Written by Cynthia, Platt College

When applying to Veterinary Technology Programs or Graphic Design Programs, it’s crucial to make your application stand out from the rest. You want to show admissions officers that you’re not just another applicant but someone who is passionate, skilled, and ready to thrive in a demanding and exciting field.

Whether you’re leaning toward the sciences with Veterinary Technology or tapping into your creative side with Graphic Design, building a strong application profile is key. In both cases, the competition can be fierce, so having a strategy in place will help you present yourself as a top candidate.

Focus on Relevant Coursework

One of the first things admissions officers look at is your academic history. In both Veterinary Technology and Graphic Design, showing that you’ve taken the right classes will demonstrate your commitment to the field.

If you’re heading into Veterinary Technology, consider taking biology, chemistry, and anatomy classes. These subjects are directly related to animal science and will lay a solid foundation for the more advanced courses you’ll encounter in a Veterinary Technology Program.

For Graphic Design, art, computer science, and any media-related coursework are essential. Colleges are looking for students who have already started exploring their interests. A real-life example comes from a student who took several advanced art classes in high school and spent her summers interning at a local graphic design firm. This experience helped her stand out and gain acceptance into a top-tier program.

Gain Real-World Experience

Both Veterinary Technology and Graphic Design programs appreciate applicants with hands-on experience. Real-world experience shows initiative and gives you stories and skills to include in your application.

If you’re aiming for a Veterinary Technology Program, volunteer at a local animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Not only will this give you practical experience working with animals, but it will also help you decide if this career path is the right fit for you. One student, for instance, spent weekends helping at a local pet rescue center, which became a cornerstone of their college essay, showing their commitment to animal welfare.

On the other hand, graphic design students might consider creating freelance work for friends or family or interning with a design studio. Even designing flyers for community events can show that you are actively applying your skills in real-world scenarios. A graphic design student, for example, built a portfolio through small freelance projects that ultimately became the highlight of their college application.

Build a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio is essential for both Veterinary Technology and Graphic Design applications. Though portfolios are more commonly associated with creative fields like graphic design, many Veterinary Technology programs appreciate a portfolio showcasing your hands-on work with animals, such as volunteering, internships, or projects that highlight your skills.

For Graphic Design, your portfolio is arguably the most critical part of your application. Create a body of work that demonstrates your style, technical skills, and creativity. Include a variety of projects that show versatility—logo designs, website mockups, and illustrations, for example. Be sure to include personal projects that reflect your passion, as admissions officers want to see what you’re capable of beyond the classroom.

A Veterinary Technology applicant might include photos and a brief description of their time working in a veterinary clinic, detailing the animals they worked with and the skills they learned, such as administering medicine or assisting in surgeries. This is a great way to showcase your initiative and passion for the field.

Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your application. For both Veterinary Technology and Graphic Design students, these activities demonstrate that you have diverse interests and can balance a demanding schedule.

For Veterinary Technology, joining a science club, animal welfare organization, or volunteering at animal shelters shows that you are committed to your field outside the classroom. For Graphic Design students, joining an art club, working on the school yearbook, or participating in local art exhibitions can show admissions officers that you live and breathe design.

For example, a high school student applying to a Veterinary Technology Program mentioned their leadership role in the biology club, where they helped organize events focused on animal conservation. This extracurricular involvement set them apart from other candidates and showcased their leadership and commitment to animal science.

Show Passion Through Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your chance to connect with the admissions committee on a personal level. It’s where you can explain why you’re passionate about Veterinary Technology or Graphic Design and how you’ve worked to prepare yourself for the program.

If you’re applying to Veterinary Technology, mention specific moments that ignited your love for animals. Maybe it was the first time you helped a sick pet, or perhaps you were inspired by a documentary on animal care. Whatever the case, share your story in a way that feels authentic and passionate.

For Graphic Design, talk about the moment you realized you wanted to pursue design professionally. Maybe you created your first website as a kid or spent hours drawing logos and typography. Let the admissions officers know why design is more than just a career for you—it’s a passion.

Letters of Recommendation Matter

Strong letters of recommendation can support your application in a big way. Whether you’re applying to Veterinary Technology or Graphic Design, choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your skills, work ethic, and passion for the field.

For Veterinary Technology, ask a science teacher, mentor from a veterinary clinic, or even a supervisor from your volunteer work. They can highlight your hands-on experience, reliability, and passion for animal care.

Graphic Design students might ask an art teacher or a professional designer they’ve worked with. A strong recommendation from someone in the design industry can carry significant weight.

Highlight Your Skills in Emerging Fields

In both Veterinary Technology and Graphic Design, the landscape is continuously evolving, with new technologies and practices shaping the way professionals work. Show that you are keeping up with these changes by highlighting any new skills or certifications you have obtained.

For Veterinary Technology, this could mean learning about digital animal tracking or telemedicine practices. A real-life example involves a student who pursued a certification in animal telehealth during high school, which gave them an edge when applying to a competitive Veterinary Technology Program.

For Graphic Design, proficiency in the latest software—whether it’s Adobe Creative Suite or a new digital drawing tool—will make you a more attractive candidate. One applicant spent their free time mastering UI/UX design principles, which added another dimension to their application and made them stand out to admissions officers.

Conclusion: Stand Out By Being Proactive

Ultimately, standing out in your application for Veterinary Technology Programs or Graphic Design Programs comes down to taking proactive steps. Focus on relevant coursework, get involved in real-world experiences, and build a strong portfolio.

By demonstrating your passion through extracurricular activities, showcasing your hands-on skills, and highlighting your abilities in emerging fields, you’ll build a solid application profile that leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers.