Here are some of the example supplemental applications that I filled out this past cycle. They are in a completely random order. I am providing these as examples to you guys so that you can see what to expect. These will also give you an idea of how an actual applicant answered these questions.

 

1. List and describe additional veterinary/animal experience that you gained after submitting your VMCAS application. Include the location where you gained the experience, the dates, approximate number of hours, and the nature of your experience and responsibilities, including whether this was paid or volunteer experience. PLEASE DO NOT REPEAT INFORMATION YOU SUBMITTED ON THE VMCAS APPLICATION. (4000 character limit)

       

       Since submitting the VMCAS application this past July, I have continued to work at the Animal Emergency Hospital as a part-time employee and continued volunteering at the Big Sids and Crash’s Landing cat rescue centers in Grand Rapids. These are two of the most important veterinary and animal related experiences throughout my undergraduate career because they are helping prepare me for a career in veterinary medicine and strengthened my love and passion for animals. 

       I have been volunteering at Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s for three years and plan to continue volunteering there until I leave Grand Rapids. During this academic year, I volunteer every other week for two hours cleaning and assisting with medications. I have added an additional 17 hours to my animal experiences here.

       Over the past four months, I have also amassed an additional 420 hours of employment experience and completed two additional phases of training on top of the three phases already accomplished at the Animal Emergency Hospital. When in school I work part time on weekends and occasionally on weekdays at the hospital. This brings my total number of hours at the hospital to 1497 over a period of a year and a half of employment.

       Phase 4 training increased my knowledge about certain aspects of the training that I have already received and introduced me to new skills and techniques. After this training I now have a better understanding of pain management through the use of analgesic medications and monitoring patients for signs of pain. I am also now trained in setting up and utilizing an anesthesia machine for routine and emergency surgeries. In addition, I am qualified to help assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation situations by providing assisted breathing, IV catheter placement, cardiac compressions, and ET tube placement. This phase also trained me for placing IV catheter in the cephalic, saphenous, and jugular veins, although I had already been placing these for some time due to on the job experiences.

       I have acted as receptionist on several occasions and deal with a lot of the same situations when in the exam assistant position. This fall AEH has implemented a new receptionist training program, which I elected to go through to get a better understanding of this position. The most important skills that I gained through this training have dealt with customer interaction and the day-to-day financial duties. A receptionist’s job is to handle the client when they arrive, make sure they feel comfortable throughout the visit, and check them out. Being in that position has taught me how to put myself in the perspective of the client and has therefore improved my communication skills. The training has also provided me with techniques on how to handle people in varying states of mind and of different backgrounds. Dealing with payment is also a major aspect of this training and through it I have learned how to take various forms of payment in addition to doing care credit transactions, held check agreements, and billing agreements. Overall this training has better prepared me to interact with clients in the exam room and given me additional skills on how to run my own clinic in the future.

       I plan to continue my employment at the Animal Emergency Hospital through my last semester. Currently, I am scheduled to go through the final Phase 5 training that focuses on in-depth education on anesthesia. In addition, my managers plan to train me as a shift leader due to my extensive experiences and time at the hospital. As a shift leader, I will be in charge of overseeing that all treatments and duties at the hospital are properly handled by the staff. In the past months I have acted as shift leader during times of staff shortages, so this training will continue to further enhance my leadership skills and knowledge base. Characters = 3,988

 

 

2. Breadth and depth of veterinary and/or animal experiences. How did these experiences impact you, affect your education, and how will they make you a better veterinarian (900 characters with spaces):

I have spent much of my time outside of academics gaining veterinary experiences. Volunteering at rescue centers has given me invaluable animal handling skills and has instilled a passion in me to help abandoned pets. I had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the John Ball Zoo, where I was able to interact with and learn about exotic animals. I have ridden along with an equine veterinarian and shadowed a food animal veterinarian, which have expanded my knowledge about these professions. Most importantly, I have been employed at the West Michigan Animal Emergency Hospital as a veterinary assistant for the past two years. I have grown so much working alongside veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the exam room, during treatments, and in surgical procedures. These accumulated experiences, along with veterinary school, will help make me into a great veterinarian. (Characters = 882) 

 

 

3. 1. You future: 3 parts (250 words max)

a) If asked today, what would be your professional goals for (1) 3 years post-graduation and (2) 10 years post-graduation?

