veterinarian career goals essay

• Veterinary School

VMCAS Essay Examples

VMCAS essay examples are a great place to start when you're preparing to apply to veterinary school. After researching vet school rankings and looking into the best vet schools in your chosen area, you’ve finally decided on the schools you would like to apply to. One of the items you’ll need to include in your VMCAS application is a personal essay. We’re here to show you how to highlight your personal story and provide you with some VMCAS essay examples to make the process easier.

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Article Contents 10 min read

Personal essay example 1.

I grew up in a family with no pets. An experimental goldfish or two, but there is no family dog I can look back on fondly. My parents were both immigrants who left their homes young and understandably focused on providing for their kids and ensuring we did well in school.

But like a lot of young kids, I developed a love and fascination for horses. My parents thought it was a phase, but when my requests for horseback riding lessons continued year after year, they finally relented and took me to a local farm for lessons. I remember my first connection with the pony. I felt like it could understand, hear, and accept me, without being able to say a word. That’s when I started to understand the relationship that people have with the animals in their lives, and I wanted nothing more than to experience it again.

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Several years later, I jumped at the opportunity to help out at the riding camp during the summer break. I didn’t realize until then how different it is to participate in the care of the animals, instead of just passively riding them. Every chore was to make sure the horses were comfortable, healthy, and happy. I felt like they relied on me, and they, in turn, provided peace and enjoyment to the people around them.

Since then, I’ve volunteered at the Second Chances Animal Sanctuary for several years, developing and applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my biology and zoology classes. My proudest moments were when we were able to help a family’s beloved pony walk again after a leg fracture that might have otherwise resulted in euthanasia. Being able to give the family hope when they thought there was nothing we could do was amazing, and giving the animal a chance at a full life was incredibly fulfilling.

I developed a special interest in animal orthopedics while completing an internship at the Main Street Animal Hospital. What I want more than anything is to be a vet who works within the field of orthopedics for large animals, developing therapies and treatment programs to help regain mobility. These animals are often essential to rural businesses or farms and should get the care a partner deserves. The sense of responsibility I feel toward them and their quality of life continues to drive me to pursue the skills and knowledge I need to care for them as a practitioner of veterinary medicine.

My parents didn’t believe in going to conventional places when it came to vacations. They wanted to see places that were unusual and immerse themselves in everything the locals did while they were there.

This meant that my brother and I were regularly exposed to places that were very culturally different from ours, but also climates that were totally new to us. As I got older, what struck me wasn’t always the exotic animals and plants, but the relationship a lot of people had with wildlife, and how it was different from what I experienced at home. At home in the urban setting where I lived, “wildlife” was what got into your garbage if you didn’t secure the lid properly. It was what dug through your flower pots at night. But in a lot of countries I visited, wildlife was an inseparable part of everyday life, and vital to the local economies. The animals there were valued as pollinators, decomposers, and yes, food. It made me curious about how people could value and experience wildlife back in the city where I lived.

At the beginning of high school, a friend and I decided to volunteer at the city’s wildlife center. As untrained volunteers we would mostly be cleaning cages and measuring feed for the animals, but I had never been so excited. The vets and vet technicians were so dedicated and resourceful. They relied on local donations, and the center survived on a shoestring budget, but they made it work. To them, even the common sparrows deserved kindness and care. Witnessing that level of empathy from vets and vet techs is humbling and inspiring.

Since that experience, I’ve taken as many opportunities as possible to work with wildlife organizations as possible. I volunteered at a summer program that was specifically created to help and preserve local turtle species, treating and tracking injured animals to ensure their survival. I’ve also participated in local songbird data collection, aiding in gathering information about migration patterns and population decline.

What I want is to be one of those veterinarians who cares for animals that don’t have anyone to care for them, or are treated like nuisances. Dogs and cats are loved and cared for, but so many city-dwelling animals are displaced or trapped or impacted negatively by humans. Working at a wildlife organization has taught me to be creative and resourceful, making the most out of the materials and equipment we had. I want to show people that even the plainest city wildlife deserves respect and help when they need it.

The VMCAS essay is one of the application components required by the Veterinary Medical College Application Service when you use their process to apply to vet schools. This essay is intended to provide admissions committees with “a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.” While they may have your credentials on paper through your vet school resume , they might not have a good idea of what your personality is like, or what your goals are. Even your veterinary school letters of recommendation only represent who you are through someone else’s eyes, not your own.

Different from your vet school letter of intent , which must make a clear connection between your background, training, areas of interest, and the objectives and mission of your chosen veterinary school program, the VMCAS essay is more personal. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee why you love veterinary medicine and why you think you will make a good veterinarian.

Requirements

The VMCAS essay or vet school personal statement can be a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). This comes out to about one page of writing. It’s important to make sure your essay falls within the character count and contains all the listed requirements .

Note that the application site doesn’t have spell-check, and you can’t edit your work once you’ve submitted it. Making sure your punctuation and spelling is correct is the most basic way to show you’ve paid attention to the details in your essay. If you aren’t sure about a word or grammar choice, look it up so you know you’ve used it properly.

For help writing your essay, you could consider medical school personal statement editing services, which can easily be modified by an advisor to suit veterinary school requirements. Engaging an expert, such as those at BeMo Academic Consulting, is well worth it to improve your application documents and stand out from the crowd.

Is the VMCAS Essay Important?

The personal essay might not seem as formal or intensive as other parts of your application, but it’s still very important and can help or hurt your chances of being accepted into a program. A great essay showcases your personality traits, your sense of responsibility, as well as your motivations for going into veterinary medicine. A middling essay may be acceptable but fail to separate you from the pack, while a poor essay can show a want of attention to detail. One of the easiest ways to figure out what should be in yours is to look up VMCAS essay examples and see what you should aim for.

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What Should I Include in My Essay?

You may immediately think of a hundred things you want to tell the admissions committee, from your first pet hamster to your experience as an intern at the city zoo. However, keep in mind that you only have about 500 words, and you need to make them count. Here are some ideas of what you’ll want to include in your VMCAS essay.

• Career goals. Where do you ultimately want to be, and what is your dream job? Don’t just list a title – explain what appeals to you about it, or why you want this specific position over any others.
• What you want to contribute. You don’t need to make up a grand, world-altering contribution here, unless that is what you sincerely want to do. Your goal can be to simply bring joy and comfort to families by taking care of their pets. It can also be to make significant advancements to the field of veterinary science. Make sure you’re authentic.
• Characteristics that make you a good vet. Yes, you need good marks to get into vet school, but the admissions committee also wants to know that you have the right personality traits. For example, you may be a very motivated self-learner. This is a great attribute to have, but you need to highlight how being an excellent self-learner would help you in vet school and ultimately, as a vet.
• Always give examples. Remember that the committee doesn’t know you, so they will be wary of applicants who make claims without backing them up. It’s important to give examples so that the committee can see how you’ve used your skills and individual attributes in real-life situations: “show, don’t tell.” If you write that you’re an empathetic and caring person, write about a time when you demonstrated that empathy. This shows that you aren’t just listing what you think they want to hear.
• Set yourself apart. Any special experiences, personal revelations, or big life events that affected your desire to be in veterinary medicine are worth noting. You have a limited amount of space, so stick to the most important ones. These unique experiences are what will help the admissions committee remember you and set you apart from the crowd.

With only 500 or so words to make your case, what you don’t include can be just as vital as what you do include. The admissions committee likely doesn’t want an entire essay on your childhood pet, so be careful about getting stuck on one aspect. In fact, the VMCAS guide explains that while many applicants “have had meaningful experiences with animals or veterinarians as children … these should only be mentioned briefly.”

Here are some other things you’ll want to make sure you avoid when writing your VMCAS essay.

