Create a Vet School Letter of Recommendation to validate an applicant’s qualifications for veterinary medicine.
Updated June 12, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Vet School Letter of Recommendation is a document authored by a mentor or superior who can attest to an applicant’s capabilities and experiences relevant to veterinary medicine. Typically written by someone who knows the applicant well, like faculty instructors or veterinarians, the letter provides credibility to an application by detailing the applicant’s qualifications through the eyes of someone who has directly observed their work and character.
All recommendation letters for veterinary schools must be submitted electronically via the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), adhering to specific deadlines and guidelines.
A veterinary school letter of recommendation significantly enhances your application as it:
Choose recommenders who are well-acquainted with your work ethic, philosophy, and professional conduct.
Consider the following categories to ensure a well-rounded representation of your capabilities:
In addition, try to provide a well-rounded selection of individuals to offer a more compelling and engaging portrayal of your capabilities. While having strong letters solely from veterinarians may not negatively impact your application, showcasing your skills and attributes across various settings can provide a comprehensive view to the admissions committees.
Most veterinarian schools require at least three letters of recommendation, but the VMCAS allows you to submit a maximum of six letters.
If you submit more than three, certain educational institutions might require you to specify which particular letters you want them to consider in their supplementary application.
Below is a list of veterinarian schools in the US and the number of recommendation letters they require:
Consider the following when approaching potential letter writers:
A letter of recommendation should generally be structured into three main parts:
It should ideally be one page long and sufficiently support the evaluations you provided on the VMCAS evaluation form (if applicable).
Here are some key points for writing the introduction of a vet school letter of recommendation:
If you are using VMCAS to submit the letter, avoid addressing it to a specific institution, as the same letter will be sent to all schools the applicant is applying.
Based on the VMCAS guidelines, here are some pointers on what you may include in your 2-4 body paragraphs to ensure the letter is comprehensive and compelling:
Additionally, try to tailor the content based on your relationship with the applicant. If you are an academic reference, you should highlight the applicant’s critical thinking skills, learning aptitude, and academic intelligence. If you are a practicing veterinarian, you should focus on the applicant’s passion for veterinary medicine, their competence in handling animals, and their attentiveness and inquisitiveness during practical experiences.
Conclude the letter with a positive and supportive tone. Summarize the candidate’s qualities and potential as a future veterinarian in your conclusion. Convey your confidence in the candidate’s ability to excel in veterinary school and make significant contributions to the field.
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Aleksandre Philips for admission to your veterinary school. I have known Aleksandre for the past three years as his biology professor at XYZ University. Throughout this time, I have witnessed his remarkable academic abilities and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine, making him an outstanding candidate for your program.
Aleksandre’s critical thinking skills are exceptional. In my Advanced Genetics course, he demonstrated an impressive ability to analyze complex genetic data and apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. For example, during a research project on genetic mutations in animals, Aleksandre developed a novel approach to data analysis that significantly improved our understanding of the subject.
In addition to his academic strengths, Aleksandre exhibits a profound empathy for animals. During a university-sponsored volunteer program at a local animal shelter, I observed Aleksandre interacting with distressed animals with a level of care and compassion that was truly inspiring. He has a unique ability to calm and reassure animals, reducing their stress and anxiety. This empathy not only benefits the animals but also fosters trust and cooperation among the shelter staff and volunteers.
Aleksandre is also highly self-aware and continuously strives for self-improvement. While he excels in many areas, he has identified his public speaking skills as an area for growth. To address this, he has actively sought opportunities to improve by participating in the university’s debate club and attending public speaking workshops. His proactive approach to personal development underscores his commitment to becoming a well-rounded professional in the veterinary field.
In conclusion, Aleksandre possesses the academic excellence, empathy, and dedication necessary for success in veterinary school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and make significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.
Sincerely,
Julia McFee, PhD
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Victoria Cook for admission to your veterinary school. I have had the pleasure of supervising Victoria for the past six months in the Animal Rescue Outreach volunteer program. Throughout this time, she has shown exceptional dedication and a genuine passion for veterinary medicine, making her an excellent candidate for your program.
