Admissions Newsletter of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

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Pre-Veterinary Newsletter
September 2005

Articles in This Issue:

Application Tips
The Admissions Review
On-Campus Presentation Schedule
Student Organizations

Application Tips

We are delighted that you have decided to apply for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. As you prepare your application it is critical to make sure you understand and follow the admissions process carefully. There are many important steps to follow and you will want to make sure you pay particular attention to deadlines. As you complete the VMCAS and Cornell Supplemental applications, make sure you provide the appropriate documentation with each application. The following link will lead to a chart on our web page that provides this information: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/howtoapply.htm

The Admissions Committee has developed a list of topics and questions they would like addressed in your letters of recommendation. Of particular interest is your ability to communicate effectively, interpersonal skills, ability to think logically and independently, and your understanding and commitment to the veterinary profession. For a printable form to provide your references click on http://www.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/appdocuments.htm and select "Guidelines to Your Evaluators".

You are also able to track your application as information comes in. That link is: https://secure.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/track.asp. Please let us know if you have any trouble with this function or link.

The Admissions Review

It is helpful and important to understand how each component of your application is reviewed. The Admissions Committee has a formula they follow when reviewing each application. The formula is as follows:

      25% Overall GPA (all grades from all colleges)
      25% GRE (verbal & quantitative only)
      5% Quality of Academic Program
      20% Animal/Veterinary/Research Experience (supported with Letters of Evaluation)
      10% Non-Cognitive Skills
      10% All Other Achievements & Letters of Evaluation
      5% Personal Statement

Equal weight is given to the subjective and objective parts of the application showing an interest in the whole student. This reinforces the need to provide well thought out statements and solid evaluations, so the faculty have a clear sense of who you are.

On-Campus Presentation Schedule

Presentations will be offered three Fridays over the next three months. These presentations are opportunities to learn more about:

How to prepare for the admissions process
The curriculum at Cornell
Applying to Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine
Financial aid information
National Salary information for DVM's
Residency's, specialties and internship opportunities
Your questions and answers

There will be a separate session for college students and one for high school students. After each presentation there will be a tour of the College.

The dates and schedule are:

      September 16th, October 14th, and November 18th
            12:30 College Presentation
            2:00 Tour
            2:00 High School Presentation
            3:00 Tour

We encourage you to attend one of these sessions and learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine and how it might be a part of your future. Registration for the presentations can be found at: https://secure.vet.cornell.edu/admissions/application/prevetpresentation.asp

Student Organizations

Although the academic demands of the DVM program are rigorous, students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities as their schedules permit. This allows for a balanced and a well rounded life. There is a wide range of student organizations, reflecting the breadth and diversity of interests among our students. Some focus on particular species of interest while others reflect broader professional interests, such as the VECCS (Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society). These organizations provide students opportunities to meet each other and work together on a different level. Highlighted below are two student organizations. More information about these student organizations and others can be found at http://www.vet.cornell.edu/students/.

SCAVMA

One association that has a clear mission and is an extension of a larger entity is the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA). Representing the national AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), this student chapter addresses the needs of the College's students. They are committed to the quality of the curriculum, maintaining a relationship with the College's administration, and sponsoring lectures and social events for the student body. Students hold elected positions that have specific roles within the association and represent Cornell at national SAVMA and AVMA conferences. The majority of students are SCAVMA members, in addition to other, more focused groups.

UltraSound

Performing at several college functions, UltraSound provides an outlet for those interested in singing. This is an a cappella group made up of veterinary students who meet once a week for two hours. Their selections have included Van Morrison, Billy Joel, Doran Doran, and Doo-Wop Jazz.

Questions or Comments?

J. Mailey/September 2005