• Information they already have. At this point, the admissions committee already knows about your academic achievements. They may be familiar with the jobs you’ve had, based on your letter of intent or high school resume . They may have a list of any vet school extracurriculars in which you participated. In your essay, don’t repeat what they already know. Instead, tell them something they don’t have on paper, expand on one or two of those experiences, or explain how an event impacted your motivation to go into veterinary medicine.
• Vague, generalized information. Telling them that “you’ve always liked animals” is nice, but vague, and likely a trait that many applicants share. Make it more specific: What is it that draws you to animals? When, exactly, did you start taking a special interest in animals?
• Jargon, unless it’s necessary. The admissions committee is unfortunately not going to be impressed if you throw terms around or use 5-syllable words in every sentence. You aren’t a vet yet, and one of the more embarrassing things you can do is attempt to use a term and use it wrong. Stick with language that is used in everyday conversation.
• Make unnecessary explanations. The members of the admissions committee don’t need you to explain the process of getting into vet school or how medical procedures work. Explain something if it is very specific to you, like the type of club you were in at school, or an event that occurred in your year of study. Giving an example is a better way of showing the committee what you mean, instead of getting bogged down in explanations.
• Irrelevant things. If the event isn’t relevant to why you want to be a vet or what you are looking for in a school/program, you probably don’t need to write it here. Take note of the various parts of the application process that would allow you to go into more detail. For example, should you be invited to answer vet school interview questions , you will have such an opportunity. The “tell me about yourself” vet school interview question would be the perfect moment to discuss your personal background further. It’s a good idea to go back and examine each piece of information you’ve provided in your essay and make sure it ties into the main topic: why you want to have a career in veterinary medicine.

Language and Tone

Ideally, the tone in which you write your VMCAS essay is similar to the way you would talk with someone in person. Keep your word choice conversational. Writing in a way that is overly formal doesn’t give the admissions committee members a clear sense of your own voice, and doesn’t humanize you. You’re writing your story, so it helps to read the essay aloud and see if it sounds like an accurate representation of yourself. Having a friend or family member read it can also be beneficial.

Admission to vet school is challenging, as shown by veterinary school acceptance rates ; some schools are more difficult to get into than others. Applying is a long process with a lot of pieces to consider. Your VMCAS essay is perhaps one of the least restrictive parts, where you’re given the freedom to tell the admissions committee why you’re there and what you want to do. Being authentic and specific is your best approach to being accepted into the school of your choice.

It won’t make as much of an impact as your grades or your resume, but it can make you more memorable and more likeable to the committee members. An average essay likely won’t hurt you too much, but a bad one can.

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges is a good place to start. There you’ll find all the pieces you’ll need to submit for the application as well as contacts if you need more help. You can also have a look at our list of the best vet schools, along with tips for getting in.

A letter of intent shows how serious you are about your application and emphasizes what sort of experience and education you have related to veterinary medicine. The personal essay is more about your personality, motivation, and goals.

You don’t need to list everything you’ve ever done that is related to the field. That is already outlined in other parts of the application. Highlight the personal impact certain experiences have had on you – be specific about how they made you feel, how they changed your perspective, and how they moved you in the direction of veterinary studies. 

Admissions committee members aren’t expecting fine literature when you submit your personal essay. They know that not all candidates are natural writers. What they’re interested in is your ability to express yourself in a short piece of writing. Don’t worry about using fancy terms – write in a way that sounds natural and authentic to you. 

The committee will want to know about your experiences if they’re specific to you and have impacted you in a tangible way. You don’t have to tell them about every interaction you’ve had with animals, just the ones that were special to you.

Use the language you would use in a normal conversation in your essay. Very few people speak in a formal tone, and it can end up sounding stilted and unnatural. Be expressive but stick to the requirements. 

There is no editing once your VMCAS essay has been submitted. However, if there is a serious mistake in the essay, you can contact the admissions committee and forward them a corrected copy as soon as possible. 

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How to Write Great Personal Essays for Veterinary School

If you are getting ready to go to veterinary school, the first step in your formal acceptance process is preparing your application through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). There are many sections to this application, from general demographic information to a list of your academic history and veterinary experience, and this application takes a lot of time to fill out. While most of the application is just about listing facts, one of the more daunting aspects for many hopeful applications is crafting the perfect personal statement for the VMCAS.

The VMCAS personal statement or essay portion has changed some over the years, from a one or two-page essay during my application cycle to the most recent three essay questions with specific prompts. The prompts from the 2020 application cycle were the following:

• There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways to veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians serve. What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

Regardless of the format of the essay portion when you apply to veterinary school, the following tips are sure to help you create a great essay portion for your own VMCAS application.

1. Read the Requirements and Stick to Them!

This is an obvious suggestion, but it is important to adhere to the following requirements that VMCAS lists.

• Keep your topic general (not program-specific), as this application will be sent to multiple veterinary colleges.
• Stay within the character limits! Last year it was 2,000 characters per essay.
• Use your own words and DO NOT plagiarize.
• Use simple formatting.

2. Don’t Try to Re-List Your Experience and Achievements

The admissions committee members can see the rest of your application, where you will have plenty of space to list all of the bullet points on your resume up to this date. So when it comes to the essay questions, don’t waste time trying to re-highlight your previous experiences within your answers. Focus on answering the prompts directly without feeling the need to list your qualifications.

Except for your answer to question three, you do not even need to list any specific past examples. And when you do get to essay number three, keep in mind that you can think outside the box and are not limited to instances where you demonstrated these qualities in a veterinary-related capacity. Your attributes and personality traits outside of school and veterinary clinics are just as reflective of who you are. And who you are outside of a veterinary clinic or formal education setting can have a big impact on your personality and future success as a veterinarian.

3. Don’t Be Vague

Come up with specific examples for your essay answers that really help the admissions committee get to know you. Telling the admissions committee that you want to help improve the lives of animals doesn’t really tell them anything. You want to demonstrate insight, maturity, and depth in your essay. Show that you put a lot of thought into your answers.

Instead of generally helping animals, maybe you want to contribute to society by donating your time at a local humane society providing veterinary care at lower cost to qualifying low-income households. Maybe you want to work in rural Iowa to help decrease the barriers to accessing veterinary care for those that live in underserved regions of the United States.

Being specific will help you demonstrate more of who you are and help you stand out from the crowded pool of applications.

4. Avoid the Cliches

Another way to stand out with unique answers is to avoid cliches. For example, you probably don’t need to mention that an essential attribute to becoming a successful veterinarian is to “love animals.” Instead, think about things that are less cliche but just as essential and more specific, such as being a great communicator, so that you can improve the lives of animals by clearly discussing the importance of preventative care with a dog’s caretaker.

In addition to loving animals, it can be cliche to discuss that you have wanted to work with animals since you were young or that you feel that veterinary medicine your passion or calling. When you craft your answers to these essays it can help to write down multiple ideas for answers and get rid of the obvious responses. The more obvious the response, the less likely it will be to stand out from other applications.

5. Match Your Future Goals with Your Experience

Make sure your future goals are in line with the experience that you have listed on your VMCAS application. If not, explain why. For example, if most of your veterinary experience has been obtained working with cats and dogs, it would be expected that you are interested in working a small animal veterinary clinic after graduation.

If your future goals do not match your experience, let the admissions committee know why. Maybe you had a recent experience assisting with a research project and found purpose in research as a way to improve the lives of cats and dogs.

By explaining any discrepancy between your future goals and your past experience, you create a cohesive application and don’t leave the admissions committee wondering about the differences.

6. Set a Confident and Positive Tone

When you discuss your future goals, write about the good things that you are going to do WHEN you graduate from veterinary school. Not the things you will do IF you graduate from veterinary school. This will help you come across as confident and capable. Other people are more likely to believe in you when you also believe in your success.

