University of Nevada, Reno
Professional School Advising
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
411 Davidson Math & Science Center
775.784.4591
www.unr.edu/science
VETERINARY SCHOOL PREPARATION
Veterinarians play a major role in the health care of pets, livestock, animals in zoos, sporting
events, and laboratories. Some veterinarians use their knowledge to protect humans against
diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems;
while others work in basic and applied research, furthering our knowledge of animals and
medical science. Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals. For veterinary
medicine career information, read the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook
Handbook’s website: www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Veterinarians.htm
MAJOR: There is not one prescribed academic program for acceptance to veterinary school.
Students must prepare themselves with a basic background in mathematics, chemistry, physics,
and biology, as well as the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities. Beyond this basic
preparation, the major you choose can be in any subject, and should be based on your interests,
abilities, and needs, as long as veterinary school entrance requirements are completed.
Professional School Advising offers assistance with academic guidance, seminars, writing the
personal statement, mock interviews, getting letters of recommendation, admissions testing,
program selection, and application timeline and strategies for students in the College of Science.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Each school’s course requirements can be found on the
Association of American Veterinarian Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website: www.aavmc.org It
is the applicant’s responsibility to determine the specific requirements of each program to
which they are applying. All required courses should be taken for a letter grade. The general
requirements include:
Chemistry:
Biology:
Physics:
Math:
English:
General 121, 122
Organic 341, 342, 345
General 190, 191, & 192
General 151R, 152R
Math 181
Composition 101, 102
Additional Courses:
Microbiology:
Genetics:
Biochemistry:
Statistics:
Cell Biology:
Animal Physiology:
Speech/Public Speaking:
BIOL 251
BIOL 300
BCH400
STAT 152
BIOL315R
BIOL 316
COM 113
VETERINARY MEDICINE EDUCATION: The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
degree program requires at least 2 years of specific undergraduate course work followed by 4
years of professional study. While some programs accept applicants who have completed a
minimum of 3 years of undergraduate study, most programs prefer or require completion of an
undergraduate degree prior to matriculation.
STANDARDIZED TESTS: Colleges of veterinary medicine (CVMs) may have different test
requirements. Most CVMs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test, some
also require the addition of the GRE Biology Subject test, while some schools will accept the
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). For information on each schools testing
requirement go to www.aavmc.org/testdeadlines.aspx; for information on the GRE go to
www.ets.org/gre
EXPERIENCE: CVMs require that students spend time with animals and provide direct
service to a variety of species in a few different settings. The amount of required hours of
experience varies by schools; carefully check each CVM’s requirements. Admission committees
want applicants to have a practical, real life exposure to what veterinarians do and what the
profession entails. It is also important for a competitive applicant to become involved in
community and campus service, research, organized sports, and pursue personal interests – all
can be important in the admission process.
APPLICATION PROCESS: The application process for CVMs should begin at least 18
months prior to your matriculation, and applications should be submitted 12-15 months before
entering the program. Applicants need to prepare early by identifying potential schools and
determining the requirements, guidelines and deadlines for each institution. Most CVMs belong
to a centralized application service – Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Service
(VMCAS); information is available at www.aavmc.org/vmcas If applying to non-VMCAS
schools, contact them directly to request an application.
Secondary/Supplemental Applications: After receiving your initial application, some CVM’s
will send you their own application, known as a secondary or supplemental application.
Transcripts: All CVMs require an official transcript for each college or university you have
attended. The transcripts must be sent directly to the CVM to which you are applying and not to
VMCAS. Transcripts must arrive at each CVM by their specific deadline.
Interviews are the final stage of the application process. If a school offers you an interview it
means they are seriously considering you. All schools interview potential matriculates.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Most CVMs require 3-4 letters of recommendation,
usually two from science professors and one from a person for whom you have worked, such as a
veterinarian. Check carefully with each CVM to see what they require. VMCAS provides a
eLOR – Electronic Letters of Recommendation service; for more information go to
www.aavmc.org/Applicant-Responsibilities/Evaluations.aspx
You may also consider storing your letters with a document collection and delivery service such
as Interfolio, where your letters can be kept on file for up to 5 years and delivered to the
programs you are applying to at your convenience. For more information go to
www.interfolio.com
Selection for admission is based on many factors including undergraduate GPA, test scores,
letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, an interview, personal statement, research
experience, and awareness of and experience in veterinary medicine.
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