Start Early

The people you’re asking are likely busy and have a lot on their plate. Therefore, it’s polite to ask at least 3-5 weeks before the deadline. Since you know the deadline for VMCAS well in advance, I recommend setting your own deadline one month before the application is actually due. That way, you have plenty of time to ensure the letter was received. That means, you should ask at least two months before the actual VMCAS deadline.

Who to ask?

In an ideal case, you will have spent a few years getting to work with someone before asking for them to recommend you to a school. Think of veterinarians you’ve worked with, professors you’ve done outside work for, supervisors from previous jobs, and volunteer supervisors. The quality of the position does not matter as much as the quality of how well they know you in a position of responsibility. Make sure you check with each school to which you’re applying to see what kind of recommenders they require.

How to Ask

Ideally, you should ask your potential recommenders in person. You may need to arrange a short meeting, or ask to talk with them briefly at the end of a shift. (This post is written during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, so needless to say, an email should suffice during this time.) It can be nerve-wracking when gearing up to ask someone. Try to remember that they likely have had to rely on recommenders in the past. You can lead up to asking by stating that you’re excited and ready to apply for veterinary school this cycle. State how grateful you are for the experience you’ve gained from them. Then, ask if they’d be willing to consider writing you a letter of recommendation. That way, they can still think about it. If they’re unsure or if they do say yes, you can then follow up with an email providing your resume and any materials that they might find helpful.

Email with Follow Up Information

In your follow up email, it’s helpful to include:

• The due date for the letter: at least one month before the VMCAS deadline
• The link to submit the letter
• Your resume/ CV
• A personal statement explaining your motivation for applying to veterinary school and explaining your experiences in more depth. The personal statement will help your recommender better understand you as an applicant. It may also help explain what qualities you have that work work well in the veterinary profession.

Thank Them

After they’ve agreed to write you a letter, be sure to send or drop off a thank you note. Since it is a letter for an important application, a nice touch would be including a small gift showing your appreciation. You can bake something, buy a small gift if you know their personal taste, or include a gift card to a store that works for everyone.