Victoria’s competence in handling animals is truly remarkable. During one of our busiest seasons, she managed to calm a highly anxious dog that had been brought in after being abandoned. Her calm and reassuring presence not only eased the dog’s stress but also impressed the staff and other volunteers. This incident demonstrated her natural ability to handle animals with care and compassion, a crucial skill for any aspiring veterinarian.
Victoria is also highly attentive and inquisitive. She consistently seeks to understand the underlying causes and treatments of various conditions. For instance, during a medical check-up of an injured cat, Victoria asked insightful questions about the treatment options and prognosis. Her eagerness to learn and her proactive involvement in the care process underscores her commitment to the veterinary profession and her potential as a future veterinarian.
In terms of areas for improvement, Victoria has shown a remarkable ability to recognize and address her weaknesses. Initially, she struggled with organizational skills, but she has made significant strides by adopting effective time management strategies. Her ability to balance her volunteer responsibilities with her academic work is a testament to her dedication and reliability.
In conclusion, Victoria Cook’s passion for veterinary medicine, competence in handling animals, and commitment to continuous improvement make her an ideal candidate for your veterinary school. I am confident that she will excel in your program and contribute significantly to the field of veterinary medicine.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric Pollocks
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Nick Goodman for admission to your veterinary school. Over the past year, Nick has shadowed me at the Greenwood Animal Clinic, providing me with numerous opportunities to observe his dedication and potential in the veterinary field. His passion for veterinary medicine and his exceptional interpersonal skills make him an outstanding candidate for your program.
Nick’s leadership abilities are exceptional. During a particularly busy day at the clinic, Nick took the initiative to organize and delegate tasks to ensure that all animals received timely care. His ability to motivate and coordinate the team under pressure demonstrated his strong leadership skills and decisiveness, qualities that are essential for a successful career in veterinary medicine.
Nick also excels in professionalism and reliability. He consistently arrives at the clinic on time and is always prepared for his duties. On one occasion, when the clinic was short-staffed, Nick volunteered to extend his hours and managed multiple responsibilities efficiently. His dependable nature and commitment to his responsibilities have made him an invaluable asset to our team.
Additionally, Nick has shown a keen understanding of the veterinary profession. He has actively participated in discussions about various cases, providing thoughtful insights and asking pertinent questions. For instance, during a complex case involving a dog with a rare condition, Nick’s critical thinking and eagerness to learn were evident as he researched the condition and contributed valuable information to the treatment plan.
In conclusion, Nick Goodman’s leadership abilities, professionalism, and deep understanding of the veterinary profession make him an ideal candidate for your veterinary school. I am confident that he will excel in your program and make significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christina Velmore
Copy the free sample or download a customizable vet school letter of recommendation template below.
___________________ [Recommender’s name]
___________________ [Recommender’s institution]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s address]
___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email]
___________________ [Recipient’s name]
___________________ [Recipient’s institution]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s address]
___________________ [Recipient’s phone or email]
Dear ________________________ [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend ___________________ [Candidate’s name] for admission to ___________________ [Program applied for] at ___________________ [Institution’s name]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Candidate’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to Candidate] for ______ [Time] at ___________________ [Institution’s name], I have been impressed by their remarkable academic abilities and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine. This positions me well to attest to their suitability of this program.
During their tenure, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Candidate’s attribute/skill]. A notable achievement was their commitment in _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Candidate’s attribute/skill] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
In terms of areas for improvement, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] has shown a remarkable ability to recognize and address weaknesses. Despite initially struggling with _______________________________ [Description of weakness], they have made significant strides by _______________________________ [Action taken]. ___________________ [Candidate’s name]’s ability to resolve challenges underscores their strong commitment to continuous improvement.
To conclude, I am confident in recommending ___________________ [Candidate’s name] for the ___________________ [Program applied for]. I have no doubt that they will continue to excel and go on to become a well-rounded professional in the veterinary field.
I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss ___________________ [Candidate’s name]’s journey further. I can be reached at ___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email].
___________________ [Recommender’s name]
___________________ [Recommender’s department or title]