Full Testimonials — In Their Own Words
These are complete, unedited testimonials from students I’ve worked with—first-time applicants, reapplicants, career changers, and non-traditional paths. Every story below is shared with permission.
First-Time Applicants
From Self-Doubt to Prepared → Cornell University— Class of 2030
“Choosing Dr. Richman was the single best decision I made during the application process.”
Outcome
Accepted to top-choice program
Compelling personal statement
Confidence rebuilt
“I felt underprepared and unconfident about my application before working with Dr. Richman. I constantly compared myself to high-achieving peers, feeling as though my experience and hours were less than everyone else. However, Dr. Richman fully believed in me. Through her thoughtful questioning, she helped me identify valuable experiences I hadn’t even realized counted toward my animal-related hours. When it came to my personal statement and supplementals, I struggled to tell my story in a way that was both compelling and humble. Dr. Richman provided personalized, specific feedback that helped me flesh out my experiences and demonstrate my character and competencies as a future veterinarian. She is incredibly kind, respectful, and responsive. I am so fortunate to have had her guidance, and getting into my top-choice program would not have been possible without her. Choosing Dr. Richman was the single best decision I made during the application process, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Mentorship → UC Davis — Class of 2028
“Dr. Richman believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Outcome
Application guidance step-by-step
Over 150 hours of coaching
Confidence to apply
“I am writing this testimonial letter to provide a glimpse into how impactful Dr. Richman has been as my veterinary mentor. I am currently a first year DVM student at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I met Dr. Richman in early 2023 while working in San Diego. From the start, I looked forward to every shift we were scheduled together. She taught me something new with every case she managed in the ER, demonstrating how to navigate complex disease processes in animals while communicating with clients in a calm and empathetic manner—skills that I will take with me for the rest of my career. Although I was new to the veterinary field, not once did Dr. Richman make me feel uncomfortable with asking questions. On the contrary, her teaching style encourages anyone with a desire to learn to do so by asking questions, researching, and thinking critically.
Dr. Richman consistently went above and beyond to ensure I was set up for success. For instance, she took time outside of work to teach me equine medical procedures and basic handling with her horse, providing me with valuable large animal experience that I was seeking. In these quieter settings outside of the ER, we were able to discuss challenging topics such as finances, emotional fatigue, and prioritizing mental health in veterinary medicine—conversations that are crucial but often difficult to have.
In academia, imposter syndrome is a very common issue and as a first generation, immigrant student, I experienced it frequently. Dr. Richman believed in me more than I believed in myself. Her constant encouragement and support helped push me to apply for veterinary school this past cycle. Throughout the application process, she offered guidance at every step—helping me choose which schools to apply to, reading every personal statement/supplemental essay draft and providing feedback on all aspects of my application. This is why after I was accepted into my top-choice school, she was among one of the first people I called to share the news.
A great mentor can make all the difference and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have had Dr. Richman as that mentor for me. She is not only one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, but she embodies many qualities that truly make her an outstanding doctor and teacher. I have no doubt in my mind that she will continue to create ripples in our field and inspire future generations of veterinary professionals. If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to continue singing her praises.”
Guidance From Start to Finish → Cornell University — Class of 2030
“Rather than discouraging my dream school, Dr. Richman helped me pursue it with confidence.”
Outcome
• Guidance on financing + interviews
• Essay and experience editing
• Moral support through deadlines
“I was introduced to Dr. Richman through my university’s Pre-Vet Society during the spring semester, just as I began my veterinary school application process. From the very beginning, she was an invaluable resource. She helped me navigate everything from veterinary school financing, interview preparation, and editing essays and experiences, to providing the moral support I needed throughout such a stressful period.
What stood out most was her honesty and constant encouragement. I entered the application cycle with a very clear “dream school” in mind—something I’d been advised against since my high school college search. Rather than discouraging me, Dr. Richman supported my goals and helped me pursue them with confidence. By the time the September 15th deadline arrived, I felt that I had gained not only a mentor for the application process, but someone who would continue to support me well into my professional career.
