Veterinary School Application Process

Students hoping to enter veterinary school in the fall following graduation should plan to submit their primary applications in mid-summer before senior year. Students should therefore take the GRE during the junior year or in early summer after junior year. This will allow you to complete your application early in the cycle.

The GRE is a computerized multiple-choice exam, and is offered throughout the year. The three parts of the GRE are:

• Analytical Writing (2 essays)
• Verbal Reasoning (multiple choice, 2 sections)
• Quantitative Reasoning (math, multiple choice, 2 sections)

U.S. and Canadian veterinary schools, as well as several international ones, accept primary applications through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Students with financial need should submit VMCAS fee waiver requests well in advance. The VMCAS application becomes available in mid-June. All documents must be submitted by mid-September at the latest. However, the application should be submitted well in advance of the official deadline. Many schools review applications on a rolling basis and accept students before the deadline. Be sure to request your transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation prior to submitting the application.

After receiving your primary or VMCAS application, individual schools may send you their own (secondary) application, along with requests for supplementary material. When all application material has been received, selected applicants will be invited to visit the school and interview with members of the admissions committee.

To make sure that you will have satisfied all requirements for graduation, have your coursework checked by the College of Arts & Sciences early in your senior year. You also must apply to graduate by February in order to receive your degree.