Today we are featuring an interview with Brittany Newtown.
Dr. Newtown is a 2017 graduate of Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine.
Like many current vet students, Brittany followed her childhood dream of becoming a vet and made it into Western University. Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine opened in 1998 as the first new College of Veterinary Medicine in the United States in over twenty years. It has been accredited since 2010.
The Western University vet school requirements may change slightly each year.
The curriculum is a problem-based curriculum, rather than lecture-based.
Getting into the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine is the focus of this interview.
The steps to becoming a vet and how to get into vet school can look a little bit different for everyone, each student getting accepted into this Pomona vet school will have a unique application package.
Western Vet School Requirements
Although each student will have a unique set of experiences they will all have to complete the same Western University of Health Sciences vet school prerequisites.
Some of the Western University of Health Sciences vet school prerequisites are organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, physiology, upper-level biology, genetics, upper-level biology, humanities, microbiology, physics, and English.
Western is committed to producing excellent, caring, and compassionate veterinarians who will make a positive impact on the world. The Western students participate in community-based education and service-learning projects that help them understand the importance of giving back to their local communities.
Part of the Western vet school requirements is that you are able to take an active role in learning.
If you are thinking of applying to one of the accredited veterinary schools, you will find that they all have different requirements. Organic chemistry lectures and labs are required at some schools. Then there are schools that require organic chemistry lectures and labs for organic chemistry 1, but only lectures for organic chemistry 2.
Throughout this book, all of the facts will be laid out clearly.
Check it out here: Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR)
- Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 274 Pages - 04/15/2020 (Publication Date) - Purdue University Press (Publisher)
Name, Veterinary School attended, and year that you started.
Brittany Newtown, Western University of Health Sciences, 2013
What Was Your Major in Undergraduate College For Gaining the Western Vet School Requirements?
Animal Science allowed me to focus on the many Western University of Health Sciences vet school prerequisites as well the other DVM program prerequisites.
At what age did you first apply to vet school?
22
How many schools did you apply to?
6
How many application cycles did you apply to, before being accepted?
1
How many schools invited you for an interview?
3
How many of those gave you an acceptance letter?
3
We all know that getting into vet school is more than completing the Western University of Health Sciences vet school prerequisites.
Do you remember any specifically challenging interview questions at Western University of Health Sciences? How about at any of the other schools that you interviewed at?
One question was, “Tell me about a time that you failed and how you handled that?” I took this question literally and talked about a time I failed a course in my undergraduate. (I do not recommend that!!) However, my failure of this course was due to a couple of deaths in the family so I discussed how I coped with the situation.
There were quite a few questions on how you work with others and deal with conflict in the workplace or at school.
I would recommend having a few situations in mind before your interview.
There were some questions about the ethics of certain procedures conducted throughout vet school such as using animals for educational purposes in anatomy labs or for surgeries.
Part of the Western Vet School Requirements Have to do with Being a Well-Rounded Candidate
What types of paying jobs did you have before going to Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine?
Intern for Enforcement, Investigation, Analysis Officer for the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service.
How many people read your personal statement before submitting it?
About 2, my dad and a close friend of mine.
Did you work at a vet’s office before getting into Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine?
Although I did not have a large animal pre-vet internship during high school I worked at a job shadowing opportunity.
- Gear for vets, doctors, certified, licensed, or registered veterinarian techs, physicians working in veterinary medicine in clinics, hospitals, or vet school.
- Apparel for a Surgical Tech, Anesthetist, Dental Tech, Nutrition Tech, Zoo Vet Tech, or Equine Vet working on horse on farms or in clinics.
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
Volunteering and Job Shadowing can Help With the Western Vet School Requirements
Volunteering can help with some of the western university of health sciences vet school requirements. Job shadowing can also help a student gain animal care jobs with no experience.
Red Bucket Equine Rescue, the same clinic that I job shadowed at.
When did you decide to become a vet?
Oh goodness, I cannot remember. I remember that this was always my dream career even as a child.
When trying to navigate the western university of health sciences vet school requirements, did you interview any vets before starting the application process?
No, I did not but thinking back on it that would have been a good idea.
Were you a member of the pre-vet club at your school?
Yes
Did you join student clubs in your DVM program at Western University of Health Sciences? If so, which ones?
Yes. I was the president of the Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, treasurer of the parasitology club, I was also the student representative to the California Veterinary Medical Association.
Did you apply for vet school after, or during your Bachelor’s education?
During
Did you get your letters of recommendation from professors or veterinarians? Did you know them well?
I had letters from veterinarians, professors, as well as my supervisor from the USDA. My professor and supervisor, I knew pretty well, the veterinarian I did not. I think that it is best to choose someone who knows you well.
Are you happy that you chose this career?
Extremely, I could not imagine doing anything else
Do you have any advice for students, once accepted? Celebrate! I took a weeklong vacation and I am so glad I did, vet school is very demanding so enjoy these last moments off.
Any study tips for helping with the western university of health sciences vet school requirements?
For me, it was best to study in groups. Studying with others can help point things out that you don’t know and help solidify things that you do know plus it makes it much more manageable.
Take breaks! Don’t burn yourself out; vet school is 4 long, difficult years.
Learn your study style and practice it. Whether it is visual or auditory just try to implement it as best you can.
Have there been any classes, within your DVM program that were especially relatable to your current position?
Clinical rotations are the best way I learn. I learn best through hands-on experience.
What was the most challenging class, in your DVM program at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine?
Pharmacology, I found that I learned this better while rotating in clinics and actually using and choosing the drugs.
Do you have a specialty or are you working towards one?
No, just passing my boards!
What has been your most challenging case?
Still a student but I had a case assigned to me as a third-year that was a sick puppy. I thought he had pneumonia but he would not improve despite my best efforts. After a few days, it was believed that he had distemper and the rescue organization that was in charge of him had decided to euthanize.
Do you frequently have to research cases, on off-hours?
Yes
Have you read or listened to anything worth sharing?
Vetprep helped a lot when studying for boards. I also recommend reading of listening to anything that can help you relax and wind down after studying, something to help keep your mental wellness intact.
Do you have any last words of wisdom?
As stressful and crazy as these 4 years can be, don’t forget to enjoy it. You may not feel like you’re learning anything but trust me, you are. One day you will look back on your first year and realize how far you have come.
Mental wellness and I can’t stress this enough. Vet school is hard and life doesn’t stop once you get accepted you will have to face some very stressful situations and family and friends might not understand that. If you ever start to feel down or depressed it is so important that you talk to someone! Please
How can people find you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-newtown-2b355090
bnewtown@westernu.edu