School transcripts are a very important part of any admissions process. Most schools require the transcripts be sent sealed directly from your previous school to prevent any falsification of records. The schools will then look at a variety of factors including your previous grade point average and if you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses. Transcripts must come from an accredited institution in order to be considered applicable by most programs.
Some programs may also ask for letters of recommendation as part of an application. Usually these number between one and three letters from various individuals including professors, deans, teaching assistants and employers. Volunteer coordinators and supervisors for students who have volunteered in the animal care and veterinary field would also be qualified to write a letter on behalf of the student.
Most programs require some form of testing for admission into their graduate degree programs. Some programs have a test particular to the school as well as more universal exams such as tests to measure a student's competency in the English language. In many programs the GRE general test is accepted. The scores required for admission vary from program to program so be sure to check with your preferred school before signing up for any tests.
The personal statement is the student's opportunity to sell themselves to the college of their choice. Some schools ask for a general personal statement while others will have preselected prompts for the student to write about. In your personal statement you will want to focus on what sets you apart from other students, why you are a good candidate for their program and what you hope to achieve in your future career with your degree. The personal statement also allows students with past issues such as poor grades or breaks in their education to explain the circumstances to the admissions department.
The coursework required to earn a master's degree in veterinary medicine depends on which specialization you choose. Specialized courses of study such as microbiology or toxicology will require more specific course work than a general program such as veterinary medicine. General coursework usually includes classes on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, large and small animal medicine and general surgery.