.

Visiting a Veterinary School Is Important

It is always valuable for pre-vets to visit a veterinary school while they are preparing for the profession. Cornell actually asks whether you have visited a veterinary school on our application for admission. This indicates a level of interest and self-initiative of those truly interested in the profession.

There are many opportunities to visit Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell's Open House (http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/openhouse/) will be held April 17, 2004. The admissions office will host visitation days on May 21, June 18, and July 16. All of our visitation days are announced in these Newsletters, in #6 below. Students can learn a lot about how to be a competitive applicant and what to expect during veterinary school. Applicants who never visit a veterinary school could be at a slight disadvantage over those who know more about the rigors of a veterinary education. If you cannot visit a veterinary school, be sure to attend a presentation when a veterinary school representative is speaking at your campus or school.

NY Resident Applicants and VMCAS

During the 2004-2005 application cycle, all applicants, including New York residents, will be asked to apply through VMCAS (http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm). All applicants will also be required to self-initiate a short Cornell Supplemental Application which will be on-line in July 2004.

There will be some differences in our upcoming application cycle which will be announced in this Pre-Vet Newsletter. Both the VMCAS and Cornell web sites do not yet reflect the changes for the new Cornell application procedures. When our web sites are updated, we will make you aware of the changes via this Newsletter.

Cornell Veterinary Admissions Presentation Schedule - You Are Invited

Please come listen to a presentation by Cornell's Admissions Officer, who will be presenting in these cities on or near these dates. Please register at our web site https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/regform.asp.

For College and Adult Pre-Vets -- 2004
- July 16 1:15pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 3pm tours, pre-register*
- Aug. 6 1:15pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 3pm tours, pre-register*
- Sept.10 1:15pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 3pm tours, pre-register*

Topics discussed during these college/adult student admissions presentations:
-DVM degree requirements in the U.S.
-DVM specialties, residencies, internships, and licensure
-Is Cornell's curriculum right for you?
-DVM admissions requirements at Cornell and nationwide
-How to Increase Your Chances of Admission to Veterinary College
-DVM national admissions statistics and Cornell statistics
-DVM financial aid and national salary statistics
-Questions and answers

For Junior High and High School Pre-Vets -- 2004 Admissions Presentations
- July 16 3pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 4pm tours, pre-register*
- Aug. 6 3pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 4pm tours, pre-register*
- Sept.10 3pm Ithaca, NY Cornell Veterinary Campus, 4pm tours, pre-register*

Topics discussed during these High School level presentations include:
-Is Veterinary Medicine Right for You
-Veterinary Career Paths
-How to Prepare at the High School Level
-How to Choose a Good College
-How to Choose a College Major
-How to Increase Your Chances of Admission to Veterinary College
-How to Choose a Veterinary School
-Questions and Answers

*Pre-Register at https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/regform.asp.
Driving directions to Cornell are at http://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospital/appointment.htm.
Find Ithaca travel information at www.visitithaca.com.

Cornell's DVM Admissions Web Site

Home Page: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/
Procedures: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/appinfo.htm
Preparation: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/prep.htm
Deadlines: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/appinfoTable.htm
Who Gets In: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/prep.htm
Pre-Requisites: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/despreq.htm
Case-Based Learning: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/about/edu.htm
Financial Aid: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/public/financialaid/
High Schoolers: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/hsinfo.html
Request Information: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/inquiry.asp
Pre-Vet Tours: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/regform.asp

Past Newsletter Issues and Selected Articles

All Newsletters are archived at http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/newsletters/issuearchive.htm.

February 2004
  - New U.S. Loan Forgiveness Program for Veterinary Graduates

December 2003
  - Do Veterinarians Need to Specialize?
  - Veterinary Specialty Boards Resource List
  - National Veterinary Salary Statistics

September 2003
  - A 7-year Stipend and Free Tuition in Our DVM/PhD Program

July 2003
  - Your State Residency Affects Our Decision

June 2002
  - Do Veterinarians Need to Specialize?