And don’t make any excuses or focus on any negatives in these 3 short essays. You want to leave the admissions committees with a positive overall impression after they finish reading your essay responses.

7. Pick 3-5 Main Points for Each Answer

Since you only have 2,000 characters in which to write a great essay answer to each question, it can be helpful to list out your ideas and main points before you begin writing. Then you can review your ideas and pick the 3-5 strongest ideas for each answer. Throw out any ideas that seem cliche or vague.

By focusing your thoughts ahead of time, you can write a more clear and concise essay that clearly answers the question.

8. Write Your Essay Answers without Focusing on the Character Count

Once you have picked your main 3-5 points, write without focusing the character count. After you have written what you want to convey, read the essay and then cut out information that you don’t need and work on shortening sentences.

No fluff is needed, get straight to the point. Any sentence that isn’t directly supporting your answer can be shortened or removed. And limit descriptive words to help get as much information as possible across in your 2000 character limit.

That being said, if you have the opposite problem and your essay is not close to the 2000 character limit, consider adding another point to that essay. You do want to try and fill most of the space allowed.

9. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Type your answers out in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so that you can easily proofread your essays. I recommend having at least 3 other people read through your essays to look for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

When you proofread the essays yourself, read them aloud so that it is easier to catch any errors.

If you don’t have anyone in your life to help you proofread your personal statement, then head over to The Student Doctor Network Pre-Veterinary Forum . There is a whole topic thread of people willing to help read personal statements for the prospective class of 2025!

Time to Get Writing

Good luck in your journey to veterinary school! I remember how stressful the application process can be, but remember to take a deep breath and leave plenty of time to fill out your application in as stress-free a manner as possible.

And if you are looking for more advice on writing your personal essays, check out this great guide for writing a personal statement from Loop Abroad . It is very thorough and helpful!

The writer of this blog, Dr. Kate, has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2014. She works at a small animal practice, focusing on dogs and cats. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs. You can find out more about her adventures with her pups on PawsitivelyIntrepid.com

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Essay Sample on Why i Want to Be a Veterinarian

What makes me want to be a veterinarian.

I would like to be a veterinarian because I have been around animals my entire life and have always had a special bond with them. I feel that there is nothing more rewarding than helping animals in need. It is not just about providing them with food, shelter, and medical care; it is also about providing them with love and compassion. As a veterinarian, I would be able to do this for every animal that comes into my practice. By the way, a professional custom essay writing service can assist everyone in getting a better understanding of the importance of taking care of animals.  In this essay, I will share the reasons why I want to become a veterinarian.

Being a veterinarian is a fulfilling and rewarding career

I believe that being a veterinarian is something that will make me happy because it allows me to help others while also making a living doing something that I love. My experience with animals has led me to pursue a career in the field of veterinary medicine because there is nothing more rewarding than helping an animal who is sick or injured get better again, so it can enjoy its life once more without pain or discomfort.

Passion for Animals 

One of the main reasons I want to become a veterinarian is my deep passion for animals. I love spending time with them, learning about their behaviors, and caring for them. I feel a sense of fulfillment when I am around animals and have always felt drawn to working with them in some capacity. Becoming a veterinarian will allow me to combine my passion for animals with a career.

Life Filled with Learning 

In addition to helping animals, another reason why I want to become a veterinarian is because of the life-long learning opportunities it offers. Veterinary medicine is an ever-evolving field with new treatments being created almost daily. As such, being able to stay up-to-date with these changes can make all the difference when it comes to saving an animal’s life. This means that throughout my career as a veterinarian, I will have countless opportunities to learn something new and expand my knowledge base. 

Helping people who love their pets learn how to care for them

Another thing that drew me to veterinary medicine was the importance of education. I’ve always had a strong desire to help people and make a difference in the world, and I know from personal experience how important it is to have good communication skills. The ability to patiently explain things and answer questions can mean the difference between getting a dog or cat healthy again and losing them forever.

As much as I love animals, there are some things only veterinarians can do: perform surgery; prescribe medications; give shots; diagnose illnesses like cancer or heart disease with tests like blood work and X-rays (or ultrasounds). So if your pet needs one of these things done right away, it’s best if they go see their local vet instead!

The hours are long, but it will be worth it

One of the most important things I’ve learned about being a veterinarian is that it’s not going to be easy. It’s a lot of work and sometimes stressful, but there are also many rewards in helping sick or injured animals get well again.

I know how much time it takes for me to study for exams and do my homework every day after school, so I can only imagine how much more work goes into becoming a doctor! But if you want something badly enough, then there will always be sacrifices that need to be made along the way.

The Bond Between Animals and Humans 

Finally, one of the things that really fascinates me about veterinary medicine is the bond between humans and animals that can be seen through our interactions with them every day. Watching pet owners interact with their beloved pets has always inspired me; these relationships are often more robust than any other human one out there! Witnessing these interactions firsthand as a veterinarian would bring immense joy into my life each day and provide comfort and solace for both the animal and its owner during difficult times. 

To sum up, I’ve shared with you my reasons for wanting to become a veterinarian, including some of the personal experiences that have influenced my decision. I know that becoming a veterinarian won’t be easy, and I’m prepared to work hard in order to achieve my goal. As someone who has had pets all my life and has worked for veterinarians for several years, I believe this is a meaningful career path. The work that veterinarians do makes a difference in people’s lives and the lives of animals around the world.

Tips for writing an essay about Why I want to be a veterinarian

When you’re writing an essay on why you aim to be a veterinarian, consider looking at personal statements for colleges examples. This can help you highlight your own writing tips. But if you want easy ways to do it, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Be yourself

Becoming a veterinarian is your own choice, and it requires patience, hard work, and dedication. Nevertheless, during this journey, you will find every help that you need to achieve successful results. The fact that you wrote an essay about this experience shows your determination to become a vet.

Be specific

It’s important to be specific in your essay about why you want to be a veterinarian. Avoid general statements such as “I love animals.” Instead, provide specific examples of experiences you’ve had with animals that inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Explain your motivations

In addition to describing your love for animals, explain what motivates you to want to be a veterinarian. For example, you could discuss your desire to help animals, your interest in science and medicine, or your passion for working with people.

Discuss your experience

If you have any experience working with animals, be sure to mention it in your essay. This could include volunteering at an animal shelter, working as a veterinary assistant, or caring for your own pets.

Keep your writing clear and concise

Good writing is clear and concise and doesn’t confuse the reader with unnecessary jargon or complicated language. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and ensure each conveys only one idea.

Veterinarians play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Whether working with household pets or large farm animals, veterinarians have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a veterinarian, from a deep love of animals to a desire to use their scientific knowledge to solve complex problems. In the following table, we’ve outlined some of the most common reasons why individuals might want to become a veterinarian, along with a brief description of each reason.

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Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Writing your personal statement for vet school is no easy feat, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and successful examples of vet school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements is your personal statement, which can hold a lot of weight. This essay is your first opportunity to demonstrate your personality and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond your grades. 

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get it right.

Luckily, we’ve compiled our best tips and successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through the process. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to write a stand-out essay, examine each of our essay samples, and explain what made them successful. 

If you’re currently applying for vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into vet school ; we can help!

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are some of our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In most writing scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve that stress is to start writing and keep going. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the word count initially. The purpose of this method is to pull out all the information and review it later on.

Try writing out your entire story, front to back, of how you grew up and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three relevant work experiences. 

Once you have nothing left to say, look at what you’ve written and highlight the best, most relevant parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out your best ideas. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Your story, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will see hundreds of applications. Finding a way to frame your unique perspective in your personal statement can help to create a memorable essay that will leave a lasting impression on readers. 

