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Preparation for a Profession in Veterinary Medicine

A bachelor’s degree is preferred for admissions into most veterinary schools. Without a degree, students must complete 70 hours of pre-professional requirements, including a minimum of 12 hours in humanities and/or social sciences. Veterinary schools expect candidates to demonstrate the intellectual, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in veterinary medical school. Students are strongly advised to balance coursework in the natural sciences with coursework in humanities and social sciences. The General Education component of a Liberal Arts degree provides a sound foundation for demonstrating an interest in and knowledge of a diverse and global society. Candidates should also consider coursework in areas such as anthropology, communication, economics, ethics, logic, psychology, sociology, and statistics. Some characteristics that are sought in potential students are compassion for people and animals, respect for life, personal integrity and high ethical standards, and strong written and oral communication skills.

Most schools base admissions decisions on a balanced combination of the following:

  • Grade point average: This varies by school but is usually above a 3.0 minimum.
  • GRE (Graduate Record Exam) test scores (not required at KSU)
  • Personal statement from the candidate
  • Professional experience (employment, volunteer work, shadowing, etc.) that shows a strong desire to become a veterinarian
  • Interview
  • Evaluations from academic instructors (usually in the sciences), an academic advisor, and a veterinarian.

Core Courses for Veterinary Medicine Programs (Minimum Requirements)

  • English 101 College English I (3) and English 102 College English II (3)
  • Communication 111 Public Speaking (3)
  • Chemistry 211 General Chemistry I (5) and Chemistry 212 General Chemistry II (5)
  • Chemistry 531 Organic Chemistry I (5) and Chemistry 532 Organic Chemistry II (5)*
  • Chemistry 661 Principles of Biochemistry (3)
  • Biology 210 General Biology I (4) and Biology 211 General Biology II (4)**
  • Biology 330 General Microbiology (5)
  • Biology 419 Genetics (4)
  • One of:
    • Physics 213 General Physics I (5) and Physics 214 General Physics II (5)
    • Physics 313 University Physics I with lab (315) and Physics 314 University Physics II with lab (316)

* Not required at KSU, but is a required prerequisite for CHEM 661.

** Not required at KSU, but is a required prerequisite for BIOL 330 and 419.

The core classes above meet the minimum prerequisites for admission to most veterinary schools, including Kansas State University. Many other programs also require Statistics 370 Elementary Statistics (3).

Admission Test: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission some Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. The minimum grade point average considered for admission at most schools is a 3.0. To be a competitive applicant, a grade point average of 3.5 required.

Application: The application period for veterinary school occurs during the fall before the fall semester one wishes to begin veterinary school. Students should apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), and then students will complete a secondary application for the schools they wish to attend.

Schools of Veterinary Medicine

Relevant Websites