Students heard from UF admissions, local veterinarians, and club leaders during an informational event aimed at guiding pre-vet majors.
Jorge Cardona | Staff Writer
FIU’s Pre-Veterinary Society partnered with Delta Epsilon Mu on Friday, Nov. 14, to host a fair aimed at helping students navigate the competitive path to veterinary school. The event brought together dozens of students from a range of majors and institutions, giving them the chance to connect, ask questions, and hear directly from professionals in the field.
A major highlight of the evening was a presentation by Jarron Papale, director of admissions at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Papale walked attendees through UF’s admissions process and offered guidance on building a strong application. UF is Florida’s only veterinary school and admits just over 100 students each year, making the program highly competitive.
Students were able to ask Papale about prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation and strategies to gain meaningful experience. He also offered practical advice on strengthening applicant profiles through research, volunteering and clinical exposure.
After refreshments and a Kahoot game, the event shifted to a panel featuring practicing veterinarians from Zoo Miami and Pinecrest Veterinary Hospital. Panelists discussed their daily responsibilities, workplace challenges, and routes into the profession. Students asked about salary expectations, work-life balance, and how to secure shadowing opportunities.
One of the recurring themes of the fair was the importance of networking in a field as small and competitive as veterinary medicine.
“The biggest advice I have for prospective students is network,” said Viamelys Salgado, vice president of the Pre-Veterinary Society. “I found a lot of opportunities through meeting people, and it has taught me that there are opportunities wherever you go; you just need to look for them.”
During the fair, the organization’s e-board members also spoke with PantherNOW about the club’s mission. President Samantha Morales, a marine biology major on the pre-vet track, emphasized the group’s commitment to helping students navigate their academic and professional futures.
“Our objective is to help pre-vet students, guiding them, facilitating experience, giving them the best opportunities for academic success as well as advising them on the best trajectory to vet school,” Morales said.
The society plans to continue hosting workshops, informational sessions and experience-building events next semester as it expands support for FIU students preparing for veterinary careers.
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