Consider your hometown, culture, family, passions, etc. Some students compare their passion for learning a challenging skill like playing the piano to the commitment and dedication required for vet school. 

There are no wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your work experiences and why you would be an excellent vet school candidate. 

Revise, Revise, Revise!

It may sound obvious, but there has never been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school is competitive. Something as small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not. 

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every word should sound like something you would authentically say. It would help if you had others help you edit, but ensure the paper still sounds like you. 

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Here are three excellent examples of vet school personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personal statement samples and our explanations of why the essay was successful. 

1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do. She instilled in me the need to constantly stay busy and involved.  I thrive in an environment that challenges me and requires quick thinking. Due to the influence of my mother, I have developed a strong perseverance and sense of determination. My parents’ divorce kept me in a changing environment growing up–I had to adapt to a variety of living situations with little finances to support us.  From this, I acquired the skills of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The characteristics I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but who also can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  For the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteered at Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of my role there included guest education about the animals on exhibit, usually using artifacts such as animal hides and skulls to explain various topics.  I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where I stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walked through. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as well as to educate the guests about the birds.  From working there, I realized that I really liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portion of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential experience I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic.  I have been a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the cleaning of the clinic.  I have observed numerous surgeries, including routine spay and neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor removal from a dog and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret to remove tumors from his pancreas.  I have handled and cared for not only cats and dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through working there, I had the opportunity to observe the duties of a private practice vet and see how they normally handle appointments, surgeries, and client communication in difficult situations. I have observed the doctor discussing with clients care options and the possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted in euthanasia.  I have also assisted during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen the responsibilities of a vet in caring for an animal in appointments and emergencies, as well as the importance of educating and discussing options with the pet owners.  I spent my junior year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did an Animal Care Internship in the fall and a Medical/Lab Internship in the spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my decision of wanting to go to veterinary school.  While interning, I was able to gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments and medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs to look for in a sick animal.  I learned how to make and read an ear cytology slide, as well as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals that I worked with were mainly cats and dogs, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to compare the duties of a shelter veterinarian and a private practice veterinarian, which varied due to the financial constraints of a shelter and the fact that the animals in the shelter do not have owners for the veterinarian to consult with.  Through my internships, I learned how much I enjoy doing physical exams, finding out what is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all of these experiences by working in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to the field through research and public education.  The skills that I have developed and the knowledge I have gained through working with animals have strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine.  Overall, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.” 

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passion for vet school to her childhood experiences. The applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continued investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them into the program. 

This essay is strong overall; however, it lacks a bit of reading flow. While it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen these accomplishments on your CV. 

Your personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, this student wrote a successful essay. 

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, it was clear to me that my career path would involve working with animals in a clinical context, as I have always had a passion for science, animal health, and welfare.  My first exposure to the veterinary clinical environment was through a high school program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use scientific knowledge in order to diagnose, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led me to study Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree, as I wanted to have a solid basis for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism and function of animals in health and disease. During my postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of wild and domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship between human and animal health.  I have developed a strong appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in order to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians play in the bigger picture of society. My latest internship at a companion animal veterinary clinic has taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by providing routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations.  I thoroughly enjoyed working in a veterinary clinical setting, from communicating with the clients to determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgical procedures. I want to become a veterinarian because I am dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks.  I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population.  Working as a public health veterinarian would also involve protecting the welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met.  This would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human health will be reduced as much as possible.  In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration with human health professionals so that future interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. I believe that my educational background and experience have prepared me well for a veterinary medicine program and I would be honoured to be able to attend the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) program to pursue my career as a veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that this student focuses on in their personal statement is how they intend to improve the world of veterinary medicine. 

This is an excellent perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific shortcomings you’ve noticed in veterinary medicine and how you intend to improve upon those areas. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application. 

3. Example from the University of Scranton  

“Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion for animals. Their beauty and ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path to realizing that my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in high school.  In this course I realized my intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how they worked from the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Ever since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science research. Now that I stand at the doorstep of college graduation I cannot imagine my life if I do not attend veterinary school.  I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. I learned that in medicine many things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems.  I loved being able to meet clients whose love for their pets was apparent. That love between an animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate to clients.  Volunteering at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a veterinarian. I learned how to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I had grown to love when it was in their best interest. While shadowing Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different.  Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is never just a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit my clients. I obtained a job at an emergency animal hospital where the number of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard choices a family often makes. At first, I thought the patient-doctor bond was absent in these cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients and personally calling them to disclose test results.  I learn a great deal everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prognoses, I learned that there is hope for even the worst one and that a doctor's optimism is important.  Most importantly this experience taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and calm down many patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with their pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized.  Distraught, I thought for a time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As I took in more of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is needed throughout the animal's life.  The doctor, who has been there throughout the good and difficult times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet when the only choice left is to end the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College.  I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights into the importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and place in clinical medicine.  More than anything scientific research has taught me humility and that success requires tenacity. This experience has helped me grow as an individual and to find that I am capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With my help, we are one step closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of the science used to care and treat animals.  This coincides with the compassion for and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continues to fascinate me and I look forward to devoting my life to the field of veterinary science.  Becoming a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago for me, and is now close to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination and love of animals, to creating a successful veterinary practice. I am ready for the next step to fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:  

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences. 

They present their personal statement as a cohesive, flowing story from when they first became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, honest, and - perhaps most importantly - easy to read. 

These examples of personal statements for vet school should guide you in the right direction when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Should A Vet School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school personal statement should describe how your passion for veterinary medicine began, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. It should flow nicely, be easy to read, and conclude by reinstating your passion for the profession and how you intend to improve the field. 

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools will often give you specific parameters for your essay. Pay close attention to the prompts given to you throughout your application process. 

3. How Do You End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You should always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose you have a specific way you intend to improve veterinary medicine. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place to state your intentions. 

4. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good veterinary medicine personal statement must include your passion for the field, showcases unique experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure. 

It must also exhibit strong and concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your motivation and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Important Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal statement for veterinary school is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to showcase their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability for the veterinary profession. 

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not be apparent from other application components. 

Final Thoughts

Your vet school personal statement should be thoughtful, heartfelt, and informative. You should ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language and lining up the highlights of your work experience in order. 

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, these programs are competitive. Putting your unique twist on your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee. 

Good luck! 

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What are the vet school essay prompts and what are some useful tips and resources for writing the essays?

The personal statement for the VMCAS used to consist of a single prompt: Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those activities and unique experiences that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, and discuss your career goals and objectives (5000 characters)

Now, VMCAS asks students to answer each of the following prompts in less than 2000 characters (including spaces), which is roughly 300-350 words:

• There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Considering the breadth of society we serve as veterinarians today; what attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past? 

Here are documents with tips and resources that you may find helpful. While some discuss the old prompt or a specific supplement,  the information may still be relevant:

• https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Mastering-The-VMCAS-Personal-Essay.pdf
• https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Hamilton-Essay-Tips.pdf
• https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Univeristy-of-Florida-Tips.pdf
• https://hpa.princeton.edu/application-process/personal-statement

Remember, many schools also have their own supplemental prompts which may or may not be released on their websites. If you are thinking about applying during a certain year, you can create your account as soon as January of the same year so that you can access all the supplements before the summer and begin brainstorming/drafting asap.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Career Goals — A Personal Story on the Veterinary Career Goals

A Personal Story on The Veterinary Career Goals

• Categories: Career Goals

About this sample

Words: 600 |

Published: Aug 10, 2018

Words: 600 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited:

• Caruana, F. (n.d.). Fabiano Caruana.
• Kasparov, G. (n.d.). Kasparov Chess Foundation.
• Laimonas, B. (2018). The benefits of playing chess. Journal of Education, Culture, and Society, 9(2), 280-288.
• Pete, F. (2018). The top 10 most influential chess players of all time. Chess.com. Retrieved from https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-top-10-most-influential-chess-players-of-all-time
• Sinquefield Cup. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://uschesschamps.com/tag/sinquefield-cup
• The official rules of chess. (n.d.). World Chess Federation. Retrieved from https://www.fide.com/FIDE/handbook/LawsOfChess.pdf
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Chess.