Three years post-graduation, I plan to be a veterinarian working in a multi-vet small animal clinic in the Raleigh area. I intend to be involved with an organization that focuses on the needs of FeLV and FIV positive cats and educates the community. Ten years post-graduation, I aspire to be in the process of opening my own veterinary clinic or becoming a partner in the clinic to which I am currently employed. 

 

b) Briefly, what would be your plan to achieve each of these goals (at 3 and 10 yrs)?

I will achieve these goals by graduating from veterinary school at the top of my class, making connections in the Raleigh area with local veterinarians and becoming actively involved in the community. In the case that there is no cat center dedicated to FeLV and FIV in Raleigh, I will start my own organization. I will achieve these longer term goals by taking business oriented courses at a local university, keeping a high credit score, accumulating the necessary capital, and furthering my knowledge through networking, veterinary related conferences, and working. 

 

c) If you were never admitted into the DVM program, what would you do with your life?

If I were never admitted into a DVM program, I would still devote my life to helping animals by attending a veterinary tech program. As an LVT, I would work full-time at the West Michigan Animal Emergency Hospital. I love my current job, so this would be the second-best career option for me. However, my passion to become a veterinarian would keep me on the path towards school. With my newly gained education as an LVT and the advanced on-the-job experiences, I would continue applying to veterinary school. 

 

 

4. Agricultural background and/or food animal/food systems experience and interest. How did these experiences impact you, affect your education, and how will they make you a better veterinarian (900 characters with spaces):

I grew up on a farm and this unique upbringing has had a major influence how I got to this point of applying to veterinary school. It taught me how to work hard both in the field and academically, while also being the catalyst for my passion for animals. I would not be as successful in my academic career if not for the skills and determination I learned on the farm. My upbringing has also influenced me to explore the veterinary profession of food animal medicine because it was a big part of my hometown farming community. Last year, I observed a food animal veterinarian at the West Michigan Beef Company for several days. It really opened my eyes to the importance of this type of veterinary medicine. I believe that these farming and food animal experiences are going to help me become a well-informed and hard-working veterinarian in my future practice. (861 characters).

 

 

5. The Blank University values the educational benefits derived from a diverse student population. As such, our school is committed to creating a community of learners that is broad and diverse in its composition. In support of that effort, we seek to understand what elements in your background, experiences, personal achievements and career interests would bring breadth to a class of veterinary medical students and the veterinary medical profession. For example, you may consider addressing topics including (but not limited to) long-term social/financial disadvantage, first generation college student status, unique accomplishments/talents, diverse cultural or personal attributes, special training or education, unique work/volunteer experiences, geographical diversity, and/or experience in agriculture, research, industry, or business. (3000 character limit)

 

       I have spent most of my life growing up on a small vegetable farm in a lower class rural agricultural town. I have been fortunate enough to have a stable, albeit divorced, family but nonetheless I never went without the necessities. However, I was surrounded by friends, acquaintances, and strangers who struggled to get by every year because they were depending on government support or a good crop yield. Seeing such economic hardships has inspired me to help those in need through my various service activities and ultimately through my desire to help those less fortunate provide their pets with quality care. With my background in rural areas I am very open to eventually settling down in a small town, if not my hometown, in order to work with those who may not always have the funds or the proper knowledge base to appropriately care for their beloved pets.

       As I have transitioned to the larger city of Grand Rapids to attend college, my little farming town has stayed with me. I quickly learned that my primary and secondary education at the small public school of Shepherd was severely lacking to that of my honors college peers. Yet instead of hindering me, it has pushed me that much harder and made me appreciate my higher education that much more. As a student, I will start veterinary school with the understanding of how important an education is and how hard you have to work for it. I believe that my appreciation for education will help add to your program because every day I will come to lectures ready to learn with enthusiasm and dedication.

       Living in Grand Rapids has also provided me with the amazing opportunity to be employed as a veterinary assistant at the West Michigan Animal Emergency. My veterinary related experiences at the clinic have been very diverse and extensive in the types of patients seen, the treatments done, and the clients worked with. I work side-by-side with licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and veterinarians learning from them every day. My intensive training and wide-range of unique experiences at the emergency hospital will make me an exceptional student in your program. I will be able to bring the unique perspectives and experiences of emergency medicine to a field dominated by general practice medicine.

