To applicants: You can send a PM regarding your essays to any of the members on the Current Readers list! Just the click the mail icon next to your username on the top right navigation bar/menu, and select "Start a new conversation". Then, type the username(s) of the reader(s) who you'd like to contact in the Recipients box. Please be respectful of the list and if a reader has indicated that they are unable to take more statements, do not ask them to. People reading personal statements are donating their time and expertise, and if they say they are at capacity, please respect that.
To readers:
DO NOT ERASE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
1) Quote the most recent post.
2) Add your SDN username, your credentials, and specific things you are willing to edit for (content only, grammar only, etc) under the "current readers" section. DO NOT post your email address or any other identifying and/or public information.
3) Remove the quote tags.
4) If you are unable to read any more personal statements, please come back and remove your name from the list.
CURRENT READERS:
vampyrica | C/O 2030 MPH/DVM student | I’m willing and wanting to read personal statements (or other essays)! I would mostly focus on the content of your essays. However, we can discuss readability for a good flow and grammar. I had a mentor when I wrote my (numerous) essays and kept notes on Do’s and Don’ts that I would love to share with other pre-vets! Additionally, all throughout high school and undergrad, I was the friend people went to when they wanted someone to proofread their essays or emails. My dad still calls me up from time to time to ask if his emails and blog posts are written correctly. PM me for my email address! Best of luck to everyone! ✨
mw1356 | incoming c/o 2029 student | Willing to read personal statements (and/or supplementals), primarily for grammar, word choice, and overall readability/flow. If you have a long essay that needs to be pared down to a word/character limit, I can help with that too! I applied with a pretty low number of vet hours (~400), and I think how I presented myself and my experiences in my essays played a big part in getting interviews and acceptances. PM me for my email (also fairly new to actually posting on SDN so if I messed up the quote thing please let me know!)
indysadventures | incoming c/o 2029 student | I am willing to read personal statements, explanation statements, experience details, and supplemental essays. I am an older, non-traditional incoming vet student who has worked in a variety of fields - thus, I have significant experience in writing/editing across several specialties. I've also led research and hiring application initiatives at a large urban school district, meaning that I have seen the "other side" of applications processes, which helps inform my consideration of written materials. I was an editor for the 2024-2025 application season, and while I did edit for grammar, I also scanned for thematic strength, readability, and cadence/flow. For applicants with a strong direction or theme to their application (e.g., mine was oncology, end-of-life care, and service), I am happy to review written materials for thematic resonance and cohesion.
katiemcat | UFCVM c/o 2026 student | I am willing to read personal statements for substance/message. I am a rising fourth year vet student (wow how did that happen?) planning on pursuing a rotating internship and residency in small animal internal medicine after graduation. I originally came in convinced I was meant for shelter work so I have a lot of experience in shelter medicine as well. I was on UF's interview panel as a student interviewer this past cycle (2024-2025) so I think I have a decent understanding of what an admission's panel is generally looking for and red flags to avoid. My schedule can be erratic so I strongly prefer to be sent google docs links I can add comments to when I have availability.
torticatcalci| UAF/CSU c/o 2029 | I love writing so will read your personal statements for whatever you'd like advice on! I feel like people here were super helpful in getting me into school this year so I'm happy to do the same. This June I'll be living at my parents house in preparation for moving to Alaska so I'll have lots of time to read supplementals then as well. Good luck <3
Shiloh47/ incoming c/o 2029 student / I would love to read personal statements or supplemental essays! I think that essays can absolutely make a big difference for some of the OOS schools, especially when you're dealing with such an immense candidate pool. I wrote many, many essays under a time crunch with some that had me impressing myself, and others that were spectacularly bad, so I feel like I can help with the overall flow and initial impression of an essay. I know sometimes you can get too close to a particular writing and you need to take a step back and have someone else see it with fresh eyes. I am interested in large animal and equine medicine and focused on rural medicine in my own essay, but some personal essays were entirely separate from vet med. I could always share some of my own essays as well for jumping off points or ideas.
beans2020 | Mizzou c/o 2028 student | I am willing to read personal statements, explanation statements, and supplemental essays - whatever you need! I mostly read for grammar, word choice, and spelling and have lots of experience editing essays/stories/creative writing assignments for others. I am also open to reading for content. Heads up - I am quite busy as the school year at Mizzou goes into the summer and I will be working this summer as well, so make sure to let me know in advance if you would like me to look at your essays! Best of luck c/o 2030 applicants
happybirdnerd | Oregon State c/o 2028 | I'll look at anything from chicken scratch to a polished essay and I'll do my very best to help you reach a point that you're happy with! Some of the best vets I've met were also some of the worst writers - being able to write a good essay doesn't reflect your ability to communicate with clients, think critically, and practice good medicine. I want to help match your essay to who you are. I'm happy to help with whatever you need, whether it's grammar/spelling, flow, or just general readability. I love writing and editing other people's work, so this is my second year as an essay editor on SDN
Penny$29| incoming Cornell student c/o 2029 | I am open to reading supplementals and personal statements, mainly on grammar and word choice, but also on content and road mapping. I found that I could say what I wanted within the limited character count on VMCAS, so if you are struggling with how long your essays are I can help cut them down without omitting important details. I only applied with ~1200 hours so my essays focused on the quality of my experiences rather than quantity. So many people on this thread helped me with my essays and I would love to give back and help some of you guys as well!
rose64809 | c/o 2030 MPH/DVM student | I am happy to help with personal statements and supplemental essays, particularly with content. Coming from an education background, I enjoy helping others craft their writing to highlight their unique perspectives and skillsets. I was working full-time when I was working on my application, so I know just how important it is to get meaningful feedback and help with writing these essays. PM me for my email address, and best of luck to you all!
catsandsnakes | incoming c/o 2029 student | I am open to reading personal statements and supplemental essays! I am strongest when it comes to checking grammar and readability, but I can definitely comment on essay content if that is what you're looking for! I wrote tens of supplemental essays this past cycle and was accepted/waitlisted at all but one school - I think the strength of my supplementals is what helped me get waitlisted at schools like LSU and Cornell that don't interview. SDN was such a huge help in editing my personal statement and I'd love to give back! Good luck <3
Kodiak-Bear | tOSU c/o 2029 | I am happy to read and help with anything from the roughest drafts to final products of personal statements and supplementals. I am best with grammar and readability, but I can also help brainstorm content/direction and with cutting down. This thread was a lifeline my past few cycles and I would love to be able to help in any way possible!
Noodles21 | Mizzou c/o 2029 | I am happy to read and help with personal statements whether that be brainstorming, content, or grammar! Writing a personal statement can feel like a shot in the dark with no guidance and I wish I would have found this thread when I wrote mine. Nonetheless, I would love to help other future vets along their journey to vet school 🙂