It was also such a joy to work with her father, the senior Dr. Richman, when prepping with interviews. His lightheartedness helped eliminate almost all of my anxieties I had towards one of the more daunting parts of the process. Thanks to them, I will be attending Cornell this coming August.
Dr. Richman is patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in her students’ success. Anyone would be lucky to work with her.”
From Overwhelmed to Confident→ Oregon State University — Class of 2030
“She rebuilt my entire application from the ground up.”
Outcome
Over 100 hours of 1-on-1 coaching
Essays, entries, and strategy rebuilt
Accepted on first cycle
“Before working with Dr. Richman, I honestly didn’t think veterinary school was realistic for me. I was a first-time applicant and felt overwhelmed, unsure how to stand out, and constantly questioning whether I was “good enough.” Dr. Richman changed that completely. She believed in me relentlessly and backed it up with action—spending well over 100 hours working one-on-one with me to build the strongest, most authentic application possible. She didn’t just edit essays; she rebuilt my entire application from the ground up, helping me uncover my story, articulate my growth, and present myself with confidence and purpose. Every experience entry, every supplemental essay, every decision was intentional. When I panicked, she picked up the phone. When I doubted myself, she reminded me why I belonged here. Because of her dedication, honesty, and unwavering belief in me, I was accepted to Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine on my first application cycle. If you are serious about getting into vet school and want someone who will fight for you as hard as you fight for yourself, Dr. Richman is that person.”
Learning to Self-Advocate → The Ohio State University— Class of 2029
“Advocating for myself wasn’t arrogance—it was essential.”
Outcome
Organized step-by-step process
Mock interviews + school strategy
Accepted on first attempt
“I’ve always struggled with talking about myself—it felt like bragging. But Dr. Richman helped me understand that advocating for myself wasn’t arrogance, it was essential. She helped me recognize the value in my experiences and taught me how to present them with clarity and confidence. On top of that, she kept me organized through every step of the process—from school selection to interview prep—which made something so intimidating feel surprisingly manageable. Thanks to her support, I got into The Ohio State University on my first try. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.”
Getting into Dream School→ UC Davis — Class of 2028
“My personal statement went from scattered to strategic.”
Outcome
Insight into Davis values
Deadline accountability
Accepted to dream school
“Working with Dr. Richman was one of the best decisions I made during my vet school application process. As a UC Davis alum, she brought valuable insight into how to present my experiences in a way that aligned with the school’s values. Her feedback on my personal statement was a game-changer—it went from scattered to strategic and cohesive. She kept me on track with deadlines, checked in regularly, and truly cared about my success. Thanks to her, I was accepted to UC Davis—my dream school. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”
Reapplicants & GPA Strategy
From 3.3 GPA to Top-Choice Admit → Washington State — Class of 2029
“Accepted despite applying to programs with higher average GPAs.”
Outcome
Repositioned experience
Stronger interviews
New strategic school list
“After being rejected from veterinary school for the past 2 cycles, I knew I needed a new approach. With a 3.3 GPA, I was competing against applicants with stronger academic records, and I didn’t want to waste another cycle. Dr. Richman helped me identify exactly what held me back and develop a new strategy. She refined my personal statement, strengthened my interview responses, and positioned my experience in a way that impressed the admissions committee. The result? I was accepted into my top-choice vet school, despite applying to programs with higher average GPAs. Dr. Richman’s expertise in vet school admissions, interview prep, and strategic application planning made all the difference. If you’re reapplying or struggling with confidence in your application, I highly recommend working with her.”
Reapplicant Success → Washington State — Class of 2028
“She reshaped my experiences into a focused, compelling narrative.”
Outcome
Intentional essay edits and revamping of personal statement
Structured timeline
Acceptance after prior rejection
“After not getting in my first cycle, I knew I needed a new approach—and that’s when I started working with Dr. Richman. She helped me take all of my experiences and reshape them into a focused, compelling narrative that finally reflected my passion and readiness for vet school. Her essay edits pushed me to be more thoughtful and intentional, and her structured process kept me organized and on track. She was always available for questions, feedback, or just encouragement when I needed it most. I’m so proud to say I was accepted to Washington State, and I truly don’t think I would’ve made it there without her.”
