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Ashley
Student
Camarillo, California
3
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If I am doing research with an invasive species of frog, will this look like good “animal research” on my resume for vet school? Or should I branch out into other types of research?
I currently dissect an invasive species of frog, examine stomach contents, and attempt to identify what their primary diet is. I go to a small institution so there’s not much research regarding animals which is required. I have been involved in this research for almost a year now. Is this a good opportunity for me to stay at or should I branch out?
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1325
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey there again Ashley!
Alright, That invasive frog research? Super cool and definitely unique! It’s solid experience that shows you're comfortable with dissection, data collection, and ecological impact studies—things vet schools appreciate. But here’s the deal: vet schools prioritize hands-on animal care over pure research.
You’ll want to balance it out with clinical experience—shadowing a vet, working at a shelter, or assisting with wildlife rehab. They want to see you handling live animals, not just studying their stomach contents.
If your school has limited opportunities, look for externships, internships, or volunteer work at local vet clinics, farms, or zoos. That’ll give you the best of both worlds—research and direct animal care.
So, keep the frog research (it makes you stand out!), but branch out into hands-on work to make sure your app is well-rounded. All the bets hit me up if you got any other questions! 😉🤗
Alright, That invasive frog research? Super cool and definitely unique! It’s solid experience that shows you're comfortable with dissection, data collection, and ecological impact studies—things vet schools appreciate. But here’s the deal: vet schools prioritize hands-on animal care over pure research.
You’ll want to balance it out with clinical experience—shadowing a vet, working at a shelter, or assisting with wildlife rehab. They want to see you handling live animals, not just studying their stomach contents.
If your school has limited opportunities, look for externships, internships, or volunteer work at local vet clinics, farms, or zoos. That’ll give you the best of both worlds—research and direct animal care.
So, keep the frog research (it makes you stand out!), but branch out into hands-on work to make sure your app is well-rounded. All the bets hit me up if you got any other questions! 😉🤗
Michelle M.
Actress
2216
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ashley !
If you are in high school, I must commend you for undertaking such unique research and also if you may be in college. I will advise you as if you are doing this in high school because if you were in college, you'd have projects and lab work in addition your your independent research. Then again, you stated that you are at an institution, not high school.
I guess what you're really asking is what factors will be important when applying to Veterinary School.
What will really matter and be considered for getting into Veterinary School will be a very strong grade point average. Most require a GPA from undergraduate school of 3.6 or higher. They also look at your volunteer work - not research - working around animals at a zoo or animal shelter or any other similar place. Some Vet Schools require that you have work experience under the supervision of a Veterinarian. Then there is the entrance exam, the GRE, and having a good high score will also make an impact on getting in. They also want to see great recommendation letters showing that you've worked closely with a pre-health and pre-vet professional. So, based on the requirements for Veterinary School, you can decide if you want to continue your research or if you want to prepare for the requirements I've mentioned.
Decide what you want to do. I'm not telling you to stop or continue with research, but it looks like you will be expected to have some volunteer work and this may be a good time to consider doing that. Veterinary Schools do not ask for a resume or independent research as part of the application.
You can look for volunteer work at farms or zoos but also see about volunteering as an assistant at dog training schools. Maybe apply for a job at the West Ventura Blvd. Petco. Start strong connections with your science teachers at high school or the Science Department at college. They know about local opportunities, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
If you are in high school, I must commend you for undertaking such unique research and also if you may be in college. I will advise you as if you are doing this in high school because if you were in college, you'd have projects and lab work in addition your your independent research. Then again, you stated that you are at an institution, not high school.
I guess what you're really asking is what factors will be important when applying to Veterinary School.
What will really matter and be considered for getting into Veterinary School will be a very strong grade point average. Most require a GPA from undergraduate school of 3.6 or higher. They also look at your volunteer work - not research - working around animals at a zoo or animal shelter or any other similar place. Some Vet Schools require that you have work experience under the supervision of a Veterinarian. Then there is the entrance exam, the GRE, and having a good high score will also make an impact on getting in. They also want to see great recommendation letters showing that you've worked closely with a pre-health and pre-vet professional. So, based on the requirements for Veterinary School, you can decide if you want to continue your research or if you want to prepare for the requirements I've mentioned.
Decide what you want to do. I'm not telling you to stop or continue with research, but it looks like you will be expected to have some volunteer work and this may be a good time to consider doing that. Veterinary Schools do not ask for a resume or independent research as part of the application.
You can look for volunteer work at farms or zoos but also see about volunteering as an assistant at dog training schools. Maybe apply for a job at the West Ventura Blvd. Petco. Start strong connections with your science teachers at high school or the Science Department at college. They know about local opportunities, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thanks very much
Gena