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Frequently Asked Questions
- Just how difficult is to get into veterinary school?
- What can I do to make sure veterinary medicine is the right career for me?
- MSU has 40,000 students...won’t I be lost in the crowd?
- How will it affect my chances of being admitted to MSU's DVM program if I take my preveterinary coursework at another college or university?
- What grade-point average and test scores do I need to be assured of being admitted to the DVM program?
- What academic majors are preferred by the Committee on Student Admissions?
- How much animal experience is required?
- Will more than three confidential letters of recommendation or additional letters be helpful to my application?
- Where do I obtain an application, and when are they available?
- Discouraging and false rumors
- Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enter the DVM program?
Just how difficult is to get into veterinary school?
Many prospective veterinary applicants have heard that admission to veterinary school is so severely limited and so highly competitive that it is almost useless to apply. While it is true that admission to the DVM program is limited and competitive, highly motivated students should not be discouraged. They should be encouraged to assess themselves realistically and put forth their best efforts to achieve competitive qualifications.
What can I do to make sure veterinary medicine is the right career for me?
In addition to having concern for animals and aptitude in the sciences, applicants to the DVM program are expected to demonstrate quality, motivation, interest, and understanding of the veterinary profession. Exploring all your interests, assessing your academic aptitude and performance in science, and getting as much career exposure as possible are very important elements in determining whether veterinary medicine is the best career choice for you.
MSU has 40,000 students...won’t I be lost in the crowd?
MSU’s size offers you the advantage of experts and programs in many fields of study, extracurricular activities, and academic and personal support resources. The student who puts forth the effort to become familiar with the university’s programs and services can gain much by using them.
- Programs and facilities: More than 200 fields of study and teaching/research facilities in the areas of animal science and the biological and medical sciences provide opportunities for specialized experiences.
- Student organizations: The Preveterinary Medical Association, the Block and Bridle Club, the Equestrian Team, judging teams, and many other clubs offer extracurricular activities.
- Learning Resources Center: Self-guided materials, learning consultants, and workshops provide assistance in developing academic skills, such as study methods, test taking, time management, and reading improvement.
- Counseling Center: Professional counselors offer assistance with personal and social issues.
- Career Development and Placement Services: Self-guided career exploration programs, information files, and professional staff members assist students with career questions and concerns.
- Service-Learning Center: Placement for volunteer positions is provided in a wide range of career settings, including veterinary medicine.
- Residence Hall Programs: Resident mentors, who are trained student members of the Residence Life staff, are assigned to every floor in each residence hall. They offer programs and personal assistance designed to help new students make a smooth transition to the MSU living/learning environment.
How will it affect my chances of being admitted to MSU's DVM program if I take my preveterinary coursework at another college or university?
Preveterinary courses that meet MSU veterinary admission requirements may be taken at any fully accredited institution, including community colleges and four-year colleges or universities. If you plan to attend another college or university for your undergraduate education, contact the admissions office for information on courses that meet MSU veterinary admission requirements. No special consideration is given to any particular institution attended.
What grade-point average and test scores do I need to be assured of being admitted to the DVM program?
There are no specific grade-point averages or test scores that will guarantee admission. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 is required from all applicants. Because the selection process ranks applicants based on a Scholastic Indicator Score, the credentials submitted by the entire pool of applicants in each year's admission cycle determine the means and ranges of grade-point averages and test scores for any given year. Furthermore, MSU CVM uses academic and non-academic criteria to evaluate applicants.
What academic majors are preferred by the Committee on Student Admissions?
There is no preference for any major over another. Your choice of degree-oriented major depends on your personal interests and alternative educational/vocational goals. MSU CVM has admitted students with social science degrees, law degrees, and even fine arts students.
How much animal experience is required?
At MSU CVM, there is no fixed number of hours of veterinary or animal experience required. However, the Committee on Student Admissions expects you to have gained basic knowledge from whatever experience with animals you have had. Nationally, of the veterinary schools that require veterinary-related exposure, the minimum number of hours is approximately 80 and the maximum approximately 500.
Will more than three confidential letters of recommendation or additional letters be helpful to my application?
No. In the interest of fairness and to be sure that all applicants receive equal consideration, applicants to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are required to submit only three electronic letters of recommendation. One of these letters must be from a veterinarian for whom you have worked either as a volunteer or for pay. Letters of recommendation submitted by the applicant's family members will not be accepted, nor will MSU CVM accept letters of recommendation written by a committee.
Where do I obtain an application, and when are they available?
Applications are available in June through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service by calling:
(202) 682-0750, http://www.aavmc.org/
Discouraging and false rumors
Rumors about admission to veterinary school seem to be widely circulated and, unfortunately, often believed. They are not true, and their persistence can be very discouraging to prospective veterinary applicants. Here are some examples:
- "You need a 4.0 to be accepted to veterinary school."
- “If you don't earn at least 3.5 in organic chemistry, you won’t be accepted."
- “You need to know someone in the veterinary college to be accepted."
- “Science and agriculture majors have a better chance of being accepted.”
- “MSU students receive preference for admission.”
- “If your academic performance record is not competitive, you can still be accepted if you just keep applying, because the Admissions Committee will give you special consideration for persistence.”
You will undoubtedly be able to add to this list. Your best defense against the discouraging effects these rumors have is to make sure you are well informed about the selection process as described in this website.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enter the DVM program?
No. However, a majority of those accepted to the DVM program
have exceeded the minimum requirements and, in many cases, have earned
a degree. Consequently, if you are planning to earn your bachelor’s
degree while in the DVM program, consult MSU transfer credit policy for
information on transfer credits in the event you decide to complete a
baccalaureate degree using DVM credits. You must meet all the
university general education requirements for graduation. These are
outlined in the academic programs book that may be found at the
registrar's website or visit the academic
programs page. Please contact the undergraduate
advising center at 517/355-6510 or email at "> to discuss the
possibility of earning a bachelor’s degree concurrently with a DVM
program.