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The Reasons Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian

Table of contents, a love for animals, contribution to animal welfare, pursuit of knowledge in veterinary medicine, fulfilling the human-animal bond.

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• Justification
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12 SMART Goals Examples for Veterinarians

As a veterinarian, your job is to ensure the well-being and health of all animals in your care. But how do you go about doing so? To boost your chances of success, you must establish SMART goals.

The SMART goal-setting method can allow you to stay motivated and productive while encouraging lifelong learning. This post will cover SMART goals examples for veterinarians of all levels of experience to help them succeed in their roles.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

Veterinarians can develop practical goals using the SMART technique . In case you weren’t aware, SMART is a goal-setting method that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Still trying to understand? SMART goals are:

• Specific: Veterinarians must know precisely what needs to be done and how much time is needed to reach the goal—leaving no room for unanticipated tasks along the way.
• Measurable: You should ensure your goals are quantifiable; there must be a tangible way to track the outcome over time .
• Attainable: Try to be as realistic as possible when establishing goals. Find the balance between challenging and achievable goals to avoid setting unrealistic expectations .
• Relevant: Pursue goals that align with your interests and personal core values. When it comes time to accomplish them, you will remain inspired and energized throughout the journey.
• Time-based : Having deadlines helps you steadily progress toward your larger goals. It also urges you to celebrate each milestone and accomplishment.

Follow the 5 SMART components above to increase your chances of success as a veterinarian. You will take the necessary steps to boost productivity levels and knock down your objectives one by one.

Veterinarians should strive to succeed in their roles and responsibilities. To improve your performance, here are 12 examples of SMART goals to grow as a veterinarian:

1. Increase Client Satisfaction

“I’ll increase client satisfaction by 5% within the next 6 months by providing more personalized and timely care for each client. I plan to use feedback surveys, interviews, and other methods to measure the impact of my efforts.”

Specific: This is specific because the veterinarian will aim to increase client satisfaction by 5%.

Measurable: The use of feedback surveys, interviews, and other methods will help determine progress.

Attainable: This goal is realistic if the veterinarian puts in the necessary time and effort to provide personalized and timely care.

Relevant: Increasing client satisfaction is essential for the success of any veterinary clinic.

Time-based: You should anticipate success within 6 months.

2. Enhance Veterinary Care Quality

“I will research, analyze and implement new ways to improve the quality of care for our animal patients within three months. That includes reviewing our existing protocols and finding ways to better utilize technology in the veterinary space.”

Specific: The SMART goal is concise and clear, outlining what needs to be done and how it will be attained.

Measurable: The quality of care can be measured by researching and analyzing new protocols.

Attainable: The goal is feasible if the proper research and analysis are done.

Relevant: This is relevant to providing the best care possible for animals.

Time-based: There is a three-month window to reach this particular goal.

3. Invest in New Equipment

“Within four months, I want to invest in new equipment that can help us increase our efficiency and the quality of treatments we provide. This new equipment should improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses and help us administer treatments more accurately.”

Specific: You’ve outlined what you need to do (invest in new equipment) and the improvements this new equipment should bring (increased efficiency and accuracy).

Measurable: You can measure the investments you’ve made in terms of time and money.

Attainable: Buying brand-new equipment can be accomplished in four months.

Relevant: Acquiring new equipment will assist with the accuracy and speed of treatments.

Time-based: You have set a goal completion time of four months.

4. Strengthen Community Outreach

“I’ll strive to expand the community outreach program to include three new shelters, rescues, or pet-serving organizations by the end of one year. I want our practice to reach more pet owners who may not have access to quality veterinary care.”

Specific: The goal is clear because it outlines how many new organizations will be included in the program.

Measurable: The individual can check progress by counting the number of new organizations included.

Attainable: Strengthening community outreach is a realistic goal for veterinary practices.

Relevant: The goal is relevant to extending the reach of the practice’s services.

Time-based: This goal statement should ideally be achieved within a year.

5. Optimize Workflows

“I want to make life easier for everyone at the clinic. I’ll assess current workflows and processes, research better methods, and implement an optimized workflow system that cuts costs and saves time by the end of 5 months.”

Specific: You have precise actions available—assess, research, and implement an optimized workflow.

Measurable: You can monitor your progress in implementing the workflow.

Attainable: Assuming you plan it correctly, this goal is possible.

Relevant: This goal relates to making life easier for everyone at the clinic.

Time-based: You should expect to have the workflow system implemented after 5 months.

6. Reduce Expenses

“My goal is to reduce expenses by 10% in the following year. I will assess our current purchasing processes and implement cost-saving measures such as bulk buying and creating a budget for our purchases.”

Specific: This goal outlines the amount of money to be saved and actionable steps to take.

Measurable: Track spending and measure progress towards the 10% reduction goal.

Attainable: A 10% reduction in expenses is achievable with the proper cost-saving measures.

Relevant: The goal is relevant to the person’s veterinary career.

Time-based: A one-year timeline is given to ensure success.

7. Deepen Knowledge Base

“I will enroll in a course to deepen my knowledge of veterinary medicine and techniques by the end of 9 months. Through this, I hope to increase my effectiveness as a veterinarian and provide better patient care.”

Specific: You plan to enroll in a course to deepen your knowledge of veterinary medicine and techniques.

Measurable: The goal statement is measurable because it specifies that the course should be completed within 9 months.

Attainable: This is achievable because the person can access courses and resources to increase their knowledge base.

Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it will help them become a more effective veterinarian and provide better animal care.

Time-based: Nine months is required to accomplish the SMART goal.

8. Promote Animal Wellness

“Within 7 months, I’ll implement a comprehensive animal wellness plan focusing on early detection of health issues, preventative maintenance, and education of pet owners. This plan will include regular physical check-ups and appropriate nutrition, supplements, and medications to ensure the animals have the best care possible.”

Specific: The goal outlines the objective, timeline, and what needs to be done.

Measurable: You can look at the number of animals prescribed appropriate nutrition, supplements, and medication.

Attainable: This is feasible because it is possible to implement a comprehensive wellness plan within 7 months.

Relevant: This goal is pertinent to the overall health of animals.

Time-based: There is a 7-month timeline for completing this goal.

9. Improve Communication

“I will cultivate better communication between myself and clients to ensure optimal animal care by the end of 5 months. I want to ensure that clients know all available options and any risks or benefits associated with certain treatments.”

Specific: This is specific as it focuses on a particular task that needs to be accomplished.

Measurable: Evaluate your progress by tracking improvement in client communication.

Attainable: The statement is realistic and achievable within the given time frame.

Relevant: Improving communication with clients is essential for any veterinary practice.

Time-based: You must reach the goal in 5 months.

10. Manage Time Effectively

“I will use time management tools and techniques to better manage my professional and personal schedule. After three months, I want to be able to write a weekly schedule that respects my working hours and allows me to use the remaining time for personal pursuits.”

Specific: This goal concerns using tools and techniques to create an effective weekly schedule.

Measurable: This will be evaluated after three months by the ability to create a schedule that respects working hours.

Attainable: Time management tools and techniques are widely available and easily implemented, making it an achievable goal.

Relevant: Time management helps balance workloads, leaving time for other activities.

