Dr. Paige Carmichael, associate dean for academic affairs and a professor of pathology at the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine, wants to spread the word about the varied careers available to those who obtain degrees in veterinary medicine.

"I wish I could find a way to make young people aware of all the possible career paths earlier than I did -- in high school or even elementary school," says Dr. Carmichael.  "Veterinary medicine is truly the career of options."

Carmichael's career path is a case in point. She earned her veterinary medical degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 and her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia in 1994. She became board certified in veterinary anatomic pathology in 1995.

Her research focuses on ophthalmic pathology and neuropathology, subjects that first attracted her attention because of the difficulties and puzzles they presented. "They appeared to be the most challenging systems to most other pathologists. Instead of shying away from these because they were too difficult, I couldn't turn down the challenge."

As a veterinary student, Dr. Carmichael was surprised to learn how many career choices her veterinary degree could open up to her. "A veterinarian can be a general practitioner or specialize in areas such as pathology, small animal surgery, public health, or biomedical research, to name a few."

Learn more about careers in veterinary medicine. 

The GRE General Test -- which includes the verbal, quantitative and analytical tests -- is changing on August 1.  Here's what you need to know.

Along with a newly revised general test, there is a totally new scoring matrix that ranges from 137-177 for the verbal and quantitative parts of the examination.  The analytical writing part of the examination will continue to use a six-point scale.   

The earliest the newly revised tests and their new scores will be reported to the schools is Nov. 1. Since this is later than some deadlines set by the veterinary colleges, it is important to either check with the colleges to which you may apply this fall or simply take the existing test by July 31.

The GRE is offering lower registration fees for applicants who take the new test by September 30.  For applicants who have already taken the existing test and wish to earn new scores, it may be a good idea to also take the new test.

The new test preparation material is online at GRE.org.  The only reliable test preparation software for the new tests exists at GRE.org and it's not likely that any test preparation company currently has access to the new test. You can access this free test preparation software now by setting up an account at GRE.org (without committing to register for either the new or existing tests).   

A test taker can take the GRE once every 60 days.  If you wish to take both the existing test and the new test this summer, you should take the existing test early in the summer to begin the 60 day waiting period before taking the next test.

The AAVMC provides information from the veterinary schools on their tests and score receipt policies here.    

Whether you're a student, advisor, pre-applicant, or just someone interested in the profession of veterinary medicine, this e-newsletter will have something vital to offer.  

Topics will include timely information on:

 --Application-related requirements,

forms and timelines

--Admission

requirements, including pre-requisites, veterinary experience and testing  

--Survey results from veterinary schools regarding admissions policies and practices

--Career information, including salaries, specialties and employment outlooks

--Changes and updates to the Veterinary Medical College Application Service

--How to be a competitive DVM/VMD candidate

-- Scholarships, internships and other financial aid and career enhancing opportunities

And much more!

(VMCAS) Forum.

You've asked us for a place where you can chat with other pre-veterinary students, and current cycle applicants and it has now arrived. 

Share tips, tricks, and your stories about your road to a veterinary medical career.

Join the forum. 

This year's edition of the Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements (VMSAR) is now available from Purdue Press as both an ePUB and ePDF.

The VMSAR e-book is also available on Amazon's Kindle, Barnes and Nobles' Nook, and through iTunes (just search the Applie  iBook store!)

Cost:  paperback ($21.95); electronic version ($10.99) 

Don't miss this indispensable guide to applying to veterinary medical school!