The Veterinary Scholars Admission Pathway has been established in cooperation with the Honors College at Michigan State University to provide an early application/acceptance avenue for MSU Honors College students who wish to enter the four-year professional veterinary medicine degree program after earning a bachelor's degree. The bachelor's degree program must include advanced and enriched coursework representing scholarly interests and achievements.

Application for this admission pathway will most often occur at the beginning of the junior year, with the expectation of professional program entry two years later, upon completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students planning to graduate the semester following the regular application deadline should apply as a regular applicant. Variations from this pattern may occur depending upon individual circumstances. Up to ten applicants may be selected for the Veterinary Scholars Admission pathway each year.

If you are interested in this pathway, you must schedule an appointment with a pre-vet advisor during your freshman or sophomore year.

Veterinary Scholars admission applicants are subject to the following requirements outlined below:

1. Completion of at least 50 percent of the prerequisite courses (science plus general education).
2. Minimum 3.50 cumulative and prerequisite science grade point averages.
3. Bachelor's degree program proposal planned in consultation with the Honors College advising staff and a departmental honors adviser that demonstrates enriched, advanced, and scholarly work in a major of the student's choice.
4. Provide evidence of quality veterinary and animal exposure.
5. Completion of at least three Honors College experiences beyond the minimum preveterinary requirements.
6. Performance in the regular veterinary admissions criteria including grade point averages, file review, and interview.
7. Personal statement describing the scholarly content of the proposed bachelor's degree program and its relevance to the individual's career and personal goals.
8. Evaluations from 1) the student’s Honors College adviser, the student’s degree program adviser, or a faculty member, 2) a veterinarian, and 3) an individual of the applicant's choice.

Applications not meeting the above criteria will be dismissed.

The College of Veterinary Medicine's Committee on Student Admissions selects the candidates for this pathway. Selected candidates must maintain a 3.50 cumulative and science GPA throughout the completion of the Honors College Degree. The selected applicants must submit a transcript to the College's Office of Admissions after each semester of study. Any changes to the proposed degree program must be submitted to the College's Office of Admissions, along with an explanation for the changes. The changes will be reviewed by the College's Committee on Student Admissions.

Applicants not selected may choose to have their current application materials moved into the regular admissions process for that current year or may choose to reapply with new application materials and fees in any subsequent year's admission cycle. Students who wish to enter the professional veterinary medical program before earning a bachelor's degree may apply through the regular veterinary admission process.

For additional information concerning admission to the professional program, please email the Admissions Office.

Note: Prospective applicants should maintain contact with the College's Admissions Office for current information.

Applicants for the Veterinary Scholars Admission Pathway will use the electronic application obtained directly from the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) at aavmc.org. The application will be available mid-January. All applicants must follow VMCAS directions to submit a complete application. Please see the outline below for specific items to submit and deadlines for submitting them:

August 1: Submit a Letter of Intent to apply via the Veterinary Scholars Admission Pathway and your VMCAS ID. Include a personal statement (1500 words max.) that explains how your Honors College experiences have prepared you to pursue a DVM degree through the Veterinary Scholars Admissions Pathway. Please submit your Letter of Intent and attached personal statement electronically to admiss@cvm.msu.edu.

Mid-January: VMCAS application available at aavmc.org

Mid-May: Programs are available for selection in VMCAS

Mid-September: CASPer test taken and ordered for MSU and VMCAS application with fee submitted by VMCAS deadline

December-February: Tentative; Interviews take place by invitation only

March: Notification of offers are sent

April 15: Deadline to accept offer and submit deposit