Time-based: The goal should be achieved after three months of implementation.

11. Build Your Network

“I will build a strong network of professional contacts in the veterinary industry, including online groups and forums. I’ll attend conferences, workshops, and other events to connect with like-minded professionals and establish a strong support system by the end of the year.”

Specific: The goal is easy to understand. The person knows they must build a strong network of professional contacts in the veterinary industry.

Measurable: The veterinarian will attend conferences, workshops, and other events for a year to connect with other professionals.

Attainable: This is achievable if the individual is consistent in their efforts.

Relevant: The statement is appropriate for your desire to grow your network in the veterinary industry.

Time-based: Goal completion will be met by the end of the year.

12. Foster Teamwork Environment

“To promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace , I will create team-building activities that everyone can participate in at least once a month. I want to ensure that all of us have a sense of camaraderie and enjoy coming to work each day.”

Specific: You will aim to create team-building activities for the workplace.

Measurable: Team-building activities should be created at least once a month.

Attainable: This is absolutely doable if given the necessary resources and time.

Relevant: This is appropriate for the individual’s goal of fostering teamwork in the workplace.

Time-based: It is implied that this goal is reoccurring, so you will pursue it monthly.

Final Thoughts

SMART goal setting is a valuable tool for veterinarians. It provides structure, clarity, and direction to any given situation. By having a specific plan for the future, veterinarians can better focus their efforts and maximize their potential.

SMART goals assist in keeping everyone involved on track and inspired toward a successful outcome. With these goals in mind, veterinarians can start attaining their ideal dreams.

• Environment

Becoming A Veterinarian Essay Example

To reach my career goal of becoming a veterinarian, I need to attend a college that would allow me to get the degrees needed in that field. To become a veterinarian, I need to get degrees in Veterinary Practice, Animal Health and Disease, and/or Veterinary psychology. In the United States, the top-ranked schools with veterinary programs are Cornell University, Texas A&M University, Ohio State University, and Michigan State, according to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Out of those, I was able to narrow down the options to Ohio State University and Cornell University. I chose these because they both had hands-on programs, which would be a better fit for me. Using the universities official websites and descriptions of the course and reading about how prior students have done since graduating there. These two schools would also allow me to have great opportunities after graduating and they will help me get a job straight out of college.

To decide what program would be the best for me, I looked at what the course would be like and what going to that school would be like for me. After this research, I decided that Cornell University would be the best option for me. They have a very hands-on program, which will help me reach my goals and learn better overall. According to Cornell's website, “Cornell students work with animals from day one of our programs, building their clinical skills while fostering critical thinking and communication.” The website also says, “Most Cornell veterinary students accept offers of employment before graduating, with graduates going on to careers in private practice, conservation, academia, and beyond.” (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Cornell's Website). These two factors were what persuaded me into choosing Cornell. The fact that I can get job opportunities before I graduate and be able to leave college and go straight into a job in the veterinary field. The hands-on programs would help me learn well and help me to reach my career goals better than the other universities.

By choosing Cornell, I had to give up the opportunities to go to Ohio State University. While researching, I learned a lot of positive things about Ohio State's program and the school in general that made my decision harder. One positive thing about it was that the “school has been given full accreditation from the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the accrediting body for colleges of veterinary medicine and is ranked #4 out of the U.S.’s 32 veterinary schools.” (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine section of the Ohio State University website). This was a super positive aspect and an important factor in my decision because I know that the program is highly ranked and would help me to reach my career goals in the future. However, there were some negatives that swayed my decision towards going to Cornell University. The major con of going to Ohio State was the out of state tuition. The tuition cost($253,312) was a lot more expensive than Cornell University($186,600), which was a big detail that would be very influential in my decision (Veterinarian Colleges Listed by Tuition Cost). This makes the program my second choice because the higher tuition will make it harder for debt to be paid off over time and that makes it harder for my career goals to be met when I have to pay off my tuition when I am out of college.

Overall, these factors, good and bad, led me to decide that going to Cornell University was the best decision for me. The program and the opportunities out of college were huge pros for the school and what ultimately led to my decision. Ohio State had a positive program as well, but the tuition made me choose Cornell University instead.

Citations: 

Alder, Jeremy. “What Degree Do You Need to Be a Veterinarian.” College Consensus: School Rankings & Student Reviews Aggregator, College Consensus, 4 Jan. 2021, www.collegeconsensus.com/degrees/what-degree-do-you-need-to-be-a-vet/.

“Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 19 Dec. 2019, www.vet.cornell.edu/education/doctor-veterinary-medicine.

“Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.” Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | College of Veterinary Medicine, vet.osu.edu/education/dvm.

“Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, DEGREES & Careers.” Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers, study.com/veterinarian_colleges.html.

“Veterinarian Colleges Listed by Tuition Cost.” Veterinarian Colleges Listed by Tuition Cost |, all-veterinary-schools.com/veterinarian-colleges-tuition/. 

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A Veterinarian's Guide to Professional and Personal Goal Setting for 2023

For many, ringing in a new year inspires hope and a sense of renewal. Unfortunately, that motivation is usually short-lived. Most New Year's resolutions are abandoned by the second Friday in January, unofficially dubbed " Quitter's Day ."

Ensure your good intentions have measurable outcomes—or, at least survive until spring—and turn wishful thinking into positive change with this guide for effective professional and personal goal setting.

Are You Setting Goals or Making Resolutions?

With both professional and personal goal setting, specificity matters. Resolutions are proclamations generally related to behavior change that you intend to keep indefinitely. "I will stop smoking" and "I want to eat healthier" are examples. Resolutions also tend to be all or nothing, which is why a single slip can trigger a feeling of failure.

A goal, however, is action-oriented and focused on achieving the desired result. Additionally, goals can be broken down into mini-goals that create a sense of achievement and build confidence with each step.

For true growth, strategic goal setting can more effectively focus your efforts, change behavior, and generate real results. But unlike resolutions, which are typically off-the-cuff or inspired by long-harbored guilt, goal success requires thoughtful consideration and planning.

Professional and Personal Goal-Setting Tips

Goal-setting techniques and methods are everywhere, but the most notable have easy-to-remember acronyms, such as SMART goals. SMART stands for "smart, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound."

Although these acronyms vary in their language and approach (e.g., some are objective whereas others require emotional involvement, such as wishing and goal visualization), most effective strategies incorporate the same key ideas. Let's explore how to set professional goals (and personal ones) and actually achieve them with a few helpful steps.

Define Your Goal

Defining a detailed goal helps you measure your progress, make necessary adjustments when you're off course, and recognize completion. Precise goals include a crystal-clear vision of the final outcome, a predetermined time frame, and the specific actions you'll take along the way.

Evaluate Its Achievability

The best goals are challenging but achievable. Consider your current abilities, resources, and time frame when determining whether your goal will challenge and motivate you. Then, ask yourself: Is it realistic to achieve?

Identify Challenges or Costs

Identify your barriers, which can include skill-based challenges (e.g., your closure technique is slow or you don't know how to cook) or emotional ones (e.g., you feel guilty turning away a last-minute appointment so you stay late almost every shift). Costs are what you'll give up—or have to endure—to reach the desired goal, such as working weekends, studying while on vacation, or putting your hobbies on hold to pursue a new interest.

Weighing these issues early can help you anticipate bumps in the road and acquire the necessary skills to overcome them. It can also help you decide if the ultimate payoff is worth the immediate sacrifice.

Break It Down

If your goal is to reach the top of a staircase, with each stair building toward that goal, what are the smaller goals on each stair? Depending on your goal, there may be three stairs or 30. Mini goals can help you measure your progress, maintain motivation, and enjoy success as you work toward the top stair.

