By Rylee Coy
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine recognized a group of 11 undergraduate students who will study to be leaders in veterinary medicine through the college's Early Admission Program.
Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine."For the August 2023-February 2024 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 75 applications for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions in the college.
"Although we met many talented applicants during the interviews this year, 11 applicants were accepted into the program based on academic history, experiences in the last four years, communication skills and interview outcomes. These students represent some of the brightest students in the undergraduate student body.
"The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars:Conner Dinkel, Hill City; Hudson Hildebrand, Overland Park; Kaley Wagner, Smith Center; Ainsley Stiles, Topeka; and Bridget Johnson, Wichita.From out of state: Sadie Alger, Fair Oaks, California; Alyssa Chevalier, Chicago, Illinois; Kailee Irvin, Vernon Hills, Illinois; Rahul Chopra, Malden, Massachusetts; Aidan Anderson, Saint Paul, Nebraska; and Ella Robinson, Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.
All scholars are first-year students in animal sciences and industry except Johnson, who is studying biology.Successful candidates in the Early Admission Scholars program must maintain a 3.3 GPA during completion of the science prerequisites, and they must complete the 64 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall.
The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at K-State. Candidates also must strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.
The College of Veterinary Medicine assigns a veterinary student mentor to each Early Admit Scholar to stimulate career and academic development and to provide orientation and access to college activities. The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.