The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UNL IANR) and Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU CVM) have established the ISU-UNL Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (ISU-UNL PPVM). Under this program, 25 Nebraska students who are admitted to ISU will enroll and complete the first two years of the veterinary curriculum at UNL and the last two years at ISU. The 25 Nebraska students will pay ISU resident veterinary tuition and fees for all four years of enrollment with the tuition and fees for the first two years paid to UNL and for the last two years to ISU. Only verified Nebraska residents are eligible for admission to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine.
Students apply to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). The application includes transcripts, personal information, essays and references. The admission process at ISU and UNL are similar.
After applications are confirmed to meet the minimum requirements, academic scores are calculated. Applications are provided to all admission committee members. Each admission committee member rates the applicant for characteristics such as: experience, work history, leadership and community experience and communication skills. References are also reviewed in this phase.
Calculations: (subject to change)
File Review (Analysis of application and recommendations) 45%
Academic Score (last 45 credit units GPA, required science courses GPA) 45%
CASPer score 10%
Application Review Breakdown
The Admissions Committee reviews the applicant’s essays; recommendations; animal, veterinary, research, and work experiences; extracurricular and community service activities; personal development activities; and any special circumstances. Each of these items is considered and contributes to the overall impression of the applicant.
Essays & communication skills
The entire application is assessed for evidence of strong written communication skills, including but not limited to well-organized statements and lack of spelling or grammatical errors. In addition, essay responses are evaluated for how well they address each specific question.
VMCAS essay
-One-page essay that gives the admissions committee a clear picture of who you are and why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine
What do you feel is one of the biggest challenges faced by veterinarians, and why?
-Identification and justification of a valid concern associated with the veterinary profession
Describe a situation when you have experienced being unable to achieve a goal you have set for yourself. How did you react/cope with this situation? What did you learn about yourself from this experience?
-Demonstration of resilience, self-reflection, overcoming obstacles
Recommendations
Three recommendations are required. Up to six will be accepted but applicants are not given additional consideration if they have more than three letters of recommendation.
Suggested recommenders are veterinarians, advisors, professors and employers although others are also acceptable. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a recommendation from at least one veterinarian. Do not choose a recommender solely on the basis of their job or position. Recommenders cannot be related to the applicant by blood or marriage.
Persons chosen to submit recommendations should be able to speak to the applicant's personal characteristics and attributes. Recommenders should know the applicant well enough to provide specific examples demonstrating the applicant's aptitude and dedication to the veterinary profession. The admissions committee may contact recommenders directly if further information or clarification is needed.
Veterinary/animal/research experience
Veterinary, animal and/or research experience may be voluntary or paid but must be completed under the supervision of a veterinarian if it is veterinary experience or a PhD scientist if it is research experience. The applicant is expected to have at least 200 hours of quality experience (veterinary/animal/research) from which the applicant should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the veterinary profession. Partial credit may be given for less than 200 hours of experience.
The goal of veterinary experience is to give the applicant a good understanding of the breadth and depth of the veterinary profession. The diversity of experiences will be considered. Diversity can include experience with multiple species (e.g., companion animal, equine, production animal, wildlife, exotic animals). Diversity can also include the type of experience (e.g., general practice, specialty practice, animal shelters, zoos, research laboratories). Greater weight will be given to experiences with a higher level of responsibility. Pet ownership and educational coursework is not given significant consideration.
Work experience for pay
Consists of any work experience for pay, including animal, veterinary, and research experience for pay. Sustained work experiences with significant responsibilities will be given higher consideration than entry-level positions and/or employment only during summer vacations.
Community/leadership/extracurricular activities/honors/awards
Leadership roles, depth of involvement and accomplishments in university clubs, community organizations and varsity athletics will be considered.
Personal development
Personal development includes skills and activities outside of coursework and employment. Examples include study abroad, accomplishments and participation in community and civic organizations, achievements in varsity athletics or organized sports clubs, fluency in more than one language, achievement in dance, theater, music, photography and similar hobbies.
Commitment to creating a welcoming environment
The AVMA strives to educate its members regarding access and inclusion within businesses and workplaces, and their role in improving animal and human health and advancing the veterinary medical profession in an ever-changing world. As an AVMA accredited program, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Iowa State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine shares this goal and seeks to contribute to an environment where all people are valued, appreciated, and respected. How do your life experiences, activities, and academic work demonstrate your ability and desire to contribute to an environment consistent with these goals?
Special circumstances
Special circumstances include factors that may have adversely affected the applicant’s academic record. These factors and how the applicant overcame them are considered.
The admission committee consists of five individuals: two Nebraska veterinarian practitioners and three UNL faculty. The practitioners serve a two year term. UNL faculty are appointed by the Director of the PPVM and serve a three year term.
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