Arrange Your Environment

Your surroundings can have a powerful influence on your success, and some aspects can be major obstacles. Author and goal-setting expert James Clear describes these challenges as environmental defaults. He suggests you eliminate options (e.g., replace your candy stash with healthy snacks), give yourself strong visual cues (e.g., hang a sign on the exam room door that prompts you to smile or take a deep breath), and create friction for opting out of a goal-based behavior (e.g., losing money for backing out of a non-refundable continuing education event).

Assess Your Progress

Schedule monthly or bimonthly appointments with yourself to review your progress. If your goal—or the system you're using—is no longer serving you or its original purpose, it's OK to modify or replace that method. However, be honest with yourself and ensure you can define your reason for quitting, so you will set better future goals.

Here are some questions you can ask to assess your goal progress:

• Did you need a better support system? Sharing your goal with someone you trust can improve your accountability.
• Did other goals or habits interfere with your success? Try to focus all your energy on one goal at a time.
• Did your goal have an unrealistic time frame? Slow progress is still progress—keep going.

Make a Plan Now to Build Toward Tomorrow

Many things may be beyond your control at home and at your practice, but self-improvement is always within reach . Replacing half-hearted and guilt-laden New Year's resolutions with definable, actionable, and measurable goals will ensure you sail past "Quitter's Day" toward the best year of your life.

Angela Beal is a veterinarian in Columbus, Ohio who loves using her writing to help veterinarians live more fulfilling lives by helping make practice life more efficient and less stressful. Angela has a background in private practice and academia, and since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company. Rumpus’ clients include veterinary practices and industry partners, including marketing companies, national corporations, consultants, and several international businesses. Learn more at rumpuswriting.com.  The views and opinions in this piece are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of either The Vetiverse or IDEXX.

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Examples of Goal Statements for Veterinary Technicians

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What Are the Qualification For Being a Vet Tech?

How to become a veterinary nurse, what do veterinary pathologists make per year.

• The Average Experience Level of a Veterinary Technician
• The Advantages of Being an Animal Caretaker

Articulating career goals is a powerful first step toward defining the specific job objectives that keep a professional path on track. Veterinary technicians combine their love of animals with an interest in medicine to pursue their career paths. Because of the diverse specialties that comprise veterinary medicine, technicians can fine-tune their career goals for veterinarian assistant statements to reflect their individual strengths and passions.

Veterinary Paraprofessionals

Veterinary paraprofessionals work in varied settings to provide medical care to animals. Technicians are paraprofessionals who fulfill a certain niche in veterinary medicine because of their training and specific responsibilities, which vary according to state laws. Effective goal statements reflect the opportunities within this niche, such as: “To develop my skills as a veterinary paraprofessional by providing well-care or assisting in emergency situations to improve the quality of life for the animal patients in my care.”

Positive Image

Goal statements take a positive slant, which means that they don’t include the negatives about a job or career. Veterinary technicians perform many tasks that are not for squeamish people. For example, although “to overcome my fear of blood,” may sound positive, it’s better relegated as a personal goal for a veterinary technician instead of a career goal to present to a prospective employer. Draw on your personal strengths, such as: “To provide excellent medical care to animals and maintain my demonstrated professional demeanor while working in a critical-care environment" or "To improve my office scheduling skills."

Team Player

In an animal-care environment, such as a clinic, hospital or zoo, paraprofessionals comprise the support team that is subordinate to a veterinarian. Although there are many tasks that veterinary technicians perform alone, they must be able to work effectively as a team player with the supervising veterinarian, other paraprofessionals and the office staff, according to Indeed Career Guide .

Busy veterinarians do not have time to mediate drama-laden episodes among their team. Instill confidence in a prospective employer with a goal statement such as: “To integrate my skills as a veterinary technician with my facility to work as part of a professional team that provides superior care to the feline patients at the Cat Care Hospital.”

Specialized Niches

Career goals for veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike can include developing a specialization such as large and exotic animals, dental care, urgent care, anesthesia and nutrition, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association . Goal statements can be narrowly tailored to reflect the intricacies of a particular specialty.

For example, you might state, “To apply my specialized training and certification in veterinary anesthesia to the patients at Ambassador Animal Hospital.” To fine-tune even more, you can say: “To use my certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner to help the patients at The Doggy Rehabilitation Center with their underwater treadmill therapy.”

• AVMA: Utilizing Veterinary Technicians to Improve Practice Success
• Indeed Career Guide: Examples of Goal Statements for Veterinary Technicians

Victoria Lee Blackstone is a horticulturist and a professional writer who has authored research-based scientific/technical papers, horticultural articles, and magazine and newspaper articles. After studying botany and microbiology at Clemson University, Blackstone was hired as a University of Georgia Master Gardener Coordinator. She is also a former mortgage acquisition specialist for Freddie Mac in Atlanta, GA.

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• Applying For Scholarships

Writing Tips for a Career Goals Essay (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Mar 1, 2023

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For your college scholarship essay, you may be asked about your career goals. The scholarship committee wants to see how investing in your education will help your career. Do you have a definitive plan? Will a college education fit into that plan? These are the answers they want to see.

In this guide, we will provide some scholarship essay examples about career goals to jumpstart your essay writing.

Writing tips for career goals scholarship essays

Here are some quick tips for writing career goal scholarship essays:

• Write about career goals that tie into the scholarship. This doesn’t mean you have to lie about your career goals to make them fit. Find a way to relate them to the scholarship committee or other elements of the scholarship.
• Be precise about your career goals. Avoid vague statements that suggest you do not have a plan. Judges like to see determination because it shows they’re making a worthy educational investment.
• Discuss how your education will help you achieve your career goals. The scholarship will assist with your education. Show a connection between the two so they can see why you deserve this scholarship.
• If you mention multiple goals, indicate which one you feel most strongly about. Longer essays may allow you to mention a backup plan, but the committee needs to see where your focus lies.
• Avoid cliché statements. Describe how your specific talents, experiences, and degree pursuits will help you succeed.
• Point out solutions, not problems. You may mention struggles you’ve had in the past, but pinpoint how you will learn from them. Moreover, show how those struggles led to your career goals.
• Organize your thoughts in a fluid manner. This will most likely be in chronological order, starting with your degree and progressing through your career growth.
• Write, revise, rest, revise. This goes for any essay writing. Write the first draft from start to finish. Then read through it and edit any grammar or flow errors. Take a break, preferably overnight, and then re-read your content with fresh eyes.

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Example 1: Scholarship essay about career goals (100 words)

In a 100-word scholarship essay, you need to quickly make your point. There is not enough room for a lengthy intro or backstory. Use concise, comprehensive statements to deliver the most information in the fewest words.

I’m a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian serving rescue organizations and animal shelters. I was born and raised in the south, where it is common for people to abandon animals in rural areas. Those animals then go into a rescue – emaciated, frightened, and confused. I want to work with rescues to provide affordable veterinary medicine to the animals they save. This scholarship would help me continue my education and potentially save thousands of abandoned animals in the future.

Word count: 99

Example 2: Scholarship essay about career goals (250 words)

With a 250-word scholarship essay, you have a little more room to discuss the details of your career goals. You can explain situations from your past that inspired your career pursuits. You could use one paragraph to talk about your short-term goals and another to talk about your long-term goals. Just make sure the big picture ties into the scholarship.

