A Research Question

[dogluver1994]

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I have a question regarding research. First of all, I do not yet have any research experience (I have at lease 1,500 hours of vet experience though). What I would like to know is: 1) How important is research for a vet school applicant? and 2) Does it have to be done under a PhD or someone from a university?
I have a friend who is doing research on an invasive plant. She is doing it for some kind of senior project, but I didn't know if it would be legit enough to put on an application for vet school.

 

[Frozenshades]

Generally speaking, yes you would want a supervisor with appropriate credentials and to be at a university or high quality institution. It's not a deal breaker though, plenty of people don't have much if any research experience. I got a small amount of research experience, but it was last spring, so it wasn't on my VMCAS anyway. Vet experience is important as is your experience being somewhat aligned with your personal goals. It's good to be diverse, but if your personal statement is all about you wanting to be a researcher but you have no research experience, well...

 

[dogluver1994]

Ok, that is kind of what I thought, that research should be done under someone with (as you said) "appropriate credentials." I'm not hoping to go into research, but I can see that it would indeed help diversify my experiences. Thank you for your feedback!!

 

[cs5910]

I think having research would help play a role in admissions to schools that focus highly on research. My research was brought up in every interview that I had and I have no research interest beyond what I have already completed, nor did I put any emphasis on my research in any of my essays or PS. I think having research through my university helped me stand out, but I think that you can make up for a lack of research with very broad, quality veterinary experience.