Information Session for Prospective Pre-Veterinary Students

Rebecca Sparrow Executive Director, Cornell Career Services

April 14, 2014

Today we will…

•  Explain how pre-vet advising works at Cornell •  Answer some questions frequently asked by

prospective students •  Talk about how you can prepare as a veterinary

school candidate •  Take your questions

Introductions

•  First-years? •  Transfers? •  Where are you from? •  Who has some experience in the veterinary field?

Pre-Vet Advising at Cornell

•  Pre-Vet Advisors: –  University Health Careers Advisor in 103 Barnes Hall –  Health Careers Advising Network (see p. 19)

•  Faculty/Academic Advisors •  Professors/Other Administrators •  Friends/Family/Classmates

FAQs of the First Year: First-Year and Transfer Students

FAQs

What courses do I need to take?

What can (or should) I major in?

What are veterinary schools looking for?

How competitive are these schools?

Where can I find the guidance I may need?

FAQs

What courses do I need to take?

What Academic Preparation: Four Aspects

• Pre-professional course work • College requirements (distribution, etc.) • Major • Personal choice

The Prerequisites

Cornell Course Sequences Required or Recommended by Colleges of Veterinary Medicine

FAQs

What can (or should) I major in?

Cornell is a universe of learning Several majors can prepare you for veterinary school.

FAQs

Where can I find the guidance I may need?

Publications Web Resources

People

Publications

The BEST resource for early animal health professions planning See also: Career Library in 103 Barnes Hall

Cornell Career Services

career.cornell.edu

Animal Health Professions

2013/2014

Exploration and Planning Guide

Web Resources

•  Career Services Websites •  CCNet •  VMSAR

People: Health Careers Advising Specialists

•  College Health Careers Advisor •  Office of Undergraduate Biology •  Barnes Hall Health Careers Advisor

People: To complement college-level advising

Information Category Advisor/Office

Internships, Summer Experiences College or University Career Services

Library University Career Services

International Student Issues Anne Poduska

Externship Programs Nancy Law

Health Professions General Topics Health Careers Advisor (TBA)

People: Peer Support and Information Groups

FAQs

What are veterinary schools looking for?

The Three Elements of a Strong Candidacy

Doing - extracurriculars - clinical experience - service

Being - personal competencies and

qualities

Academic Achievements

- grades - research

-GRE score

FAQs

How competitive are these schools?

Factors That Affect Acceptance Likelihood Increase Likelihood •  Service moving to

leadership •  Experience with animals •  GPA upward trajectory •  Demonstrated commitment

to field •  Documented strong

writing, speaking, and teamwork communication skills

Decrease Likelihood •  High grades and little else •  GPA downward trajectory •  Weak interpersonal skills or

little evidence of building them

•  Applying before the whole candidacy is in place

Tips for the Journey Ahead

•  Connect with the resources at Cornell •  Do well academically •  Gain experience with animals •  Develop alternative career plans •  Stay open

Questions?

Thank You for Attending… Enjoy the Rest of Your Visit!