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Vet School Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our vet school application essay expert and has been helping people write their veterinary school personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
3 TIPS FOR COMPELLING VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS
1. Explain Your Passion for Veterinary Medicine
- Share a meaningful experience: Describe a specific moment that sparked your interest in veterinary medicine, such as caring for a sick pet, shadowing a veterinarian, or witnessing the impact of animal healthcare.
- Highlight veterinary medicine’s role in animal and human well-being: Discuss how veterinarians contribute to public health, animal welfare, and scientific advancements, and why this resonates with you.
- Show your dedication to the field: Connect your passion for veterinary medicine to your long-term commitment to improving animal health, whether through clinical practice, research, or advocacy.
Example:
"Growing up on a small farm, I often helped care for our animals, but one experience stood out: nursing a newborn lamb back to health after a difficult birth. I watched as the veterinarian methodically assessed her condition, provided supportive care, and ultimately saved her life. That moment solidified my desire to become a veterinarian—not just to heal animals, but to support the people who depend on them and advance animal healthcare."
2. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills
- Discuss academic and hands-on preparation: Share your background in biology, animal science, or other relevant fields, along with practical experiences like veterinary shadowing, research, or animal care.
- Showcase essential veterinary skills: Highlight problem-solving, critical thinking, animal handling, and communication skills using concrete examples.
- Connect your experiences to veterinary medicine’s broad scope: Reflect on how your past work has prepared you for challenges in clinical practice, research, or public health.
Example:
"As a veterinary assistant at a busy small-animal clinic, I assisted in exams, prepared surgical equipment, and educated pet owners on post-operative care. One case in particular—a dog with a severe allergic reaction—taught me the importance of quick decision-making, teamwork, and compassionate client communication. This experience reinforced my passion for veterinary medicine and my commitment to developing the skills needed to provide high-quality care."
3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths
- Research the program: Mention specific aspects, such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical training, or areas of specialization like wildlife medicine, public health, or exotic animal care.
- Connect your goals to the program’s offerings: Explain how the curriculum, mentorship, or unique resources will help you achieve your aspirations.
- Articulate your long-term vision: Share your career goals and how a DVM degree will equip you to make an impact in veterinary medicine.
Example:
"I am particularly drawn to [Vet School Name] because of its emphasis on hands-on clinical training and its strong research initiatives in infectious disease. The opportunity to work with faculty engaged in epidemiology research will help me refine my skills in disease prevention and public health. My long-term goal is to specialize in food animal medicine, ensuring the health of livestock while promoting safe and sustainable agricultural practices."
By focusing on your passion for veterinary medicine, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and aligning your goals with the program’s unique strengths, you’ll craft a compelling and personalized statement that demonstrates your readiness for veterinary school.
VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Here's an example of a strong veterinary school personal statement, followed by an analysis of why it works.
I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian the moment I saved a life—though at the time, it was just a baby bird barely the size of my palm. I was ten years old when I found the fledgling on the ground, motionless but still breathing. I scooped it up, fashioned a makeshift incubator out of a shoebox and a desk lamp, and spent days researching how to feed and care for it. Though the bird eventually regained strength and took flight again, I was the one who truly changed. That experience sparked an insatiable curiosity about animal health, but more importantly, it showed me the profound impact of intervention.
Years later, I found myself facing another moment of helplessness, this time in a veterinary clinic. A Golden Retriever named Max was rushed in, struggling to breathe. I was shadowing the veterinarian, and as we moved swiftly to stabilize him, I was struck by the team’s seamless coordination. Oxygen, X-rays, diagnosis, treatment—it was a blur of science and skill, yet beneath it all was deep empathy. Max recovered, and I left the clinic that day not just inspired, but certain: I didn’t just want to help animals; I wanted to be the person animals and their owners could rely on in their most vulnerable moments.
To prepare for this path, I pursued a degree in animal science, complementing my studies with hands-on experience in multiple areas of veterinary medicine. As a research assistant, I studied zoonotic disease transmission, gaining an appreciation for the intricate connections between animal and human health. At an equine rehabilitation center, I worked with injured racehorses, learning how patience and precision in care could restore not only physical function but also trust. And in a shelter medicine internship, I witnessed the stark contrast between the resilience of animals and the harsh realities of neglect and overpopulation. These experiences reinforced my commitment to veterinary medicine as a means of advocacy, healing, and education.