Reapplicant Success → UC Davis — Class of 2027
“She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.”
Outcome
Strategic highlighting of strengths
Interview coaching
Acceptance to UC Davis
“Dr. Richman completely transformed my approach. Instead of focusing on what I lacked, she helped me strategically highlight my strengths—my hands-on clinical experience, leadership, and unique journey into veterinary medicine. She coached me through rewriting my personal statement, refining my school list, and preparing for the interview process like a top candidate. More importantly, she believed in me when I was struggling to believe in myself.”
Application Overhaul → UC Davis — Class of 2027
“I applied to veterinary schools twice, and it was through Dr. Richman’s mentorship during my second attempt that I was accepted into five schools, including UC Davis.”
Outcome
Confidence rebuilt after prior denial
Guidance through school selection
MMI readiness & interview mindset
“Like many of my peers, I went through a competitive admission process with numerous challenging steps. Throughout this journey, Dr. Richman was an incredible source of support. She helped me stay organized, motivated, and confident. She provided much-needed guidance in choosing the most suitable veterinary schools based on my long-term career aspirations and the goals I hope to achieve upon graduation. In addition, Dr. Richman assisted me in writing compelling personal statements and application essays. I applied to veterinary schools twice, and it was through Dr. Richman’s mentorship during my second attempt that I was accepted into five schools, including UC Davis.
Furthermore, when I sought her advice on preparing for the multiple mini-interview, she dedicated her time to mentally preparing me for the experience. Her support significantly boosted my confidence, ensuring I was well-prepared to present myself as a strong candidate. Most importantly, she was kind enough to write me a letter of recommendation, drawing from her experience working with me as a veterinary technician at an emergency hospital. She stood out as one of the few clinicians willing to devote time to educating her veterinary assistants and technicians.
I am convinced that Dr. Richman’s mentorship was instrumental in my acceptance to UC Davis, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her. The guidance and knowledge she shared with me have been fundamental to my success.”
Additional First-Cycle Wins
Auburn Univeristy— Class of 2030
“If you want someone who actually knows how this process works and genuinely cares, she’s it.”
“Dr. Richman is the reason I stayed sane during the vet school application process. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, brutally honest in the best way, and always available when you need her — even for quick, last-minute texts. She gives clear direction, real strategy, and unwavering support. If you want someone who actually knows how this process works and genuinely cares, she’s it. Superwoman status, no question.”
Colorado State University — Class of 2029
"I would not be in this position without her guidance."
“Working with Dr. Richman was the single most valuable decision I made in preparing my veterinary school application. She treated me like a future colleague, not just an applicant, and helped me recognize and highlight strengths I didn’t even realize I had. She guided me through every part of the process—from sharpening my personal statement and tailoring my supplemental essays, to structuring my VMCAS entries and choosing schools strategically. Her feedback was both honest and supportive, pushing me to dig deeper while keeping my voice authentic. What meant the most was how available she always was, when I was panicking late at night or overwhelmed before a deadline, she would pick up the phone or call me back, instantly calming me down and keeping me on track. Thanks to her mentorship, I was accepted to my top choice, Colorado State Vet School, and I can say with certainty I would not be in this position without her guidance.”
University of Tennessee — Class of 2029
"I got into multiple schools on my first try."
“Applying to vet school felt overwhelming, but Dr. Richman helped me feel prepared and confident every step of the way. She strengthened my personal statement, walked me through countless mock interviews, and made sure my application truly reflected who I am. Thanks to her guidance, I got into multiple schools on my first try—and I’m now pursuing my dream of becoming an equine veterinarian.”
University of Florida— Class of 2029
"Her edits made my writing sharper while still sounding like me."
“There’s a lot of advice out there for applying to vet school—but nothing compares to working with Dr. Richman. She was incredibly responsive, always willing to hop on a call or review an essay draft with quick, detailed feedback. Her edits made my writing sharper and more impactful while still sounding like me. Just as important, she brought structure and clarity to the entire process, keeping me organized and focused from start to finish. Thanks to her support, I was accepted to my top choice—my state school. I’d recommend her to any pre-vet student who wants expert guidance without the guesswork.”