April 2002
  - Preparing for the GRE May Make the Difference
  - Are You Planning a Visit to Cornell's Veterinary Campus?

February 2002
  - Web Site for Veterinary Career Information
  - Most Common Advice Given to Denied Applicants

November 2001
  - Is Study-Abroad Experience Valued by Admissions Committees?
  - Wildlife Medicine at Cornell

August 2001
  - Comparative DVM Salary Information
  - Financial Aid at Cornell's Veterinary College
  - A 7-year Stipend and Free Tuition in Our DVM/PhD Program

May 2001
  - Am I Considered a NY Resident? Or NJ or NH Resident?
  - May I Substitute Courses for Cornell's Pre-Requisites?

March 2001
  - Animal and Veterinary Experience: Breadth or Depth?
  - Should I Go to Graduate School Before Applying to Vet School?

October 2000
  - 14 Tips on Letters of Evaluation for VMCAS/Cornell Applicants

May 2000
  - Your State Residency Affects Our Decision

How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe to this Free Newsletter

Did you receive this newsletter from a friend or an advisor? You may sign-up for a free copy to come directly to you at https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/inquiry.asp. We send this free newsletter about every 2 months to all interested individuals via email only. If you do not have email but have access to the World Wide Web, visit our web site to view our newsletters.

Alumni -- if you subscribe individually you may receive two copies, one from DVM Admissions and one from our Alumni Office.

Advisors -- if you subscribe to the health professions advisors' list serve, you do not need to sign-up separately for this newsletter. We will forward each new edition to the list serve. Advisors who do not subscribe to that list serve are encouraged to subscribe directly to our newsletter.

To unsubscribe, go to https://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/inquiry.asp.

How To Contact Us

phone: 607-253-3700
e-mail: vet_admissions@cornell.edu
web: http://www.vet.cornell.edu

Office of DVM Admissions
Cornell University
Schurman Hall, Room S2-009
Ithaca, NY 14853-6401

Our phone lines are often busy.
   Please, email us!

Summer hours: Mon.- Fri., 8am-4pm

Important Dates

July Supplemental & VMCAS forms available
October 1 VMCAS application deadline
October 5 Cornell's preferred Supplemental application deadline*
November 14 Latest acceptable GRE test date
November 15 Absolute final deadline for Cornell's on-line self-initiated supplemental*
January File the FAFSA + the CSS Profile for financial aid
February Decisions/Notifications are made
March Information Sessions for admitted & alternate students held
April 15 Deadline for all in USA to accept/decline DVM acceptance offer
May 31 All prerequisites must be completed if enrolling in August
August Orientation and beginning of classes

*The only difference between these deadlines is the application fee -- it costs us more to process your application if you apply after October 5.


Minimum Prerequisite Credits (in semester hours)

6 cr. English Composition Full Year
6 cr. Biology or Zoology . Full Year with Lab
6 cr. General Chemistry . Full Year with Lab
6 cr. Organic Chemistry . Full Year with Lab
4 cr. Biochemistry (prefer Full Year)
6 cr. Introductory Physics Full Year with Lab
3 cr. Microbiology Half Year with Lab

These courses must have a letter grade of C- or better.

- Pass, Satisfactory or Narrative grades are not acceptable.
- AP credits are not acceptable, except for Physics and General Chemistry.
- Higher level course work in the same discipline is preferred.

Cornell's DVM Admissions Formula

30% Overall GPA (all grades from all colleges)
30% GRE (verbal & quantitative only)
5% Quality of Academic Program
20% Animal Experience (with Letters of Evaluation)
10% All Other Achievements & Letters of Evaluation
5% Personal Essay

(No minimum GPA or GRE; we use your highest of multiple GRE scores;
median GPA=3.55, GRE=1330/1600 from Class of 2002)

This is an open newsletter; please forward it to anyone who may be interested.

Questions or Comments?



DVM Admissions, College of Veterinary Medicine
S2-009 Schurman Hall, Box 37, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401
phone: 607-253-3700, fax: 607-253-3709, email: vet_admissions@cornell.edu

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