       Ultimately, having lived in both a rural small town and a large city I have accumulated experiences and knowledge that will help me better serve people from all backgrounds in my future profession. Seeing families and individuals come into our hospital with a pet suffering from something treatable, but economically out of their reach has instilled a passion within me to help those less fortunate. I want to be able to service all of those within my community the best that I possibly can and I believe that my aspirations will help influence other students to make a difference in their own communities. Characters = 2,939

 

 

6. Research skills and lessons learned or other significant experience related to research – include any publications, presentations, or advanced degrees. How did these experiences impact you, affect your education, and how will they make you a better veterinarian (900 characters with spaces): I accepted an incredible opportunity after finishing my freshman year to work as a student researcher at Grand Valley State University in the chemistry department. I collaborated with my advising professor on a research project that aimed to determine the structure of mutated horse heart cytochrome c peroxidase. Through my research, I learned valuable skills like sterile technique, using an autoclave, growing microbes, spectrophotometer usage, chromatography purification, and the basic protocols of working in a lab. At the completion of my research, I presented my paper at three different conferences, among them the 2011 Midwestern Symposium on Undergraduate Research in Chemistry at Michigan State University. This experience intensified my interest in science, which will help me successfully complete veterinary school and keep me passionate about veterinary medicine. (880 characters)

 

 

7. What are you passionate about other than veterinary medicine and why? (250 word max)

       Beyond veterinary medicine, I find myself very passionate about my organization Phi Sigma Pi. I have been an active member of this organization for the past two years and I plan to continue being involved with for many more as an alumni. I am currently the President of the Epsilon Psi Chapter at Grand Valley State University. Our chapter has grown to thirty-seven members and is actively involved throughout the West Michigan area. As a leader, I devote much of my free time to helping our somewhat new chapter continue to grow into a successful entity on campus and in the community.

       What I appreciate about this organization is that it brings together all of the best parts of being at a university: service, social, and academics. Being a member in Phi Sigma Pi has given me so many different opportunities. From volunteering at an underprivileged elementary school to attending a National Conference in Philadelphia to helping give back to my University through blood drives and Teach for America. The skills and experiences that I have gained from being in Phi Sigma Pi have helped me grow as a student and as a citizen. This organization is so much more than just a group of people; it is a family that is always going to be there to support me. The people that I have met within my chapter and throughout the country are going to be lifelong friends and connections. (245 words)

 

 

8. Discuss how you would respond to a small animal client who asks, "How can a veterinarian be involved in an industry, such as animal agriculture, which kills millions of animals each year?" (250 word max)

       As veterinarians, we are not only there to treat patients, but also to teach the community about animal related topics. I would approach this conversation with a client from an educational standpoint, simply explaining to her the necessary role food animal veterinarians play, while also interjecting some of my personal beliefs and experiences. The goal is that my client will have a better understanding or appreciation of food animal medicine.

       I would start by explaining exactly what a food animal veterinarian does on a daily basis; such as checking food animals anti and postmortem for diseases, testing for drug residues, and condemning unfit products. They make sure that the meat on a family’s plate is safe for consumption. Not only do they help prevent foodborne illnesses, but they are also at facilities enforcing regulations and humane handling of the animals. While using animals for meat is unavoidable, veterinarians are there to make sure that they are treated humanely on the farm and during the slaughtering.

       Food animal medicine and small animal medicine have their parallels because in both situations the veterinarians are dealing with the health and treatment of animals. The outcomes might be slightly different, but ultimately a food animal veterinarian is there to make sure that an animal is given the best possible life. I would end by emphasizing the impact food animal medicine has on my client’s life because it helps maintain the safety and wellbeing of both food animal and human populations. (246 words)

 

 

9. Socio-economic (Personal) challenges or hardships that you have overcome while attaining your education and how you overcame these. How did these circumstances impact you, affect your education, and how will they make you a better veterinarian (900 characters with spaces):

At eight years old, the life I had known was replaced with an environment of court battles, separate homes, and time lost when my parents decided to separate. In the years following the divorce, I grew up quickly. It became my job to take care of my younger brother. There is no denying this was a very difficult time in my life, but I am grateful for it because the experiences helped shape me into the person I am today. Taking on the responsibility of my brother and dealing with such an adult situation at a young age helped mature me beyond my years, giving me the drive to work hard and succeed. Going through this hardship has made me a better person and it will ultimately make me a better veterinarian because I am stronger, more independent, and compassionate. (769 characters)

 

 