My name is Patrick Holden and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan, majoring in English and minoring in linguistics. I plan to become an English teacher, but this wasn’t always what I had in mind.  When thinking about my future, I always saw myself in some sort of corporate office, perhaps as an executive assistant or a loan officer at a bank. My father works in the finance office for a car dealership and my mother works at a call center. I assumed I would follow a similar, albeit boring, path in life. In my junior year of high school, everything changed. My English teacher inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. She got me to love writing, literature, etymology, and everything about the English language. She made me want to be a better student in all of my classes, and she helped me see the value of education. I decided then that I wanted to inspire other students just as she did for me. My parents are unfortunately not able to contribute much toward my college expenses. I have earned a tuition scholarship based on my ACT score, but I still need additional funding for books and supplies. English majors have particularly high book costs because we have to purchase multiple books for each class. With the help of this scholarship, I could afford to continue my degree and become an English teacher.

Word count: 240

Example 3: Scholarship essay about career goals (500 words)

With 500 words or more to play around with, you have plenty of space to talk about your career goals. Maintain the same theme throughout the scholarship essay. Each paragraph should connect to the next, and they should all work together to describe your career plan. Avoid making disconnected statements for the sake of word count. In the end, the scholarship committee should have a clear view of your educational plans and professional aspirations.

Internet marketing has gone from an optional method of advertisement to a vital step in business outreach. Even small businesses in remote towns look to the internet to attract customers and spread the word about their services. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Digital Marketing. With this training, I will be able to enter a profession that will only grow year by year. When I was younger, I found print advertisements to be fascinating. I loved reading the newspaper with my father just to see the full-page ads in between stories. When I got older though, those ads became less appealing because they were not adaptive. They seemed dated, static and ill-fit for changes in society. That’s when I discovered internet marketing. It was still in its infancy when I was in middle school, but by the time I graduated high school, it had become a staple in business development. I loved the way internet marketers had to constantly adjust to fit Google’s algorithms, new mobile devices, and new audiences. I knew this was the career for me. Originally, I planned to focus solely on business marketing because there were not many digital marketing degrees available. Over the last two years though, several schools throughout the country have developed internet marketing courses that explain fundamental methods of search engine optimization, website analytics, and more. These are the foundations I will build my career around. The best part about internet marketing is that there is always something new to learn. I can use my creative mind and exploratory nature to try new advertising methods that help businesses succeed. Every time they do well, I do well. This is the kind of job fulfillment most people can only dream of, but my educational plan and job prospects will allow me to achieve it. I have picked up some freelance jobs online to supplement my studies and help pay for my education. It is difficult to maintain a steady stream of income in freelance because I spend so much time on my school work. This scholarship could offset some of the costs and reduce my workload as a whole. While I will still work throughout the semester and full-time in the summers, having extra financial aid would greatly reduce my stress in college. I look forward to a future where I can use my marketing skills to help business owners achieve their career goals. I plan to spend the first few years after graduation working for a successful, long-standing digital marketing company. After I have enough on-the-job training to feel confident in my abilities, I will open my own internet marketing company in Chicago, where my family lives. I have a clear picture of where I will be in the next 10 years, and I know this degree is going to help me get there.

Word count: 481

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Class of 2024: A Father-Daughter Graduation Celebration Honors a Goal Three Decades in the Making

When his daughter’s vet school journey reignited his own long-held dream, Craig Barnett followed her, and his heart, into the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine to launch a second career.

Two years ago, Craig Barnett sat proudly in the audience as his daughter, Dr. Alex Barnett, received her DVM degree and recited the Veterinarian’s Oath. This year, their roles will be reversed, and the cheers from their family’s seats will be extra loud.

The Barnetts were the first father-daughter duo simultaneously enrolled at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. Earning a DVM degree is impressive in its own right, and having two veterinarians in the family is a source of pride. 

But Craig Barnett’s graduation next week also marks larger milestones: The fulfillment of a goal held for over three decades, the gratification of making his daughter proud and the realization that it’s never too late to start over.

“It’s incredible, quite honestly,” says Alex Barnett. “He’s just such a solid individual. It’s been fantastic to see him achieve his goals.”

Craig Barnett, 52, wanted to study marine biology as an undergraduate at Florida State University in the late 1980s and set his sights on graduate school. Those plans detoured when his grades started slipping, and meeting a Tallahassee Police Department reserve officer in a biology class set him on a path into law enforcement when he graduated in 1992.

Working as a police officer, raising two children and earning a master’s in homeland security kept him busy and fulfilled, but the familiar pull to work with animals resurfaced as he approached retirement with the Raleigh Police Department and supported Alex Barnett toward her veterinary dreams.

The pair leaned on each other through prerequisite courses and the veterinary school application cycle, which for Craig Barnett coincided with his final year on the police force. He retired from a 27-year career in 2020, right before returning to school.  

“It was a lot of work,” Craig Barnett says. “I had to learn how to learn in the style of vet school, which is very didactical. Coming from a career where you learn more by doing, getting back into a classroom and test-taking mindset was pretty challenging for me, but it was also a lot of fun to be learning something brand new.”

Because of the pandemic, Craig Barnett’s return to the classroom began at home, where Alex was his only in-person colleague. The two claimed separate workspaces for remote learning and traded a quiet upstairs office for exams.

Once he made it through his first year and back to campus in 2021, studying became easier and he found camaraderie with his classmates.

“My class has all been very supportive of me,” says Craig Barnett, who switched from mixed animal to a small animal focus during his program. “Actually, everybody at the school, the staff included, has been incredibly supportive and helpful, so it’s been a fun journey.”

Earning scholarships from the CVM, including the Sara McCorkle Graduate Award in his final year, helped Craig Barnett focus on his studies instead of fretting about their cost as he prepared for his second career.

He learned more about the veterinary field as he watched his daughter navigate her clinical year and start her job hunt. Alex Barnett, 27, landed a job as an ER vet with Blue Pearl in Tampa, Florida, in 2022 and has been working there since.

“I definitely look up to her,” Craig Barnett says. “I’m very proud as a parent to see her be not only successful at school, but successful in her career. I mention her vet career and personal accomplishments every chance I get.”

His clinical rotations over the past year have given him a new perspective, too. 

Craig Barnett spent 13 years of his police career in Raleigh as a canine handler and later the department’s head dog trainer. During that time, he brought many of the dogs he worked with to the NC State Veterinary Hospital for emergencies. 

This past year, he became the veterinarian leading a police dog’s check-up and interpreting an injured military K-9’s CT scan.

“It’s a ‘back to where I was’-type feeling, like a connection to my past,” Craig Barnett says. “I enjoyed my previous career, so it’s nice to be able to relate to those that now work with working dogs and get to help them in different ways.”

His skill of knowing how to communicate in high-stress situations, an ability honed in the police force, has also come in handy in the clinic. Craig Barnett recalls that during his ICU rotation, a pet owner was anxious when ending a visit to her sick dog, but his encouragement that the pup was in good hands helped the owner leave reassured.

“He just has such a calm presence,” Alex Barnett says. “That is one of the largest advantages that he has coming into veterinary medicine, already having all this interpersonal experience.”

Four years after entering a new field, Craig Barnett is tackling another big change. He has accepted a job offer as an ER veterinarian at Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency in Hickory, North Carolina, prompting him and his wife to move for the first time in three decades.

Alex Barnett hopes to dispel her dad’s first-day jitters by returning the same advice that he gave her as she started her first job.

“Give yourself some leniency to make mistakes,” she says. “I made plenty of them my first year out, and you survive. You work through them, you get better and you slowly become the doctor you want to be.”

Next week’s Oath and Hooding ceremony puts soon-to-be Dr. Craig Barnett a professional degree closer to that goal.

However, he may not be the last family member to pass through the college’s doors. Eli Barnett hopes to follow his father and older sister into veterinary school and plans to apply to NC State’s DVM program in the next admissions cycle.

“He figured that out on his own,” Craig Barnett says. “NC State is the No. 1  school on his list.”

• Alex Barnett
• Class of 2022
• Class of 2024
• Craig Barnett
• Emergency and Critical Care
• small animal focus

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