Download Veterinary School Admissions Guide as a printable PDF
Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries and illnesses in pets, livestock, and other animals using a wide range of medical equipment and techniques. Beyond caring for individual animals, they play a vital role in public health by preventing the spread of disease between animals and humans. Most work in private clinical practice (serving small or large animals); others work in public health, government, industry, academia, and research.
Prerequisites
Each veterinary program establishes its own prerequisites, so be sure to check the websites of the schools you’re most interested in for a current list of undergraduate course requirements. As you research, also note each program’s expectations for observation hours and application deadlines. Keep in mind that most prerequisites must be completed before you apply.
Most, if not all, prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Additional prerequisites (such as literature and fine arts) vary by program. Check with individual schools for specific requirements.
| Subject Area | Recommended Courses |
|---|---|
| General Biology | BSC 114/115 and BSC 116/117 or honors equivalent |
| General Chemistry | CH 101 and CH 102 or honors equivalent |
| Organic Chemistry | CH 231, CH 232, and CH 237 |
| Cell Biology | BSC 300 |
| Biochemistry | BSC 450 (BSC 300 prerequisite) or CH 461 (prerequisite CH 223) |
| General Physics | PH 101 (Some schools require PH 102) |
| Mathematics | MATH 113 (2 semesters of Math needed by some schools including Stats) |
| Animal Nutrition | BSC 497 Animal Nutrition (check bsc.ua.edu website for offerings) Can be taken online through other universities: ASI 318 (Kansas State University) ASC 378 (University of Kentucky) ANSC 221P (Purdue University) ANSI 3543 (Oklahoma State University) contact the individual university for more information about registration and fees |
| 6-14 hours of science electives | BSC 315 (Genetics) BSC 310 (Microbiology) BSC 312 (Microbiology lab) BSC 424 (Human Physiology) BSC 435 (Immunology) BSC 469 (Histology) |
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required by every veterinary program. Check the website of each school you’re interested in to confirm whether it’s part of their admissions requirements.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade Point Average (GPA): Veterinary schools expect academic excellence. To be competitive, applicants typically need an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Experience
Experience is the most heavily weighted non-academic factor in veterinary admissions, and programs weigh veterinary experience (hours completed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian) considerably more heavily than animal experience gained without that supervision. Because committees want evidence that you understand the breadth of the profession, exposure across several settings (small animal, large or food animal, equine, shelter medicine, research) strengthens an application more than accumulating hours in a single clinic. Expectations vary by program, so confirm each school’s requirements.
Timeline
Freshman Year
- Get to know your Health Professions Advisors and schedule an appointment.
- Begin the basic science sequence (see chart on first page).
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Get involved in volunteer and service opportunities on campus and in the community.
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities.
- Join student organizations (Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, AED, etc.).
- Begin gaining veterinary clinical experience.
Sophomore Year
- Continue with the next sequence of courses.
- Stay engaged in extracurricular activities (shadowing, volunteering, etc.).
- Consider taking on leadership roles in your organizations.
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Meet with a Health Professions Advisor to begin assessing your competitiveness.
- Identify veterinary programs you may want to apply to.
- Develop a GRE preparation plan, if needed.
Junior Year
- Fall
- Meet with Health Professions Advising to discuss your competitiveness.
- Register for the GRE, if needed.
- Begin drafting your personal statement.
- Request 3–4 letters of recommendation (One from a Vet).
- Spring and Summer
- Study for and take the GRE if needed.
- Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center.
- Complete and submit your VMCAS application.
- Continue engaging in activities.
Senior Year
- Fall
- Submit your VMCAS application if you haven’t already.
- Watch for interview invitations from veterinary programs.
- Continue your activities and service commitments.
- Spring and Summer
- Talk with a Health Professions Advisor about Plan B, if needed.
- Complete your degree requirements.
- Graduate!