10. Diverse background such as gained from cultural, career, or community service experiences. How did these circumstances and/or experiences impact you, affect your education, and how will they make you a better veterinarian (900 characters with spaces): Emergencies can happen to any owner and when their pet needs medical care I am one of the first people there to help them through the process. My exam assistant position at the Animal Emergency Hospital has exposed me to so many different people from such diverse backgrounds. I have worked one-on-one with owners who do not speak English, owners who would do anything for their pets, owners who do not have the funds for medical care, and all the other owners in-between. I help them understand what is going on with their pet, guide them through tough calls about finances, and support them when they decide to euthanize. Since becoming an exam assistant, my confidence and interpersonal skills have improved immensely because it has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Each new case teaches me how to improve my skills and prepares me for the diverse situations I will face as a veterinarian. (895 characters

 

 

11. There is a strain of chickens that are naturally blind due to hereditary retinal degeneration. These chickens start reproduction earlier and produce more eggs per cycle than their sighted counterparts. In addition, these blind birds are less aggressive and less stressed from human interaction. By all measures, the animal welfare of these blind birds are higher than their sighted counterparts. Given this fact, is it ethically appropriate to shift over to all blind chickens as a solution to our animal welfare problems that are associated with commercial egg production? Is this permissible on animal welfare grounds? Why or Why not?

      The proposed solution to modify all chickens to be blind may offer improvements through some animal welfare benefits and production increases, but it is unethical since we are changing the genetic integrity of a species to suit our needs. These chickens would be given the undesirable gene for retinal degeneration in order to better fit the unnatural environment we have created. We should be looking at ways to change their environment, rather than invasively alter them genetically.

       While blinding the chickens may offer an increase in quality of life, this genetic change alters their innate behaviors. This goes against the ideals of animal welfare because they are no longer able to act as a normal chicken would in a natural environment. If these genetically modified chickens were released from captivity they would be unable to survive without human intervention, leaving them incapable of continuing their species’ existence.

       This proposed method also has many uncertainties when considering the potential long-term animal welfare issues that could arise. Genetic engineering is not a perfect science and there is no way to anticipate what consequences could occur from interfering with their genome. Ten years from now a disease could target chickens with retinal degeneration or the genetic change could mutate causing chickens to be unfit for food production. Risking their genetic integrity and welfare rather than providing chickens with a proper environment is not the answer to this current animal welfare problem. 

 

 

12. What special or unusual talents or abilities do you bring to the class of 2017 that will enrich or otherwise add to the culture of the College?

       As college students, we all have our fair share of stress and we all learn to handle that pressure our own way. During my undergraduate career I learned that I could dance away my stress. Early on I became involved with the swing dancing club at my university. Prior to my involvement in this organization, I had no training in dancing. Yet, it did not matter because this group of people was so welcoming and willing to help me learn the moves. The atmosphere when a group of people get together to have fun and dance is so carefree and accepting. Swing dancing has been precisely what I have needed to help get me through those long weeks of studying for exams and working.

       This is exactly why I would love to become a part of a pre-existing swing dancing club or help start one when I move onto veterinary school. More than ever I will need a way to relieve stress when I start veterinary school and helping to teach others to dance would be a constructive way to achieve it. Not only would I benefit from such a club, but any veterinary student could become a part of it. There are so many benefits for NCSU veterinary students to gain from dancing, such as relaxation, confidence, self-expression, better health, and gaining lifelong friends. Swing dancing will help add to the cultural of the campus through its style of music, rich history, and its impact on students. Total words = 248

 

 

13. Describe a situation where you interacted with someone from a significantly different background (i.e. social, geographic, cultural, religious, etc). than your own and how it impacted you.

      This past year I became involved with a mentorship program at Shawmut Hills, which is an underprivileged elementary school in Grand Rapids, MI. Each week, I visit the school to spend an hour with four young girls in the fourth grade. Part of the program is for me to help teach them about manners and get them excited about learning, but I am also there to give them someone stable in their lives.

      Most of these kids come from poverty and broken homes, so understandably their living situations have profoundly altered their behavior and view of the world. My interactions with these children have really opened my eyes to the poverty that is within minutes from my home. They have experienced things that I will never have to go through and their strength to persist continually amazes me. Despite all of the adversity, these young girls have dreams of becoming a veterinarian, a teacher, a scientist, and an accountant.

      I have seen these girls go from shy and quiet during our first visit to running up and giving me huge hugs. Each week I look forward to seeing them because they are filled with so much happiness and it is such a rewarding feeling to know that I am making their day and potentially their life a little bit better. Being that steady person for them has really impacted how I view the world and myself because one person volunteering once a week can truly make a difference. Total word count = 248