The College of Veterinary Medicine's Admissions Philosophy
The College of Veterinary Medicine uses selective admission procedures. Criteria for admission are determined by an Admission Committee. Applicants are evaluated on academic profiles and certain other non-cognitive factors, including motivation, character, communication and interpersonal skills, personality, leadership ability, animal exposure, and knowledge of the profession. The admission committee is looking for well-rounded students with a passion for people, animals, science, and learning. Specific requirements may change annually. It is the candidate’s responsibility to know and comply with the correct procedures and guidelines for admission.
If you have any questions, please call (614) 292-1171 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Animal research
The faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine believes that the use of live animals is essential to the teaching of veterinary medicine. Some alternatives to the traditional courses in surgical and medical techniques are available to students enrolled in the professional curriculum. All animal use is reviewed by a faculty committee that considers the issues of humane treatment, animal welfare, quality of student learning experience, and necessity of animal use to obtain desired educational goals in their deliberations. Objections to the humane use of live animals will not be grounds for excuse from class.
Selection Process
Admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine is granted only for the fall semester of each year and only on a full-time basis. The selection process is designed to admit applicants who can both succeed academically in a rigorous, intensive four-year professional science program and demonstrate dedication and commitment to the veterinary profession. Our process for evaluating applicants for admission is detailed and complex to ensure that we select the most highly qualified students who possess the potential for successful completion of the DVM program. Applicants who have been dismissed from another College of Veterinary Medicine will not be considered for admittance.
Objective Evaluation -- 10% of the applicant's final score
The objective evaluation is based on academic achievement. All official transcripts of college course grades are examined to determine academic achievement. *Even if grades are forgiven by your university or you have retaken the course, all grades are considered in the VMCAS GPA calculation
- Overall GPA (as calculated by VMCAS)
- Science GPA (as calculated by VMCAS)
- Last 30 credit hour GPA (as calculated by VMCAS)
Admissions Committee Review -- 30% of the applicant's final score
The Admissions Committee reviews the applicant's file for:
- Letter of Recommendations
- Animal, veterinary, and work experience
- Community Service
- Extracurricular Activities/Leadership roles/Honors and Awards
For applicant's who receive a file review, the score will be weighted to 80% and added to the objective score weighted to 20%. This score will be used to determine who is invited to interview.
Subjective Evaluation -- 60% of the applicant's final score
- Interview
- Interpersonal and communication skills
*Interview selection is based on academic achievement and file review.
The interview score is weighted to 60% of the final admissions score.
Final Determination
- An applicant's total admissions score is comprised of the interview score (60%), the file review score (30%) and the objective score (10%).
- The total admissions score will be used to determine offers of admittance.
