Pre-vet Prerequisite Courses
This list includes the minimum general requirements for veterinary school. Research the schools you wish to apply to for their admissions requirements. All coursework other than Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Medical Terminology and the second math course must be completed prior to, or in progress when taking the MCAT. To ensure proper course scheduling along with your major required course, seek guidance from your Academic Advisor.
Biology Courses
BIOL 2150/2060: Fund. of Life Science I and Lab
BIOL 2170/2180: Fund. Of Life Science II and Lab
BIOL 3010/3020: Molecular Genetics and Lab
BIOL 4030/4040
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1230/1280: General Chemistry I and Lab
CHEM 1240/1290: General Chemistry II and Lab
CHEM 2410/2460: Organic Chemistry I and Lab
CHEM 24202470: Organic Chemistry II and Lab
CHEM 3510: Biochemistry I
CHEM 3520: Biochemistry II
Math courses
Pre-Calc or Higher
Physics Courses
Sequence is determined by major.
PHYS 2070: General Physics I
PHYS 2080: General Physics II
Or
PHYS 2130: Physics for Science and Engineering Majors
PHYS 2140: Physics for Science and Engineering Majors II
Anatomy and Physiology Courses
A course in Anatomy and/or Physiology is required by some schools and strongly recommended by most.
EXSC 2510/2520 OR BIOL 3510: Human Anatomy
and BIOL 3070: Human Physiology
Or
EXSC 2510/2520 or BIOL351: Human Anatomy and Lab
and EXSC 2530/2540: Human Physiology and Lab
Other Recommended courses
PSYC 1010: Principles of Psychology
SOC 1010: Introduction to Sociology
Human Nutrition: BIOL 3210 or HEAL 4700
Academic Guidelines
Each school provides admission information on the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges descriptor page. Students are encouraged to research this information early in their academic career.
Application Timeline
Applicants should plan to take the GRE or MCAT exam and apply for the schools of their choice one year prior to the desired admission term. Students who begin taking prerequisite courses the first year, should be prepared to take their exam and apply for veterinary school by the end of the third year in order to matriculate after the fourth year of undergraduate school. Each student's pathway is unique. Processes for applying can be discussed with the Pre-Health Advising Center.
Application Process
All applicants must apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service. Students can learn about the application process by reading carefully through the section "Applying to Veterinary School" found at www.aavmc.org. Most of the participating VMCAS colleges also require a supplemental application. Each school has its own policy on the handling of supplemental materials. Applicants should thoroughly read through the individual school's web page for specific information, linked through www.aavmc.org.
Entrance Examination Requirement (MCAT or GRE)
Most schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), although some will accept the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) in lieu of the GRE. Check the school descriptor page to determine what each school requires.
Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation
VMCAS requires applicants to use the Electronic Letters of Recommendation system (eLOR). Letter writers should know candidates well enough to speak to personal characteristics and attributes. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter writer be a veterinarian. Candidates should seek out potential letter writers as early as possible and ask them to address the candidate's commitment, maturity, work ethic, leadership, and communication skills as specifically as possible.
Useful Resources
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Medical College Application Service