Getting into Veterinary School
(this outline came straight from Auburn University's Veterinary School open house! Use this as a checklist no matter where you apply!)

High school:

• Get good grades

• get college information for undergraduate study

• take science courses (biology, chemistry, physics)

• do volunteer work related to animals

• shadow a veterinarian

• gain animal experience (large and small)

• read interesting books about veterinary medicine

• visit the colleges where you plan to apply

• think about a major

• get Pre-vet information

• take Sat or Act exam

College: Freshman Year:

• meet with pre-vet/pre-health advisor

• learn pre-vet requirements

• think about a major (career options)

• plan a tentative schedule (3-4 years)

• develop study skills

• maintain an excellent Gpa (all grades matter!!!)

• begin extra-curricular activities

• participate in pre-vet club/ Pre-health club

• work/volunteer in veterinary medical area

• talk to pre-vet upperclassmen to get a reality check

• consider what you will do this summer

College: Sophomore Year:

• work/volunteer in veterinary medical area

• meet with pre-vet/pre-health advisor

• decide on a major

• fine-tune your college schedule

• maintain an excellent gpa (All grades matter!!!)

• check veterinary medicxal school's entry requirements

• consider participating in research

• consider wht you will do this summer

• study for the Gre

• apply to take the gre if you plan to apply after 3 years

• plan for any special junior-year programs (i.e.- study abroad, research, etc)

College: Junior Year:

• complete vmcas application by october 1^st (if applying after 3 years)

• request reference letters and provide your writers with information. (do this early so you aren't waiting on letters at the last minute!) Write them thank you notes!!

• request/obtain/send transcripts

• complete any supplemental applications (usually have due-dates close to that of VMCAS!)

• study/apply for/take the gre the august before, april of, and august after junior year (if applying in Senior year)

• fill out residency forms for schools in which you will receive in-state tuition (this means KY students fill out Residency forms for auburn. this requires parents tax information!)

• meet with pre-vet/pre-health advisor

• maintain the best gpa that you can!

• volunteer/work in the veterinary medical area

• visit nearby schools in which you are interested

• consider what you will do this summer

College: Senior Year:

• complete vmcas application by october 1^st

• complete supplemental applications ( many have due dates close to that of vmcas)

• order transcripts to be sent

• request reference letters and provide your writers with information. Write them thank you notes. Do not wait to request letters until the last minute!!

• fill out residency forms for schools in which you will receive in-state tuition (this means KY students fill out Residency forms for auburn. this requires parents tax information!)

• check your email frequently (colleges may contact you if anything is missing)

• update the colleges to which you have applied if phone numbers, email addresses, or Mailing addresses have changed!

• work/volunteer in veterinary medical area

• take additional upper level biological courses and do well in them!

• interview in the spring

• accept offer by April 15th!

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