What draws me most to [Vet School Name] is its commitment to both clinical excellence and community service. The opportunity to work with underserved rural communities through the mobile veterinary clinic aligns with my goal of increasing access to veterinary care. Additionally, the school’s emphasis on One Health resonates deeply with my research interests, as I hope to contribute to efforts that address the intersection of veterinary and public health. My ultimate goal is to specialize in mixed animal practice, serving both companion animals and livestock in a way that promotes animal welfare while also supporting the people who depend on them.
Veterinary medicine is more than a career to me—it is the only path that allows me to combine my love for animals with my drive to solve problems, support communities, and make tangible differences in the lives of both animals and the people who care for them. From the tiny bird I saved as a child to the complex medical cases I’ve encountered in my clinical experiences, every step of my journey has deepened my certainty that I am meant to be a veterinarian. I am eager to take the next step in this journey at [Vet School Name].
Why This Personal Statement Is Effective
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Engaging Narrative Hook
- The opening scene with the baby bird is vivid and emotional, immediately drawing the reader in. It not only introduces the applicant’s passion for animal care but also provides a moment of personal transformation.
- The story is relatable and unique, setting the applicant apart from generic “I love animals” statements.
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Clear Progression and Growth
- The statement moves from a childhood experience to real-world veterinary exposure, showing how early passion developed into serious, hands-on commitment.
- The transition from saving a bird to shadowing in a clinic effectively illustrates increasing responsibility and deeper engagement with veterinary medicine.
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Diverse and Relevant Experiences
- The applicant highlights experience in research (zoonotic disease), large animal care (equine rehabilitation), and shelter medicine, demonstrating well-rounded preparation.
- The experiences are not just listed but connected to key themes: problem-solving, empathy, and the broader societal impact of veterinary medicine.
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Personal Connection to the School
- The applicant doesn’t just list the vet school’s features; they connect them to their own goals (community service, One Health, mixed animal practice).
- This shows that they have researched the program and have a clear vision of how it fits into their career path.
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Strong Closing
- The conclusion ties back to the opening theme of making a difference, reinforcing the applicant’s passion and purpose.
- It leaves a lasting impression by reaffirming their commitment and excitement for veterinary school.
This statement is compelling because it tells a story, demonstrates qualifications without being overly dry, and makes a strong case for why the applicant belongs in veterinary school.
Video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement
For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.
Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.
MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
What are the basics of applying to vet school?
Securing a spot in a veterinary graduate program is akin to training for a rigorous multi-discipline sport — it demands a combination of academic prowess, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for animal health and welfare. Here’s how the preparation process typically looks:
Starting with academics, most aspiring veterinarians complete a bachelor’s degree, often in fields like biology, animal science, or a related discipline. Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced math are crucial. Excelling in these subjects is key because they lay the groundwork for understanding animal physiology, diseases, and treatments.
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of a veterinary application. This isn’t limited to just loving animals; it’s about gaining real-world experience in veterinary settings. Prospective students often accumulate hours through internships, volunteer work, or employment at veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms, or research labs. This exposure is vital for demonstrating practical skills and a commitment to the profession.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is often a requirement for vet programs. A solid score can bolster an application, indicating a candidate’s readiness for the academic rigor of a veterinary program.
Applications usually include essays and letters of recommendation. Essays are an opportunity to express your passion for veterinary medicine, reflect on your experiences, and discuss your career aspirations. It's crucial to choose recommenders who can vouch for your hands-on abilities and academic competence in the field.
Interviews are common in vet school admissions, allowing candidates to showcase their communication skills, understanding of the veterinary profession, and motivation for pursuing this career.
Extra efforts, like participating in animal health research or being active in animal welfare organizations, can also give your application an edge.
In summary, getting into a veterinary graduate program involves a mix of strong academic performance, extensive hands-on experience with animals, clear communication of your passion and understanding of the field, and the personal qualities needed to excel in the demanding world of veterinary medicine. It’s a path that requires dedication and a deep commitment to animal care and health.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
- Fellowships and Grants personal statements